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MESA News – Jul. 31
Studios/Suppliers
Image to defer $4 million principal payment
By Susanne Ault – 07/31/2009
JULY 31 | PHYSICAL: Deadline extended to Oct. 30 MoreViacom’s Paramount takes Q2 loss
By Danny King – 07/28/2009
JULY 28 | PHYSICAL: Home entertainment revenue down 29% More
Disney faces third-quarter malaise
By Marc Graser of Variety – 07/31/2009
JULY 30 | FROM VARIETY: Profits down 26% as DVDs slip a disc More
E1 to distribute Porchlight Entertainment
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | PHYSICAL: Deal includes catalog, new titles on DVD, Blu-ray More
Anchor Bay promotes three to senior VP
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | PHYSICAL: Cartwright in marketing; Seraphim and Zinar in sales More
Warner promotes Junge to senior VP
By Susanne Ault – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | PHYSICAL: Executive in charge of mergers and acquisitions More
Reed Elsevier to sell part of RBI-US
By Dana Harris of Variety – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | FROM VARIETY: Variety among titles to be retained More
Watchmen dominates sales, rentals
By Cheryl Cheng – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | PHYSICAL: Coraline also has strong debut More
Navarre quadruples income in fiscal Q1
By Susanne Ault – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | PHYSICAL: Funimation label helped push supplier results More
Time Warner profits slide 34%
By Jill Goldsmith of Variety – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | FROM VARIETY: Media networks’ revenue rises by 5%, but DVD sales are soft More
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G-Force takes top spot from Harry
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/27/2009
JULY 27 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: The Ugly Truth opens strong More
Comic-Con: Hollywood’s wild and weird in Hall H
By Susanne Ault – 07/25/2009
JULY 25 | PHYSICAL: Fans get glimpse of stars, clips from Jonah Hex, Sherlock Holmes, others More Â
Retail
Walmart eliminates corrugate to clean up stores
By Susanne Ault – 07/31/2009
JULY 31 | PHYSICAL: Mass merchant adopts clear aisle initiative MoreWatchmen to be discounted to $9.99 at Best Buy
By Susanne Ault – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | PHYSICAL: Sale price comes a week and a half after street More
Netflix stock downgraded after Q2 earnings
By Danny King – 07/27/2009
JULY 27 | DIGITAL: Lack of separate streaming charge might hurt profit growth, analyst says More
Retailers feel optimistic about Q4 slate
By Susanne Ault – 07/27/2009
JULY 27 | PHYSICAL: Holiday titles kick off with Wolverine Sept. 15 More
High-Def
Marantz readies flagship Blu-ray player
By Joseph Palenchar of TWICE – 07/31/2009
JULY 31 | FROM TWICE: Models are brand’s first BD Live-capable players More
Paramount puts Blu-ray first in staggered release
By Susanne Ault – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | PHYSICAL: Standard DVD also available without extras to rental accounts More
Onkyo ships Blu-ray player, A/V systems
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | FROM TWICE: $499 single-disc player supports BD Live More
Fox adds mobile to DVD, Blu-ray campaigns
By Susanne Ault – 07/27/2009
JULY 27 | MOBILE: Dollhouse, Miss March promotions use JAGTAG interactivity More
Comic-Con: Watchmen BD Live screening attracts fans
By Samantha Clark – 07/25/2009
JULY 25 | PHYSICAL: Snyder discusses directorial choices, the graphic novel and his choice of peanut butter More
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Technology
RealNetworks’ losses grow in second quarter
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | PHYSICAL: Litigation costs over RealDVD suit drag financials More
Sonic encoding promises Blu-ray resolution via Web
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | DIGITAL: CineVision Adaptive HD to be used on Roxio CinemaNow More
VuNow adds CinemaNow content
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 07/28/2009
JULY 28 | FROM TWICE: Sonic Solutions’ VOD service adds another way to be played on TVs More
VOD/Downloads
Online movie watching doubled in two years
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | DIGITAL: Nearly a quarter watch on PC-connected TVs More
Web, TV projects are equal at ITVFest
By Michael Schneider of Variety – 07/30/2009
JULY 30 | FROM VARIETY: Internet, television series to face off in same categories More
Vudu service downloads to LG HDTVs
By Susanne Ault – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | DIGITAL: Web-enabled sets will have access to more than 2,000 high-def movies More
Sonic encoding promises Blu-ray resolution via Web
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | DIGITAL: CineVision Adaptive HD to be used on Roxio CinemaNow More
Blip.tv distributes content on Roku players, Web sites
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/28/2009
JULY 28 | DIGITAL: Service helps indie filmmakers deliver content More
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Videogames
Sony reports less red ink than expected
By Jill Goldsmith of Variety – 07/31/2009
JULY 30 | FROM VARIETY: Electronics and game divisions both lost money More
Connecting with… Netflix’s Reed Hastings
By Danny King – 07/31/2009
JULY 31 | Q&A: ‘Hybrid strategy’ at the heart of business More
Infinity to release Michael Jackson documentary
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/29/2009
JULY 29 | PHYSICAL: Devotion tracks King of Pop’s career More
