The Blog for Video 2.0

At the annual MacWorld Expo this week, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the availability of movie rentals via both iTunes and now directly from the Apple TV.

Apple was able to secure deals from all major and independent film studios including Fox, Universal, Warner and Disney. Library titles will be offered at $2.99, new releases at $3.99 and HD verisons for an additional dollar.

The DRM restrictions are consistent with offerings from Microsoft's Xbox 360 Marketplace, Amazon Unbox and traditional cable pay-per-view. Customers will have 30 days to watch a downloaded film. Once a user starts watching, they will have 24 hours to complete the film before their download expires.

Included in the announcement were upgrades to Apple TV which now includes the tag line, "no computer required." Users can now rent movies directly from their Apple TV device without going through iTunes. This is a great benefit for Apple TV users and may push Apple's portable media dominance into the family room.

For people looking for independent content for their iPod or Apple TV, HungryFlix.com offers movie downloads with no DRM restrictions starting at just $0.99.

Labels: apple tv, download, ipod, iTunes, movie downloads

The first feature film to be launched exclusively on iTunes is opening today. Written and directed by Edward Burns, Purple Violets is a romantic comedy starring Selma Blair, Debra Messing, and Patrick Wilson. A preview page is already available on iTunes along with a trailer.

Labels: edward burns, independent, indie film, iTunes

The San Francisco Chronicle writes about how iTunes and Web sites are fueling new interest in short films. It focuses on Tiffany Shlain ('The Tribe'), Jon Bloom ('Overnight Sensation'), and Jesus Beltran ('The Grass Grows Green'), among others. From Joe Garofoli's piece:

Creators of short films (40 minutes or less) have finally found an audience through such online sites as iTunes, Revver.com and San Francisco's Frameline Films and Caachi.com, which specializes in distributing independent films. And those sites are even starting to bring a revenue trickle to older shorts that audiences are unearthing online.

Shorts haven't had this kind of exposure since before 1950, when pre-TV-owning audiences saw shorts on the same bill with features and newsreels at the local movie theater. Now, when Oscar viewers hear about a handful of really cool-sounding short films that screen at one the world's 5,000 film festivals, they can actually see them.

"We are at the beginning of a transitional moment" in the short-film industry, said David Straus, CEO and co-founder of Withoutabox.com, an 8-year-old Los Angeles outfit that has helped 150,000 independent filmmakers market their films using the Internet. "It's not just that people can download them and see films online, it's that filmmakers are learning what they can do to reach out to audiences themselves."

Labels: hungryflix, independent film, indie film, iTunes, short films

he iTunes Store will now debut Purple Violets on November 20, a $4 million film from indie director Edward Burns. It will be the first time a feature film debuts exclusively on the iTunes Store, according to the New York Times, and the latest step towards injecting life into the store's struggling movie section. For now, it seems as though only indies are steadily hopping on board and singing the praises of the iTunes Store.

There are other resources for indie filmmakers, including the iPod Movies site HungryFlix.com.

Time will tell on how much success indie have in these new models.

Labels: independent film, iTunes, movie downloads

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

The NYTimes is reporting on Led Zeppelin's decision to sell its music online. The group is one of the last superstar acts to hold out against the digital tide.

Under a series of new agreements, the band will make its songs available first as ringtones and similar mobile features starting this week in an exclusive deal with Verizon Wireless. Digital downloads of songs from the band’s eight studio albums and other recordings are expected to be available through Verizon and digital-music services, including iTunes, on Nov. 13.

In the US, the only digital holdouts that outsell Led Zeppelin are the Beatles and Garth Brooks

Labels: digital distribution, iTunes, led zeppelin, music, music downloads, online music, rock

Businessweek details the plans of Universal chief Doug Morris to take on Apple's iTunes music service.

Morris was once a proponent of Apple's iTunes music store, but has since changed his tune. According to Businessweek sources, Morris is joining forces with other record companies to launch an "industry-owned" subscription service.

Representing 75% of music sold in the U.S., they would ask hardware makers or cell carriers to pay them a $5/month subscription fee. In exchange, consumers of their products would get unlimited music at no additional cost to them ("free"). Music companies would get the $5/month and hardware companies would theoretically sell more units.

Of interest, Businessweek notes that despite these efforts to undermine iTunes, Universal can't afford to simply pull their music from iTunes, which holds a 70% marketshare in music downloads.

