Redbox kiosks have popped up at every neighborhood block in the country practically overnight! There seems to be one in every grocery store, liquor store and 7/11 in the nation.These free-standing, vibrantly red kiosks offer tons of new movie titles for cheap and are require absolutely no membership, making them appealing to many who don’t use traditional movie rental stores anymore. But how does the new kid on the block stand up against industry veteran Netflix and their disc rental service? Read on to find out!

Background

Netflix first offerings was DVD via mail rentals, but the service has since then expanded to Internet streaming movies and TV shows. As the originator of such a service, it was only a matter of time until it began to see some competition. Redbox is one of those competitors. It’s a movie kiosk rental service that places its little kiosks in grocery stores, in front of liquor stores and more. You walk up to it, select a movie from its pre-loaded selection, pay and your DVD (or Blu-Ray) disk pops out. There are even video games in some of those red kiosks for gamers to rend nightly for a fairly low price. There are more than 333,000 kiosks in more than 27,800 locations (so Redbox states).

User Friendly

It doesn’t get any easier than walking up to your local Redbox kiosk, taking a look at the title selection on its touchscreen, selecting your movie(s), imputing your payment info and then grabbing the discs from the slot at the side of the machine. Returning is just as easy, too! Go back to the same location (or another if you’d like since each disc has an electronic bar code/security tag on it that tracks it when it’s rented or returned), return the title on the touchscreen and pop it right back into that slide slot. Volia! You’re done.

For Netflix, set up an account online, choose what type of membership you’d like (disc rental service ONLY, streaming online content ONLY, or both) and begin enjoying your favorite TV shows, documentaries and movies. Create a wish list for you mailed discs and they’ll send you your wish list movies. With no due date, send them back whenever you want and then the process starts all over again (you also have the option order more than one disc at a time, but for more cash).

Winner: Tie

Compatible Devices

Since Redbox kiosks offer DVDs, Blu-rays and video games for gaming consoles like Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation3, if you have a DVD or Blu-ray player or the aforementioned consoles, you’re good to go. The rentals can also be seen in in-car systems that have video players and we can’t forget computers and personal DVD devices. Netflix has pretty much the same compatible devices for its disc rental program since it also has Blu-ray titles (no games though).

Winner: Tie

Titles

Redbox kiosks have limited space for disc in their red free-standing stations, so title selection won’t be in-depth. They will, however, carry lots of newer releases and some oldie but goodies depending on the kiosk (each has its own inventory). But if you’re looking for a specific title or want to make sure that new movie you’re looking for is available at your local kiosk, you can go online and look up what that kiosk is loaded with. You can even place it on hold online so that no one else snatches it up before you get there.

Netflix has way more titles than Redbox. It’s said they have more than 100,000 titles on DVD and Blu-ray, so you can easily rent that hard-to-find movie you’d like to see again. Plus they have TV shows in their title library, which is something Redbox doesn’t have.

Winner: Netflix has a larger title library than Redbox’s kiosks.

Membership Perks

Like everything else on Earth, Redbox has its own online site where you can create a username and password to check out what kiosks have, place your favorite titles on hold or trek down that coveted movie to a kiosk that you’ve been dying to see. Once you sign up, you’ll also receive promo codes for free rentals and the sort. When you reserve a title at your local kiosk for the first time, you do get to rent it for only a $1 (one-time only promo, but still a deal). Signing up is free, too.

Netflix offers more variety in terms of membership packages like the choice to add streaming online content to the disc rental program. Plus it offers a month of free service to test it out and allows you to halt subscription for a few months if you’re going on vacation, etc.

Winner: Netflix since its membership offers more than just disc rentals.

Content

Sorry TV show lovers, Redbox is a movie-only rental service (with video games thrown in, too). Netflix, on the other hand, offers movies and TV shows and documentaries. It has huge licensing deals with FOX, NBC, ABC and more.

Winner: Netflix has features more content.

Speed of Service

Redbox provides instant service (that is if you don’t have to wait in line for the kiosk). You can rent/return movies any time of the day or night you’d like (but there is a due date before you get charged extra days) depending on store hours (if its inside and not outside). You get instant gratification with Redbox, allowing you to go rent a movie when you want to see it and return it two hours later once you’re done. With Netflix, you have to wait a bit for the disc to be mailed to you so it’ll take a few days for your disc to show up in your mailbox. But Netflix doesn’t have any due dates or late rental fees for keeping the discs too long as Redbox does.

Winner: Redbox offers instant gratification over Netflix, so it wins here.

Quality

Redbox’s discs are good to go right out of the kiosk, but some might come scratched, broken or won’t play since so many people rent them, but if you get one of these and sent something to customer service regarding your problem. You can also call the customer service line and you’ll probably be given a rental credit or even reimbursed. For those with Blu-ray players can opt for Blu-ray disc rentals (for a price increase, though). Netflix is pretty much the same here.

Winner: Tie

Limitations

Redbox is ONLY a disc rental service with no streaming content available on its site. There are some rumors that it might have that option in the future, but for now, discs only. Another limitation is that you must return disc back by 9 p.m. the following day or else you’ll get charged for an extra day. Netflix is a membership service that requires a monthly fee, which might not do well for some who don’t like to be constrained to monthly obligations since they take out the fees from your checking account each month.

Winner: Netflix’s membership isn’t that bad and those who sign up know what they’re getting themselves into.

Price

To rent at Redbox, you’ll have to spend $1.20 a movie, $1.50 for Blu-ray discs and $2 for games. Rentals used to be $0.99, but they’ve recently increased their price, but it’s still not that bad. But if you go online to reserve a movie at your local kiosk, you’ll get your first rental for only $1. Since Netflix is a membership service, you’re charged monthly for whatever package you choose, which include: unlimited streaming movies OR unlimited one-disc at a time rentals for $7.99 ($11.99 for two disc rentals at a time) and $15.98 if you desire to have both of Netflix’s disc and streaming content. Blu-ray discs are an extra $2 a month.

Winner: Redbox rentals are still pretty cheap compared to VOD ones and doesn’t require any monthly memberships so it’s easier on the wallet than Netflix.

Overall Winner

It seems even though Redbox is cheap, offers new releases and provides instant gratification since you can pick up a movie at a local kiosk, Netflix’s disc rental service still provides more bang for your buck! True movie lovers will enjoy having  more titles to choose from and the ability to keep movies for as long as they’d like rather than rushing to watch Redbox rentals before the next day due date to avoid extra charges. While Redbox is a great service, Netflix still seems to beat out its competition.

Spotify has skyrocketed to success in the last year and is the largest and fasted-growing music service of its kind. They’ve recently opened a new world of possibilities for music fans with its Spotfiy Platform that provides third-party developers the chance to build new music-based apps. These apps are supposed to integrate easily with Spotify and be accessed and shared by users via its new App Finder (available to both premium and free users).

The music service already has some partner apps from the likes of:  Billboard, Fuse, The Guardian, Last.fm, Moodagent, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Songkick, Soundrop, TuneWiki and We Are Hunted, with Top10 and ShareMyPlaylists apps coming soon. The apps are built in HTML5 and are supposed to take advantage of Spotify’s vast music library, as well as the service’s integration with Facebook. Spotify mentioned that it’s open to all developers, but they’ll still manually approve submitted apps before placing them in their App Finder. Spotify believes this new addition to their service will “add many more layers of music enjoyment.”

Facebook has to be one of the coolest places to work on Earth! Just look at the pics of their new headquarters in Menlo Park, CA, which is where Sun Microsystems used to be based out of. Their former place was back in Palo Alto, CA and their new 57-acre campus rivals that of Google’s awesome work environment with tons of open work spaces for its 2,000 employees plus extra room for expansion.

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There are numerous colorful chairs and couches to get creative on, private telephone booths for employees to take calls, message boards that double as art where employees can show off their graffiti abilities, a modern cafeteria for employees to get their grub on, cozy personal conference rooms. To foster collaboration and creative thinking, the employees work side-by-side at long, undivided tables instead of small cubicles. Like other Facebook offices around the globe, the new building features overhead heating and cooling ductwork that’s exposed, with power and data cables hanging from the ceiling to individual work spaces. While it’s still a work in process, total completion of Facebook’s new headquarters is scheduled to be done by the end of the year. They even want to create a West Campus across Willow Road from the main campus by 2014 (pending approval).

Sure, Hulu and Netflix will suffice for most when it comes to fulfilling their TV needs.  And while a terrestrial TV antenna is great for when you’re at home, you know for catching the game, it’s hardly a resolve for those of you that are on the road.  Enter Belkin’s Dyle TV dongle.

As you’ve probably sussed out it attaches to the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch’s 30-pin plug (they might make a version for Android devices) and provides your iOS device with over the air terrestrial TV from a variety of content providers that includes Fox, ION TV,  Univision, Bahakel, Telemundo, NBC and more.

