Hulu launched a new series called if I can dream. Its some 90210 crappy series but whats interesting is the fact there is no geo-ip on the media, making it a drama series that anyone can enjoy no matter where they live. You only have to look at something like Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog to see what happens when you got a well produced hit with no geo-ip.
I also saw TV product placement ban has been lifted in the UK. Commercial broadcasters will soon be allowed to accept payment for promoting branded goods in hit TV shows.
The promotion of alcohol, tobacco, gambling and foods that contain high levels of fat, salt or sugar will still be banned. The BBC will remain banned from promoting any products.
Product placement is already widespread in films, notably James Bond movies, and on American TV shows, including Sex and the City and Simon Cowell’s American Idol.
Both ITV and Channel 4 welcomed the lifting of the ban. An ITV spokesman said: “ITV welcomes the government’s announcement today to permit limited product placement in UK-made TV programmes. While we do not necessarily agree with the restrictions placed on certain categories, it is a step in the right direction as it will deliver additional revenue for investment in original content in the UK.”
Honestly I watch so much American tv that this makes no difference to me and to be fair with a new revenue model available, maybe more of the copyright owners will be less precious about who sees the media.
Finally, See Saw launched which is meant to be the UK Hulu but to be honest it feels very much like iplayer of early 2009. Where’s all the social sharing features which we all use everyday? Wheres the RSS feeds and API? Nowhere to be seen. Somebody please write a XBMC and Boxee plugin for this, so I consume it in a rational way.
