Time Warner Goes 'Day & Date' For VOD
Movies will be released the same day as the DVD.
By Swanni
The VOD titles will include some movies in High-Definition.
Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes made the disclosure Wednesday in an investors call following the company's first quarter report.
The company has tested 'day & date' video releases on Comcast and its cable unit, Time Warner Cable. Bewkes said the experiment has been so successful that it's time to make it across the board.
The decision is likely to be controversial with video retailers claiming it would hurt their business. Without the head-start traditionally given to DVD releases, consumers may opt to buy the VOD movie instead, particularly if it's available in high-def.
Bewkes, however said DVD sales were up during the 'day & date' trial, albeit slightly, suggesting that some VOD purchasers are buying the hard disc after watching the movie at home.
Time Warner must work out some 'day & date' with cable and satellite providers before it's implemented so Bewkes did not give a launch date.
Will you watch a new video release on VOD rather than renting or buying it at your video store? Comment below!
Comment on this article!
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
Click
TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
©
TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________
Swanni (Phillip Swann) is president and publisher of
TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of
publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News,
Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press
and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at
swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
Click
TVPredictions.com
to read more news and features on TV technology.