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Blockbuster releases On Demand video streaming app for iOS
Blockbuster announced its entrance back into the video streaming game in January after pledging to exit that market late last year. Today, Blockbuster's reincarnation as a video streaming service continues, as the company rolled out its On Demand app for iOS, bringing "thousands" of movies to iPads and iPhones running iOS 4.3 and up. By adding Apple devices to the fold, Blockbuster can now shoot movies to the majority of mobile devices -- previously it was only available for Android (plus Mac, PC, Roku and Samsung Smart TVs). So, if you're looking for 1080p video with 5.1 surround streaming to your Apple-fied mobile screen, your download awaits.
Blockbuster On Demand gives streaming a second chance, with odd limitations
Blockbuster hasn't had much success shifting from physical rentals to digital, even under Dish's wing. Nonetheless, it's betting that the umpteenth time's the charm with a relaunch of its Blockbuster On Demand streaming movie service. The revamp ticks many of the checkboxes for a modern by-the-title rental store with 1080p and 5.1-channel surround sound as well as apps for 2012 Samsung Smart TVs, Android and Roku 2 boxes. However, there's a number of curious choices, and we don't just mean the omission of a subscription model. It's missing an iOS app, emphasizes apps for desktop viewing and leaves no way to watch HD video on anything but a TV -- our mobile and PC screens have advanced in the past several years, Blockbuster. Idiosyncrasies notwithstanding, the rebirth presents more of a unified front than the one-time giant has offered in the past.
Blockbuster On Demand pulls back from TiVo and others, is it on its way out?
From Zatz Not Funny comes word that TiVo owners are being notified their access to Blockbuster On Demand will come to an end March 31st, ending a run originally announced three years before. While this certainly affects TiVo's ability to offer the one box to search multiple services idea introduced with the Premiere, it could be more telling about Blockbuster's plans for the current incarnation of its internet movie service. As forum posters on TiVo Community point out, the list of supported devices is rapidly shrinking, with Vizio and Western Digital WD TV Live owners getting their own Dear John letters only a year or so after the app originally rolled out. Currently, the list of connected TV devices is limited exclusively to Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players, plus some cellphones and tablets. Once upon a time, Blockbuster desired an On Demand presence in "nearly every connected device" -- not to mention "major market presence" for the now Redbox-owned Express kiosks -- but after its purchase by Dish Network clearly those days are over. Now the only question is if / when we'll see a new service that better fits with the already announced Movie Pass package and what devices it might work on.
Rovi hits Hulu with patent infringement lawsuit
Mo money, mo problems, right Hulu? Seems it, considering the newly up-for-sale content hub has just been slapped with a patent infringement suit. This latest bit of intellectual property beef centers on the online content provider's alleged unlicensed use of Rovi's electronic program guide technology. According to Reuters, the company, which currently powers the streaming likes of Blockbuster On Demand and CinemaNow, is seeking financial compensation for potential "lost license revenue and treble damages," potentially tripling any future settlement award. While Hulu has yet to issue a statement on the matter, we'd be willing to bet those takeover talks are taking a backseat until this gets sorted.
Sprint balloons its EVO 3D with three-dimensional titles and content providers
If you're looking to fully leverage the namesake feature of the EVO 3D, Sprint is doing its best to ensure you're not left wanting -- all while keeping your coin flowing its way. First, it's bundling HTC Watch and Blockbuster On Demand, which will offer 3D titles (alongside the 2D fare) and rental prices ranging between $3 and $4. Like we've seen in RadioShack's advert, the 3D version of The Green Hornet is pre-loaded on the phone's microSD card, and the Now Network is also bundling a demo of Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem 3D. If that whets your appetite for three-dimensional playtime (and you've still got expendable income), you might check out Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles and GT Racing Motor Academy -- both $5 at launch in the pre-loaded Gameloft Storefront. For all the bloat they pile on, at least the stores bring decent eye candy. Hop the break for a (decidedly two-dimensional) press release.
