You may know Redbox as your friendly kiosk DVD-dealer, but it’s now yet another fighter in the ring of on-demand video: Redbox Instant is on its way to a media device near you. Announced in February of 2012 as a joint-venture with mobile company Verizon, the brand finally launched its streaming content service to the US public.
Curious users can sign up for a month-long free trial which offers access to unlimited streaming as well as four DVD credits. After the honeymoon period, these offerings will cost $8 a month. However, you have the option of ditching the DVDs for an Instant-only experience for $6.
Redbox Instant’s price may barely undercut Netflix, but does it have the same quality content? As a newcomer to the streaming business, the service is unsurprisingly lacking. The company currently offers 4,600 titles through its content agreement with Epix, a media company that operates with Viacom, Lionsgate, MGM, and more. Compared to Netflix’s vast library of over 100,000 items to watch, the company has quite a bit of work to do.
Similar to Netflix’s accessibility, Redbox Instant users will be able to view all content using virtually any platform. Subscribers can watch their movies and shows on any iOS device, any Android device, an Xbox 360, and some Samsung TVs. The service was released in beta form last December, and as of right now, it remains available solely in the US market. No word has been mentioned as to whether it will eventually become available to a worldwide audience.
Will you make use of Redbox Instant? What do you think of its current offerings?
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will wait for this to get better. competion is great
I already had an account for DVD rentals, so I tried the streaming library. Pathetic. I searched thru 100s of movies, barely found 10-20 I’d even heard of. Can’t imaging paying for access to them.
I’ve heard a few similar accounts, Jeff.
I used it as part of their beta test. Not impressed in the least bit. The only good thing was I got 4 free DVD rentals. Their selection was awful.
I tried it as part of their Beta test and the selection was awful. I like Netflix’s interface much better .
Netflix SmartTV app interface makes navigation so easy from the remote. Until Redbox gets SmartTV app integration, can’t imagine it really competing.
You can use some Samsung TVs.