Over the last decade, the average video release window, which represents the time that elapses from the date of a film's theatrical release to the date a film is released to other channels, including streaming services, video on-demand ("VOD") and DVD, has decreased from approximately six months to approximately 45 days and in some more limited instances, films have been immediately released to such alternative channels without any theatrical release. Some studios have created shorter premium VOD ("PVOD") windows, including a 17-day PVOD window for certain films and a 30 to 60-day PVOD window for certain more successful films. In addition, some studios have released certain films theatrically and on their proprietary streaming services on the same day and date. Although other studios have not taken this approach and several have reaffirmed their commitment to an exclusive theatrical distribution window for film releases, we can provide no assurance that these release windows, which are determined by the film studios and are subject to negotiation and acceptance by exhibitors, will not shrink further, which could have an adverse impact on our movie theatre business and results of operations.
In some cases, films produced by streaming services have had limited theatrical releases exclusively with certain theatre exhibitors or exclusively for certain branded premium large format screens, which may significantly limit our ability to exhibit these films. Partnerships between directors, studios and theatrical technology firms have resulted in several wide-release films being marketed and promoted specifically for certain branded premium large format screens, which may negatively impact our market share for such films. The availability of alternative content such as concerts, live sporting events and other special events is subject to exclusive licensing agreements with distributors or other exhibitors who may not license us exhibition rights, or may be distributed exclusively to certain branded premium large format screens where our presence is limited.
Piracy of motion pictures is prevalent in many parts of the world. Technological advances allowing the unauthorized dissemination of motion pictures increase the threat of piracy by making it easier to create, transmit and distribute high quality unauthorized copies of such motion pictures. The day and date release of films to studios' proprietary streaming services has shortened the timing for availability of high quality unauthorized copies of such motion pictures. The proliferation of unauthorized copies and piracy of motion pictures may have an adverse effect on our movie theatre business and results of operations.
We face competition for movie theatre patrons from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels, such as DVD, network, cable and satellite television, video on-demand, pay-per-view television, digital downloads and streaming services. The number of streaming services has been increasing and, in some cases, streaming services are producing theatrical-quality original content that is bypassing the theatrical release window entirely. Periodically, internet ticketing intermediaries introduce services and products with the stated intention of increasing movie-going frequency. The actual impact these services and products may have on our relationship with the customer and our results of operations is unknown at this time. We also compete with other forms of entertainment competing for our patrons' leisure time and disposable income such as concerts, amusement parks, sporting events, family and sports entertainment centers, home entertainment systems, video games and portable entertainment devices including tablet computers and smart phones. An increase in popularity of these alternative film distribution channels and competing forms of entertainment may have an adverse effect on our movie theatre business and results of operations.