Audio Video News

Amazon has boxed up Unbox and just announced that starting immediately, Mac and PC customers can instantly watch movies on either a Mac or PC with Amazon Video On Demand. Using the old Unbox app, material had to be downloaded first, to either a PC or TiVo.  The Unbox can still be used to watch downloaded content, but instant access is always a good thing.

And, now officially announced, movies and TV shoes can be rented or purchase using Amazon Video On Demand through Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link.

Not sure if you want to buy or rent something? Check it out - the first two minutes of every movie or TV show will start playing automatically when you go to the detailed product page.  Pick a show - there are even some freebies!  I love free stuff.

Keep reading for the complete press release.

Amazon Customers Can Now Instantly Watch Ad-Free Movies and TV Shows on Macs, PCs and Compatible Sony BRAVIA Televisions Starting Today on Amazon Video On Demand

    SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2008--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), today announced that customers can now instantly watch ad-free movies and television shows on Macs or PCs with Amazon Video On Demand, Amazon's digital video service offering thousands of movies and television shows. Previously, customers could only download titles and watch them on a PC (using the Amazon Unbox application) or on their TiVo box. Now customers can either watch instantly within their web browser or download using the Unbox application and watch anytime. Additionally, customers can now rent or purchase Amazon Video On Demand movies and TV shows directly through Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link device on compatible BRAVIA(R) television sets (currently in beta). Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link device seamlessly streams Internet video content directly to compatible Sony HDTVs through a broadband connection.

    Starting today, to make it even easier for customers to decide whether they want to rent or purchase a title, the first two minutes of every movie and TV show automatically plays for free as soon as they visit the product detail page. At any time during the free viewing period, customers can choose to purchase or rent the title to watch it in its entirety. Once a customer orders a video, it is automatically added to Your Video Library. With the new Your Video Library, customers can access and stream their Amazon videos through popular web browsers on Macs and PCs. Customers can also access Your Video Library through the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device on their compatible Sony BRAVIA televisions.

    "We're continuing to create new, convenient ways for our customers to watch digital movies and TV shows. The ability to watch content instantly without downloading first was among the most requested features of our customers, and now it's live--customers can instantly watch the ad-free title of their choice on a Mac, PC or compatible Sony BRAVIA TV via Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link device," said Roy Price, director of Amazon Video On Demand. "Amazon Video On Demand provides customers with the choice of how to watch their favorite movies and TV shows, be it on their PC or Mac, on the TV with TiVo or through Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link device on compatible Sony BRAVIA TVs, or on the go with a portable video player."

    Also starting today, Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link users can rent or purchase and instantly watch movies and commercial-free TV shows directly on their compatible BRAVIA TV. With the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link, customers can explore and purchase or rent from the Amazon Video On Demand library with the push of a button. To get started, customers simply go to www.amazon.com/videoondemand/bravia and link their BRAVIA to their Amazon.com account. After a purchase is made, the title can be immediately watched. A backup version can also be found in Your Video Library, accessible from the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device user interface or on Amazon.com. Customers interested in purchasing a Sony BRAVIA television and/or Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device can do so in the Amazon.com Electronics store at www.amazon.com/electronics. Amazon Video On Demand through the BRAVIA Internet Video Link is currently in beta.

    Amazon Video On Demand, operated by Amazon Digital Services, Inc., is the only U.S. digital video service that gives customers the choice to stream or download premium movies and TV shows. With over 40,000 licensed movies and TV shows, customers can now watch on their Mac, PC, Sony BRAVIA TV, TiVo box, Windows Media Center extender devices such as Xbox 360, and portable media players. The Amazon Unbox Video Player will remain as the client application for downloaded content, allowing customers to watch purchased content on their computer when they are not connected to the Internet or transfer it to a portable media player. With Fall TV starting in early September, Amazon Video On Demand will have a full selection of the most popular returning and new shows, including pilots, premieres, and full episodes.  -Leslie Shapiro

Amazon.com