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Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

Summary: It's been long rumored that Redbox, the company behind those kiosks that rent DVDs for $1 per night, would extend its brand online, but its president officially confirmed yesterday that it will be delivering a video streaming service that would compete against Netflix.The big question now is with whom Redbox will partner to get the service up and running, rather than build out a massive infrastructure itself.

Sean Portnoy

By for Home Theater |

It's been long rumored that Redbox, the company behind those kiosks that rent DVDs for $1 per night, would extend its brand online, but its president officially confirmed yesterday that it will be delivering a video streaming service that would compete against Netflix.

The big question now is with whom Redbox will partner to get the service up and running, rather than build out a massive infrastructure itself. Amazon.com may be the logical choice, especially since it already appears to be gearing up for a subscription-based streaming service of its own. But Walmart is another possibility, especially since its Vudu acquisition has it on streaming hardware devices already.

Redbox's massive growth appears to be slowing, perhaps precisely because more and more people are watching videos online than renting DVDs. Another looming question is how the new service could assemble content that could not only compete with Netflix's offering, but also provide a compelling alternative.

What would it take from a Redbox streaming service that would make you switch from Netflix? Or subscribe to Redbox if you don't belong to Netflix already? Let us know in the Comments section.

Topics: Software Development, Browser, Mobility

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  • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

    I'm not a netflix subscriber so to subscribe to redbox it would take the right pricing. I like their kiosks, even more so when they have promo codes. I'm glad to see redbox do a subscription service like this to add to the competition. But its going to take the right choice of movies/shows at the right price.
    Loverock Davidson
    Reply Vote

  • Content is king

    Currently we have Netflix and my feelings are mixed. It does have a lot of cartoons that the kids can watch, but not as much content as I would like for me. Most of the movies I search for are only available by DVD and not streaming. I still enjoy the service and do not plan on canceling, but I would be open to switching to Redbox streaming selection is better.
    DustinU
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

      @DustinU -- I should have read through my post better, I forgot a few words in my last sentence. I would be open to switching to a Redbox streaming, if the selection is better.
      DustinU
      Reply Vote

  • I like Redbox

    All it would take me is for them to offer streaming services on Android platforms like the Galaxy Tab (1st gen).

    Eventually somebody will and when they do it will be lights out for the others with more than 25 million potential subscribers in the USA alone. I have had it with companies like Netflix ignoring a platform that the people chose.
    slickjim
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

      @Peter Perry I couldn't agree more about that. Netflix needs to pull their head out of their butt when it comes to any Unix/Linux based OS. Enough is enough now.
      blueskip
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

    I like the innovative approach Redbox took to the DVD rental business. I have been a customer of theirs since they appeared in my area. All it would take for me to try it would be competitive pricing. Netflix doesn't have a very large menu and even though plenty of time has passed to enlarge it they don't appear to be working very hard at it. I suppose when the competition forces them to they will.
    sirwriter
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

    Redbox a la carte pricing at their kiosk is why I like their service. I prefer to pay as you go rather than have a monthly subscription. If they offer $1 (or less) for streaming movies I would gladly sign up for Redbox over Netflix. I don't rent that many movies in a month, so Redbox is perfect and economical. They should extend their current model to streaming.
    bpavelik
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

    So i have to ask if i change to this REDBOX, how can i pause
    a streaming movie? or my wife says dinner is ready? i am new to this Redfox thing.. Can i download the movie and play it later?
    Need more information..
    Pangit1069
    Reply Vote

  • Netflix Vs. Redbox

    I would certainly switch to Redbox streaming if they were to offer subscipion-based plans. We Neflix customers are sorely being ripped off by Netflix, and I am dropping my service as og August 31st. I am sick of them taking advatage of us older customers! I hops they go bankrupt!!
    swimchick
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Redbox confirms it's working on video streaming service to compete with Netflix

      @swimchick It's not netflixes fault they are being pushed around by studios. They are trying to bring more streaming but the studios never thought it would catch on and didn't charge appropriately now they want more. Get educated. I don't want another netflix clone. I want redbox without kiosks. Cheap instant VOD.
      dstigue
      Reply Vote
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