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Movies could be available as a VOD rental before DVD, Blu-ray -- for $20 to $30 each
The MPAA has often stated its desire to offer movies through video on-demand ahead of their release on DVD or Blu-ray -- provided the analog hole was closed -- and now that it has been, the Wall Street Journal reports Disney, Fox, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. are considering a pitch from Time Warner Cable to do just that. The price for cutting the usual four month wait for home viewing to just 30 days? As much as $20 to $30 for a rental. Sony's already tried experimenting with a higher price point on early delivery of Hancock and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to BRAVIA HDTV owners, but at least they threw in a free Blu-ray copy with the former. So far the studios have only agreed that their current release strategy needs some sort of change, but unless they add some sweeteners we don't see this one shifting us from our current rental/purchase habits.
Redbox deal with Fox puts a 4 week hold on new releases, starting with Avatar
Consider that Redbox / Fox lawsuit cancelled -- as well any plans you had to watch Avatar this weekend for a buck a day. Under their new distribution agreement (starting with this week's blockbuster flick) the movie maker will directly supply Redbox but only 28 days after a movie is released and with the directive they will not be resold later. No real surprises here considering the recent slew of similar agreements affecting our favorite budget rental options, including the note that this applies to Blu-ray discs as well, with no word when they will be available outside of "testing in select markets." It's cool, we were just waiting to watch The Blind Side this weekend anyway.
YouTube rental selection expanded; sadly, most films still lack explosions
Are you looking for yet another way to stream Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired? Netflix and iTunes not doing it for you? Apparently YouTube's first, tentative step into on-demand rentals (some sort of Sundance Film Festival cross-promotion early this year) went well enough, and the company's started offering an extended range of movie and TV episodes for your viewing pleasure. Depending on the flick, anywhere between $.99 and $3.99 will get you 48 hours access, paid through Google Check-Out. Not too many Hollywood blockbusters are on tap, but if you're in the mood for a documentary, indie, or foreign film, hit up the source link to see for yourself. Personally, we're holding out until Die Hard With A Vengeance becomes available.
CinemaNow switches to RoxioNow, we just want to watch our movies -- now
CinemaNow has been quietly serving up movies over the internet for under other brands like Blockbuster's video on-demand store, but now it's looking to grab a piece of the limelight by changing to RoxioNow. That means PCs, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, phones and any other compatible devices will arrive stamped with the new logo (probably not our shoddy copy and paste job above) to "enable consumers to quickly identify products offering a more flexible entertainment experience." It does follow, that as online video hubs cross platforms customers would want to know what will play what and when, but you'd figure the blinking Best Buy / Blockbuster / Zip.ca logo on their screen would be a decent indicator.
Netflix's Q1 results show record subscriber growth, little resistance to new release delays
Another quarter, another 1,699,000 more Netflix subscribers. The company's Q1 results also showed a jump in the percentage of subscribers using Watch Instantly streaming, now up to 55 percent. The Q&A session that followed provided a few other interesting details, including that company is considering introducing a "family plan" to account for more streaming devices, along with simultaneous access at home and on mobile devices like the iPad and iPhone. As far as how 28 day delays on new releases are affecting its business, execs pointed simply to the low churn rate of subscribers (we're not surprised) as evidence that the tradeoffs were a net benefit. As far as competition for its services, they're focused on the VOD offerings from satellite / cable companies, but apparently not worried by the prospect of a streaming-only service from Redbox undercutting the cheapest all you can eat Netflix plans. All in all, this adds up to possibly the best quarter we've seen from the red envelope people, but feel free to dig through all the numbers beyond the read link.
Widevine DRM upgrade enables new features (multichannel audio) on streaming services
It's not that we're in love with DRM, but if you enjoy any rental video services online it's an inescapable part of the deal. The good news from Widevine today is a number of new features added to its platform in version 4.4.4 which could help change the way we use services from its customers like CinemaNow. DVD-style chapters, live streaming, progressive downloads, and adaptive streaming features are all great features we've seen before in various forms, but the most anticipated one around these parts is multichannel audio. Netflix has mentioned its use of WMDRM as a reason behind the lack of surround sound on Watch Instantly streams, but as a new customer mentioned (alongside Blockbuster) in the press release, a shift in solutions will likely coincide with the feature arriving later this year.
Poll: Will 30-day rental windows pull you away from Netflix & Redbox?
Blockbuster and the cable VOD consortium have been busy trumpeting the fact they're getting many of the new releases in HD as soon as they hit shelves for sale... while Netflix and Redbox aren't. But will that matter to customers lulled into an all-you-can-eat & $1 per night stupor by the latest gladiators to dominate the rental arena? Let us know how it looks to you. %Poll-44735% [Image via eHomeUpgrade]
Blockbuster details new Games By Mail rental system
Yesterday, we heard about beleaguered rental chain Blockbuster's attempt to yoink some of the video game rental market back from the hands of GameFly by implementing a new "Games By Mail" rental service. Today, we received more details: For an extra $7.99 plus tax on top of their standard monthly fees, Blockbuster Online subscribers will be able to rent one game at a time, which counts towards the total number of discs they're allowed to have out under their subscription plan. Fortunately, if you don't check out any games during the one-month billing period, you're not charged the extra eight bucks. For more details on the service -- which Blockbuster is currently testing in Cleveland, Ohio "with plans to expand this nationwide before the end of the year" -- check out the company's FAQ page.
