Netflix facing big-name competition

HOLLYWOOD, April 23 (UPI) -- Media analysts say Hollywood has a lot at stake in the budding battle over online movie rentals and sales.

The Los Angeles Times said Saturday that surging growth of Netflix has spawned bevy of potential competitors and what could be a significant ripple effect in the film industry.

"This is a battleground that's just starting to brew," said Dave Sanderson, head of the global media practice at Bain and Co. "Over the next two or three years you're going to see a proliferation of options, and then a handful of winners emerge."

The Times said heavyweights from Dish Network to Amazon and Wal-Mart are gearing up to offer their own online movie services, although observers say they will have to get in the game quickly before Netflix consolidates its position at the top of the heap.

While it might appear that the growth of Netflix and subscription movies would be a good thing for Hollywood, some analysts predict it could cut into DVD sales and even overall television viewing.

But most industry executives said stoking consumer interest in their products would be a positive regardless of the platform.