Consumer Reports’ latest (March Issue) survey finds that video stores rank lowest in satisfying its readers.  “If in-person service is a priority, Consumer Reports recommends local independent, non-chain stores and Family Video, a walk-in chain with 550 locations in 18 states.”

Among respondents, Netflix was the top subscription service choice, rating it highest for price, selection and service.  In the video rental kiosk category, Redbox scored highest for price and convenience.  However, readers rated it worse than average for selection.  Video on Demand services were less satisfactory than other options for price and selection.  The survey suggests that VOD tends to be merely a supplement to other movie rental options.

Most Consumer Reports’ online subscribers were highly satisfied with the experience of renting videos from all of the rated providers, which included subscription services, in-store kiosks, and walk-in-stores and chains. Price was the biggest driver of overall satisfaction, although convenience, variety, and flexibility are all factors in what makes a video rental subscription service appealing.

Read the entire article here.

According to a new press release, Blockbuster and Sonic Solutions have partnered to offer digital movies on multiple devices.

The two companies are collaborating with a host of consumer electronic (CE) manufacturers, including Sonic’s existing CinemaNow providers, to expand the ecosystem of interoperable devices offering the Blockbuster service. These devices include PCs, portable media players, Blu-ray Disc players, personal video recorders (PVRs), set-top boxes, mobile phones and Web-connected television sets. Additionally, the two companies will make their digital libraries of mainstream content available under the Blockbuster brand resulting in one of the most expansive VOD (video on demand) and EST (electronic sell-through) offerings in the marketplace.