Porn Tops Video Download Preferences  By Sherri
- (0) comments  December 23, 2006
 It’s been a huge year for video downloads with television networks coming out of the woodwork to jump on the bandwagon. We started out the year with only a handful of sites offering legal downloads and now we have a bevy of sites to choose from and just about every major network offers downloads or streams in some form or fashion. Sadly, however, research out of the NPD Group, which monitors digital video activity on home computers, shows that porn is the favorite of many downloaders. TV programs, however, also top the list. According to a report in Pocket Lint, about eight percent of households are downloading videos from P2P sites and only about two percent pay for downloads. Apple’s iTunes was the big winner in the paid for category, accounting for 90 percent of the paid downloads made. Apple was followed by Vongo, CinemaNow and a few others. What’s interesting to note is the fact that about 60 percent of downloads fall in as television shows with about six percent being movies. The trouble lies with the P2P site users and their preferences. Although a 60 percent of the downloads from P2P sites were adult-content, or porn clips and flicks, the remaining downloads are pirated TV shows and movies, according to the research. “While video P2P downloading is less pervasive right now than for music, it is a crucial issue for the film industry to keep track of,” said Russ Crupnick, VP for The NPD Group. “Even though right now the majority of downloaded video content is adult-film content, the amount of intellectual property stolen from mainstream movie studios, networks, and record labels will continue to rise, unless strong and sustained action is taken to prevent piracy.” Make no mistake though, movie studios and networks are taking the piracy issue seriously. The embattled state of YouTube and other P2P networks is the proof in the pudding. Related: YouTube Policy Redo, User Gets Threatened YouTube's Legitimization ContinuesAmazon Unbox Gets UnwrappedIn2TV Rocks With The Oldies, More
‘Cosby,’ ‘Roseanne’ Unboxed By Sherri
- (0) comments December 22, 2006
 Those classic sitcom families many of us grew up with have now found their way to Amazon Unbox. Fans (and fans to be) can watch the Huxtables and the Conners any time they want thanks to the addition of these two series to the site. Both can be found by the episode or in full-season buys. Both series are on sale right now, too, when they’re purchased in full season format. “The Cobsy Show” follows the lives on Cliff and Clair Huxtable and their children. It’s funny, wholesome and just plain enjoyable thanks to the stylings of that master of performance Bill Cosby and his well-picked on-air family. I have to admit, this particular show was one of my favorites growing up. Cosby and "Little House" were the shows I couldn't live without. I think I just dated myself! “Roseanne” features the infamous celebrity and her husband, Dan, played by John Goodman and their children. It’s a working class comedy that’s loaded with words of wisdom hidden in some great one-liners. Roseanne can get on a viewer's nerves pretty easily, but John Goodman lends a great balance to the show. Unbox still isn’t the easiest site in the world to navigate or even find, but the continuous additions make it a place to keep an eye on. Related: Amazon Unbox Has ‘Friends,’ MoreAmazon Unbox Free Trial ‘The Shield’ On Unbox Before DVD
‘Ugly Betty’ Golden Globe Spotlight By Sherri
- (0) comments
 Imagine being a not very attractive secretary hired to work at a fashion magazine. That’s the premise of “Ugly Betty,” a new hit ABC show that’s captured Golden Globe recognition. The new series has been nominated for best comedy and its America Ferrera is up for best actress in the comedy genre. The show’s based on the Colombian telenovela “Betty La Fea,” and focuses on Betty’s life in New York City as a recent college graduate with a passion for publishing and a desire to one day own her own magazine. The set ups for humor are more than there and ABC’s writers take full advantage of them. “Betty” can be seen on ABC and she’s also found on ABC’s site in streaming format. ABC doesn’t have the show on iTunes or other locations as of yet, but it likely will come soon if its popularity remains high. The premise sounds pretty good, but I have to admit, I haven't watched this one myself. I'd be curious to know if they play up on Betty's intelligence or just use her as the butt of all jokes. I'll have to take advantage of the stream and give this one a whirl soon! In the meantime, I'd love to know what readers think about this particular show. I'm looking for a good comedy to balance out my "Dexter" addiction. Related: ‘Heroes’ Golden Globe Spotlight Online Favorites Dominate Golden Globes‘Lost’ Golden Globe Spotlight
Sci Fi Takes Center Stage On iTunes By Sherri
- (0) comments December 21, 2006
