Tuesday Tidbits

Network DVRs - Last week the Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision and legalized Cablevision's use of DVRs located in the cable system rather than the viewer's home. AdAge reports that by lowering barriers to use, network DVRs will significantly increase use of this technology therby also increasing ad-skipping. I have to believe that any decrease in the effectiveness of TV advertising will be good for new-media advertising alternatives such as ad-supported music.


Napster Losses - According to Digital Music News, in the last quarter Napster: "witnessed drops across revenues, income, and subscribers, three critical metrics." Forrester analyst James McQuivey calls subscription services "modern-day record clubs" - an apt comparison of the service and revenue potential.

Google Chinese Ad-Supported Music Search - It has been all over the music news that Google has launched an ad-supported music search service in China. The Chinese - like every other breathing human being - don't like to pay for music. The potential for ad-supported music in China - especially on cellphones - boggles my mind.

Pay What You Want Download Site Aralie Launches - Why?


MySpace Music CEO Search Going Badly - The Deal reports that MySpace has been unable to find a CEO for their music service. Apparently industry insiders like Ian Rogers, Dave Goldberg, and Eric Garland turned down the job. I don't know why Murdoch would go after industry veterans to run this new service. The music industry needs new ideas. I don't think Hands can save EMI but I give him credit for turning to an industry outsider to run the record division.