Google To Offer Video Downloads; Develops Own DRM

Updated 9:21 PM PST, read below: The speculation looks like it is true: Google, which has publicly said that it will offer premium videos sometime soon, will begin allowing consumers to buy and download videos from content partners. Among the media companies expected to be part of the service: CBS and NBA, the story says. Larry Page is expected to announce the details at CES keynote tomorrow.

Interesting this: Google has developed its own DRM software to protect downloaded videos from piracy

Also to be launched: Google Pack, a bundle of software from Google and other companies that consumers will be able to download and install on their computers. That software will include Firefox, Norton AntiVirus, Adobe Reader, RealNetwork’s RealPlayer, Trillian IM, and Ad-Aware antispyware software. Of course, it will also come with Google’s own software: desktop search, Picasa, Google Talk and toolbar.

Update 1: MarketWatch is confirming that CBS will sell its shows on the new Google video service. The pricing for CBS shows will be similar to what it is on Apple iTunes, so seems like it will be in the $2 per show ballpark.

Update 2: FT report: Initial content on the service will CBS, music videos from Sony BMG and news from ITN, as well as material from NBA.

Access to the “Google Video Store” will be through an iTunes-like interface that will require users to download a new Google “player” onto their PCs.

Updated 3: Deal is non-exclusive, meaning CBS still could distribute its shows online via iTunes or other partners.

NYT: Google plans to use its own software that will allow providers like CBS to limit how many copies can be made of a downloaded file. As a result, users of Google will not be able to download such protected content to portable devices.

Related:

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