Engadget

Sky Store replaces Sky Box Office in the war against everyone else

Daniel Cooper — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:31:00 EST

In the face of increasing competition from movie services like Lovefilm, Knowhow Movies and iTunes, Sky has reportedly decided to reinvent Box Office as Sky Store. Rather than the limited number of pay-per-view titles each month, it'll be repositioned as an online movie library with over 1,000 titles to view on your set-top-box, desktop or mobile device. New releases will be priced at £3.50 in standard-definition or £4.00 ($6.30) in HD. Back-catalogue titles will be priced at £1.99, with discounts on that figure on an infrequent basis. Sadly the service is only available to the five million or so subscribers with Anytime+, those who currently remain using SD services will get to keep the old-school Box Office.

Sky Store replaces Sky Box Office in the war against everyone else originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple brings iTunes Store to Brazil, Latin America

Amar Toor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:31:00 EST

Apple is extending its sphere of influence south of the equator today, with the launch of the iTunes Store in Brazil and a whole slew of Latin American countries. According to Cupertino, the platform will launch with a catalog of over 20 million songs, from both Brazilian and international artists, as well as a selection of more than 1,000 films for rent or purchase. Also included in today's release are users in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. Find more details in the full PR, after the break.

Continue reading Apple brings iTunes Store to Brazil, Latin America

Apple brings iTunes Store to Brazil, Latin America originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon announces Android 3.2 update for Motorola Xoom 3G, available today?

Amar Toor — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:59:00 EST

It looks like Motorola Xoom 3G owners will soon be able to reap the same benefits as their WiFi-only brethren, now that Verizon has published more details on a forthcoming Android 3.2 update. According to the company's support page, software update HTJ85 will bring essentially the same features we saw in last month's, exclusively Wi-Fi refresh -- microSD card support, movie rental improvements and, of course, that "zoom to fill screen" option for non-tablet optimized apps. Verizon hasn't announced an official release date for the 15.4MB Honeycomb update, though rumor has it that it could drop as early as today. For more details and installation instructions, check out the pair of PDFs below.

Verizon announces Android 3.2 update for Motorola Xoom 3G, available today? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qriocity video streaming coming to Xperia packing pocket near you

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:26:00 EST

Sony's Qriocity video streaming service is going mobile. The on-demand pay-per-view offering (which is probably best known for its supporting role in the recent PSN outage debacle) is making the jump from the living room to your pocket -- provided said pocket is stuffed with a 2011 Xperia smartphone. Initially it will only be available to Mini and Mini Pro owners, but eventually it'll be pushed to rest of the current lineup in nine markets, including the US, UK and Japan. Check out the source link for more details.

Qriocity video streaming coming to Xperia packing pocket near you originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walmart brings Vudu into the fold, still can't stream you tube socks

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:52:00 EST

Roughly 18 months after plunking down the cash for Vudu, Walmart has finally made the streaming media service an integrated part of its web store. Fans of digital video can now stop by the discount retailer's site and rent flicks for between $1 and $5.99 or purchase them $4.99 and up. The service compliments Walmart's sizable physical media library with over 20,000 titles that can be played directly from the website, as well as on Vudu-enabled devices like connected TVs, Blu-ray players, and steaming media boxes such as the Boxee Box. If you're a fan of companies tooting their own horn, check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Walmart brings Vudu into the fold, still can't stream you tube socks

Walmart brings Vudu into the fold, still can't stream you tube socks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint balloons its EVO 3D with three-dimensional titles and content providers

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:32:00 EST

If you're looking to fully leverage the namesake feature of the EVO 3D, Sprint is doing its best to ensure you're not left wanting -- all while keeping your coin flowing its way. First, it's bundling HTC Watch and Blockbuster On Demand, which will offer 3D titles (alongside the 2D fare) and rental prices ranging between $3 and $4. Like we've seen in RadioShack's advert, the 3D version of The Green Hornet is pre-loaded on the phone's microSD card, and the Now Network is also bundling a demo of Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem 3D. If that whets your appetite for three-dimensional playtime (and you've still got expendable income), you might check out Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles and GT Racing Motor Academy -- both $5 at launch in the pre-loaded Gameloft Storefront. For all the bloat they pile on, at least the stores bring decent eye candy. Hop the break for a (decidedly two-dimensional) press release.