 Classic science fiction fans have a great place to turn to get their fix one episode at a time. iTunes has recently added a ton of old shows that are more than worth the watch over and over again. I came across the latest offerings while researching another story, and I have to admit the line up has me more than impressed. With shows such as the original "Battlestar Galactica," "The Incredible Hulk," "Hercules," "Xena" and even "Sliders," the NBC/Universal sci-fi page is one serious blast from the past. Heck, they've even added "Night Gallery" and "Kolchak." "Battlestar" is what really caught my attention. The original ... with Dirk Benedict and all. (Yes, I was a Benedict junkie back in the day. Don't tell anyone.) At $1.99 an episode, it will be worth the chuckles to see how the original stacks up (or doesn't) with the new series. Granted, most of the shows aren't the best ever, but they are all pretty much fun watches. That's what makes great television, isn't it? Related: Disney Holiday Specials Featured On iTunesNBC to Sell News Specials on iTunes ‘Buffy’ Writer’s ‘Battlestar’ Flies Tonight
‘Heroes’ Golden Globe Spotlight By Sherri
- (1) comments
 What happens when normal people discover they have superhuman abilities? That’s the question explored by NBC’s new hit drama, “Heroes.” The epic tale chronicles the stories of people with extra special powers and does so in a way that draws viewers into the action. NBC is doing it up right, and based on its accolades to date, it's being noticed. The new series has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. It’s up for best drama honors, and the show’s Masi Oka is also nominated for a best performance award in the supporting role category. The show is also a People’s Choice nominee. Although new on the television scene, “Heroes” has a very strong online presence. NBC came out of the gate talking up this show online and hasn’t stopped yet. Episodes can be found on iTunes, streaming on the NBC site and there are several other specials bonuses to go along with this particular series. The neatest to date is the continuing story that can be found in an online comic book. “Heroes” might be a new series, but it’s having a major impact both on the little screen and online. Many consider this to be one of the best shows to happen to television in a long, long time. Congratulations to the folks behind “Heroes!” Related: ‘Heroes’ Trailer Available 'Heroes' Fans Unite'Heroes' Fans Get Extra Action Online Online Favorites Dominate Golden Globes
Joe Barbera’s Memory Lives On By Sherri
- (0) comments December 19, 2006
 The co-creator of such cartoon favorites as the Flintstones, Tom and Jerry and Yogi Bear may have died Monday at the age of 95, but his memory will live on for many years to come. Barbera and his partner Bill Hanna (who died in 2001) are responsible for some of the best cartoons in the history of television. From Scooby-Doo to The Jetsons, the pair’s work pretty much owned television screens on Saturday mornings for decades. Hanna-Barbera creations remain incredibly popular today, years after they were first sketched out and have become household names as children continue to request their Flintstone vitamins and their Scooby-Dooby-Doo in the afternoons. It’s hard to imagine an American child over the past few decades that wasn’t touched in some way by a Hanna-Barbera creation. Whether it was a passion for Fred or a fascination with the cat-and-mouse chase on Tom and Jerry, their work inspired millions with a sense of wonder and amusement. To have missed Hanna-Barbera creations while growing up, especially in the last 30 years, would mean living in a bubble or something close to it. Their work can even be found online for free on AOL’s In2TV where it holds a star spot on the cartoon channel. The Hanna-Barbera team might be gone, but they are far from forgotten. To both of them, thank you for the wonderful memories, the smiles and the light-hearted humor. We could all use a little more of that these days. Related: Holiday Favorites Free On In2TVIn2TV Rocks With The Oldies, More
‘Lost’ Golden Globe Spotlight By Sherri
- (0) comments December 17, 2006
 With more mystery than an Agatha Christie novel, ABC’s “Lost” has been shining for three seasons. It’s popularity remains high as fans try to unravel the many plot twists during water cooler chats in the afternoons. It’s also a favorite of online viewers, found in such locations as iTunes, Sky One and even for free on ABC’s site. For its great writing and even better acting, “Lost” has earned a Golden Globe nomination for best drama on television. The show’s own Evangeline Lilly is also up for best actress honors. Smart, witty and just plain aggravating, “Lost” is a must watch that hooks viewers right from episode one and keeps the action coming. The show involves a cast of characters (emphasis on characters) stranded on an island after a plane crash. The island, and everything around the castaways, however, is not what it appears to be – not even close! If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s worth the watch. Related: ‘Lost’ On Sky One For Free'Lost' To Go Mobile'Lost' Season 3 In Full Force
|
