And thus, Crunchyroll will no longer allow Download-to-Own. This isn't too surprising, considering their library of titles continues to expand. As they grow, more and more titles in their catalog are either currently owned titles, or will eventually be picked up (such in the case of obvious hits, like Fairy Tail.)"As Crunchyroll continues to evolve, we add new features and remove ones that don't perform well. Recently we've made a decision to discontinue our Download-to-Own service, which lets users purchase DRM-free, downloadable videos of our popular shows. We believe online streaming video is the future will continue to focus on those efforts. Starting March 31, 2010, no new purchases of video downloads will be allowed. However, your existing downloads will continue to work until May 1, 2010. Please download and save your video files by May 1, 2010..."
Examples include:
- Linebarrels of Iron (Funimation)
- Strike Witches (~)
- Last Exile (~)
- Tower of Druaga (~)
- Eyeshield 21 (Section 23)
- Naruto (VIZ)
- Hellgirl (Funimation/Section 23)
Sure, they can get by with "subscription fees" for unrestricted watching, but this is quite different. Even though I really enjoy the convenience of the service, their catalog has been ballooning in size, and toes were destined to get stepped on. Plus, as the companies expand their stances on digital distribution, the fact that you can buy copies of the show from Crunchyroll instead of FUNi or Bandai starts to look pretty sketchy.
YA! John come on! We expect better from you!
@mediaright said:
Corrected! My mind is at home, playing FF13, while I'm at work, crashing from low blood sugar.
I'll attempt to blow less in the future.