Amazon.com launch a free new streaming service – making the jump as fully fledged multimedia provider offering free content.
The Instant Video service, which is already in operation has now been extended free of charge to its Prime members and will offer more than 5,000 movies and TV programmes commercial free.
This head on move to the free streaming market pits Amazon in direct competition with Netflix, one of the largest video streamers in the US, although neither is currently available in Australia.
All non-Prime members can also access 90,000 shows to buy or rent in HDTV as soon as they are released, but for a fee.
The movies cost $2.99 for a 3-day rental and $11.99 to buy the permanent viewing rights.
The selection of videos available for instant streaming currently includes movies such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, Amadeus, Syriana, and Chariots of Fire, as well as plus TV shows, such as Doctor Who, Farscape, and Fawlty Towers.
Customers can watch instantly on Apple Macs, PCs, and nearly 200 Internet connected TVs, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes.
“With Amazon Instant Video customers can rent or purchase hit movies, such as ‘The Social Network’ as well as purchase the latest TV shows available the day-after they broadcast” said Cameron Janes, director of Amazon Instant Video,” Amazon said in a statement.
The service will be free to all Amazon Prime members, who pay $79 a year for special benefits as part of the club.
