Here’s our take on some of the latest news at the intersection of technology and entertainment:
» Hulu vs. Netflix: Here’s a terrific analysis of Hulu’s prospects, especially in light of an underappreciated coup on competitor Netflix’s part: A deal that gave the movie service day-after-broadcast rights to “Saturday Night Live.” With Netflix (NSDQ: NFLX) horning in on Hulu’s forte as a place for viewers who miss programs in the broadcast window, it’s a ripe time for asking what exactly Hulu stands for, especially with Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA) about to take over NBC (NYSE: GE) Universal’s stake in the venture. [Mediaweek].
» Home Entertainment Spend: BTIG Research released some interesting stats on spending in the home-entertainment category through the first nine months of the year that indicate minor growth for digital platforms but even greater declines for physical media. While there’s some healthy double-digit increases for electronic sell-through (37%) and VOD (20%), those glimmers of hope shouldn’t be overestimated given that kiosk rentals and Blu-ray spending are growing even faster year over year. Nevertheless, the topline numbers tell the stories: ~4% declines for both total home-entertainment spending and disc rentals. [LA Times].
» Comcast Regulation : It seems Comcast is stepping up the anti-regulation rhetoric now that the fate of its acquisition of NBC Universal is in the hands of FCC. Though clearance is likely, there’s scrutiny of online video amid concerns that Comcast could give preferential treatment to its own content over its own pipes. We’re going to see a lot more clarity coming from Comcast and the telcos in the coming months over just what they plan to do to self-regulate, and it’s going to be a fascinating public-relations strategy to watch unfold. [LA Times].
» Webisode Watch: The New York Times’ Arts & Leisure section announced it would devote a periodic series to assessing the latest webisode programming. It’s such a strange, sad move given it not only feels about two years too late, but had something like this been instituted at a major publication a long time ago, this budding genre may have actually had a chance. Truly good online originals are very difficult to come by, and it will require mainstream attention to really give webisodes the momentum they’ve never really had.[NY Times].

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