iTunes for movies

Sony wants to make and own an iTunes-like program but for movies

http://news.com.com/Hollywood+seeks+iTunes+for+film/2100-1025_3-5647682.html?tag=nefd.top
from WinCustomize Forums

Sony Pictures is in the process of digitizing its 500 most popular movies of all time in anticipation for making them available for sale electronically for download.  The goal, it seems is for Sony to develop a program and back end similar to what Apple has done with iTunes but designed specifically for movies.

The timing couldn't be better -- with the next generation DVD technology still in flux -- Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD, one things is consistent: They both use the same video format, it's just a matter what physical medium they will be provided for.  In other words, the MPEG 4 based high definition technology is already set and Sony could be well placed to get users as they begin migrating from today's DVD technology (480p typically) to movies that can take advantage of high definition displays.

CNET has more on the story..

5,222 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
oh yeah... like i know a big ass corp like Sony they are probably going to use DivX or XviD Format at low quality levels... like anyone would buy crap like that.
Look at all the Video-on-Demand Sites on the net... all old movies with bad quality.
And if you want these Videos in decent quality, what connection do you need ? Something that exceeds a 2Mbit Cable Connection, just to get it in time for the next movie evening ?
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sony wants to put a hold on the P2P Rampancy they could try i guess..
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
... *sigh*
As far as video on demand the best way to cure that is with torrents. they use less bandwidth and download quicker because it is coming from multiple sources.

I wish sometimes these companies would actually LOOK at these P2P programs and see how they can use them.

This, amonst other reasons, is why I am thinking about starting a record/promotion/resource company that is non-for-profit for artists. Maybe THEN we can get some decent movies, music and the like using current technologies....


Anyway, I think Sony is also trying to make their PSP portable gaming statioon more usable so digitizing these movies will help do that. Play it on the PSP, downloaded from your computer or from the internet using wi-fi
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sony has been notorious for using proprietary file formats in the past. Hopefully they'll use more common format this time.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
from what I read, I doubt it.