Belkin, who is the hardware manufacture, hasn’t said at what quality it will receive in, but since HDTV is the default these days, we don’t see why it wouldn’t be anything less, though the iPhone and iPad can’t display a true 1080p picture.

Belkin has partnered with Mobile Content Venture, who runs and operates Dyle TV.  They say when the product launches sometime this year, Dyle will cover 50% of the US population, which in other terms is more than 72 stations in 32 markets.

We saw the device at CES 2012, but unfortunately it wasn’t a working prototype.

The conundrum continues over which subscription service is best for streaming movies and TV shows. Today’s comparison puts veteran contender Netflix up against the relatively new Hulu Plus. Both offer affordable prices for streaming content, but which is superior? Movie buffs and die-hard TV fans might have different opinions to this question, but here’s what we narrowed it down to.

Background

Netflix has been top dog in video subscription for a minute, taking out the likes of Hollywood video and in some cases, many of Blockbuster’s stand-alone stores. It first started out as a DVD-by-mail program, but then evolved to include streaming movies, which is what many take advantage of now. Hulu jumped on the scene in 2007 and started as a free online video service that offered a selection of hit shows, movies and more (which is still does with a regular Hulu membership), but recently added Hulu Plus as an ad-supported subscription service that offers more content over the free version.

User Friendly

Like most video subscription services, both Hulu Plus and Netflix are accessed via the Internet (initially at least). You sign into both your Netflix and Hulu account to access all the movies and shows you desire. Both offer free trials to test out if you like their services.

Hulu Plus is a streaming only service, while Netflix also offers a DVD mail program, where you pick your titles online and form a “wish list,” then get them sent to you via mail with no due date. Once you finish watching the movie, send it back and another from your list gets sent out.

Winner: Tie given both are fairly easy to operate. Just sign up online, create a password and you’re ready to start watching your favorite movies and TV shows, as well as discover new titles.

Compatible Devices

So far, Netflix has a number of compatible devices. Maybe it’s because it’s been around longer or because it’s been a leader in the industry, but whatever the case is, you can access your account and watch movies and shows via: PC and Mac computers, gaming consoles like Xbox 360, PS3, Wii; plenty of iOS devices; Android-based devices; the Windows phone; some Internet-connected Blu-ray players HTDTVs; TiVo or Roku; D-Link; and home theater systems from a number of manufactures. Users can easily connect various devices to one account and then jump from one device to the next seamlessly.

Hudu Plus doesn’t have as many options, but still has most of the most used ones on their list. Compatible devices include: Xbox 360, PS3, Roku, iOS devices, Android phones/tablets, Amazon Kindle Fire, Nintendo 3DS, Samsung TVs/Blu-ray players, Sony TVs/Blu-ray players, VIZIO TVs/Blu-ray players, TiVo Premiere, LG TVs/Blu-ray players, Panasonic TVs/Blu-ray players, computers and WD TV Media Players. It’s coming soon to Wii gaming consoles, too. Hulu Plus also allows viewers to migrate their viewing experience across several devices like Netflix.

Winner: Netflix has more devices so it wins here.

Titles

Netflix has tons of titles in their library, with more than 100,000 titles on DVD and Blu-ray (even some that are unrated and NC-17). The company also states that they have “tens of thousands” of titles available for streaming (including HD options). Hulu Plus doesn’t say their exact number of titles, but does state that they have “thousands of critically-acclaimed and award-winning movies, many featuring no commercial interruption.” But it’s estimated (from other sources) that it features more than 43,000 TV episodes from more than 1,650 current and classic television shows, as well as more 2,500 films including exclusives from the Criterion Collection.

Winner: Since Hulu Plus doesn’t want to give up their exact number of titles (it’s probably not as much as much as Netflix anyways), Netflix is our winner.

Membership Perks

Netflix boasts membership perks like a month of free service (when first testing it out), the ability to rate videos for future recommendations, offers suggestions that are based on your past viewing patterns, allows you to keep track of the videos you have already seen and those you’d like to see in the future. And it allows you to halt your subscription for a few months if you won’t be using the service for let’s say a vacation, etc. Hulu Plus offers die-hard TV fans the ability to watch the most recent seasons, with new episodes uploaded the day after the show airs on TV.

Winner: Tie because the latest in TV episodes are great, but then again so is having the ability to freeze your Netflix account.

Content

Netflix loads of great content thanks to its various big licensing deals with the likes of CBS, ABC, FOX, NBC, BBC libraries, Sony, and DreamWorks Animation (which is totally exclusive but doesn’t start until 2013. But Hulu Plus isn’t doing so bad either given it streams current episodes of TV shows from the channels and networks like Fox, NBC Universal, The Walt Disney Company, The Biography Channel, MTV Networks, National Geographic Channel and Public Broadcasting Service. It also scored an exclusive deal with the Criterion Collection.

Winner: Netflix still offers more of a variety in both movies and TV shows than Hulu Plus.

Speed of Service

For Hulu Plus, you need specific requirements when streaming videos on your computer. You’ll need: Adobe Flash Player 10.1.53.64 or above; Internet Explorer 7.0 or above, Firefox 2.0 or above, Safari 3.0 or above, or Chrome; Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or above, Macintosh OS X 10.4 or above, or Linux; and JavaScript and Cookies enabled. For Netflix, it’s recommended that users have a minimum speed of 500kps (0.5 MB) for maximum viewing results.

Winner: Tie

Quality

Netflix offers HD movies and can stream videos and shows in 1080p video. Hulu Plus streams in HD when available, with shows having a high-def. (720p) resolution.

Winner: Netflix’s ability to stream 1080p tops Hulu Plus’ 720p.

Limitations

Netflix increased its price, which turned many away, while Hulu Plus still includes advertisements, which can be a huge turnoff for many. They do this to reduce the monthly subscription price of service since it’s costly to make and license a lot of its content (especially current TV seasons).

Winner: Ads are never great so Netflix takes triumphs here!

Price

Hulu charges customers $7.99/month and you can cancel anytime. Netflix has a couple tiers for their pricing. For $7.99, you get unlimited streaming movies OR unlimited one-disc at a time rentals ($11.99 for two unlimited). If you want both, you have to pay $15.98. If you want Blu-ray discs, you’re going to have to dish out an extra $2 a month.

Winner: Netflix provides more bang for you buck (without ads).

Overall Winner

Netflix still overs the best value when it comes down to it. Sure, TV buffs will love the fact that Hulu Plus offers videos of the most recent episodes to a variety of shows, it still doesn’t have Netflix’s extensive title offerings. Plus ads can be vary annoying no matter how low the subscription price is!

To Smart TV or not to Smart TV, that is the question.  Or at least that was the question on consumers’ minds this holiday when many a retailer slashed pricing on just about every big screen TV under the sun.  Well folks, Roku is looking to negate that part of the purchase decision process.  Come this fall the company behind the Roku boxes will introduce the Roku Streaming Stick.

As you’ve no doubt sussed out, it is the same tech that is found in their boxes, yet this device weighs (and measures) in at about the size of a USB stick.  However, don’t be fooled by its form factor, because it doesn’t plug into your TV’s USB port.  Instead it jacks into your set’s HDMI port.  But not just any HDMI port.  Your TV will need to sport something called an MHL-enabled HDMI port.  It’s a new standard that delivers power “and other critical elements” to whatever is plugged into it.  But with this new standard at hand, your TV’s remote should be fully compatible with Roku’s Streaming Stick, allowing you to change your TV’s volume and the Netflix movie with the same device.

Inside the diminutive sized device, Roku has managed to stuff in not only the necessary processor to stream content from the greats, such as Netflix and Pandora, but WiFi so you won’t have to worry about plugging in an Ethernet cord and running that sleek setup you’ve worked so hard to attain.  Insignia, Best Buy’s own TV brand, will be the first to package the Roku Streaming Stick in with a big screen TV, though it will be compatible with other brands, provided they meet they aforementioned spec.

Unfortunately, Roku is mum on price at this point (expect it to be $50-100), but we do know that it will hit retail shelves in the latter half of the year, closer to fall.

Terrestrial TV is a far cry from cable, but in a pinch it can serve a purpose.  At the very least you can catch some news, albeit mostly crap, along with a few home renovation shows.  And assuming you’re into that finite amount of content, you soon will be able to enjoy it right on your Android or iOS device using a very portable dongle from a company called FilmOn.

FilmOn came to fame in September 2010 when they placed not just TV shows, but TV channels, such as CBS, NBC and others online, as in streaming.  For a time there users could access the channels for free, but eventually the company started to roll out a subscription plan and added a variety of channels to their line up, including porn and movies.  Needless to say, FilmOn eventually found themselves in court for a variety of copyright reasons and caught in a legal battle that continues to this day.  But that hasn’t stopped them.