MESA News – Jul. 24
Studios/Supplier
Comic-Con: Warner, Disney put motion comics on display
By Ned Randolph – 07/24/2009
JULY 24 | DIGITAL: Stan Lee talks about creation of new Time Jumper More
Mill Creek acquires BCI Eclipse titles
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: He-Man among releases coming at lower prices More
Disney, Panasonic seal SD pact in Japan
By Mark Schilling of Variety – 07/23/2009
JULY 23 | FROM VARIETY: Films to be sold on cards at same time as DVDs More
Summit delivers Brothers Bloom as rental exclusive
By Marcy Magiera – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | PHYSICAL: Studio still trying to build audience for limited theatrical release More
Haunting in Connecticut scares up sales
By Cheryl Cheng – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | PHYSICAL: Knowing keeps No. 1 rental spot in second week More
Sony puts Web series Star-ving on MOD
By Susanne Ault – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: Amazon’s CreateSpace will press discs on demand More
Lionsgate to release faith-based Love
By Susanne Ault – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: Release continues studio’s partnership with Thomas Nelson More
NBC Universal profits down 41%
By Jill Goldsmith of Variety – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | FROM VARIETY: Revenue dipped 8% to $3.6 billion More
Harry Potter conjures up $79.5 million
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | VARIETY BOX OFFICE REPORT: Prince opens overseas with record $237 million More
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Retail
DeepDiscount cuts 25% off DVD, Blu-ray prices
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/24/2009
JULY 24 | PHYSICAL: Summer sale includes new releases Watchmen, The Haunting in Connecticut More
EMA awards scholarships to six students
By Video Business staff – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: Recipients represent five Blockbuster stores, Video Connection More
Netflix Q2 profit rises 22%
By Danny King – 07/23/2009
JULY 23 | PHYSICAL: Subscriber base jumps, sales lag analyst estimates More
Amazon’s Q2 profit falls 10%
By Danny King – 07/23/2009
JULY 23 | PHYSICAL: Videogame slump, exchange rate flatten media sales More
Suppliers pleased with Independent Product Market
By Susanne Ault – 07/23/2009
JULY 23 | PHYSICAL: New EMA event held in lieu of Home Media Expo More
Amazon named EMA’s Retailer of the Year
By Cheryl Cheng – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | PHYSICAL: GameStop, Hastings also recipients of annual honors More
Xbox Live slating new original video series
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | DIGITAL: Upgrades to Netflix service launch Aug. 11 More
Sony, Redbox sign $460 million distribution agreement
By Marcy Magiera – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | PHYSICAL: Studio will place new release, direct-to-video, catalog titles in 17,000 kiosks More
Wireless-networked TV shipments to surge
By Danny King – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | DIGITAL: Manufacturers will ship 20 million units by 2011, report says More
Netflix benefiting from Xbox upgrades
By Danny King – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | DIGITAL: 500,000 Xbox gamers added streaming service in Q2, analyst says More
Netflix, Walmart deny collusion in 2005 agreement
By Danny King – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: January class-action claim alleged conspiracy More
Sony promotion says stay home with savings
By Susanne Ault – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: Hitch, A Few Good Men among DVDs discounted to less than $10 More
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High-Def
Comic-Con: Extras add value to DVD, Blu-ray
By Ned Randolph – 07/24/2009
JULY 24 | PHYSICAL: Disc producers discuss budgets, retail exclusives More
Sony adds Blu-ray MegaChangers
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 07/24/2009
JULY 24 | FROM TWICE: 400-disc unit to ship this fall priced at $800 More
Samsung adds fourth Blu-ray HTiB
By Joseph Palenchar of TWICE – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | FROM TWICE: $799 set to bow next month More
Universal launches iPhone apps for Blu-ray
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: First will tie-in to Fast & Furious disc More
Consumer electronics sales to fall 7.7% in 09: CEA
By Steve Smith of TWICE – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | FROM TWICE: Blu-ray players poised for 112% growth this year More
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Technology
Comic-Con: 3D wins day at event
By Marc Graser of Variety – 07/24/2009
JULY 24 | FROM VARIETY: Studios take the campaign to the masses More
RealNetworks’ shows new PC app
By TWICE staff – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | FROM TWICE: Will simplify video transfers to portable devices More
Toshiba unveils stainless steel DVD/LCD TV combo
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 07/23/2009
JULY 23 | FROM TWICE: No decision made on Blu-ray players; says upconverters selling well More
iPhone sales jump 626% in last quarter
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | MOBILE: Apple’s revenue jumped 12% on new 3GS model, lower entry-level price More
Sonic sets course for 3D downloads
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | DIGITAL: Roxio CinemaNow will use NVIDIA technology More
3D runs help Ice Age 3 rule world
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | FROM VARIETY: Fox sequel grosses $332.6 million in 10 days More
