I think that the more ways I can rent movies from different companies, the better.

Now that BlueRay is the standard media format, things could go either way. Do people Want to be forced to purchase new equipment? Even though I still like browse, I don’t want to spend money on a new blueray plyer.

Digital downloads are starting to look pretty good to me.

Yea, I didn’t really touch much on your point regarding customers moving to digital downloads…

I agree 100% that most people are not ready for that step – and the reality is most don’t have such a box (or computer) in their home theater anyway.

I think the gap does need to be bridged. Perhaps a set-top box is the answer, if it can gain mass appeal. It honestly seems that Apple is the most likely to make that happen, though, not Blockbuster, Redbox or even Netflix.

Now, if I could rent movies on the AppleTV (or DVR or Tivo or…) for $1, I would be all over it, and I think others would do. But, for $4, I say forget it and head to the Redbox…

Regarding familiarity, I do see your point, but is Blockbuster really the face you want others to see? Redbox already has McDonald’s and Walmart on their team – do they really need anyone else?

Those are great points. Perhaps Redbox should buy Blockbuster. While Redbox is growing, Blockbuster has a more familiar brand.

And familiarity was the bigger point. Finding a way to get everyday folks into the idea of digital downloads through a transition they’d recognize and be comfortable with.

Now that time has passed, I would have to agree with Davis. I think Redbox would be too costly for Blockbuster to pursue right now. I actually think Redbox and Netflix would make a better combination, anyway.

I believe Blockbuster is becoming less relevant all the time, and Netflix is really eating their lunch in the dvds-by-mail area.

Redbox is the prominent driver in the kiosk space, and as more people find out about them, they are renting from them more and more. While it may not be quite as convenient as getting your movies in the mail, it does well when you want to watch the latest flick today, and don’t want a long wait in the queue, or even a 1-2 day delivery delay.

Also, with all of their locations (to be 11,000 by the end of the year), they do well with impulse renters who happen to be walking by the kiosk while they are shopping.

I think we will see some good things come out of Redbox, especially after they figure out that they are an “internet company” and learn how to work with the online crowd better. They’re not there yet, but I think (and hope) they will get there soon.

Michael
InsideRedbox.com

There are TOO many optios now with digital TV coming online and Apple TV, etc etc. Blu-Ray

Consumers HATE all these options. How many remote controls can a coffie table stand.. How many remote controls can my wife stand. (A lot less).

When some company comes out with a cheap Digital TV tuner, with PVR and Apple TV functionality, plus optionally Blu Ray all in the one box.. (Come on you cheap asian electonics makers. where is it!!!)

THEN you;ll have a product that actually sells.

And you better hurry up as patent filings point to Apple making the next AppleTV very much like this…

But I would prefer an open platform and not be caged by Steves vision and walled garden.

James

Here’s a simple formula for making money renting movies online:
1. no hardware – if you try to sell a box, nobody will buy it.
2. no software downloads – nobody wants do download, install, register, etc.
3. no movie downloads – nobody wants to store huge amounts of media on their PC – just stream it in real time with some buffering (thank you Vividas)