Rental
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Redbox Ups Q4 Usage, Tops iTunes, Google, YouTube, Vudu
The percentage of consumers renting or purchasing movies from Redbox increased in the fourth quarter 2017 from Q3, according to new data from TiVo. In a survey of 3,000 respondents, TiVo found that 12.5% of respondents used Redbox in Q4 compared to about 10% in Q3. The percentage trailed only Amazon (17.9%), which was up … Continue reading “Redbox Ups Q4 Usage, Tops iTunes, Google, YouTube, Vudu”
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Netflix Eyeing Current Events News Programming
Netflix reportedly is looking to launch a current event news program similar to “60 Minutes” on CBS and ABC’s “20/20.” The program would cover both sides of the political aisle and feature field reports – the latter a dying feature among broadcast news organizations facing dwindling ratings and operating costs. “Netflix [is] proceeding with caution … Continue reading “Netflix Eyeing Current Events News Programming”
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Janet McTeer Signed to Facebook Watch Original Series
Upstart over-the-top video service Facebook Watch reportedly has signed two-time Oscar nominee Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds, Albert Nobbs) to original dark comedy, “Sorry For Your Loss,” also staring (and executive produced by) Elizabeth Olsen (Ingrid Goes West, Martha Marcy May Marlene). McTeer plays a fitness-obsessed, overbearing mother to young widow Olsen trying to deal with grief, … Continue reading “Janet McTeer Signed to Facebook Watch Original Series”
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Netflix Expecting $15B in Subscription Fees in 2018
Subscription streaming video pioneer Netflix reportedly expects to generate $15 billion in user fees in 2018 – almost twice the $8 billion it will spend on original content. That from co-founder Reed Hastings, who was in Los Angeles at a corporate tech event, as reported by Nikkei Asian Review. Of course, with 117 million subscribers … Continue reading “Netflix Expecting $15B in Subscription Fees in 2018”
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CBS COO: We ‘Cannibalize Up’ Cord Cutters
In an era of cord cutting and fragmentation of home entertainment and television distribution, CBS says its total viewership data has grown. Speaking March 6 at The Deutsche Bank 2018 media, telecom & business services confab in Palm Beach, Fla., COO Joesph Ianniello said combining traditional pay-TV subscribers with online TV and direct-to-consumer has resulted … Continue reading “CBS COO: We ‘Cannibalize Up’ Cord Cutters”
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Hearing on Redbox Motion to Dismiss Disney Lawsuit Postponed
A hearing scheduled for March 5 on a motion by Redbox to dismiss a lawsuit brought against the video rental kiosk operator by the Walt Disney Co. has been postponed for a week, a Redbox spokesperson said. Disney last November filed suit against Redbox, seeking to prohibit Redbox from selling movie download codes to titles … Continue reading “Hearing on Redbox Motion to Dismiss Disney Lawsuit Postponed”
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Netflix Ups Parental Controls
Netflix March 5 announced rollout of a PIN control option for movies and episodic series enabling parents and guardians more control over what their children can watch on the streaming service. Since launching Netflix Kids in 2011, the SVOD giant has offered myriad parental controls so children can stream content independently and free of commercials. … Continue reading “Netflix Ups Parental Controls”
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Technicolor Sells Patent Licensing Unit, Remains Bullish on Disc Replication
Seeking to streamline operating costs and reduce debt, Technicolor has sold its patent licensing division to InterDigital, a U.S.-based wireless R&D company, in a deal that value the unit at $475 million. Paris-based Technicolor said InterDigital paid $150 million up front and will pay it 42.5% of future licensing revenue generated in consumer electronics, including … Continue reading “Technicolor Sells Patent Licensing Unit, Remains Bullish on Disc Replication”
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Netflix and Sky Ink European Pact
Everyone wants a piece of British satellite TV operator Sky, including Netflix. Sky and Netflix March 1 unveiled an agreement to bundle the SVOD pioneer into an updated Sky TV subscription pack. This partnership – the first of its kind – will give Sky subs in the United Kingdom and Ireland later this year direct … Continue reading “Netflix and Sky Ink European Pact”
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TiVo Mulls Going Private, Among Other Strategic Alternatives
Digital video recording pioneer TiVo is pursuing range of strategic alternatives, including returning to private status, in an effort to enhance shareholder value, new CEO Enrique Rodriguez said on the Q4 (ended Dec. 31, 2017) fiscal call. Despite myriad technology license agreements in place industrywide, including with four of the five top online TV services … Continue reading “TiVo Mulls Going Private, Among Other Strategic Alternatives”
