It would be absolutely fantastic if there was an app/plugin for XBMC (and it's derivatives - Boxee, Plex, etc).
Obviously this would need to be a streaming app, allowing the user to tap into the available LoveFilm library of streaming media. We have Blu-ray players and soon-to-be TV's at work that allow the user such luxuries.
This would be on par with the American market, who have the Netflix alternative. Netflix has an XBMC plugin too. A very popular one at that.
This would definitely increase your potential market-share, XBMC is extremely popular, and we see a huge interest in media centre solutions at the electrical retailers where I work. A LoveFilm addition to XBMC would be a very tempting addition to any XBMC user. I for one would certainly sign-up for a streaming account.
I have discussed this in various forums and on IRC and there are extremely skilled programmers (take a look at XBMC itself to work out just how good they are!) who are willing to take on this project, for free.
So if at any point the decision is made to allow access to the API for streaming purposes, we would be very interested to hear about it.
I too would love this and would know many others would would sign up for a love film account instantly if they could access LoveFilm through XBMC or Plex. I have no doubt that allowing the API to be used to stream media from the LoveFilm library would prove to be extremely profitable for LoveFilm.
I wish to add my voice to this as well. XBMC is THE most popular Media Center at the moment used by millions of users in everyday basis. I'm sure if watching LoveFilm is made possible from the same box as XBMC, it'll be a very profitable to LoveFilm. I know a number of my friends (including me), those who are still with Sky Movies just because watching LoveFilm's streaming videos are still not very convenient - either you need some special TVs or a computer with a web browser. I'm pretty sure many more will join LoveFilm instantly if this facility can be added. Cheers!!
I would also like to add my voice to this discussion. As a long term member of Lovefilm, I believe that this would enhance my enjoyment of the service and indeed make it more likely for me to stay as a member in the future. I know of at least 5 other Lovefilm members who are looking at XBMC at present and I am sure that they would be interested,
Cheers
As another long time time user of both Lovefilm and XBMC, It still irks me to see that UK companies just don't *get it* when their counterparts in the US do.
Netflix users have long had the ability to stream content to boxee devices (and as a consequence, to XBMC) but as the UK equivalent, it seems we are to be denied to opportunity to stream to anything except a pre-ordained Set-Top-Box or have to buy another TV for the privilege. (let's just say I'm not about to replace my HDTV just because it may come with the ability to stream lovefilm, a service that I may or may not have in the future, or may or may not exist in the future....)
a Boxee/XBMC plugin would be a nice way to set lovefilm apart form all the other DVD's by post services (unless you buy the remainders up too...)
We currently provide the LOVEFiLM Video on Demand service on various models of Samsung and Sony TV and Blu-Ray players. We are looking to expand the number of devices in the future, but only for devices or platforms we have a direct commercial relationship with.
But any information on potential platforms you would like us to target would be most useful.
XMBC and hence all the forks (Boxee, Plex etc) has my vote also. If you need a direct commercial relationship how about Boxee who I'm sure you know are currently releasing their own set-top box.
Personally I was a love film subscriber for a good couple of years and cancelled my account some time ago, the post DVDs thing was just too much of a hassle, I want my media to be exactly what I want, on demand, not have a list of 100 titles and get a veritable lucky dip 6 times a month.
Obviously with your VOD service you know that this is what people are looking for and I'm glad to see you moving towards it. Now just let us affordably get it into our living rooms with the likes of XMBC and I for one will be re-subscribing to your service.
@Mark Hewis - Hopefully XBMC will be a 'potential platform'. We are one of the dealers who sell the TV's that have lovefilm VoD built-in. Every TV so far has had terrible performance with it's attempted media-centre-isation. Whilst I'm sure that this will improve over time, there is nothing that comes close to having a dedicated Media Centre running XBMC or one of its off-shoots like Boxee.
Whilst there is a large market of potential TV buyers out there who would make use of the VoD features within their new TV's. There is also a very large specialist market, that has moved beyond that. Until TV's are capable of running SERIOUS software like XBMC then there will continue to be a lot of users who run a dedicated media centres (and I can tell you that we see more interest at work with dedicated solutions like XBMC, than we do for TV's with VoD built-in).
