Stratagem North - VOD Trends

As I was having coffee with friends yesterday, it became clear that the investment avenues of choice after the real estate market tanked, were entertainment and technology. Better yet, entertainment technology combined.

What exactly is that? Broadcast and cable rights of video on demand (VOD). This is the next real estate with increased value upon completion of a film project. That means purchase the rights when the film is not yet completed but is 100% financed to minimize risk. And sell at a higher value when the film is completed.

Even better major studios won't even issue a distribution contract anymore without the inclusion of VOD rights. Think about it. Your choices are either resell the rights, or you license the rights for income in perpetuity. Either way win win.

Oh, and, the shopping is easy. We have a portfolio of a wide variety of films with VOD rights for sale if you are interested. -- Priti Ramjee, CEO

Picture this, you plug in your laptop to your mega screen tv, and friends and family come over for an entertaining evening of 3D sports, news, concerts, movies, television shows, all from the comfort of your home, on your time. There's just one thing wrong with this picture. Those awkward 3D glasses. Personally, a bunch of people roaming around in those glasses, reminds me of something out of a 60's sci-fi movie.

3D is being pushed at the FIFA World Cup games as FIFA and Sony are showing 25 matches in 3D. Despite the prediction that 3D will take off, currently, in order to have the benefit of 3D, we must have a 3D television set, a broadcast carriers, and also those awful 3D glasses.

Content owners see the growth potentiial which will increase the number of carriers. However, until 3D can be viewed without the clumsy glasses, experts believe home viewing will not be so popular. I have to agree.

The 3D effect in our homes is predicted to become popular from 2015 as costs, technology and content continue to progress. Meanwhile, hang on to your glasses. The future generation will have something to smile about. -- Priti Ramjee, CEO

It's not surprising but still fascinating, the growth in VOD.

According to Infonetics Research, in the fourth quarter of 2009, spending on VOD and streaming content servers was up to $113 million worldwide. That was up from $106 million in the third quarter. As a comparison, the 2008 total revenue was $407 million. It was up to $460 million in 2009.

-- Priti Ramjee, CEO