BSkyB opens up movie rental service to non-subscribers

BSkyB has opened its Sky Store movie rental service up to non-Sky subscribers in the UK and Ireland. The move will allow any UK home with a broadband connection to rent movies from the pay TV operator.

In addition to a new skystore.com website, viewers are able to access Sky Store through YouView boxes as well as Roku devices and Sky’s own Now TV OTT service.

Sky said the move is part of a wider drive to broaden distribution of its content.

Sky Store provides a range of recent movies including Man of Steel, The Hangover Part 3, Despicable Me 2 and The Lone Ranger for £3.49 (€4.21) each as well as older movies for between £0.99 and £1.99. The service offers over 1,200 titles in total.

Sky said movie rentals from Sky Store on Sky+ set-top boxes havedoubled over the last year, with 2.1 million movies rented in the three months to September 30.

Sky Store is available to Now TV, Roku and YouView users via a dedicated app.

“Millions of Sky TV customers already enjoy the choice and value of Sky Store.  Now we’re delighted that millions more homes can access hundreds of box office smashes alongside best-loved movie classics.  All you need is an internet connection and away you go,” said Nicola Bamford, director of Sky Store.

“With Sky Store there are no late fees and no waiting for the post. Customers simply sign up and stream the film they want to watch, when they want to watch, wherever they want – these days it couldn’t be easier to enjoy the perfect movie to suit your mood.”