Continue reading Sprint balloons its EVO 3D with three-dimensional titles and content providers

Sprint balloons its EVO 3D with three-dimensional titles and content providers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 22:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 3.1 on the Motorola Xoom: hands-on (video)

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:33:00 EST

That Android 3.1 update that Google announced during I/O is slowly rolling out to 3G Xoom owners as we speak. How'd we know such a thing? Why, it just landed on our in-house Xoom, of course! Most of the changes to Honeycomb are happening under the hood -- better HTML5 support, faster performance, and USB host functionality for connecting peripherals like game controllers and mice -- but there are some improvements that will be a lot more obvious to the user. Perhaps our favorite is the addition of resizable widgets. For the moment only the email and Gmail inbox, calendar and bookmarks widgets can be stretched or shrunk, but we're sure others will follow. We're particularly appreciative of the expandable calendar widget, which always felt a tad cramped. The task switcher also received a much requested upgrade and now lets you scroll through your last 18 launched apps, instead of just the five most recent. Lastly, the Android Market now offers movie rentals, alongside books and apps, which range in price from $1.99 to $4.99 for 24 hours of playback. There isn't a ton of revolutionary stuff going on here, but it's certainly a welcome and worthwhile update. Check out the video after the break to see Android 3.1 in action.

Continue reading Android 3.1 on the Motorola Xoom: hands-on (video)

Android 3.1 on the Motorola Xoom: hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dish Network takes over 500 Blockbuster locations for some reason

Amar Toor — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:40:00 EST

Earlier this month, when Dish Network announced that it would be taking over Blockbuster's remaining assets, we openly wondered about what the deal would mean for the thousands of (mostly) empty rental stores still scattered across the country. Shuttering all of them seemed like a very real possibility, but it now looks like Dish has plans for at least a few of Blockbuster's old stomping grounds. On Saturday, the company agreed to assume the leases for about 500 of the 1,700 Blockbuster locations still in operation, according to papers filed with a New York Bankruptcy Court. Of course, it's still unclear what Dish plans to actually do with these stores -- or, for that matter, with the Blockbuster brand, as a whole. But it certainly looks like its long-term vision may incorporate at least some of Blockbuster's brick-and-mortar roots.

Dish Network takes over 500 Blockbuster locations for some reason originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warner Bros. starts renting movies via Facebook

Richard Lawler — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:43:00 EST

If you were looking for something more worthwhile to spend Facebook credits on than virtual trinkets for some game, Warner has an idea: all those movies you said you "liked." Starting today it is testing out a plan to rent movies right on their respective pages for 30 Facebook credits / $3 each. The first one on deck is The Dark Knight (again?) which should be live later today, with more available to rent or purchase in the future. there's no word on resolution or other features, but at the price we're assuming SD only. Full details are in the press release after the break, but the rentals have the standard 48-hour VOD window and can be paused/resumed simply by logging back into Facebook. In its current state, we doubt Netflix, Amazon and the rest have anything to worry about as far as competition, but maybe Warner thinks it can snag a few bucks from simply making sure there's a buy button of some kind awaiting our various identities in as many places as possible.

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Warner Bros. starts renting movies via Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redbox passed 30,000 kiosks in Q4 2010, but still missed financial expectations

Ben Bowers — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:48:00 EST

Redbox may be a red-logoed stepchild compared to industry darling Netflix, but according to its parent company Coinstar's Q4 earnings call, it still managed to pass the 30,000 kiosk milestone, increase market share to 30 percent and grow DVD revenue by 38 percent to $319.6 million. Combined with blowing by one billion rentals back in September and avoiding a lawsuit with Fox, the news would have culminated in champagne and karaoke for Coinstar shareholders... except for one thing: new releases underperformed during the last quarter along with Blu-ray rentals. Coinstar CEO Paul Davis was quick to bolster investor concerns on the call, however, stating company management had taken "definitive steps to correct the issues" and was ready to "leverage the First-sale doctrine" -- which refers to a Supreme Court ruling limiting the control of copyright holders over the re-selling of its property -- should studios get sassy in future distribution negotiations. More updates on the company's streaming plans didn't materialize, though, so you'll have to chuck those dreams of instant rental gratification for a buck back in the deep freeze at least in the near term. Otherwise, hit up the source links below to ogle data tables to your heart's content.

