HMV is launching online streaming to the UK market. A major retailer of DVDs and CDs is launching its own on-demand video streaming service. The HMV on-demand service supplies top film titles, and it also links back to the main HMV website for consumers looking to purchase online any of the titles usually found in stores.
The move from HMV is due to a significant decline in their retail stores. We will have to see whether this ultimately means closing several of their retail stores nationwide. The service will ultimately be compatible with all users, but initially, it will be available for PC users, with mobile and other connected devices to follow at a later date.
HMV believes the time is right to offer such a digital on-demand service.
HMV will face competition from giants such as LoveFilm, which offers a subscription-based service to its consumers for renting the latest films. We wait in anticipation to see how this move from HMV does within the UK market and if, over time, the retailer decides it is necessary in other major countries across the world.