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Google Prepping Pay-Per-View Films
$5 per film, by the end of the year...
According to a report in the Financial Times (reg. required, visit CNET as an alternative), Google is working on a pay per view system that would allow users to stream films for about five dollars each. According to the Times, Google is currently in negotiations with Hollywood studios, and the service could go live before the end of the year. The service of course would compete with a similar service being developed by Apple. and would likely find some kind of integration with Google's looming Google TV platform, which is supposed to embed Google search functionality in a myriad of TVs and video devices made by companies like Sony and Logitech.
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cpsycho
join:2008-06-03
Treadeu Land

cpsycho

Member

Google used to be my hero.....

No thank you Google, after your recent bs and your flip flop on net neutrality I think I will be switching to Cuil.com for my search engine needs. Thank god I never started using gmail.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

if you think for a minute that any other search engine out there isn't going to at least try to mimic Google, your crazy.

the business knows what works and will try to copy it.

cpsycho
join:2008-06-03
Treadeu Land

cpsycho

Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

Its not what they offer is their recent bs that offends me. If I get to like Cuil and they offer that kind of service then I might go for it.

Its not the service I don't like just the company. $5 is a little much for movie rentals these days don't you think? Now $30-$40 a month for any movie I want to watch, that would be great.
tired_runner
Premium Member
join:2000-08-25
CT
·Frontier FiberOp..

tired_runner

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

At that price, I'd say they're charging the same as Blockbuster or any other outfit offering latest releases.

Hollywood still thinks getting latest DVD when it comes out at the stores is hot business.

Price of a flick at movie theater is getting ridiculous. $15 for IMAX, $18 for 3D. Again, lucky for me I don't care about night out at the movies anymore.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

1 edit

ArrayList to cpsycho

Premium Member

to cpsycho
said by cpsycho:

Its not what they offer is their recent bs that offends me.
can't argue with ya there. hate the player, not the game.
$5 is a little much for movie rentals these days don't you think?
that is a bit higher than I would expect. after all amazon charges less than that and they have a huge selection of movies.
puck0114
join:2005-12-24
Portland, OR

puck0114

Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

Amazon's pricing depends on whether it's an HD movie or not. I believe HD movies generally cost 4.99, SD movies cost 3.99.

aaronwt
Premium Member
join:2004-11-07
Woodbridge, VA
Asus RT-AX89

1 edit

aaronwt to cpsycho

Premium Member

to cpsycho
said by cpsycho:

Its not what they offer is their recent bs that offends me. If I get to like Cuil and they offer that kind of service then I might go for it.

Its not the service I don't like just the company. $5 is a little much for movie rentals these days don't you think? Now $30-$40 a month for any movie I want to watch, that would be great.
$5 is in line with everyone else.

Typically HD content is $4 to $6 and SD is $2 to $4. I use several VOD providers and they are all priced in this range. As is FiOS and Comcast.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

1 edit

FFH5 to cpsycho

Premium Member

to cpsycho
said by cpsycho See Profile
$5 is a little much for movie rentals these days don't you think?
Yes, that price is too high when there are many better rates out there to be had.

SLD
Premium Member
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA

1 edit

SLD to ArrayList

Premium Member

to ArrayList
What you are missing completely is: as users like cpsycho and I leave Google's services and they decline, other providers will see Google's errors and not repeat them.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

said by SLD:

What you are missing completely is: as users like cpsycho and I leave Google's services and they decline, other providers will see Google's errors and not repeat them.
that all depends how many people actually think that google is doing anything wrong. most people don't even know about any of this and/or don't even think they did anything wrong.

cpsycho
join:2008-06-03
Treadeu Land

cpsycho

Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

I inform all my customers free of charge of the daily news of the IT world. People in general cant follow everything but important information always gets disseminated. I feel its my duty to protect my customers and family. If the customer does not care, I don't go on about it.
ctggzg
Premium Member
join:2005-02-11
USA

ctggzg to SLD

Premium Member

to SLD
What you are missing is that you two (thankfully) don't represent the vast majority of Internet users. NASA isn't going to shut down because of the few nutty "we didn't land on the moon" conspiracy theorists.

SLD
Premium Member
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA

2 edits

SLD

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

That is a true statement about NASA. However, as people realize that Google is pulling a Walmart by turning on the community for its own good, you'll see more and more avoiding their services. The flow of users will be picked up by competitors that can capitalize on a different, pro-consumer business model and compete with Google.

If you want to shut yourself out from choice and let others' decide for you, be my guest. Those of us who vote with our feet will not be dissuaded. It is however, unfortunate that there are many of you making your decisions limited by your perception of others' decisions.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru to SLD

MVM

to SLD
said by SLD:

What you are missing completely is: as users like cpsycho and I leave Google's services and they decline, other providers will see Google's errors and not repeat them.
So what companies do you see coming up that already have near universal name recognition, massive data center infrastructure, thousands of miles of dark fiber, and the capital to actually succeed, and not already being completely evil? I'm open for suggestions.

