AOL to launch video entertainment search engine

AOL is beta testing a new video-on-demand search service, to allow users to enter the packed vaults of parent Time Warner’s news and entertainment archive.

The large amount of content controlled by Time Warner will give AOL a big advantage over portal rivals Google and Yahoo when it comes to searching and offering image content,. It will also be in a stronger position to win more on-line advertising revenue

The free AOL Video service allows users to play TV programmes, movie trailers, music videos and news clips from the likes of CNN. 

The service uses AOL’s Singingfish multi-media search engine platform to find and deliver the content.

Last week, Yahoo confirmed it would be offering Web e-mail to its users, which is operated more like a desktop e-mail client. Google has also announced details of an improved personalised search engine.