Skip to main content

MySpace, MTV to Plant Ads in Pirate Video

MySpace, MTV to Plant Ads in Pirate Video

Social networking titan MySpace has announced a new partnership with MTV Networks and technology firm Auditude to try to wring a profit out of videos uploaded by MySpace subscribers in violation of copyright. Instead of issuing takedown notices for material distributed without permission, the system will try to identify pirated video clips via fingerprinting technology, then re-distribute them with embedded ads. The idea is that, instead of slapping fans with takedown notices for exhibiting enthusiasms for their favorite shows, the ad-enhanced versions of the uploaded videos leverage fans’ participation in the online video world and enable the legitimate content owners to benefit from the content.

“Auditude is opening the floodgates for users to program video on MySpace and ensure copyright holders get paid,” said MySpace’s president of marketing and sales Jeff Berman, in a statement. “In one fell swoop, Auditude and its partners are empowering consumers and building a better business model.”

As part of the trial, Auditude will launch an “Attribution Overlay” that identifies content and informs viewers of details about shows they’re watching online. Content owners will be able to use the overlao to embed information about the content in the clip, and lets the clip be associated with additional content or links to buy the show or related products.

The program will launch with Auditude handling a mix of current and archived shows, including MTV’s Punk’d and True Life, as well as Comedy Central faves The Daily Show,The Colbert Report, and Reno 911.

Auditude’s fingerprinting technology is similar to software already being employed by YouTube to identify uploaded content and give content owners the option of having infringing materials taken down or serving an ad along with it.

If the program succeeds, the broader video and television may warm up to online video: if they can look at user-uploaded video clips as a marketing opportunity rather than lost viewership, they may be more willing to let users post video clips and show their enthusiasm for favorite programming…of course, they may not be so keen on user postings that show copyrighted content in a less-than-positive light.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Roku (yes, Roku) make a home security camera, and it’s discounted today
The Roku Smart Home Indoor Camera on colored background.

Roku might not seem like the first brand you think of when it comes to security camera deals but you’ll be surprised how cheaply you can get a security camera at Walmart right now thanks to the discount going on. Currently, you can buy the Roku Smart Home Indoor Camera SE 2-pack for just $35 instead of $50 so you’re saving $15 while scoring some great cameras for less. Want to know more? Here’s everything we know.

Why you should buy the Roku Smart Home Indoor Camera SE 2-pack
Roku doesn’t feature in our look at the best home security cameras but don’t let that put you off. It has everything you could need from inexpensive indoor security cameras. Each camera enables you to see an entire area with 1080p HD picture in full colour. That includes at night, all via the Roku Smart Home app. It’s possible to set specific motion detection zones so you can cut down on false alerts while the camera can detect motion or sound with smart sensors even detecting body heat so you won’t see them be activated by something like a curtain moving in the wind.

Read more
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch picks up new features with the Z-Wave Smart Module
Several Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch models on a yellow background.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch launched last year, bringing a fingerprint sensor to one of our favorite smart locks. Now, Yale is making the keypad even more enticing by offering a Z-Wave Smart Module with your purchase, which gives you additional smart functions and added connectivity.

The Z-Wave Smart Module is a piece of hardware that slots into the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch so it can communicate with devices outside the Yale ecosystem. When installed, the module lets the Assure Lock 2 Touch sync with Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri. You can also sync the lock with various smart lights and security systems that support Z-Wave.

Read more
Anker SOLIX X1 offers effective solar power storage for your home backup
Anker SOLIX X1 solar battery storage outside with family nearby

A major challenge of solar power as a primary energy source is that, as abundant as it is, it's not always available. Solar systems do not generate energy at night, obviously, but energy production is reduced during overcast, dark, or stormy days. Moreover, other factors can affect energy production, like the cleanliness or condition of the solar panels and the amount of sunlight they get during the day -- which can be influenced by the sun's location in the sky or where the panels are installed -- and much more. It simply means that to use solar energy systems effectively, you need some kind of storage device to preserve energy for use during the off-hours. While several products on the market do this, the X1 from Anker SOLIX is one of the most intriguing and powerful solar energy storage systems we’ve seen.

Anker SOLIX X1 | Energy Storage, Energy Savings, Energy Freedom

Read more