>We are looking to expand the number of devices in the future, but only for devices or platforms we have a direct commercial relationship with.
This is sad news. Whilst this is the company stance, you can count me out. If this is purely about making money from licensing then that is down-heartening. There is a ton of money to be made from subscriptions alone, if you granted more people the ability to gain access to VoD subscriptions. Looks like media companies still don't quite *get it* (yet). There are people out there that want to give money to content providers. So why would do the content providers purposefully make life harder for the masses to give them their cash?
Here's hoping LoveFilm come to this realisation and open up their streaming API's to the masses at some point. If not then hopefully we'll see some competition in this field for European customers.
PS: It would be nice if someone tried XBMC in the LoveFilm dev lab, just so they could see the vast possibilities at hand.
I too would like to see and "app" developed for the plex platform. (or xbmc / boxee).
I would suggest that your in-house team have a look at plex and consider the potential increase in subscriptions this could add to love film. "direct commercial relationship" could be very short sighted.
Whilst plex software is apple based at present, recent announcements confirm both integration with LG products from Jan 2011 and windows versions coming soon. If you allowed a plug-in to be developed, i hove no doubt it would provide a financial benefit by increased subscriptions.
Plex already has Iplayer and 4od integration for uk users, plus a growing list of web wide providers. Take a look. There is serious potential for increased subscription - don't wait for the windows version - buy a mac and test it - your bonuses next year could beat the bankers! http://www.plexapp.com/ plus free intergration into LG products from Jan 2011 with no development costs!
Just adding my view, and it wouldn't cost you a thing. - and no advertising costs, no mail shots, no email merges. Pure additional profit
Unfortunately people...money speaks louder than words!
This narrow minded attitude is typical of business here in the UK. I think that it is time I reviewed whether Lovefilm serves my needs anymore. £15 per month for what is becoming a very poor postal service is still £15. My guess is the pickers are on minimum wage...someones making a hugh profilt, and now certain films unavailable because of a dispute...time to think again.
And Lovefilm...I am not going to be replacing my 42" Panasonic anytime soon....along with my DVD and Bluray nor my 2 Pana 32" LCD. I am going to upgrade my media PC soon however....get the message? I do not want my TV connected to the Lan here at home, nor do I want my Bluray widget connected. Just my PC's that I have complete control of. Adobe should note that as well. I have found their files.... Thank god for Linux.
Would definitely love to see a Lovefilm plug-in work its way onto Plex. Most of the people I know who run Plex also have a Lovefilm subscription so being able to access the growing number of films and tv shows available through Plex would certainly get my future cash!
I would like to be able to provide pay-per-view movies on our system (www.homesonica.co.uk) which is a media centre type of device.
Mark, you mention that you will only be providing this to companies that you have a direct commercial relationship with. Who can I talk to about creating this relationship?
Thank you
I run a UK custom install company and can tell you that the UK market is crying out for a media server with a Netflix-type service. Lovefilm is the obvious choice to provide this service and ALL of my customers would subscribe whether it was available on XBMC or on commercial media players (eg. Kaleidescape, ReQuest, etc). What they would definitely not do is purchase a new TV or BR player just to get the service.
Keito is correct - media companies don't get it. It is the same with 3D BR titles - Avatar 3D will only be available bundled with a Pansonic TV or BR player, Alice in Wonderland 3D only with a sony TV or BR player. You won't be able to buy these titles from normal retailers (eg Amazon) for months later. The logic goes that everytime you want to buy a new movie you will need to buy a new TV. Hmm.
It seems conterintuitive for Lovefilm not to provide their services through as many portals as possible. Netflix in the US has done exactly that and the share price has gone through the roof. More subscriptions to a VoD service + less overheads as customers migrate from the postal service + greater market share from traditional video rental outlets & online retailers = greater profits. Or am I missing something?
I am a LOVEFiLM subscriber and I have a Mac mini media centre. The web interface for LOVEFiLM's online streaming is very poor, so I want a Plex plugin (or a dedicated Mac app) to be able to use this properly. I am very keen to get this because the postal DVD service is very limiting and time-consuming.
On a side note, LOVEFiLM also need to make the entire catalogue available for streaming.
and this device is CRYING OUT for more UK content. It makes PERFECT sense to submit a love film app to boxee... or better yet work with boxee so when users search for a movie, your content comes up in the results.
