MovieBeam me up Scotty!

A new service called MovieBeam is starting to make headlines. According to the MovieBeam web site, “MovieBeam is a brilliant new way to rent and watch movies at home. Get movies delivered directly to your TV – no cable, satellite, or computer is required!” For the full details of MovieBeam visit the MovieBeam web site.

This service is clearly aimed at noobies. Professional installation is not necessary since MovieBeam is supposed to only take five minutes to set up. And you don’t need any kind of cable, satellite or broadband service to receive the movies. The movies actually are transmitted by a small square antenna that comes with the system. Movies cost about $4 for a new release and $2 for old releases. Add on an addition dollar for high definition movies. Here’s the noobie breakdown for MovieBeam:

What you may want to know:

• There are no subscription fees for MovieBeam, however, the system itself, at the time of this writing, will cost around $200.
  Individual movie prices range from $1.99 for older releases to $3.99 for new releases on up to $4.99 for high definition new releases.
• MovieBeam has license agreements with several of the major players including 20th Century Fox, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and, more recently, Disney which means you should have plenty of good choices for movies in the coming months.
• You can purchase MovieBeam on their web site but it’s probably easier to pick one up at the brick and mortar retailers such as Best Buy, CompUSA, or Sears.
• MovieBeam has just about every connection type making hook up to your television a breeze. It even has component and HDMI connections for your high definition television. If you don’t know what these are, just know that it should work with your high definition television.

What you may not know but should know:

• MovieBeam requires a phone connection. This is used to periodically send your billing information back to MovieBeam. Plan on having a phone jack near your television.
• MovieBeam may not be available in all areas due to the fact that the movies are transmitted over PBS’ digital signal. Currently, MovieBeam is only available in 29 major cities. Your best bet is to click here to check exact availability in your area before purchasing.
• MovieBeam charges $29.99 for activation although at the time of this writing, the activation fee is being waived.To get the best picture and sound, plan on sinking upwards of an additional $100 or more for component or HDMI cables and/or digital audio cables. They’re not included.