Amazon Unbox Video Store Launches

andrewl6097 writes "Amazon.com has launched it's Amazon Unbox video store. Looks like about 1300 movies and 350 tv series, at $9.99 and up for movies and $1.99 per TV episode. Downloads come with a DVD quality version and a version more appropriate for portable players (using Windows DRM). Also, videos can be re-downloaded from your Amazon media library. Cool!"

"Cool!"

[sulli (195030)]

slashdot is now running accolades for DRM crippled movie downloads? uncool!

Re:"Cool!"

[x-kaos (213378)]

Yea well, it still costs to much money imo. May as well get the movie mailed to me if the download has all that junk with it. Thumbs down.

Re:"Cool!"

[by Anonymous Coward]

Yeah, as a faithful open source fan and reader of Slashdot, there is no way I'm ever going to support this DRM-infested crap! They may take our lives, but they cannot take our freedom!!!

Now pardon me while I go back to buying stuff from iTunes...

I agree, this sucks - can't transfer b/t comps

[eliot1785 (987810)]

You can't even transfer the file that you download between computers. Check this out, from their FAQ:

"You can only view the files using Amazon Unbox installed on the computer that originally received the downloads."

So that means if I buy one of these files and burn it on a DVD to transfer it to another computer that I own, I won't even be able to play it on that other computer. I will have to actually download it again from Amazon.com. You can store it on up to 2 computers (and 2 corresponding video players) at any given time, but files can only be played on the computer to which you downloaded it.

So that means if I want to use up to the 2 computer limit, I have to actually download it twice. There is no way to save download time by using alternative transmission methods, like a flash drive or a DVD-R. This sucks.

Remember all the early iTunes-like stores that failed? Although iTunes has DRM, it succeeded in part because its restrictions were less strong than, say, AOL's. I think Amazon.com's is too restrictive.

ITMS could beat it by being nicer about it, at least allowing you to transfer it between computers however you like. Honestly, that restriction doesn't even make sense from a DRM point of view, because you could always just require people to "authorize" a computer like ITMS. Maybe they aren't as skilled at this as Apple is?

Re:I agree, this sucks - can't transfer b/t comps

[aichpvee (631243)]

So that means you only get to "own" it for the 6 months before your windows tanks and you have to reinstall? Even less if you haven't reinstalled in a while, I suppose.

Re:I agree, this sucks - can't transfer b/t comps

[abandonment (739466)]

yup, pretty much.

i download everything off the net onto my laptop, and then burn &/or otherwise transfer to my other machine (desktop) with a nice big flat panel screen for watching.

this 'locking to one machine' system is completely bass-ackwards and a non-starter...

Re:

[cptgrudge (177113)]

this 'locking to one machine' system is completely bass-ackwards and a non-starter...

Yeah, my DVDs aren't tied to a single DVD player (not that They don't wish it were so). Why should downloaded movies be different, especially when they cost nearly the same?

I think people have gotten too used to the portability of radios, LPs, MD players, cassettes, CDs, mp3 players, DVDs, magazines, books, soft drinks, and other smallish physical objects for there to be much traction on such a restrictive system.

here's how

[goombah99 (560566)]

0) you can put it on an unlimited number of ipods that are synched to your computer.
1) Every itunes account can be shared by up to 5 computers.
2) an itunes account can be migrated from one computer to another (so if your computer dies your music does not)
3) you can burn an itunes song to a CD which will work on any computer (not sure about the video)
4) you can convert any song with AAC DRM to DRM free using iMovie on a macintosh.
5) you can convert any AAC DRM song to DRM free using Jhymm.

Does that answer your question?

Re:I agree, this sucks - can't transfer b/t comps

[Cowclops (630818)]

Circuit City beat you to that idea. It was called "Divx." It failed.

I hope companies look to Divx to realize why restrictive playback is unprofitable.

Re:"Cool!"

