amazonunbox - Video Downloads

So I go for a drive to Maine today and after a leisurely drive I decide to stop, have a cup of coffee and what do I see as I surf the net while enjoying my coffee and bagel...Amazon opens a video download store.  Well that was pretty exciting but I couldn't post it.  Well, I could have but it was too much of pain to do it and I had a few more stops to make on my way.

The new Amazon offering is called Unbox Video and it certainly is going to create some competition with iTunes.  The offerings will be TV shows, movies, and a variety of micellaneous video content. 

I did wander over to the new Unbox Video site and was reasonably impressed for my first glance.  I got a kick out of their way of exciting the first time user with their comment:

You'll always remember your first time ...

There will be many downloads in your life. But only one first download from Amazon Unbox Video. So make it special. Light the candles. Pour a beverage and consider....

Offering an incredible collection of DVD-quality videos from virtually every major movie and TV studio , you will not have a lack choices.  The downloads can be stored on up to two PCs and two portable video players which I think is a pretty good offering BUT,there is always a but, I am not too happy with having to use their player.  I will give it a try but my preference is to be able to use the player of my choice  .

The cost?  I think it is a little pricey...no,actually it is pricey.   The Unbox charge is between $7.99 and $14.99 for most movies, and current movie rentals are $3.99.  I can rent a movie for $2.00, use my DVD converter and watch them as I travel....of course, it is a heck of a lot more convenient to download them.

Time will tell if it is going to be a success...my guess is that it will be.  Ckeck it out here at the Unbox web site and while your there, catch a few previews.  I watched the mini-clip of prison break...I'm renting it tomorrow.