Details including pricing and supported platforms have emerged about Redbox Instant by Verizon (NYSE: VZ), the companies' joint online streaming venture, according to an article in GigaOM.
Information obtained by GigaOM based on portions of the Redbox Instant site (which appear to be no longer available) indicate the service will be offered starting at $6 per month. Viewers choosing this package will get unlimited access to the subscription video catalog, which may not be as extensive as rival Netflix's but will still offer some of the same big-ticket titles such as Thor and Iron Man 2.
For $8, consumers receive four "Redbox credits" that they can exchange for Redbox DVDs from the company's kiosks, found at many grocery markets and convenience stores. These credits expire each month, however, so this option may be best for those interested in renting physical DVDs as well as watching programs online.
As for supported platforms, the service will be available on the Internet, Android and iOS, Xbox 360 and some Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players when it debuts. Users will be allowed up to five registered devices.
Although the GigaOM article noted that beta testers "are being told that they won't be able to access the DVDs included in their subscriptions at some kiosks until Dec. 17," Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam told investors Tuesday the service would launch commercially in the first quarter of 2013.
For more:
- check out the Engadget update
- see the GigaOM article
Related articles:
Verizon shifts top FiOS execs to Redbox Instant team
Redbox designs logo for streaming video venture with Verizon
Redbox eyes 'Redbox Instant' brand for streaming video service
Article updated Dec. 4 to include note about Redbox Instant changed release date.