Sony announced back in September that it would be adding a movie on demand service, called Qriocity, which would let users of Sony products like their Bravia TVs and Blu-ray players rent movies.
The Qriocity service has now gone live in the UK, and there are a number of movies available from a range of studios which include Disney, Universal, Warner, Sony Pictures, MGM, and a few others. This diverse selection ensures that users have access to a wide variety of genres and titles, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Pricing and Movie Quality
There are two types of movies available on the service, similar to Apple’s iTunes. Standard definition movies will cost £2.49 to rent, while HD movies will cost between £3.49 and £4.49. The pricing strategy is designed to be competitive, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional movie rental stores and other online services.
The availability of both standard and high-definition options allows users to choose based on their viewing preferences and the capabilities of their devices. For instance, those with high-definition televisions can enjoy a more immersive experience by opting for HD rentals. This flexibility is a significant advantage for Qriocity, as it caters to a broader audience.
Competition and Market Potential
It will be interesting to see if Sony is capable of turning their Qriocity movie rental service into a popular one, as other companies like Samsung and LG have plans to launch similar services. The competition in the video-on-demand (VOD) market is fierce, with established players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video already having a substantial user base.
However, Sony’s integration of Qriocity with its existing hardware products could give it a unique edge. By offering a seamless experience across its range of devices, Sony can provide added value to its customers. For example, a user could start watching a movie on their Bravia TV and continue on their Sony tablet or smartphone, thanks to the synchronized ecosystem.
Moreover, Sony’s extensive library of movies from its own studio, Sony Pictures, as well as partnerships with other major studios, ensures a steady stream of new and popular content. This could be a significant draw for users looking for the latest releases and classic favorites.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for future expansion. If Qriocity proves successful in the UK, it could be rolled out to other markets, increasing its user base and revenue potential. Additionally, Sony could explore bundling Qriocity with other services or offering subscription models to attract more users.
In conclusion, while the success of Qriocity is not guaranteed, Sony’s strategic approach and strong content library position it well to compete in the VOD market. The service’s competitive pricing, high-quality movie options, and seamless integration with Sony devices could make it a popular choice for movie enthusiasts.
via TechRadar
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