The iPad rent-a-date
You can go tickle an iPad for free at any Apple Store. You can caress, stroke, and otherwise test out the "magical" touch-based interface. However, if you want to go further, second base for example, be prepared to pony up $50. TUAW has realized that for that low, low price, you can bring that baby home with you and enjoy her in the privacy of your own home for up to two weeks. Return her back to the store, none the worse for wear (don't forget to use "protection"), and you'll be assessed a mere 10% of the purchase price as an, ahem, "restocking fee." Of course, your mileage may vary, so buy at your own risk -- this is just an idea we're throwing out there, in case anyone wants to catch and run with it. But then again, why deny yourself the temporary love of an iPad while you're waiting for the 3G of your dreams? There's no need to deny your basic desires until the "keeper" comes along. If you want to try and get a little creative with Apple's return policy, we won't be the ones to stop you.
Warner / Blockbuster deal keeps movies out of kiosks for a month
Just in case Warner's ideal demarcation between release windows wasn't clear enough, it's struck a new deal with Blockbuster splitting rental dates for movies. Just like Redbox and Netflix, Warner movies are now on a 28-day delay before they appear in rental kiosks, but are available for rent at store locations or by mail on the same day they go on sale. Blockbuster CEO James Keyes calls the four-week lead an agreement that "reinforces Blockbuster's position as the most convenient source for new movies" but we're figuring with steady competition from VOD services (including its own Blockbuster On Demand, which will maintain day-and-date releases,) it will still have a tough time clawing back ground lost to the competition. First flicks under the new deal? The Blind Side and Sherlock Holmes.
Blockbuster's latest SEC filing shows a future still very much in doubt
Different year, same story for Blockbuster. Though it's made strides in shifting from its old business model to a new kiosk, delivery and online approach, it still felt it was necessary to use cautionary language like "substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern" in an SEC filing this week. We'll see if its new plans to handle the debt problems that have put it in such a hole allow it enough flexibility to fight back against Netflix and Redbox, but 2010 figures to be yet another uncertain year for the former rental champ.
OnLive to offer 'OnLive Game Portal' service without monthly fee
The pricing scheme announced this week by OnLive, in which you'd pay $15 a month for the privilege of buying and renting games, won't be the only way to interact with the streaming service. In addition to that "OnLive Game Service," the company will open an "OnLive Game Portal" sometime after the June 17 launch of the main service. It sounds a lot like the browser-based streaming offered by competitor Gaikai. The Game Portal is a free browser-based service that allows streaming of a selection of demos, as well as a limited number of full games for rent -- for a per-game fee, without the monthly charge. The selection of games is limited not just in number, but also "subject to available OnLive service capacity and whatever usage limits are associated with each given demo." The Portal will work with the OnLive set top box, in addition to the browser plug-in. It is expected to roll out sometime in 2010, after the June 17 launch of the main service. [Via Big Download]
Redbox to offer Blu-ray rentals later this year
If the convenience of streaming content via Netflix and/or having magical pixies deliver discs to your mailbox (that's how they get there, right?) aren't your thing, then know your insatiable desire to view high-def movies will soon be satiated via Redbox. The aptly-titled crimson structure that spits out discs inside your local supermarket or at your favorite strip mall has begun an initiative to see Blu-ray rentals offered starting sometime around mid-2010, Blu-ray.com reports. Of course, all of those extra defs won't come cheap: CEO of Coinstar -- Redbox's parent company -- Richard Davis exclaimed that a pricing structure for Blu-ray rentals hasn't been finalized yet, though it will likely be "higher than our standard DVDs." So ... two dollars, then?
Redbox to delay renting Warner movies in return for lower costs and access to Blu-ray
As we figured they would, Warner Bros. and Redbox have come to an agreement that will see the movie house supply DVDs and Blu-ray discs straight to the kiosk renter, after a 28 day delay, as well as a promise to destroy the copies after they are taken out of rental circulation. Much like Warner's deal with Netflix, it sees the delay as a way to protect its high margin sales and pricier VOD rentals, then provide the equivalent of a dollar movie theater down the road as flicks hit budget renters. On Redbox's end, it's looking forward to reduced costs for movies and access to Blu-ray titles in return for dropping its lawsuit, and has a deal in place with yet another content provider. No word on any expansion of Blu-ray availability in kiosks, but the new deal kicks off with The Blind Side in March, can you wait that long to save a few bucks?
YouTube introduces movie rentals, only independent titles for now
In an atypically low key beginning, YouTube is starting to roll out a new movie rental service. Currently stocked with only five titles from independent film producers, it won't be posing any threats to the Netflix empire any time soon, but plans are naturally afoot to expand what's on offer. Available between this Friday and the end of this year's Sundance Film Festival, the movies can be rented for $3.99 a piece through the Google Checkout payment system. Prepare your muscles to do some cringing though, as YouTube is said to be working on adding health, fitness and educational videos as well. Still, the focus seems to be on getting indie filmmakers more exposure -- and cash, "the majority" of rental revenue will go to the film producers -- and we can't really argue with that.
Netflix bends over, agrees to delay renting Warner DVDs
Oh sigh. We'd been hearing that Warner Brothers would be pushing for month-long rental delays for mail-order services in order to boost sales, and it looks like Netflix has been pushed into submission: under an agreement announced today, Warner Brother DVDs and Blu-rays won't be available to Netflix subscribers for 28 days after they're released for sale. What's worse, Netflix says it expects to reach similar deals with the other major studios as time goes on. Why would Reed Hastings agree to a clear imposition on his company's rights under the first-sale doctrine? We're guessing this is the only way the studios would open up and allow more movies to hit Watch Instantly -- and the AP says Netflix is also getting a discount on the actual discs. Yeah, it's lame, but honestly we'd rather take more streaming content over new releases in the mail straight away, so let's hope all this wheeling and dealing pays off.
Blockbuster, Redbox adding rental kiosks at ridiculous speed
The DVD rental kiosk war continues to heat up, with NCR acquiring competitor DVDPlay to add around 1,300 kiosks under its Blockbuster Express umbrella, while Coinstar joyfully announced its surpassed expectations with the rollout of Redbox, now numbering 22,210 installations. For the last six months its maintained a pace of more than one kiosk every hour, 24/7. Is there anywhere you'd like to see one of these automated dispensaries that doesn't have one yet? Odds are there will be three new ones by the time you finish reading this post.
First Look: Zipcar app for iPhone hits the road
The company's teaser page still says "coming soon," but eagle-eyed reader Jason spotted the free Zipcar app [iTunes link] in the store today. We've been waiting for this app for quite a while, and it's exciting to see it in action. The app provides Zipcar members with a location-based search for nearby Zipcar locations, allowing them to drill down to the individual garages via a map view. Reserving a car is as easy as clicking one big green button, and the app allows you to sort available cars by time, type and model to make it easier to find the one you want. You can see your upcoming reservations and cancel a car if you don't need it after all. Once you get to your car, you can use the virtual keyfob to help find it in the garage by honking the horn (nice touch); while you still need to use your RFID-equipped Zipcard to activate the car's remote unlock and ignition system, once you do that at the beginning of your reservation you can put it back in your wallet and use the iPhone to lock and unlock the car. You can also extend your reservation from the iPhone app, as long as there's open time after your slot ends. One somewhat quirky thing about the app is that there's no way to adjust your reservation time window except at the 'top' of the car search process; often as not, with the Zipcar website, you may find yourself tweaking the hours of your booking to improve your chances of finding the car you need. The lack of flexibility is noted on the app's iTunes page under "Coming Soon," so a future release will probably improve matters here. The Zipcar app requires iPhone OS 3.0 and works on the iPod touch as well, although most features will require a network connection. Zipcar members are almost as enthusiastic about the service as iPhone owners are about their devices, so this combination is sure to strike sparks. Once you've got the Zipcar app downloaded, let us know your road trip experiences via the comments below. %Gallery-74129%
Blockbuster announces cable VOD tie-ups, expanding CinemaNow OnDemand deal
As a part of its "transformation to a Multi-Channel Brand" Blockbuster continues to use its name recognition to reach new markets, simultaneously trumpeting the success of a partnership with CinemaNow, resulting in Blockbuster OnDemand on Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, as well as other hardware and soon, Motorola phones, while also easing into the cable video on-demand arena. In deals with Suddenlink and Mediacom via their VOD provider, Avail-TVN, they'll start off slowly by rebranding parts of their VOD service under the Blockbuster name, do some cross-promotion and then eventually take their relationship to the next level by allowing customers to search the rental giant's Blu-ray and DVD library for movies that might not be on VOD right now. The old dog seems willing to try anything to get back on top, but alone or all together, it's tough to see these strategies restoring the customer base Netflix and Redbox continue to eat away.Read - Blockbuster Enters Strategic Alliance With Cable Operators Suddenlink Communications and Mediacom Communications
YouTube looking to enter rental movies on demand business, says WSJ
Sounds like Google has found the best way to monetize YouTube yet, and it puts itself in a pretty competitive spot versus the likes of Netflix, Amazon VOD, and Apple's iTunes movie store. According to Wall Street Journal, the company's currently in talks with Lions Gate, Sony, and Warner Bros. studios over putting their content on YouTube for a rental fee, likely $3.99 -- the same price as Apple's SD movie rentals. Even more interesting is talk of getting some titles online day and date with the DVD releases. Some options could still be free with advertising, but as for paid content, Google's enticing studios over to their way of thinking with a proposed minimum fee of "just under $3 per title viewed." A three-month beta testing is apparently scheduled to begin soon among 10,000 Google employees, and after that? Well, here's hoping the G-Man manages to sign on some more studios and offer us the films in streaming HD.
