Redbox Mulls Low-Cost Video Streaming Service
Does Redbox
have its eyes on the video streaming market? A survey being sent to Redbox
customers suggests the company may be considering a streaming service that
would cost a fraction of what Netflix
charges. According to High-Def Digest, the survey asks customers to rate their
interest in a plan that would cost $3.95 per month and provide access to
unlimited streaming as well as four free rentals from Redbox kiosks. Considering
a Redbox rental costs a dollar, anyone who rents four movies or more per month
would essentially get the streaming service for free.
A Redbox spokesman confirmed that a survey had been sent to
customers with questions regarding a low-cost streaming service option. Even so,
he told PC
Magazine the survey shouldn't be interpreted to mean Redbox is planning to
launch a streaming service: "It's not necessarily an indication of
something that Redbox is interested in doing…. Redbox certainly understands
that the entertainment model is continually evolving."
Netflix's competitive offering costs $8.99 per month for unlimited streaming and unlimited DVD rentals with one disc out at a time. Netflix currently supports streaming to Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 consoles as well as PCs and Macs.
The survey did not say whether the Redbox streaming service would work with video game consoles, PCs, or other devices.
A Redbox spokesman confirmed that a survey had been sent to
customers with questions regarding a low-cost streaming service option. Even so,
he told PC
Magazine the survey shouldn't be interpreted to mean Redbox is planning to
launch a streaming service: "It's not necessarily an indication of
something that Redbox is interested in doing…. Redbox certainly understands
that the entertainment model is continually evolving." Netflix's competitive offering costs $8.99 per month for unlimited streaming and unlimited DVD rentals with one disc out at a time. Netflix currently supports streaming to Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 consoles as well as PCs and Macs.
The survey did not say whether the Redbox streaming service would work with video game consoles, PCs, or other devices.
