netflix

Obama signs Netflix-backed amendment to video privacy law

President Obama signed Netflix-backed legislation today that makes it easier for people to share their video-viewing habits online.

With his signature on H.R. 6671, Obama approved an amendment to the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act that allows video rental companies to obtain customer consent to share information about their viewing preferences on social networks such as Facebook. The law was enacted after a weekly newspaper printed the video rental history of Judge Robert H. Bork during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

The House bill is similar to a proposal approved last November by the Senate Judiciary Committee, minus language … Read more

Netflix to debut new 'Arrested Development' episodes in May

"Arrested Development" fans rejoice -- there's more of the Bluths to come. Netflix confirmed today that 14 all-new episodes will air on the video-streaming site this coming May.

"Today at TCA [Television Critics Association] we confirmed that 'Arrested Development' will be 14 episodes and will premiere in May," a Netflix spokesperson told CNET.

The beloved TV show with a serious cult following was cut from network television in 2006 after three seasons. Despite winning several Emmy awards and one Golden Globe, the show failed to gain sufficient viewership and ratings during its run on television. … Read more

Redbox Instant is no Netflix killer

LAS VEGAS -- Redbox Instant by Verizon isn't a Netflix killer, and it's okay with that.

Executives from the joint venture were at the Consumer Electronics Show to talk up its video streaming and DVD rental service, which went into beta a few weeks ago.

CEO Shawn Strickland, a former Verizon executive, wanted to make it clear Redbox Instant would not compete against Netflix. His service would offer up new and some older movies -- and only movies. He said he believes there's a segment of consumers who are hungry for nothing but a film experience.

"… Read more

Netflix brings 3D, 'Super HD' video to some customers

After months of rumors, Netflix has finally announced a "Super HD" streaming option as well as a handful of 3D additions to its video library. Super HD is Netflix's higher-quality version of its standard 1080p HD format.

But there's a catch: Only Netflix customers who are signed up with ISPs that use Netflix's Open Connect network will have access to both Super HD and the new 3D titles. Netflix debuted Open Connect in June, saying it could lower costs and improve content delivery.

"Leading-edge ISPs around the world such as Cablevision, Virgin Media, British … Read more

AT&T takes on Netflix, Hulu with own VOD service

LAS VEGAS--AT&T today unveiled a new video-on-demand service for its U-Verse TV offering amid the rising threat of companies such as Netflix.

As more consumers consider dropping their cable TV in lieu of Web-based alternatives, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, AT&T said today that it is offering the U-Verse Screen Pack for $5 a month, available only to its U-Verse customers. It will allow users to access a library of 1,500 movies from their TV, computer, or wireless devices.

Existing U-Verse TV customers will get a free preview of Screen Pack between January 7 … Read more

Warner Bros. to bring 'Revolution,' 'Fringe' to Netflix

Netflix and Warner Bros. have signed a deal that will deliver several popular shows to the streaming service.

The companies announced today that they have signed a deal that will see several Warner Bros. Television Group shows make their way to Netflix, including "Revolution," "Fringe," "The West Wing," and "666 Park Avenue." According to the companies, Netflix will be the exclusive online home to complete prior seasons of the shows.

All told, eight shows are included in the deal, but in the future, more could be added.

Time Warner, which owns Warner … Read more

HBO renews Universal film deal, one less studio for Netflix

HBO has locked up the pay-TV rights for films from Universal Pictures, one of the top six Hollywood film studios, the company's said today.

HBO, owned by Time Warner, and Comcast-controlled Universal, said they extended their licensing agreement into the next decade. HBO will continue to own exclusive access to the movies during the pay-TV window -- the period that begins after movies are made available for sale on download and discs.

The deal limits Netflix's ability to land another big licensing agreement similar to the one it entered into with Disney late last year. A month ago, … Read more

Hulu CEO finally announces his departure

Jason Kilar, the much respected CEO of Hulu, the video service owned by three of the top TV networks, said today he will resign sometime before April.

"What is an understatement," Kilar wrote on the company's blog, "this email has proven difficult for me to both write and send. I've decided to depart Hulu in Q1. I am currently working with the Board to ensure there is ample runway to manage this transition."

Kilar said that Rich Tom, the company's CTO, will leave at the same time. Hulu is owned by NBC Universal, … Read more

'Dance Moms,' other A&E shows waltz onto Amazon Prime

People seeking their favorite A&E shows -- like "Storage Wars" or "Dance Moms" -- can now watch them via Amazon's video streaming service.

The Web giant today said it has reached a content licensing agreement with A+E Networks, which owns the A&E, Bio, History, and Lifetime channels. Under the agreement, prior seasons of popular shows will be added to Amazon's Prime Instant Video service.

Amazon has been rapidly expanding its streaming service to compete with Netflix, Hulu, and other rivals. The service originally was only available to the company'… Read more