Remaining Irish HMV stores to shut within months as retailer takes on Netflix giant

Hollister11

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/remaining-irish-hmv-stores-to-shut-within-months-as-retailer-takes-on-netflix-giant-34869715.html

HMV is to launch a new online video-streaming platform offering 3,000 films in a move that will see it compete directly with Netflix.
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The films will be available to view on a purchase or rental basis, at prices similar to those offered by current online rental or purchase providers such as Apple.

This is interesting. As sad as it is that HMV is shutting all their ROI stores, this could be a good opportunity. I never buy anything there. I don't own physical DVD'S/CD'S and i'm not a gamer.

MilesMorales1

It's sad, I used to buy all my blu rays from there. But the writings been on the wall for months.

SEPT 23 1989

they did very well when they were charging 20 punts for an album

petes

Surely the market is too saturated now to try and compete?

Taco Chips

The last thing anyone wants is an excess of video streaming services, all with different exclusive content on them meaning there is fragmentation of consumer choice. By all means compete with Netflix and Hulu but don't want to see whats happening with Tidal/Spotify/Apple Music happen in the video arm of streaming (well moreso than it already is anyway)

Alf Stewart.

Here's my take on the whole dvd/movie rental malarkey.

Start pricing the stuff reasonably to begin with.

For example. Google movies have at present, star wars, the force awakens in HD at €16.99.

It is also available via "alternative methods" for free.

I still subscribe to Netflix, even though every single thing they show is available for free elsewhere, but as Netflix have priced their subscription rates so keenly, its not worth seeking them out for free.


So basically, price your stuff within reason, and folk won't even bother seeking the alternatives.

JTMan

So HMV join XtraVision, Virgin Megastores and many others in the CD retail waste-bin. One wonders how long it will be before Golden Discs and Tower Records inevitably follow.

endacl

JTMan wrote: »

So HMV join XtraVision, Virgin Megastores and many others in the CD retail waste-bin. One wonders how long it will be before Golden Discs and Tower Records inevitably follow.

Can't download vinyl. Tower will be grand for a bit. And Golden Discs is where old people go to by a cd for there grandchild's birthday. I give it 20 years till that population is gone.

MilesMorales1

Well, its gonna go very niche (physical media) and much smaller like it already is, but there's always gonna be people who want a physical copy of something (dinosaurs like me)

Makes me wonder how bookshops have largely survived and not been swallowed up by the digital age.

Atlantic Dawn

Ffs trying to take on Netflix and other players at this stage, talk about burning money. The main market left for Xtravision in this country is rural areas with rubbish broadband that's not fast enough to support Netflix, this new offering won't make a cent from these areas.

Its dead Jim

Is it competing with netflix or itunes? While similar they have a very large difference. One is an all you can use subscription, the other is pay per view or buy.

MilesMorales1

From both with different perspectives innit. When they say iTunes they're probably referring to Apple Music.

timthumbni

MilesMorales1 wrote: »

Well, its gonna go very niche (physical media) and much smaller like it already is, but there's always gonna be people who want a physical copy of something (dinosaurs like me)

Makes me wonder how bookshops have largely survived and not been swallowed up by the digital age.

The bookshop thing is odd I suppose. But there is nothing like being curled up in bed with a good book, turning the pages, sometimes in terror (Stephen King fan)

I'm a big tech fan but I have to admit that a kindle or kindle on a tablet/iPad isn't just as good. I love the smell of a good book in the morning.

adox

Thread title is misleading as the business model being suggested is not in competition with Netflix, more so iTunes and Google Play etc.

Sir Osis of Liver.

I was surprised to see an Xtravision dvd vending machine installed in my local Supervalu recently.
I thought the company had completely folded.


I don't download and cancelled my Netflix sub.Everything I want can be streamed on my Android boxes.

asteroids over berlin

Netflix is crap

boobar

Sitting here listening to Spotify, reading an ebook on my kindle. I used to spend my spare cash on cds, music and dvds, because there was no other option.

But now physical media is dead in my view. Xtravision and HMV should have moved away from this model years ago, trying to compete at this stage makes me think too little too late.

Dirty Dingus McGee

boobar wrote: »

Sitting here listening to Spotify, reading an ebook on my kindle. I used to spend my spare cash on cds, music and dvds, because there was no other option.

But now physical media is dead in my view. Xtravision and HMV should have moved away from this model years ago, trying to compete at this stage makes me think too little too late.

Your always going to have people who want the physical copy of the DVD's they watch.