[cptgrudge (177113)]

slashdot is now running accolades for DRM crippled movie downloads? uncool!

The submitter might be a shill. Seems way too obvious in the cheerleading aspect, at least to me. Shall we break down the summary?

"Amazon.com has launched it's Amazon Unbox video store."

Good, if obvious, lead sentence here. It makes sure that the company name is repeated twice, and by using the word "it's" we may get a slight feeling that of "it's amazing" before we read the rest of the product, even if the thought is just subconscious. Interesting, if perhaps unintentional usage of the incorrect "it's" instead of the correct "its", we also may get the feeling doubly reinforced again with the uncontracted "it is amazing".

"Looks like about 1300 movies and 350 tv series, at $9.99 and up for movies and $1.99 per TV episode."

Here we see the information about the service and products, including numbers and prices. This is obviously something that will be brought up in the discussion below, but by introducing the readers to it in the summary, the submitter can keep the content tied to the positive aspects conveyed in the summary. This is in contrast to reading about it below where it is coupled with Slashdot users' negative responses to selection and pricing. No control over those comments, but the initial impression is made.

"Downloads come with a DVD quality version and a version more appropriate for portable players"

Again, more information about the service. Sentence structure gives us the words "quality" and "appropriate", which are rather neutral terms, but may make a positive subconscious impression on the readers. The mentioning of the generic "portable players" does not exclude any type of device on name alone, so it will not alienate potential customers.

"(using Windows DRM)."

Then we come to the most interesting part. By qualifying the "portable players" statement with the phrase "(using Windows DRM)", the submitter may actually gain a small measure of trust from us readers. It is likely based on the demographics of the users of Slashdot. As generally informed people, Slashdot users dislike DRM for both it's technical and philisophical nature. By using parentheses, the submitter seems to be imparting information that is somehow cloaked or not for general public knowledge, like a whispered secret. With these two concepts, we may actually trust the submitter more than we would a normal submission.

"Also, videos can be re-downloaded from your Amazon media library."

Here we get a bit more info on the service itself and another placement of the company name and additional product. We are still possibly affected by the subconscious trust level, so we may have an abnormally positive response to this information. Such as a "Great feature!" reaction instead of an "I should hope so!" reaction.

"Cool!"

This final statement, while seemingly out of place, may be accepted simply because the summary has been crafted to elicit a positive reponse and we may find ourselves in agreement, though there is nothing that special about this company's service. It does have the potential to backfire when the target audience is quick enough that they can pick out the strange concepts, as the other posts already show.

Overall, it's designed to give a positive spin and impression to the service, which will hopefully drive more click-throughs to the site. I've seen plenty of links to the iTunes store, but never went there. I clicked on this link, and I don't even plan to buy anything. I didn't buy anything, but I guess it worked on me to at least go there and check it out.

I'm currently for hire.

Re:

[el cisne (135112)]

Dang, man, were you trained by the Bene Gesserit or a Tleilaxu grown mentat ? I'm impressed.

Re:

[fm6 (162816)]

slashdot is now running accolades for DRM crippled movie downloads?

Of course not! They're runing accolades for overpriced DRM crippled movie downloads. For example, compare the download of Walk the Line for $20.00 with a 2-DVD special edition [amazon.com] for about the same price.

Attention editors! Please ignore breathless announcements of downloadable media services except in those very rare cases where economic reality is acknowledged.

Marktup

[Mateo_LeFou (859634)]

At 1/3 to 1/2 this price I'd go on a spree.

Re:Marktup

[hackstraw (262471)]

At 1/3 to 1/2 this price I'd go on a spree.

I thought the summary said that TV shows were 1.99/episode and movies 9.99 and up.

Let me guess? I have to pay for an internet connection. Wait for the download to come down, and store the download. Oh, but I don't even own the copy either due to DRM, right?

For about $40-50/month I get tons of TV episodes with DVR service, the transport mechanism and storage media and no DRM.