Labels: iTunes, music, music downloads, online music, Universal

ZDNet's Ed Bott asks where you stand on the legal issues around digital media in this article.

HungryFlix.com has always felt that artists deserve to be paid, there is no question there. The debate does heat up when we look at organizations such as the RIAA, MPAA, big record companies and movie studios and their control over what we can and can not do with media that we purchase.

DRM simply does not work. It keeps honest people honest, nothing more. It is time to move past these failed DRM schemes and deliver real value to consumers. If you are looking for DRM-free movie downloads be sure to check out HungryFlix.com.

Labels: DRM, iTunes, movie downloads, music downloads

Apple TV Source, a great blog that covers all things Apple TV, has posted a review of video download stores that offer and alternative to iTunes for Apple TV owners.

The site takes a look at HungryFlix.com, which offers Apple TV movie downloads from independent filmmakers. Apple TV Source says that with some improvements HungryFlix can become, "a powerhouse for independent filmmakers."

Labels: apple tv, filmmaking, hungryflix, independent, indie film, iTunes, movie downloads

PaidContent.org is reporting that Facebook is working on an artist platform to be launched later this year, which in essence is supposed to be better than what MySpace allows with its platform, according to multiple sources I have spoken to since this morning after a slightly off-the-mark rumor came out earlier. The platform will allows bands and labels to create artists pages, and allow various widgets to be embedded for music promotion, organizing events, etc.

Current rumors state that Facebook with partner with iTunes and go after Apple's popular download service.

Labels: facebook, indie artists, iTunes, music, music downloads, online distribution

Amazon has release a beta edition of its new DRM-free MP3 music download service this week. The web-based solution has received positive reviews from computer users, music download fans, and the anti-DRM community.

Amazon is offer singles from $0.89, and all files offer 256 kilobits per second and did we mention no DRM?

This is clearly the record labels attempt to reduce iTunes' dominance in the music download market. Time will tell if consumers, who seem to enjoy the seamless nature of iTunes, will move to Amazon's service. In a very interesting move, Amazon offers a downloader helper application that will directly transfer you songs into iTunes or Windows Media Player.

Consumers looking for DRM-free video downloads can try the great indie films offered at HungryFlix.com.

Labels: amazon, download, DRM, iTunes, music downloads

As Old Media gears up for the start of the fall TV season, we seem to be getting weekly updates on who is and who is not playing nice with Apple's powerful iTunes distribution model.

NBC fought for tiered pricing, Apple held firm, and NBC walked in favor of pushing shows as free streams and as downloads via Amazon Unbox and the yet-to-be-seen Hulu.com.

FOX and CBS seem to be happy with Apple and iTunes. These networks view iTunes as more of a promotional avenue and not for pure revenue.

The iPod/iTunes backlash is growing and it will be interesting to see what the Next Big Thing will be.

All of this is well and good for the big guys and their major studio titles. But as we continue to look at great independent content being produced and distributed online we hope that sites like HungryFlix.com continue to grow.

HungryFlix provides iPod movies free from DRM restrictions. We hope to continue to help indie producers get their works seen.

Labels: download, hungryflix, ipod, iTunes, video, video distribution

The number of downloads from legal music and video services in Japan has fallen for the first time, according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).

A total of 111.6 million downloads were made during the second quarter of this year, down from 114.3 million in the first quarter of the year, the RIAJ said. The figures are derived from data supplied to the RIAJ by its 42 member companies.

Root causes for the drop were not yet determined. Even with the small decrease in volume, revenue managed a slight increase.

US-based startups like HungryFlix.com offer movie and music downloads and continue to see growth. It will be interesting to see if this negative trend moves to the US.

Labels: digital download, download, hungryflix, iTunes, movie downloads, music downloads

NewTeeVee.com has been following the recent announcements from both NBC and Apple regarding the availability, or lack thereof, of NBC's fall 2007 lineup on iTunes.

Long story short---looks like NBC shows will no longer be on the popular download service.

So, for all you out there looking for great content, hop on over to http://www.hungryflix.com for movie downloads.

