Consumers can now download feature-length movies to their home computers while they sleep, thanks to a new system unveiled today by Qameo. The Qameo system operates in the background during the many hours of the day and night when an Internet connection is not being actively used to send or receive data.
The Qameo software, provided free to consumers, includes powerful anti-piracy features which can prevent unauthorized copying of the downloaded files and impose other restrictions. "Qameo is an entertainment channel that respects the rights of the creative community as well as the needs of the audience," said Jim Crosby, president of the Los Angeles-based company.
Qameo uses a new, patent pending technology to seamlessly deliver digital media files to any number of recipients anywhere in the world. The Qameo technology delivers multi-gigabyte files reliably and automatically -- a capability that is lacking in other online systems, including peer-to-peer networks, FTP (file transfer protocol) and video "streaming" software.
Engineered into Qameo are tools that enable copyright owners to manage the use of the delivered files. A film studio can limit the number of times a film is viewed, for example, as well as the length of time it can be stored on a recipient's computer before it is automatically erased, and can prevent it from being copied to another computer.
Joining the Qameo network and obtaining the software is free. During the network's launch phase, Qameo is also offering free delivery of media to program producers and distributors.
Qameo makes use of Internet access which goes largely unused. According to industry studies, the average computer connected to the Web via a high speed connection such as DSL or cable transmits or receives information over that connection less than three hours a day.
Qameo takes advantage of the users' spare broadband capacity by creating and managing an interruptible connection between the PC and a distributor of movies, music or other files. Qameo downloads the desired file in segments, running in the background only when the PC is not being used for other purposes.
"With Qameo, audiences can finally receive full-quality digital video in their home by harnessing their computer's unused bandwidth while they sleep," said Barry Quiat, the company's chairman and chief executive officer.
"Cable-TV video-on-demand offers limited libraries to their existing subscribers. With Qameo, all users can access a potentially vast library of feature films, classic films, independent productions, short films, documentaries, special-interest programming -- the possibilities are endless," Quiat said.
Qameo is not a file swapping application. Each "sender" or content provider (a film studio or distributor, for example) determines who may receive a program. The sender directs the delivery of each program to a specific recipient. The Qameo network handles delivery of the file as well as protection of the rights of those who create the content.
"Qameo isn't the place to swap your Johnny Cash and Beatles songs," says Quiat. "But even if you are not a movie producer or distributor, Qameo may be the perfect way to send corporate video files to clients or field offices, or to distribute a video magazine to subscribers. Anything that you have the right to distribute can be delivered automatically in a controlled, managed network for pennies per copy."
Qameo offers several layers of security. The software is protected against impersonation by digital certificate. In addition, data on the Qameo network is encrypted. Qameo's SecurePlay feature protects content against piracy. As files are received they are stored in a collection of unrelated byte streams. Playback requires communication with a Qameo server, ensuring management of royalties, licenses, and use tracking.
Qameo is headed by Barry Quiat and Jim Crosby, who have extensive experience creating and operating systems used for content delivery and management by the motion picture, television, and radio industries.