Adult content already hot on burning

CinemaNow subsidiary offers permanent downloads

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 4/7/2006

APRIL 7 | As the major studios begin their first experiments with permanent computer downloads of movies, adult suppliers are already pushing the envelope with download-to-burn movies that users can watch on set-top DVD players as well as their computers.

Although the buying habits of adult product sometimes differ from mainstream movie buying habits, the business could offer a glimpse into the impact of downloads on DVD sales.

Download-2-Own.com began offering downloads from 900 adult companies several months ago.

And in the coming weeks, Vivid Video will begin offering a burn-to-DVD option through the All Adult Channel, which is owned by mainstream download service CinemaNow. CinemaNow handles the technology behind the service, while Vivid provides the content.

CinemaNow reps didn’t return a call for comment on the service or how it could play into the company’s overall download business.

Vivid will make 30 catalog titles available through the service and include bonus features with the film (the same as on the DVD) with prices slightly above that of DVD, president Steven Hirsch said. Downloads are priced at $24.95, with the typical DVD selling for $19.95, he said.

The company doesn’t plan to give downloads a day-and-date release with DVD, seeing it as something that could eat into disc sales in the coming years.

Until now, Vivid has made its titles available for streaming, essentially as a rental, or as a permanent download to a computer. The majority of users chose to stream the movies rather than download a permanent copy, Hirsch said.