IPTV movies going high tech

Moveies are going high tech with IPTV.

In a vote of confidence for internet security and the safety of IPTV, six global media groups have signed deals giving consumers on demand access to their databases of movies.

The IPTV movie licensing agreement between the major studios and Shanghai Media Group unit Best TV potentially gives Chinese consumers access to the movies of Warner, Sony/Columbia, Fox, Disney/Buena Vista, Paramount, and Universal. It is set to launch no later than the first quarter of 2007.

The only real glitch to the new system could be the existing government regulations. The Chinese government currently reviews all movies shown in the country. It also limits the number of English language films that can be shown in order to “preserve their culture.” It is still not known how this may affect the accessibility consumers will have to the vast databases of movies.

In an industry where piracy is a major drain on profit margins, the deal signals that major movie companies are more comfortable with internet security, technology, and encryption abilities.

Most experts agree that the IPTV deal does not sound the end of cinemas in China. There are people who want the big screen experience. There are also plenty of consumers who do not yet have the technology to be able to access the movies. It will be years before IPTV is the normal way to view movies.