View Full Version : Amazon VOD - Free with Prime?
spartanstew
01-31-11, 10:52 AM
Rumors of Amazon either purchasing Netflix or launching a competing option have been circling and now one of our readers says he's seeing an unlimited video streaming section to complement the current Amazon VOD options. That's a nice bonus for the $79 / year package that currently adds a few free shipping bonuses and it would be cheaper on a yearly basis than Netflix's Watch Instantly ($95.88.)
More HERE (http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/29/amazon-rolling-out-netflix-like-video-streaming-for-prime-subscr/)
Would be pretty sweet to get unlimited movies from Amazon with my Prime membership.
photostudent
01-31-11, 11:54 AM
The 480p would not cut it for me but competition is always good! Netflix has a lot of room for improvement; i.e. a better streaming selection.
dpeters11
01-31-11, 05:21 PM
The 480p would not cut it for me but competition is always good! Netflix has a lot of room for improvement; i.e. a better streaming selection.
It's 720p on Roku I believe. It would be good for streaming movies that you really don't mind not getting on Blu, and they do have titles Netflix doesn't have streaming.
fluffybear
02-01-11, 05:10 AM
Update: We weren't able to pull up the option on any of our Prime-enabled accounts and from the comments it doesn't appear any of you were either. According to our tipster, the option has disappeared from his page as well.
:confused:
As of today, Amazon video streaming is available for free to Prime members, according to a letter from Jeff Bezos to members posted on the Amazon web site. Amazon Prime members, in addition to getting unlimited free two day shipping on all purchases, will also have free access to over 5,000 movies, documentaries and TV Series. All this for $79 a year.
dpeters11
02-22-11, 02:09 PM
Not all Prime get it, only the primary account holder of paid Prime memberships. So students, Amazon Mom customers and secondary accounts don't qualify. The only exception seems to be trial memberships get it.
oldschoolecw
02-22-11, 02:53 PM
I am buying stuff from Amazon all the time, so when I saw this deal, I signed up for Prime, tons of BBC stuff free with Prime
The official announcement has been made that Amazon Prime members are going to get unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows for their $79 a year. This actually sounds like a good deal even over Netflix. I am wondering if this is good for HD versions of shows as well as sd and what is the Amazon player like. I know this has been brought up before as speculation and rumor, but it is now official.
hdtvfan0001
02-22-11, 05:41 PM
Seems to be limited content - at least for a while...
News link here:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/02/amazon-adds-streaming-video-to-prime-subscriptions-in-a-bid-to-rival-netflix-hulu-.html
sigma1914
02-22-11, 05:49 PM
The selection is veryyyyyyyyy limited. I was pretty disappointed, but hope it changes.
Another question...
Is there an external hdmi switch? My Yahama received only has 2 hdmi inputs and both are being used.
hdtvfan0001, nice reference to that LA Times article. I am wondering if this Prime service includes all the TV shows you can now stream from Amazon? Considering that they charge up to 2.99 a pop for hd versions, the 79 a year is a steal.
The official announcement has been made that Amazon Prime members are going to get unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows for their $79 a year. This actually sounds like a good deal even over Netflix. I am wondering if this is good for HD versions of shows as well as sd and what is the Amazon player like. I know this has been brought up before as speculation and rumor, but it is now official.There is no Amazon player. Like Netflix you can watch Amazon streaming in the browser on your computer and other devices. I have 2 Panasonic blu-ray players and a new Panasonic plasma that all have the Amazon app. It is probably on other devices as well.
I realize that Amazon does not make a player, I was wanting comments on devices that will stream their content. I have a Sammy blu ray and it will not, but I do not want to replace it so Ruku is an option thus the question on the hdmi switch.
This topic needs to be moved to the "IPTV and Internet Delivery" forum.
If a Mod wants to move it fine with me. I couldn't figure which forum was right for this since my main interest for Amazon is streaming TV shows not movies.
hdtvfan0001
02-22-11, 07:10 PM
Another question...
