blinkbox goes UltraViolet, gives digital copies to DVD buyers
David Farnor | On 15, Oct 2014
Its future may be uncertain, but blinkbox is showing no signs of slowing down. The pay-per-view streaming service has teamed up with UltraViolet to offer free digital copies of movies and TV shows bought on disc.
This is not the first time Tesco has tried to link it’s physical and digital media sales; the retailer once offered a similar free download to anyone who purchased a DVD in-store using Clubcard. The service has since been cancelled – along with its free streaming platform for Clubcard customers.
Targeting consumers at both ends of the multimedia aisle, though, makes sense. And with the supermarket facing losses, rather than re-launch its old service, UltraViolet offers a platform that can do just that: the locked service allow customers to build a digital collection from select physical discs they have bought in-store.
UltraViolet is backed by a consortium of over 70 companies, including major studios Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, NBCUniversal and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, with the purpose of creating a simple way for consumers to digitise their film library – regardless of whether they buy directly online or off high street shelves.
The introduction of UltraViolet on blinkbox means customers can instantly stream or download qualifying UltraViolet titles they have bought as physical discs on a wide variety of devices. Designated UltraViolet titles that customers ‘buy to keep’ digitally from blinkbox also qualify for UltraViolet rights, including streaming, downloading and sharing with up to five family members.
You can spot UltraViolet discs in shops thanks to their shiny UltraViolet sticker on the box – although Tesco will no doubt be hoping it will shift copies from its own stores rather than other participating outlets. Then, simply register with UltraViolet and enter the redemption code that comes inside the box at blinkbox.com/ultraviolet.
blinkbox Movies & TV Managing Director Adrian Letts comments: “We are delighted to support UltraViolet and offer customers even more ways to enjoy the latest movies and TV shows on their terms, whether they’ve been purchased in-store or online.”
Tesco Category Director for Entertainment Ian Ditcham added: “This is about helping movie and TV fans on their journey from physical to digital entertainment while also offering flexibility in how movies and TV shows can be easily shared with family.”
“Tesco and blinkbox have been a notable part of the group of companies that designed and launched UltraViolet,” added Mark Teitell, GM of UltraViolet. “Now, their pioneering roll-out of UltraViolet in the UK is a major step forward in the enjoyment and value that consumers here will get from collecting movies and TV shows.”
Titles on sale in Tesco and available to stream or download via UltraViolet include The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Bad Neighbours, Rio 2 and 300 Rise of An Empire.
The announcement follows the launch of Tesco’s new budget tablet, the Hudl 2. Could the supermarket manage to stay in the digital media race after all?