The Dutch government is to proceed with legislation to introduce a ban on the downloading of music and films via illegal websites, despite widespread opposition in parliament. The legislation would give people whose copyright has been infringed the right to go to court to claim compensation. This is already the case for games and software […]
US and Australian movie and television studios have challenged a landmark court ruling in Australia that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot be held accountable for illegal video downloads by its customers. The studios want Internet providers to be punished if they don’t take “reasonable steps” to stop customers from downloading free copies of pirated […]
The US Attorney General Eric Holder has unveiled a new education campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the threat and impact of IP crimes. The campaign – which targets everything from illegal movie and music downloads to counterfeit pharmaceuticals – includes a series of television, radio, and Internet messages designed to help get the […]
Two leading executives in the pay-TV and online video distribution sectors have expressed their support for a form of ‘content passport’ that would enable consumers to view owned and acquired content internationally. Ian Mecklenburgh, Director of Consumer Platforms at UK quadplay operator Virgin Media told delegates at the Marketforce Broadcasting and Digital Entertainment Conference in […]
Tudou, an online video company in China, has entered into a programme licence agreementfor the exclusive licence of Japanese anime produced by TV Tokyo Corporation and TY Tokyo Medianet. Under the Agreement, Tudou has the rights to initially simulcast over 60 Japanese anime series in Mainland China, marking the first time that Japanese anime will […]
Sky has confirmed it will launch a dedicated channel for its new in-depth Formula 1 coverage. Starting in March 2012, Sky Sports F1 HD will “get Sky customers closer than ever, with more action, analysis and information – on their TV, online and mobile devices – throughout the season.” The dedicated channel will be provided […]
Australian telco industry body Communications Alliance and five of the country’s largest Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have unveiled a scheme aimed at combating the growing problem of online copyright infringement. The scheme is designed to encourage a sustained and positive change in the behaviour of Internet users who engage in online activity that may be […]
Entertainment and technology retailer HMV and FilmFlex Movies have announced the launch of an HMV-branded movies-on-demand service. HMV is joining the growing band of businesses offering an online film rental service as it seeks to benefit from the increasing demand for digital film services and counter falling sales in its High Street stores. The service […]
Google has revealed that Walt Disney Studios has partnered with YouTube as the latest rental partner on the video site. Available on YouTube and Google TV platforms, Disney joins Sony Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers as the fourth major studio to distribute titles on the service. Movies from Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks Studios will be […]
The Eurozone crisis continues in full swing and its seemingly inexorable unfolding proves you should never say “at least it can’t get any worse.” Blame for the mess points in two opposite directions – depending on where you stand. Either the Eurozone was never going to work, and to try it at all was to […]