For years we have been explaining the difference between the high-end media player, Kaleidescape, and more basic options such as Apple TV and Roku.  While Kaleidescape is the only one that can download and play full 4K  UHD content from major studios or integrate with other theater equipment such as D-Box, it struggled to compete with similar products at lower price points.  A month ago, the company publicly announced that it would be going out of business, not knowing the announcement would bring them a new strategy and financing.

Friday, CEO Chenna Srivivasan, announced that Kaleidescape would remain open.  The company is going to continue catering to high-end clients at a lower price point while adding premium options.  An entry Kaleidescape currently costs $3,200, but  Srivivasan hinted that might change, "I believe the luxury  market can drop down to less than $1,000 and still be the Bentley."

The most exciting part of the announcement is the fact Kaleidescape is working on partnerships with the Big Six (the six studios that are responsible for 90% of blockbusters) to provide its users with early access to new releases.  It is unclear when these partnerships will be finalized, how soon the movies will be available via Kaleidescape before their On Demand debut, or how much these early releases will cost.

Currently, our only other manufacturer that provides such a service is PRIMA Cinema.  The $35,000 server allows movies to be viewed in home theaters on their theatrical release date. However, each title requires a fingerprint confirmation of the $500 viewing.