Hulu Goes to Japan, YouTube Launches Video Rentals in Canada
Newest in the streaming video arena, we’ve got about a dozen companies in the lineup to purchase Hulu with bids ranging from $500 million to $2 billion. Among the interested companies, we have giants Google, Yahoo and Amazon. Speculations push Google as the best candidate to own the streaming service mainly because of how much cash it has on hand.
Meanwhile, Hulu, though up for an acquisition, is not just sitting around waiting for the buyout to conclude. It’s currently on the move to Japan, marking its first step towards international expansion. Unlike Hulu’s US offerings, it is subscription-only in Japan and it only offers movies and older TV shows.
Next, we have Netflix raising its subscription price by 50 percent from $10 to $15.98 starting September. The amount packages both online streaming and movie rentals, but can be availed separately as well at $7.99 each. The decision to increase the subscription price tag appears to have been brought about by the fact that out of Netflix’s 23.6 million subscribers, only 10 million are currently using the DVD service. To stir things up a little more, they will offer some titles via DVD option only (but why?).
While Netflix has caused the death of cable, it’s also standing in the peril of huge competition as Amazon plans to launch LoveFilm in the US and other international territories. However, they’re thinking of offering movies only. LoveFilm CMO Simon Morris said they are “looking to grow the business wherever customers want our service. If the product is right, we’d look at a digital-only service for certain markets.”
YouTube is also on a roll, launching video rentals in Canada. The new service will offer instant access to full-length feature films starting tonight. There would be new releases as well at $4.88 each and older films for $3.99 each or absolutely cost at all. Rental period lasts from 24 to 48 hours.
“Whether you want to rent a Canuck classic like Daydream Nation, Manufactured Landscapes, or Hobo with a Shotgun; or a blockbuster new release like The Adjustment Bureau, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, or Limitless you can find many of your favorites available to rent now at YouTube.ca/movies,” YouTube said in a blog post.
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