Amazon Prepares to Offer Streaming Media, Digital Downloads Service

[mandy]

Amazon.com is preparing to enter the digital download space this spring with a service that will likely marry downloads to DVD sales.

A number of studios are circling the end of April on their calendars as the time when Amazon will likely start rolling out full-length digital downloads.

E-tailer is working to convince indie studios, including Image EntertainmentImage Entertainment, ArdustryArdustry Home Entertainment and First Look Entertainment, to provide digital content for the service. It will launch with at least two major studio digital content partners.

full article: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117936956?categoryid=1009&cs=1&s=h&p=0

[mandy]

Amazon now rumoured to be planning a music download store to rival iTunes in addition to its other digital media download plans:

We already know that Amazon.com has run a music store for years. Heck, along with dozens of books, toys, gizmos, and other material goods, I've purchased CDs, streamed music samples, and downloaded freebies galore. But word on the street is that the number one online retailer will follow Napster, Real Networks, Microsoft, and many others with its own music store and/or service as early as this summer (we first heard of the possibility last August). In addition to possibly introducing a subscription service, Amazon may partner with an A-list MP3 manufacturer to deliver an Amazon-branded MP3 player to work with the service a la iTunes and the iPod.

full article: http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6440789.html

[mandy]

A related article from the NY Times:

Amazon.com is in talks with three Hollywood studios about starting a service that would allow consumers to download movies and TV shows for a fee and burn them onto DVD's, according to three people briefed on the discussions.

If the advanced negotiations are successfully concluded, Amazon's service would position itself in the media world alongside rivals like Apple Computer's iTunes as a place where people go not just to order goods to be sent by mail, but to instantly enjoy digital wares as well.

So far, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers are engaged in the talks, said one person close to the talks who, like the others, asked not to be identified because the negotiations are continuing.

Although it is not clear when it might begin, an Amazon downloading service would be sure to send waves through both the media and retail worlds...

full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/10/technology/10movies.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin