Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam informed investors during the UBS Global Media and Communications conference that the company's service with Redbox, dubbed Redbox Instant, wouldn't launch commercially until sometime during the first quarter of 2013.
Specifically, a beta test will begin early next month (we still don't know when it will be open for all). This commercial launch date conflicts with leaked information that hit the web last week. Along with a bevy of pricing information, that leak suggested the service would go live on December 17.
The Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Hulu Plus competitor is expected to offer a $6 per month unlimited video subscription. Initially it will have less to offer than Netflix but there are some notable new titles like Iron Man 2 and Thor (both of which are on Amazon Prime Instant Video as well).
For an extra $2 per month, customers can add four DVD rentals to their package each month from physical Redbox locations nearby. We are also hearing that on-demand access will start at just $0.99.
If last week's leaked screenshots are to be believed, then it seems that Redbox and Verizon will be using Microsoft Silverlight to play videos on the web much like Netflix uses. This of course is bad news for Linux users as Silverlight doesn't work in that environment.
The duo are expected to have apps ready for Android, iOS, Samsung Smart TV and Xbox 360 users when it's time to launch.