The video on demand scene in Australia has heated up recently, with the launch of local subscription VOD services Stan and Presto (more on this here), but EzyFlix.tv says they're ready to take on the "big boys" (Stan and Presto are backed by industry heavyweights, including TV networks Seven and Nine, pay TV operator Foxtel and the Fairfax media group).
EzyFlix, being a transactional VOD providers, is not really a direct competitor to Stan and Presto. While these two new services offer an "all you can eat" plan with a flat monthly fee, the catch is in the content that's available, usually devoid of new releases and favourites. Users also lose access if they stop paying for the subscription. EzyFlix, on the other hand, is a "download to own" service where users get to keep the content they buy forever, play it offline, and have the ability to buy almost every new release without having to wait. In the US, where both types of VOD services have become far more mainstream, both complement, rather than compete, with each other.
But this hasn't stopped EzyFlix from firing a shot across the bows of these newcomers, particularly Stan and its SVOD exclusive 'Better Call Saul', the much anticipated prequel to the hit series 'Breaking Bad'. EzyFlix will be offering a season pass to the show for only $10 in a deliberate move to compete with Stan.
“To watch the same content on Nine Entertainment Co and Fairfax’s new joint venture, Stan, would cost $30 and take the same amount of time given it’s likely to be shown over 10 weeks. To deliver increased value and access to the hottest content for local consumers, we’re standing up to Stan and providing customers with a more appealing offer,” said Craig White, CEO of Access Digital Entertainment, the company behind EzyFlix.tv
“Our entertainment range of movie content is superior to any other subscription video on demand (SVOD) services available in Australia today with our service having 12 out of 12 of the 2014 top VOD titles available to rent or own on EzyFlix. Our service also has 2015’s best releases so far including Gone Girl, Fury, The Judge and The Maze Runner,” added Mr White.
Mr White also acknowledged that the arrival of Stan and Presto, and Netflix soon, may also be good news for EzyFlix, as these highly promoted services will help to raise the profile for video on demand in Australia, but with EzyFlix being able to offer something unique to viewers.
“Unlike Presto, Stan, Quickflix and Netflix to come, our service offers all of the latest and greatest new release movies from every major Hollywood studio to rent (transactional video-on-demand) or buy (download-to-own). This allows customers to download and play back their favourite movies or TV content offline on up to five devices including iOS and Android,” says White.
The EzyFlix 'Better Call Saul' promotional offer ends 24th of February.
