Xbox Live is the first big step to true video convergence
The new Xbox Live update launching tomorrow is the start of a rollout of lots of new content partners on the platform. But the big innovation will be allowing them to be navigated from a unified search mechanism powered by Microsoft's Bing.
Why Microsoft bought VideoSurf for $70 million
Microsoft has acquired video search specialist VideoSurf, reportedly paying upwards of $70 million for the Silicon Valley startup. The software giant plans to integrate the VideoSurf technology into its Xbox Live platform, providing more granular data about what's happening on-screen.
ClipSync wants to take videos viral, moment by moment
ClipSync Moments gives viewers the ability to share videos with friends on social networks. But instead of sharing a link to the entire video and having their friends search for the part it refers to, ClipSync attaches comments to a specific moment in time. 
Roku launches $49 box, insists it’s not a loss leader
How's that for a deal: Roku's new entry-level set-top box is selling for just $49. That's half the price of an Apple TV - but the company insists it's still making money on every unit sold. Roku also announced the launch of an HBO Go app. 
How Epix is investing in its future
Epix once had an edge over other cable networks, with a streaming offering to go along with its linear cable feed. But now that everyone's on the TV Everywhere bandwagon, Epix continues to innovate, adding original programming and making videos available on a number of devices.
Pigs beware: Roku gets Angry Birds with new devices
The next generation of Roku media streaming boxes will roll out soon, with a new, smaller form factor and more powerful graphics. With the release, the company is betting big on casual games becoming available on new Roku 2 devices, including Rovio's Angry Birds.
Epix Coming Soon to a Connected Device Near You
Epix, the premium cable network that launched with an online, on-demand video component, is making that service available through a number of new mobile and otherwise connected devices, including Android tablets, Samsung connected TVs and Blu-ray players, the Blackberry PlayBook and Roku broadband set-top boxes.
Netflix Brings Paramount Films Online in Canada
Netflix is adding more content to its streaming library in Canada, striking a deal with Paramount Pictures for first-run access to movies in the pay TV window. So movies like Iron Man 2 won't show up on Canadian cable channels, but will appear on Netflix instead.
Vid-Biz: Ebert on 3-D, Netflix-Time Warner, Epix TV App
Today on the Net: More evidence that 3-D films are bad for us, Netflix's Ted Sarandos claims that Time Warner hates it because it's going to try to steal Warner Bros. movies away from HBO and Epix is building an app for connected TVs.
How Much Is Starz Worth to Netflix? Maybe $250M a Year
Starz has been a key component in the growth of Netflix's streaming service over the past two years, but it has been woefully underpaid in that time. A new deal could bring Starz more than $250 million a year, according to BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield.
