Audio Video News

Redbox, whose cheap disc-rental kiosks have become ubiquitous on the retail landscape, will soon go online with a streaming service.

Redbox owner Coinstar is negotiating with several potential partners and intends to launch its streaming service in 2011. Names being "bandied about," according to the Associated Press, include Amazon, Sonic Solutions (a.k.a. RoxioNow), and Vudu (owned by Wal-mart).

While details have yet to be officially announced, the company surveyed customers in April asking what they'd think of a rental plan that charged $3.95/month for unlimited streaming plus four free DVD rentals. However, it's uncertain whether following the Netflix model at a lower price is the shape of things to come. Redbox could just as easily pursue the la carte model of iTunes and Amazon VOD.

See Associated Press.