The Blog for Video 2.0

As had been speculated earlier in the month, News Corp. (NYSE: NWS) and its studio Twentieth Century Fox have signed a deal with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) to allow users to rent the latest Fox DVD releases by downloading a digital copy from Apple’s iTunes platform for a limited time, reports FT, citing sources. No pricing info in the story, though an earlier report in June pegged it at around $2.99 per rental.

The new deal will likely be announced at the Macworld show on January 14, and FT portrays it as a deal that “has the potential to transform film distribution.” I am not so sure the consumer market is ready yet...also, download speeds and time, usually on the higher side for movie files, still matter. Also, the Disney movie downloads on iTunes haven’t burned the charts yet in any meaningful way.

One interesting twist that will help, though: Besides the online rental deal, a digital file protected by Apple’s DRM scheme FairPlay will be included in new Fox DVD releases, enabling film content to ripped to a PC and video iPod. DVD content can already be moved to an iPod but this requires a bit of an effort.

Labels: apple, ipod, movie downloads, movies

The HungryFlix Movie Trailers iPhone app has been listed in Apple's iPhone Web App Directory. You can find the link here HungryFlix iPhone Movies.

Users can use the app to view great indie film trailers directly on their iPhone. WiFi connection is recommended.

We are extremely proud to be listed in Apple's iPhone application list.

Labels: apple, hungryflix, iphone, movies

The Insomnia Film Festival provides an opportunity for high school and college filmmakers to show their talents, win prizes and gain some great experience.

The festival is another 24-hour competition. Where entrants write, cast, shoot, edit, score, and upload a 3-minute masterpiece within 24 hours. No problem, right?

Labels: apple, film festival, filmmaking, indie film

Rumor sites are reporting that Apple has made the decision to revise the pricing of Plus songs on the iTunes Music store. To date, iTunes DRM-free tracks have sold for $1.29 US.

Some users have reporting seeing iTunes Plus DRM-free tracks already listed for $0.99. It is not clear at this time if this was simply due to a mistake or if it signals a shift from Apple. The change could be Apple's reaction to Amazon MP3 store and it's 256kbps DRM-free MP3 files, many of which sell for $0.89 - $0.99.

Also reported are Apple's plans to expand iTunes Plus to include certain indie music labels starting Wednesday, October 17.

HungryFlix.com has provided DRM-free movie downloads from indie filmmakers for over two years now. We continue to believe that consumers deserve choice with their media, and that DRM schemes simply do not work.

Labels: Amazon MP3, apple, DRM, ipod, iTunes

Apple Inc. has a media event entitled "The Beat Goes On", scheduled for 10am PST today. The rumor mill has been going full force, with the most popular suggestions being complete updates to the iPod line. The biggest rumor is that of an iPhone-without-the-Phone iPod, or commonly known as the "widescreen iPod."

HungryFlix.com has been waiting for this "true video iPod" for two years. We feel that Apple will finally deliver today and that music and movie fans across the globe will rejoice.

And of course, once you get your shiny new widescreen iPod be sure to stop by HungryFlix for some great movie downloads.

Labels: apple, iphone, ipod, movie downloads, movies, video downloads, video ipod, widescreen ipod

Move over YouTube---you can now view HungryFlix trailers right on your iPhone.

We are proud to release a Beta version of the HungryFlix Trailer application for iPhone users.

Click on a thumbnail to view the trailer. You will see a QuickTime image with a blue play button. Click the blue play button. Bbe patient for the file to download.

http://www.hungryflix.com/iphone.php

Labels: apple, indie film, iphone, movies, trailers, video, youtube

Apple released the latest version of their Final cut studio last week at NAB. Most applications received major updates. Added to the bundle is Color, a new color correction app.

Final Cut Pro 6
• Mix and match different video formats and frame rates in the same timeline — all without rendering.
• ProRes 422, a new post-production format from Apple that delivers uncompressed HD quality at SD file sizes.
• Work with Motion templates without ever leaving Final Cut Pro — edit text, replace video, and swap out still images.
• Smooth out shaky shots while preserving standard camera moves using integrated SmoothCam technology.

Motion 3
• Animate in 3D using drag-and-drop behaviors, 3D particles, and replicators, then adjust settings on the fly — while your video continues to play.
• Match movement and track objects with simple tools that take the guesswork out of compositing tasks.
• Design painterly elements using customizable brushes and strokes.

Soundtrack Pro 2
• Work faster than ever with a streamlined interface and new professional tools designed for audio post.
• Create cinematic soundtracks using 5.1 surround tools and effects.
• Enjoy the industry’s first sound-and-picture change management tools.

Color
• Work with comprehensive tools for primary and secondary adjustments, color effects, and geometry changes.
• Combine settings to create signature looks that you can save and reuse later.
• Start with the built-in library or create your own looks from scratch.
• Choose from more than 35 built-in color effects to add visual interest and special color transformations.

Compressor 3
• Work with H.264 encoding presets optimized for iPod and Apple TV.
• Output high-bit-rate video for HD DVD and Blu-ray media preparation.
• Enjoy greater creative control over your audio with filters and support for AC-3 and MP3 files.

DVD Studio Pro 4
• Create SD and HD projects easily using the flexible, intuitive interface.
• Author discs with interactive elements and useful navigation controls.
• Create animated menus with Motion.

Labels: apple, apple color, final cut, motion, soundtrack, video editing

OK, well, it is here the beginning of the beginning. Today in London, EMI and Apple have announced that they will begin to offer DRM-free music and music videos. Music files will be high quality 256kbps AAC files and will sell for $1.29 US. There will also be a $0.30 upgrade for users who have already purchased lower bitrate versions of the same songs.

iTunes will be the first online distributor to offer the new DRM-free songs, starting in May.

