Redbox is testing a new streaming service because that's the cool thing to do
The streaming-service space is getting another addition
Redbox -- known for its DVD, Blu-ray, and video game rentals via automated retail kiosks -- is testing out a new streaming service called Redbox Digital, Mashable has confirmed.
The service comes threes years after the launch of Redbox Instant, a joint venture with Verizon and the company's first attempt at branching out its offerings.
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"Redbox regularly conducts market tests as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our customers’ experience," a Redbox spokeswoman said in a statement to Mashable. "We are testing a potential new transactional digital VOD (video on demand) and EST (electronic sell through) offering, with a small subset of our customers, designed to complement our core kiosk rental business. As we test and learn from our customers, we will make evaluations that determine any future course of action."
The spokeswoman did not disclose how many customers have access to the trial. She also did not reveal anything about pricing or the service's catalog.
Redbox joins a growing list of companies in the streaming space.
Already in the last year, Fullscreen, Fandango, Lionsgate and Kevin Hart,ComicCon and Lionsgate, Defy Media's ScreenJunkies Plus, TIME Inc. and most recently Legendary Digital Networks have launched or announced plans for OTT offerings.
The news also comes as Redbox continues to remain relevant among consumers.
In February, the Illinois-based company reported a 17% decline in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2015.
Variety first reported the news of Redbox's new trial service Friday.
Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
