We knew good and well
it was coming, and now the deed has been done. As promised, Blockbuster's
On Demand movie rental service has gone live on a bevy of TiVo boxes, enabling Series2, Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVRs to watch all sorts of releases without needing to purchase
another set-top-box or tap into their cable company's VOD system. We're told that most rentals will range from $2.99 (for the classics) to $3.99 (for new releases), with the film catalog expected to expand over the coming weeks. HD aficionados will have to wait a tick before seeing any movies available in high-def, but those looking to pick up a new
TiVo can now saunter into any Blockbuster retail location in order to claim one. Eager to get in on the action? Fire up your box and hit the "Video On Demand" screen from TiVo Central.
posted Oct 13th 2009 8:59AM
Wow, how did this happen being that Netflix is already on Tivo?
It's called competition and Tivo benefits from because it's the only set-top box that supports both.
This is great news for users that don't like to be locked in to a Monthly Knot (or nut)...
You know, I was just thinking "I'd love to use Linux, but the ext3 just isn't good enough so I'll have to stay with Windows 95." Well, I guess this fixes that issue!
Seriously... I just want Linux to stop feeling like the kernel needs to be bleeding edge. It's the apps that matter, not the kernel these days. And every time they muck up the kernel I get to reinstall tons of apps. Stop doing that so often!
Oh look, NetNewsWIre reposted an old post of mine.... how special. Can a mod delete that?
What I actually tried to post is:
This works on Series2. Netflix is not available on Series2.
Stop Spamming Engadget. We do not want your KIRF merchandise ! We like to pay retail .
"... those looking to pick up a new TiVo can now saunter into any Blockbuster retail location in order to claim one."
Sure... if they could only find a Blockbuster retail location.
lol
KIRF? What do you mean? They're genuine Okely sunglasses!
streaming or download?
Blockbuster, oh how your desperation moves entertain me.
How are they able to do this when they are on the brink of obliteration??
I have to say that the Tivo is great and the Netflix streaming has made it even better for $9 per month extra. With all of the fees being collected for netflix and blockbuster, it would be nice to see the Tivo boxes be subsidized to reach more users.
Great, now when do we get the Tivo Series 4? They keep tacking on features to the woefully underpowered Series 3s.
First I hate Netflix is only on a Series 3 or better, Now to add insult to injury, the price for Blockbuster is way to high. I just keep my Netflix on my XBox. But it would be nice to download or stream my Netflix to any of my Series 2 sets.
The S2s can't handle Netflix / YouTube etc. because they have older video-decoding hardware that doesn't decode H.264 that used by these new services. The processor can't software-decode, so there is a very legitimate reason for the new hardware not to handle them that has nothing to do with "leaving S2s out in the cold".
coyotej:
Actually VC-1 is being used for Netflix Watch Instantly; H.264 is used for YouTube and Amazon VoD HD content.
But what about TiVo in the UK?
The market here is crying out for a dual digital tuner HD capable hard disc solution with the superb TiVo interface. We are still stuck with our Mark 1 boxes, and would really like to upgrade to all these fab new features! Instead we could get a Sky + box, which is a bit like a Tivo after a lobotomy!
$3 for catalog? Netflix on demand FTW. $4 for new releases? I'll walk to the Redbox thanks.
Goodbye, Blockbuster.
This is great but probably not supported in Canada - why did Tivo make such a big deal to come to Canada and they dont support anything for 2.5 years.
I am ready to jump ship and get a Rogers PVR...
Indeed Netflix and Redbox FTW!
I tried Blockbusters service a few months ago and it was so lame. It doesn't stream instantly like Netflix. You have to wait and download the entire movie before playback. I don't know if this has changed but it was not worth it. I can drive down to 7-Eleven and get a Redbox movie faster than it would take me to download.
Netflix also has an increasing number of movies and TV shows in HD. All streaming almost instantly.
Blockbuster is late to the party.
Any chance this will be made available on TiVo powered DirectTV receivers?
Nope. I don't think the software's been updated for them in some time (since D* decided to sever with TiVo after being acquired by News Corp.), so you probably won't see this on anything but TiVo branded boxes.
Sounds like a good deal for TiVo... they get their units in all Blockbuster stores, and Blockbuster pushes them as the unit to buy. Blockbuster got the short end here, since TiVo already has Netflix and Amazon movie rentals. Anything that keeps TiVo going is a good thing.
Not worth it when I can get a movie from RedBox for a $1.
Why is digital distribution more expensive?
The problem is the studios are pushing for these ridiculous rental rates. If the classics were $0.99, and HD was $1.99, I might be tempted. Competition is good, but this wont help Blockbuster survive their slow death spiral.
I hate you BB, FAIL FAIL FAIL, please go away like a bad nightmare!
Between having comcast and netfix, BB is a dinosaur turd!
Block-BUST-er, another company that piss off their customer until there's none left and put themselves out of business. Now they're just on their last hope.
I have been using Blockbuster on my Tivo since late 2008 here is Oz, obviously a defferent arrangement.... But Tivo here sucks my dogs balls, need to buy the box outright for about $800 AUD, and is only good for freeview, you can't run ur cable/sat service through it.