I'd say about 1/5 to 1/10th or less of the cost, and I might to on a spree.

I know I'm in the slashdot minority here, but I think I'm still in the majority of the population that actually prefers to watch TV from the couch on a TV with a remote.

From the informal polls I've taken by talking with people, I know of two people who routinely watch TV on the computer, and the rest of the hundreds of people I know still use a television.

why pay for single-OS content?

[by Anonymous Coward]

Why would I pay for video files that are tied to a particular OS?

Funny thing is, i *would* pay for non-DRMed movies. I've bought plenty of non-DRM music online.

It deserves to fail, IMHO.

Re:why pay for single-OS content?

[eliot1785 (987810)]

I would even pay for DRM'd movies (sorry guys), if the DRM weren't so restrictive. I buy stuff from ITMS all the time, partly because I know that if worse came to worse I could always burn them all as CD audio files and then rip them into MP3 format. My feeling on DRM is that I think some DRM is good to protect the artists, but there should be a way around it as long as you put in a little bit of work, to discourage people from doing it. It doesn't look like there's a way around this one.

So basically, rather than balancing customer interests against artist/studio interests, they went wholesale with the artist/studio interests. They'll probably pay for it by not getting a lot of buyers.

Purpose of DRM is to trigger Re-Purchase

[GodWasAnAlien (206300)]

"... some DRM is good to protect the artists"

The current use of DRM is _not_ to protect the artists.

When the artists make pennies to the big publishing companies dollars, it should be obvious who DRM benefits.

The current use of DRM is control:
  - control where and how the renter/"buyer" views/listens to the media.
  - when the viewer/listener wants to listen/view the media in some other way, The media must be re-purchaced.
  - this re-purchacing leads to a more constant money flow, without the need for new material.
  - this combined with a near infinite copyright period helps to maximize profit from old works.

As with many things in society today, a very effective, but irresponsible way to make money is to make the product disposible. If the buyer is forced to throw away the DVD/Music/Computer/Phone every so often, more money is to be made.

Re:why pay for single-OS content?

[Nataku564 (668188)]

Fans. Artists must never be allowed to accumulate enough of a fanbase where they can actually survive on their own. If they sold non-drm'd stuff, you would be able to lend it to friends, and spread the popularity of the artist. This rogue promotional method is far cheaper and more effective than the big label's methods, and must never be allowable under law.

Support

[Yahweh Doesn't Exist (906833)]

No Mac support == dead to me.

No support for iPod == dead to the market.

iTunes movies will probably be dead to me too since I live in !USA.

DVDs are cheaper anyway. the entire concept of movie downloads priced the same, or more expensive, as DVDs is retarded.

Plays, For Sure!

[Tibor the Hun (143056)]

I love it...
From the description about supported devices:
If your device is Plays for Sure compliant it may work, but we cannot guarantee performance on untested devices. (Emphasis mine.)

Dude, so if all of those people with "Plays for Sure" players will send me 20 bucks now, I'll send them 25 on Monday. For Sure!

Re:

[Yahweh Doesn't Exist (906833)]

>The material cost for DVDs make up virtually none of the cost

the DRM nature is a big point but not all of it. DVDs are trivial to lend, borrow and move about.

also materials are nice, or can be. so that's a loss. plus downloads have (higher) storage costs for the end user.

also, I use iTunes for 2 reasons:
1. individual song downloads - doesn't apply to movies.
2. exclusive content (exclusive tracks, individual music videos, out-of-print albums) - doesn't apply to movies.

downloading individual TV shows is w

Re:

[Yahweh Doesn't Exist (906833)]

true, but what's the performance like?

boot camp: is it worth rebooting just to buy something from a company that doesn't care about your custom?
parallels: unbox has some pretty hefty requirements. will parallels play it pefectly?

for me, windows on a mac is about necessity or about making me money. not so I can spend money.

