• by November 5, 2004

It's not only the music industry that's taking action against illegal downloads, peer-to-peer file-sharing, and copyright infringement, but Hollywood as well. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) yesterday said it's preparing to file civil lawsuits against individuals suspected of illegally distributing movies over the Web.

The suits seek to stop such distribution, and damages of up to $30,000 per film. The MPAA plans to file the suits starting Nov. 16.

Unfortunately, the technology for accessing movies on the Web legally, for renting or owning, has been slow to develop. Copyright and technology issues remain a sticking point. When those issues are resolved is an open question. But there's also the fear that once these issues are ironed out, moviegoers won't flock to the multiplex anymore for $10.50 a pop, at least that's the cost of going to the movies in most urban areas. What then, wonders Hollywood? The economic model would appear to be at risk, similar to the music industry.

Of course people are still buying CDs and downloading music from the Web. But CD sales continue to plummet. Will it be the same in the movie business? Maybe not. For one thing, do most people like to watch a movie on a small computer screen? I don't think so, unless they're traveling. However, what about downloading a movie and porting it over via a home network to your fabulous home entertainment system, then viewing the flick on a flat-screen TV? Now that's the life