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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Google Is Set To Transform The Online Video Streaming Industry

Google Is Set To Transform The Online Video Streaming Industry

Oct 30 2013, 19:47 |

about: GOOG, includes: AMZN, DISH, INTC, NFLX

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. (More...)

Google (GOOG) acquired YouTube in 2006 for about $1.6 billion. Since then, the company has been investing heavily to popularize the site and also to improve its content and delivery qualities. It has been trying various ways, like advertisements and paid channels, to monetize YouTube's assets. Launched in May this year the paid channel program is the latest attempt of the company to create a revenue stream beyond advertisements.

Paid channels:

YouTube partner program is the program that enables over a million content creators to earn revenue from their content on YouTube.

On May 9, 2013, YouTube announced a major addition to its YouTube partner program. It introduced a pilot program for paid channels with selected partners. Under paid channels, the content creators can charge a fee from the users who want to access their content. YouTube allowed its initial hand picked partners to charge a subscription fee (starting at $0.99 per month) from its users.

Some of the initial paid channels include: Acorn TV, which offers ad-free British TV programs at $4.99 per month; National Geographic Kids, at $2.99 a month or $30 a year; and PrimeZone Sports, at $2.99 per month.

After the initial success of the program, on October 22, 2013, the company extended this program and allowed most of its partners who have over 10000 existing subscribers to join the program provided that the partner is located in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.

The partner also must meet the following eligibility requirements (as mentioned on google.com):
Your account is in good standing.
You meet the general criteria for YouTube partnership.
You have verified your account by phone.
You have an approved AdSense account linked to your YouTube account.
You own a free channel with at least 10,000 active subscribers.

Further, every channel will have to provide a 14-day free trial so that users can get the idea of the content.

By launching this program/service, the company will now give the professional content creators an opportunity to stream their content to their target users in a totally personalized way, as this essentially is a self-service platform. YouTube will provide the content delivery infrastructure and also will act as the link between the partners and the potential subscribers.

As YouTube said in its blog post.

We'll be rolling paid channels out more broadly in the coming weeks as a self-service feature for qualifying partners. And as new channels appear, we'll be making sure you can discover them, just as we've been helping you find and subscribe to all the channels you love across YouTube.

Online video-streaming industry:

The online video-streaming industry is the one of the fastest growing industries. According to the data compiled by comScore: "187 million Americans watched more than 48 billion online content videos in July".

Rising Internet penetration, high data-transfer speed, rapidly growing sales of smartphones and tablets, availability of quality content, anytime on-demand availability are some of the key factors behind this growth.

With about 40 million subscribers, Netflix (NFLX) is the clear leader in the online streaming industry. Companies like Amazon (AMZN), Hulu and YouTube (Google) are well known for their online video-streaming services and are competing in the industry. Some other players also operate in the industry. For example, Comcast offers streaming service by the name of Xfinity Streampix; Dish Network (DISH) is using Blockbuster to enter the streaming business; Intel (INTC), the semiconductor manufacturer, is trying to enter in a big way.

Conclusion:

With the full launch of this anytime, anywhere, subscription-based video-streaming program, the company is all set to transform YouTube as well as the online video-streaming industry.

YouTube so far is a video sharing site which allows its users to upload their videos to the site and share them with the other site users. After the launch of this program, the site will transform to a content delivery platform rather than a just a content sharing site. From now on, the site will act as a content delivery platform for the professional content creators. The program in a way will allow every serious content creator to compete with Netflix, Hulu, etc. Now, the content creators can just concentrate on the creativity, and the site will take care of all the content delivery related needs. The partners just need to create and upload their content, and the site will make sure that the content gets delivered to the subscriber on anytime, anywhere basis.

Preferred destination for content creators:

With the launch of this program, YouTube will become a preferred destination for professional content creators. This program will provides multiple benefits to the content creators like:
Readily available infrastructure and users.
Royalty-based revenue stream.
Mobile access.