Redbox passed 30,000 kiosks in Q4 2010, but still missed financial expectations originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster Express kiosks test $2.99 per night new release rentals, Redbox looks unimpressed

Darren Murph — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:07:00 EST

28 days. It's more than an unappreciated flick from the turn of the millennium, it's also driving the executives at Redbox, Netflix and a smattering of other unorthodox rental companies mad. Movie studios have been hellbent on keeping their new release DVDs and Blu-ray Discs out of instant-rent hands for 28 days after release, noting that dollar-per-night rentals could drastically reduce DVD / BD sales in the all-important launch window. Now, however, it seems that at least a couple of 'em are willing to bend. Starting this week in four major cities (Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix and San Francisco, for those curious) DVDs for Warner Bros.' "Inception" and 20th Century Fox's "Knight and Day" are being slipped into NCR's Blockbuster Express kiosks. The catch? It'll be $2.99 per night to rent either of them, a nearly threefold increase in the nightly rate that Redbox charges. Additional details on the trial are few and far betwixt, but it's safe to say that Redbox isn't any closer to nabbing fresh flicks sooner, and unless you're down with a 3x price hike, neither are you.

Blockbuster Express kiosks test $2.99 per night new release rentals, Redbox looks unimpressed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster partially reaches back to the 90s, announces 3-day in store rentals with tiered pricing

Ben Bowers — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:57:00 EST

Right on the heels of announcing that its on demand service was available on over 100 devices, Blockbuster has officially reduced in-store rentals periods from five to three days and established new pricing tiers. "Just arrived" Blu-rays and DVDs now cost $4.99, making them competitive with Redbox on a cost per day basis, especially when you consider the red vending machines must wait for up to 28 days later in some cases to get newer titles. Recent releases in circulation longer than six weeks cost $2.99 along with frequently rented "Top Picks," while older, and less popular titles -- think Weekend at Bernies -- have bottomed out to $0.99. According to company rep Patty Sullivan, these changes should help Blockbuster "continue to be a competitive force in the media business" and "simplify the rental experience." That sounds a lot like the same stance it took with the now dead no late fee scheme -- but who's keeping track? It also still seems expensive for frequent movie watchers compared to Netflix's basic $10 a month plan, which includes one rotating mailed disc along with unlimited streaming. So call us crazy, but somehow we don't see this move solving the company's bankruptcy woes anytime soon.

Blockbuster partially reaches back to the 90s, announces 3-day in store rentals with tiered pricing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster filing for bankruptcy next month? Probably.

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:48:00 EST

It's not official, but rumor that Blockbuster is preparing to file for bankruptcy in September is certainly believable. Expected even. According to several sources speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Blockbuster chief executive Jim Keyes along with representation from Blockbuster's senior debt holders met last week with the six major movie studios to announce the company's intention to enter a mid-September bankruptcy. Meetings that no doubt hoped to secure an uninterrupted flow of new content from Hollywood as Blockbuster restructures its $920 million in debt and closes another 500 of its 3,425 US stores. In its fight to remain relevant in the age of digital downloads / streaming, Blockbuster has lost $1.1 billion since early 2008. It's expected that Blockbuster's debt holders will likely own a substantial portion of the company when all is said and done. We call dibs on those Archos 10 netbooks.

Blockbuster filing for bankruptcy next month? Probably. originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service coming February 2010

Vlad Savov — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:16:00 EST

Say hello to Qriocity, Sony's first step toward building an Online Service to rival iTunes, Netflix and anything else that makes money by selling you downloadable content. Headed to your nearest XMB in February and getting a dedicated remote control button on Sony's future TV sets, this service will allow you to stream movies in SD or HD, and Sony Insider reports that with a strong web connection you'll be able to get a solid 720p output. A large roster of film publishers have been recruited, while Sony promises "hundreds" of films will be available at Qriocity's launch. Come past the break to scope out the UI.

