Flix on Stix: The Next Generation Rental Service Offers Content on USB

As digital media continues to grow in popularity and in availability online, the timeless trip to the local rental store (or kiosk) isn't quite dead yet. While outfits such as Blockbuster and Hollywood video have seemingly disappeared from the local neighborhoods, DVD rental services such as Redbox continue to survive. Now, for the modern digital age and the upcoming new year, Flix on Stix, a newly announced service, will deliver rental content to a common USB storage device.

As popular media content, including television episodes and full motion pictures, have been able to easily fit on mobile devices such as iPhones, iPods and other media players for some time, it is only natural that the convenient transfer of content makes the move to the popular format that supports USB devices such as the highly portable USB flash drive. Not only will the service allow consumers without smartphones the ability to enjoy quick and easy media access, but the service would present an opportunity for delivery on a widespread array of mainstream and highly affordable and accessible USB devices.

It should be noted, availability of media on a USB flash drive at retail isn't anything new. Concert goers and music enthusiasts, for example, have been capable of purchasing material from some of their favorite artists by venue and more. The new rental model, however, obviously will cater to those that wish to only view, and not actually own.

The service is also lined up to deliver popular computer based game titles as well.

How does it work?

Much like visiting any vending machine, titles are selected from a menu, and then downloaded to a consumer provided USB device. Depending on the device's specifications and USB version, the transfer of a single title is reported to take anywhere from seconds to several minutes. Once the content is on the USB device, the rental is active and deactivation is based on the rental period (days). Once the rental period is up, the content becomes no longer available for viewing. This business model allows for convenient features, such as, no trip to the store, no damaged media, and no late fees.

Flix on Sticks parent company AVT Vending Inc., hopes to have over 20,000 kiosks in place over the next few months. By visiting the website, an overview of the service can be previewed.

Sources/Resources:

Yahoo! News: Flix on Stix video-rental kiosks would replace DVDs with USB drives

The Flix on Stix website