Every now and then I get trivia texts from Xbox. Today was one of those days, and as usual after the trivia was done, they promoted a new Xbox feature. This time it was something I’d never heard of: Redbox Instant.
UPDATE: Click here to read my Redbox Instant review.
Streaming Video’s Newest Player
Like any self-respecting netizen, I did some Googling to find out what this was all about.
It turns out Redbox, whose obnoxiously red movie rental kiosks litter the storefronts of gas stations and McDonald’s across the nation, is teaming up with Verizon, the internet service provider, to enter the streaming video business.
Another Nail in Netflix’s Coffin?
Though Netflix was the first major player in video streaming, things have been tough for them with the rise of Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video. Not to mention the whole Qwikster fiasco.
Will another competitor overcrowd a lackluster market? Or will that market grow and help everyone prosper?
Obviously it’s too soon to tell. But in the meantime, I’m going to check out the beta.
Signing Up for Netflix Instant Beta
After landing on the Redbox Instant gatekeeper page, you can enter your email address to request an access code. A little box pops up letting you know they got it, and if you’re lucky like me you’ll already have been sent a code by the time you check your email.
When you get your access code, click the link in the email — which takes you back to the same gatekeeper page — and click “YES! LET ME IN!”
Enter your code and you are ushered in to the Redbox Instant website where you can sign up for a 1-month free trial.
After the trial, it’s $8 a month. A movie rental from the Redbox kiosk is at least a dollar (more if you get Blu-ray), and Redbox Instant includes 4 physical movie rentals per month.
If you’re already renting Redbox movies regularly, these rentals plus the instant streaming might be a pretty good deal for you.
Giving Redbox Instant a Shot
The only danger with a free trial is that you’ll sign up, never use it, forget to cancel, and then be billed for something you’re not going to use. Hopefully that won’t happen, but even if it does, it’s only $8.
So I’m going to try it out and report back with my thoughts on it.
Oh, and the reason Xbox cares about this is because they are going to allow access to Redbox Instant through Xbox Live, just like they do with the other streaming services.
Are you going to give Redbox Instant a try? Why or why not? Leave a comment below.
Update:
I tried Redbox Instant for a full month. Click here to read my Redbox Instant review.
I will not give it a try. I feel it is another attempt to break in to the market that Netflix has single handedly created.
Netflix isn’t dieing. Netflix is evolving! Through their commitment to creating original content and their admitted goal of ” becoming HBO before HBO can become us” I believe they will stay at the forefront of online streaming and enjoying digital content.
This seems more like another lackluster attempt much like Blockbuster streaming and Epic.com.
It seems to me that in the fast pace, ever changing online world it is not enough to play catch up. You must invent and you must evolve.
Thanks for your comment, Jonathon. You make a good point. Netflix has been the innovator in this space since the beginning. By creating unique, exclusive content, Netflix might maintain their dominance in online video streaming. Hulu has also been creating some of their own shows, but they don’t seem to be as much in direct competition with Netflix as are Amazon and now Redbox Instant.
the verizon logo is all I needed to see to know this is nothing but a money grab. netflix built the market by respecting customers.
Netflix has tried hard to handle its customers well. Redbox’s association with Verizon might be a necessity for financial or logistic reasons, but it could be their largest stumbling block as well.
I tried Redbox Instant through their BETA a few weeks ago, and found it strengthened my support for Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, based on the library currently provided. RI does not hold a candle to the incumbent streaming services yet, and the “free” four one-night DVD rentals do not add enough value to make it worth while.
Thanks for your feedback, Dan. My limited experience with the service has so far produced similar results.
Here’s an overview of my experience: http://bufferingpodcast.com/2013/01/07/redbox-instant-all-the-hype-with-none-of-the-calories-i-mean-content/
All of this is based on the BETA experience in January, but, from what I’ve seen, it hasn’t changed much.
Thanks for sharing!
I use Redbox kiosks from time to time, usually to rent games (because you can’t get them hardly anywhere now and paying $60 for a mediocre product is ridiculous). I like the service.
That being said, I think there are a few flaws here:
Verizon. (’nuff said)
4 DVD credits. Will those count toward Blu-ray as well? Also, this requires you to leave your house and pick up the disc, which may or may not be available. You have the option of reserving things online but as I’ve experienced in the past, if you have a promotional code or credit from Redbox you cannot apply this for online reservations. So you’re playing a gamble of “Yes! It’s there, I just checked online!” and then running to the store to hope it hasn’t been rented.
Plus, Redbox is only licensed to carry so many titles (mostly newer titles but they have been acquiring older hits). Their library is going to be pretty slim starting out, unless Verizon cuts in and dictates the selection even further. If Verizon has negotiated contracts with production companies to showcase certain titles on-demand, that will surely affect Redbox’s selection.
Thanks for your comment, Josh. I haven’t used Redbox for video games because the time constraints of the rental stress me out. To get the biggest bang for my gaming buck, I use the Video Game Pre-Order Madness System I created (which you can learn about for free in the sidebar to the right).
But self-promotion aside, the 4 DVD credits do not count for Blu-rays or games. The Blu-ray plan costs extra, and you can downgrade to a no-credit plan for $6 a month if you just want to stream, giving users 3 different packages to choose from.
The limited selection and delivery issues seem to be the biggest issues facing Redbox Instant.
just signed up, although I do agree the content is light, I have been informed this is only an initial offering to get the bugs out, I rented two movies and both streamed extremely well with great picture and sound. I also like the credits at the kiosk for their newer releases. I have had trouble with nflx in the past so to me this is a welcome choice also coming through on the xbox is very convenient.