Volume V

Issue : 4: February 22, 2007

• Travel Websites Clamp Down on False Reviews
• Canadian Court Orders U.S. Website Probed for Privacy Violations
• Company Fined for Laptop Theft
• Virtual Wallet Funds Frozen by FBI
• IBM Worker Sues His Employer for Being Fired for Accessing Adult Chat Rooms While at Work
• MySpace Action Dismissed
• RIAA Found Liable for Defendants Costs in File Sharing Case
• Connecticut Moves to Ban Internet Hunting
• Wal Mart Launches Online Video Store
• Canadian Copyright Collective Seeks Private Copying Levy for iPods

Home > Volume V > Issue 4: February 22, 2007 > Wal Mart Launches Online Video Store

Wal Mart Launches Online Video Store

Wal-Mart launched the “beta” version of its online video store on February 6, 2007. The website will sell digital versions of films and TV shows from all the major studios and most TV networks. At present, video content purchased from the website cannot be burned onto a DVD, though this option is expected to be available by the end of the year. The Wal-Mart store will not be providing rentals like most of its competitors.

The entry of the world’s largest retailer into the digital download market is expected to significantly increase competition for existing online video rental and download stores such as iTunes and “Unbox” of Amazon Inc. The online video download market is expected to grow into a $4 billion market within five years. In comparison, the DVD rental and sales is currently generating $27 billion annually.

For additional information, visit:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8N40R4O0.htm