Del2005

Mr.S wrote: »

The move towards a streaming platform is about 5 years to late, but they could do well here and the UK if they get a decent catalog. A platform with 3k+ decent movies will easily be worth paying for instead of Netflix which have awful libraries for the UK/IRE market.

Doubt they'll get a decent catalog. If Netflix with their huge market and money are forced to severely restrict the Irish and UK content I can't see HMV getting anything decent. The rights holders have even forced Netflix to block non geo access, I think they want people to pirate.

_Brian

Alf Stewart. wrote: »

Here's my take on the whole dvd/movie rental malarkey.

Start pricing the stuff reasonably to begin with.

For example. Google movies have at present, star wars, the force awakens in HD at €16.99.

It is also available via "alternative methods" for free.

I still subscribe to Netflix, even though every single thing they show is available for free elsewhere, but as Netflix have priced their subscription rates so keenly, its not worth seeking them out for free.


So basically, price your stuff within reason, and folk won't even bother seeking the alternatives.

I still subscribe to Netflix too, I ise it a bit and the kids use it a lot. But the content is not current at all. I saw a joke online that using Netflix in Ireland was a bit like going into Xtravision in 2002 at 9pm on a Saturday night the selection is so bad.

We use other sources to see and download more modern content.

Grayson

I used to head in to HMV to buy hardware. It was a great place to try on headphones etc. If they had changed their business model away from DVD's they might have stood a chance. But selling media like music and films through a bricks and mortar store is a doomed business model.

timthumbni

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

Your always going to have people who want the physical copy of the DVD's they watch.

DVDs?????? Ffs that is so 2002. Blue ray leaders the way. And considering you can download br quality rips now what's the point?

timthumbni

The video shop is dead people. No more blues under the counter. We move on. We progress. No big deal. Xtra vision prices were so high you would have to be a moron to buy from them.

boobar

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

Your always going to have people who want the physical copy of the DVD's they watch.

True, but not enough to keep a business open e.g. HMV, Xtravsion.

Bookshops also seem to be suffering by all accounts.

Spartan08

It's a really sad day for me as I go there at least every two weeks to buy new blu-rays and cds. I don't know why people complain that it's expensive 17.99 to 19.99 for a new Blu-ray??? or 13.99 for a new CD. Does no one enjoy going out to talk to people and browse the store for new releases? I also don't get why people complained about Xtra-Vision. 14.99 for unlimited rentals with no late fess and unlimited length, how is that expensive, considering rentals cost 4.99 on Microsoft, Google and iTunes. I'm a tech fan but nothing beats goin to a brick and mortar store.

Spartan08

Mr.S wrote: »

A small %.

Which will get even smaller as internet quality improves. There will always be *some* physical sales but the vast majority are moving towards digital. Games consoles are probably the reason why Blu-ray is still around

Anyway, those who still want to buy physical media just buy it online for far less. Bricks n' mortar stores just can't compete on the prices.

How can you beat €17.99 from HMV???, when amazon prices their blu-rays at around £14.99

Spartan08

timthumbni wrote: »

The video shop is dead people. No more blues under the counter. We move on. We progress. No big deal. Xtra vision prices were so high you would have to be a moron to buy from them.

Xtra-Vision prices were so high? 14.99 for unlimited rentals, no late fees and you get to keep rentals for as long as you like. How is that expensive considering digital rentals cost 4.99

Spartan08

timthumbni wrote: »

DVDs?????? Ffs that is so 2002. Blue ray leaders the way. And considering you can download br quality rips now what's the point?

You really prefer downloading a movie illegally just to save 17.99? why not support a struggling business instead

Spartan08

adox wrote: »

Thread title is misleading as the business model being suggested is not in competition with Netflix, more so iTunes and Google Play etc.

Exactly, it will not be a streaming service but a digital rental/purchasing service like Microsoft Movies & TV

Spartan08

MilesMorales1 wrote: »

It's sad, I used to buy all my blu rays from there. But the writings been on the wall for months.

Same for me, it's a terrible day for me

Spartan08

Alf Stewart. wrote: »

Here's my take on the whole dvd/movie rental malarkey.

Start pricing the stuff reasonably to begin with.

For example. Google movies have at present, star wars, the force awakens in HD at €16.99.

It is also available via "alternative methods" for free.

I still subscribe to Netflix, even though every single thing they show is available for free elsewhere, but as Netflix have priced their subscription rates so keenly, its not worth seeking them out for free.