James Cameron tubthumps Avatar 3D
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | FROM VARIETY: Director makes rounds to push digital plan More
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VOD/Downloads
MSNBC generates record video streams in June
By Danny King – 07/23/2009
JULY 23 | DIGITAL: Michael Jackson, Barack Obama stories spur viewer traffic More
Roku to add Mediafly channel
By Danny King – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | DIGITAL: More than 25,000 podcasts will be free to view More
Disney eyes pay Web site
By Cynthia Littleton of Variety – 07/22/2009
JULY 23 | FROM VARIETY: Service would offer movies, TV shows, games More
VOD viewing jumped 15% in June
By Danny King – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | DIGITAL: Summer, free kids programming fuel surge, Rentrak says More
Investigates to premiere online
By Shannon Smith of Variety – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | FROM VARIETY: Show will feature Da Vinci author Simon Cox More
Comic-Con: DeVito serves up blood on the Web
By Michael Fleming of Variety – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | FROM VARIETY: Thesp to unveil new Web site at event More
Stan Lee’s Time Jumper on iTunes July 24
By Susanne Ault – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | DIGITAL: Online download site will have Web series exclusively More
Xbox Live slating new original video series
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | DIGITAL: Upgrades to Netflix service launch Aug. 11 More
Sonic sets course for 3D downloads
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/21/2009
JULY 21 | DIGITAL: Roxio CinemaNow will use NVIDIA technology More
Wireless-networked TV shipments to surge
By Danny King – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | DIGITAL: Manufacturers will ship 20 million units by 2011, report says More
Netflix benefiting from Xbox upgrades
By Danny King – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | DIGITAL: 500,000 Xbox gamers added streaming service in Q2, analyst says More
Starz expands VOD content with Avail-TVN deal
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/20/2009
JULY 20 | DIGITAL: Major studios releases, originals to be offered through service More
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Videogames
Videogame publishers push 3D for home
By Susanne Ault – 07/24/2009
JULY 24 | PHYSICAL: First stereoscopic titles launching this fall More
Chicago Transit sued for videogame ads policy
By Danny King – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | PHYSICAL: Ad ban is unconstitutional, trade group says More
Watchmen movie, game bundles hit street
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 07/22/2009
JULY 22 | FROM TWICE: Blu-ray packaged with videogames More
MESA News – Jul. 17
Studios/Suppliers
Image expands stand-up DVD line
By Susanne Ault – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | UPDATE–PHYSICAL: Acquires three titles with comedy stars More
Home entertainment revenue slips 3.9% in first half
By Marcy Magiera and Susanne Ault – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | PHYSICAL: DEG: Growth in Blu-ray, rental, electronic distribution offset steep DVD drop More
Emmy nominations announced
By Brian Lowry of Variety – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | FROM VARIETY: 30 Rock tops list; Family Guy, Flight of the Conchords broke into key categories More
Potter pic charms box office
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Half-Blood Prince full-bodied with $22.2 million More
TLA returns to distribution business
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/15/2009
JULY 15 | PHYSICAL: State of marketplace forces company to reverse plans More
Harry Potter pulls in $20 million
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/15/2009
JULY 15 | FROM VARIETY: Pic may score best midnight gross of all time More
Peace Arch promotes Flock to CEO
By Susanne Ault – 07/14/2009
JULY 14 | PHYSICAL: Executive plans to relaunch DVD operations, boost digital distribution More
Potter poised to cast spell on box office
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/14/2009
JULY 14 | FROM VARIETY: Harry expected to become top grossing franchise More
Cinema Libre makes production pact, opens digital store
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | INDIE FILM GUIDE: First film in deal is The Last Days of Karl Marx More
Maverick offers first look deal to film students
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | INDIE FILM GUIDE: Studio partners with FilmSchoolOnDemand.com More
Universal promotes Hoffman, Porteneuve
By Susanne Ault – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | PHYSICAL: Executives expand marketing, communications roles More
Bruno sashays to top of box office
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Ice Age passes the $100 million mark More
Peluso named VP of Affirm Films
By Susanne Ault – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | PHYSICAL: Faith label releases include Facing the Giants, Fireproof More
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Retail
Blockbuster to sell Archos 10 netbooks in stores
By Susanne Ault – 07/17/2009
JULY 17 | DIGITAL: Computers will have embedded link to retailer’s OnDemand service More Dark Knight, Twilight honored by EMA
By Danny King – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | PHYSICAL: WALL-E, Juno, The Visitor also won Home Entertainment Awards More