While it’s not really a workaround, FilmOn has announced plans for a dongle that plugs into your iOS or Android device that will allow you to receive and record terrestrial TV.  It’s called FilmOn Air.  And while there is nothing illegal about this particular setup, or at least grounds for a lawsuit, come February you’ll be able to buy the dongle along witha 1-year subscription to their streaming service for $149.95.  Alternatively, you can drop just $95.95 and you’ll score the dongle and presumably a free app.

The dongle’s battery life will last for up to 5-hours and can pass through power to your device for recharging.  From the above pic, it seems to support both USB connectivity as well as Apple’s 30-pin port, leading some to believe that one dongle will serve both types of devices.

Looks like Netflix has more competition as VUDU emerges as an up-and-coming player in the movie rental biz. Both offer instant streaming movies, but Netflix requires a membership while VUDU is more of on-demand service. Both have loads of titles and releases, but which one is best for you? Read on to find out!

Background

Netflix has become the No. 1 provider of on-demand Internet streaming media and DVD-by-mail rental programs. Membership for Netflix includes either a DVD-by-mail rental program or unlimited streaming, with the option to have both for a higher membership fee. VUDU only provides an Internet streaming media option that features on-demand service so you only pay for what you watch, making it a video-on-demand program.

User Friendly

Netflix members will find that it’s quite easy to rent DVDs by mail or watch streaming movies, TV shows and more. Once you sign up online, whenever you want a movie, you go online and search for the movie title/show name and begin watching (that is if you have streaming membership). Those who have only DVD rentals choose their “wish list” and then get movies mailed to them. With no due dates, users can keep movies as long as they want before returning and starting all over again with their next desired movie.

With VUDU, you get to stream directly to your VUDU-friendly device any time you’d like to watch movies. Just connect your HDTV, Blu-ray player, computer, or PlayStation 3/Xbox360 to the Internet and select VUDU as an option. Sign up for a free account and then browse through their selection of titles and then watch. You only pay per movie since it’s on-demand based.

Winner: Tie since both are fairly easy to use. All you need is the Internet and you’re on your way to movie enjoyment!

Compatible Devices

Netflix offers quite a wide variety of compatible devices users can choose from. Its streaming service is available on devices, including: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, iOS devices, some Android-based phones and tablets, the Windows phone, a few Internet-connected Blu-ray players and even some Internet-connected HTDTVs, TiVo or Roku, D-Link, home theater systems form the likes of Panasonic, LG, Sony, Samsung and Insignia. A great perk is that you can easily connect multiple devices to one account and then jump from device to device, while still leaving off at the same point you did on the last device.

VUDU also has a bunch of devices where its services will work, such as PS3, Xbox 360 (it requires an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership, though), computers (PS and MAC) and even Apple’s iPad.  VUDU also asserts that it’s “available on virtually every Internet-connected Blu-ray player and HDTV on the market.”

Winner: Netflix, obviously, offer more compatible devices so it’s a no brainer here!

Titles

Everybody knows that Netflix has quite the assortment of titles in its service. With more than 100,000 movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray (even unrated and NC-17 ones) and “tens of thousands” of titles available for streaming (both TV and movies, along with many HD options), users can find old favorites and discover new ones.  VUDU users have access to 20,000 titles (and growing), including titles the same day they hit DVD. VUDU also claims it has the “most HD titles on demand” with more being added weekly. Their biggest claim to fame against Netflix is that they offer titles faster than Netflix would, stating that it takes Netflix 28 days later to have a new release on DVD and up to seven years for it to hit its streaming service.

Winner: VUDU wins here since it offers new releases a lot faster than Netflix.

Membership Perks

VUDU was bought by Walmart back in July and this provided a huge step for the company as it launched VUDU streaming directly on Walmart.com for instant viewing. VUDU also offers a $5 credit for newcomers and offers HDX quality that makes viewing just like it is in the movie theater, featuring 1080p True Digital video and rich Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. Users can now also use the website of America’s largest retailer as yet another outlet. Netflix allows for a month’s free trial so that new users can test out the service.

Winner: Since Netflix offers unlimited streaming along with DVD rentals, there is a bit more bang for buck, and wins here.

Content

Netflix’s ability to land some big deals with movie companies has afforded them a wide assortment of content, from TV shows to movies. Since they’ve landed some pretty good content deals, users will find a great selection of TV shows from the likes of CBS, ABC, FOX, NBC and BBC libraries. Deals with Sony, NBC Universal and DreamWorks Animation (which is exclusive, but doesn’t start until 2013) also provide a large variety of content. But VUDU also scored some major content deals, too! They’ve been able to establish content licensing contracts with all major movie studios, as well as more than 50 smaller and indie studios, and that means a large library that might not be as large as Netflix, but is definitely on its way there.

Winner: Netflix steals it here by having a wide assortment of TV shows and older movies that can’t be so easily found nowadays.

Speed of Service

VUDU’s minimum speed requirements for its services is: 480p: 1 Mbps for SD; 720p: 2.25 Mbs for HD; and 1080p: 4.5 Mbps for HDX. Netflix recommends that its users have a minimum speed of 500 kbps (0.5 MB) to get maximum results for its service.

Winner: Tie

Quality

VUDU offers movies in HDX, which delivers the highest quality true High Definition 1080p content available from any Internet, broadcast or satellite on-demand service. It also provides rich Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound and offers many HD titles. Netflix also has HD movies and is capable of streaming 1080p video.

Winner: VUDU’s had the edge with its HDX and 7.1-channel surround.

Limitations

Netflix users saw a price hike for using both streaming and DVD-by-mail rentals, which many might consider a limitation. Since VUDU’s services are on a per-movie basis, you can easily rack up a high tab if you go movie crazy.

Winner: Netflix has less limitations for the money; they just offer more.

Price

Netflix charges $7.99 for unlimited streaming movies OR unlimited one-disc at a time rental service ($11.99 for 2 unlimited). For those that want both, they’ll have to dish out $15.98 a month. Netflix also offers Blu-ray discs for an additional $2 a month. Unlike Netflix, VUDU is s available without a monthly subscription or contract with some movies available to rent for just $2 for 2 nights. But some movies can cost up to $5 a pop (HDX is the most expensive option, but usually it’s SD for $3.99 and HD for $4.99). You can also opt to purchase the video and this various per movie.

Winner: Netflix’s monthly charge doesn’t look so bad compared to VUDU’s per-movie charge.

Overall Winner

Netflix wins! VUDU might be quickly crouching on Netflix’s tail, but it still hasn’t overtaken the popular movie rental service. Its low monthly fee and numerous titles proves it can’t be beat!

With so many movies to rent movies, it’s hard to figure out which one is best for your you. Netflix is still the leader of the pack, but it now has some fierce competition with the likes of Blockbuster and Redbox. So how does Redbox and Blockbuster’s movie rental program(s) compare…read on and decide for yourself!

Background

Blockbuster has been in the business of movie rentals longer, but Redbox kiosks are popping up at an exponential rate! It seems they’re at every grocery store, 7/11 and liquor store in the nation! Redbox allows users to easily rent as many movies (CD and Blu-ray discs) and even video games for one low price, provided they return it in a few days or else getting charged for every day it’s late (the same price as the rental fee). At the end of June 2011, Redbox reported more than 33,000 kiosks in more than 27,8000 locations. They’re bright red (hence the name) and usually have a line of people waiting to rent (if you go during peak hours like during the weekend). Blockbuster, on the other hand, is an actual store where you rent movies and games, but has now jumped on the mail-in disc bandwagon a la Netflix and even offers a Video on Demand service online.

User Friendly

With Redbox, you simply find a kiosk near your home or office using their website, and select from a variety of movies/games that are currently stored in the kiosk. You can choose as many rentals as you want (up to five for repeat customers and up to three on your first visit) and simply pay on a per-rental basis. Entering your email allows for a receipt in your inbox. If you keep your rentals for more than a day, your card will automatically get charged since the kiosk already has your method of payment. To return, you can go to any Redbox Kiosk in the U.S. since each disc has an electronic bar code and security tag that tracks when it’s rented or returned. Pretty simple, right?

Blockbuster is a bit different. There’s the in-store experience where you walk in, rent a movie and return it later, but there’s also Blockbuster Total Access where you rent one DVD, Blu-ray or video game at a time and have it mailed to you or Blockbuster On Demand where you rent on a per-title basis via the Internet with VOD purchase options (which has an extra fee, of course). Blockbuster also allows users on the Total Access plan to exchange discs in actual stores if they don’t want to mail them back and then rent another title. Blockbuster’s rental program also applies to video games, too!

Winner

Blockbuster has more renting options than Redbox, despite how many kiosks or how easy it is to rent. The fact that you can be a lazy bum and rent movies online to get them via mail or streaming is priceless.