So basically, price your stuff within reason, and folk won't even bother seeking the alternatives.

How were shops like Xtra-Vision expensive? You could get unlimited rentals, no late fees and you could keep them for as long as you like for only 14.99

MilesMorales1

Well that is expensive for people who can torrent things for nothing, or netflix it.


I own 450 odd blu rays and I used to get them all from HMV so I agree to a point, but thats just where we're at.

Chain Smoker

I was back in Ireland there last Christmas and it was really telling that these places were legit done for. Every electronics shop was stuffed with people but, relatively speaking, HMV and the like were empty.

They were basically being propped up for a few years by DVDs/BluRays being the go to lazy christmas gift but Netflix took off in a big way in the last 12-24 months to the point you couldn't even feign ignorance over the worthlessness of the gift you've gotten.

For Forks Sake

Spartan08 wrote: »

How were shops like Xtra-Vision expensive? You could get unlimited rentals, no late fees and you could keep them for as long as you like for only 14.99

Spartan08 wrote: »

Same for me, it's a terrible day for me

Spartan08 wrote: »

Exactly, it will not be a streaming service but a digital rental/purchasing service like Microsoft Movies & TV

Spartan08 wrote: »

You really prefer downloading a movie illegally just to save 17.99? why not support a struggling business instead

Spartan08 wrote: »

How can you beat €17.99 from HMV???, when amazon prices their blu-rays at around £14.99

Spartan08 wrote: »

Xtra-Vision prices were so high? 14.99 for unlimited rentals, no late fees and you get to keep rentals for as long as you like. How is that expensive considering digital rentals cost 4.99

They're gone. Get over it.

The_Valeyard

For Forks Sake wrote: »

They're gone. Get over it.

I think he worked there.

511

Spartan08 wrote: »

Does no one enjoy going out to talk to people and browse the store for new releases?

If HMV installed beertaps in their shops, I'm sure people would head there for a conversation, but for the time being, I'd say they'll stick with the pub. You can browse new releases on your iPhone, too.

riclad

It seems any shop that relys on selling,renting dvds is doomed,
its a shame we could end up with game, or cex selling console games .
is, nt there lots of websites selling films, already.
I cant see hmv competing with netflix and sky movies ,unless its cheaper .
Netflix has a much wider catalog than that.
i hope we dont end up like the usa theres lots of streaming services ,
with slightly different programs on them.
When most people have broadband it seems strange to go to a shop to rent a dvd .
We,ll end up with a small no of book shops and record stores .
dvds are very cheap in cex shops .
Its a sad day cos hmv sold books, cd,s as well as films .
hmv is competing with sites like amazon,
And it has to pay expensive ,rents and insurance .
I See no point in buying films, when everything is on netflix or sky movies .
its like there was a boom time for cds ,before broadband and the mp3 came along.
The boom for dvds is over .
dvd film is a legacy format .

Venom

JTMan wrote: »

So HMV join XtraVision, Virgin Megastores and many others in the CD retail waste-bin. One wonders how long it will be before Golden Discs and Tower Records inevitably follow.

Golden Discs are still going!

How the hell are they still in business? Even back when buying CD's and DVD's were a thing they were stupidly overpriced

Sir Osis of Liver.

riclad wrote: »

It seems any shop that relys on selling,renting dvds is doomed,
its a shame we could end up with game, or cex selling console games .
is, nt there lots of websites selling films, already.
I cant see hmv competing with netflix and sky movies ,unless its cheaper .
Netflix has a much wider catalog than that.
i hope we dont end up like the usa theres lots of streaming services ,
with slightly different programs on them.
When most people have broadband it seems strange to go to a shop to rent a dvd .
We,ll end up with a small no of book shops and record stores .
dvds are very cheap in cex shops .
Its a sad day cos hmv sold books, cd,s as well as films .
hmv is competing with sites like amazon,
And it has to pay expensive ,rents and insurance .
I See no point in buying films, when everything is on netflix or sky movies .
its like there was a boom time for cds ,before broadband and the mp3 came along.
The boom for dvds is over .
dvd film is a legacy format .

Is that a poem?

suicide_circus

Still plenty of old people who don't understand and won't use Netflix etc

andekwarhola

While I think the traditional entertainment industries shot themselves in the foot with their historical overpricing/monopoly/refusal to embrace technology and are now rightly paying the cost, it's touching to see that some people believe that the Everybody Getting All their Content For Free Model will somehow be sustainable in the long run.

