Google Video Store

When Google introduced Google Video last year, it was just a simple way to upload and share your personal videos. Of course, nothing Google does is ever that simple. In effect, Google was building a massive infrastructure for content distribution. Now the speculation can end, as Google has announced the Google Video Store.

Taking on the market defined by the iTunes Music Store, Google will soon launch an “open video marketplace” enabling consumers to buy and rent a wide range of video content from a major television network, a professional sports league, cable programmers, independent producers and film makers.

Already there are several partners, including CBS, the NBA and more. Expect offerings to follow closely Apple’s model of US$1.99 per download.

Other offerings from the Google Video Store include :

* Music videos from SONY BMG. The line-up of launch videos includes offerings from some of SONY BMG’s global superstar artists, including Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Kenny Chesney, Destiny’s Child, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Lil’ Flip, Jessica Simpson, Shakira, System of a Down, Switchfoot, Usher, and many more.

* Feature Length Independent Films from Greencine.com. Including works by legendary Polish director Andrzej Wajda (Zemsta), documentary filmmaker Ted Bonnitt (Mau Mau Sex Sex) and independent actor/director Caveh Zahedi (In the Bathtub of the World).
* Historic, news and educational footage from ITN. This material ranges from coverage of key events in 2005 such as the Pope John Paul II’s death, back to a recording of the 1896 coronation of Tsar Nicholas II – one of the earliest known pieces of moving imagery.

* Charlie Rose interviews. Including interviews with Henry Kissinger, Oliver Stone, Quentin Tarantino, Martha Stewart, Martin Scorsese, Harrison Ford, Dan Rather, Charles M. Schulz, Steve Jobs, Jay Leno, Tom Brokaw, and others.

* Cartoon classics from Classic Media. Featuring many of the world’s most famous animated series such as “Felix the Cat,” “Casper The Friendly Ghost,” and “Rocky and Bullwinkle.”

* Children’s educational programming from Clearvue. Educational video topics vary from teen education on tattoos to explanations about the workings of the human brain.

* Cartoon classics from Classic Media and children’s educational programming from Clearvue. Google Video also offers many of the world’s most famous animated series such as “Felix the Cat,” “Casper The Friendly Ghost,” and “Rocky and Bullwinkle.” Educational video topics from Clearvue vary from teen education on tattoos to explanations about the workings of the human brain.

* Clips from Getty Images’ Archive Films Collection. A diverse collection of short clips that capture personalities, moments and eras throughout history – selected from vintage newsreels and educational film, as well as contemporary news and events from around the world.

Filed under: Video

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