CinemaNow Inc. has announced it will sell movies that users can download and burn directly onto standard DVD players. The new method would allow users to obtain their favorite movies without visiting their local video rental store. Buyers will also be able to view the films on their computers.
The new service made its debut Wednesday and currently features more than 100 movies. Among the more well-known titles are 'About a Boy,' 'Barbershop' and 'Scent of a Woman.'
'Our customers will experience a true innovation in home entertainment, the ability to obtain a DVD in the comfort of their living room,' explained Curt Marvis, CinemaNow's chief executive.
This is the first time Hollywood has allowed a direct-download service to sell movies over the Internet. Previously, film studios had fears that the movies would be downloaded illegally or swapped. New technology has reduced these concerns. In the current setup, customers can only transfer one copy of the film they purchase.
'It's a test of the distribution and the security architecture,' said Benjamin Feingold, president of Sony's home entertainment division.
There are also benefits to the new system which is a less expensive way to distribute movies.
If the new technology is successful, it may make Blockbuster a thing of the past.