Best Buy to stress value this holiday season
By Alan Wolf of TWICE – 07/17/2009
JULY 17 | FROM TWICE: Will focus on private-label brands of TVs, Blu-ray players More
Blockbuster, Samsung reach streaming agreement
By Danny King – 07/14/2009
JULY 14 | DIGITAL: OnDemand titles to be available on HDTVs, Blu-ray players this fall More
Netflix stock rises on takeover rumors
By Danny King – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | PHYSICAL: ‘Vague’ acquisition talk boosts shares, sites say More
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High-Def
 Connecting with… David Bishop
By Susanne Ault – 07/17/2009
JULY 17 | Q&A: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s president says the ’sky is not falling’ on home entertainment More
Star Trek flies out with space-age box
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | PHYSICAL: Tour of Enterprise built into Nov. 17 packaging More Â
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Technology
Macrovision rebrands, refocuses on media content
By Susanne Ault – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | UPDATE–DIGITAL: Rovi to launch content guide Liquid More
Kicker iPod dock gets video out
By Joseph Palenchar of TWICE – 07/14/2009
JULY 14 | FROM TWICE: Works with iPhone certification More
Mobile video provider QuickPlay raises 12 million
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | FROM MCN: Fourth funding round helps company reach $40 million More
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VOD/Downloads
ScreenPlay plans to deliver full-length movies online
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/17/2009
JULY 17 | DIGITAL: Trailer service wants to streamline digital distribution More
Most cable customers give TV Everywhere thumbs up
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | FROM MCN: Survey: 73% say Internet TV services are â€excellent’ or â€good’ idea More
Warner to distribute Wolfe titles on VOD
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/15/2009
JULY 15 | DIGITAL: Studio provides indies access to iTunes, others More
Faith and family VOD service launched with Cox
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/15/2009
JULY 15 | DIGITAL: Christian company to offer own films, mainstream Hollywood titles More
Paid online video to overtake free in revenue
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/14/2009
JULY 14 | DIGITAL: Study: Entire sector will grow 38% annually through 2012 More
CBS joins TV Everywhere trial
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/14/2009
JULY 14 | UPDATE: DIGITAL: HBO, Starz, others already participating in Comcast’s On Demand Online program More
HBO to offer True Blood, Entourage online
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | DIGITAL: Series free for subscribers only on Comcast sites More
CinemaNow developing Yahoo! TV Widget
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | DIGITAL: Sonic’s service will be accessible through TVs More
Mitsubishi, Vudu to kick off joint TV promotion
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | FROM TWICE: Will offer $50 in movie credits with Mitsubishi TV purchase More
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Videogames
Sony’s PlayStation 3 sees VOD surge
By Marc Graser of Variety – 07/17/2009
JULY 17 | FROM VARIETY: Network a lucrative platform for distribution More
Game biz takes 31% hit in June
By Susanne Ault – 07/16/2009
JULY 16 | PHYSICAL: People are playing more, but buying less, says NPD More
Online gaming surges 22% from a year earlier
By Danny King – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | DIGITAL: GSN is fastest-growing site, ComScore says More
Theme park, videogames follow Harry
By Marc Graser of Variety – 07/13/2009
JULY 13 | FROM VARIETY: Warner Bros. making the most out of franchise More
MESA News – Jul. 10
Studios/Suppliers
Comic-Con attracts DVD, Blu-ray on smaller scale
By Susanne Ault – 07/10/2009
JULY 10 | PHYSICAL: Studios focus on core sci-fi, horror, animation releases More
Europe increases anti-piracy fight
By Ed Meza of Variety – 07/09/2009
JULY 9 | FROM VARIETY: Seizures of illegal DVDs, CDs rise 2,600% More
DEG re-elects board members, adds new CFO
By VB staff – 07/08/2009
JULY 8 | PHYSICAL: Organization will expand to include 3D, digital delivery More
Robot Chicken promotion rolls on nine-city tour
By Laurence Lerman – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | PHYSICAL: New Star Wars episode DVD promoted with roller rink parties More
Michael Jackson’s Soul Train performances bought for DVD
By Susanne Ault – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | PHYSICAL: Direct Holdings Americas Inc., parent of the Time Life brand, has acquired the DVD distribution rights to the Soul Train TV series catalog, which includes more than 20 years of performances from the late Michael Jackson. More
Image Entertainment’s future in doubt
By Susanne Ault – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | PHYSICAL: Accounting firm concerned about supplier’s losses, negative cash flow More
Fox moves Finn to home entertainment
By Susanne Ault – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | PHYSICAL: Former Fox Searchlight exec to lead communications More
Ice Age, Transformers tie for top spot
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Fox’s toon breaks foreign box office records More
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Retail
Screen Media switches distribution to Gaiam
By Cindy Spielvogel – 07/09/2009
JULY 9 | PHYSICAL: Two-year deal to include new releases, catalog More