Readily available infrastructure and users:

For any content creator who wants to join the online video-streaming industry, the biggest problems are the lack of delivery infrastructure and users. With the launch of this program, the company provides the solution for the both problems. Now, any serious content creator can use the YouTube's delivery platform to deliver its content to its users on a subscription basis. Moreover, YouTube's one-billion users are larger enough for any quality content creator to get the required subscribers.

Royalty-based revenue stream:

This program will allow the content creators to earn royalty revenue along with the advertisement revenues. Royalty-based revenue stream is preferred by the big content creators, as it normally gives better returns. Moreover, it's up to the content owner to decide how much fee it wants to charge.

Mobile access:

YouTube has a significant mobile presence. Its 40% traffic originates from both phones and tablets.

As mentioned in its Q3 2013 Results - Earnings Call Transcript:

We've also making great progress across devices with Youtube. Almost 40% of Youtube's traffic now comes from mobile, up from 6% two years ago.

This significant presence of YouTube in the mobile segment along with the program will attract much more content creators because the growth of online video-streaming industry almost correlates with the growth in the use of mobile devices, as the mobile devices are the most preferred platform for the on-demand viewing.

Benefits for the company:

For the company this program will bring multiple benefits like:
Another revenue stream.
Rapid build-up of content

Another revenue stream:

This program will open another revenue stream for the company that is also without any copyright issues because the content owners will have full control over their content.

Rapid build-up of content:

The company is not only trying to monetize its existing assets, but also is trying to build-up the content more rapidly by making YouTube a preferred destination for the content creators (explained above).

Effect on the industry and competitors:

The industry and customers will see the entry of many new players with lots of original and exclusive content. For competitors, the program comes as the worst possible news, as it will immensely increase the competition. The only positive for the competitors is the fact that now Google/YouTube is least expected to come with its own exclusive content in the market. Taking everything into account, the program will make the industry more competitive and the existing players more worried.

All in all, an excellent development for the company and its investors.

Disclaimer: Investments in stock markets carry significant risk, stock prices can rise or fall without any understandable or fundamental reasons. Enter only if one has the appetite to take risk and heart to withstand the volatile nature of the stock markets.This article reflects the personal views of the author about the company and one must consult its financial adviser before making any decision.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Steve Luscombe - She Said Bye










Steve Luscombe CD title : She Said Bye Genre: Country Country: USA Taytown Records is proudly releasing “I’m a Natural - EP" from up-and-coming artist Steve Luscombe to radio.

The songs were written by Alex Smith and Rock Carroll and produced by Dan Drilling. I’m A Natural” is more than just the title of Steve Luscombe’s debut EP, it summarizes the currents of his life. Adopted by a Church of Christ minister in Sikeston, Missouri, Steve grew up immersed in Gospel music.

He loved it, learned it, and returns to it still. His bewitching way with a lyric is evident on every cut on his new CD, I’m A Natural. The EP contains impressive instrumental arrangements and he is excited to share his music with his current and future fans! Check out the trim, handsome troubadour’s video and learn more about him on his website - www.steveluscombe.com

What are the critics saying? "Now here's a surprise. The production is smooth and traditional with a melody that rivals some of Alan Jackson's best ballads with a vocal that recalls Steve Wariner's countrypolitan soul.† In a just world this child of a Church of Christ minister would have just as much of a shot at mainstream country radio success with "I'm A Natural" because he's, well, a natural and† gifted vocalist.

"†††††††††††††††††† †-† Matt Bjorke, Roughstock.com (November 2012) "After listening to his CD, I said no way can this guy sing like this live - but he does!Steve's live performance sounds just like the record"†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††
- Billy Block† (Billy Block Show, November 6, 2012)



Thursday, October 17, 2013

George A. Santino - As The One That Got Away - New single




"As The One That Got Away"
New single by George A. Santino
The much anticipated single is now out and available for purchase! This is another amazing track from the mega talent George A. Santino!