SLD
Premium Member
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA

SLD

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

I remember a few years ago when Google was a small player overshadowed by Altavista. It'll happen again. Hell, if Apple can make a comeback, anything can happen!

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

said by SLD:

I remember a few years ago when Google was a small player overshadowed by Altavista.
Altavista hasn't been meaningful for well over a decade. A decade in internet years is almost forever.
It'll happen again. Hell, if Apple can make a comeback, anything can happen!
I'm not saying that it can't happen. But I don't think it's going to happen any time soon. Google has the advantage of being large enough to carry significant clout. When they say something or want to do something, people at least listen. Studios and networks are also firmly entrenched and know what companies like Google and Netflix are coming after and need. They aren't going to give it up easily and/or cheaply. An upstart is going to have to fight an extremely tough (read: expensive) battle in terms of licensing not to mention bandwidth and the whole net neutrality debate. I think the only real chance at competition for a Google TV service is from an already established large company such as Microsoft, Amazon, etc, or from Cable/Satellite/Telco operators just updating their distribution means as technology allows...and all of those already are at various levels of evil.

SLD
Premium Member
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA

SLD

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

Exactly - Amazon vs Google would be equivalent to Costco vs. Walmart - in many ways.

Anyway, if Google starts shedding users because they refuse to support a company that is working against their interests, Google will cease to be anything other than a Chapter 11 selloff.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

said by SLD:

Anyway, if Google starts shedding users because they refuse to support a company that is working against their interests, Google will cease to be anything other than a Chapter 11 selloff.
Such a point in time where Google becomes anything that even slightly resembles a Chapter 11 selloff is a very, very, very long ways away. Aside from relatively few techno geeks, an overwhelming majority of Google users just don't give a damn about corporate interests. All they care about is can they find what they are searching for, can they read their email, can they find their way with a map, etc.

SLD
Premium Member
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA

2 edits

SLD

Premium Member

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

It isn't just about "coporate interests". It is about how the company is influencing the free flow of information. Google took a huge hit with its stance in China. Now, major new outlets are describing to readers/viewers how a two-tier internet as suggested by Google/Verizon will affect their ability to access content they choose via wireless devices. The impact will be much greater this time. It will either influence Google to change, or start the decline that will *eventually* end in their demise.

Either way, Google is losing the trust it had with the tech community. Who are the people who suggest to their companies to use Google services?

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

Re: Google used to be my hero.....

said by SLD:

Google took a huge hit with its stance in China.
No they didn't. The market fluctuated. Compare Google with Microsoft over the past year or two (you'll need to adjust the timeline) and the two mirror each other with similar fluctuations. Aside from a relatively idealistic few, nobody gives a damn one way or another about Google's stance in China. The man on the street will tell you that Google shouldn't censor searches, but as long as it doesn't affect him, he's not going to stop using google if they do. And any investor is only concern is as far as what makes them the most money. If the risk of having a Chinese presence is less than the potential reward, then Google sticks around in some form. If it's greater, then they pull out.
Now, major new outlets are describing to readers/viewers how a two-tier internet as suggested by Google/Verizon will affect their ability to access content they choose via wireless devices.
Google's protecting their interest. Period. They are worried about themselves. Period. If it benefits them to fight the good fight so that everyone can have free access to information, that's great. If they can't afford that fight or if it doesn't benefit them as much as it would their competition, they aren't going to fight it.
The impact will be much greater this time. It will either influence Google to change, or start the decline that will *eventually* end in their demise.
If you say so. I'll agree to disagree though.
Either way, Google is losing the trust it had with the tech community. Who are the people who suggest to their companies to use Google services?
Besides Microsoft and Google, what company tells it's employees not to use Google? As a search, I've never heard of a company instructing employees not to use Google's search engine because of it's policies. And if a company uses one of their business services outside of advertising, such as Google Apps, Gmail, etc, then they are probably small enough that they don't want to deal with it in house. They have little choice as the same questions that surround Google can surround every single application provider they would potentially go to. The only way to protect your business or ensure that the companies position is maintained is to do it yourself.

Ad revenues make up about 97% of Google's revenues. Even if you completely cut off all companies outsourcing services other then advertising to Google, it's going to have minimal impact on their bottom line. And if your company needs web advertising, and you aren't using google as at least one avenue of advertising, then your investors should find someone else to replace you.
Expand your moderator at work

El Quintron
Cancel Culture Ambassador
Premium Member
join:2008-04-28
Tronna

El Quintron to cpsycho

Premium Member

to cpsycho
Nice to see cuil stay relevant... I hadn't visited in a couple of years.

But I just spent a few minutes on their site and it seems much better than it was.

morbo
Complete Your Transaction
join:2002-01-22
00000

morbo

Member

Price is high unless it is 1080p

At that price, the stream better be 1080p HD or it isn't worth it. Somehow, I doubt that is the case.