Best Buy, TiVo partner with cross promotions
By Susanne Ault – 07/09/2009
JULY 9 | DIGITAL: Chain to push DVR, be integrated into device’s interface More
Netflix streams service through Sony’s Bravia TVs
By Susanne Ault – 07/09/2009
JULY 9 | DIGITAL: Adds to list of more than 25 broadband-delivered programmers More
Fans rush Fox’s Comic-Con Dollhouse edition
By Susanne Ault – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | PHYSICAL: Only 5,000 units available of customized package More
Survey: Price, gadgets prevent smart-phone plunge
By Danny King – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | MOBILE: User base expected to grow to 240 million by 2013 More
Netflix contest adds Sayles, Milk’s Black
By Danny King – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | PHYSICAL: Writers join actor Brolin on indie film panel More Â
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High-Def
Digital copy deadlines could be problematic
By Susanne Ault – 07/10/2009
JULY 10 | DIGITAL: Most studios set cut-off time for one year after street More
Bright Stage develops e-commerce app for BD Live
By Marcy Magiera – 07/08/2009
JULY 8 | PHYSICAL: Company started by vets Malinoff and Johnson More
UFC DVDs distributed by Anchor Bay
By Susanne Ault – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | PHYSICAL: Supplier signs exclusive deal, including Blu-ray More
Monsters vs. Aliens on DVD, Blu-ray Sept. 29
By Susanne Ault – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | UPDATE: PHYSICAL: Both versions will include new 3D short film, but main feature in 2D only More
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Technology
Warner Digital launches online visual albums
By Susanne Ault – 07/10/2009
JULY 10 | DIGITAL: Adventures of One Eskimo features music, animated story More
In-Stat: 15% of video downloads are legal
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | DIGITAL: Converting illegal viewers to paying customers to yield $2.5 billion More
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VOD/Downloads
IFC scoops Loop for VOD
By Pat Saperstein of Variety – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | FROM VARIETY: Gandolfini pic to premiere in theaters, cable More
FilmBuff set for movies
By Sharon Swart of Variety – 07/10/2009
JULY 10 | FROM VARIETY: VOD channel to launch Wednesday More
Starz puts content in Comcast’s OnDemand trial
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/09/2009
JULY 9 | DIGITAL: Movies, original series available on Fancast.com, Comcast.net More
Warner Archive adds 30 new titles
By Susanne Ault – 07/08/2009
JULY 8 | PHYSICAL: Al Jolson’s Mammy coming later this year More
Concurrent, Clearleap team on VOD, advanced ads
By Glen Dickson of Broadcasting & Cable – 07/08/2009
JULY 8 | FROM B&C: Combine reporting and content delivery expertise More
Millions stream Jackson memorial
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | UPDATE: DIGITAL: Audience surpasses Obama inauguration on some sites More
France narrows film release windows
By Ian Mundell of Variety – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | FROM VARIETY: Titles to move to VOD four months after theaters More
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Videogames
First Amendment attorney aims at Schwarzenegger
By John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable – 07/07/2009
JULY 7 | FROM B&C: Has issues with governor’s decision about violent videogames law More
U.S. gamers play more, spend less
By Danny King – 07/06/2009
JULY 6 | PHYSICAL: Used-game sales expected to continue climb More Â
Warner Bros. game for Midway pickup
By Dave McNary of Variety – 07/06/2009
JULYÂ 6 | FROM VARIETY: Studio nabs assets in bankruptcy court More
Polypropylene Proposal to the Recorded Media Industry
Most plastics are burned or buried at the end of a product’s life. In the US in 2006 this was 30 million tons (or 60 billion ponds). This is a huge waste of non-renewable fossil fuel resources. If we build a system that recycles more of these plastics we will reduce that waste and ultimately our costs. We will also do the right thing for our environment and possibly earn some favorable publicity for our industry.
Polypropylene Proposal to the recorded media industry:
In order to make recycling of obsolete media products more effective, limit the plastic used in media packaging to a single polymer: polypropylene
The current CD, DVD and games recycling stream consists of three major groups of materials:
1 – Polycarbonate Discs
Discs are mostly polycarbonate with some inks, reflective metals, coatings and adhesives. In the recycling process discs are broken up and chemical solvents are used to separate the polycarbonate from the other materials. In some locations (especially in North America) these solvents are carefully controlled and in other locations the used solvents are simply dumped. An optical disc is a hi-tech product and considering an alternate polymer is beyond the scope of this proposal.
2 – Paper / Paperboard Packaging
This is a renewable material with a well organized recycling system that currently captures about 54% of output in North America. Paper is relatively easily separated from the plastics in most packaging configurations. Digi-paks are a significant exception as the plastic trays are glued to the paperboard covers, making them hard to separate. In general, the various grades of waste paper do not need to be sorted for effective recycling. The relative merit of paper or plastic in packaging is beyond the scope of this proposal.
