Filed under: BROADCAST/CABLE
The Monday premiere of the original real-life series Paranormal State (10p) on A&E drew in 2.5 million total viewers with 1.5 million A25-54 viewers and 1.6 million A18-49 viewers. It’s lead-in was the premiere episode of Intervention (9p) which pulled in 2.4 million viewers, with 1.5 million A25-54 viewers, and 1.6 million A18-49 viewers.
Click the image below to watch a trailer. Creepy stuff. I must watch.
E!’s season premiere of The Girls Next Door (10p) posted a 1.8 A18-34 rating and a 2.3 W18-34 rating. At 1030p, the debut of Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood scored a 1.7 A18-34 rating and a 2.4 W18-34.
The Writers Guild of America is under new pressure from its ranks to get back to the bargaining table. Union members fear that the Directors Guild of America might open its own contract talks with the studios as early as next week, which could undermine the writers’leverage. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-strike12dec12,1,4056290.story 12/12)
Now that CBS’Leslie Moonves has opened the door to using shows from cable TV siblings during the writers’strike, a number of other cable nets could join the broadcast ranks. Besides CBS’considering Showtime’s “Dexter,” Fox could turn to its FX cable channel, NBC may borrow from USA, Bravo, or Sci Fi and ABC may press ESPN fare into double duty. (The Seattle Times/Chicago Tribune 12/12)
RANDY TEPPER / SHOWTIME
Michael C. Hall, center, plays Dexter, and C.S. Lee is Vince Masuka, in Showtime’s “Dexter,” a potential CBS 2007-08 midseason series candidate. Showtime and CBS are corporate siblings.
USA Network — powered by series such as “Monk,” “Burn Notice” and “The Starter Wife” as well as professional wrestling — will be the top-rated ad-supported cable channel in 2007. USA, which was also No. 1 last year, averaged 2.67 million total prime-time viewers through Dec. 9. (Variety 12/11)
Wall Street is continuing to turn sour on big media stocks. Several sector biggies — Time Warner, News Corp., Disney and CBS — are seeing their shares at near 52-week lows. Analysts fear the Hollywood writers strike will “play havoc” with the advertising market. (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/business/news/e3i673a8f2e7c46c211f9ba331bcef2e14d 12/11)
Viacom is the only media conglomerate in the black this year, with shares up more than 6%. Some observers say Viacom is not getting enough credit for its digital strategy. The parent of MTV isn’t making “splashy acquisitions,” but is doing “smart things” with their brands online. (http://mediabiz.blogs.cnnmoney.cnn.com/2007/12/11/viacom-transforms-into-a-winner/ 12/11)
Total measured advertising expenditures grew just 0.2% to $108.2 billion in the first nine months of the year, according to TNS Media Intelligence. Television, radio and print media all took a hit. Increased spending on “untracked digital alternatives” contributed to the slowdown. (http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/FREE/71211010/1040 12/11)
It looks as if FCC Chairman Kevin Martin may have the votes necessary to revive a rule that limits a cable company’s national market share to 30%, according to this article. The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, and on the cap issue Martin is expected to have the support of at least Democratic Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein. (Multichannel News 12/11)
In a statement Tuesday, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association promised to sue the FCC if the agency does not suspend by Dec. 21 the imposition of its new policy prohibiting current and future exclusive deals between cable companies and owners of apartment and condominium buildings. “NCTA is not seeking a stay of the entire order, only the prohibition on enforcement of existing exclusive access agreements,” so that cablers’investments in new facilities would not be jeopardized, NCTA said. (Multichannel News 12/11)
AT&T, which has satellite-TV partnerships with DirecTV and Echostar in various markets, said that it would stop marketing DirecTV services in the first quarter of 2008. AT&T’s current deal with EchoStar runs until the end of next year. (Yahoo!/Reuters 12/11)
Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, 67, is recovering after suffering a minor heart attack. He was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles late Monday night and is expected to remain hospitalized for a couple of days for tests and observation. A post on the official Jeopardy! web site said Alex was resting comfortably and is expected back when tapings resume in January.
Filed under: ONLINE SERVICES/INTERACTIVE MEDIA
ONLINE SERVICES/INTERACTIVE MEDIA
NBC Universal added another platform for its download-to-own content – SanDisk’s flash memory aided Fanfare service scheduled to launch in January. Fanfare is yet another PC to TV device that simplifies the transfer of content by allowing video to be downloaded to a USB drive then walked over to the TV. NBC was attracted by SanDisk’s proprietary fingerprinting/DRM technology as well as its willingness to offer flexibility in terms of pricing and packaging, according to Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette, President, NBC Universal Digital Distribution. (http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSWNAS426220071211 12/11)
Is there a digital platform that NBC is not currently on? Current content providers on Fanfare include Showtime, CBS, Smithsonian Networks, TV Guide, The Weather Channel, Jaman, and NBC to come. All of the content is currently offered for free without a subscription. In the future, premium content may be offered for a small fee. I like the idea of shifting content from a computer screen to a TV screen. That said, my perfect scenario would be a product like Sling Box that sends what’s on your TV screen to your computer and similarly from PC screen to TV screen. One product; both ways. I insist on it! The down side to Apple TV was that the only content that could be watched was video content purchased through iTunes and later YouTube videos. What about all of the free ad-supported streaming content on the web? With Fanfare, the content is free but I have to take time out of my Marauder-filled day to download a program to run it. In addition, video downloaded through FanFare can only be watched on the television screen (no PC-viewing) using the SanDisk device to transfer. After downloading the program and buying the device, wouldn’t buying the DVD seem a bit easier? Thumbs down on this one.