Continue reading Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service coming February 2010

Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service coming February 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Toshiba to launch Netflix-enabled HDTVs or Blu-ray decks

Darren Murph — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:39:00 EST

Having Netflix access on your home entertainment device was a luxury in 2009 -- in 2010, it'll be commonplace. We already heard yesterday that Sharp was fixing to integrate the service into its NetCast library, and today the prolific movie rental service has announced that Funai (which distributes Philips, Magnavox, Sylvania and Emerson brands), Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Toshiba will all be introducing Netflix-ready devices this year. That means that each of those outfits will be pushing out Netflix-enabled HDTVs of Blu-ray Disc players in the year 2010, so you can plan on being in quite the pickle here soon if intentionally shopping for one of those two that doesn't have access to your Watch Instantly queue. In fact, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has been quoted as saying that he expects "instant streaming of movies from Netflix to be available on more than one hundred different partner products in 2010," so we're pretty confident that Coby and Hannspree will be joining the fray in short order.

Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Toshiba to launch Netflix-enabled HDTVs or Blu-ray decks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix hands out big bucks to improve recommendations system

Darren Murph — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:26:00 EST

There's no doubt that Netflix is always toiling away in an attempt to improve its online rental service, but rather than tasking its own whiz-kids to do the impossible, it has established a potential $1 million prize for any individual or team who can "improve upon the complex Netflix movie recommendation system by 10-percent." The second annual competition just concluded, and for the second straight year there was no million dollar winner. Instead, BellKor in BigChaos took home $50,000 with a 9.44% improvement. According to team member Dr. Hunt, "hitting that last [small bit] is less of a dash to the finish line and more of a tough slog to the peak of Mt. Everest." Kind of makes you wonder, though -- what else is going on behind Netflix's doors?

[Thanks, Seth]

Filed under: Misc

Netflix hands out big bucks to improve recommendations system originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix API open to all: let the developing begin

Darren Murph — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:00 EST

Good news, developers of the world -- the Netflix API will be open to all starting tomorrow. As of October 1st, absolutely anyone can self-signup by visiting the read link, and while details are a tad sketchy at the moment, it sounds like this could hold some serious promise. The API itself allows access to data for 100,000 movie and TV episode titles, is completely free and (most importantly) allows commercial use. In other words, it's kosher if a bright developer out there somewhere feels like "creating an iPhone app to sell for $0.99 (Netflix's words, not ours)." On the technical side, the API includes a REST API, Javascript API and ATOM feeds, and it also uses OAuth standard security "to allow the subscriber to control which applications can access the service on his or her behalf." It's time to get creative, folks.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Netflix API open to all: let the developing begin originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix API open to all: let the developing begin

Darren Murph — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Media streamers, Other formats, Internet

Netflix API open to all: let the developing begin originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 13 Netflix DVDs still featuring ARccOS copy protection

Darren Murph — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:27:00 EST

We hoped that we had pretty much heard the end of Sony's ridiculous ARccOS copy protection -- which added in corrupted sectors in order to prevent copying (and legitimate playback in a myriad of players) -- but sadly, not all wishes are granted. Dave Zatz noticed an announcement on Netflix's website which spells out the remaining DVDs in which ARccOS is still in play, with 007: Casino Royale, Black Christmas, The Grudge 2, Pursuit of Happyness, Stranger than Fiction, The Holiday and a smattering of other halfway popular titles in the mix. It also shows the list of players known to be affected by the DRM, so you may want to take a peek before renting any of the aforesaid titles. Thanks, Big Content!

Filed under: Regulatory, Other formats

The 13 Netflix DVDs still featuring ARccOS copy protection originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Do you still visit the store for movie rentals?

Darren Murph — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:45:00 EST

After reading a somewhat shocking survey here recently which found that most Americans saw in-store renting as a fading habit, we began to wonder if those sentiments were reflected by the actions of our readers. Of course, even Blockbuster is making moves to protect itself should people resort to by-mail / online rentals en masse, so it's not like folks aren't already going to the store less often. How do you get your rentals the majority of the time? By walking to your mailbox? By utilizing that broadband internet you pay so dearly for? Or do you still enjoy taking the family out to your local rental store at ~$4.00 / gallon?

[Image courtesy of Boston]

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Filed under: Polls, Blu-ray, Other formats, Internet

Poll: Do you still visit the store for movie rentals? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Roku's Netflix Player living up to your standards?

Darren Murph — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:07:00 EST

This week's installment of How Would You Change over on Engadget Classic involves the first dedicated set-top-box to enable Netflix streaming right to your TV. Did you pony up $99 for one of these things? If so, head on over and let the world know if that was a good move.

