Redbox Instant Unlimited Movie Streaming Launches In Public Beta

Redbox Instant, the unlimited movie streaming service launched by Redbox and Verizon, today opened its doors to more users in the US, launching in public beta as it looks to take on its established rivals Netflix and Amazon. The service offers four one-night DVD rentals and unlimited video streaming as part of its $8 monthly subscription.

Announcing the joint-venture in February 2012, Redbox and Verizon launched an invite-only beta version of the streaming service in December, offering 4,500 movies to early testers. However, that trial has been expanded as it looks towards a full public launch.

Users can stream movies via their iOS or Android device, as well as their Xbox 360 and Mac / PC (via a Silverlight plugin). Samsung also offers access via its connected TVs and Blu-ray players. In terms of content, Redbox Instant has EPIX on board a joint venture operated by three of the major studios Viacom, MGM and Lions Gate Entertainment although we may also see Redbox and Verizon follow in Netflix's footsteps and step into the world of original programming. While Redbox seems to have a competitive service at launch, it may have a tough fight ahead of it as it moves away from the DV kiosk especially with Apple, Microsoft, Sony, Hulu, Amazon, and Walmart's Vudu already offering their own video-on-demand services.

Verizon Said To Launch Internal Alpha Testing For Redbox Instant

Verizon and Redbox have been working together at least since February to bring an exclusive streaming movie service to big reds network. Happily called Redbox Instant. Alpha testing or the service is set to begin by this afternoon according to Fast Company. How it all works, the number of titles and the monthly cost for it are still being kept under wraps for now at least. With Redbox locations all over the place, it is feasible to believe that you will have an account that will link you to physical rentals, probably via a barcode on your device’s screen, as well as streaming options.

Redbox does a fairly good job of bringing the latest DVD titles to their physical locations, we wonder how that will translate to digital streaming though as that is a whole new monster to deal with. If Verizon and Redbox plan to compete in the streaming media market, they are going to have to make sure they have a phenomenal list of content and  be sure to make it affordable. Will they charge a buck per movie for one viewing or will they go with a monthly plan? We are extremely eager to find out how they put this out there.

As Arstechnica points out though, there is already a red flag popping up that could cause some trouble in the future. That would be the constant fight for net neutrality. Since Verizon is also an internet provider with FiOS, they will need to be certain that they aren’t favoring Redbox Instant traffic over Netflix or Hulu. We doubt Verizon would put themselves in that sort of position, but we are certain it will arise more than a few times.

Depending on the cost and the service they plan to release, how does a Redbox Instant streaming service sound to our Verizon friends out there? Be sure to check out the original press release by Verizon from February.

[Arstechnica]

Say Hello To Rebox Instant By Verizon

At long last, the joint streaming video deal between Redbox and Verizon has gotten an official name. Say hello to Rebox Instant by Verizon.

Verizon and Redbox announced back in February that the two companies would be joining up for a streaming video service some time this year.  Since that time the only other news of the venture was a leak the following day of it possibly being named “Redbox Instant.”

This morning the name turned out to be somewhat official when RedboxInstant.com opened its doors, but the site further down refers to it as “Redbox Instant by Verizon.”  Hopefully that won’t be the full name that is used at all times because it’s just a whole lot of words to say.

Currently the site just says “DVDs at the kiosk + Instant streaming hits, all in one fist-pumping package.”  The most interesting bit of info on the site is that does list Shawn Stickland as the CEO.  He also served as the VP of Verizon’s FiOS service and was heralded as one of the driving forces behind its success.  This, to us, says that Rebox Instant has big plans, and a large portion of that is being driven by Verizon.

There is no indication of how much this “fist-pumping package” will cost you, but you can enter your email address for future updates.

[Technobuffalo]