Redbox Is Poised To Jump Back Into The Streaming Business Once Again

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Redbox is jumping into the streaming business…again. It might seem like old news that is being reheated, but Variety is reporting that the DVD kiosk company is trying to get into the streaming world once again with Redbox Digital.

Redbox initially had a streaming service alongside Verizon called Redbox Instant, providing access to streaming hits and DVD rentals for $8 a month. This was a bold attempt in 2012, especially given the year’s treatment towards Netflix. Alas, it was also right before Netflix struck out with its own original programming and took off the binge commanding level it currently owns today. Redbox Instant died in 2014, with DVD kiosks sticking around while the company debated its next move.

Variety reports that Redbox Digital will “largely mirror that of other services that allow users to pay to rent or own individual titles, including iTunes, Vudu and Google Play” with prices likely shooting up much higher than our typical rental fees. According to Mashable, who reached out for comment, the future is now for Redbox but only if it seems to work with their customers:

“Redbox regularly conducts market tests as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our customers’ experience…

“We are testing a potential new transactional digital VOD (video on demand) and EST (electronic sell through) offering, with a small subset of our customers, designed to complement our core kiosk rental business. As we test and learn from our customers, we will make evaluations that determine any future course of action.”

Almost every company is going “over the top” with how they get content to consumers, with almost every TV network and movie studio attempting their own service. Given Redbox’s missteps with Instant, they might have a leg up this time around.

(Via Mashable / Variety)

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