Vizio Internet Apps adds Hulu Plus and Blockbuster On Demand
Vizio's already rolled out a whole range of new TVs that include Vizio Internet Apps, and it's now announced a bit of a bonus to go along with them -- both Hulu Plus and Blockbuster On Demand have been added to Vizio's roster, and will begin rolling out to all VIA-ready TVs this week. Both apps will also be headed to VIZIO 3D Blu-ray Players with Wireless Apps, but they'll apparently have to wait a bit longer. As Vizio notes, those are just two in a series of recently announced additions to the platform, which will also soon include MOG, OnLive, Namco Bandai, Skype and Vimeo, to name a few. Head on past the break for the complete press release.
Blockbuster partially reaches back to the 90s, announces 3-day in store rentals with tiered pricing
Right on the heels of announcing that its on demand service was available on over 100 devices, Blockbuster has officially reduced in-store rentals periods from five to three days and established new pricing tiers. "Just arrived" Blu-rays and DVDs now cost $4.99, making them competitive with Redbox on a cost per day basis, especially when you consider the red vending machines must wait for up to 28 days later in some cases to get newer titles. Recent releases in circulation longer than six weeks cost $2.99 along with frequently rented "Top Picks," while older, and less popular titles -- think Weekend at Bernies -- have bottomed out to $0.99. According to company rep Patty Sullivan, these changes should help Blockbuster "continue to be a competitive force in the media business" and "simplify the rental experience." That sounds a lot like the same stance it took with the now dead no late fee scheme -- but who's keeping track? It also still seems expensive for frequent movie watchers compared to Netflix's basic $10 a month plan, which includes one rotating mailed disc along with unlimited streaming. So call us crazy, but somehow we don't see this move solving the company's bankruptcy woes anytime soon.
Blockbuster On Demand now available on more than 100 devices
Blockbuster may be in bankruptcy proceedings but at least it has a little to celebrate, as Blockbuster On Demand is now available on more than 100 different devices. Just this month it popped up on the Oppo BDP-93, WDTV Live, Toshiba BDX3000, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Continuum and others. Of course, the brand doesn't have the same cachet it once did now that we're in the era of iTunes, Amazon, Netflix and Hulu but it's good to see a true multiplatform offering continue to roll along, details are in the press release after the break.
WD TV Live media players gain Blockbuster on Demand, USB wireless keyboard support
It's not like anyone could predict the media streamer war that would erupt in 2010, but it looks like Western Digital's taking things pretty seriously. The company has just issued a somewhat major overhaul for its WD TV Live Plus and WD TV Live media players, adding Facebook support while also giving US-based users the ability to instantly rent or purchase movies via Blockbuster on Demand. Post-firmware update, users will also be able to tap into Deezer (an on-demand music service), Flingo (another internet TV portal) and AccuWeather (a place that "forecasts" what's happening in our "atmosphere"). Potentially more important than all of that, however, is the addition of USB wireless keyboard support -- simply plug in a USB wireless dongle that ships with most every wireless keyboard out there, and you'll be free to update your Facebook status or search for "Bed Intruder Song" through YouTube, all from the comfort of your sofa. Huzzah!