Cienciano

Spartan08 wrote: »

You really prefer downloading a movie illegally just to save 17.99? why not support a struggling business instead

Free v €17.99. Do I need to explain?

Ursus Horribilis

I stopped buying physical DVDs years ago. Mainly because there are so many TV channels and options out there now, I don't really need to rewatch things any more. Or have the time for it. Also, they take up a lot of space. I've been gradually watching my old DVDs then giving them to the local charity shop.

Qiaonasen

DVDs and stuff I understand. Bookshops are here to stay in my opinion. You can't beat reading actual books. Reading on Ipad or Kindle with their fancy paper displays is all well and good but it is still inferior to an actual book.

Although I find paying any more than 10 euro for a normal sized book a bit obscene. I joined the Library where I can borrow graphic novels (which are way too expensive in my opinion). Also SVP has decent second hand book stores all over the country. I usually wait a few months for the newest titles I want to read to appear there. In a lot of SVP book shops books are as little as 1 euro.

Spartan08

The_Valeyard wrote: »

I think he worked there.

Nope, just a frequent and loyal customer.

Alf Stewart.

Alf Stewart. wrote: »

Here's my take on the whole dvd/movie rental malarkey.

Start pricing the stuff reasonably to begin with.

For example. Google movies have at present, star wars, the force awakens in HD at €16.99.

It is also available via "alternative methods" for free.

I still subscribe to Netflix, even though every single thing they show is available for free elsewhere, but as Netflix have priced their subscription rates so keenly, its not worth seeking them out for free.


So basically, price your stuff within reason, and folk won't even bother seeking the alternatives.

Exactly. I'm perfectly happy to pay the €10/month when I get quality shows like Stranger Things, Bojack Horseman, Daredevil, Narcos, Sense8, Bloodlines, and much much more, all of which rivals the more prominent providers like HBO.

ScumLord

petes wrote: »

Surely the market is too saturated now to try and compete?

Not really, especially in Ireland. Our netflix is pretty half arsed, the UK channels block a heap of content, BBC is technically not available in Ireland, Amazon prime is not available in Ireland.

I have a netflix subscription and they're doing just enough to keep me subscribed. Every time I'm about to cancel it they put up some series that keeps me for another few months. At a tenner, it's an easy one to hold onto though.


3000 movies doesn't really sound like it's going to cut it in this market. There might be a handful that are worth watching and it's likely you've already seen them at least once if not more.

Venom

ScumLord wrote: »

Not really, especially in Ireland. Our netflix is pretty half arsed, the UK channels block a heap of content, BBC is technically not available in Ireland, Amazon prime is not available in Ireland.

I have a netflix subscription and they're doing just enough to keep me subscribed. Every time I'm about to cancel it they put up some series that keeps me for another few months. At a tenner, it's an easy one to hold onto though.


3000 movies doesn't really sound like it's going to cut it in this market. There might be a handful that are worth watching and it's likely you've already seen them at least once if not more.

Didn't some art/indie movie type subscription service try and launch over here around the same time Netflix did but offered a fraction of the content, cost more and pretty much failed right off the bat?

Maybe if can HMV offer this for a low cost and include a large amount of box sets, I could see this working but if its close to what Netflix cost's its going to be an uphill battle and probley DOA.

ScumLord

Venom wrote: »

Didn't some art/indie movie type subscription service try and launch over here around the same time Netflix did but offered a fraction of the content, cost more and pretty much failed right off the bat?

Maybe if can HMV offer this for a low cost and include a large amount of box sets, I could see this working but if its close to what Netflix cost's its going to be an uphill battle and probley DOA.

Yeah, it would have to offer something new. I think the netflix service is kind of lazy in Ireland. It's very basic. Just being able to make a playlist would be helpful and give any new comer an advantage over netflix.

Spartan08

ScumLord wrote: »

Yeah, it would have to offer something new. I think the netflix service is kind of lazy in Ireland. It's very basic. Just being able to make a playlist would be helpful and give any new comer an advantage over netflix.

Does nobody get that there will be no monthly subscription. It will be a rental/purchasing service like Microsoft Films & TV, Google Play and Apple iTunes

maudgonner

Spartan08 wrote: »

Does nobody get that there will be no monthly subscription. It will be a rental/purchasing service like Microsoft Films & TV, Google Play and Apple iTunes

I think people are perfectly capable of grasping that fact. But just because the model isn't the same, does not mean they're not going to be in competition with Netflix/Google/Apple. It's essentially just a different method of pricing for the same content.