Redbox developing online subscription-based streaming service

We actually should have seen this one coming a long time ago given that Redbox sent out a survey to its customer base last spring regarding an online video service for $3.95 per month.

According to Bloomberg, "Redbox film-rental division is working to develop a subscription streaming service, setting up potential competition with Netflix Inc. and Hulu LLC."

Bloomberg also cites that Redbox has a partner with an "an existing digital player" already lined up. Given that Amazon has already announced its plans launch a subscription-based streaming program itself, that would seem like the obvious answer. But the obvious is never much fun, so maybe we're in for a real surprise.

However, Redbox hasn't announced price points or a launch date just yet. If Redbox really sticks to that $3.95 per month plan for unlimited streaming (compared to Netflix's $7.95 monthly fee for Watch Instantly), we'll have a real battle going.

Redbox already has 30,000 DVD rental kiosks nationwide, but the days of going out to rent a movie are all but gone. If Redbox wants to stay in the rental game, it's time to get that content online where Americans don't have to run around for it.