Re:

[Jerf (17166)]

Show me where I can get a copy of V for Vendetta for $14.

Uh, Amazon.com [amazon.com]? At least for me, the full screen DVD (that link) is $13.87. (If they're using differential pricing it may not show the same for you.) Free shipping if you add something else to get over $25.

Interesting, they charge $2 more for the widescreen. I've either never seen that before in brick & mortar stores, or never noticed.

FAQ and showstoppers (Mac, Linux, iPods excluded)

[Lord Satri (609291)]

The FAQ here [amazon.com].

Which includes this showstopper for Mac and Linux users:
Minimum System Requirements

OPERATING SYSTEM: The Unbox Video player application is only compatible with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows XP Professional SP2, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2, or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2. The Unbox Video player is not compatible with Apple/Macintosh operating systems.

COMPUTER HARDWARE: A PC with a 1.5-gigahertz (GHz) processor or faster, at least 512MB of memory, and a DirectX 9.0 complaint Video (64 MB Memory) and Sound Card.

INTERNET CONNECTION: Broadband internet connection capable of 800 kbps sustained transfer speeds.

No iPods either:
Can I use Amazon Unbox on my Macintosh or iPod?
Unfortunately, our Amazon Unbox video downloads are not compatible with Apple / Macintosh hardware and computer systems.

"Plays for Sure" ... MUHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[MarkTina (611072)]

The phrase "If your device is Plays for Sure compliant it may work," is quite amusing.

So the device claims to play for sure ... but it might not ... great stuff! ;-)

Re:"Plays for Sure" ... MUHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[syousef (465911)]

Isn't that how all DRM seems to work: Give us your money now. You might be able to watch the movie right after you do that. You may even be able to watch it again at a later date. Then again we may just charge you for it again next time you decide you want to see it, or if the format changes, or if it's a new moon, or... By the way you might want to check out these other movies you may get to watch. Seeya. Have a nice day. Come again (*but not if you have a complaint)

Re:

[noidentity (188756)]

At least you can be sure it might play! Funny how once computers became powerful enough to end compatibility issues, the industry found a way to intentionally prevent things from working reliably.

WMV files

[gEvil (beta) (945888)]

The site says they use wmv files. I'm assuming the recently mentioned FairUse4WM will work on them. Looks like I might need to check out one of their $3.99 (-$1.99 first time user discount) movie "rentals" to see how well it works (FairUse4WM, not Amazon Unbox).

Re:WMV files

[by Anonymous Coward]

I can confirm that FairUse4WM version 1.1 successfully un-DRMs content purchased from Amazon Unbox (a South Park episode, in this case). FYI, the filesize is 432MB for 22:22 minutes at 640x480 resolution.

Re:

[gEvil (beta) (945888)]

Patched, and then broken again... [engadget.com]

Re:

[gEvil (beta) (945888)]

Supposedly FairUse4WM 1.2 includes video support.

Re:

[microbrewer (774971)]

fyi FAIrUse4DRM 1.1 supported WMV DRM inluding rental DRM ;).

amazon movies

[trancertong (992719)]

It seems this whole thing is kind of half baked, as if they were in a rush to get out before the itunes movie store.

"Wonderful" Quotes from the Terms of Use

[ween14 (827520)]

"From time to time, Amazon will automatically deliver promotional video content (e.g., movie trailers, celebrity interviews, reviews, etc.) to your Authorized Device. Amazon may automatically delete such promotional video content from your Authorized Device without notice to you."

"If Amazon changes any part of the Service or modifies license terms applicable to Rental Digital Content or Purchased Digital Content, which it may do in its sole discretion, you acknowledge that you may not be able to access, view, or use Digital Content in the same manner as prior to such changes, and you agree that Amazon shall have no liability to you in such case."

The Software automatically checks for upgrades, but the Software will not automatically upgrade without your consent, except as provided herein. If you do not consent to an upgrade that we make subject to your consent, the Digital Content may no longer be viewed on your Authorized Device."

