Content Providers (IPTV/Cable/Music)

I absolutely did not see this one coming.  I'm a fan of Two and a Half Men, but Kutcher never even crossed my mind as the replacement for Charlie Sheen.  To be fair, they aren't recasting Charlie Harper, rather they're introducing a new character to be played by Kutcher.  I was never a fan of anything he did, especially That '70s Show.

The sources said that the actor is currently putting the final touches on his deal to join the hit sitcom, and will reportedly get a "huge payday." Kutcher has not confirmed the news, but tweeted on Thursday, "What's the square root of 6.25?" The answer? Yup, 2.5.

The Clicker

I'm torn.  What do you think?  Smart move?  Tragic mistake?

Google kicked off 2010 by adding movie rentals to its YouTube service. Those early Sundance offerings have gradually been supplemented with a variety of independent, Bollywood, and anime rentals, but today Google kicked things up a notch with the announcement that YouTube would be adding 3,000 rental titles from major Hollywood heavyweights Warner Brothers, Sony, and Universal. The titles are expected to include a mix of recent releases and older catalog titles and will be added over the next several weeks. 

I have to admit that I find it interesting that much of coverage I've seen elsewhere focuses on how this new move will allow YouTube to put pressure on Netflix. Similar rhetoric was deployed when YouTube first started offering rentals, again when the service came out of beta, and more recently when rumors started circulating that Google was finally making headway in its negotiations with some Hollywood studios. Unless the studios suddenly decide that digital rentals are the only way to distribute movies online, Google seems to be positioning YouTube more to compete with Apple and Vudu.  With rental prices of $3.99 and up it would only take a few rentals a month for a consumer to find a better deal with Netflix. Obviously there may be a tradeoff in the selection of newer, AAA titles available, but these services still seem to be geared toward different markets.

YouTube is adding films from Sony Corp. (6758), Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros., Comcast Corp.’s Universal Pictures and Lionsgate, according to a statement today. The additions will push YouTube’s total movie rentals available to more than 6,000.

VUDU continues pounding out improvements to its streaming service. New to the streaming service are TV shows. A quick look at the VUDU catalog reveals that there are already quite a few shows available. Quality seems to vary by network. VUDU's HDX quality is available from some of the more progressive networks such as AMC, Showtime and Starz.

Pricing varies depending on TV show and quality level. TV shows can be purchased individually or as entire seasons. Similar to Amazon, current-run shows are available next day after initial broadcast airing. 

VUDU is pleased to announce the arrival of something new to watch: TV! Now, you’ll be able to check out hits like GLEE, MODERN FAMILY, and NURSE JACKIE plus catch up on fan favorites like WEEDS and BONES. We’ve also got every episode to date of GOSSIP GIRL – if you’ve missed an episode just check VUDU – we’ll have new episodes up the day after they air so you won’t miss a thing!

I'm not a Hulu user, but I have to admit I'll be tempted to check out this free preview upcoming of this new integration of the XBox 360 Dashboard with Hulu Plus. Given how slick the Netflix application is, I have pretty high expectations. Will this make you spend the money though if you didn't already subscribe?

From April 29 to May 6 all Xbox Live members — even those without a Hulu Plus or Xbox Live Gold membership — will be able to access the service for free. Microsoft also is running a sweepstakes for those Xbox owners who download Hulu Plus to their Xbox 360.

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