Wal-mart unboxes Video Download Service

Feb 6 2007, 9:00am CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Retail giant Wal-mart enters digital movie download business competing with Amazon unbox, CinemaNow and others.

Wal-mart has deals in place with all 6 major Hollywood studios: Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Sony, 20th Century Fox and Universal.
Download prices will be $12.88 to $19.88 on the day of the DVD release. You can choose between three resolution formats. PC Format: 640 X 480 maximum resolution, 30 fps, 1,500-1,700 kbps average bit rate, Portable Format: X 240 maximum resolution, 30 fps, 500-810 kbps average bit rate, PC & Portable: a combination of the above that requires 30% more storage.

The portable video format is not compatible with the Apple iPod video.
Because pricing is pretty close to disc pricing it is not really interesting. I like Amazon's unbox focus on short-term rental like downloads for a couple bucks better. If I go buy a full movie I want the disc.

More details in this NY Times article and on the Wal-mart Movie Download site, which is up and running in beta.

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.