By George Anderson
Instant gratification, or at least close, is becoming an increasingly popular goal of entertainment companies and retailers in that space.
Cable companies offer films and other programs on demand. Consumers can now buy and download popular television shows such as "Lost" within 24 hours of them airing through Apple Computer's iPod service.
Now, Amazon.com's subsidiary CustomFlix Labs has signed deals with television networks, such as NBC, PBS and A&E Home Video, that would allow the company to burn and sell DVDs of television shows shortly after they've been broadcast. Consumers will purchase programs through the Amazon web site.
Initially, customers will be able to purchase DVDs of niche programs such as the "Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show" and "Antiques Roadshow."
Greg Greeley, vice president for worldwide media products for Amazon.com, told The Associated Press that, eventually, networks may choose to offer programs that appeal to a wider audience.
Dana LoPiccolo-Giles, co-founder and Managing Director of CustomFlix, said in a released statement, "The CustomFlix DVD on Demand service works perfectly for the massive amount of content that network and cable channels have yet to make available on DVD and other digital formats. Our service enables content providers to quickly and economically distribute previously unavailable programming to millions of Amazon.com customers. Because we produce discs only when customers order, our providers are not subject to the expense or risk associated with traditional distribution methods."
Moderator's Comment: Does the average consumer's need for speed translate to the demand for various types of television programming or are networks and retail merchants trying to build demand in the minds of the audience? - George Anderson - Moderator