3 – Mixed Plastic Packaging
Many different plastics are currently used to make packaging for recorded media. I have included those that I am most familiar with. The percentages indicate my educated guess about the relative volume of each polymer.
PP – Polypropylene (70%) – Used in the standard DVD Amaray-style case and most games packaging. Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) – Used as an outer clear wrap.
PS – Polystyrene (23%) – Used in the standard CD “jewel case”, trays for digi-paks, disc holders in some multi-disc DVD packages.
PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate, APET – Amorphous PET, RPET – Recycled PET (4%) – Used for clear folding cartons and some vacuum formed digi-trays
PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride (1%) – Used for clear folding cartons. Formerly commonly used, PVC use is diminishing due to its negative environmental impacts.
PE – Polyethelyne (1%) – Used in some clear outer wrap applications
PLA – Polylactic Acid (1%) – Made from corn, PLA has been used in a few limited recorded media packaging applications. The expense of the clarifiers required for clear injection molded parts and the low temperature tolerances of vacuum formed clear parts, such as digi-trays, have been barriers.
This proposal is focused on reducing this list of plastics to one: polypropylene
Why a single polymer?
Mixed plastics are difficult to sort during recycling. Many plastics look and feel similar to each other, making accurate identification labor intensive. Because of this, mixed plastic waste is often shipped out of North America for processing. Sorting recycled plastics accurately is important. While different plastics may look similar to a casual observer, many have very different characteristics. For example: one plastic may melt and be workable at a low temperature while another may require much higher temperatures. The high temperature required to melt one could burn the other, ruining the product. If the only plastic used in media packaging were polypropylene, the need to sort would be vastly reduced. Removing the sorting makes recycling much more cost effective. These recycled materials are more likely to be used in North America, eliminating the financial and environmental cost of shipping mixed plastics overseas.
Plastic recycling is one of the great un-tapped opportunities in sustainability. While paper recycling rates are relatively high and growing at 54%, plastic recycling is in its infancy. About 7% of polypropylene and 4% of polystyrene is currently recycled. The rest is usually incinerated (31%) or land filled (69%). Plastic is precious because most of them use non-renewable fossil fuels as feedstock. Recycling is the best option and avoiding the mixed plastic problem is just one step toward building a better plastics recycling system. In order to make recycling more effective we should also make a point of including the resin code for polypropylene on all components.
Why polypropylene?
Polypropylene is already the dominant plastic.
The packaging used in the Video and Games industries is already mostly PP. Packaging in the audio industry uses mostly PS. The other plastics are used in relatively low volumes. If the industry is to switch to a single plastic, switching to all PP will create the least disruption.
Polypropylene is a relatively benign plastic.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) & Nations Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) recently released a report: Comparing Packaging Options for Compact Discs, An Environmental and Toxicological Assessment. This study compared the relative merits of various packaging materials including a direct comparison of PP vs. PS in the common audio jewel case. The study was based on a life cycle assessment and unequivocally favors polypropylene over polystyrene and recommends making all jewel cases from polypropylene. The Wal-Mart Sustainable Packaging Scorecard also favors PP over PS.
Product by Product Recommendations:
DVD & Game Cases – These are already PP and flow easily into the PP recycling stream. While most of these cases use clear windows made of PP, some cases uses other plastics. All these clear windows should be made of PP to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.
Jewel Cases – Substitute PP for PS. Many tests have already been run and the results look promising. One source indicated that Wal-Mart is pushing heavily to have music CD jewel cases switched to PP by fall of 2009. Making this substitution is not just a simple matter of changing the PS pellets to PP pellets. There are additional complications such as shrinkage rates that require additional one time tooling costs.
Digi-trays – These are typically made of PS and they could be made of PP with tooling changes similar to the jewel case. PP digi-trays have been successfully tested and produced in commercial quantities.
Disc Holders for multi-disc DVD sets – Some Amaray-style DVD packages include a pivoting disc holder. Some are made of PS and some of PP. Making all of these of PP would simplify the recycling stream.
Folding Cartons – PET, APET and RPET and a small amount of PVC are the plastics most commonly used for clear folding cartons. This type of carton is frequently used for clear O-Cards and slipcases for multi-disc sets. PP sheets sometimes require a sizing coat to insure good ink adhesion. Scoring and folding of PP can be a little more complicated than with some other plastics. PP is not as clear as some other plastics, but clarifiers are getting better and less expensive all the time.
Printed “Paper” Inserts – Most Amaray-style inserts for DVD and booklets and inlays used for audio are currently printed on conventional plant fiber based paper. There are some “papers” made of PP that could be substituted. Tests are currently underway to investigate how well these PP “papers” perform in the current PP recycling stream. If this proves practical and economical, it maybe possible to eliminate the need to separate the printed inserts from the plastic packaging during recycling.
