A new video-on-demand distribution service, formed by MGM, Paramount, Sony, Universal Studios and Warner Bros is due to launch in the US soon. The service, Movielink, will create an open access IP based system for content delivery. Users will be able to download movies from the site and it is thought that the studios are willing to develop this system themselves, despite the obvious risk of piracy, in order to avoid a Napster-style scenario.
The studios will supply movies to the service on a non exclusive basis and each content provider will independently determine its own release windows and pricing strategies. Movielink will be available only in the US and alternative delivery methods are also being explored.
Movielink will offer consumers a wide selection of recently released theatrical films as well as additional content from film libraries spanning all genres; action, comedy, drama, family, children, foreign and classics.
“This is a unique moment in time as VOD infrastructure deployment is beginning to match the consumer’s demand for ever greater convenience in viewing options, whether through cable, satellite or broadband Internet,” said Jim Ramo, CEO of Movielink. “Movielink will make desirable and high quality feature film content available in a reliable and secure manner. The creation of Movielink demonstrates these studios’ commitment to VOD as a growth opportunity and the Internet as a new channel of distribution.”
