The official launch of Redbox Instant, the joint streaming venture between Redbox and Verizon, is creeping closer. Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam has weighed in with his expectations for the service.
Here’s what Lowell had to say about the upcoming service:
“We feel sort of good about it. We are cautiously optimistic.”
McAdam went on to hedge by saying that it’s hard to be more definitive “until you are out there commercially for about six months or so.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement—Verizon’s and Redbox’s PR people must be wincing a bit at Lowell’s candor. However, this may simply be the CEO of a very large company that is taking a fairly big risk playing a cautious game.
Are you “cautiously optimistic” like McAdam about the upcoming Redbox Instant, or do you think it will be an instant smash. Or do you simply think it will just be smashed in the hyper-competitive streaming marketplace?
[via Variety]
I don’t see RedBox as a big hit to NetFlix. NetFlix has a very big hand up on RedBox. I think RedBox will start out ok, as people will want to see and try it. But I think it will all come down to if they can show the new movies online when they hit RedBox. The price and the (4) free movies sounds ok.. Time will tell if it will all work out ok….
I will check it out!
But still keep NetFlix and Block Buster Two out at a time…
I just got it today for a free 30 day trial period. It works fine on my PC; now I have to figure out how to get it streaming onto my TV.
Berry,
You need a Video Spiltter. 1 PC to 2 Monitors.
Then you hook up the TV on one Video hook up, the PC on the other.
Everything you see on your PC. You will see on your TV.. But your TV must have a Hook up for you Computer. I have my NetFlix hooked up this way. Works great….
PS. Can you tell me if the REDBOX deal has CC. Closed Caption on it?
Dan
Do they have apps for android, ipod/ipad etc or is it simply a computer based model for now? The 4 rentals a month is a nice hook but if the streaming content is not good then I’m sticking with netflix. They keep signing good deals to bring in more good content.
There are apps for both android and iOs users.
No go on jailbroken apple devices. I think that will be a deal breaker for me.
Iirc if you install Xcon from Cydia you can get around the jailbreak ban.
I should have come back here last week. My son found that fix today. Works great now.
Now if I can find a fix for my Xfinity viewing problems.
If this is device and/or PC only, then it’s a nonstarter for me. It must include Roku so I can stream to my TV.
You can watch it on your tv. Just send it from your PC to your TV..
You can do it if your TV has a Computer input.
I do hope the ROKU picks it up fairly quick.
alexdombroff@alexanderdombroff.com
It is NOT on Roku, you can only watch for now on your PC and iOS/android devices. But those devices can’t be rooted. If you go to the Google Play Android app store, and type in Redbox Instant, you can see some reviews. I have it, and i will NOT be renewing after this free month. It can’t compete with Amazon (as unorganized as that video service is), much less Netflix…. this service may actually die unfortunately, as i don’t see any real advantages to having Redbox Instant.
my 2cents.
Well got my RedBox Instant 30 day free trial yesterday. And here we go.
A. This is a very bad roll out. I see zip zero advantages to having RedBox Instant.Why?
A. Very few movies.
B. No TV shows.
C. NO Closed Caption. I Did hope they would of learned from the hit NetFlix took about the Closed Caption. But No!
D. The (4) free movies. You have to do it online. Then go get it at the box.
I would of rather had (4) free codes sent to me e-mail. Then I could use them
when I went to a RedBox where ever. This is a very very bad roll -out.
No way can they compete with Amazon.And NetFlix. Not a chance in a million.
I understand this is new and a start up. But when you have a roll-out you must have something to keep the people coming for more. RedBox Instant just does not have anything. Unless they do something and soon and fast. This service really may die. When my 30 days are up. I am gone!
I believe you can skip the online reservation if you use the same CC you use for instant and press “use my credits” on the checkout screen.
Verizon always said the focus would be on movies not tv shows.
Hi,
Yes I see you can do it at the Box… THat is great… But No Closed Captions..
I will stick with NetFlix…..