MediaBytes

WARNER BROTHERS will announce 24 new web productions today, in formats ranging from games to episodic online TV. Projects include a neurotic minivan-driving mother who starts a talk show, a puppet show for adults, and a mockumentary about a digital production studio. About 6 additional projects are in development, including an online dating game. The Continue Reading →

APPLE wants to slash the price of TV show downloads in half, according to a new report in Variety. The company has been presenting studios with the idea of selling shows for $0.99 per episode, telling them that increased volume will make up for the price drop. However, the studios are concerned that such low-priced Continue Reading →

APPLE unveiled an all new lineup of iPods yesterday – including revamped shuffles and a new, squarish Nano. The company also released the iPod Touch, which is essentially a phone-less iPhone with WiFi, and announced an unexpected, massive $200 price cut for the iPhone. The iPhone and iPod Touch will be able to purchase songs Continue Reading →

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 Continue Reading →

APPLE kicked off the holiday weekend by issuing a press release saying it would not sell new NBC shows for the upcoming season. NBCU previously said it would withdraw from iTunes in December. Apple’s release says it will not raise prices to meet NBCU demands, and refuses to sell half a season’s worth of episodes, Continue Reading →

NBC UNIVERSAL has decided not to renew its contract with APPLE to sell television shows on iTunes. NBCU is the top supplier of digital video for iTunes, accounting for 40% of downloads. NBCU reportedly wants more control over pricing, better piracy controls, and the ability to sell bundles of videos. Its current contract runs through Continue Reading →

NEWS CORP. and NBCU have released more details about their upcoming joint venture into the online video business. The new company will be called “Hulu.” CEO Jason Kilar posted a message on the newly-launched Hulu.com, saying that the site will begin a “private beta” phase in October. The site includes artwork from several top shows Continue Reading →

CRISPIN PORTER + BOGUSKY has signed up for StopWatch, TIVO‘s second-by-second viewer data service. The company will use the data to evaluate viewer reactions to its ads, which could influence future creative decisions. TiVo’s StopWatch releases a daily sampling of the data from 20,000 TiVo boxes. Starcom, Interpublic and a handful of other companies already Continue Reading →

SPRINT NEXTEL has chosen SAMSUNG to provide the infrastructure for its WiMax service in New York. Samsung is also providing the infrastructure in Washington D.C., Boston, and other cities. The service, called Xohm, is expected to launch in Washington D.C. in April 2008, and will follow in NY towards the end of next year. AKAMAI Continue Reading →

THE MAJOR NETWORKS are embracing online video more than ever to help launch their new fall lineups. NBC is out in front with the most aggressive move: offering full downloads of season premieres via Amazon.com and the iTunes Store. The episodes will also be available through VOD on almost 30 cable and satellite systems, and Continue Reading →