I got into the Bzzcampaign for RedBox Instant By verizon Campaign which I got a code for the beta testing. Even with the code, I still have to enter a credit card number in order to be able to sign up for an account.
To be honest, I heard of Redbox; I do rent movies from time to time there, but have not heard of Redbox Instant before. It's an online streaming site like Netflix. What's different is that you're given 4 credits to rent movies which I'm not sure if it's online or not but will give it a try in a few days but I'm pretty sure it's only online. It's $8 monthly so typically about the same price as Netflix.
Since I just sign up I'm going to compare it to Netflix. The selections of movies are not that much. If you compare it to to Netflix, Netflix have a whole tons of a lot. Maybe there's only a few due to beta testing? I'm not sure, but netflix still have that 1 month free trial for new subscriber. I was expecting more and different movies than Netflix but was pretty much disappointed.
One thing that they could improve on is for subscribers to be able to stream it on ps3 or xbox. I haven't tried the app yet and already seen bad comments and rating about it. Another thing is subtitles! I have kids and usually when I watch movie, it's never peace and quiet! I be lost without subtitles! Since it's only beta testing they could improve on all those stuff and by adding more variety of movies. I know that Netflix have improve a lot since I've seen Korean Drama (I'm a fan of Korean Dramas!) and other asian movies/Indian on there and hopefully Redbox instant will have some there too. Again, I'm not going to have that much of a high expectation and probably will unsubscribe if nothing's improve yet. I don't want to be paying $8 monthly for just a little variety of selections as my kids watch tv everyday and even if it's with the 4 credits.
UPDATED: 1/17/2013
I was finally able to get the Redbox Instant app on my phone (Galaxy S3) and can finally compare it to the Netflix app.
The first thing I had to do was to put in the invitation code. So if you have one, remember to have your invitation code otherwise you won't be able to log in or watch movie. After that, find the login and log in to it. To be able to watch it you'll have to click subscription; there's also 2 other option which is "at kiosk" or "rent/buy". There are category like online that you can choose from. All I have to say is that I wished there were more movies in the subscription to be able to watch.
Okay....so now the quality comparison.
Redbox Instant: Watchable. There's a pause and play button along with volume.
Netflix: Image quality is clean and crisp. There's a pause/play button along with volume and the choice to put subtitle on or not.
I'm not siding with Netflix but their video quality is way way better than Redbox Instant. At this point I'm positively sure that I will be canceling the Redbox Instant subscription. Hopefully if they improved and have more movies, I might subscribe but for now, it'll just be Netflix.
UPDATED: 1/19/2013
I finally had the chance to use 3 out of my 4 credits that I received for subscribing. All I have to say is that I'm really pleased at how easy it is! I choose 3 movies that I wanted to rent for the night and checkout. Instead of paying, just press the button that says "use credits" and slide your credit/debit card in. It has to be the one that's in your Redbox Instant account in order for it to you to use your credits. So...I saved $3.60 and pay nothing! I'm pleased at how fast and easy it is but would wished for there to be more movies and to be able to stream on the xbox or ps3; otherwise I wouldn't complain about anything else.