Compatible Devices

Redbox carries DVD, Blu-ray and video games for Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3, so you have a pretty device selection to choose from. Since it’s only a rental program for now, compatible devices for Redbox’s rentals include DVD players, computers, Blu-ray players and the aforementioned gaming consoles.

Given Blockbuster’s diverse renting programs, it has a longer list of compatible devices. Blockbuster’s online offerings are available on many TiVo DVRs and some Blu-ray players, some connected TVs and HDTV set-top boxes, in conjunction with the traditional computer (or DVD players if renting from the Total Access plan). It also streams on some Android mobile phones and tablets, but for some odd reason isn’t available on any Apple devices (which eliminates the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch).

Winner

Blockbuster because it’s services simply cover more devices.

Titles

Since it’s still a free-standing kiosk, Redbox’s selection isn’t going to be as great as Blockbuster. It will, however, most likely carry all the newest releases and some older ones depending on the kiosk since each one has different inventory, which is based on rental habits of customers at each location. And since discs can be returned to any Redbox location, inventory shifts from place to place. BUT, you can look up what’s in a kioask near you by searching online, which is a helpful tool to know which kiosk you’ll need to go to for that coveted rental title. And to make sure it stays at that kiosk while you’re on your way over, you can reserve it online.

Blockbuster boasts more than 100,000 movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray, including unrated movies plus 3,000 video games. But some exclusive titles are actually available 28 days before Redbox.

Winner

Blockbuster has WAY more titles available than Redbox (both new and old) so they’ll most likely have that crazy movie from your childhood days you’ve been itching to see in stock!

Membership Perks

Redbox allows you to sign in on the site and check out what kiosks have your favorite movies, which you can then reserve so that nobody snatches it up while you trek on down. You’ll also receive some promo codes from time to time in your inbox, but that’s about it since it’s not really a “membership” program. However, you will be able to rent a title for only $1 (vs $1.20) if you reserve online (for the first time, only). Blockbuster allows for in-store disc exchange for members of its Total Access program, so you don’t have to mail them in if you want anther title faster (be aware that this doesn’t include ALL stores).

Winner

Redbox. This is a tough one, but since Redbox doesn’t require a membership, monthly billing and a cheap pay for play scenario, we’re giving this one to them.

Content

Redbox only has movies and no TV shows, while Blockbuster has almost everything (games, shows, movies, documentaries, etc.).

Winner

Blockbuster provides more content than Redbox since it offers shows.

Speed of Service

Instantly get your disc at a Redbox kiosk. Blockbuster’s streaming movies will start within seconds, but it really comes down to your Internet speed and connection.  Conversely, Redbox’s kiosks are open 24/7/365 allowing you to rent a movie when you want without having to worry about store hours or shipping times – instant gratification.

Winner

It’s a tie.  Blockbuster’s offers a variety of ways to get your media and Redbox is open 24/7.

Quality

Redbox rentals are, for the most part, good to go out of the little plastic protection box they come in. However, if one is scratched, broken or won’t play, simply go online and let customer service know via the “Ask a Question” form or by calling the customer car number on the site. Most likely you’ll be reimbursed or given credit. Redbox also provides Blue-ray videos, as does Blockbuster. But for Blockbuster’s streaming videos expect specs of 1080p and HD options.

Winner

Tie Again!

Limitations

Redbox is only a disc rental service (for now), but there are rumors out there that it might be entering the streaming content market as Blockbuster did when Netflix was top dog. Redbox also requires you to return rentals to a kiosk by 9 p.m. the day after you rent it or you will be charged for an extra day. You can go online for certain perks (see membership perks), but really, you still have to drive to the kiosk to get your movie. Blockbuster’s limitations include not having every store in its company participating in the online disc to in-store exchange and how its streaming content is totally separated from their On Demand program. You have to pay $2.99-$3.99 per-title, with $10.99 and up on VOD purchases (but you can rent or buy, with rentals having a 24-hour viewing period).

Winner

Blockbuster wins this bout since you can get more media from more sources, where as Redbox is limited to kiosks only.

Price

Blockbuster charges $2.99-$3.99 per rentals, $9.99 for their disc rental (one at a time, $14.99 for two discs) and $10.99 and up for VOD purchases. Redbox rentals used to be $0.99, but they’ve recently hiked the price (Blu-ray and games stay at $1.50 and $2, respectively). Now the price is $1.20 to rent a movie, but if you reserve a title online, you’ll get it for $1 (only the first time, though).

Winner

You can’t go wrong with $1.20 for movie rentals, honestly (that is if you like the newest releases), so Redbox takes it here for being so cheap!

Overall Winner

For those that want a membership to a rental service, Blockbuster takes the big “W” against Redbox since it offers a low monthly fee for a movies, TV shows or games, while Redbox only has disc rentals from kiosks all across the country. If you’re a big-tim movie fanatic, then a membership will obviously be cheaper than one-time fees, plus it provides a bigger selection of titles, new and old.  But don’t get us wrong, Redbox serves a purpose for those that don’t want a monthly membership fee, and for those that’s all that matters most.

Today, Facebook rolled out a new feature called Timeline.  It’s a completely new layout that allows you to organize and present your [Facebook] life as you see fit all the while being organized in a sequential order (as you post it).   It starts with something called a “cover,” which is effectively an oversized picture the represents you – a profile pic with a bit more pizazz.  Next, you can share and highlight your most unique stories and events in your life, as well as post memorable photos that tell your story from “beginning to end” – a feature button lets you expand a post to the full width of the window.  You’ll also be able to convey your “likes,” places visited and so forth in your timeline, so your friends can see where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to.  Apps, which are a big part of the Facebook, have also be added to the fold and will be integrated into your Timeline as you use them.  So if you take a run, watch a movie, play a game – all of your friends will be able to see when you’re doing this.

We’re testing the Timeline feature out right now.  It’s not completely clear how to modify the layout, but there are still the traditional options available that have long existed on Facebook.

So how do you get timeline?  Simple.

1. Just go to the Timeline Intro page.

2. There you can activate your Timeline layout with a push of the button.  Feel free to checkout the video and features by scrolling down through the sample page.  This way you’ll know what you’re getting into.

3.  Next, you’ll be able to preview the new Timeline feature.  You’ll have up to 7-days to play with the features and get your page looking the way you’d like.  After 7-days it will automatically roll over from private to public.  However, if you’re of the advantageous type, you can activate it now by hitting the “Publish Now” button.

Long gone are the days of walking into a video store to rent movies, mostly due in part to services like Netflix, who put the likes of Hollywood Video out of business and even heavily bruised Blockbuster’s net income. But Blockbuster wasn’t going to go down without a fight, and even though they’ve cut back on the number of stores, they’ve introduced their own Internet streaming/rental service similar to Netflix’s. So which of the two provides you more entertainment bang for your buck? Read on to see how each  of the streaming/rental disc services measure up!

Background

Blockbuster became the mega giant of video rentals and immediately stomped out mom & pop video stores everywhere. Funny that Netflix sort of did the same to them. But instead of totally taking it up the a**, they decided to fight back and launched their own rental service very similar to how Netflix does things (but only after they filed for Chapter 11 and were sold to satellite provider Dish Network). Basically, both require a monthly membership fee where you can automatically stream a selection of movies, documentaries and TV shows from your computer and/or any compatible devices or place an order for a mail-in movies.

User Friendly

Once you become a member for Netflix, all you have to do is go online to watch unlimited movies or shows. You simply type in a password and volia! You’re able to watch favorites or new titles instantly on your computer or any of the compatible devices like Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, etc. Fairly simple, right? Users also have the option to request an actual DVD of their choice from their “wish list” via mail. With no mail-back deadlines or due dates, you can keep the movie for as long as you want. When you finally send it back, you can then order another one.

The reinvigorated Blockbuster first crept up on Netflix when it decided to deliver DVDs by mail with its Total Access program. But now their program also includes instant streaming movies, as well as the ability to exchange a mailed disc in an actual Blockbuster store if they don’t want to wait on the mailman. For its online streaming service, you simply log into your account and choose the movie or show you want…but, it’s a pay-per-view on-demand service (more on this later).

Winner: Tie since all you have to do is log in to your account to get full access.

Compatible Devices

Netflix allows you to stream movies on your computer and a bunch of other devices like: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, iOS devices, select Android-based phones and tablets, the Windows Phone, some Internet-connected Blu-ray players and some Internet –connected HDTVs, TiVo or Roku, D-Link, home theater systems from LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Insignia. You can also connect multiple devices to one account and even jump from device to device, resuming exactly where you left off on the last device.

Blockbuster’s On Demand streaming plan is supported by far fewer devices than Netflix. In addition to the traditional computer, Blockbuster’s online program is available to many TiVo DVRs and some Blu-ray players, some connected TVS, and WD TV set-top boxes. It also streams on some Android mobile phones and tablets, BUT isn’t available on any Apple devices so that eliminates the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Yeah, a total setback here!