Set top box-based digital download service Vudu, currently in beta, began offering 20th Century Fox Television shows such as 24, Prison Break and Family Guy as a la carte offerings, available in standard-def for $1.99/per episode. The titles are the first TV content to be offered by Vudu, which has branded itself as an HD video service for those tired of waiting for the HD DVD format war to be fought. Vudu also released The Borne Ultimatum yesterday, day-in-date with the DVD. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071211/ap_on_hi_te/vudu_online_hd_movies 12/11)
Despite lagging sales of Web video players, technology companies haven’t given up on the next-generation gadgets that let viewers hook up their TV to the Internet. In this article, industry experts weigh in on the different problems and the various solutions that could help make Internet video players more appealing to consumers. (The Wall Street Journal 12/11)
Check out a piece of video below brought to you by the WSJ which offers a topline view at a few of the major PC to TV video players. Apple TV has sold just about 400K units. A paltry comparison to the behemoth sales of the iPod.
Comcast Entertainment Group’s The Style Network launched mystyle.com, a destination built to offer women tips on fashion, beauty, lifestyle and home. The site is presented in blog format, using celebrities and interactive applications as hooks.
Viacom’s MTV Networks is creating a new-media advertising operation, called Digital Fusion, designed to bring together the marketing for its digital portfolio of more than 300 sites. MTV hopes to create “entirely new digital-ad products” incorporating online games and widgets. (http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9832678-36.html 12/11)
Wall Street has long been cool to Barry Diller’s Internet company, InterActiveCorp. Its share price is trading near its 52-week low. Some of its homegrown original content sites are struggling. While CollegeHumor is seen as a success, the new 23/6 so far “has fallen flat.” (http://www.observer.com/2007/it-s-diller-time 12/17)
Yahoo Finance will begin distributing content from business news channel CNBC. The new deal is expected to bolster Yahoo’s video options and enhance the visibility of CNBC.com. Yahoo is making several moves to solidify its position as the top financial news aggregator. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/business/media/12cnbc.html?_r=1&oref=slogin 12/12
Online video syndication service Clip Syndicate signed an agreement to distribute video from Scripps Networks’ brands including HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living and Great American Country (GAC).
Salty star interviews from NoGoodTV.com will become featured segments on Warner Bros. Domestic Television’s Extra twice weekly, reports TV Week. Sensitive ears needn’t worry, though. WBDT will bleep out the inappropriate.
Ad-supported indie music service SpiralFrog announced it has licensed its 1 millionth track for free download. The PC-only service also offers a library of more than 3,500 music videos.
Penthouse Media is spending $500 million to acquire Various, which operates some 25 networking sites with a member base of more than 260 million consumers, about 1.2 million of them paying subscribers. Various’s most popular Web site is the personals community AdultFriendFinder. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/technology/12penthouse.html 12/12)
Scripps is launching a new Web site, Frontdoor.com, devoted to home buying and selling online, the latest in a series of moves by the company to extend the lifestyle expertise of its content onto the Internet. The new site includes articles, videos and listing of homes for sale. (http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/12/scripps_opens_frontdoor.php 12/12)
Top 10 Websites in the U.S.
