Best Buy now offering digital video service

Minneapolis Best Buy announced Tuesday the availability of its new digital video service CinemaNow, which will provide customers same-day instant access to new-release movies and TV shows.

The service will initially be accessible through select connected Blu-Ray Disc players and HDTVs, and on most PCs via the Web at cinemanow.com, the company reported.

Beginning this month, the service will be available on all new connected Blu-Ray Disc players and home-theater systems from LG Electronics. CinemaNow is also expected to launch on an array of other devices from various manufacturers, including Insignia, later this year.

The platform will also allow customers to seamlessly access their premium content on a wide range of Internet-connected devices from multiple manufacturers, the retailer said.

According to Best Buy, the initial product launch, which is expected to be followed by an improved and updated version later this year, will allow customers to easily browse, search and purchase premium content through a highly functional, straightforward user interface, and will deliver a high-quality viewing experience through enhanced playback technology.

“With the introduction of CinemaNow, Best Buy continues our commitment to evolve with our customers as their demand for digital entertainment grows,” said Chris Homeister, senior VP entertainment, Best Buy. “The convenience, selection and flexibility of the CinemaNow service offers customers more freedom in the way they choose to consume entertainment from Best Buy. This service, which complements our existing suite of digital entertainment brands, will be available to customers in their homes and on-the-go through a broad array of devices and will be brought to life in store with the help of our Blue Shirts and Geek Squad Agents.”