Winner: Netflix takes the cake here. Really, Blockbuster…no Apple-compatible devices other than a computer?

Titles

Netflix has more than 100,000 movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray, including unrated and NC-17 movies. Their streaming title selection is quoted as having “tens of thousands” of titles available on demand (both movies and TV episodes) with HD options. Blockbuster also boasts more than 100,000 movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray, including unrated movies plus 3,000 video games. But some exclusive titles are actually available 28 days before Netflix on Blockbuster’s disc rental program.

Winner: Blockbuster’s ability to offer some exclusive titles almost a month before Netflix and provide video games wins here!

Membership Perks

Blockbuster allows for in-store disc exchange for its Total Access program, so that you don’t have to mail in discs if you don’t want and can simply do a rental exchange in a participating store near you. And for gamers out there, Blockbuster includes game titles, which is a huge plus!

Winner: Blockbuster’s in-store disc exchange offers instant gratification since you can walk into a store to get new rentals AND it offers game rentals, so Blockbuster has the edge on this one. 

Content

Netflix has lined up some pretty good content deals as of lately, so you’ll find a good selection of shows from CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and BBC libraries. They also have deals with Sony, NBC Universal and DreamWorks Animation, which is totally exclusive (but it won’t kick in until 2013). For Blockbuster’s pay-per-rental catalog, expect all the new titles, movies and shows on the market, given you still have to pay for each movie you want to watch for a 24-hour viewing period.

Winner: Blockbuster may offer more content options for its On Demand program, but it comes at a price. Netflix’s “all you can watch” streaming option offers thousands of movies and TV shows for a flat monthly rate, making it the winner.

Speed of Service

According to Netflix, their movies and shows start playing within seconds. However, the speed of service will really depend on your Internet speed and connection. Movies & TV episodes are streaming over the Internet, so you don’t have to wait for them to download. Watching for 1 hour will use approximately 1GB of bandwidth or about 2GB if you are watching in HD (you have the option to opt out of this if you). Netflix recommends that users have a minimum speed of 500kbps (0.5MB). Blockbuster’s streaming movies are about the same.

Winner: Tie…but honestly, Netflix will probably be more reliable and faster given it’s been around longer. Again, we haven’t tested this and is our opinion.

Quality

Netflix is capable of streaming 1080p video, but that’s if your device supports it and your Internet is fast enough to deliver this. Blockbuster also has 1080p and both have HD options, as well as Blu-ray disc options.

Winner: Tie again!

Limitations

Netflix was going to separate its streaming program with its disc rental one, but after a huge outcry from members, decided to keep its membership fee to include both (but they did raise the price). Blockbuster’s perk of having in-store exchanges for its disc program has some limitations since not all stores allow in-store exchanges and discs from a certain store must be returned to that same store later. But that’s not all. Their streaming content is totally separate (which is part of their Total Access plan) from their On Demand program. You have to pay $299-$399 per-title rentals, with $10.99 and up on VOD purchases (but you can rent or buy, with rentals having a 24-hour viewing period). Netflix offers unlimited viewing on multiple devices for streaming content BUT most new-to-DVD movies

Winner: Netflix all the way!

Price

For $7.99, you can watch unlimited movies and  TV shows with a Netflix membership OR opt for their unlimited one-disc at a time rental service ($11.99 for 2 unlimited). If you want to opt for unlimited streaming and a one-disc rental, the price is $15.98 a month. You can add access to Blu-ray discs to your account at any time for an additional $2 a month. Blockbuster charges $2.99-$3.99 per-title rentals, $9.99 for their disc rental (one at a time, $14.99 for too discs) and $10.99 and up VOD purchases.

Winner: Netflix since it provides more bang for you buck.

Overall Winner

Sorry Blockbuster, but it seems that Netflix will still kick your ass even though you’ve revamped your services. Blockbuster may offer more titles and a lot more recent ones, its pay-per-title is a total turnoff. Netflix still offers more for less money a month.

For those who like to indulge in some naughty video watching, we’ve got you covered! Check out the hottest and steamiest X-rated videos from the convenience of you iPad (or iPhone or Android, too) for free! Yeah, FREE! Even though Apple’s popular tablet doesn’t have Flash, these porn sites have found a way to make their videos iPad friendly. So long gone are the days of having to take your laptop to the bathroom for some needed privacy thanks to the new new technology and free porn sites!

10. Xnxx.com

Fast and free streaming porn videos is what you’ll get on you iPad when visiting Xnnx.com! With more than 1 million videos, you’ll sure to find something that’ll tickle your pickle.

9. BigTits.com

Have a liking for hotties with big tatas? Well then BigTits.com is the site for you and now you can indulge in your big boob fantasies on your iPad or mobile phone!

8. YouJizz.com

Porn-a-holics can indulge in their X-rated movie pleasure for free thanks to YouJizz.com, which is compatible for iPad viewing, making your dirty little secret even more convenient.

7. BangYouLater.com

Touted as the “Best Free Porn Videos,” Bang You Later will provide you with hours upon hours of naughty fun on your iPad, iPhone, Android or Blackberry.

6. FreePornXVideos.com

FREE is awesome, but FREE porn is even better! Watch all kinds of free porn videos from the comfort of your iPad on FreePornXVideos.com.

5. PhonePorn.mobi

Get free porn on your iPhone or Android using PhonePorn.mobi! This site also lets you watch on your iPad, so you can take a peek at some explicit videos wherever you’d like without having to use a computer.

4. RedTube.com

Entertain that naughty mind of yours when streaming some hot and steamy porn videos at RedTube.com for free! What’s even better is that RedTube is now available on the iPad so you can watch anywhere your iPad can travel.

3. iPadPorn.com

Watch all the porn you want with the site that’s devoted to being iPad friendly! iPad Porn  is advertised to be “the only iPad compatible HTML5 streaming” porn site, running on Apple’s Safari iPad web broser. And with its catchy name, it’s probably a much used one, too!

2. Xvideos.com

With more than 2,000 new porn videos added a day, no wonder it’s one of the best free porn sites on the net! Frequent users can even sign in to access favorite videos.

1. YouPorn.com

No subscription or membership is needed when indulging in your porn needs when watching on YouPorn.com, which can stream all the X-rated content on your iPad or iPhone.

Today, Sonos issued a software update that not only adds new music services, but now allows Android tablets to get in on the fun.

First things first.  To update your Sonos just navigate to the appropriate menu in your Sonos controller (we don’t have ours in front of us right now) and with one click the system will update to System Software 3.6.  Once the update is complete you’ll be able to control your Sonos player using your Android tablet running 2.2 or later.  This is huge, and needed, especially if you got yourself a Kindle Fire, which just started shipping a few weeks ago.

In addition to Android Tablet support, Sonos has also added Slacker Radio to the mix. Slacker radio provides up to 150 expertly programmed radio stations.  So in theory there should be a station for everyone, even you.  On top of that, Sonos is launching something called Sonos Labs, which allows Sonos owners to test out new music services before they officially hit their Sonos player.  We’re a bit confused about this latter offering since it’s not clear what the difference is between testing and officially sporting the service, but either way it’s a good thing, so no matter.

Those are the big updates to Sonos.  Some smaller additions include improved Spotify integration, allowing Spotify subscribers access to their inbox as well as play new releases and top tracks at a glance.  Lastly, Sonos now supports the AAC+ codec and languages Danish and Norwegian.

Don’t forget to checkout our Sonos Play:3 review.

There are a myriad of video chat clients available for both the Mac and PC, but none boast the same audio and video quality as Skype.  Don’t believe us?  Compare for yourself with iChat and you’ll see what we’re talking about.  Skype uses something called P2P technology, which allows them to achieve not only higher quality audio and video, but less interruptions and lag in service.  If you don’t know, P2p tech uses a tiny bit of bandwidth from anyone running the app to make calls.  But the bandwidth used is so minute, anyone running the Skype app is nonethewiser.

However, there is a problem: finding your friends on Skype.  Traditionally speaking you had to know their login name or email address to locate them.  Alternatively, you could enter their full name, but that’s assuming they’ve registered it correctly and made themselves available.  But you can forget about all those hurdles, because Skype is now Facebook integrated.  That means you can connect the Skype app with your Facebook account and see all your friends that are available on Skype.

Once you downloaded, installed the app and connected it to your Facebook account, you’ll be able to chat directly with friends on Facebook from the Skype app.  You can also see your Facebook wall, update your status, like or comment on a friend’s status and of course call their mobile or landlines phones, provided they’re listed on Facebook.

To begin using these features head here and download Skype 5.4, which mind you is in Beta, so expect some changes in the near future and perhaps some minor bugs.

