Video World Insider Week in Review

It's always a good time for online video, and nowhere is that more readily apparent than in the pages of Video World Insider. We've got plenty of news to cover from the last week, so today we bring out our Week in Review to deliver a look at the high points from the past week.

So settle in and let's check out what was big in online video!

First, Starz Entertainment reasserted itself as a dominant force in the streaming world with or without Netflix, as they launched its new authenticated Starz Play and Encore Play services, with two more services – Movieplex and Movieplex Play – in the works to follow later. Premium cable subscribers who get Starz and Encore channels will be able to download a free app that lets them take their movies with them on the road, as well as gain access to a set of commands and menus specifically optimized for touchscreens, and backed up with some Facebook and Twitter (News - Alert)-related social systems as well.

YouTube then brought in our next topic, as it added 60 global channels to its lineup of streaming offerings, giving viewers access to news, sports and entertainment from around the world. Given that YouTube's (News - Alert) original channels are currently bringing in over a million views a week, and subscribers are steadily increasing, it's easy to see why YouTube is eager to bring in more original content and provide a push toward becoming a major source for entertainment throughout the Web.

Then came another report from a Google (News - Alert) property, as Google TV looked to expand to include Google Play, giving Google's "smart TV" initiative a lot more bite. Those with Google TV systems will be able to interface directly with Google Play, providing access to Google Play's array of streaming content for rental or purchase.

Users will also be able to turn to Google's TV & Movies app for recommendations for new shows, including those available on other platforms like Netflix.

Next, we had a report from Nickelodeon, who hit upon an idea of throwing in with Hulu Plus. With sagging ratings and recent blackouts as Viacom struggles with standard cable providers over product offerings and the rates paid for the same, Viacom signed a content deal with Hulu (News - Alert) Plus, bringing several of their big names – Victorious, Big Time Rush, and The Legend of Korra, among others – to the streaming service if only on a limited basis.

New episodes will air 21 days after original airing, and apparently, only five of them will be available at any given time.

Lastly came a report that Amazon and Epix were now working together in the streaming video market. This comes as a blow to Netflix, which was formerly the exclusive source for streaming content from Epix, which in turn represents the content of several major studios including Paramount, MGM and Lions Gate. The loss of exclusivity isn't as big a hurt for Netflix as it might have been, but it certainly isn't good news. It does, however, provide a serious edge to Amazon's lineup.

That was the week in online video; as can be readily seen, there's always quite a bit going on, and much of it directly affects entertainment prospects for families, as well as possibilities for businesses.

Our global online community is constantly looking out for fresh news to bring out, and of course we'll hit the high points of all that incredible news with our Week in Review coverage every weekend!