Advantages of polypropylene:
- More flexible, far less likely to break reducing customer frustration, store returns and manufacturing scrap;
- 15% lighter than PS, uses less material and costs less to ship;
- Less expensive pound for pound than the other plastics currently used in disc packaging;
- Lower environmental impact than most other plastics.
Disadvantages of polypropylene:
- Polypropylene is cloudy, less clear than some other polymers. The plastics industry has been making great strides in new clarification techniques and expects this trend to continue;
- Polypropylene requires different tooling from polystyrene, an additional one-time cost.
The goal of this proposal is to avoid waste by increasing the volume of recycled plastics. Currently 93% of polypropylene is either burned or buried at the end of a product’s life, a huge waste of non-renewable fossil fuel resources. In addition to increasing the volume, we should investigate creating a higher quality of recycled plastics and build a closed loop or cradle to cradle system for our products. Recycling as usually practiced today is really down-cycling: recycling of a material into a material of lesser quality. Recycled polypropylene from old DVD cases is typically used to make less demanding products of lower value. I am aware of at least one encouraging situation where a DVD case supplier is actively looking for old DVD cases to reprocess into new DVD cases. Depending on the formulation of PP used, the scrapped cases can be used to make new cases. My understanding is that opaque impact copolymer and clear random copolymer can both be recycled in a cradle to cradle loop. Homopolymer is apparently not as easily recycled and the recycling stream might work a little better if the industry avoided it. I understand there are many complications in pursuing a closed-loop system, but trust we have enough plastics experts within MESA who can help guide the way. When we start designing with end of life in mind, we’ll make even more impact on reducing waste and ultimately our packaging costs.
This proposal reflects my personal opinion and best guesses based on conversations with various people in the industry. I appreciate the input and hope I have accurately reflected the information they provided. I welcome your opinions and any information that would contribute to creating a more effective plastics recycling system.
Submitted by Steve Robinson
Director of GEM – Southwest
www.greenenterprise.ca
Steve@GreenEnterprise.ca
323-660-2579
MESA News – Jul. 3
Studios/Suppliers
HBO promotes comedy with Fetish campaign
By Laurence Lerman – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | PHYSICAL: Show clips available on Web sites, windows More
Ice Age freezes Transformers
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Fox film grosses $14 million on its opening day More
Warner expands reach of MOD titles
By Susanne Ault – 07/01/2009
JULY 1 | PHYSICAL: Amazon, other retailers carry classic DVDs More
Paramount looking for distribution partner
By Marcy Magiera and Susanne Ault – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | PHYSICAL: Studio in talks with Sony, Fox More
Warner, NFL to produce custom football DVDs
By Susanne Ault – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | PHYSICAL: Will partner with sponsorship firm Activa Global Sales and Entertainment More
Classic TV gets porn parody treatment
By Brian Lowry of Variety – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | FROM VARIETY: Hustler Video Group looks to tube for inspiration More
Global Gaming buys The Pirate Bay
By Gunnar Rehlin and Leo Barraclough of Variety – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | FROM VARIETY: Rogue site to switch to legal operation More
Transformers on top with $390.4 million
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Pic takes $200.1 million from domestic box office More
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Retail
Amazon VOD has longer window for indie films
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | DIGITAL: Suppliers offer titles for seven-day rental periods More Netflix may have improved movie-ratings system
By Danny King – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | PHYSICAL: BellKor claims to have 10% solution for recommendation engine More
Maya, Blockbuster eye Latin project
By Dave McNary of Variety – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | FROM VARIETY: Companies team up for eight-film Cinema series More
Digital-media sales stalled in Q1
By Danny King – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | DIGITAL: Ad-supported revenue falls on economic downturn More
Blockbuster cuts kiosk rental prices
By Danny King – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | PHYSICAL: NCR-operated machines will still charge $2/night for Blu-ray More
Barnes & Noble launches iPhone, iTouch app
By Danny King – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | DIGITAL: Bookstore chain taps into smart phone popularity More
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High-def
Services speed HD downloads
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/01/2009
JULY 1 | DIGITAL: Slow broadband connections, Blu-ray quality might be obstacles More
Pioneer, Sharp joint venture to begin in October
By Susanne Ault – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | PHYSICAL: Company will develop Blu-ray players, others More
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Technology
VOD vendors fast forward network DVR plans
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | FROM MCN: Companies ready systems for high-capacity time-shifted TV services More
Dish wins stay from Appeals Court on DVR order
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | FROM MCN: Court schedules case in TiVo litigation for as soon as November More
Services speed HD downloads
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/01/2009
