HdRentals
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iTunes 8.1.1 update adds support for HD rentals, but where are they?
Consider the "where are the HD rentals in iTunes?" question partially answered, now that 8.1.1 has brought the advertised functionality to the desktop according to its own release notes. Some iPod and iPhone sync issues have also been addressed, but we know what the people want. Unfortunately, even after installing the update none of the $5 rentals in high definition are anywhere to be found, only SD. The wait continues.
Blockbuster hamstrings Total Access rental plan
You know what the last thing a losing company should do? Something that makes even more of its customers jump ship. As Blockbuster looks to cut costs and buy fewer DVDs from studios, the company is also hoping that Total Access customers don't notice a tiny change (posted in full after the break) in the fine print. Up until now, Total Access customers could swap their by-mail rentals in store for a DVD that didn't count against their maximum out-at-a-time number; starting right about now in most locations, "all free movie in-store exchange rentals will count towards the number of DVDs you are allowed out under your Total Access plan at any one time." Of course, it also removed the return date limitation on all movies rented in-store while still a paying Total Access subscriber, but clearly the cons outweigh the pros here. Anyone considering Netflix now that Blockbuster has pulled a fast one?[Thanks, Michael]
Movie Gallery fires up in-store PowerPlay subscription plan
At this point, Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video are just children in the grown-up world of video rentals, but even we can't help but appreciate its latest, um, attempt. After finding that people don't actually enjoy waiting for DVDs to arrive by mail, it has concocted its very own in-store subscription service, dubbed PowerPlay. In theory, at least, it's a fantastic plan; users are able to pop in, check out a DVD or Blu-ray for an unlimited window of time (or video game for five days), and then return it at their leisure. The problem? The unlimited service is a staggering $39.99 per month, and so far as we can tell, you can only have one flick at a time checked out. Other plans are certainly available, but none of 'em come close to the awesomeness of Blockbuster / Netflix. Sorry, but it's true.[Via VideoBusiness, image courtesy of CPDothan]
VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies
VUDU made some pretty big waves with its Blu-ray-rivaling HDX downloadable format, and now it's pushing the envelope once again by becoming the first on-demand service to actually sell (as in, for keeps... on your box, anyway) HD and HDX movies. Starting today, all VUDU owners can browse a growing library of for-sale high-definition flicks, and it should be noted that both HD and HDX titles will sport the same price tags (between $13.99 and $23.99). Initially, only around 50 films will be available, all of which are from top independent studios. Magnolia Picture's Man on Wire, which just so happened to take home an Oscar this year, is in that group of 50 along with FirstLook Studios' Transsiberian and War, Inc.. Better still, VUDU intends to make future releases available for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release, and we can only hope that major studios get with the program and follow suit. Full release is after the break.
Netflix CEO alludes to streaming-only pricing by next year
Considering that we've already heard whispers of price premiums for streaming content, we suppose rumors of a dedicated streaming tier aren't that far fetched. In a recent report from Bloomberg, Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings was quoted as saying that by 2010 (that's next year, y'all), consumers may be able to opt for a streaming-only package that would provide access to Watch Instantly content alone. Reed realizes that in order to maintain its current level of success, it has to "nail" the streaming aspect. No doubt, we certainly envision the streaming portion becoming more popular in the coming years, particularly if it can strong-arm studios into providing new releases for download. Sadly, he didn't talk pricing, but Netflix never has been one to gouge its subscribers, and we get the feeling it wouldn't just start on a whim in 2010.[Via Yahoo! Tech]
Ask Engadget HD: Netflix or Blockbuster -- best by-mail rental service?
