NBC UNIVERSAL has struck a deal with AMAZON to distribute its television shows through the Unbox digital download service. The move comes just days after announcing it would not renew its contract with Apple’s iTunes. Episodes are currently available for $1.99 — the same price Apple charges on iTunes. However, Unbox has much tighter restrictions on the number of devices that can playback its videos. Unbox videos do not play on iPods.
YAHOO has acquired BLUE LITHIUM, the fifth largest online advertising network. Blue Lithium boasts 50% of its inventory on ComScore’s top 250 sites. The company focuses on behaviorally-targeted ads. Yahoo paid $300 million for the acquisition.
APPLE will host a special media event today in San Francisco, at 1 PM Eastern time. The company is expected to unveil new touch-screen iPods, with functionality similar to that of the iPhone. Of course, anticipation is high for the event. Apple stock jumped over 4% on Tuesday.
HBO has acquired a “documentary” that was shot and produced entirely in the social-networking “virtual world” of Second Life. The film follows the avatar of director Douglas Gayeton, as he traverses the Second Life landscape, looking for its creator. The 35-minute film will air in the Spring on HBO, and also on the Internet. The acquisition is reportedly part of HBO’s effort to finally embrace online content.
VIDEOEGG has received $15 Million in funding from venture capital firms. The company plans to use the money to accelerate the development of ad products and international ad sales. VideoEgg powers video on AOL sites, Bebo.com, and other social-networking sites. It recently started a Facebook-based ad network.