Interesting news this morning that YouTube has announced that they are going to start featuring full-length movies and episodes which will include in-steam video ads to keep the broadcasters happy. This seems to be a move directed to counter the threat that Hulu affords them, particularly as they have launched similar features to them in the recent past. It seems that shorter videos will still be ad-free, but the full-length features will need to be monitised to support the model they have pursued with their advertisers.
So, down I popped to give it a try and here’s what I get:
Hmm, seems like they’ve decided to omit 95% of Internet users by restricting usage to just one country. I’m hoping that this is for scaling/trial reasons rather than something their broadcasters are insisting on (which is probably the case). The reality is, if they restrict access to this material, then it will just drive users to seek out other services and this will really prevent users from adopting their services.
So, before you throw away your TV, invest in some new modern furniture and high speed satellite internet and a new giant monitor for your computer, check if the service works in your area. You may be disappointed, I know I was.
Jules on October 11th, 2008
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Oh that does suck! Let’s hope it’s only temporary during their launch period.
Stomphoof on October 13th, 2008
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Thats interesting for sure. I don’t use Youtube too much but on the occasions I do use it I tend to find what I want.
Perhaps I will be able to find the old animated Batman cartoon now.
windyridge on October 14th, 2008
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Yay, because you never know when you will need to catch a missed series.
Janet Giacoma on October 14th, 2008
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I’ve experimented with YouTube and video (got a great camera that came with preloaded YT software), but this is news to me. Full length shows… wow
Ferox on October 15th, 2008
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Maybe it will just encourage uploaders to upload their video in 5 minute blocks instead?
Lisa on October 15th, 2008
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That is good to know. Off to go check out YouTube.
vein on October 16th, 2008
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I rather suspect the country restriction is perminant–because they try to roll things out in stages and US is first. So they don’t want to decrease demand in foreing markets for more expensive options. That would be my guess anyway.
gina on October 16th, 2008
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I love Youtube, and having them carry full episodes would be great.
Default Layouts on October 16th, 2008
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Not sure how it missed this.
Would be nice to see some full episodes.
Connie on October 16th, 2008
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I hope it will open up to other countries and soon. For me, until I get a laptop, I’ll be watching from my old TV so I can relax in my recliner.
thesnackhound on October 20th, 2008
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I watched a show on youtube once and it was a scramble to find all 5-12 different segments to see the whole thing. interesting
Martin on October 23rd, 2008
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I expect to see more and more regional restriction as YouTube utilizes in video advertisement. Southparkstudios worked in Malta, so I had some free entertainment there. Youtube doesn’t load for me in T U N 1 S 1 A at all, which has been a bummer.
YouTube launches full-length videos « Owen’s World on October 24th, 2008
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[...] YouTube launches full-length episodes [...]