Re:

[by Anonymous Coward]

Remember these terms the next time Eric Raymond starts blathering on about how Linux users need to start compromising on allowing closed source content and DRM into our operating system.

beware if you install and want to uninstall

[ozarkcanoer (808891)]

I bit and bought a tv show and then downloaded and installed Unbox which after installing, started to download the show. I decided I didn't want to wait for the download and stopped that. I then tried to uninstall it from my XP SP2 system and the uninstaller connected to Amazon and restarted the download! Couldn't find anyway to prevent this even having Unbox delete the file it had created (which reserved the full space required for the video). Uninstall still kept reconnecting and trying to download the video. I finally had enough of this and used the restore point that had been created when Unbox was installed, the after rebooting, manually deleted the file that had been created. Not very friendly. Larry

Feature Missing

[kaufmanmoore (930593)]

I'd love it if they were to offer you the ability to download a movie instantly when you buy the same DVD from amazon, so you can watch it while the physical disc is in the mail. That way you get the instant gratification, but you will still control the content you own.

Won't succeed. Here to stay.

[sporkme (983186)]

I would like to point out that when I looked at the website, the top ten downloads included:

#5 Firefly
#6 Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley: The Case of the Funhouse Mystery
#8 Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley: The Case of the Volcano Mystery

This proves beyond a shadow of doubt that Slashdot users are a significant part of the early adoption crowd.

Amazon's lies about why no Mac support

[gsfprez (27403)]

They are spinning like a politician on this...

from the FAQ:
Unfortunately, Apple Computer Inc. has exclusive rights to the
hardware and software that would make it possible for Amazon.com to
provide Amazon Unbox for these devices. Because of these
restrictions, we are unable to make Amazon Unbox compatible with
these products.

Additional information on using Amazon Unbox and purchasing videos
is available on our Help pages at this URL:

www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeI d=161988011

now wait just a damn minute - there is NOTHING stopping Amazon from writing software for Mac OS X. nothing. Apple allows anyone to write software for Mac OS X. They do not have exclusive rights to the hardware and software to make this work on the Mac.... Microsoft does.

Micorsoft does not write any software to allow non-Windows operating systems to view Windows Media files. (they used to have Windows Media Player for the Mac - but now, they let a small company write a codec for Quicktime to play non-DRM WMP files - Flip4Mac)

Anyhow - screw Amazon - they are lying. They can write any damn software they want for the Mac - and the iPod will play any mp4 file you want.

Nothing is stopping them from making Mac compantible files - its their own problem that they don't.

Re:Amazon's lies about why no Mac support

[TimmyDee (713324)]

It looks like they fixed it to simply state "Unfortunately Amazon Unbox is not compatible with Macintosh computer or iPods" or some-such. I wonder if someone got the memo.

Windows Media Patch

[sottitron (923868)]

So this is why MSFT fixed the Windows Media Flaw in 3 days...

Download DVD quality, but can't burn a DVD from it

[oliverk (82803)]

Wait a second: it says specifically that you can't BURN A DVD from the downloaded file. Wha'?

Absolutely the worst idea, and opens the door extra wide for a certain, slightly balding man in a black mock turtleneck...

Outlaw Star

[rlp (11898)]

So I can download Outlaw Star for $3.99 per episode, or I can purchase a complete set of 26 episodes on 6 DVD's from Amazon for $43.88 (or $30.17 used). Of course with the on-line download I get all that special DRM goodness.

Quoting a certain SciFi flick (Hugo Weaving)

[Lead Butthead (321013)]

"Tell me (slash-dotter)... what good is a (VIDEO) if you're unable to (PLAY IT ON LINUX BOXES)"

Blame studios

[DarkFyre (23233)]

Yes, yes, everyone complains about 'teh evil' DRM. I'm sure the studios give Amazon the content with no restrictions at all and it's up to Amazon to decide what happens after that. Right. Sure. The prices must be the same way. Amazon gets it all for free and are just greedy bastards ripping you off like that.

