Amazon replaces Unbox video store with Video on Demand

Amazon has rolled out a new version of its online video distribution service. The most noticeable change? It's all about streaming video. Previously if you wanted to rent or purchase a movie from Amazon Unbox you had to download it to your computer. Now Amazon has killed off the Unbox name and launched Amazon Video on Demand which allows users to stream videos in a browser or to download them for offline viewing.

The video quality is pretty decent, but more importantly, the move to streaming video allows Amazon to offer its service to more customers. Amazon Unbox was PC and TiVo only. Amazon Video on Demand is available for Mac users and could also work with Windows Media Center Extenders like the Xbox 360.

Once you've purchased a TV show or movie it will be added to your online video library, allowing you to watch it any time from any computer (assuming Amazon never decides to shut off the service). If you've previously downloaded programs from Amazon Unbox, they should already be in your library. There's also a selection of free content available including episodes of Heroes and Lipstick Jungle.

Tags: amazon, amazon-unbox, amazon-video-on-demand, online-video, video-on-demand