Andre Yoskowitz
17 Jul 2008 17:37
Amazon has launched a new streaming video service dubbed Amazon Video on Demand today. The service is entirely separate from the current Unbox download service which allows for downloads of movies and TV shows. The main difference however, only seems to be that the new service is streaming, meaning customers can watch their content instantly.
Amazon already has deals in place to distribute 40,000 movies and television shows.
Making the launch more notable is that the service will also be available though the Internet Video Link found in Sony Bravia HDTVs so customers can stream the videos directly to their TVs without the need for a PC.
“For the first time, this is drop dead simple,” said Bill Carr, Amazon’s vice president for digital media. “Our goal is to create an immersive experience where people can’t help but get caught up in how exciting it is to simply watch a movie right from Amazon.com with a click of the button.”
With this latest move Amazon moves into crowded field, where heavyweights such as Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, and Tivo have roamed for some time. How the service will succeed remains to be seen.