Western Digital stuffs 1TB HDD into Live Hub networked media streamer
WD's no stranger to the media streaming game, but things apparently just got serious. Gone is the My Book-esque design that has been used on all of the units prior, and in is a sleeker, sexier box that's quite clearly designed to slip right on top of your existing cable set-top. The WD TV Live Hub is easily Western Digital's most feature-packed streamer yet, with a 1TB HDD within for storing who knows what locally. There's also an Ethernet socket for pulling down content via the web or your local network, and a pair of USB ports allow for storage expansion or transfers. Naturally, it'll handle Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Blockbuster on Demand and UPnP / DLNA streaming to your favorite game console, but the lack of inbuilt WiFi (it's available via an optional adapter) puts a mild damper on an otherwise fantastic sounding product. It's available immediately around the globe, with Americans able to snag one for $199.99 directly from WD or at Best Buy. Update: Looks as if Desktop Review has a lengthy review on this guy, along with a slew of user interface shots. The botto line? It's the best player yet from the company, though the price tag did present a bit of sadness. Hit it up for the full skinny. %Gallery-105974%
Toshiba brings WX800 and VX700 HDTVs stateside, BDX3000 3D Blu-ray player this month
Remember that slate of drop-dead gorgeous Toshiba HDTVs that emerged at IFA? They're back, and they're making a beeline for a living room near you. Provided that "you" are in "the US of A," that is. Just as we expected, Tosh has come clean with the US variants of its LED-based Cinema Series, with the flagship WX800 models (46- and 55-inches) getting 3D Resolution+ technology, 240Hz processor, inbuilt 802.11b/g/n WiFi, the company's own Enhanced NET TV service, Yahoo! widgets (score!) and a native 1080p panel. The lower end VX700 series (again, 46- and 55-inches) is meant for those content with 2D imagery, but they still retain the connected features along with two USB ports, an SD / SDHC card slot and DLNA support. Lastly, the BDX3000 3D Blu-ray player that we've been holding out for finally has a ship date, and it's soon. Within a fortnight, the aforesaid player will be out and about on US shelves for $249.99, representing a $50 premium over the 3D-less BDX2700. Check out the full list of details embedded after the break. %Gallery-102328%
Blockbuster On Demand comes to select Philips Blu-ray players
Movie lovers connected to Blockbuster from the days when renting involved begging mom for a ride to the store can take heart knowing the company is still expanding its On Demand service. Specifically the company has added two Philips Blu-ray players, the 5320 and 7320 (both of which scored Netflix back in January), to its short list of supported streaming hardware. Will this move turn the tide for the ailing company whose streaming claim to fame involves offering new releases on the same day as their Blu-ray and DVD release? Probably not, but at least it does show the brand isn't ceding the platform fight to Netflix and the recently announced Hulu Plus just yet. Read the press release after the jump.
T-Mobile launching 21Mbps webConnect Rocket, HTC HD2 next month
During Deutsche Telekom's press conference this morning at MWC, Cole Brodman -- T-Mobile USA's CTO -- went on record with the news that it'll be launching its first 21Mbps HSPA+ USB modem next month across the country, the webConnect Rocket. Of course, there isn't a lot of live 21Mbps footprint in T-Mobile's network right now -- in fact, only Philly is fully operational -- but there should be plenty more cities from coast to coast where you can enjoy DSL-shaming wireless speeds later this year. That might not be the most exciting news, though: Brodman also finally fessed up to the HD2 (unbranded version pictured above), which will be exclusive to T-Mobile in the US. It's arguably pretty bad timing in light of the Windows Phone 7 Series announcement yesterday, but a huge win nonetheless -- the phone is a legitimate beast. Like the webConnect Rocket, it'll be hitting in March, though exact dates and prices for either have yet to be revealed. Update: T-Mobile had previously hinted that there's be some surprised in store for the US release of the HD2, and indeed, there are; it's got Blockbuster On Demand integrated for downloading movies directly to the device, a Barnes & Noble eReader app for enjoying the Nook's digital library right on the phone, and -- for some reason we don't fully appreciate -- Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen bundled on the included microSD. Full PR after the break -- and reader Qasim points out that T-Mobile's HD2 website is now live as well.
Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere
Just as promised, the (still SD only) Blockbuster OnDemand service is now available on a slew of Samsung hardware via firmware update, while the Internet@TV lineup (LCD and Plasma HDTVs Series 650 and above and LED HDTVs Series 7000) has a brand new toy with the Amazon VOD Yahoo! widget (which does support HD.) Both services offer a slew of rental and/or purchase options for the digital delivery fanatic, though we still hunger for the audio and quality of VUDU plus the all you can eat goodness of Netflix Watch Instantly, of the millions of TVs out there, there's surely someone willing to sift through those menus for the ease of viewing Ghosts of Girlfriends Past without resorting to cable VOD -- or getting up from the couch. The "convenience" goes both ways, since they'll also be able to pick up compatible Samsung blu-ray players at Blockbuster stores, right next to the TiVo section -- check for exact model #s supported in the PR after the break.
