09-08-2006, 01:58 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Amazon Launches Unbox Video Downloads
Amazon has just launched their online video ordering system, and it looks pretty slick - though, unfortunately, it's available to US-based customers only, so I can't actually order any videos. Prices are about what I'd expect: $1.99 for one-hour TV shows such as 24 (with a 20% discount for buying the whole season) and full-length movies range in price from $9.99 to $14.99. That seems a bit high to me, though the price is offset by the fact that the purchase price includes two versions: one DVD-quality download for playback on a PC, and one mobile-ready version for playback on a portable video device. Both downloads seem to be WMV and use Microsoft DRM, so iPods won't be compatible.
Amazon has an impressive array of TV channels, including A&E, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, BBC, The Biography Channel, Cartoon Network, CBS, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, E!, Fine Living, FOX, FX, MTV and others. Movie studios that have signed on so far: 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros.
Supported mobile devices include the Creative Zen Vision: M, Creative Zen Vision, Toshiba Gigabeat S, Archos AV 500, Archos AV 700 and the iRiver PMC (Portable Media Center). No word on other supported mobile devices, but given that PlaysForSure support is required, I'm inclined to think that Windows Mobile 5 devices will also work, but seeing as I can't order a movie, I have no way of testing this. Someone care to give it a try? Once the DRM authentication happens, Windows Media Player should offer to transcode the video file is necessary.
The whole thing centres around the Amazon Unbox Video Player, a Windows-based software application that serves as the central point for movie ordering and transfers. Unfortunately, this service does not allow DVD burning in a format that a DVD player can read. There's no mention of a Windows Media Center Edition 2005 plugin either, so I think the "TV" portion of this offering is a bit ridiculous. What do you think of what Amazon is offering? Is it compelling enough for you to try? They're offering a $1.99 rebate on your first purchase, so if you're in the USA, go grab a free TV show!
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09-08-2006, 03:06 AM
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Mystic
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,520
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If the Scifi Channel was included, I'd be all over it.
Of course what I'm looking for is something compatible with my SageTV setup.
My kingdom for a download service that doesn't require a standalone player.
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Phone: Nexus one Backup Phone: AT&T Samsung Jack; Future Phone: I'm Watching WP7; Media Player: Platinum Zune HD 32GB; Home Server: HP MediaSmart Server LX195 Console: XBox 360, PS3, Wii |
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09-08-2006, 03:58 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 68
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Phillip Dyson
If the Scifi Channel was included, I'd be all over it.
Of course what I'm looking for is something compatible with my SageTV setup.
My kingdom for a download service that doesn't require a standalone player.
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Both Star Gates are included. Firefly, too.
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09-08-2006, 04:08 AM
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Mystic
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,520
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by malcolmsharp
Both Star Gates are included. Firefly, too.
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Yeah, but the crown jewel is Battlestar Galactica. 0X
***long quote edited by mod JD***
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Phone: Nexus one Backup Phone: AT&T Samsung Jack; Future Phone: I'm Watching WP7; Media Player: Platinum Zune HD 32GB; Home Server: HP MediaSmart Server LX195 Console: XBox 360, PS3, Wii |
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09-08-2006, 11:53 AM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Phillip Dyson
Quote:
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Originally Posted by malcolmsharp
Both Star Gates are included. Firefly, too.
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Yeah, but the crown jewel is Battlestar Galactica. 0X |
:werenotworthy:
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09-08-2006, 01:37 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,264
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Just an FYI, Sci-Fi is having a Firefly marathon of the entire series starting at 8am (Eastern) on September 18th. Even though I am a huge scifi fan, I've never seen the show, but am really looking forward to getting the whole thing in one shot.
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09-08-2006, 01:57 PM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,111
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Firefly in one shot? You will NOT regret it.
__________________
"A planner is a gentle man, with neither sword nor pistol.
He walks along most daintily, because his balls are crystal."
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09-08-2006, 02:27 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 321
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Here's my beef with this: Call me crazy but if I purchase something to own it, then I should own it. I should be able to take it with me to watch where I want when I want. Be it at home, at a friend's house, on vacation, or on my mobile device. Until all this proprietary stuff stops, I'll stick with DVDs.
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2B 1 Ask 1
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09-08-2006, 02:51 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
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I've tried CinemaNow, and it offers downloading and burning of the actual DVD in its original format. So, I can play it on my DVD player. But, if I want to watch it on my Pocket PC, I've still got to rip it. SO, the Amazon offering has things I like and things I don't like.
IMO, what ultimately makes ANYTHING like this work is SELECTION. If a store has WHAT people want, they'll find a way to make it work HOW they want.
Forget about formats, burning, players, etc. Focus on how complete their shelves are.
BTW, this is a PERFECT play into how Amazon has gotten so filthy rich; now, they don't have to even have partners that keep actual DVDs on shelves. All they need is a server(s) that can handle the downloads.
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Old Market Researchers never die...they just get broken down by age and sex.
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09-08-2006, 03:21 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 444
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by dcharles18
Here's my beef with this: Call me crazy but if I purchase something to own it, then I should own it. I should be able to take it with me to watch where I want when I want. Be it at home, at a friend's house, on vacation, or on my mobile device. Until all this proprietary stuff stops, I'll stick with DVDs.
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Ditto, and I am an Amazon fan. I don't buy digital content that comes with substantial limitations on how I may reasonably use it.
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Linear Mode
