Movie Rental | featured news

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.

YouTube's movie rental service is still in its infancy, and it still only offers a small selection of films, but that could change quickly. YouTube exec Hunter Walk told MediaPost that the site will soon offer its users the ability to charge rental fees for their uploaded videos.

Netflix's advantages will fade as online movie delivery gradually replaces DVDs.

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

A contest with a $1 million prize for improving on Netflix’s movie recommendations ended in a dead heat, but has already produced an impressive legacy.