CinemaNow has cut a deal to use Sonic Solutions technology to add download to burn to the online offerings of popular films. The service should be available on both SD and HD content.
CinemaNow will license Sonic’s Qflix technology which allows burning to DVD complete with a version of the Content Scramble System encryption system used normally on pre-pressed DVDs. The studios and the DVD Forum and the DVD Copy Control Association have only recently agreed on a process for burning to DVDs using CSS and Sonic has been swift off the mark to incorporate it into its software and sign up partners.
There is a big belief out there that download to burn will release latent potential in the online download market, though at Faultline we’re not so sure, what with the problems of accuracy of downloads, the need for burning know how and the time and expense involved for consumers, against the advent of new advertising supported film services.
CinemaNow will offer movies, TV shows and music videos through an online movie store within Sonic’s Roxio Venue which is available to PC OEMs for inclusion on devices which have Qflix-enabled DVD burners.
“The online video distribution industry will get a massive shot in the
arm with the ability to burn downloaded video to DVD with the same
protection and ubiquitous playability of packaged DVDs,” said Jim
Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of Sonic Solutions’
Advanced Technology Group. We don’t think so Jim.
Back in 2005 CinemaNow added monthly subscription and download-to-own services, but there were no published numbers on how much revenue this released.