In the US users are spoilt for choice (hulu plus, netflix, mubu etc) and us UK users have nothing!!
PLEASE can someone from lovefilm take the bull by the horns and open a dialog with avner, the CEO at boxee..
avner@boxee.tv
he responds to emails from us users all the time!!
This would set love film apart from the rest and a fruitful commercial relationship would definitely be on the cards for both lovefilm and boxee too....
Would be great if there was a lovefilm app for XBMC. We are expecting a child and we were thinking about getting lovefilm. Being able to stream it from the xbmc would seal the deal!
Would be great if there was a lovefilm app for XBMC. We are expecting a child and we were thinking about getting lovefilm. Being able to stream it from the xbmc would seal the deal!
Please add support for non-commercial applications to connect to your streaming API. I can't understand why on Earth you wouldn't want a bunch of developers opening new sources of revenue for you FOR FREE! Users are still going to have to pay for a subscription, so what gives?
I'm actually currently writing a Plex plugin for LoveFilm and it's starting to look quite nice. It currently provides the basic functionality as seen on iOS devices, e.g. basic search, manage user lists, etc. I'll send more details to LoveFilm when it's near complete and maybe discuss extending it to include additional features. I've actually just done this as a learning experience but would personally find it extremely useful myself. Lets see what happens...
It would be absolutely fantastic if there was an app/plugin for XBMC (and it's derivatives - Boxee, Plex, etc).
Obviously this would need to be a streaming app, allowing the user to tap into the available LoveFilm library of streaming media. We have Blu-ray players and soon-to-be TV's at work that allow the user such luxuries.
This would be on par with the American market, who have the Netflix alternative. Netflix has an XBMC plugin too. A very popular one at that.
This would definitely increase your potential market-share, XBMC is extremely popular, and we see a huge interest in media centre solutions at the electrical retailers where I work. A LoveFilm addition to XBMC would be a very tempting addition to any XBMC user. I for one would certainly sign-up for a streaming account.
I have discussed this in various forums and on IRC and there are extremely skilled programmers (take a look at XBMC itself to work out just how good they are!) who are willing to take on this project, for free.
So if at any point the decision is made to allow access to the API for streaming purposes, we would be very interested to hear about it.
Regards,
Keito
Message edited by keito 1 year ago
Tags
AndyVirus – 3 years ago
I too would love this and would know many others would would sign up for a love film account instantly if they could access LoveFilm through XBMC or Plex. I have no doubt that allowing the API to be used to stream media from the LoveFilm library would prove to be extremely profitable for LoveFilm.
MacUsers – 3 years ago
I wish to add my voice to this as well. XBMC is THE most popular Media Center at the moment used by millions of users in everyday basis. I'm sure if watching LoveFilm is made possible from the same box as XBMC, it'll be a very profitable to LoveFilm. I know a number of my friends (including me), those who are still with Sky Movies just because watching LoveFilm's streaming videos are still not very convenient - either you need some special TVs or a computer with a web browser. I'm pretty sure many more will join LoveFilm instantly if this facility can be added. Cheers!!
Jon Fear – 3 years ago
I would also like to add my voice to this discussion. As a long term member of Lovefilm, I believe that this would enhance my enjoyment of the service and indeed make it more likely for me to stay as a member in the future. I know of at least 5 other Lovefilm members who are looking at XBMC at present and I am sure that they would be interested,
Cheers
Ali b – 3 years ago
As another long time time user of both Lovefilm and XBMC, It still irks me to see that UK companies just don't *get it* when their counterparts in the US do.
Netflix users have long had the ability to stream content to boxee devices (and as a consequence, to XBMC) but as the UK equivalent, it seems we are to be denied to opportunity to stream to anything except a pre-ordained Set-Top-Box or have to buy another TV for the privilege. (let's just say I'm not about to replace my HDTV just because it may come with the ability to stream lovefilm, a service that I may or may not have in the future, or may or may not exist in the future....)
a Boxee/XBMC plugin would be a nice way to set lovefilm apart form all the other DVD's by post services (unless you buy the remainders up too...)
Ceejayel – 3 years ago
Would love to see this happen.
