Rent DVDs Without Returning Them
POSTED IN: Technology
It seems everyone from Kroger to McDonalds is getting in on DVD rentals these days so it didn’t surprise me to see a rack of DVDs to rent at Staples when I was picking up some office supplies. What did surprise me was the sign above the DVDs, “NO RETURN DVD RENTAL!”
That caught my attention.
I picked up a DVD just to check it out for myself and see how it worked. According to Flexplay, the process is as simple as open, watch the movie as many times as you would like during a 48 hour period, and then recycle the disc when you’re done.
Here’s a description of the technology used from Flexplay’s web site:
Like regular DVDs, Flexplay DVDs are made from two pieces of plastic one or both of which have a reflective coating that are glued together. Information on the DVD is read by a laser beam focused on that reflective surface. Precise focus and clear transmission of the laser beam is required for playback of the DVD.
Flexplay DVDs use a proprietary, patented adhesive to glue the plastic disc halves together. Removing the Flexplay DVD from its sealed package exposes the disc to oxygen, triggering a gentle, controlled chemical reaction with the special Flexplay adhesive. After 48 hours, but not sooner, the adhesive begins to interfere with the DVD laser beam’s ability to read the disc. This all happens inside the disc, with no exposed chemicals or coatings. Flexplay DVDs are designed to ensure perfect playback during the entire 2-day viewing period.
It’s a very interesting concept that fills a very niche market. At $4.99 the price point isn’t as good as Blockbuster, Netflix or iTunes for everyday rentals. However, if you’re traveling or are on vacation and want to stick a few movies in your laptop case and not worry about how long you’ve had them and when you’re going to watch them, Flexplay might be an option.
What do you think of No Return DVD Rentals? Would you pay $4.99 for a DVD you didn’t have to return?
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June 24, 2008
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I think it does fit a niche market, like you said.
But I’m an owner, not a renter. As my schedule has gotten busier I find I’ve lost the “gotta see it as soon as it comes out” syndrome. So now I just wait until it’s been out for a month and go take advantage of Blockbuster’s 3 or 4 for $20 sale. $5 – $6.50 to own a DVD ain’t too shabby.
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June 24, 2008
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I’ll stick with Blockbuster online
Kelli Brownlees last blog post..How I Got Over
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June 24, 2008
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@Chad – I agree with you. I wish I could own more DVDs than I do but around my house with two girls DVDs seem to get more scratched than a bad mosquito bite. Maybe in a few years I can start building my collection. And hopefully by then it will all be BlueRay DVDs!
@Kelli – Yeah, I’ve got Blockbuster online too and it works best for us.
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June 24, 2008
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Like you said, for travel it might be a good idea. Also, you do save in gas money by not returning the video.
We are not renters at our house, though. So maybe I am not the one to speak when I say that I probably would not go for it.
By the way, The Kite Runner has some strong scenes, but overall I really liked it and I am glad I own it.
Angie Washingtons last blog post..Funny Fruit – Mandarina
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June 24, 2008
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I would in a certain situation. But we just use Pay per view. 3.99 isn’t bad. Especially if you can DVR it and watch it hundreds of times.
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June 24, 2008
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I would probably try it, but I doubt I’d use it regularly. Then again, I don’t use Blockbuster regularly either.
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June 24, 2008
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@Angie – Yeah, I’m really looking forward to watching The Kite Runner. I’ve heard good things about it.
@Mandy – PPV is good only as long as you’re watching it at home. But if that’s where you watch the majority of your movies then I would agree.
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June 24, 2008
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Interesting. I think it’s even more interesting that some chemist out there could have spent 6-8 years studying at some prestigious university with aspiration of developing a cure for some wretched disease but somehow ended up whipping out disposable movies.
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June 24, 2008
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@Nate – lol…interesting perspective. I hadn’t thought about it from that angle.
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June 24, 2008
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I don’t think it’d be a first choice, but for a few applications, like the ones you mentioned, it’s a pretty cool idea. If the price were to go down that would help a lot. But I prefer to buy (good movies of course) and then do netflix for the rest.
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June 24, 2008
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I personally like the .99 redbox option if I’m going to rent. Or as Chad pointed out, actually pick up a movie on sale for $5-6.
Otherwise, I’d rather go the actually “cheap theatre” at $3 a movie (or 2 for 1 on a given day) for the experience. Plus I can get pizza, and any other nummy inexpensive options – so I get food, movie and a cheap night out.
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June 24, 2008
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The better question is – what the heck is Kite Runner?
CJ Millss last blog post..Do You Believe In Miracles?
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June 24, 2008
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@Patty – I’ve tried the “cheap theater” thing but I’m too much of a tech-geek-snob. If the theater doesn’t have good digital projectors I’m not going to waste my money, even $3. Sad, huh?
@CJ – It’s supposed to be a pretty good movie. I’ll let you know.
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June 24, 2008
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Funny how things come around again. Isn’t this exactly what the original use of DivX was back in the 90’s?
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June 24, 2008
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I would probably use it for traveling, but would use Blockbuster online on a regular basis.
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June 25, 2008
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@Brad I should probably clarify. I buy the DVDs and move them on to a large hard drive that feeds the Apple TVs around the house. I’ve got three boys and they destroy DVDs too. This way, no worries. We use the Apple TV exclusively for content. Ripped DVDs (that we purchase) and iTunes content.
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