BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 14 (UPI) -- Walmart says it is launching a service to allow consumers to store their DVD movies in a cloud library where they can be accessed through Web-connected devices.
Walmart executives say the service will encourage DVD ownership while also giving consumers ubiquitous access to their film libraries via the cloud, CNET.com reported Wednesday.
Customers can bring their DVDs into their local Wal-Mart and pay $2 to have access to each title via Walmart.com's cloud service, powered by the UltraViolet platform.
The $2 gives users access to a copy in standard definition; a high-definition copy will cost $5, CNET.com reported.
Cloud services enable users to store media on a third party's servers and then access the media via Web-enabled devices, a concept considered by many to be a replacement home entertainment format as the public continues to lose interest in DVD ownership, analysts said.
Walmart customers can bring their discs from any of the major studios, except for Disney which isn't participating, and sign up for the program in the store's Photo Center.
Once their movies are stored in the cloud, all they need do is log on to the service with one of more than 300 Web-compatible devices, Walmart said.