Many analysts and reports believe that DRM-free files which will play on any music player will hurt iPod sales. Users will have more choice and may choose to purchase a lower cost MP3 player or one that offers more features than current iPods. When asked if DRM-free downloads will have an impact on iPod sales Apple CEO Steve Jobs replied, "I don't see a link, because you have always been able to buy music from elsewhere (CD's) and put it on your iPod. We're going to keep working to do the best job at what we do, and we are going to hope that consumers agree."

This is excellent news for consumers, music and movie fans, and for the future of digital content. HungryFlix.com has been offering movie downloads with no DRM for years now and we really belive that DRM is not a solution. It is rewarding to now see the major studios and Apple agreeing with us.

Labels: apple, digital download, DRM, hungryflix, iTunes, online distribution

Well, it seems the world is finally starting to get what we feel will be the biggest new area for the network connected set top box--independent content.

NewTeeVee is reporting from the New Video Sumit in San Jose, where industry experts and analysts have agreed that Apple TV is going to be a major boost for the video blogger community.

There is even talk that Apple TV can do for video distribution and consumption what the iPod did for music.

Time will tell and it is important to remember that the devices that ship in 2007 will all be version 1.0 products that will typically only be purchased by tech fans and early adopters. That being said, hungryflix.com the growing online source for movie downloads is solidly in support of indie filmmakers and producers and we fell that the direct path to the family room will be an enormous benefit to our community.

Read more at:
http://newteevee.com/2007/03/19/appletv-big-boon-for-indie-video/#more-879

And even more at:
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5584/982/

Labels: apple, apple tv, ipod, iTunes, online distribution, online video

Apple TV, Apple Inc's set-top box that will allow users to play downloaded movies and video podcasts on their family room TV has been delayed until mid-March.

No specific reason was given, a spokeperson simply said: “Wrapping up Apple TV is taking a few weeks longer than we projected, and we now expect to begin shipments mid-March.”

Apple TV will sell for $299 directly from Apple. The device will sync with iTunes from a Mac or PC and allow users to stream movies and videos wirelessly to their TV set. This will allow users to watch their movie downloads from HungryFlix.com in the family room.

Labels: apple, apple tv, download, iTunes, online distribution, online video

Apple announced in a joint statement with Lionsgate that more than 150 movies from the studio would be added to the iTunes store by the end of the month.
“We’re delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future,” said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. “iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere.”

iTunes customers will be able to purchase blockbuster Lionsgate films like “Terminator 2,” “LA Story,” “Basic Instinct,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “Dirty Dancing” and more than 150 titles coming to iTunes this month. Lionsgate joins Paramount and Disney, who just recently announced that it had sold over 1.3 million movies since it joined the store.

It appears that the release is limited to a portion of Lionsgate's catalog rather than new releases, similar to the current deal with Paramount.

This adds to the options available to customers in the US. Movie fans can also download movies from HungryFlix.com, which offers great independent content not available on iTunes.

Labels: apple, apple tv, ipod, iTunes, media, movies, online video, studios, video distribution

In Part 1 of Movie Making On a Budge we looked at cameras. Now let's take a look at video editing software.

Home Video editor: This is the person who just wants to edit home videos of birthdays and soccer games. Most consumer packages are affordable and more than powerful enough for their targeted user base. The trick is to find a package that is easy to use.

Pinnacle Studio 10 $99. Studio packs a ton of features under the hood. There is a very basic learning curve but for the most part the package is user-friendly. Past versions have suffered from crashes and compatibility issues with non-standard PCs. Includes DVD authorting.

Ulead VideoStudio $99. Ease of use makes this a great package. Very powerful, complete with DVD creation.

Sony Vegas MovieStudio + DVD. $89. Three easy steps to capture, edit and share. Focuses on ease of use and fun. Worth a look.

Apple iMovie HD ($79 as part of iLife suite). Mac users need to look no farther than iMovie. This great beginner package now offers HD support. Apple designed themes provide motion graphics for intros and lower-thirds that rival the most expensive tools in the market. Third party developers provide a series of plugins (at extra cost) to expand iMovies capabilities even further. DVD authoring included in iDVD, a separate iLife application.


Hobbyist: This person is taking things to the next level. Maybe creating DVDs for school events, sports, or weekend movie making.

Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0. $99. Premiere Elements is going to really put pressure on the consumer packages. It really brings the power of Premiere, a great application, down to consumer users. Sceneline feature makes video editing similar to slideshow creation. Includes DVD authoring.

Apple Final Cut Express HD $299. Not ready for the full power of Final Cut? FCE gives users nearly everything they could want/need. Soundtrack and LiveType are bundled. Excellent entry into the world of pro NLE systems.


Filmmaking/Video Producer: You know who you are...

Adobe Production Studio. $1299 - $1799 Adobe After Effects® 7.0 Professional, Adobe Premiere® Pro 2.0, Adobe Photoshop® CS2, Adobe Audition® 2.0, Adobe Encore® DVD 2.0, and Adobe Illustrator® CS2. What more could you need?

Apple Final Cut Studio. $1299. Final Cut Pro 5, Motion 2, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro 4, Compressor, LiveType. Battling with Premiere to become the standard for DV and HDV editing.

Sony Vegas+DVD. $600. The Vegas+DVD Production Suite combines Vegas 7, DVD Architect 4, and Dolby Digital® AC-3 encoding software to offer an integrated environment for all phases of professional video, audio, DVD, and broadcast production.

Labels: adobe, apple, camcorder, equipment, filmmaking, final cut, ilife, imovie, indie film, NLE, sony vegas, video editing