Filed under: Other hardware, Set-top boxes, Internet

Is Roku's Netflix Player living up to your standards? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Roku's Netflix Player?

Darren Murph — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST

Now that you've had a little over a month to cram down popcorn while enjoying your ~~shiny~~ matte new Roku Netflix Player, we're interested to find just how pleased (or displeased) you are with the $99 purchase. Has it lived up to your expectations? Is the quality sufficient for you? How does it look on your HDTV? Is wireless performance up to par, or were you practically forced to run an Ethernet cable all the way downstairs? We already know what the paid professionals said -- we want the cold, hard facts straight from the users themselves. Let us have it comments below.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

How would you change Roku's Netflix Player? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku serves up Netflix Player source code

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST

Hope you're not too sleepy, you hacker you, 'cause we've got a juicy one coming your way. No sooner did we find that the Netflix Player would be streaming content from other players in the industry later this year than Roku opens up the source code vault. You heard right -- the GPL code has now been posted for the world to see, meaning that there's just one link standing between you and umpteen delicious tarballs. Mmm, tarballs.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Filed under: Misc, Other hardware, Set-top boxes

Roku serves up Netflix Player source code originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku serves up Netflix Player source code

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Roku serves up Netflix Player source code originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:47:00 EST

Roku's Netflix Player got off to a hot start after launching just over a month ago, and apparently its creator has big plans for the plainly designed $99 box. According to a recent report over on Forbes, Tim Twerdahl, Roku's vice president of consumer products, has affirmed that a routine software update would be hitting later this year to enable content to be fetched and streamed from other "big name" providers. Regrettably, the conversation ended there, so there's absolutely no telling which "providers" he's referring to. Still, we're certainly intrigued by the idea of this thing becoming more versatile in the coming months, but wouldn't the name have to be tweaked at the very least?

[Via Silicon Alley Insider]

Filed under: Other hardware, Set-top boxes, Internet

Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Roku's Netflix Player to stream content from other "big name" providers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ReelTime to offer streaming movies from Walt Disney Studios

Darren Murph — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:04:00 EST

Disney already made crystal clear that it was planning on dishing out a few films of its own via the internet this summer, but a recently inked pact between it and ReelTime will give Disney fans one more outlet for viewing content. In the agreement, it's noted that ReelTime Rentals will "provide popular video on demand rentals as they become available from The Walt Disney Studios, including new and classic titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Disney-Pixar, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax Films." And judging by that screen capture above, we'd say ReelTime isn't wasting any time putting its newfound partnership to good use.

Filed under: Misc, Internet

ReelTime to offer streaming movies from Walt Disney Studios originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The mystery of Netflix's queue system gets tackled, throttling all but confirmed

Darren Murph — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST

C'mon, everyone that actually pays attention has Netflix figured out by now. During the trial period (or shall we say, honeymoon phase), Netflix is eager and willing to rush you any new releases you have on your list, while being even more ready to "receive" your disc back just as soon as it hits the firm's local distribution hub. After you've shelled out for a few months, you'll notice that those discs are magically taking a day or two longer to be received by the company, and those new releases you're craving are suddenly taking days (or weeks) to arrive. So, is throttling a reality? The folks at Sound & Vision Mag delved deep to find out, and while the company claims that "96%" of customers receive their movies next-day, there is an algorithm that works against you if you're a notorious new release grabber. Additionally, it was affirmed that "the more you work your membership, the less likely you are to get the new stuff." As everyone with Blockbuster can attest, the story isn't really any different over there -- we 'spose that's just how life goes when you're the 4%.

Filed under: Industry, Internet

The mystery of Netflix's queue system gets tackled, throttling all but confirmed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VUDU's v1.5 firmware update brings along costly rental extensions

Darren Murph — Fri, 30 May 2008 07:59:00 EST

One thing's for certain: VUDU doesn't let a firmware update get stale. Just two months after v1.3 hit the scenes, v1.5 has already been detailed / spotted. The big hitter in this update is the Discounted Extended Rentals, which enables users to extend the viewing window of a 24 / 48-hour rental within seven days after the conclusion of the original rental. Once extended, you get the same "privileges" as before -- you can store it for up to 30 days with 24 / 48-hours to watch it once you've started it. The rub is the pricing: you only get $2 off when extending $5.99 HD rentals, $1 off most everything else and $0.50 off of $0.99 rentals. Oh, and you can only extend once. Other changes include full-screen trailers, parental controls for browsing and revised sort functionality. Check the read link for the full changelog, and feel free to twiddle your thumbs waiting for the update to be passed on to your STB.

