Post by dkennedy on Jul 10, 2007 5:46:56 GMT -5
TiVo, Amazon Sell Movies Directly to TiVo Users
Move May Renew Debate on Network Neutrality
July 9, 2007
By Steve Donohue, Multichannel News
In a move that may miff Comcast, Verizon and other pay TV providers, TiVo and Amazon.com plan to sell movies directly to TV viewers with TiVo receivers, AP reported Tuesday morning.
TiVo and Amazon cut a deal in March that allowed TiVo subscribers with Series2 or Series3 receivers to buy movies from Amazon, but subscribers first had to download the movies to a PC before transferring them to a digitlal video recorder.
Under the “Buy on TV” product TiVo and Amazon launched Tuesday, subscribers will be able to buy movies with their TiVo remote, and have the films downloaded directly to their TiVo DVRs.
Since the service will rely on high-speed Internet connections from cable operators and telcos, it could draw the ire from broadband providers. It could also renew the debate on network neutrality. Amazon has been one several Internet providers that have pushed for network neutrality regulations that would prevent cable operators and telcos from limiting their ability to deliver content through their high-speed pipes.
Amazon and TiVo have already cut deals with several top Hollywood studios to supply movies for the Unbox service, including Sony Pictures, MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios.
Move May Renew Debate on Network Neutrality
July 9, 2007
By Steve Donohue, Multichannel News
In a move that may miff Comcast, Verizon and other pay TV providers, TiVo and Amazon.com plan to sell movies directly to TV viewers with TiVo receivers, AP reported Tuesday morning.
TiVo and Amazon cut a deal in March that allowed TiVo subscribers with Series2 or Series3 receivers to buy movies from Amazon, but subscribers first had to download the movies to a PC before transferring them to a digitlal video recorder.
Under the “Buy on TV” product TiVo and Amazon launched Tuesday, subscribers will be able to buy movies with their TiVo remote, and have the films downloaded directly to their TiVo DVRs.
Since the service will rely on high-speed Internet connections from cable operators and telcos, it could draw the ire from broadband providers. It could also renew the debate on network neutrality. Amazon has been one several Internet providers that have pushed for network neutrality regulations that would prevent cable operators and telcos from limiting their ability to deliver content through their high-speed pipes.
Amazon and TiVo have already cut deals with several top Hollywood studios to supply movies for the Unbox service, including Sony Pictures, MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios.