The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Cord Cutters: Redbox Edition
Elki
get busyModerator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
get busyModerator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
In our constantly evolving streaming world of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime -and not being able to get HBO on any of them- a new player enters. Say hello to Redbox Instant by Verizon. The unconfirmed details:
http://gigaom.com/video/redbox-instant-pricing-device-support-launch-date/
Fragmentation of online streaming does not fill me with thrills, but if Redbox Instant's tiny catalog turns out to be heavy on new titles that are absent from Netflix, I might jump on board and add it as a supplement to my Netflix/Hulu/Prime subscriptions. The VOD pricing also sounds appealing, but hopefully that's not for SD with the HD version receiving some ridiculous markup. VOD pricing, in general, is pretty screwy. I never understood how I could stop at a Redbox to rent a DVD for $1, or spend $5 to rent it online for the same period. If Redbox Instant can be, well, the Redbox of VOD, that could be a great niche to fill.
Also, Comcast is still the devil.
http://gigaom.com/video/redbox-instant-pricing-device-support-launch-date/
*Subscriptions start at $6 a month, which gives users unlimited access to the service’s subscription video catalog. That catalog is expected to be much smaller than Netflix’s, but it includes some titles also offered by the competitor, including Killers, Rango, Iron Man 2 and Thor.
*An $8 a month membership adds four Redbox credits to the streaming package that can be redeemed for Redbox DVD rentals. Users will be able to reserve their DVDs from the Instant website and mobile apps. Credits won’t roll-over but expire at the end of each month.
*Redbox Instant also offers VOD rentals and sales of newer titles, which can be downloaded to some devices for offline access. Rentals and sales start at $0.99, and offer access to titles like The Lorax, which will presumably cost a bit more than that.
*Redbox Instant will initially be available on the web, Android and iOS devices, the Xbox 360 and select Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players. Customers will be able to register up to five devices to access the service.
*Just like Netflix, Redbox Instant is using Silverlight for streaming on the web.
*The help section also includes a hint regarding the launch date of the service: Beta testers are being told that they won’t be able to access the DVDs included in their subscriptions at some kiosks until December 17.
Fragmentation of online streaming does not fill me with thrills, but if Redbox Instant's tiny catalog turns out to be heavy on new titles that are absent from Netflix, I might jump on board and add it as a supplement to my Netflix/Hulu/Prime subscriptions. The VOD pricing also sounds appealing, but hopefully that's not for SD with the HD version receiving some ridiculous markup. VOD pricing, in general, is pretty screwy. I never understood how I could stop at a Redbox to rent a DVD for $1, or spend $5 to rent it online for the same period. If Redbox Instant can be, well, the Redbox of VOD, that could be a great niche to fill.
Also, Comcast is still the devil.
0
Posts
I'm at the same point. I have Netflix and Hulu for subscriptions and Amazon for most of the video we buy.
It's pretty much only going to be the first service to offer me recent HBO for a decent price that'll convince me to cough up another monthly fee.
You and me are streaming bros.
The FX lineup would be a nice bonus.
It would be.
I just went Amazon and dropped Netflix. I've got a backlog anyway with Amazon, can't see paying for two services to maintain two separate backlogs. And at least I get something (free two-day shipping) along with my subscription fee for Amazon.
The only reason I have cable is, it comes free with my internet under my current promotion, and maybe $20 extra a month after that in a few months. Worth it for AMC and Adult Swim, it nothing else. HBO can go to hell until they start releasing seasons of Game of Thrones on DVD/Blu-Ray at a reasonable pace. As it stands, it's been so long since I saw an ep of GoT that I don't even care about it anymore. At this rate, I can wait until seasons 2 and 3 are available in pawn shops for next to nothing. If they were smart, they'd be getting my money right now.
Hit or miss. Hate their web interface since it's way too easy to accidental buy stuff, especially on a HTPC, but through a Roku it's acceptable. Not quite as polished as Netflix but the last Netflix update wanged the changing episodes on a series for my Roku so who knows. (Alright, it is now slightly inconvenient. Screw you, this is supposed to be the future.)
They do have a different selection, notably all of the West Wing is up for streaming. That's a net positive to me for something I have anyways because of shipping.