Both TiVo and Netflix posted interesting job openings this week… First up is Netflix, who’s looking to hire an interface engineer. Based on the description it seems they’re interested in exploring Vista’s GUI functionality to possibly produce a front-end for on-line movie distribution. Keep in mind Vista will bundle Media Center Edition features… which currently … Read more
Never enough time… Free ABC.com shows outperform iTunes downloads. (Reuters) Sony Blu-ray player delayed again. (HDBeat) Broadcast Flag sneaks into telecom bill. (Engadget) Netflix CEO Reed Hastings doesn’t matter. (Hacking Netflix) Slingbox set to launch in Japan. (jkOnTheRun)
Netflix also may or may not be collaborating with TiVo. However, they’ve earmarked a sizeable 5 to 10 million dollars in 2006 on digital movie distribution R&D. As Netflix isn’t prepared to discuss this further until 1/07, it’s safe to assume the launch of something is not imminent. Variety says: Netflix VP of original programming … Read more
Never enough time… TiVo to expand service beyond Taiwan into mainland China. (LA Times) Smut giants show Hollywood how to fight back. (Business Week) Blockbuster says Netflix patents not enforceable. (Reuters) MovieBeam gets a boost from Magnolia Pictures. (HD Beat) Win a trip to Hawaii and/or a DT TiVo. (TiVo)
In case you haven’t heard, Netflix is proudly trumpeting the arrival of banner ads. While this might please stock holders, I’m not sure how much value advertising clutter affords the typical customer. In fact, on my 1024×768 laptop the new banner ad for Sony’s Monster House combined with the Netflix Father’s Day promotion fills nearly … Read more
Never enough time… Netflix talks small film distribution and movie downloads. (Business Week) Echostar, DirecTV, and WildBlue team for satellite broadband service. (CNET) Connecticut gives IPTV thumbs up. (GigaOM) What Netflix could teach Hollywood. (NY Times) Kenya and Uganda get PVR in time for World Cup. (All Africa)
Despite reporting difficulties in working out licensing agreements with the major studios, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings tells Business Week they intend to offer movie downloads by yearend. Perhaps the first iteration of their service, via TiVo or purely web-based means, will consist of the 90 independent films they’ve licensed for distribution. Business Week says: Nevertheless, … Read more