Redbox confirms Internet movie plans

Best known for its $1 DVD rentals, Redbox today confirmed rumors of an Internet movie service. The company's president Mitch Lowe promised to Bloomberg that details would come in October and promised that it would be an extension of the service, achieving things that the company "can’t do in [its] kiosks."

The service would be a reaction to threats from Netflix, whose streaming is now virtually ubiquitous and is considered one of its greatest advantages after the mail-order rentals themselves. Netflix's early advantage now has it on many Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, game consoles and handhelds like the iPad.

Rumors surrounding Redbox's implementation would have it focus on price first, with streaming costing as little as $4 a month versus $9 for Netflix. It could handle HD for movies that allow it, and would also have a multi-device strategy.

By Electronista Staff