Protocall Technologies Inc (PCLI)

[tedpeele]

Popcorn TV FAQ, from their website http://www.popcorntv.com/phe/page?name=faq#2:

"I didn't like the movie, how can I cancel my Order for the DVD?
Once you select the movie for purchase and the purchase confirmation has been generated there are no cancellations or exchanges. The movie is setup for your unlimited viewing over the next 24 hours."

Again, who wants to buy a movie they've never seen before, if they can't return it if they don't like it? How would you feel if you chose a movie on demand that you thought you'd like, HATED it, and then STILL had to pay $19.99 to buy it?


"How long does it take to receive my DVDs?
Your orders are sent to the warehouse the next business day to be shipped to the ship-to address in your profile. While typically sooner, this can take anywhere from 5-9 business days from the date of your order before you receive the DVDs."

The site says that the DVDs are available the same day they come out in the stores. So, if you are anxious to buy the hot new release because you saw it at the theater, why would you not just go to the store and buy it rather than wait for 5-9 days?

And again, if you saw it for the first time on VOD, and HATED it, you are REMINDED again of how you were FORCED to buy it when it arrives in the mail 5-9 days later. Not a real loyalty-builder IMO..


IMO only benefits the people that:

1. Haven't seen the movie but are anxious to view it via VOD, AND are willing to buy it even though they may end up not liking the movie, and they also prefer to buy via mail, even though it may mean a 5-9 day wait and will mean $4.99 extra, and even though it is also in their local retail store.
2. Have seen the movie already and are anxious to buy it, yet who prefer to buy via mail, even though it may mean a 5-9 day wait and will mean $4.99 extra, and even though it is also in their local retail store.

I agree that this is finally a direct competing service for buying DVDs in another manner than is currently the case. The early VOD is the hook for #1, and I'm not sure what the hook is for #2. In any case I simply don't see this as being a significant market because I think the vast majority of people only buy movies they've seen and that they liked. If they are chomping at the bit to then buy it, they have no need to watch it again on VOD, wait 5-9 days, and pay an extra $4.99 if it is sitting in their local retail store. If they've seen it at a theater, they have access to retail stores that would carry it.

Will there be some sales? Yes. Will there be a lot? I don't think so.

In the end I see this as a weak incentive to sign up for VOD, and a small value added service if you already have VOD. IF they reduced the window so that this could be done BEFORE the DVD's hit the stores this could be something more significant, but they almost certainly aren't going to do that because it would cut into their theatre box office results.

Any dissenting views on this, or have I missed something?

ted