| Type | Public (ASX: RMA), Stock exchange(s): ASX, ASX Classification = Media |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia |
| Key people | Andrew Wilshire (CEO)<br Roland Kulen (CMO) Keith Cohen (CTO) Board of Directors Stephen Johnston Frank Brown Alistair MacKinlay Jim Zavos |
| Products | Downloading Motion Pictures, TV & Video Games. Online DVD, Video Games & CD sales |
| Website | www.reeltime.tv |
ReelTime Media Ltd or ReelTime.tv was an Internet-based video on demand and electronic sell-through (or download to own) provider located in Melbourne, Australia. It was founded in 2005 and went public in April 2006 with its service launched beta in November 2006, and fully commercial in February 2007.
ReelTime Infotainment, the main operating subsidiary of ReelTime Media, was placed into the hands of administrators on 11 February 2008.[1] Its assets were purchased by EzyDVD to form the service EzyDownload.[2] EzyDVD was later placed into receivership in December 2008 [3]
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ReelTime.tv offered its service partnering with EzyDVD (see below), Yahoo!7 (the local subsidiary owned 50% by Yahoo! and 50% by the Seven network) and various Internet Service Providers.
ReelTime was an ISP independent broadband TV operator, and a licensed Australian telecommunications carrier and datacaster, the system that allows transfer of data via DVB-t digital television. It also held a broadcast license in Singapore. Reeltime provided product such as online games and DVD sales for overnight delivery, in addition to legal movie, TV episodes, music and games downloads to purchase or rent from their online store.
ReelTime Media was publicly listed, with Sony holding circa 8% of its issued shares/stock, plus options. As at September 27, 2007, its market capitalisation was some AUD$10m. An agreement was reached in late September 2007 with EzyDVD as part of a wide reaching strategic alliance, with EzyDVD taking a stake in the Company in exchange. An initial stake was purchased for cash by EzyDVD, with additional shares being allocated in 15 steps to EzyDVD as it increases ReelTimes revenues, acquires customers, performs marketing tasks, and reduces the operational cost base - whilst at the same time utilising its Au$100m plus buying power with Hollywood & Independents to get more content deals.
ReelTime claimed to be the first company to offer download to own for a major Hollywood studio (or electronic sell-through) outside of the US on a same day and date basis as retail release. ReelTime.tv delivered using a progressive download system allowing playout within minutes of commencement of download, such that feature length movie and television entertainment are delivered direct to PC, Media Centre, playforsure compatible handhelds and TV via the ReelTime Media Centre. Because ReelTime used DRM via Microsoft PlaysForSure, it was incompatible with all free operating systems.