iTunes video Downloads vs Ad Based Video Download Models
According to a report by Forrester (read the full report here with extensive source data, interviews and stats for $775 USD), iTunes video downloads sales will take a huge hit from the up and coming ad based “free” video downloads. I beg to differ. Just as I pay my monthly DVR subscription to avoid any and all television ads, I will continue to pay iTunes their reasonable fee for ad free video content. I think the masses will agree with me when I say that I am tired of being sold to, and it is worth it to me to have a service (or services) that let me escape the constant marketing machine.
The way the ad based video download sites work is by showing an ad at the beginning of each video. You must watch the ad to get the download, in some cases, and in others you must watch the ad each time you watch the video. Can you walk away from your computer while the ads are playing? Of course, but having to do that would irritate me to no end. If I want to watch a video online, I want to watch it ad free.
In addition to the predownload and previewing type of ads, many of these sites also place ads and links to companies at the bottom of each video frame. Not only annoying, but distracting. Why would I want to have to battle to focus on the video I’m watching while being distracted by ads on every frame? That takes annoying to a whole new level, in my opinion. Then you have sites like Revver, that place the ad at the end. That is actually the least intrusive way to do things, but does anyone really click on the ads?
Forrester claims that the movie studios will support the ad based video download services over iTunes, and I think they have that part right. The studio moguls would definitely prefer the model that allows them to track what you watch and control what your viewing habits are over the model (iTunes) that gives you the power and freedom to watch what you want without interference or distraction. The current crop of ad based video download sites include Revver and Grouper, with more to come in the future, I’m sure. Or you can just go to iTunes and get your ad free content for $1.99 a television show or $4.99 a movie and let the movie studios, MPAA and RIAA know with your wallet how you feel about their incessant greed.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:44 am
One of the best things about my mac is the fact that I can, and have, and do, download all of my favorite TV shows to my itunes, so that I can lay in bed and watch all my favorite episodes right on my lap. I don’t care what it costs! It is totally awesome to have AD FREE and COMMERCIAL FREE clear, crisp veiwing pleasure. ( I can’t stand when I have to sit through an ad to see what I wanted in the first place!)