Features
Eight out of 10 users prefer iTunes In less than a week, iTunes will be 10 years old and, according to recent research, Apple still rules the digital music downloads roost. According to the latest information from The NPD Group, Apple had a 63% unit share of that market in Q4 last year. The closest follower, AmazonMP3, got 22%. Eight out of 10 digital music buyers downloaded their tracks and albums from Apple’s iTunes store in Q4 2012. And one in three still believe that owning music is important, even with various free streaming services.
Second screeners avoiding specialist apps Surprise statistics: PCs are the most common second screen device, and specialist apps like Viggle and zeebox are not appealing to the majority of TV viewers. According to The NPD Group, second-screening consumers are not widely using those applications designed by broadcasters for specific programs. NPD figures show that 88% US households own at least one device that can be used as a second screen, with 87% of US entertainment consumers reported to be second-screening while watching television. However, of TV viewers who use second-screen devices, only 47% have participated in second-screen activities.
D2D News
Microsoft sues UK retailer
Reports are buzzing around about the story that Microsoft is suing UK white goods retailer Comet for (allegedly) “creating and selling more than 94,000 sets of counterfeit Windows Vista and Windows XP recovery CDs”. While overall the legal opinions appear to suggest that Microsoft has a strong position - illegal copying of its intellectual property, Comet is robustly defending its own corner. Its actions, says the company, were in the best interests of its customers.
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British talent brings cheer to home video in 2011
UK physical video entertainment sales in December were up 8.4% in value to £473.3 million on the same period last year, as highly anticipated hit titles were released in time for the gifting season, according to the British Video Association. In 2011 December represented 23% of the year’s total physical sales, the best performance since December 2003, when it represented 23.1%. “As we predicted, titles released in December meant the industry finished the year on a high, despite the gloomy economic situation.” commented Lavinia Carey, the BVA’s Director General. “It demonstrates the public’s huge appetite for video entertainment and quality British works in every genre.”
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CDs still rule the UK album world
A fourth successive record year for singles and growing consumer confidence in digital albums could not offset a further decline in overall UK music sales, according to new Official Charts Company figures released by the BPI. “It has been another record year for digital singles, but the most encouraging news of the year is the strong backing consumers are giving to the digital album format,” said Geoff Taylor, BPI Chief Executive.
Continue reading »AGI World and Shorewood Packaging complete merger
Atlas Holdings LLC has announced that regulations have approved its agreement with International Paper to combine their consumer-packaging solutions businesses. As a result AGI and Shorewood Packaging have become AGI-Shorewood, one of the largest global specialty packaging businesses with operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. “We’re pleased to complete this transaction, which has been a transformational event for AGI,” said Atlas Holdings Chairman Andrew Bursky.
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Paramount Pictures tops 2011 box office earnings
Paramount Pictures, which celebrates its centenary this year, has announced that it ended 2011 in the top position among all studios, earning a record $5.17 billion worldwide. The studio, which released a total of 16 new releases domestically this year, placed first in the North American market share with $1.96 billion, while also amassing record grosses at the international box office with $3.21 billion. “As we prepare to celebrate Paramount’s 100th year in 2012, we are all grateful to be part of this wonderful institution as it continues to prosper,” said Paramount Pictures Chairman & CEO Brad Grey.
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Analyst outlines UltraViolet retail benefits
According to a principal analyst at IHS, Warner Home Video’s launch last year of the first UltraViolet-enabled Blu-ray Disc titles (starting in October with Horrible Bosses [pictured] and Green Lantern) sounds the starting gun for the studios’ bid to resuscitate the health of their flagging video retail business. UltraViolet is expected to enhance the value of physical media through the addition of enhanced digital access, which buyers can use to play the content on their computers, tablets and mobile phones.
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TV Everywhere with Accedo and Irdeto
In the lead-up to CES 2012, Accedo, enabler of Smart TV and IPTV applications, and Irdeto, a global software security and media technology company, have announced a partnership to create next-generation TV Everywhere services and experiences for pay TV operators, broadcasters and content providers worldwide. Through this partnership, say the companies, they will enable the rapid creation, deployment and monetization of multi-screen user experiences across tablets, smartphones, connected TVs and other iOS and Android devices.
Continue reading »Fortium uses Civolution Nexguard watermarking
Civolution, a provider of technology and solutions for identifying, managing and monetizing media content, has announces that Fortium, a provider of content protection solutions for the film, entertainment and broadcast industries, has integrated NexGuard watermarking technology in to its PIN-Play protection solution for files and discs for its studio customers. “The content industry requires the highest possible level of protection for their content and Civolution’s watermarking solutions allow us to provide that crucial extra layer of security,’’ said Mathew Gilliat-Smith, CEO of Fortium Technologies.
Continue reading »DECE provides UK UltraViolet update
Following the announcement that Warner would be launching the UK’s first UltraViolet title with Final Destination 5 (read the story here), the DECE - Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem - the body behind the initiative - has provided Digital2Disc with an update on the UltraViolet status. So far, an inaugural group of 21 companies has acquired licenses to offer UltraViolet products and services in the UK, with Canada due to follow soon.
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Make it 3D in 2012
The International 3D Society has announced honorees for its 2nd Annual 3D Technology Awards. “The Awards Committee considered 3D technologies with an eye on those that are genuine advances to the state of the art,” said Lenny Lipton, Chairman of the Society’s Awards Committee. We want to shine a spotlight on worthy products that make a contribution to professional and consumer applications.”
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