From slashfilm [excerpt], Late last year, the MPAA filed a request with the FCC to be able to “send movies fresh from the box office” to American homes. In other words, studios could broadcast new or recently released movies to cable and/or satellite subscribers, essentially creating a new release window prior to DVD release. In some cases, this might be day and date with the theatrical release.
Now the FCC has approved the request, which it says is “in the public interest.” Some claim this could spell death for movie theaters.
Deadline reprints the press release from the MPAA, with a quote from MPAA President and interim CEO Bob Pisano:
This action is an important victory for consumers who will now have far greater access to see recent high definition movies in their homes. And it is a major step forward in the development of new business models by the motion picture industry to respond to growing consumer demand….We deeply appreciate the recognition by the FCC that recently released movies need special protection against content theft when they are distributed to home televisions.
