Telstra today launched its online movies-on-demand service. BigPond Movies Downloads launches with more than 1000 titles available through seven participating film studios. In addition, TV shows and music videos can also be downloaded using the service.
BigPond managing director Justin Milne explained the service as a rental, not a purchase. The rental period starts when the customer first plays the movie and lasts 24 hours for new-release movies, and seven days for back catalogue films, TV and shortform films (less than 15 minutes) and standard TV shows. Music videos can be bought for unlimited use on up to five devices.
Although the rental period does not start until the movies are played, they must still be viewed within seven days or they will automatically delete. Older movies or TV shows have 30 days before they expire and are deleted.
The cost ranges from $1.95 for a 15 minute film or TV show, $2.95 for a standard TV show, $5.95 for a new release movie and $3.95 for a back-catalogue movie or music video.
BigPond members will receive a 20 percent discount and will not have downloads measured against their monthly quota.
Read more of Ben Mansill’s story at iTNews, and then check out Big Pond Movies.
Source: Australia’s iTNews, Written By: Ben Mansill
Hmmmmm, for some reason I didn’t think this would make it out side of OZ. So far looking at it the shows on offer are crap. Well not crap, just not that current. eg there is stuff from Gerry Anderson (Joe-90 Stingray) and other shows of that illk, which are actually good. There are also shows on there which I would not acutally waste my time with.
Although it does look like uses of this service will be double billed (one for the download and one for the film rental). The other thing is the cost of the films / TV shows equate to the same amount if you went out and bought the DVD. Of course you get to keep the DVDs. I am not sure how the download thing works or where its stored on the HD. But I am sure someone will come up with something which will allow you to “save” the film.
I’m always hesitant with things like this – I much prefer quickflix, where I get the movies delivered to my door and I can watch them whenever I want. It’s kinda too much of a hassle to download it…DVD is just easier. For me, anyway.
I will only be excited when I can download BSG from the Australian Itunes store!