Labels: digital download, hungryflix, iTunes, tv

Unless you've been living in a cave, under a rock, or on the Dark Side of the Moon you know that on Friday June 29th Apple's new iPhone finally hit store shelves. Thousands of Apple and mobile phone fans waited in hundreds of lines for hours just for the privledge of dropping $499-$599 on the shiny new mobile phone/internet device/widescreen iPod. Analysts and tech geeks hailed the iPhone's arrival as a momentus event in the cell phone industry. I'm here to tell you that history will show the iPhone's release as one of the single biggest events in the history of independent filmmaking.

Hun? What, exactly, does the iPhone--a mobile phone/internet device/widescren iPod--have to do with indie filmmaking? Well, a lot. The movie download market must prepare for a great new phase as we look forward to more and more great devices capable of playing our content.

For independent content to survive and thrive, it must move to new delivery devices like Apple TV, iPod and now the iPhone. Support for these new devices will lead to growth in the audience for indie content. Many "mainstream" consumers will not view indie films at screenings, festivals or DVD. The films are too hard to find, often barried in video rental store shelves or playing in small art house theaters. This has been the case for the past few decades. Once every five years there is a breakout hit--a Clerks or Blair Witch--that gives the indie community something to rally around. The independent movie press declare, "We've arrived. This is the 'Year of the Indie'". Just as quickly as these hits arise, the excitement dies down and the great content made in the aftermath gets lost in the shuffle.

Now, for what may truely be the first time, consumers will have in their hands a great portable media device. You may argue that the iPod with video or the PSP have existed for a few years. But, these are devices that most people do not *have* to carry at all times. These are "luxury" devices that we carry when we want to. Cell phones are vastly different. Most Americans now carry their cell phone at all times--to the gym, on the bus, walking through the mall, at the ball game. We always have our phones with us. Now that Apple has delivered "the best iPod ever built" (Apple's words) and snuck it inside a phone, we now have a captive audience that will always have viewing capability.

This is, or has the potential to be, huge. Just look no farther than the iPhone's home screen. Right there on that gorgious 3.5" screen is a direct link to everyone's favorite dancing-cats-meet-dancing-teenagers clip sharing site, YouTube. Think about that. Apple put YouTube directly on the home screen of their revolutionary new device. Now, this could be entirely motivated by a new advertisting or search revenue deal Apple has struck with Google. But even if it is, the fact that YouTube is on the home screen of the iPhone can not be ignored.

Apple believes in mobile entertainment. They created the iPod so that we all could enjoy all our music at any time or place. Now, we are closer than ever to that dream for video. The iPhone's 3.5" screen has a resolution higher than many computer monitors. It displays MPEG4 H.264 video beautifully--better than any portable device ever has. These quality features combined with the simple fact that people will actually have the device with them, lead to great market opportunities.

Of course, the iPhone is, for now, a niche device. It's high price tag mean that it won't be found in the hands of many teens or college students in the near future. But just as with all technology, the price will drop over time. The iPhone will also force other handset makers and cell providers to design better devices. Devices that compete with the iPhone. When this happens, consumers win.

HungryFlix.com is ready to help independent producers, filmmakers and musicians in this new distribution world. We believe that this new class of mobile devices will open the doors to great indie content. It is time to get onboard. There are hundreds of thousands of movie and music fans out there with new devices that are hungry for great content. Feed Your Portable!

Labels: hungryflix, iphone, ipod, iTunes, movie downloads, movies, online video, video download, youtube

Universal Music Group will not renew its long-term licensing agreement with Apple iTunes, instead moving to an 'at-will' model.

It's the end of tough negotiations between the two firms. The previous three-year deal between them expired last year, and a temporary one-year agreement was reached.

Stakes are high: while Universal is the label behind one-in-three records released worldwide, Apple's iTunes service has become the thrid-biggest music retailer in the U.S.

It is thought that Universal wants to be able to offer some music by some bands exclusively through other online music services in its attempt to reduce Apple's control of the online business.

This could mean that music from key artists may not be made available through Apple's service.

Labels: iTunes, music downloads, online music, Universal

According to a study from market research firm NPD Group, Apple Inc.’s iTunes Store has 9.8 percent of overall retail music sales, making it the third largest music retailer in the United States. Amazon.com and Target captured 6.7 percent and 6.6 percent of the market, respectively.

Apple's iTunes trails only Wal-Mart with 15.8% and Best Buy, which as 13.8%.

