Real Launches Movie Download Service
RealNetworks and Starz Encore Group have dusted off a 2002 agreement to serve movies over the Internet using RealVideo 10. The new service, dubbed Starz! Ticket on Real Movies, is subscription based with no restriction placed on the number of flicks that consumers can watch for the flat monthly fee of $12.95 USD.
100 movie titles will grace Real's film library at any given time, and can be downloaded to up to three PCs. Each downloaded movie weighs in at roughly 500MB, and can be viewed for six weeks, but not transferred to DVD or a portable device. 25 new movies will become available each week, replacing 25 others.
Subscribers will also be able to watch a live stream of movies chosen by Real, which functions like a cable movie channel.
The concept of streaming flicks on the Web is currently under the looking glass of Real partner America Online. In January 2004, AOL began a trial of a service that offered its broadband subscribers low-cost movie rentals by establishing a loosely knit relationship with Movielink. Without the discount, Movielink members have access to over 600 films that make up the Movielink library at a cost of $3.95 to $4.99 USD per rental.
RealNetworks has given Starz exclusive rights over mainstream movies, but has left the door open to distribute films from other companies as well.