Target to Launch Video Streaming Service By Oct. 1

[Smokey]

http://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/target-ticket-screen-1.png?w=640&h=331

Target is planning to launch a video streaming service on or before October 1 with more than 30,000 titles available for purchase or rental, writes Variety.

Variety writes that Target has content agreements with several major studios including Disney, Paramount, Sony, Fox, Warner Bros., Universal and Lionsgate. Networks that have signed on include HBO, ABC, AMC, Fox, NBC and FX.

Unlike Hulu and Netflix, Target Ticket, as the service will be known as, will offer shows and movies on a pay-per-view basis rather than as a monthly subscription. This would be similar to what the Walmart-owned Vudu practices.

Most movies on the soon-to-launch service will cost around $14.99 (though some were less at $12.99), and movie rental prices will be on par with iTunes at $3.99/$4.99. Individual TV show episodes tend to be around $2.99, depending on the show, and TV seasons will be around $34.99, again depending on the show.

After renting a movie, you have 30 days to start watching it, but after starting, you have 48 hours to finish viewing it. You can also watch it as many times as you want during that period.

Target Ticket Premium (http://www.targetticket.com/home/premium)

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

Sorry, but this will fail. They came too late to the game. The bottom line among streaming services is monthly subscriptions are a hit, and pay per view is quite frankly a bust. Vudu's revenue and growth have largely been stagnant while Netflix has grown over the last few years.

I can see why the studio's support this model. They get a percentage of each pay per view(much like cable gives them) in hopes it will fill the gap that DVD is leaving. The more streaming companies that deliver this model, the happier the studios will be.

Unfortunately consumers are not in the mood to make the studios very happy.