As The One That Got Away
– August 09, 2013 – Seattle WA. -- George A Santino is back again with another original song; "As The One That Got Away." Since retiring from Microsoft at the end of 2011 George A Santino has returned to his musical roots. Mr. Santino has many Frank Sinatra-inspired recordings but with his own touch, he is carrying on the nostalgic music into the new generation. Debuting album “Come Fly With Me,” was released in summer of 2012 as a collection of crooner hits. “That’s Life” debuted as #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Swing Jazz.  George's music video for “Come Fly With Me,” raved with over 18,000 views and was well received by jazz music fans all over the world as well as the media. His Holiday song "The Magic Of Christmas" got rave reviews and touched hearts worldwide! "The Magic Of Christmas" was also made into a music video that has over 123,000 views on Youtube. His new single is a song that makes us all think back to that one love that go away.

The Jazz Times reported,  “George A. Santino has launched yet another fulfilling career—that of smooth crooner of the Great American Songbook.”

George was born in Philadelphia, PA to a poor family growing up in a housing project where poverty and violence were prominent. George learned early on that he had to work hard to get ahead, he has a uniquely American story to tell.
George A. Santino longed for a career in the music business since childhood. Music never left the back of his mind, however he shelved his dream to provide for his family. After fulfilling a rewarding career at Microsoft, he was able to return to his childhood dream of performing and storytelling.

To learn more, visit http://georgeasantino.com/

Monday, October 14, 2013

Jim Krochka - Dream




Basic Band Info
Band Name: Jim Krochka
Album Name: Dream
Email Address: jim@jimkrochkalaw.com
Website Address: http://www.jimkrochkamusic.com
Music Style: Singer/Songwriter

Geographic City: Walnut Creek
State: CA
Country:United States
Zip Code: 94598

Band Description

Music that is thoughtful and meaningful. From rock to easy listening - music about people, places and feelings.

Artist Biography

I didn’t start writing music until late in life (55 years old). I guess I had been thinking all my life in preparation for writing. I have played the guitar 30+ years and played other people’s songs. So, the music I have written has a lot of thought behind it. Rather than try to fit songs into a predetermined mold I let the song and music take me where it needs to go. Listeners will find thoughtful lyrics and cool sounds of all sorts.

We are excited to announce a new music album by Jim Krochka! Called Dream, it is about love, history, and cyborgs. This is the follow up to Jim’s first major album, Inside the Brain, and like that album, Dream strives to be both thought provoking, fun, and moving, all at the same time.

For those who haven’t heard of him, Jim Krochka is a Bay Area musician who chose to follow his passion a little bit later than most. His style mixes an interesting variety of instruments (harp, guitar, saxophone) along with lyrics meant to not only entertain, but provide the listener with some food for thought.

Here is what the listener can expect from Dream:

Are We There Yet? Dream begins by asking the question of where does society want to go.

Dream. After asking a question about humanity in the larger sense, Jim brings things down to the personal level with the title track to his new music album. This is about every person’s right to pursue their dreams.

Fury At The Wall. Inspired by Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg, this track brings a little history into the mix.

The Real Deal. With this track the album takes a Latin twist and goes from talking about history to love.

Whitsunday Morning. Inspired by the Whitsunday Islands, this track captures the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Want The Short Line. With this track the album takes up a harder rock vibe. It is about life being too short to wait in line.

The Mannequin Man. This song poses the question: is the voice that of a man or is it a cyborg?

A Beautiful Song. This track takes its inspiration from the beauty of whale songs.

Goin’ To Montana. This is a song for those who are looking to escape their 9-5 and get back to nature.

Can’t Kiss You Once. Anyone who has never been able to stop kissing someone will quickly connect with this song.

Wanna Sleep Like A Cat. Last but my no means least, “Wanna Sleep Like A Cat” is about, well, sleeping like a cat.

Want more music from Jim? Along with his new music album, you can download his first album, Inside the Brain, from his store. Also, be sure to check out Jim’s other project, LT the cat at little-thunder.com.