Online DVD rental company Lovefilm said on Friday it has launched a movie download service in Britain, offering movies from the Warner Brothers catalogue including “Alexander” and “Poltergeist.”

The company said about 500 titles would be available for the download service by early 2006, from 2.99 pounds ($5.19) per movie. Lovefilm already has about 120,000 customers in Britain who receive rented DVDs in the mail after selecting them on a Web site.

The download service uses Microsoft’s Windows Media Player, which has safeguards aimed at preventing a movie from being copied. Films must be viewed within seven days of purchase, with a 24-hour viewing period once they have started.

Lovefilm’s competitors in Britain’s online DVD rental market include Video Island and Amazon.com. Satellite broadcaster BSkyB and UK cable companies NTL and Telewest also offer movie download and video-on-demand services, respectively.

Lovefilm is owned by privately held Arts Alliance Media Group.

In the United States, online DVD rental pioneer Netflix announced earlier this year that it would launch a movie download service, but it was forced to delay the roll-out after failing to secure sufficient movie rights.

Lovefilm offers over 46,500 titles to choose from, no late fees, free postage both directions and a Two-Week Free Trial.

 

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