I just handed in an article for an upcoming issue of Streaming Media Magazine on the growing use of peer to peer networking by media companies for long-form video delivery.
During my research I heard about a new player from Move Networks being used at ABC.com. If you haven't been there, you have to try it. Download the player, then watch the episode on the full screen. It's especially sharp on my Mac Book Pro display and ABC has a nice iTunes-like graphical experience where you can browse through episodes to find the one you want. It's not drop-dead easy. You have to hunt for the player, but once you have it, it's a very enjoyable viewing experience.
Let's contrast that with my experience just now at NBC.com. My wife asked me to find a recent episode of Law and Order, Criminal Intent. I went to the site and found the episode, but I didn't see any way to purchase it or view it online. I had heard that Law and Order episodes are available on iTunes, so I went there and found the episode and I bought it for $1.99.
One other point, my wife wants me to copy the episode to DVD to watch on the television. I'm not sure, but I think digital rights management will prevent me from doing this. At the end of the day,finding a favorite episode online is still too hard and there are way too many variables about buying and using the content. Lots of work left to do.
Comments