The content owners who set the rules have little relationship with the guys who are providing access to the content. You got a complaint? Buy stock in the content holders and bring it to the shareholders meeting.

There's a reason Apple only has content deals with one studio (I leave it to the general paranoia of this thread to speculate on Jobs' relationship with Disney). It's probably like pulling teeth to get the studios to unclench their sphincters from around those digital copies even in DRM encumbered form.

It never was the price

[by Anonymous Coward]

Quite frankly, $1 for a song, $2 for a 20 minute TV show, and $10 for a movie on iTunes seems completely fair to me. I wish it were cheaper, and at that price I wouldn't go on a shopping spree often, but they have managed to price it at that evil little point in which the content is neither too expensive nor cheap enough. I make a fairly good income, for a High School student at any rate, so I would be happy to buy most of my music/videos.

The problem is the DRM. I don't object to DRM on moral grounds, it simply kills the value of the media for me. I own a PSP and a Treo 650, both of which cannot play the media I buy from iTunes (and Amazon). While I do use a Mac as a primary computer, my secondary Linux box would not be able to use it either. I also want the assurance that I can jump platforms at any time, and still be able to play my media. DRM cannot offer me that assurance, and I don't want to be stuck on any operating system/portable media player simply because the DRM is compatable with it. Also, what happens if, in 10 years, Apple runs out of business (anything can happen in the long term) and shuts down the FairPlay servers? All the stuff you bought is gone forever, as your computer can't obtain the keys to decrypt it.

If I pirate the media, however, I get the same thing, simply DRM free, so I can use it on essentially any operating system/device. The files last forever, untill I destory them myself. Thus, the pirated content is better then that which I can buy. If you think there is little enough encouragement to buy media these days, just put yourself in my shoes.

I have used the iTunes video and music store before, using gift cards I often receive as presents. FairPlay isn't horribly restrictive; you can move the DRMed files anywhere, back them up, transfer them to another computer, using conventional drag n' drop methods. And you can play them on Windows and Mac (not Linux, however). In fact, the only restriction that really bothered me was, unfortunately, the biggest: DRM restricts the platforms on which you can use your media.

I don't beleive in the whole "changing culture" thing many people use to justify piracy as something moral. But I believe in DRM even less. Piracy is my only option if I want the latest episode of the Colbert Report on my Treo 650, and I take that route because the companies controlling the media offered me no legal alternative.

Re:....but can I WATCH the things?

[eliot1785 (987810)]

Nope, you are not. You can burn it to the DVD, but only in their file type. You can't burn it in a DVD-Player readable format. From the FAQ:

Can I make a DVD from my Amazon Unbox downloads?

You can store your downloaded files on a DVD or other removable computer storage device for the purpose of backup in the same format as the original files. However, any DVDs that you burn with Amazon Unbox files will not be readable by a DVD player. You can only view the files using Amazon Unbox installed on the computer that originally received the downloads..

Basically, this service blows.

Re:iTunes

[wall0159 (881759)]

Why will there be a price war when the same interests are behind both sites? The face looks different, but the gizzards are the same.

Re:One problem

[Goaway (82658)]

Wow. I didn't think the kind of people who say "micro$hit" actually existed. I always thought they were a myth, to scare kids with.

Re:

[by Anonymous Coward]

Microsoft can't modify MacOS X to add copy protection crap in there at all levels. Think of the protected audio path in WinXP, or the protected video path in Vista. Apple have nothing like those, and as far as I can see they don't intend to either. Microsoft can't add those things to MacOS X themselves, so they refuse to support DRM.

MacOS X is also lacking some other bits that MS-DRM uses (like any equivalent of the "protected storage" section of the registry). Not that it really matters, since they obvious