More Details About Redbox Instant Streaming Service Come to Light

Video streaming users could be getting an early gift this holiday season, as Redbox Instant, the joint venture from Verizon and Redbox, will reportedly launch on Dec. 17 and cost as low as $6 a month, according to an unconfirmed report.

The news comes from GigaOM, which published a report detailing the service after finding an online help section dedicated to those currently testing the program in beta mode. While its interesting to see what the program might entail through these leaks, it's important to note that the companies could change them at any point prior to launch.

Announced back in February, Redbox Instant is aimed to take a jab at the Netflix-dominated streaming space, with Verizon and Coinstar, the company behind the Redbox DVD rental business, looking to develop an on-demand video streaming service with DVD rentals. While the two companies have remained coy when it comes to details about the project, the report claims that for a monthly fee of $6, subscribers will get unlimited streaming access. For $2 more, customers will also get four credits per month for DVD rentals from one of Redbox's 40,000-plus kiosks.

Additionally, users will be able to rent or buy digital titles via a Video On Demand feature, with content starting at $0.99 per selection. With the companies signing a deal with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment back in October, Redbox Instant customers will have access to a range of the studio's films within 28 days of their retail release. This is a significant plus for the service, as Warner Bros. doubled the amount of time between a DVD's release and its appearance on Netflix to eight weeks earlier this year.

Redbox Instant is also said to be compatible with Android and iOS devices, as well Xbox 360 units, Blu-ray players, and some Samsung televisions. Though unlike its biggest competitor, the service will only allow customers to register up to five devices.

While Redbox Instant won't boast the broad catalog that Netflix subscribers have come to love, it will be another outlet for content-hungry consumers to get their video fix. A holiday launch might prove successful for the service, as plenty of smartphones and tablets are sure to make some wish lists, however it will be interesting to see how the offering fares against the competition.