Virgin Media announces online movie rentals
Virgin Media will launch a new service allowing customers to stream films straight from their computers as part of its new online film rental package. The service, which is still in beta form, has been activated already and features 300 films.
Currently the service is available online, but only for PC users. It is not yet available through the media firm’s set box. So far the service has been marketed to non-Virgin and Virgin customers. Alex Green, the executive director of Virgin Media’s commercial, TV, and online franchises, said that the new service will help visitors enjoy greater access to films and that the company plans to continue to improve and develop the service further.
The new service will run using Microsoft’s Silverlight technology, and can only be used by customers who attach their notebook to the television using a cable. Pricing for films will range between £3.49 to £4.99, and will be available to the customer for 48 hours after the play button has been pressed. However, should a customer purchase the movie and not press play immediately, they will have 30 days to screen the film.
Online movie services have become increasingly popular as more and more customers move into the digital age. YouTube has branched out into rentals, which although only available in the US at present, are being explored as an international venture by the company.
A spokesperson for YouTube, said that the rental service was announced in January and so far the company has had 500 partners join their service. He added that although only available in the US at the moment, the company hopes to expand internationally.