Mark Hewis – 3 years ago
We currently provide the LOVEFiLM Video on Demand service on various models of Samsung and Sony TV and Blu-Ray players. We are looking to expand the number of devices in the future, but only for devices or platforms we have a direct commercial relationship with.
But any information on potential platforms you would like us to target would be most useful.
Chris Teahan – 3 years ago
XMBC and hence all the forks (Boxee, Plex etc) has my vote also. If you need a direct commercial relationship how about Boxee who I'm sure you know are currently releasing their own set-top box.
Personally I was a love film subscriber for a good couple of years and cancelled my account some time ago, the post DVDs thing was just too much of a hassle, I want my media to be exactly what I want, on demand, not have a list of 100 titles and get a veritable lucky dip 6 times a month.
Obviously with your VOD service you know that this is what people are looking for and I'm glad to see you moving towards it. Now just let us affordably get it into our living rooms with the likes of XMBC and I for one will be re-subscribing to your service.
keito – 3 years ago
@Mark Hewis - Hopefully XBMC will be a 'potential platform'. We are one of the dealers who sell the TV's that have lovefilm VoD built-in. Every TV so far has had terrible performance with it's attempted media-centre-isation. Whilst I'm sure that this will improve over time, there is nothing that comes close to having a dedicated Media Centre running XBMC or one of its off-shoots like Boxee.
Whilst there is a large market of potential TV buyers out there who would make use of the VoD features within their new TV's. There is also a very large specialist market, that has moved beyond that. Until TV's are capable of running SERIOUS software like XBMC then there will continue to be a lot of users who run a dedicated media centres (and I can tell you that we see more interest at work with dedicated solutions like XBMC, than we do for TV's with VoD built-in).
>We are looking to expand the number of devices in the future, but only for devices or platforms we have a direct commercial relationship with.
This is sad news. Whilst this is the company stance, you can count me out. If this is purely about making money from licensing then that is down-heartening. There is a ton of money to be made from subscriptions alone, if you granted more people the ability to gain access to VoD subscriptions. Looks like media companies still don't quite *get it* (yet). There are people out there that want to give money to content providers. So why would do the content providers purposefully make life harder for the masses to give them their cash?
Here's hoping LoveFilm come to this realisation and open up their streaming API's to the masses at some point. If not then hopefully we'll see some competition in this field for European customers.
PS: It would be nice if someone tried XBMC in the LoveFilm dev lab, just so they could see the vast possibilities at hand.
ping_mat – 3 years ago
I too would like to see and "app" developed for the plex platform. (or xbmc / boxee).
I would suggest that your in-house team have a look at plex and consider the potential increase in subscriptions this could add to love film. "direct commercial relationship" could be very short sighted.
Whilst plex software is apple based at present, recent announcements confirm both integration with LG products from Jan 2011 and windows versions coming soon. If you allowed a plug-in to be developed, i hove no doubt it would provide a financial benefit by increased subscriptions.
Plex already has Iplayer and 4od integration for uk users, plus a growing list of web wide providers. Take a look. There is serious potential for increased subscription - don't wait for the windows version - buy a mac and test it - your bonuses next year could beat the bankers! http://www.plexapp.com/ plus free intergration into LG products from Jan 2011 with no development costs!
Just adding my view, and it wouldn't cost you a thing. - and no advertising costs, no mail shots, no email merges. Pure additional profit
Jon Fear – 3 years ago
Unfortunately people...money speaks louder than words!
This narrow minded attitude is typical of business here in the UK. I think that it is time I reviewed whether Lovefilm serves my needs anymore. £15 per month for what is becoming a very poor postal service is still £15. My guess is the pickers are on minimum wage...someones making a hugh profilt, and now certain films unavailable because of a dispute...time to think again.
And Lovefilm...I am not going to be replacing my 42" Panasonic anytime soon....along with my DVD and Bluray nor my 2 Pana 32" LCD. I am going to upgrade my media PC soon however....get the message? I do not want my TV connected to the Lan here at home, nor do I want my Bluray widget connected. Just my PC's that I have complete control of. Adobe should note that as well. I have found their files.... Thank god for Linux.
