Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

E-commerce Times

YouTube Slowly Sundances Into New Rental Territory

"I think it may be a smart approach, actually -- acknowledgment that in order to make money but to keep the risks relatively low, they're targeting distinct niches of consumers that may be smaller in number but more willing to pay money," Parks Associates Digital Media Analyst, Kurt Scherf told the E-Commerce Times. "The producers of the independent stuff may be much more anxious to find high-quality distribution partners. So I think that's first, and then you build out your catalog for the Hollywood blockbuster stuff."

In terms of control and restrictions set by the media providers, "that's a slow go for the entire industry, whether you're YouTube or Netflix. It's clear Hollywood is keeping the basic rules clear about how it windows content. Until online gets proven that it's more highly profitable, their cash cow is DVDs," Scherf said.

From the article, "YouTube Slowly Sundances Into New Rental Territory" by Renay San Miguel

Previously In The News

The Verizon Googlepad: iPad Threat or Feckless Imitator?

"The mobile phone business has always been a bit of a 'me-too' business. If anybody has a hit, their competitors always have to come up with some kind of a response," John Barrett, Parks Associates...

Court Sees DVR Case TiVo's Way

TiVo scored a major victory in its lawsuit against Dish Network and EchoStar. Dish Network maintained it had made a "herculean effort" to redesign its product to avoid infringing on TiVo's patents,...

Walmart Buys Vudu to Take Another Stab at Online Movie Distribution

"It will be a defining service for Walmart," Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst at Parks Associates, told the E-Commerce Times. "Walmart wants to go beyond selling products, like DVD...

Amazon Fattens E-Book Royalty Checks in Preemptive Strike

Amazon is trying to "make sure it's ahead of the curve before Apple gets involved," agreed Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst with Parks Associates. This move "brings them more s...