Web-based Video Streaming Services | featured news

Netflix is trying to buy Internet streaming rights to a 26-episode drama starring Kevin Spacey before the series is shown on a television network....

Consumer-friendly devices like Apple TV and Web-enabled TVs make it easier to access digital versions of films, but most consumers prefer just to rent them. Studios are working to change those habits. Consumers long ago switched their shopping habits to the Internet, so that now most don't hesitate to buy cameras, TVs, books, appliances, cars, clothing, even foreclosed homes online.

Media chiefs this week sounded a note of caution on Apple's 99-cent digital-rental service for TV shows amid a division in the industry on whether to participate.

Amazon.com Inc has approached media companies with a proposal for a subscription service that gives users unlimited access to some television shows and movies over the Internet in a bid to rival Netflix Inc, two people familiar with the talks said on Tuesday.

Hulu, the online-video site owned by three large media companies, is exploring an initial public offering.

Hulu reportedly will introduce a subscription plan as soon as May 24, which would cost $10 per month for access to anything older than the last five episodes of popular TV shows, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Sony Corp is bringing baseball to America's living rooms on its PlayStation 3 video game console, ratcheting up the competition in the race to become the digital hub of the home.

The mail order and online video service maintains blistering growth, with profits to match.

YouTube, which is already trying out the movie rental business, wants to get into TV too

Ustream, one of the best services for those in need of a free video streaming platform, has just launched the Android Viewer, an app that lets you watch any Ustream show on your Android device, provided you're connected to the Internet via either 3G or WiFi.