Redbox Instant: New streaming service that focuses on new content
Well, it looks like the third pillar is finally being erected. Today, Verizon and Redbox owner Coinstar have announced that beta testing will start late this month for their upcoming streaming service, Redbox Instant. No TV shows, but supposedly the newest movie content.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/12/tech...instant-price/
Quote:
The service will begin a public beta test later in December, and after one free month, Redbox Instant will cost $8 per month. At launch, the service will include movies from Epix, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, Relativity, Sony Pictures, and Warner Brothers (which is owned by CNNMoney parent company Time Warner).
For $1 more, or $9 per month, customers will receive credits for four DVD rentals at Redbox kiosks. Those rentals typically cost $1 each.
Quote:
Coinstar's chief financial officer told CNNMoney in February that the venture would be aimed at new-release content. The comment appeared to be a dig at Netflix (NFLX), which features a large catalog of past-season TV shows and older movies for streaming, but has been criticized for a lack of newer content.
The Redbox Instant press release on Wednesday talked up that new-release focus, particularly Epix content.
If they really stick to the "New releases 90 days after they hit theaters" time frame, I can see this serving a purpose alongside both Netflix and Hulu. All of these services seem to have found their niche. Hulu has brand new TV shows, Netflix has a huge back catalog, and Redbox seems poised to have new release movies cornered. I say bring it on and put another nail in the coffin for the cable networks and their ridiculous and stupid pricing!