Is there an external hdmi switch? My Yahama received only has 2 hdmi inputs and both are being used.
hdtvfan0001, nice reference to that LA Times article. I am wondering if this Prime service includes all the TV shows you can now stream from Amazon? Considering that they charge up to 2.99 a pop for hd versions, the 79 a year is a steal.
You're welcome Sharon.
Yes, they do make HDMI 4-port and greater switches.
Yes, they do make HDMI 4-port and greater switches.
Thanks, I will look into that.
I have also looked into what they are currently offering and it is very limited in both the movie and TV, so this is a nice to know but not to use yet.
phrelin
02-23-11, 11:11 AM
Well, with the AP story (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110222/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_amazon_movie_streaming) yesterday and the front page Amazon announcement (see screen shot below), I guess it's time for this old Prime participant to update the software on my Panasonic BD player and give it a try as I really want to see "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo".
http://www.phrelin.com/Dish/amazprim.jpg
SayWhat?
02-28-11, 05:53 AM
Maybe not as many as other services, but not exactly limited:
http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24923&stc=1&d=1298897597
fluffybear
02-28-11, 04:42 PM
Kids have enjoyed watching a few of the shows being offered from the Jay Ward library (Rocky & Bullwinkle, Fractured Fairy Tales, etc.)
Chuck W
03-01-11, 06:24 AM
It's an "ok" start, however I would have expected a bit more to be available at the start.
Amazon's issues are not only it's streaming library, but also getting the VOD client out to more devices. Many do have it, but some prominent device makers don't have it on their machines yet like the PS3(not sure about XBox), Samsung and LG BD players. LG is "supposed" to have it on their new line of BD players(BD6xx line), however it is NOT on the players out of the box(the LG app store opens Friday so perhaps this will change). Samsung has it on some TV's via the Yahoo widget but the widgets are exclusive to only some of their TVs and none of their BD players.
ozonedan
03-02-11, 03:01 AM
It's an "ok" start, however I would have expected a bit more to be available at the start.
Amazon's issues are not only it's streaming library, but also getting the VOD client out to more devices. Many do have it, but some prominent device makers don't have it on their machines yet like the PS3(not sure about XBox), Samsung and LG BD players. LG is "supposed" to have it on their new line of BD players(BD6xx line), however it is NOT on the players out of the box(the LG app store opens Friday so perhaps this will change). Samsung has it on some TV's via the Yahoo widget but the widgets are exclusive to only some of their TVs and none of their BD players.
There is another problem with Amazon Prime Instant View. You cannot put the movies/TV programs into your VOD folder. There is no "button" that allows that. Even though their site mentions being able to watch programs "later", it can't be done. The only things that go into your VOD folder are purchases or rentals. It needs to be set up like Netflix Instant Queue.
I have written to Amazon twice about this and get a response that does not answer the question. It is mostly a canned response.
DogLover
03-02-11, 05:36 AM
There is another problem with Amazon Prime Instant View. You cannot put the movies/TV programs into your VOD folder. There is no "button" that allows that. Even though their site mentions being able to watch programs "later", it can't be done. The only things that go into your VOD folder are purchases or rentals. It needs to be set up like Netflix Instant Queue.
I have written to Amazon twice about this and get a response that does not answer the question. It is mostly a canned response.
I agree this is a big drawback to Amazon streaming. I don't want to search for something to watch while on my TV. I want to do my searching on the PC, then just have the short list that I've already selected when I go to the TV.
We'll see if they improve things in the future. Otherwise, I'll still be going to Netflix first. I'll only look at Amazon if I can't find it on Netflix streaming and don't want to wait for the DVD.
I WANT MORE
03-07-11, 10:52 AM
Is anyone using the Amazon streaming with a Panny vt25? I have streamed a few movies and can not seem to get the FF, Rew, Pause buttons to work.
sweep49
03-14-11, 06:49 AM
Amazon Instant Videos which are free for prime customers are now available for viewing via Media Share on a Directv dvr and if you have the PlayOn Media Server. PlayOn responded to user requests to add this support within 2 weeks. Excellent service on their part IMO. I used it for the first time today and it worked well.
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