Google Closing Down Paid Google Videos!

In an official announcement made by Google on 7th January, 2006 it was declared that there will be a video store service along with Google Video, where one can shop for videos like NBA games, Charlie Rose interviews, educational videos like Clearvue, or for even shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Google Video was the first open video marketplace of its kind, where video producer can upload their content and distribute it on the web for free or at a price. This feature of Goggle also allowed the users to set a purchase price for their own uploaded videos. But today in Google announced the end of this program.

Here's the e-mail sent by folks at Google video to their users:

“As a valued Google user, we’re contacting you with some important information about the videos you’ve purchased or rented from Google Video. In an effort to improve all Google services, we will no longer offer the ability to buy or rent videos for download from Google Video, ending the DTO/DTR (download-to-own/rent) program. This change will be effective August 15, 2007.

To fully account for the video purchases you made before July 18, 2007, we are providing you with a Google Checkout bonus for $2.00. Your bonus expires in 60 days, and you can use it at the stores listed here: http://www.google.com/checkout/signupwelcome.html. The minimum purchase amount must be equal to or greater than your bonus amount, before shipping and tax.

After August 15, 2007, you will no longer be able to view your purchased or rented videos. If you have further questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

The Google Video Team”

This step taken by Google highlights the fact that 'download-to-own' is actually a lie as far as DRM which is an euphemism for copy-protection services is concerned. When a DRM-based services ceases to exist, so may the product you purchased. Google made it very clear that you will not be the sole owner of the movies you have purchased after all. With this announcement, it is very clear that if anyone have bought a video from Google Video store, they will not be able to watch it after August 15, 2007. Even if you have paid for the video, there is nothing that can be done now.

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