ReelTime to offer permanent movie downloads

[linx05]

In an Australian first, ReelTime will soon offer download-to-own (DTO) movies, with new releases available on the same day as retails stores.

The movies will be available in three formats: a Windows Media format suitable for the PC, another Windows Media format suitable for portable devices, and a third file containing full DVD functionality.

In its announcement, ReelTime also revealed it had struck a deal with Universal Pictures and ten other movie studios to bring what Universal Pictures International Entertainment President Eddie Cunningham describes as "the first ever download model in the international market to incorporate secure burn technology."

ReelTime says it has also teamed up with more than a hundred ISPs including Netspace, People Telecom and Westnet to offer unmetered downloads (http://www.reeltime.tv/ReelTimeISPs_2006_09_08.pdf) of its movies. It has also peered with PIPE Networks and WAIX.

ReelTime hopes to have around 100 titles in its catalogue by early 2007 from $14.98 and new releases debuting at the not so appealing price of $33.99.

A possible disadvantage of ReelTime's offering, however, is the lack of robustness of the media the files will be burnt to. Typically, DVD-Rs are manufactured with organic dye meaning it has a much shorter life-span than commercially stamped DVDs. However, the bit rate that will be offered for portable devices means it will be of a much higher quality than most other options.

Sources:
- http://www.whirlpool.net.au
- http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20061124/pdf/3zrmdt1fw1cx0.pdf

The price may be a little bit high, but it is a step in the right direction.

[Doobie]

Downloads will be priced from $15 to $34. In other words, they'll cost just as much as a DVD from the store. Where's the savings to the consumer considering they're not getting slick packaging, and they have to burn the disk themselves, to inferior media? Where's the savings to the consumer that the distribution cost has been cut from several dollars to several nickles?

This is the industry's problem, even as their costs fall because of technology, they refuse to pass the savings to the public. Even as they benefit from new technology, the resist allowing the public to benefit from new technology (not without paying more). They don't deserve my business.

[setarip_old]

If (as I presume) those prices are being quoted in Australian Dollars, that would convert to a range of about $12 to $25US...

[linx05]

I do think the price is a little steep but what they are offering seems a lot better than what I've read else where.

[dragongodz]

Downloads will be priced from $15 to $34. In other words, they'll cost just as much as a DVD from the store. Where's the savings to the consumer considering they're not getting slick packaging, and they have to burn the disk themselves, to inferior media?
my wife recently bought Pirates of the Caribbean 2(2 disc special edition) for $28. i recently bought Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children(2 discs) for $12. a little while ago my wife bought Austen Powers(1 disc) for $10.

with the examples i just gave i dont only get the movies but original pressed dvds, cases, slicks, all the extras etc etc etc.

so people will have to excuse me for looking at the prices by Reeltime and thinking they are a joke. the pricing doesnt look "as much as a dvd" but more like "more expensive than physically buying them" to me.