[Via Yahoo]

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Others

VUDU's v1.5 firmware update brings along costly rental extensions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 May 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix coming to Xbox 360 and PS3?

Joshua Topolsky — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:46:00 EST

According to a blogged up blog post on the interblogs, a Netflix survey that's supposedly been making the rounds suggests that the service may be coming to both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. If you believe what Seanbajuice has to say, the survey asked, "If as part of your Netflix membership you could instantly watch movies and TV episodes on your TV with your PS/3 or XBOX 360, how likely would you/anyone in your household be to do that?" The survey then goes on to state that both the PS3 and the 360 will be able to play streaming media by using a "special Netflix disc." Here's the kicker: there won't be any extra fees besides the $3 charge for the disc. Of course, nothing is mentioned about how the PS3 will handle the Microsoft-based DRM, and while the whole thing sounds too good to be true, there have been rumblings about this recently, so let's just cross our fingers and make a wish, okay?

Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment

Netflix coming to Xbox 360 and PS3? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A look at VUDU's high-definition movies

Darren Murph — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:07:00 EST

Just a day after VUDU started pushing out its long-awaited v1.2 software update, a kind user has whipped up a spreadsheet documenting all 65 HD flicks that are now available (or will be shortly) for renting. Truth be told, we're not exceptionally impressed with the list, but hey, to each his / her own. Hit up the read link to take a peek at what you're missing out on (or what you're about to have access to).

[Thanks, Brian S.]

Filed under: Other hardware, Set-top boxes, Others

A look at VUDU's high-definition movies originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix bringing streaming rentals to Macs, game console next?

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:40:00 EST

Recent announcements on iTunes rentals certainly caused a stir amongst the neglected Mac-masses, but it looks like the online rental game is about to get a little more cutthroat for fanboys and fangirls everywhere. According to a new report (and backed up by an earlier blog post), streaming content for Netflix subscribers is headed to Mac screens in 2008 -- if everyone has their way. During the company's Q4 earnings call this week, the snail-mail service hinted that this would be the year that streaming rentals would come to Mac users due to the advent of DRM options that play nice with Apple's gear (namely, Microsoft's Silverlight technology). Combine this with news that the company plans to offer all-you-can-eat online rentals for $8.99 a month, its intentions to bring a STB to market with LG, and a possible game console partnership -- well, it all adds up to stiff competition for Apple and other challengers, despite what they say.

[Via Mac Rumors]

Read - Netflix: Mac Streaming Coming This Year
Read - Instant watching on Mac, Firefox, and more

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, LG, Internet

Netflix bringing streaming rentals to Macs, game console next? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix bringing streaming rentals to Macs, game console next?

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Netflix bringing streaming rentals to Macs, game console next? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: So, are you buying an Apple TV now?

Darren Murph — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Although the MacBook Air sucked the proverbial wind out of the Apple TV relaunch sails, we here at Engadget HD still find that aspect of Steve's keynote quite intriguing. At first listen, we were blown away by the promise of "HD downloads with Dolby 5.1 audio," but after digging in a little further, we found quite a bit of red tape stuck to those lofty claims. Still, many HD aficionados didn't give the original Apple TV a passing glance due to its general disregard for high-definition content, and while the so-called Take 2 effort isn't an HD junkie's dream, it's far and away more appealing than what we were dealing with just last week. So, dear readers, now that Cupertino has taken the first step and recognized the desire for easy to obtain downloadable HD content, are you biting?

