Originally published February 19 2006
Google video store generates more excitement about online video
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Independent filmmakers and old TV shows make up part of the 5,000 titles found in Google's online video store, a venture that will challenge Apple for control of the online video market.
Search-giant Google has put its own twist on the budding online video market, unveiling an Internet bazaar that allows movie studios, TV networks and amateurs with a camera to buy and sell their wares.
The Google Video Store, launching with 5,000 titles, is the first major challenge to the early lead that Apple Computer has in the emerging market for online video.
It also could help realize the dreams of futurists who have long envisioned the Internet as a creative commons that upends the business models of traditional media.
Dog trainers and yoga instructors can offer how-to videos, and someone who captures footage of a plane crash or other major news event can skip the traditional media -- all in favor of selling their work as a digital download.
''Now any guy with a camera who believes in what they're doing can compete with the Sonys and Warner Bros.
of the world,'' said director Ben Rekhi, who said he turned down a $125,000 distribution deal to instead sell his film, Waterborne, through Google for $4.99 per download.
But Google Video could just as easily become Google's first high-profile stumble as the wildly successful company steps into a thicket that has snared other big players -- how to protect content from piracy without frustrating buyers.
Google plans to employ its own copy-protection system, establishing a third competitor to industry standards from Apple and Microsoft.
The Google service is ''a sign of legitimacy for this video-over-the-Web marketplace,'' said Allen Weiner, analyst with Gartner.
In the market for online distribution of TV shows, ''iTunes broke things open,'' said Forrester Research analyst Charlene Li.
To purchase a film, customers must sign up for a Google account and enter a credit card number.
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