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.

By our account TV is responsible for the vast influx of overweight Americans.  That, and fast food.  As a kid your parents would tell you to go outside and play.  Sure, that worked 20 years ago, but with the advent of portable technology there is no escaping Tinsle Town’s reach.  And now, thanks to Dish Network, you’ll never miss a live broadcast of a game or a show no matter where you and your family travels.  In other words, the final nail has been hammered in the obesity coffin.

Okay, the so the above is purely hyperbole, and the Tailgater Portable HDTV System is clearly targeted at the die hard NFL fan who wants to maximize their NFL Sunday ticket while hanging outside the stadium.  It weighs no more than 10lbs and works any where in the 48 contiguous United States, provided you’ve got a line of site to Dish’s satellites, which if memory serves correct hovers over Texas.

It’s capable of receiving a 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i signal and includes a built-in handle and weather-resistant cover. The Tailgater Portable HDTV System requires no direct power connection, and instead draws energy from the connected Dish box via a coxial cable.  However, you’ll need to power the box, and for now the Tailgater Portable HDTV System is only compatible with the HD Solo Receiver; sorry, no DVR compatibility.  Dish recommends a portable generator or an inverter to power your system off of your vehicle’s DC power supply.   But make sure you start your vehicle periodically, unless of course you need an excuse not to come home from the game.  Lastly, you’ll need some sort of HDTV.

For those of you that already subscribe to Dish, and have a SOLD HD, you’ll be able to pick one up al a carte for $399.  Alternatively, Dish offers a combo package of $499.

Dish Network just bought Blockbuster for $228 million in cash.  We can only assume that DirectTV is laughing their asses off, all the while scratching their heads.

What the hell does Dish plan to do with 1,700 retail locations?  There’s no way they could break even on the investment by trying to hock their service and boxes at Blockbuster locations, right?  How many subscribers would they have to nab to make this worth their while?

According to the press release issued today, “Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network.  Perhaps there’s some sort of licensing agreement that Blockbuster still has right to that could net Dish Network an amount of money that would justify the acquisition.

DISH Network Agrees to Acquire Blockbuster Assets

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced that it was selected as the winning bidder in the bankruptcy court auction for substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. DISH Network’s winning bid was valued at approximately $320 million. After certain adjustments are made at closing of the transaction, including adjustments for available cash and inventory, DISH Network expects to pay approximately $228 million in cash to acquire Blockbuster at the closing which is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100611/LA19624LOGO )

“With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network. “While Blockbuster’s business faces significant challenges, we look forward to working with its employees to re-establish Blockbuster’s brand as a leader in video entertainment.”

Completion of the transaction is contingent upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including bankruptcy court approval.

Safe Harbor Statement under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in DISH Network Corporation’s Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and DISH Network Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

About DISH Network

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14.1 million satellite TV customers, as of Dec. 31, 2010, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy industry-leading customer satisfaction, the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

During our time at CES, Echostar saw it fit to announces some pretty astounding and cool news: they unveiled a DVR box with a built in Slingbox, called the VIP 922.  What’s this mean?  Those who sign up with the satellite TV service provider (they’re competitor is DirecTV) will not only get access to an HD DVR box with a 1TB hard drive, but a DVR box whose content can be accessed from any where in the World.

You see, thanks to the built-in Sling technology and hardware, the die hard TV fanatic will be able to tap into their box at home and stream their recorded media to a myriad of devices (laptop, iPhone, Blackberry) anywhere they’re located assuming they have a broadband connection.

Without seeing an on hand demonstration it’s hard to say, but it sounds like Echostar has also thrown in a remote with a UI and form factor which is similar to Panasonic’s Easy Touch Remote Control; something we saw at CES.

The Dish Network VIP 922 will be available later this Spring.

Check out the other features offered:

• News feeds located on the home screen, giving viewers instant access to national news, weather, sports, and stock quotes.
• Ability to organize channels by channel name or number.
• 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p support.
• Internet-delivered DISH On Demand including 1080p content.
• Ability to move one day in the guide while browsing full screen EPG or partial EPG.
• Connections to home networks via Ethernet, HomePlug Turbo (the next generation of HomePlug that allows for faster in-home transfer of content using home power lines), or WiFi (with optional WiFi adapter).
• Powerful search capability across all available video sources, including IP, VOD, satellite or DVR.
• Intuitive timer creation and DVR management, allowing users to categorize programming by groups (video source, title, genres) or by content description (date, length, ratings and more).
• Ability to load photos, MP3s and selected Internet content.
• Future upgrades such as photo sharing, movie ticket purchases, family calendars, instant messaging, streaming audio, and the ability to transfer content within a home network.

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