Vivendi to launch Web video service MP4.com

LOS ANGELES: Vivendi Universal Net USA on Wednesday said it plans to launch a

service called MP4.com enabling users and independent filmmakers to share

digital movies.

Vivendi Universal Net USA, a unit of Vivendi Universal, said the service is

currently in the test phase and will officially launch within the next few

weeks.

A spokeswoman said the new service was inspired by Vivendi's MP3.com

subsidiary, an online music service that focused on independent, unsigned

artists, although MP4.com will emphasize streaming rather than downloading.

Users will be able to display small amounts of videos on the site for free,

but would collect fees for larger amounts.

MP4.com is built upon the technology that runs MP3.com and is used within

Pressplay, Vivendi's online joint music service with Sony Corp, the company

said. Sony also has a Web product known as Screenblast that is geared to video

and filmmaking enthusiasts.

(C) Reuters Limited.