Can video over IP change the TV industry?

Can video over IP change the TV industry?

Can video over IP change the TV industry?

Introduction

Video over IP Technology and Market Trends

Television does its thing - delivering a flood of video with amazing quality - too well for anything to become a better TV than TV. As long as we're clear on that, no one will misunderstand what one is excited about now: today's online streaming video. (Dilworth, Dianna, 2006, 672-88)

YouTube, the largest video-sharing website, will show full-length films from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's archives.

The partnership is aimed boosting advertising revenue for both YouTube and the BBC London studio studio. It will result in the launch of a video-on-demand channel called Impact, dedicated exclusively to action films, TV shows and clips. "I think it will grow into a nice little business," said Jim Packer, co-president of MGM Worldwide Television. He told the BBC that YouTube made an ideal partner because of its 280 million monthly users. "I think YouTube has something that a lot of sites don't have. "They have a lot of people walking through their front door everyday.

'Entertainment destination'

Google, which bought YouTube two years ago for $1.65bn, has been searching for ways to make money out of the site without driving away its huge fan base. The site has been facing competition from other video-sharing services such as Hulu, which offers programming. Under an agreement YouTube has already signed with CBS, users can download classic TV shows such as Star Trek, MacGyver, and Beverly Hills 90210. It has other arrangements in place with companies like the BBC, Sony, Lionsgate and Oprah. (Andreassen, T. B. & Berry, D M. 2006, 54-87)

"YouTube is committed to helping our community of fans discover new content and reconnect with their all time favourite TV shows and movies," said Jordan Hoffner, director of content partnerships for the company. (Andreassen, T. B. & Berry, D M. 2006, 54-87) "By partnering with MGM, YouTube is strengthening its position as an entertainment destination where BBC London studio studios can reach a global audience." The YouTube Impact channel will feature clips from classics such as Rocky, Ronin, Legally Blonde, and The Magnificent Seven. (Andreassen, T. B. & Berry, D M. 2006, 54-87)

The films on show include Lone Wolfe McQuade and Bulletproof Monk, as well as those starring the actor Chuck Norris. The Bond movies represent a major franchise for MGM "It's safe to say you won't see those blockbuster theatricals shortly after their release or after their TV window," admitted Mr Packer. Neither will users see any of the James Bond films playing on YouTube. "They do very nicely on their own under existing licences and we are very protective of that content," Mr Packer said, adding: "There are plenty of other films we would like to expose." (Andreassen, T. B. & Berry, D M. 2006, 54-87)

He told the BBC that he did not expect to be the only studio to make these kinds of deals. Mr Packer also said there were plans to ...