COMCAST is drawing heat for allegedly inhibiting access to BitTorrent. The Associated Press claims that the provider “actively interferes” with P2P file-sharing services to reduce network traffic. Comcast denies the claim, saying they do not block access to any sites, applications or services. However a nation-wide test found that Comcast consistently delays connections to the BitTorrent network.
COMCAST is working on a Start Over service that will allow consumers to restart shows that have already begun. A Senior VP said the company is pursuing the initiative after seeing how popular it is with consumers. Time Warner currently offers a similar service in six markets. The Comcast version is expected sometime next year.
MYSPACE will begin airing its first original scripted show today. “Roommates” comes in three-minute segments that are co-produced with Iron Silk Media. The twist: MySpace will take plot suggestions from viewers for the Ford-sponsored program. The show focuses on a common online video theme: life after college.
NBC has apparently removed its channel from YouTube. The company had a year-long revenue-sharing arrangement with the online video site and one of the most popular YouTube channels. However, its videos are now gone and the URL reports “This channel is unavailable.” NBC is expected to launch Hulu sometime before the end of the month.
SANDISK is pursuing an end-to-end video initiative that bridges the gap between PCs and TVs. The company will launch online video service Fanfare, which allows users to purchase and download TV shows. It will also announce the TakeTV – which combines a portable USB drive, a remote control and a dock that connects to TV sets. The all-in-one solution seems to be an attempt to mimic Apple’s iTunes-iPod integration. However, Fanfare launches with only 85 downloadable titles.
DOUBLECLICK has enlisted video-targeting technology from VISIBLE WORLD to launch Dynamic Video–a new feature for DoubleClick Rich Media ads, which combines interactive design, ad-serving and reporting capabilities with the power of dynamically generated, flexible, customized video messages.