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.
Popular Stories
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Apple's cases for the iPhone 17 lineup will be accompanied by a new Crossbody Strap accessory with a unique magnetic design, according to the leaker known as "Majin Bu."
Apple's Crossbody Strap reportedly features an unusual magnetic design; it likely has a "flexible metal core" that makes it magnetic along its entire length. At the ends, "rings polarized oppositely to the strap close the...
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging."
Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Apple today announced its "Awe Dropping" iPhone-centric event, which is set to take place on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. There are a long list of products that are coming, but we thought we'd pull out five feature highlights to look forward to.
That Super Thin iPhone - Apple's September 9 event will see the unveiling of the first redesigned iPhone we've had in years, ...
