March 23, 2006
Then they're going to say downloading doesn't work
Universial Studios is going to start offering direct movie downloads on April 15. I'm not sure exactly what format they're imposing - it won't be good, whatever it is - but playback on both desktop/laptops and portable devices will somehow be supported. The files will be protected with Microsoft DRM, which means that wma files are pretty likely. I hope you like WMPlayer. Universal is ultimately planning to have their entire 6,500 film catalog available for download.
This sounds good and all, but I've got money that says they're going to find that the number of legitimate downloads is incredibly tiny, and use that data to conclude that offering downloads direct to consumers isn't viable.
Never mind the fact that they're charging $20-40 per download.
WMA is audio-only. You mean WMV?
And at $20-40 per download? Who would want to pay that to get a movie you can play on your computer just a couple of times and don't get the packaging or any physical media for? C'mon, I don't buy DVDs that are more than $20. Why pay more for less?
Marketing geniuses...
Posted by: Garrett at March 24, 2006 7:50 AMOkay, format error, my bad.
The download doesn't time out. You can play it as much as you like. They will, if I read the article correctly, actually ship you a copy of the DVD when you buy it.
I still think $20-40 is a little steep to get something I can currently get legally for the cost of the DVD alone.
Posted by: ryan at March 24, 2006 1:50 PMha ha what I don't think these people realize is that people don't download movies because is easier than going to Best Buys and paying for it, they download it because its free.
Posted by: James at March 24, 2006 2:06 PM