Broadband Content Bits: HBO's Conchords on FunnyorDie.com; Whoopi's Stream; NFL Rewind
This story was written by Tameka Kee.
HBO to preview show on FunnyorDie.com, before TV launch : This week, HBO will roll out the season premiere of "Flight of the Conchords" on FunnyorDie.com, the Will Ferrell-backed comedy video site it bought a stake in earlier this year. The four-day sneak peek will come a month before the series actually goes live on cable, and TV Week says it will be FunnyorDie's first full-length TV content. HBO will port the first episode of the comedy to HBO.com, iTunes, YouTube and other digital platforms afterward, where users will be able to share and embed the clips.
Whoopi Goldberg to get online series : Whoopi Goldberg is set to star in and executive produce an original series called "Stream." Variety says the sci-fi-focused show will debut on January 15 on Fearnet.com (the JV between Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA), Sony (NYSE: SNE) Pictures Television and Lionsgate) and via VOD. The five-minute series, which centers on Goldberg's character's struggle to face her fears, will run for six weeks.
NFL lets viewers Rewind with new VOD service : The NFL has rolled out "Game Rewind," a VOD service that gives users access to every game in HD quality, sans commercials. Users can pay $19.99 for the season or $4.99 for a week pass; and they get DVR functionality, as well as the ability to watch up to four games at once. Games are expected to go live within 24 hours, though the actual wait time is expected to be much shorter. The Business of Online Video says the League partnered with Move Networks, the same tech company that powers GamePass HD, its streaming video service for viewers outside the U.S.
By Tameka Kee