This is continued good news for the downloadable media market. Consumers have chosen convience, ease of use and quality provided by iTunes.

While the music download market grows in maturity, the movie downloads market continued steady growth through 2007 with sites like HungryFlix.com leading the way.

Labels: download, hungryflix, iTunes, music, music downloads, youtube

HungryFlix.com, the leading online distributor of premium independent content for the iPod, PSP and Apple TV today announced that it's content will support the Apple iPhone.

All HungryFlix.com content is MPEG4 format and will play out-of-the-box on the Apple iPhone. This will provide users of the new device with a wealth of great content to enjoy while on the road.

HungryFlix.com CEO Brian Andrews said, "We are thrilled to provide mobile video for the iPhone. We feel that this new device is going to be groundbreaking for the mobile video world. The high resolution screen and tight intergration with iTunes will set the iPhone far ahead of other video capabile mobile phones."

Labels: digital video, hungryflix, iphone, iTunes, online distribution, video download

TUAW, among many other sites, is reporting that YouTube is in the process of transcoding some portion of their catalog from Flash Video to H.264. The move is in order to support Apple TV and, some claim, the iPhone.

It is not clear if this signals YouTube's move away from Flash or just the addition of a format. What is clear is that the Apple/Google partnership is working wonderfully and bringing great new tools to end users.

The support for H.264 on the web's largest video site is very interesting.

Labels: apple tv, iphone, iTunes, youtube

Apple has released iTunes 7.2, with iTunes Plus, now offering higher bitrate, DRM-free tracks from EMI. The release comes a few months after the big announcement that Apple and EMI would partner to bring open, non-copyprotected music to the masses.

iTunes Plus allows users to upgrade existing purchases to the new format where available. It also asks users if they wish to always purchase the DRM-free version of songs when available.

As we've said before, this is a great development for consumers. The ability to download high quality AAC files with no DRM makes us very happy.

If you are looking for DRM-free movie downloads please check out http://www.hungryflix.com.

Labels: DRM, EMI, hungryflix, iTunes, iTunes plus

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced at the Wall Street Journal's D: All Things Digital conference that the Apple TV will soon be upgraded with a 160GB version and with support for downloading clips from YouTube.

The more open support of a-non iTunes video source is great news for Apple TV owners. It is also interesting to note that third party developers have already hacked Apple TV with a YouTube plugin.

This could lead to future deals with other providers of movie downloads such as HungryFlix.com.

Labels: apple tv, hungryflix, iTunes, youtube

Forrester Research has just published an article stating that paid downloads of video content is doomed to failure and that only ad supported models will work.

While we have many issues with the findings, the number one issue seems to be the lack of explaination on why ad supported models are viewed as preferred by consumers? With the popularity of Tivo and iTunes downloads it seems clear to us here at HungryFlix that consumers do in fact prefer to have long form content free of ads.

The research is in direct opposition to an Adams Media note from Feb. Here is a link:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2007-02-21T143723Z_01_N21273243_RTRUKOC_0_US-INTERNET-VIDEO.xml&src=rss

HungryFlix.com has been providing paid movie downloads of premium indie films since 2005. We continue to see growth in the market.

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

Our goal to revive the hungryflix podcast has been met, kinda, sorta. We hope to bring you interviews with filmmakers and media experts in addition to trailers from films available on the site.

Check it out at hungryflix podcast.

You can also subscribe via iTunes

Labels: hungryflix, iTunes, online distribution, podcast

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

Forward looking director/producer Nathyn Brendan Masters has released an Apple TV compatible special edition of his new action film "Wages of Sin" on HungryFlix.com.

The Apple TV version will give users a near DVD quality product at a lower price and with the convience of being able to view the movie on an iPod, computer with iTunes or on the new Apple TV device.

Download Wages of Sin at HungryFlix.com today!

Labels: apple tv, digital download, indie film, iTunes, movie downloads

Well, you know we here at http://www.hungryflix.com are very exicited about the Apple TV and similar devices. Here is a quick little clip showing the Apple TV in action with one of the great films available at hungryflix.com.

Video of Apple TV in action

Labels: apple tv, hungryflix, iTunes, movie downloads, online distribution, quicktime

somethingawful.com reports on one user getting Xvid and the Perian plugin to work on an hours old Apple TV.

