Redbox to Launch Video Streaming Service in 2011
With the increasing penetration of 3G worldwide and the launch of 4G by some carriers, the demand for mobile video streaming has increased exponentially. The iPad, iPhone, and other mobile platforms are just the beginning.
We’ve already seen the great success Netflix has had over the last couple of years. Now, movie kiosk operator Redbox has decided to launch a streaming service in 2011.
Even though the mobile TV and video streaming market may still in its infancy stage, we are certainly seeing how all of us have embraced mobile technology for more than just browsing.
Redbox’s parent company (Coinstar) CEO, Paul Davis, announced this week the company is in negotiations with a number of “highly interested parties” to launch a “Redbox-branded” streaming service sometime in 2011. According to the executive their traditional physical rentals will still be part of the company, but they see Internet video as a “significant opportunity” for the company.
We’ve all seen the huge success Netflix has had thus far. With more than 16 million members in the United States and Canada, Netflix has become the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. Just a few days ago they announced they will offer streaming-only plans very soon, and it’s very likely they will expand their service beyond North America.
However, Redbox’s CEO clarified that we should not assume the company will follow the $4 monthly subscription model proposed in a survey earlier this year. They are still debating on what model to follow, and most likely how they plan to compete with the large market share already established by Netflix. In addition, we’ve already seen how Netflix has distributed its online service via Blu-ray players, connected TVs, Apple TV, iOS devices, XBOX 360, Roku Internet Players and more.
Redbox has not provided details as to what platforms they plan to support with the upcoming video streaming service. We can only assume they will strike deals with set-top box companies, and popular devices supported by iOS, Windows Mobile and Android.
Would you sign up for Redbox’s streaming service? What are your expectations? Any specific price points and content you would like to see?