MSauk
MSauk
Premium Member
join:2002-01-17
Sandy, UT

MSauk

Premium Member

Re: Price is high unless it is 1080p

That does seem pretty high if that is for SD movies.

I know on my xbox360 I can rent them for around 4 dollars for 1080P quality.

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler to morbo

Premium Member

to morbo
1080p and DRM free at that price. Otherwise, I have my selection of DRMed movie offerings that offer higher resolution for cheaper cost.

P Ness
You'Ve Forgotten 9-11 Already
Premium Member
join:2001-08-29
way way out

1 recommendation

P Ness

Premium Member

5 dollars for 5 year old movies

whoot sign me up.

please like there is any chance this is going to be new and exciting...

same old limited crap
nfotiu
join:2009-01-25

nfotiu

Member

Android?

Might be useful if it is available for Android.

There is a lack of this type of service for Androids at the moment, with the only player being Blockbuster on the Droid X. Downloads would be a better option for plane rides,etc though vs streaming.

Pete7473
@wireless.utoronto.ca

Pete7473

Anon

Odd price...

I won't pay $5 through On Demand of my cable company, why would I pay $5 for something that would go against my crappy bandwidth caps as well?

Nanoprobe3
Looking for cures in memory of Mom
Premium Member
join:2003-05-11
Crab Nebula

1 recommendation

Nanoprobe3

Premium Member

Re: Odd price...

said by Pete7473 :

I won't pay $5 through On Demand of my cable company, why would I pay $5 for something that would go against my crappy bandwidth caps as well?
Agreed. $5 per movie vs. $9 a month unlimited Netflix? Hmmmm!
JazzJRabbit
join:2003-09-27
Wheaton, IL

JazzJRabbit

Member

Re: Odd price...

Exactly. For anyone streaming 2 or more movies a month netflix is a far better deal. How many people do you know that watch exactly 0 or 1 movie a month?

Kilroy
MVM
join:2002-11-21
Saint Paul, MN

Kilroy

MVM

Over priced

I think the rental price of any movie should be $1. For $5 you should either own the ability to stream it any time you want or be for movies that are still in the theatre.

•••••
FactChecker
Premium Member
join:2008-06-03

1 recommendation

FactChecker

Premium Member

I want to stream it to my Droid

Will there be an app for that or is there some net-neutrality exception for Goorizon?
elray
join:2000-12-16
Santa Monica, CA

elray

Member

Meaningless

Google Fails once again.

••••
33358088 (banned)
join:2008-09-23

33358088 (banned)

Member

is there a word for "MOST EPIC FAIL"

keep trying you will relize it one day the money that was in film and tv and radio is GONE or going fast so keep wasting it on lawsuits please, and dont buy sony anything and dont buy apple

tmh
@qwest.net

tmh

Anon

5 bucks!

Let me get back to torrent.

DarkThrone5
join:2000-12-14

DarkThrone5

Member

Netflix all the way....

I'll stick with Netflix.
88615298 (banned)
join:2004-07-28
West Tenness

88615298 (banned)

Member

Don't like it, don't by it

It's pretty simple. It doesn't matter if you think it's too much or not. If it is then use your other sources like Netflix. If someone thinks it's fair price then let them rent it from Google.
SlyLoK6
join:2007-10-19
Sugar Grove, VA

SlyLoK6

Member

Move Starz..

A lot if not all of the Movie Starz are out of business in my area ( SW VA up to Roanoke ) because they increased their prices up to 6$ a movie while all of the other places kept theirs the same price as before.

Price is the only way this thing is going to take off.. Google will need to undercut the competition to get a foot hold.

jap
Premium Member
join:2003-08-10
038xx

1 edit

jap

Premium Member

Mubi, Mubi, Mubi

Nobody has mentioned Mubi.com. I recommend a looksee. $3/feature, $1/short, some free items, $12/month for unlimited viewing. Top-notch global collection. Streaming quality is high.

They're partnered with Criterion (US) and CelluloidDreams (Paris-based distributor). In short: they're not aimed at mall rat viewers. Of course they struggle with licensing issues by region but it seems they have "first to go live" cachée and many distributors are selecting their high-brow content (not their most profitable anyway) to float a test upon the auteur crowd.

email + username + pass = gets you in. all are changeable once inside so go bogus if you feel like it. no reason to though, imo.

/happy user plug

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536

Premium Member

Re: Mubi, Mubi, Mubi

said by jap:

Nobody has mentioned Mubi.com. I recommend a looksee. $3/feature, $1/short, some free items, $12/month for unlimited viewing. Top-notch global collection. Streaming quality is high.

They're partnered with Criterion (US) and CelluloidDreams (Paris-based distributor). In short: they're not aimed at mall rat viewers. Of course they struggle with licensing issues by region but it seems they have "first to go live" cache and many distributors are selecting their high-brow content (not their most profitable anyway) to float a test upon the auteur crowd.

email + username + pass = gets you in. all are changeable once inside so go bogus if you feel like it.
Sounds like an "emusic" for movies. where you're unlikely to find anything from the big studios.