AOL is wildly trying experiments in order to find a purpose in the new media landscape. Current owner Time Warner will outline its strategy for AOL Wednesday. There has been widespread speculation that Time Warner will stop charging for many AOL subscription services, including e-mail.

One report which I consider reliable says that AOL will enter the growing download-to-own video business later this week, when it begins selling a myriad of TV programs--including Comedy Central's "South Park," "A&E's "Flip This House," and Warner Bros.' "dukes of hazzard" -- as part of its new video portal.

The portal will contain a total of 45 programmed "channels," and users will also be able to search for videos using technology from Truveo -- the video search engine AOL purchased last December -- and Singingfish, acquired in 2003.

Most of the TV shows will be sold for $1.99 each which is the same price as most video programs on Apple's iTunes. However, a handful of programs, including episodes of Procter & Gamble's current and former soap operas like "Another World" and "The Edge of Night," will be available as free ad-supported downloads.