The previous post about Consumer Reports’ latest survey explained that price, convenience, selection, and flexibility are all important factors in satisfying video renters.  While Netflix scored highest in every category, they only serve a small percentage of the 92 million US DVD player households.  We think there is a better way to serve the majority of movie renters.

MovieBurn is a patented system that allows digital media to be written onto limited-play DVDs, on-demand.  MovieBurn offers the technology allowing consumers to purchase content from a virtually limitless media library for a price comparable to or less than the cost of standard DVD rentals.  In order to serve renters everywhere, the system can be utilized in online DVD rental services, standalone DVD rental kiosks, and manned DVD rental kiosks.

As an online DVD rental service, content can be duplicated through an on-demand manufacturing system such as Amazon’s CreateSpace; however, instead of using standard DVDs, the content would be written onto recyclable limited-play DVDs.  Customers could order DVDs one at a time, through a subscription service, and/or as promotional items. The DVDs would be created and then mailed to customers.

The same process can be scaled down and added to on-demand DVD burning kiosks similar to MOD Systems and Polar Frog Digital.  Customers would be able to browse and select content from a website and at the kiosks.  The DVDs would be created then delivered to customers at kiosk locations.

Unlike other rental services, the DVDs rented with MovieBurn’s system are not limited by stock availability and never need to be returned.  We believe that MovieBurn is an ideal transitional product, filling the gap between physical media rentals and pure digital media delivery; but more importantly, the technology provides a service that exceeds in all of the factors important in satisfying video renters.

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.