Top Stories

SEATTLE/REDMOND, July 2: Amazon.com and Microsoft Corp. have launched the 1,000 HD DVD Indies Project, designed to make it easier for independent filmmakers to produce and distribute movies in the HD DVD format. The project will provide free authoring and …

DALLAS, June 29: Blockbuster will close 282 of its stores in the U.S. this year, according to an AP report, as it looks to beef up its online rental service in order to compete with rival Netflix. The move follows …

LONDON, June 29: The European Commission has ruled that subsidies of up to 40 million euros granted by the Italian government to facilitate the transition to digital TV are in compliance with EC Treaty state aid rules. The Commission ruled …

NEW YORK, June 29: Former Amazon.com executive Jason Kilar has been appointed as CEO of the new online video venture from News Corporation and NBC Universal, effective July 9. Kilar will report to the joint venture’s board of directors. He …

BRUSSELS, June 29: The European Commission has launched EU Tube, a dedicated channel on YouTube that currently features about 50 clips on issues facing the 27 member states of the European Union. “This initiative reflects the Commission's commitment to better …

NEW YORK, June 29: Home Box Office has reached an exclusive deal with independent producer David Kennedy—producer of the Emmy-nominated Showtime movie Our Fathers—to develop programming for the network across all genres. Kennedy was president of Dan Curtis Productions from …

LONDON, June 29: Channel 4 is going to appoint its first dedicated director of new media and technology as it looks to beef up its presence on digital platforms. The role will report directly to Chief Executive Andy Duncan, alongside …

MUMBAI/HONG KONG/TOKYO, June 29: This weekend, STAR Movies in India will launch Toshiba Presents Ultimate Home Theatre, a new Sunday night block showcasing U.S. blockbusters like X-Men. Beginning July 1, Toshiba Presents Ultimate Home Theatre will feature hit U.S. movies …

SINGAPORE, June 29: Disney Channel will premiere High School Musical 2, the sequel to last year’s hit Emmy Award-winning original movie, across Southeast Asia on Sunday, September 9. In the run-up to the premiere, the Disney Channel will air a …

LOS ANGELES, June 29: This August, the Style Network will debut Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, a new reality series offering an exclusive look at the life of Kimora Lee Simmons, a fashion designer, former model and ex-wife of …