Ah, the question we've been waiting for has finally arrived. With the economy leading more and more individuals to search for entertainment at home, many are wondering which movie rental service to sink their hard-earned dollars into. Take it away, Brandon: "I'm looking to subscribe to either Netflix or Blockbuster for movie rentals, but I wanted some input from current users first. Which service is superior? Has anyone used both? I'm talking about the by-mail option, there aren't enough new releases available online for me to worry about. A little guidance, please?" We know, it'll be difficult to quell your fanboyism here, but let's try to stick with facts and figures, okay? Has Blockbuster and / or Netflix treated you right / wrong? Let's hear it!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Netflix profit up 45% in Q4, nears 10 million total subscribers
Analysts were already anticipating a killer Q4 for Netflix, and unlike practically every other company on the face of the planet, it delivered. The movie rental firm somehow managed to see net income rise to $22.7 million in the quarter, up from $15.7 million in Q4 2007. Revenue was also up by 19 percent, and subscriber growth was pegged at an amazing 26 percent. All told, the firm ended the quarter with 9.4 million subscribers, decimating its own forecast of ending Q4 with 9.15 million customers. Of course, some (Netflix included) are quick to assert that the recession has actually boosted business, with many consumers opting to stay home and rent versus taking the family out for a pricey night at the cinema. Netflix is now projecting to end 2009 with anywhere between 10.6 million to 11.3 million customers, and given all the hardware deals it keeps landing, we don't see a reason why it won't get there. Way to buck the trend, Netflix -- we needed some bright news today.[Via AP]
VUDU lowers barrier to entry once more to $99 even
Some might say that a perpetually decreasing price tag could foreshadow certain doom. We aren't quite on that bandwagon yet, so instead, we'll simply point out that $99 out-the-door for a movie set-top-box capable of HD (and "Blu-ray rivaling" HDX) quality ain't a bad deal. VUDU's post-Christmas sale has actually ended up better than the one hosted up a few weeks back, with the previously required $50 in movie credits being removed entirely. Also of note, the VUDU + Wireless Kit is now available for just $148. So, are the new price points low enough for you, or are you waiting to see what CES might bring?[Thanks, Ben]
Redbox CEO talks up DVD rental business, streaming competitors
Redbox -- the outfit that makes its ends by offering consumers $1 DVD / Blu-ray rentals in kiosk stations positioned at grocery stores, Walmarts and other retail outlets -- has let its CEO out of the corner office long enough to speak with VideoBusiness. With B&M rental outlets feeling the pain from by-mail / online alternatives, VB questioned whether Redbox's business model was viable. Gregg Kaplan noted that the model was indeed viable and profitable, harping on the fact that many families are redirecting out-of-home entertainment dollars to at-home entertainment. He's also publicly confident that the business will continue growing "at a brisk pace," and given that its market share currently sits at just 5% to 10%, it definitely has the room to grow. We have to say, Redbox has it pretty good. While many are too lazy to make a trip to the video store, it's actually convenient to grab a flick while you're out grabbing produce; hit the read link for the full interview.
Are alternative renting methods killing mom 'n pop movie stores?
We've already polled the audience this year to see if you all still visited the tried-and-true rental store on any sort of regular basis, and most everyone made clear that the act of driving out to rent a movie was simply old hat. A new writeup over at the Press of Atlantic City takes a look at how close these establishments are to caving to alternate forms of renting. These days, consumers have a copious amount of options: VOD via their pay-TV provider, Netflix (by mail and online streaming), Hulu, VUDU and tons more internet-based alternatives. It doesn't take long to realize that driving out to get a movie isn't required anymore. Interestingly enough, not everyone expects the mom 'n pop rental shops to close up in the coming years, with an increasingly aging population still sticking to their roots and doing things the ways they always have. What say you? How long does the B&M rental outlet model have before it's overtaken by newer methods?
Reminder: VUDU's movie set-top-box giveaway ends tomorrow!
Like it or not, most of you are about to come to terms with the fact that the next major holiday is months away. Do you really want to face that realization without a copious amount of on-demand content at your disposal? We thought not. Thus, we're giving you one final shot to register for a chance to win a VUDU movie set-top-box; if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, head on over and leave a comment. It all ends (the contest, not life as we know it... hopefully) tomorrow night (January 2nd) at 11:59PM ET.
Engadget HD's Holiday Giveaway: win a VUDU movie set-top-box!
The giving souls over at Engadget HD aren't done yet, as they've got a VUDU movie set-top-box awaiting a new owner. If your unwrapping ceremony this morning wasn't all gumdrops and lollipops like you had hoped, there's hardly a better way to remedy the situation than to bring home an on-demand movie box. Head on over and drop your name in the hat -- Kris Kringle just might have a little somethin' (more) for ya.
Engadget HD Holiday Giveaway (part II): VUDU's movie set-top-box
Just as promised, we're back for round two. The Engadget HD gift bag is opening once more, and this time we've a shiny new VUDU movie set-top-box to give away. We hear that nothing warms the heart like on-demand movies, and nothing pleases the eye like on-demand movies in high-definition. Just plug this into your HDTV, attach a broadband connection and kick back by the fireplace to enjoy whatever flick your delicate soul desires. Santa's only request is that you leave a comment below to be considered in the drawing, and you know it's always best to do what Santa says. Psst... don't forget to enter our earlier giveaway for a Slingbox PRO-HD if you haven't already!%Gallery-40033%The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, though we'd prefer to hear what holiday film you plan on renting just as soon as this baby arrives. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) VUDU movie set-top-box. Approximate value is $299. Entries can be submitted until Friday, January 2nd, 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
Roku's HD Netflix interface gets pictured
Roku just enabled HD Netflix on its movie set-top-box yesterday (or earlier, for a select few), but DVICE has already taken the time to show us what it's all about. The update was said to be painless to download and install, and the new high-def UI was much appreciated. Unfortunately, there's no mention of the actual streaming quality, but we're hoping to have a review of our own cooked up soon to give you the details there. 'Til then, enjoy the interface shots in the read link below.