Rank Brand Ave. Monthly Unique Users (000)
1 Google 110,002
2 Yahoo! 108,111
3 MSN/Windows Live 95,501
4 Microsoft 94,856
5 AOL Media Network 91,653
6 Fox Interactive Media 64,648
7 eBay 59,586
8 YouTube 49,815
9 Wikipedia 45,496
10 Apple 43,495
Source: Nielsen Online, Netview, data from Jan-Oct. 2007
Top 10 TV Programs “Buzzed About” Online
Rank TV Program Buzz Index
1 My Name is Earl 100
2 American Idol 55
3 Grey’s Anatomy 43
4 The Simpsons 40
5 West Wing 37
6 The Oprah Winfrey Show 34
7 Lost 30
8 Sex And The City 22
9 House 21
10 Battlestar Galactica 20
Source: Nielsen Online, Buzzmetrics, data from Jan. 7- Dec. 10 2007
Google accounted for more than six of 10 online searches in the United States in November, more than triple the amount of its closest rival Yahoo, according to Web metrics firm Hitwise. Yahoo, Microsoft and Ask.com dipped in market share from October, Hitwise says. (http://www.informationweek.com/software/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=204801485 12/11)
Led by the first-ever $800 million day on Dec. 7, online spending grew 19.6% for that week, according to comScore, which said online sales reached $4.58 billion. “Gaming consoles and accessories represent the strongest growing product category this holiday season, with sales up more than 130% versus year ago,” comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni said. (Internet Retailer 12/10)
Filed under: WIRELESS
A PSP phone from Sony Ericcson makes perfect sense — even if the company has denied such a device is in the works, argues one observer, who points to the latest issue of the U.K. magazine Stuff as evidence that its rumors have reached far and wide. Using some graphical tricks, Stuff features a picture of a realistic-looking handset with a PlayStation brand. (Engadget Mobile 12/11)
Filed under: GAMING
Declining console prices and a host of new multidemographic game titles are combining to boost the video game market to record highs. Some analysts predict that the industry could top $19 billion this year, which would represent a 50% increase over 2006 figures. (The Wall Street Journal (free content) 12/12)
Filed under: TECHNOLOGY
Toshiba officials announced Tuesday that the company would delay the introduction of its larger OLED TVs because of high production costs. Officials also announced that the company would continue to produce smaller OLED screens for cell phones. (CNET/Reuters 12/11)
Filed under: MISC
MISC
China is no longer showing American films in its cinemas, in an apparent trade dispute with the United States, according to Hollywood execs and U.S. government officials. The action may be in retaliation for U.S. pressure on the nation to more strictly enforce its intellectual property rights. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/business/smallbusiness/12film.html 12/12)
A billboard advertising a U.S. movie in Beijing in November. Foreign films typically account for nearly half of the China box office revenue. (Kevin Lee/Bloomberg News)
Filed under: MISC | Tags: Canon Powershot SD850 IS, Flip Video Ultra, Holiday, Lawnbott LB3200, LG Voyager, Sagaform Bucket Grill, TECHNOLOGY
DAILY MARAUDER’S LIST OF FIVE HOLIDAY TREATS
Tis the season to be overly stressed about gift-giving. Here’s a list of five gadgets to make the techno-geek on your list happy.
For the overzealous picture-taker: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Click on the image above to see the CNET Review. Priced at $256, this camera packs in the features with 8 megapixels, image stabilization, face recognition, 4X optical zoom and a genuine optical eyepiece viewfinder. I’ve had a Canon PowerShot series for two years and have absolutely no complaints and thousands of priceless picture moments.
For the guy who would rather be golfing right now: Lawnbott LB3200
You’ve heard about the vacuuming robot that cleans your house while you relax on the couch. But have you heard of the robot that mows your lawn electronically? As an urban dweller, I don’t even HAVE a lawn. I still think this is hot.
Trimming up to 30,000 square feet, this little bot shifts direction whenever it bumps into an object at least 4 inches high or detects an owner-created perimeter wire. Lazy has now reached new depths. Price: $2,499 Trim on little bot. I’m going hammocking.
For the video blogger: Flip Video Ultra
Nicely accessorized in 5 colors, the Flip Video Ultra comes in either a 1GB (30 minutes of VGA-quality video) or 2GB (60 minutes of VGA-quality video) priced at either $150 or $180 respectively. The ultra compact camcorder offers on-board software enabling editing, organizing, and seamless uploading to AOL and YouTube. The Flip Ultra also comes equipped with a flip-out USB port for connecting to your PC. I’m in love.
For the iPhone Hater: LG Voyager
Everyone’s waiting for the iPhone killer to touch down and put some serious hurtin’ on Jobs’ baby. I’m not sure this is the product to do it but it does bring it with some very cool features. Click the image amove for InfoSync’s video review. The highlights for me:
· Haptic feedback on the touch screen: When the screen is tapped, a vibration lets the user know that a key has been depressed. Love it. Hook it up Apple.
· Camera: Similar to the iPhone, the LG Voyager sports a 2 megapixel on-board camera. While the camera on the iPhone can get a bit sloppy and doesn’t capture video, the LG Voyager excels with video capture and a camera that sports superior accuracy.
· TV Viewing
Above is a snapshot of the user interface for Verizon’s VCast Mobile TV product and 85% of the reason why I’m so enamored with this phone. For the time being, the channel offerings are limited to 8, but include CBS Mobile, NBC Mobile, NBC News, Fox Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN, MTV Mobile, and Nickelodeon under the basic package. The video offered is either streaming (live albeit for a few second delay as compared to standard TV) or on demand.
In short, I dig.
For the urban dweller who secretly wishes she had a back yard: Sagaform Bucket Grill
For us common city folk, your average grill is way too large for our modest-sized apartments. Enter compact grill above stage left. This tiny wonder offers 10 inches of grilling goodness; enough surface area for six hot dogs or three burgers. Click the image above for Wired’s review. Price: $40 I can’t wait for summer. Rooftop barbecue anyone?