*This post is sponsored by Skype – see our sponsored post policy

Boxee Box is about to get a little bit better thanks to a small device called the Boxee Live TV.  It plugs into the Boxee Box (the one made by D-Link – this won’t work with your PC or Mac) and allows you to navigate and watch terrestrial HD broadcasts such as NBC, CBS, FOX and more right on the device.

They’re tossing in a portable antenna into the mix, but keep in mind that you may not live within close enough proximity of a tower to receive a signal.  For that, Boxee recommends that you plug in an unencrypted cable connection (using ClearQAM), which is often provided with your Cable Internet connection and should achieve similar results.

However, we’re hearing there is no DVR function with the Boxee Live.  So you’ll be left to watch everything as it happens.  No matter, since the majority of content is already steaming online, with the exception of the NFL and many other live sporting events, which is probably what this handy device is good for.

For $49 it’s not a bad deal, especially when yo consider that the Mohu Leaf, a small HDTV antenna you stick on your wall, is $45.

The holidays are officially here and you know what that means, right? Family gatherings, food and loads of awesome quality time with friends and family that often create the best memories, that’s what! So why not share some laughs, tears and more with the whole family with a couple of great films that’ll entertain all after the turkey’s been served and the last piece of pie has been devoured with a bit of family movie time. Here’s a list of some of our top picks for Thanksgiving family watching!

The Whole Family: Movies great for kids, teens and more!

8. The Iron Giant

The animated film will melt the hearts of both young and old as it tells the story of an giant from space, who turns out to be a gentle giant.

7. The Secret of NIMH

A touching cartoon, The Secret of NIMH tells the story of a timid field mouse who goes to all lengths to save you ill son. While doing so, she finds out more about her past

6. A Christmas Story

The hilarious holiday classic is a great watch when you’re getting into the holidays spirit and makes for great family entertainment!

5. All Dogs Go to Heaven

One of the best animated films from the late –’80s will still entertain and cause a few sniffles as a orphan bonds with a dog who returns from the dead looking for revenge on his killer.

4. Babe: Pig in the City

As the sequel to the popular 1995 Babe, this version takes the farm to the big city as Babe travels to the fictional city of Metropolis and encounters some new adventures.

3. A Christmas Carol

Jim Carrey lends his voice to the holiday-hater and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge in the timeless holiday classic that’s now an animated favorite!

2. Tangled

A Disney Princess becomes a bit more adventures in this hilarious and cute flick that puts a modern spin on the Rapunzel fairytale.

1. Gnomeo & Juliet

Shakespeare for kids is what you’ll get from this cute flick on a classic tale of forbidden love between two star-crossed lovers. You’ll think of Shakespeare in a new light after this!

Teens and Adults: Great dramas, classics and action-loaded movies for those of a mature age.

7. Edward Scissorhands

Who can forget Johnny Depp’s performance as the quirky Frankenstein-ish newcomer to an interesting local community? Dark, edgy and funny, it’ll make for great watching once the little ones are tucked in.

6. The Warrior’s Way

The Far East meets the Wild West in this action-packed film that has a fugitive Asian Assassin traveling to a tiny American town filled with some interesting characters.

5. The Terminator

A top flick on everybody’s list, who won’t like an extra helping of The Terminator along with their turkey? An iconic film goes great with Thanksgiving dinner!

4. The Edge

When a billionaire and two other men are stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash, anything goes as they each try to survive all the danger lurking in the woods.

3. Bonnie and Clyde

The timeless flick about two bank robbers who are also lovers will whisk you and your family away to an era of tommy guns and more!

2. The Italian Job

You might be familiar with the remake featuring Mark Wahlberg, but the original provides just as much action with more of an old-school flair.

1. Enter the Dragon

Bruce Lee’s final movie is a certifiable martial arts classic and should be a Thanksgiving classic.

Comedy: Provide laughs for family and friends once the kiddos are out playing!

5. Memoirs of an Invisible Man

Chevy Chase always brings the laugh and this film is no exception!

4. Holiday In Handcuffs

The ABC Family Original movie will delight hearts as much as it will ensure laughter! A great holiday movie to really get you in the spirit.

3. You Again

Not entirely a chick flick once you get into this hilarious flick with a great cast! The film will definitely make you take a stroll down memory lane to your high school days.

2. Dumb and Dumber

Seriously, this movie needs no explanations other than loads of laughs coming from your family room!

1. Friday After Next

Put the kids to sleep and relax with some holiday misadventures courtesy of Ice Cube and Mike Epps!

Blockbuster killed the mom and pop video shops of the late-80s and early-90s, but Netflix came along in 1999, when it started its subscription-based digital distribution service and quickly shut down Blockbuster and its video reign. Now, Netflix has become the industry leader in video distribution, with more than 23.6 million subscribers!

But like all things on top comes newcomers, trying to compete with the big dogs and now Amazon has entered the playing field with its Prime Streaming service. Before, Prime subscribers were given special privileges and benefits when shopping on the site, but now they’ve added streaming videos as part of the package. Since Netflix announced that it would be separating their streaming videos and regular mail-video subscription service into two different memberships, subscribers have voiced their concerns on the higher priced membership package to have both, allowing for many to contemplate whether they should abandon the Netflix ship and jump aboard Amazon Prime’s new streaming addition. But Netflix soon realized what a mistake that would be and have nixed that idea. But for those who have wondered what Amazon’s Prime has to offer, here’s how the two measure up against each other!

Background

Everybody knows about Netflix now and if you don’t here’s the rundown. Basically, you pay a monthly fee to be able to “rent” movie titles that are sent via mail, which you can use for as long as you want (unlike traditional places like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video where you only had limited days). Then you’d send it back and order more off of a list you’d create online. But the DVD service.  Another way subscribers could use Netflix is by opting to use their streaming service that allows you to watch certain titles over the Internet on your computer and TV.

Amazon’s Prime Streaming service is a bit different. Its Prime membership allowed for special perks for those who buy off of Amazon a lot, whether it was for actual physical items, books for the Kindle or whatever. It allowed for free two-day shipping, access to thousands of books in its library and now instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows. This is not to be confused with Amazon’s Instant Videos store that also has loads of TV shows, movies, and more to buy or rent.

User Friendly

With Netflix, once you become a member, you simply go online to watch unlimited movies and TV shows streaming over the Internet via your Xbox 360, PS3, Wii or any other device that streams the service. You can also watch on your computer, too. So basically, you need the Internet, a computer or one of the aforementioned devices. From there you just go to the site, enter your info and start watching!

With Prime, movies and shows can also be watched instantly on your computer (Mac or PC), as well as 200 models of Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, etc. (More on this later). So like Netflix, once you have one of the devices, you simply log into your account and start watching.

Winner: Netflix takes it here since this is their core offering and their site particularly caters to this. With Prime, it’s buried within Amazon’s shopping site, so it’s not entirely a cut-and-dry process.

Compatible Devices

For those, computers are definitely a way to watch the content, but Netflix also allows members to watch instantly via such devices like Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, iOS devices, select Android-based phones and tablets, the Windows Phone, some Internet-connected Blu-ray players and some Internet –connected HDTVs, TiVo or Roku, D-Link, home theater systems from LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Insignia.

For Prime, you can stream instant videos on a Mac, PC and about 200 models of Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players and set-top-boxes that are compatible with Amazon Instant Video. Roku Set-Top boxes, Amazon Instant Video-Compatible HDTVs from the likes of LG, Vizio, Panasonic and more, Blu-ray players form the likes of Sony, LG, Panasonic and more, and your Android-based phone. You can also download only to theKindle Fire. Just register your device to the Amazon.com account that’s associated with the Prime membership and you’re good to go!

Winner: Netflix has more devices like tablets, especially when it comes for Mac-based tech like iPhones and iPads.

Titles

Amazon’s site says that they have about 10,000 movies and TV shows that you can stream instantly, but will have 13,000 by next year (2,000 of those in HD). But when you break it down, TV shows have many episodes and some of their movies are duplicates, with some being non-English titles. Apparently Netflix seems to have about 17,000 (or more) titles, thus totally kicking Prime’s butt when it comes to titles.

Winner: Duh, you really need to know it’s Netflix…but you this might definitely change in the future as Prime becomes more popular and gets access to more movies.

Membership Perks

Netflix allows you to rent DVDs still if you want to have the actual DVD sent to you, but you have to add this option during sign up and it will cost you $7.99 more a month. But this option allows you to get an even broader selection of titles and you can exchange each DVD as often as you want with no due dates or late fees. Now you can also opt for Blu-ray discs for an additional $2 a month, too. Netflix also offers Starz Play, which includes about 1,000 movies, Original Series, and other entertainment. These choices include new releases from major Hollywood studios such as Walt Disney Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Overture Films, Revolution Studios, Miramax Films, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Pixar, TriStar, Screen Gems, Sony Classics and Warren Miller Films. Select first-run theatrical films from The Weinstein Company, IFC and Yari Film Group are also available. Starz Play also supplies access to a streaming version of the live Starz TV channel on all unlimited plans at no additional cost. But if you don’t have an unlimited plan, it’s $6.99 a month.