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Filed under: Polls, Media streamers, Apple

Poll: So, are you buying an Apple TV now? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix Watch Instantly and iTunes movie rentals: aiming for two different markets

Darren Murph — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:55:00 EST

Quite frankly, it was hard to take Netflix's sudden freeing of its Watch Instantly feature as anything but a response to Apple's forthcoming iTunes movie rentals, but according to a piece at The New York Times, the two are actually aiming at different markets. After speaking with Netflix's Reed Hastings, it was found that the vast majority of its streamable content was "older," and considering that users of this service can never look forward to brand new releases being available, the cost (i.e. free to most mail-in subscribers) makes sense. As for Apple, it's able to focus on crowds who are looking for a more robust, generally fresher selection, but of course, you'll pay the premium each time you indulge. Furthermore, Netflix has yet to make transferring video to any display / device other than your monitor easy, and while an LG STB is indeed on the horizon, the differences in content selection are still likely to lure separate eyes. For more on the how's and why's behind the battle that probably isn't, go on down and tag the read link.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video

Netflix Watch Instantly and iTunes movie rentals: aiming for two different markets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's iTunes 7.6 plays nice with 64-bit Vista

Darren Murph — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:07:00 EST

Not only is the latest version of iTunes (v7.6 for those keeping count) required to enjoy those brand new movie rentals, but users with 64-bit Windows Vista machines can now look forward to using the software without issue. According to a number of tips, owners of said setups are apparently having no issues with it as of now. So, 64-bit Vista users -- for any of you courageous enough to give it a whirl, why not install iTunes 7.6 and report back with how things worked out?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Apple's iTunes 7.6 plays nice with 64-bit Vista originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple introduces iTunes movie rentals, HD rentals

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:48:00 EST

Apple has officially announced movie rentals for iTunes. Studios involved include Touchstone, MGM, Miramax, Lions Gate, Fox, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney, Paramount, Universal, and Sony, just to name a few. The new feature will launch today with 1,000 available films by the end of February -- prices will come in at $2.99 for a regular rental, and $3.99 for new releases. You'll be able to begin watching your movie in 30 seconds, and will have the rental for up to 24 hours, during which time you can transfer the file to an iPod or iPhone and take it on the go. Additionally, you'll be able to nab HD rentals for just $1 more, respectively.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Apple introduces iTunes movie rentals, HD rentals originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iTunes Store slip-up reveals future rental movie options?

Conrad Quilty-Harper — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:25:00 EST

Movie rentals could be coming to the iTunes Store, if an apparent slip-up by Apple is any indication. Mac developer David Watanabe uploaded a screenshot depicting an iTunes problem reporting system which has options for requesting a refund due to non-delivery of rental movies. The other options for reporting issues with the as yet unannounced -- but rumored -- rental movie options on the iTunes Store include accidental purchase, poor content quality, duplicate purchase, wrong version, bad metadata, and "other." The same possible complaints are available for every other content type on iTunes. We verified that these options are still viewable on a US iTunes Store account: see for yourself by viewing your account purchase history, clicking report problem, and then clicking on an individual purchase.

[Thanks, Josh]

Continue reading iTunes Store slip-up reveals future rental movie options?

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

iTunes Store slip-up reveals future rental movie options? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint brings full-length movies to your phone

Paul Miller — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:38:00 EST

The war against your eyesight is on. Sprint is busting out a new pay-per-view movie service that streams full-length flicks to your tiny screen. They've already got 45 titles lined up for the service, including popular titles like National Treasure, Spider-Man 2 and Scarface. The new Sprint Movies service is in addition to Sprint's current mSpot movie service, which offers an all-you-can-eat selection of video content for 7 bucks a month. Sprint Movies can be controlled much like a DVD, with the ability to skip between chapters and resume the flick where it gets left off. Movies cost between $4 and $6 each, with rental periods ranging from 24 hours and one week, and 24 hour extensions are available for a buck. Check the read link for the full movie selection -- we're totally all over that Kindergarten Cop action.

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Video

Sprint brings full-length movies to your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint brings full-length movies to your phone

Paul Miller — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:38:00 EST

The war against your eyesight is on. Sprint is busting out a new pay-per-view movie service that streams full-length flicks to your tiny screen. They've already got 45 titles lined up for the service, including popular titles like like National Treasure, Spider-Man 2 and Scarface. The new Sprint Movies service is in addition to Sprint's current mSpot movie service, which offers an all-you-can-eat selection of video content for 7 bucks a month. Sprint Movies can be controlled much like a DVD, with the ability to skip between chapters and resume the flick where it gets left off. Movies cost between $4 and $6 each, with rental periods ranging from 24 hours and one week, and 24 hour extensions are available for a buck. Check the read link for the full movie selection -- we're totally all over that Kindergarten Cop action.

Filed under: Multimedia, Sprint

Sprint brings full-length movies to your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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