VUDU price dramatically slashed to $99* for the holidays
We know it's a touch late to be ordering up a gift for unwrapping on the 25th, but this one just might be worth the IOU you'll likely be forced to give. VUDU's movie set-top-box, which typically goes for $299, is now priced at just $99 for a limited time. Of course, VUDU forces you to purchase $50 in movie credits along with it (thus the asterisk being applicable here), but it's not like you're just going to buy this and never watch anything, right? There's also a bundle that includes a Wireless Kit at 50% off (now just $49), making the grand total for a VUDU, $50 in movie credits and a Wireless Kit only $198. Let's just say now is about the time to buy if you've been holding off on a VUDU -- we hear those HDX titles are mighty tasty![Thanks, Rob]
Roku makes it so: HD Netflix streaming comes to Netflix Player
A few lucky Netflix Player owners have been enjoying the spoils of Netflix in high-definition all weekend, but for those not selected to join the elite in the first wave of rollouts, all is now well. Roku has just announced that every last one of its Netflix Player customers are now eligible for an upgrade that brings along HD Netflix support, just as we knew would happen. Slipping in just under the wire, are we Roku? Either way, we appreciate the tidings of joy.
Roku v1.5 firmware update brings HD Netflix streaming
Good thing Netflix / Roku got those finicky quality issues ironed out, as the latest firmware update is all about clarity. Version 1.5, which is evidently being pushed out in waves, is allowing individuals to stream high-def Netflix content. So, for those of you lucky enough to have the new firmware already, how do things look and sound? Are you pleased? Not really? Speak up below![Thanks, TheManTheyCallJayne]
Poll: Are your Blu-ray Discs taking forever to ship from Netflix?
We've beaten this bush down before, but it seems that the issue is cropping up once more: Blu-ray Discs are taking ages to ship from Netflix. A recent CNET piece on the quandary took a closer look at why we're all paying more ($1 per month, but still) to get less. According to company spokesman Steve Swasey, the problem is twofold. First off, Hollywood simply "isn't providing enough Blu-ray copies of newly released films as the company would like to get," and secondly, Netflix is being ultra-cautious about spending too much dough on BD. Sure, some 500,000 customers are signed up to receive them, but that's a small chunk of the 9 million total that it serves. According to Steve: "These things [Blu-ray Discs] cost money. We deploy money where we think it's going to be most efficient to keep subscribers and investors happy. It's always check and balances." So, we're interested in seeing just how bad the issue is for our readers in particular -- drop your vote / rants below. %Poll-24092%
LG's BD300 Blu-ray gets HD Netflix-enabling firmware update
First came Samsung's duo, then came the TiVo. Now, LG's BD300 is taking its turn, just as we were promised it would. Available now, the vBD8.11.480 firmware update will take your deck to the next level by solving the following symptom: "Netflix HD streaming is not supported." The update is also said to "fix the menu flickering when RMC key is served on the BD-Live menu," so yeah, there's that. Get that update going and report back, will you? Oh, and keep a close eye on quality -- we hear it's been wonky of late.[Thanks, Jerry]
Atari president confident about physical media's decline
While high ranking executives from high ranking companies have bickered back and forth about the longevity of Blu-ray as a format, Atari president Phil Harrison has some pretty strong feelings on physical media as a whole. In an interview with Edge, the bigwig stated that "there's a generation of kids being born today and probably already alive who I'm pretty confident will never buy a physical media product; they will never buy a DVD, they will never buy a CD, and they will never buy a game in a box." While some may jump on this as being patently absurd, we're not so sure it's a crazy as it at first sounds. Video games in particular have been distributed via the 'net for some time now (Steam, anyone?), and it's no secret that programming and movies are headed in that direction. There's no way to accurately predict how many more generations will be buying wares in boxes, but it's safe to say we're a lot closer than most people expected us to be just a decade ago.[Via G4TV]
