AOL to Launch New Video Portal
AOL on Monday took the wraps off a new AOL Video portal, which offers visitors access to millions of videos across the Web. The service features 45 video channels with content licensed from A&E, MTV, Warner Bros. and other outlets.
The beta site, slated to go live on August 4, integrates AOL Video Search, powered by the company's Truveo and Singingfish technologies, with an interactive programming guide. Visitors can stream free content on-demand, as well as purchase and download full-length videos that can be transferred to other PCs and portable devices supporting Microsoft's Windows Media DRM.
AOL's UnCut service, the company's answer to user-driven video sites like YouTube, will also play a central role in the new AOL Video. Users can upload and share their videos directly from their camcorder, webcam or video-enabled mobile phone. Content can be rated and commented on by visitors.
"This new version of the portal continues the work we started last year with the launch of the AOL Video Hub," a company spokesperson told BetaNews. "The key features are new video-on-demand content channels with thousands of hours of video programming and the ability for consumers to purchase and download full-length content."
Videos can be played back at full screen without losing picture quality, AOL says, and the site will support the company's HiQ video format that offers a DVD-quality picture.
AOL did not say what content will be available for purchase, but its on-demand channels will stream popular television programs from the company's network TV partners. AOL will also program a number of its own channels, including music, news, viral videos and a Moviefone channel.
In the fall, AOL plans to make available open APIs that will enable developers to add its video search results into their applications, as well incorporate video content into third-party Web sites. AOL currently offers APIs for its AIM instant messaging services.
AOL also says it is working with PC makers to build co-branded versions of the new AOL Video portal, which will likely be promoted on new computers.