Archive for May, 2010

Digital Video Providers Switch to HTML5

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Source: http://tinyurl.com/36klndz

Technology firm Apple Inc. have been on an all-out crusade against Flash video, limiting the format’s compatibility on their mobile devices and banning it outright from their developers agreement. While Adobe objects to the limited use of Flash on mobile devices, it appears that the developer is missing the point somewhat in a world which is quickly leaving Flash behind.

Youtube, DailyMotion, and a range of other interactive video websites no longer use Adobe’s Flash format, instead opting for alternative development format HTML5. The format has attracted support from industry leader and Apple rival Microsoft, who have previously criticised Flash’s poor stability and limited compatibility with mobile hardware.

Microsoft’s new Internet Explorer 9 browser will include limited Flash support, relying on external plug-ins to render Flash video and interactive media. Despite the format’s reputation for simple video production, developers don’t seem particularly annoyed about Apple and Microsoft’s decisions to limit support for Flash.

While Adobe insist that their technology is stable and safe, the software giant may be best off taking a different approach. HTML5 is quickly gaining ground on Flash and other development formats, leaving the window right open for its own development suite. An Adobe HTML5 Creative Suite may not be outside the realm of possibility, especially as the company is forced to adapt to growing demand for usable mobile video formats.

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‘YouTube of Finance’ Video Aggregator Attracts Over 150 Providers

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Source: http://tinyurl.com/3a96gws

Financial news stations aren’t renowned for their relevancy or depth. While occasional errors such as early May’s ‘b’-for-’m’ saga can result in interesting television, the vast majority of mainstream financial news shows go ignored, serving as light entertainment for traders more interested in niche and industry-specific information.

However, financial news agency Thompson Reuters aims to change that. The company has released a new service called Reuters Insider, billed as a YouTube for stock traders, investors, and financial gurus across the world. Available in a range of formats, the channel’s high-end packages can cost as much as $2,000 monthly.

And for many traders, that could be a great deal. Financial employees have demonstrated interest in the service already, with many industry analysts touting the video production and display system as an innovation in line with Bloomberg’s terminal system.

Digital video production is relatively limited in the financial services industry, where ultra-quick turnaround and action times render long-term information irrelevant. With over 150 service providers signed on for Reuters Insider, the ‘YouTube of Finance’ could well change that. Buyers plan to make use of the service’s industry-specific information, limiting the demand for more general financial television and summarised business programmes.

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Oasis Frontman Plans to Produce Beatles Biopic

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Source: http://tinyurl.com/5to2eh

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher plans to produce a film about the Beatles’ experiences founding Apple Records, their previously ill-fated 1960s music production studio. The film will cover the band’s final years, and the tensions that caused them to pursue solo projects and audio business ventures.

Known for his erratic behaviour and aggressive attitude to industry press, Gallagher’s video production projects appear to be a new direction for the singer. The film will be based off of Richard DiLello’s The Longest Cocktail Party, a retrospective look at The Beatles’ experiences operating a record label and music production company.

Revolution Films, a UK independent film production company, will work alongside Gallagher on the project, which is slated for release in 2011 or 2012. Further details will be released at the Cannes Film Festival, a popular announcement platform for independent films and music biopics.

Due to their partially resolved trademark dispute with Apple Inc., Apple Records have featured prominently in digital rights cases and media releases over the last five years. The production company’s creative output slowed in the late 1970s, with Beatles rereleases and special edition sets forming the bulk of their catalogue.

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Video On Demand Services to Use Copy-Blocking Technology

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Source: http://tinyurl.com/3xdadt4

Video-on-demand services have been a huge hit for the television industry. From the BBC’s popular online player to the huge archives of Britain’s private television stations, an ever-increasing amount of media is being made available to the public online. Entire television shows are available online, along with recent release films and public domain footage.

But despite the success from many of Britain’s most popular broadcasters, a growing number of film studios are upset with the way video-on-demand services operate. The Federal Communications Commission, an American broadcasting and intellectual property organisation, has allowed studios to use anti-copying technology on their video-on-demand releases to ensure that users can’t share viewed footage.

The change won’t just affect those viewing interactive video online, but people using desktop boxes to watch video-on-demand footage through their television set. Pay-to-view online services have been in use for the last five years, and few have attracted piracy or file-sharing in mass quantities.

While the costs of digital video production are significantly lower than those of a full-scale feature film, the availability of pirated online video can hurt film studios and television production houses. Objections from internet public interest groups have been viewed and shared online, though few are likely to formally oppose the bill.

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