Since Amazon’s Prime barely added this streaming video option this year, members get special shipping prices and instant access to thousands of Kindle Books in addition to instant streaming. This is great for those who use Amazon for all their shopping needs.

Winner: Amazon, especially if you always buy your stuff on the site or use a Kindle.

Content

As far as contracts go, both Netflix and Amazon Prime streaming have a deal with ABC-Disney so members can stream movies and TVs from ABC Studios, ABC Family, the Disney Channel and Marvel. The both also have contracts with NBCUniversal and Sony and just acquired a new one with DreamWorks Animation that is totally exclusive.  The multi-year agreement gives Netflix the sole streaming rights to some of DreamWorks’ movies and TV specials. But it will not kick in until 2013 — an eternity in Internet time. But Amazon did score a contract with Fox that will add more than 2,000 of the network’s movies and TV shows to its streaming video catalogue. But it’s not exclusive since Netflix also scored a deal with them, too!

Winner: Netflix has more deals and that DreamWorks one just put them over the top!

Speed of Service

Netflix says their movies and shows start playing “fast” and within seconds. But it will ultimately depend on your Internet speed and connection, really. Movies & TV episodes are streaming over the Internet, so you don’t have to wait for them to download. Watching for 1 hour will use approximately 1GB of bandwidth or approximately 2GB if you are watching in HD (you have the option to opt out of this if you don’t want HD, too). Recommended minimum speed by Netflix is 500kbps (0.5MB). Quality for Amazon Prime also depends on your Internet speed, but movies also start instantly.

Winner: Here it’s a tie, but since Netflix has been around longer, it’s probably more reliable and faster. But, then again, there’s no way to prove it.

Quality

Netflix can stream 1080p video, but that’s if your device supports it and your internet is fast enough to deliver this. On the other hand, Amazon streams in 720p. To the common video viewer, they may not see a difference, but some might think it’s a huge difference.

Winner: Netflix takes this one, but only for those who can tell the difference.

Limitations

Netflix has several options of membership and used to put their DVD service together with their streaming service, but separated it, causing an uproar with members, but they’re not back into one package when CEO Reed Hastings realized that was a huge mistake. Netflix may have unlimited concurrent streams, but Netflix does limit it to 50 devices. For Amazon Prime, your instant videos are only available for streaming and cannot be downloaded to a TiVo box or the Unbox Player (but then again, this goes for Netflix, too). Instant videos are also only available for those in the U.S. and it’s not available in Alaska or Hawaii. You can also watch a Prime instant video as many times as you would like; however, you may only simultaneously watch two videos from the same account.

Winner: Netflix since it’s available in Hawaii and Alaska and will be going global in the near future. They announced that by the end of 2011, it would expand its services into 43 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean. From there, it’ll be worldwide domination!

Price

Amazon’s Prime Streaming is $79 a year, but that also includes the other perks of being a member (like two-day shipping on most of Amazon’s products and video streaming), where Netflix streaming comes out to $96 a year, making it $7.99 a year JUST for streaming. If you want to add DVD rentals, add another $7.99, with Blu-ray video rentals adding an additional $2 to it all. But college students do pay 50% less for Prime, which isn’t too bad of a deal actually!

Winner: If you just want streaming, Netflix is only $20 bucks more a year, and with Amazon Prime, you get some perks. However, if you want a larger selection and don’t really care about shopping with Amazon, then Netflix is the best. But really, Prime wins out on top since you get more bang for your buck.

Overall Winner

User Friendly Winner – Netflix
Compatible Devices Winner - Netflix
Titles Winner - Netflix
Membership Perks Winner - Amazon Prime
Content Winner - Netflix
Speed of Service Winner - Netflix (largely a tie)
Quality Winner - Netflix
Limitations Winner - Netflix
Price Winner - Prime

Netflix has more titles and more devices that it can be used on, so obviously it would be the right choice. It also has more contracts and probably better video streaming speeds, but Amazon’s Prime has its benefits, too. It’s extra perks are well worth it if you are a heavy Amazon shopper. But since Netflix has been around longer, it has, obviously, created a more reputable persona in the game than Prime. However, don’t underestimate Amazon’s Prime Streaming video service, because while it may be new and young, in a couple of years, it might just beat Netflix!

Halloween might be done and over with, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop watching horror flicks! Keep the scary and ghostly alive through November and catch the latest horror flicks that are streaming on Netflix. It’ll be like Halloween never ended! Just remember to leave a night light on ’cause some of these flicks will scare the living sh*t out of you!

 26. Session 9

As a psychological horror film, Session 9 will scare you and mess with your head. It’s mainly about an asbestos removal crew who works at an abandoned mental asylum, which obviously means crazy ass ghosts!

25. The Fly

Brilliant scientists are always crazy and this one turns himself into a hideous fly after an experiment goes wrong. Gross and horrifying in one flick! Be afraid, be very afraid…and have a fly swatter handy just in case!

 24. Interview with a Vampire

Twilight has nothing on this flick that stars Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Christian Slater in a very intriguing vampire flick full of horror, sex and more!

 23. Lost Boys

Ahh, an ’80s classic about vampires that are cool and a nerdy brother and his friends who try to help out an older bro from becoming one of the undead. Not so much horror, but definitely lots of fun!

22. Let the Right One In

Another vampire love story…or is it? Watch to find out!

21. Night of the Living Dead

The original 1968 black-and-white zombie flick will scare the living day light out of you…and make you start thinking about a zombie survival kit!

20. Paranormal Entity

Hmmm, we’re not sure about the claim on “actual footage” from the supernatural events leading up to the 2008 murder of Samantha Finley, but it’s still some scary sh*t!

19. Monkey Shines

This movie will have you thinking twice about owning your own pet monkey. Not all play nice.

18. Werewolf in London

An oldie but goodie, but don’t be too disappointed on the special effects…it was 1935 for goodness sakes!

17. From Dusk till Dawn

When Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez team up, you know you’ll in for a movie treat. The babalicious Selma Hayek is an added bonus to this vampire satire.

16. Wake the Witch

This movie has a lesson to it: don’t piss off witches ’cause they’ll come back from the dead to kill your ass!

15. They Live

Sort of sci-fi and horror, a drifter discovers that a pair of sunglasses he found allows him to see that aliens have taken over the Earth.

14. The Crazies

The name should speak for itself! When a small town is plagued by a mysterious toxin, all hell breaks lose with crazies!

13. The Ghouls

A power hungry journalist learns that there’s something beneath the streets of L.A. and they don’t play nice!

12. Paranormal Activity 2

While still not real, it’s scary as hell and will have you on the edge of your seat and maybe under your covers when you go to bed.

11. The Evil Dead

Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons…lesson here is don’t release anything that you think is scary.

10. Puppet Master

Puppets are scary on their own, but when they are cursed, they’re even worse. Put away your dolls after watching this one.

9. Human Centipede: First Sequence

All we have to say is that it’s seriously some disturbing stuff that will totally mess with your mind. Gross and soooooo horrible!

8. The Others

Haunted houses always make the best horror flicks!

7. Trick ’r Treat

Four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween and each one is scary and disturbing…a horror flick at its best!

6. Halloween: Resurrection

Just when you thought Michael Myers was dead…

5. Saw: The Final Chapter

Jigsaw’s brutal legacy continues….

4. The Last Exorcism

A troubled evangelical minister agrees to let his last exorcism be filmed by a documentary crew. Don’t see this alone ’cause you won’t sleep.

3. The Exorcist

How can we forget this horror classic! Makes you think what if you were possessed!?

2. Child’s Play

Dolls aren’t always nice to play with…take Chuckie, for example.

1. Poltergeist II

Still one of the scariest films ever made and part II is even scarier!

A few days ago Pandora, the ultra popular Internet radio station that tailors music playback according to your tastes, rolled out a site redesign. And from where we sit it looks even better than before.

They’ve implemented a number of updates, but the most notable one is targeted at you cheapskates. Unlike other companies that offer less and less, Pandora is giving more by removing their 40 hour listening cap for nonpaying customers. You’ll still be hit with ads here and there, but a caveat that surely justifies the freemium experience.

And now, thank to a social feed update, listeners can now more easily discover what their friends are listening to and leave comments regarding their music choices. Facebook has long been integrated into the music site, but was lacking in presence and connectivity, so this update looks to fix that. Plus Spotify was probably eating their lunch in this department so it was paramount that they updated this aspect of the service.

The same controls that you’ve come to know and love are still present, but Pandora says they’ve enhanced them and added a new shuffle feature that allows you to randomly move between a set number of stations and improve the variety of music you listen to. Odd, because this option was available in the last iteration of the site, but perhaps it’s now been streamlined.