Blockbuster On Demand goes live on TiVo boxes
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.
Blockbuster announces cable VOD tie-ups, expanding CinemaNow OnDemand deal
As a part of its "transformation to a Multi-Channel Brand" Blockbuster continues to use its name recognition to reach new markets, simultaneously trumpeting the success of a partnership with CinemaNow, resulting in Blockbuster OnDemand on Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, as well as other hardware and soon, Motorola phones, while also easing into the cable video on-demand arena. In deals with Suddenlink and Mediacom via their VOD provider, Avail-TVN, they'll start off slowly by rebranding parts of their VOD service under the Blockbuster name, do some cross-promotion and then eventually take their relationship to the next level by allowing customers to search the rental giant's Blu-ray and DVD library for movies that might not be on VOD right now. The old dog seems willing to try anything to get back on top, but alone or all together, it's tough to see these strategies restoring the customer base Netflix and Redbox continue to eat away.Read - Blockbuster Enters Strategic Alliance With Cable Operators Suddenlink Communications and Mediacom Communications
Blockbuster plans to part with 960 retail stores by end of 2010
Seriously, Blockbuster can't seem to get a break. In a recent SEC filing, the company identified 18 percent of its retail outlets it deemed unprofitable and announced plans to close up to 960 stores by the end of 2010. That's divided into up to 685 by the end of this year and the remaining 275 the year after, but the filing continues to say that up to 1,560 locations, or 22 percent of its total retail coverage, could end up falling the wayside. Another slide indicates how the company sees itself going forward, with an expansion of kiosks and its Total Access subscriber base, and putting OnDemand in "nearly every connected device." Of course, if this brings Blockbuster back to profitability as it expects to be, then more power to it, but it's clear that the one-time king is fighting wars on a number of sides and has a long way to go if it intends to stay afloat, much less reclaim its crown. [Via CNET]
Blockbuster partnering with Motorola for OnDemand movies
Once upon a time Blockbuster could do no wrong, but lately its various schemes have felt, well, rather desperate. The launch of the Blockbuster Mediapoint set-top box largely fell on deaf ears, and what about the "talks" with mobile manufacturers we first heard about way back in 2007? Well, at least it looks like the latter is amounting to something. If all goes according to plan, the company's OnDemand digital download service will soon be available on select Motorola cell phones. There is no word yet on which devices will be supported, or when this will all go down, but all the same we can't help but wonder if this will amount to a much needed revenue source for the company, or just another of its painful death throes. [Via Phone Scoop]
Blockbuster OnDemand en route to Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and home theater systems
Questionable longevity or no, Blockbuster's taking some strides to get itself firmly into the video on demand business, and this latest announcement will go a long way with that. The company announced that it's integrating its OnDemand service into Samsung HDTVs, home theater systems, and Blu-ray players starting Fall 2009. Better still, those with LED HDTVs series 7000 or above, LCD / Plasmas series 650 or above, and select 2009 Blu-ray players / theater systems can get the service later via firmware update. It's still got a ways to go if it wants to catch up to Netflix, but every little bit helps, right?
Blockbuster OnDemand coming to TiVo
Looks like TiVo's gone all Switzerland on us by announcing plans to add support for Blockbuster OnDemand to its Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL boxes -- plus the older Series2 hardware that Netflix missed. Due in the second half of 2009, the marketing deal will put TiVo's on the shelves of local rental outlets and put Blockbuster's service in front of many new users. So far its $4 per movie SD fare has failed to impress, we'll see if it can keep up with the competition when they're on the same box, while TiVo's managed to carve out a position squarely in the middle of the digital download revolution, with Blockbuster, Netflix, CinemaNow and more already available, it could be the big winner in this streaming battle, full press release is after the break.