Seems like the hackers will be having fun with this new device over the next few weeks.

Labels: apple tv, iTunes, xvid

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's new set top box that provides for viewing of iTunes content on your TV is now shipping. We feel this can be the beginning of a huge trend for online media. Just as the iPod did for music, the Apple TV may in fact do for movies/TV/Video podcasts and other video content.

HungryFlix.com is very excited that now our customers have an easy, well designed and affordable way to enjoy our premium independent content in the family room.

Downlad great movies at HungryFlix.com!

Find out more on Apple TV at Apple TV

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

The guys over at the Mac Filmmaking Podcast were kind enough to interview HungryFlix.com's Brian Andrews for their March 10, 2007 podcast.

Topics included background on how HungryFlix works, what makes HungryFlix different from other video sites, and how filmmakers and video producers can get paid for their work. We had a great discussion.

You can subscribe to Mac Filmmaking via iTunes.

And be sure to vote at Podcast alley.

Labels: hungryflix, indie film, iTunes, mac filmmaking, online distribution, online video, podcast, short films

When mega retailer Wal-Mart enters a market, most existing competitors fear for their life. This may not be the case with online distribution and movie downloads claims CinemaNow CEO Curt Marvis.

ContentAgenda.com is reporting that Wal-Mart's entry into movie downloads may actually help because it bring more studio support for online distribution. Wal-Mart pushes 40% of all DVD sales, this has kept the studios from attempting anything online that would annoy Wal-Mart.

Marvis predicts that "by 2010 downloading of movie and video content will be as commonplace as downloading of music is in today's world. It will happen that fast."

We are already seeing some movie downloads with the limited success of CinemaNow, Amazon Unbox, HungryFlix.com, iTunes, Vongo and MovieLink.

What separates the movie downloads at HungryFlix.com is the premium independent content that can not be found at other sites.

Labels: amazon unbox, hungryflix, indie film, iTunes, movie downloads, online distribution, online video

Who needs iTunes? The rise of the ‘indie friendly’ video download store by ZDNet's Steve O'Hear -- Adams Media Research predicts that by 2011, the online video market will be worth $5.8 billion, and bucking today's trend, the majority of that revenue will be generated through selling downloads not ad-supported content. It's perhaps no surprise then, to see a number of paid-for download services pop up over the last 18 months...

Labels: download, hungryflix, independent, indie film, ipod, iTunes, online video, video distribution, video download

In news that is very interesting for us here at HungryFlix.com, Variety is reporting that Apple has opened the door to independent video producers for the first time.

Apple's iTunes store on Tuesday started selling "That," a snowboarding action pic made for DVD by Forum Snowboards. This is the first time iTunes has sold video content that didn't come from an established network, studio or distributor.

Given iTunes' dominance in the nascent digital download market, that's sure to generate hordes of interest among independent film producers in all genres who don't have a distributor.

But in a sign that Apple isn't quite sure what to do with pics outside its strict categories, "That" and Studio411's content are being sold in iTunes TV section at $1.99, instead of in the feature film section, where most pics are $9.99.

Though iTunes does sell some short films in its movies section for $1.99, they all come from established names such as Shorts Intl. and Sundance. Apple apparently wasn't ready to put direct-to-DVD action sports pics among the small number of shorts and Hollywood features in its movies section.

All independent producers can sell their content at HungryFlix.com. HungryFlix accepts all types of content including sports video and how-to video.

Labels: indie film, iTunes, online distribution, online video, video distribution

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

Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple, Inc.) has published a letter to the community in which he talks about the past, present and future of online music sales and music consumption.

At the end of the letter Mr. Jobs asks the record companies to remove the DRM requirements from the songs Apple sells in iTunes. He says, "Apple will embrace this wholeheartedly."

Apple has come under fire recently from European governments and internet and music industry pundits who all claim in one way or another that Apple is the source of, and primary benefactor of, DRM in iTunes and the iPod.

It has often been claimed that Apple's "closed" system locks people into buying iPods and music from iTunes. Mr. Jobs gives his views on this and provides some interesting statistics to back up his views.

HungryFlix provides movie and music downloads with no DRM. We believe that consumers should not be treated as criminals and that content providers will be rewarded by providing their content to a broad set of users in open formats.

The full letter from Steve Jobs can be found at http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughtsonmusic/

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