AOL Adds Paramount to Video Downloads

By Geoff Duncan Updated October 23, 2006

On the heels of Google’s acquisition of YouTube and Apple’s still-runaway success selling video via iTunes, AOL continues to ratchet up its claim to be a one-stop source for all online video needs: today, AOL announced a new arrangement which makes movies and television shows from Paramount Pictures for sale via download. Prices for movies will range from $9.99 to $19.99 apiece.

The move puts Paramount content on AOL’s new video portal alongside video from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Universal Pictures, which were all on board when AOL launched its video service in August.

As with AOL’s existing paid video downloads, consumers will be able to transfer the material to up to three computers or portable devices supporting Windows Media Player 10, but cannot burn selections to standard DVDs. Paramount’s offerings—which will include movie classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Chinatown along with newer fare like Mission: Impossible III, and may extend to TV offerings like the Star Trek franchise, Charmed, and NCIS, and television specials—will only be available for purchase. Unlike some material from other studios on AOL’s video portal, currently no Paramount material will be available for free via ad-supported or other streaming formats.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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