Crackle takes georetardation to a new level
Video site Crackle has expanded its video line up, with over one hundred movies now available for free on-demand…. if you live in the United States.
Georetardation isn’t a new concept, and Crackle isn’t alone in restricting access to viewers in the United States. The excuse is always the same: international rights mean that sites are unable to offer access in other countries. Hulu, YouTube and other services are bound by supply agreements from content providers, and although we complain, ultimately these restrictions are imposed from above. Crackle though is different, because Crackle is owned by the rights holder/ content owner, Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Ultimately Sony has the call on where the content can be played. Movie content is sold internationally on a similar basis to television programs, but unlike TV programs, movies don’t face the same competition argument with third parties. That is, movies are primarily provided in main international markets by the same company that owns the rights. In Australia for example, Sony movie content is distributed by Sony Pictures Australia, who handles the theatrical release, DVD sales and rental market.
Some of these movies do find their way on to television eventually (primarily cable TV), but usually years after their initial release. Sony as the master rights holder could offer its own content online in addition to TV rights by delaying the release after “first run” rights are exhausted, if they are in existing contracts. But here’s the catch: the same “first run” rights issues don’t apply exclusively outside the United States, because the same deals are in place within the United States as well. If Sony can show its own content online in the United States and comply with local distribution agreements, they most definitely can outside the United States.
That they’re not offering access outside the United States has nothing to do with rights agreements; it’s georetardation for no other reason than Sony deciding that they’re not interested in non US based viewers. Is it little wonder that BitTorrent usage remains significantly higher in places like the United Kingdom and Australia vs the United States?
