Universal's Download-to-Own Movie Service [Updated]
CNN reports that Universal Pictures and Lovefilm are launching the "world's first download-to-own movie service" in Britain next month.
The new service will allow people to download the latest movies on their laptops, home computers or handheld devices. Unlike existing rental services, this new service will allow users to own the movies.
Online downloads will be offered starting at midnight on the day of the DVD release. Users will receive 3 different formats for the movie. Two downloadable digital files will be available for either your PC or handheld video device. In addition, the DVD is also sent to the user in the mail.
The pricing will be tiered between 9.99 ($17.50) and 19.99 ($35). Older movies will cost less while new movies will carry a premium.
There is no word on the digital rights management format that will be used. Apple has been rumored to be working on their own download movie service. The first of these movies was posted on iTunes for $9.99 for a 320x240 resolution movie. Unless Universal has been specifically working with Apple, it is unlikely that their new movie service will work on the iPod due to digital rights management restrictions.
Update: Reuters clarifies that the service does use Microsoft's DRM. So, these video files will not work on the iPod.
The new service will allow people to download the latest movies on their laptops, home computers or handheld devices. Unlike existing rental services, this new service will allow users to own the movies.
Online downloads will be offered starting at midnight on the day of the DVD release. Users will receive 3 different formats for the movie. Two downloadable digital files will be available for either your PC or handheld video device. In addition, the DVD is also sent to the user in the mail.
The pricing will be tiered between 9.99 ($17.50) and 19.99 ($35). Older movies will cost less while new movies will carry a premium.
There is no word on the digital rights management format that will be used. Apple has been rumored to be working on their own download movie service. The first of these movies was posted on iTunes for $9.99 for a 320x240 resolution movie. Unless Universal has been specifically working with Apple, it is unlikely that their new movie service will work on the iPod due to digital rights management restrictions.
Update: Reuters clarifies that the service does use Microsoft's DRM. So, these video files will not work on the iPod.
Top Rated Comments
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77 months ago
BBC are reporting this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4837778.stm
Notice they say they won't work on itunes and ipod, do we think that Apple and Universal have thier own arrangement - I dunno, maybe through a new video store coming to itunes in the near future? :p
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4837778.stm
Notice they say they won't work on itunes and ipod, do we think that Apple and Universal have thier own arrangement - I dunno, maybe through a new video store coming to itunes in the near future? :p
77 months ago
"DVD of their chosen film plus two digital copies to keep indefinitely - one for their home computer and one for a portable device"
i wonder how long it will stay iPod unfriendly ???:D
£19.99 not bad ,not good though
o god !! were doomed!
"The service will be offered by Universal Pictures UK and DVD rental company Lovefilm via the AOL.co.uk website from 10 April."
i wonder how long it will stay iPod unfriendly ???:D
£19.99 not bad ,not good though
o god !! were doomed!
"The service will be offered by Universal Pictures UK and DVD rental company Lovefilm via the AOL.co.uk website from 10 April."
77 months ago
It will be a long time before we see Universal films on iTunes. Steve is a major shareholder in Disney. Disney and Universal are competitors. First, we will see Disney/Pixar films. Then I think we will see Paramount, then whoever else, then Universal near the end.
Just my opinion though.
Just a question, do they do this in the US or only UK. The article seems to suggest UK only.
Just my opinion though.
Just a question, do they do this in the US or only UK. The article seems to suggest UK only.
77 months ago
$17.50
That is outrageous...you can buy most dvds for cheaper than that.
[EDIT]
oh sorry....I didnt see that the dvd is sent to you in the mail as well. This isnt a bad deal afterall!
That is outrageous...you can buy most dvds for cheaper than that.
[EDIT]
oh sorry....I didnt see that the dvd is sent to you in the mail as well. This isnt a bad deal afterall!
77 months ago
having it not work on iPods is a mistake. doubt it will work as well as iTunes' when it comes out. People have iPods. Far more iPods out there than other digital media systems. Until it works on iPods, this won't be as successful as Universal probably thinks it will be.
the price is also very high.
the price is also very high.
77 months ago
Looks like UK only I guess, just like a tester see how easy it works in practise bringing it to market?
I'm not sure I agree about Universal being last, I understant Steve's position and the competitor issue, however, that shouldn't impair apple's view to making money out of people, and the bigger the range of decent content, the more bucks they can get.
I'm not sure I agree about Universal being last, I understant Steve's position and the competitor issue, however, that shouldn't impair apple's view to making money out of people, and the bigger the range of decent content, the more bucks they can get.
77 months ago
$17.50
That is outrageous...you can buy most dvds for cheaper than that.
well, then I guess you have to rip it yourself (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/Ripping_a_DVD_to_an_iPod_Video). Also you can (legally) get it the moment its released on DVD.
arn
77 months ago
definitely a major bummer that it wont work with itunes or ipod...cmon apple step up and quick!
77 months ago
This could be good... if you have broadband, I'd hate to see a 56ker try adn get his dvd through this service, it'd arrive via mail first:p
Anyway seriously this could be a good thing, at the very least it shows that major film companies are realizing the internet's potential, but i can also see that this would allow for easier pirating from people who buy then distribute.
Anyway seriously this could be a good thing, at the very least it shows that major film companies are realizing the internet's potential, but i can also see that this would allow for easier pirating from people who buy then distribute.
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