Luke Lewis – 3 years ago
Would definitely love to see a Lovefilm plug-in work its way onto Plex. Most of the people I know who run Plex also have a Lovefilm subscription so being able to access the growing number of films and tv shows available through Plex would certainly get my future cash!
tazgrainger – 3 years ago
If there was a Lovefilm plugin for XBMC I would upgrade my Lovefilm package accordingly
poko – 3 years ago
I would like to be able to provide pay-per-view movies on our system (www.homesonica.co.uk) which is a media centre type of device.
Mark, you mention that you will only be providing this to companies that you have a direct commercial relationship with. Who can I talk to about creating this relationship?
Thank you
FullSpectrum.co.uk – 3 years ago
I run a UK custom install company and can tell you that the UK market is crying out for a media server with a Netflix-type service. Lovefilm is the obvious choice to provide this service and ALL of my customers would subscribe whether it was available on XBMC or on commercial media players (eg. Kaleidescape, ReQuest, etc). What they would definitely not do is purchase a new TV or BR player just to get the service.
Keito is correct - media companies don't get it. It is the same with 3D BR titles - Avatar 3D will only be available bundled with a Pansonic TV or BR player, Alice in Wonderland 3D only with a sony TV or BR player. You won't be able to buy these titles from normal retailers (eg Amazon) for months later. The logic goes that everytime you want to buy a new movie you will need to buy a new TV. Hmm.
It seems conterintuitive for Lovefilm not to provide their services through as many portals as possible. Netflix in the US has done exactly that and the share price has gone through the roof. More subscriptions to a VoD service + less overheads as customers migrate from the postal service + greater market share from traditional video rental outlets & online retailers = greater profits. Or am I missing something?
balder – 3 years ago
I canceled my subscription but would renew if this feature was available
Matt Brock – 3 years ago
I am a LOVEFiLM subscriber and I have a Mac mini media centre. The web interface for LOVEFiLM's online streaming is very poor, so I want a Plex plugin (or a dedicated Mac app) to be able to use this properly. I am very keen to get this because the postal DVD service is very limiting and time-consuming.
On a side note, LOVEFiLM also need to make the entire catalogue available for streaming.
matpolster – 2 years ago
somebody build it then!
haveringcottage – 2 years ago
BOXEE PLEASE!
They have just released the Boxee Box in the UK
http://www.wired.co.uk/reviews/tvs-and-home-cinema/2010-12/d-link-boxee-box-uk
and this device is CRYING OUT for more UK content. It makes PERFECT sense to submit a love film app to boxee... or better yet work with boxee so when users search for a movie, your content comes up in the results.
In the US users are spoilt for choice (hulu plus, netflix, mubu etc) and us UK users have nothing!!
PLEASE can someone from lovefilm take the bull by the horns and open a dialog with avner, the CEO at boxee..
avner@boxee.tv
he responds to emails from us users all the time!!
This would set love film apart from the rest and a fruitful commercial relationship would definitely be on the cards for both lovefilm and boxee too....
nbennett1970 – 2 years ago
Lovefilm app for XBMC would be fantastic - definately drive up membership.
Andy – 2 years ago
Lovefilm for the XBMC would be a great step forward for us in the UK :)
AshMcConnell – 2 years ago
Would be great if there was a lovefilm app for XBMC. We are expecting a child and we were thinking about getting lovefilm. Being able to stream it from the xbmc would seal the deal!
Thanks!
AshMcConnell – 2 years ago
Would be great if there was a lovefilm app for XBMC. We are expecting a child and we were thinking about getting lovefilm. Being able to stream it from the xbmc would seal the deal!
Thanks!
Pete Woods – 2 years ago
Please add support for non-commercial applications to connect to your streaming API. I can't understand why on Earth you wouldn't want a bunch of developers opening new sources of revenue for you FOR FREE! Users are still going to have to pay for a subscription, so what gives?
IanB – 2 years ago
I'm actually currently writing a Plex plugin for LoveFilm and it's starting to look quite nice. It currently provides the basic functionality as seen on iOS devices, e.g. basic search, manage user lists, etc. I'll send more details to LoveFilm when it's near complete and maybe discuss extending it to include additional features. I've actually just done this as a learning experience but would personally find it extremely useful myself. Lets see what happens...