The new Pandora site, which is coded in HTML5, is already live. Check it out, because we think you’ll find that it’s faster and all together a better user experience. We do.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t care who you are, everybody needs music. It’s a necessity and without it life just wouldn’t be the same. But just how much your mind craves music will probably influence the level of investment you’re willing to make. I for one don’t regularly attend live music performances. But despite that I still enjoy finding new music and even listening to some of the main stream pop, hip hop and R&B that crosses our airwaves. So with that said, and with some apprehension, I invested in Spotify, the latest streaming music service to hit US shores.

Spotify as you may know, has long existed in the Europe. It has received rave reviews and buzz that is has even the most popular of tech startups drooling with envy.

So what makes Spotify what it is? The service provides access to over 13 million songs. If you’re one of the lucky few to already receive an invite to the free version of the service here in the US, then you know that you can stream any of these songs free of charge on your computer, provided of course you’re willing to cope with ads every once and a while. However, if you’re patience has grown thin, you can get Spotify today, that is if you’re willing to pay for the service.

They offer two paid versions: unlimited and premium. Unlimited costs $4.99 per month and allows you to access 13 millions songs on your computer commercial free. The Premium version costs $9.99 and in addition to a commercial free experience, it enables you to stream music, and download it, directly to a compatible handset or computer. Both paid versions, on any device, provide 320kb quality sound, where as the free version is limited to 160kb. The free version does not allow you to download music to your computer’s hard drive.

Update: Only Premium offers a higher audio bit rate and offline mode.  Thanks Pat.

Spotify’s selling point is not only the breadth of their catalog and price, but the fact that the service is extremely fast when it comes to finding and playing music.  The service is built upon a comparable technology to Bit Torrent and Skype, and by that I mean P2P.  Users of the service must launch an app on their computer to play music.  The app initially looks for the music stored locally and if it doesn’t find it there it makes a call to a server that finds it stored locally on other users’ computers.  This means that Spotify’s users do the bulk of the heavy lifting when it comes to streaming and hence why they’re currently giving away unlimited streaming for 6 months to those that sign up and score an invite to the service, which just launched last month.  After that Spotify users will be limited to 10 hours of free streaming, unless of course they’re willing to pay.

COMPUTER APPLICATION

In order to access Spotify you’ll need to download their application.  While their logo leaves something to be desired, the UI is intuitive and easy to use. Searches are fast and speedy, and the music streams without any delay. Pretty damn impressive considering that amount of people probably already accessing the service. You can connect the app with your Facebook profile, which allows you to see which friends have done the same and share playlists amongst one and other. While the app’s homepage will show you new releases and a feed of information regarding news and friend’s playlists, it does not have a recommendation engine based on your tastes, much like Pandora (more on that later). It will, however, show you related artists and what your friends (via Facebook) are listening to.

You can connect your Spotify account with your Facebook account. This allows you to view friend’s public playlists as well as what they’re listening to. Useful if you often depend on your friends for new music, but you’ll need to click on each friend’s profile, located on the right of the app, to view their playlists and info.

Even though Spotify lacks a recommendation engine comparable to that of Last.fm or Pandora, you can view related artists. To do this you must enter an artists page. So if you search for say ‘Jack Johnson’, Spotify will present a variety of artists. You must click directly on his name to enter the artist page. Once on that page there are a few tabs that include ‘overview’, ‘biography’, ‘related artists’ and ‘artist radio’. The latter option allows you to see other artists, but we’re not sure how the differentiates from ‘related artists’.

There are a few bugs in the computer app.   For instance, I searched for “Spoon” and once I entered the artist’s page, each album appeared more than one time. Additionally, many fellow free users are reporting that the music intermittently stops. This hasn’t been a problem for me, but I’m also a paying user, so safe to assume my stream will take priority over another, not paying user.

THE IPHONE APPLICATION

Streaming music on the iPhone application, which requires you to pay $9.99 a month, is robust and intuitive to use. While it reflects a fair bit of the UI incorporated by the iPhone’s iPod player, it does boast its own spin to accommodate Spotify’s offering. For instance, you can locate a track and then explore the other songs on that album. It also allows you to “star” tracks and add them to a playlist, which is also available on the computer. You can also add tracks to an existing iTunes playlist. If you so choose, you can sync Spotify with your iTunes library, allowing you to access all your songs on the mobile app free of charge – you already own it so Spotify effectively becomes a cloud player.  You can sync over WiFi or connect your iPhone to your computer, though the first option is slow and tedious.

Streaming tunes over AT&T’s 3G service worked virtually flawlessly, though it significantly eats into the iPhone’s battery life. However, Spotify can work without an Internet connection. There is a switch (you must enable the option in the ‘settings’ menu) that allows you to enable “offline” mode. This mode downloads your “starred” tracks to the iPhone’s storage, letting you access the music without a connection. But don’t think for a second that you can subscribe to the service for one month, download all the tracks your heart desires and then discontinue your subscription. You must reconnect to Spotify every 30 days for those tracks to remain active, which is the same DRM we’ve seen instituted on other services, such as the now legal Napster and Rhapsody.

In terms of using the app it’s relatively straightforward. Unlike the iPhone’s iPod player, you can swipe the screen to skip tracks. Instead of a volume slider at the foot of the screen is the time lapse. To adjust volume you must use the iPhone’s volume rocker switch or enter the “info” screen. There is however one small flaw with the application. If you play a track, lock the iPhone’s screen and try to skip forward a song using the shortcut controls accessed by double tapping the home button, the music will stop playing. Annoying, but not a deal breaker.

With a bit of tinkering, I managed to discover a handy shortcut. Swipe your finger to the right across any track and it brings up a set of shortcuts, allowing you to add that song to your queue of playing music, add it to the general playlist, share the track with a friend or view the artist’s entire catalog available on Spotify.

Unfortunately, the iPhone app lacks a related artist tab.  In fact, it lacks all of those tabs that I mentioned in the computer app, which makes music discovery a bit more challenging on the iPhone app.  Also, the search can be a bit iffy at times.  Punching in “Cold Play” as opposed to “Coldplay” doesn’t bring up the well known band, but generally speaking it’s very accurate and find what you’re looking for.

Update: You don’t need to enable “offline mode” in the settings menu to download songs.  However, if you don’t want your phone to connect to the Internet, or if you’re on a plane, this is when you’d enable this option.

OTHER MUSIC SERVICES

Pandora and Spotify are to a large degree completely different beasts and if used together can provide a fulfilling experience. Pandora’s service randomly plays tunes based on an entered artist, genre or song. But, unlike Spotify you can’t play a specific track when ever you want. So what I’ve done, is utilized Pandora to find new music, bookmark the artist or song, and then explore more tracks based on that artist using Spotify.

Napster and Rhapsody have long offered a comparable service, but both ask a $5 premium ($14.99) over Spotify when it comes to their mobile version. Additionaly, Spotify claims 3 million more tracks, as to their relevance that still remains a question; the 3 million could be garage bands for all we know.  I haven’t used Napster or Rhapsody, at least not in recent, but I can only assume tracks don’t play as quickly since they don’t depend on any P2P tech.

Update: It’s not clear how large Spotify’s catalogue is.  I’ve read 15 million and 13 million.

iTunes and Amazon, which is probably the biggest competitors to Spotify just given the size of the services, is a different model.  In their case you’re buying the music where as with Spotify, relatively speaking, you’re renting it.  However, with iTunes and Amazon you can physically share your tracks with friends.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of Spotify is beyond impressive. As mentioned the streaming quality is limited to 160kb using the free or freeium service. But if your’e willing to invest $4.99 a month the quality improves a two fold to 320kb, though it’s questionable if one could discern the difference in quality beyond 256kb. But nonetheless, it’s CD quality sound in a streaming package.

Update: I was wrong,  Only the Premium option provides the higher bit rate.

CONCLUSION

What it really comes down to is whether you’re comfortable with not owning your music.  But as a society, at least in the US, we’re becoming more comfortable with not owning our media, hence the popularity of Netflix.  Sound quality is stellar, you can download your tracks, build playlists, share tracks and playlists with friends and listen to an almost unlimited amount of artists without throwing your money at any given one.  The apps are well built, they’re slick, fast and seem to work without any major hiccups.  Bottom line: If your’e already spending $10+ a month on music, get yourself a Premium Spotify account, you won’t regret it.

Pros:

• Seemless streaming without any delays
• Free for everyone with unlimited plays for the next 6 months; 10 hours after that
• iPhone app works almost flawless, plus it’s intuitive
• Can download tracks that last for 30 days provided you don’t reconnect to Spotify

Cons:

• Lacks a discovery engine like Pandora and those alike
• You don’t own the music
• iPhone app doesn’t show related artist or bio info