LOVEFiLM streaming overtakes DVD
March 22, 2012
By Colin Mann
Internet film delivery service LOVEFiLM has revealed that in February, for the first time ever, LOVEFiLM members streamed more films and TV series instantly over the Internet via LOVEFiLM Instant than rented DVDs, Blu-rays and Games.
The number of films and TV episodes streamed online through Internet-connected devices including games consoles and connected TVs exceeded the number of DVDs, Blu-rays and Games rented by over 20 per cent. This represents an increase on the same month last year of over 400 per cent, while the rental of physical product is also growing, up over 25 per cent over the year.
Jim Buckle, Managing Director of Amazon’s LOVEFiLM, noted that in less than three years, streaming through LOVEFiLM Instant had become more popular than renting DVDs. “Our members crave instant on-demand access. With more world-class digital content being added to LOVEFiLM Instant and a growing number of Internet-connected devices delivering it to members’ living rooms we expect this trend to continue. At the same time, many of our members continue to enjoy the combination of LOVEFiLM Instant and LOVEFiLM By Post in one, great value for money subscription, with both services growing rapidly,” he added.
Amazon’s LOVEFiLM surpassed two million members in January 2012, cementing its position as Europe’s largest subscription service for streaming films and TV series over the Internet and sending DVDs and games by post. LOVEFiLM pioneered Internet film delivery in the UK through the world’s first download-to-own service in 2006. By 2009, LOVEFiLM had launched the UK’s first subscription film and TV series streaming service which, in December 2011, became LOVEFiLM Instant, a standalone service streaming on PCs and through over 175 internet-connected devices including Xbox, PS3, internet-connected TVs (Sony, Samsung and LG) and iPad.
News of LOVEFiLM’s milestone comes at a time of increased competition in the online premium content delivery sector, with Netflix launching in the UK and Ireland, retail group Dixons launching its KnowHow movie service, and BSkyB March 21 announcing plans to launch an OTT, non-subscription service under the NOW TV brand.