JULY 1 | DIGITAL: Slow broadband connections, Blu-ray quality might be obstacles More
Video Business, Variety partner on 3D Summit
By Variety staff – 07/01/2009
JULY 1 | FROM VARIETY: Venture with Bob Dowling and Unicomm to cover event More
Supreme Court lets Cablevision DVR decision stand
By John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | FROM B&C: CNN, some studios had wanted Court to overturn appeals on copyright ruling More
Cinema Expo pitches 3D to theaters
By Ian Mundell of Variety – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | FROM VARIETY: Cameron throws weight behind new technology More
Film may have found its Guitar Hero
By Chris Morris of Variety – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | FROM VARIETY: YooStar lets fans into classic scenes More
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VOD/Downloads
VOD vendors fast forward network DVR plans
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | FROM MCN: Companies ready systems for high-capacity time-shifted TV services More
Dish wins stay from Appeals Court on DVR order
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 07/02/2009
JULY 2 | FROM MCN: Court schedules case in TiVo litigation for as soon as November More
Paramount puts movies on ZapMyTV
By Jennifer Netherby – 07/01/2009
JULY 1 | DIGITAL: Benjamin Button, Breakfast at Tiffany’s included in deal More
Joost cuts off its Internet TV arm
By Steve Clarke of Variety – 07/01/2009
JULY 1 | FROM VARIETY: Offices to close in the U.K. and Netherlands More
Warner to distribute Oscilloscope films on VOD
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | DIGITAL: Movies to be released same day as DVD, some before theatrical More
Supreme Court lets Cablevision DVR decision stand
By John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | FROM B&C: CNN, some studios had wanted Court to overturn appeals on copyright ruling More
U.K.’s Virgin opens up PictureBox
By Steve Clarke of Variety – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | FROM VARIETY: Subscribers gain VOD access to Universal films More
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Videogames
Canal Plus closes Xbox deal in France
By Ian Mundell of Variety – 06/30/2009
JUNE 30 | FROM VARIETY: Users to access 3,000 films, 3,000 other titles More
Hulu unavailable through PlayStation 3
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/29/2009
JUNE 29 | DIGITAL: Streaming video content blocked after software upgrade More
Global Polymers Announces MESA Membership
DVD Recycling Leader To Help Advance Industry Sustainability Agenda
Global Polymers, the home entertainment industry’s leading, certified destruction, closed-loop recycling, and sustainability specialist, has announced its membership in the Media and Entertainment Services Alliance (MESA). Last year the company securely destroyed and recycled over 6 million lbs. of material for the home entertainment industry, resulting in a savings of over 22,000 cubic yards of landfill space, 35,000 barrels of oil, and 2,300 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
As a member of MESA, Global Polymers will participate in all programs related to establishing best practices for secure, sustainable recycling programs for the home video, video game and music industries. With over 15 years of experience in plastics, Global Polymers has the depth of market knowledge, technical expertise and logistic capability to not only securely destroy these sensitive materials, but to also find the most environmentally sustainable solutions for the material.
“Studios have unique requirements for a recycling service provider and Global Polymers has a longer track record and more established processes than any other service provider in this market segment. We have taken a leadership role in delivering closed-loop recycling solutions for home entertainment, automotive and consumer products and we are eager to introduce all content holders to the benefits of our systems and solutions for recycling their packaging and media materials,” said Global Polymers President Barry McRoberts.
MESA, a global alliance of service providers to the entertainment industry, assists its members in developing efficiencies in the creation, production and distribution of physical and digital media and entertainment. MESA utilizes partnerships with service providers, content holders, and other industry trade associations to generate dialogue and improvements in the industry’s workflow and supply chain processes.
Global Polymers will be participating in a closed-loop recycling/certified destruction summit in Los Angeles in early September to create an open industry dialogue about proven separation/sorting and closed-loop recycling methods and opportunities.
“We have spent two years fine tuning our recycling programs and processes, and are pleased to offer our expertise to the home entertainment industry,” comments McRoberts. “By partnering with MESA, we feel that we now have the right platform to share what we have learned and expand sustainability and recycling in the digital media Industry!”
For more information about Global Polymers, contact Barry McRoberts at 502-425-1133, barry@globalpolymerscorp.com or visit www.globalpolymerscorp.com
For more information about MESA’s upcoming recycling and returns summit, contact Guy Finley at 917-513-5963, guy@MESAlliance.org or visit www.MESAlliance.org
MESA Membership Update
MESA has grown to 17 member companies involved in the creation, production and distribution of physical and digital media & entertainment. Join these companies in the dialogue and collaborate within our industry:
Founding Members
Capgemini
Savvis
Testronic Labs
Members
Axway
BluFocus
Cinram
Ditan
EO3 Consulting
Green Enterprise Movement
Macrovision
Nexpak
Scanavo
Sony DADC
Technicolor
Telefuture Partners
Teradata
Webconcepts
For information about MESA contact Guy Finley at (917)513-5963 or e-mail guy@MESAlliance.org
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