TIVO announced a new video service in conjunction with Amazon. I can now rent movies from Amazon and download them to my TIVO box or computer for viewing. To encourage my participation Amazon had a special deal where I could rent a movie from a short list of about a dozen for only $.99. Seemed like a good deal and convenient way to rent flicks so I gave it a try. I give it 3 stars out of 5.
The download went smoothly and I had directed the movie be loaded to the TIVO which happened. The hitch comes with the requirements that you must watch the movie within 30 days and once started, you have 24 hours to watch the whole thing or as many times in that 24 hours as you wish but then it is gone. Why just 24 hours?
I have on a few occasions started to watch something, felt tired and elected to finish another day. Sometimes other events intervene and I don't get back to the movie for several days. I can re-download the video from my Media Library at Amazon but that will require the hour or more time required for the download in addition to the extra work in obtaining it again.
Further, the normal rental rate is $3.99 which I think is expensive nor does Amazon have as large a selection as Netflix. I do not copy movies, but assuming I could copy the Amazon rentals - defeating the DRM, it might then be a better deal.
With Netflix the average rental rate for me is $3.00, I can watch the movie as many times as I want and can keep it more then 30 days if so inclined. The quality of the DVD is superior to the "best quality" recording available from TIVO/Amazon. I'm not impressed. Netflix came up with a unique system that has always worked flawlessly. I admire companies that innovate as they have (also Apple and Amazon past).
I would have rated Amazon lower but I can see how the convenience and immediacy of selecting a movie to fit your mood and inclination can appeal to folks. Thus I give it 3 stars.
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