In what could be the first major nail in the DVD sales coffin, Wal-Mart has announced that it is going to test a video download service on its website next year. When Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailers and America’s largest seller of movies shifts its focus on movie downloads rather than selling DVDs, it is going to have a significant impact in the DVD industry that has a massive distribution system build around it employing thousands.
So far, Wal-Mart has not revealed its partners, but what is known is that major studios are already in talks with the retail giant or have entered into agreements with it. Also, Hewlett-Packard is providing the technology for the download site.
Another sign showing the future of movie DVDs are bleak is that the P2P file-sharing provider BitTorrent has entered into distribution deals with eight media companies that includes some famous names like the 20th Century Fox, Paramount and MTV Networks. It is ironic that BitTorrent online file sharing caused billions of dollars in losses for the studios owing to illegal sharing of movies and videos by users.
Read more in New York Times
Comments
Jonty, your blog is fantastic. I found you from a Kandice article. (Check out her latest update on www.kandicemusic.com.) I just joined Instablogs because of you so I have to figure out how to use it! Ironically, Kandice will be the model on a user interface for a new cutting-edge video download software soon. Kandice is doing great - your blog was a big help in launching her!
cmarie:
Thanks a lot for the kind words. I shall definitely check the site.
Kandice Melonakos caught my fancy last year with her launching her own branded VoIP client and I couldn’t help but wonder how far the young and immensely talented singer can go. I am happy that she is being nurtured by some sharp mind such as Tolga Katas.
I shall be looking forward for the said video download software eagerly. Do let is know when it is going to be launched. Maybe I can do a review of the same.
Thanks once again.