Archive for March, 2011
Netflix Unfriended By Facebook TV
Facebook took some air out of the Netflix balloon when it announced its own movie streaming media service Tuesday. Working with Warner Brothers Digital Distribution, Facebook is testing a video service that will let users rent movies for $3, or 30 Facebook credits.
The first installment of the trial is the 2008 Batman movie The Dark Knight, and users can have access to the rental for 48 hours. The move was not welcomed by Netflix investors who see Facebook’s 600 million-member social media site as a formidable challenge to company’s $8-a-month video streaming efforts.
Netflix shares fell more than 4% to $199.30 in early trading Tuesday. Given Facebook’s immense reach and the apparent ease at which it can keep users on the site while they watch movies, the move certainly threatens the Netflix model. Not only does Facebook give the studios access to its vast membership, it can also deliver advertisers a big group of consumers with shared interests.
For links and more stories visit the new Streaming Media section at HomeToys.com
Credit: Bob Hetherington
Posted by eBrand Media Research Department in Facebook, Social Media on March 9th, 2011
Tax returns to buy TV’s, furniture, and vacations
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Tax Returns Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, many Americans are now keen to use their tax refunds to treat themselves or their families to a major purchase. 13.2% of Americans will spend their refund on a big ticket item, such as a new television or furniture up from 12.5% last year.
But with the economy also serving as a reminder that it’s best to be financially prepared for the worst, 42.1% of people will put their refunds away for a rainy day vs. 40.3% in 2010. 66.2% of tax payers are expecting a refund this year, up from 65.5% last year.
Matthew Shay, NRF President and CEO, says “Despite the difficult unemployment situation… Americans receiving a tax refund this year seem eager to plough this money back into the economy… NRF is becoming more bullish about the economic recovery.”
Posted by eBrand Media Research Department in Advertising, Trend Tracker on March 8th, 2011