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Swine Flu good for gaming in Mexico
As if the rampant window plasticizing and complete blanketing of nighttime news with Swine Flu stories weren't bad enough, USA Today is reporting that Mexicans are flooding markets before a five-day quarantine begins in Mexico. The good news? People are renting games (and, ya know, buying other stuff) by the boatload, with the newspaper reporting "residents are snapping up DVDs, renting video games and stocking up on food." We contacted a few American Blockbuster outlets and asked the folks on the other end of the line how business has been lately, and if they've seen an uptick in game rentals over the past couple of weeks. "No, actually, it seems kinda slow ... I guess maybe people are afraid to come out or something," we were told by an employee at the chain in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Calling another store in Madison, Alabama yielded vastly different results, where an employee told us, "The past couple of days it's increased. I think it definitely has to do with the Swine Flu worries." While these testimonials do little for our theory that more folks are renting games in the States for the same reason, it's quite possible that us brazen Americans are simply turning a blind eye to the clear signs of end times. Hell, we're still planning on going to E3 2009 and that's a month away! We could all be dead by then! [image]
Blockbuster voices "substantial doubt" about ability to survive
As depressing as it is to see an American icon come this close to collapse, is it really any surprise? While the world kept turning, Netflix kept reinventing itself and movies found their way onto the internets (legally), Blockbuster sat still... and that's putting things nicely. Sure, it tried the whole movie set-top-box thing, but no on will argue that it went about things the wrong way. In a recent SEC filing, the company made perfectly clear that there was serious risk that it wouldn't be able to refinance its crushing debt load in order to stay afloat for a wee bit longer; in fact, it noted that said quandary raised "substantial doubt" about its "ability to continue." 'Course, hampering its Total Access rental plan and promising less stock in-store doesn't exactly sound like a brilliant plan to be successful, but maybe yesterday would be the best time to completely revolutionize its business and go online only. Just an idea, is all.
Blockbuster to bring content to Apple
On a January day in 1981, my sisters and I experienced unbridled glee when our father came home with a shiny new VCR. Imagine: Movies. In our own house. Whenever we wanted. What a world! It was an enormous, top-loading hunk of metal and plastic that I'm sure is currently at the bottom of a Pennsylvania landfill. The VCR's arrival spawned the movie rental shop, the biggest of which (In Scranton, anyway) was Blockbuster. Today, services like On Demand, Netflix, Hulu and to a lesser extent Apple TV have forced them to re-think their business model, and they're getting into the video on demand business as well. According to AppleInsider, Blockbuster's vice president of digital entertainment Kevin Lewis recently told Reuters that they're going to make downloadable content available to TiVo customers soon, and Apple after that. That's all the detail we've got, but we'll assume he meant the Apple TV and iTunes. We'll keep an eye on this story and keep you updated.
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.
Blockbuster hamstrings Total Access rental plan
You know what the last thing a losing company should do? Something that makes even more of its customers jump ship. As Blockbuster looks to cut costs and buy fewer DVDs from studios, the company is also hoping that Total Access customers don't notice a tiny change (posted in full after the break) in the fine print. Up until now, Total Access customers could swap their by-mail rentals in store for a DVD that didn't count against their maximum out-at-a-time number; starting right about now in most locations, "all free movie in-store exchange rentals will count towards the number of DVDs you are allowed out under your Total Access plan at any one time." Of course, it also removed the return date limitation on all movies rented in-store while still a paying Total Access subscriber, but clearly the cons outweigh the pros here. Anyone considering Netflix now that Blockbuster has pulled a fast one?[Thanks, Michael]
Blockbuster to cut costs, buy fewer DVDs from studios
Maybe we're way off our rocker here, but it seems like every quarter Blockbuster is trying something new to get its business out of the dumpster. We've heard everything from potential mergers to boosted rental prices to yes / no on enhanced digital delivery, and now we're hearing that it'll be slashing costs by offering less of what you want more of. While the company saw same-store sales increase 4.4 percent in Q4 and 6.4 percent for the full-year 2008, it still managed to post a $435 million loss on an impairment charge for the most previous ending quarter. In order to shave costs, we're hearing that it'll be buying fewer DVDs from studios and lobbying for "better revenue-sharing participation from movie studios and video games publishers." In reality, though, we see all of this as just a band-aid for a stupendously large gash; it's going to take a serious overhaul for Blockbuster to survive the next decade, and buying a few less discs ain't it.[Via TomsPayde]
Ask Engadget HD: Netflix or Blockbuster -- best by-mail rental service?
Ah, the question we've been waiting for has finally arrived. With the economy leading more and more individuals to search for entertainment at home, many are wondering which movie rental service to sink their hard-earned dollars into. Take it away, Brandon: "I'm looking to subscribe to either Netflix or Blockbuster for movie rentals, but I wanted some input from current users first. Which service is superior? Has anyone used both? I'm talking about the by-mail option, there aren't enough new releases available online for me to worry about. A little guidance, please?" We know, it'll be difficult to quell your fanboyism here, but let's try to stick with facts and figures, okay? Has Blockbuster and / or Netflix treated you right / wrong? Let's hear it!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Blockbuster integrates games into Total Access subscription [update]
Blockbuster announced today that it will begin offering game rentals as part of its Total Access online movie rental service. The company will start a pilot program during its second quarter, with a goal of implementing the integrated system nationally by the second half of the year. Essentially, Blockbuster is trying to morph Total Access into a Netflix meets GameFly offering. The question: Will the quality of service be as high as the two go-to names in the field?Several details on how this program will work are missing from the company's press release. We've contacted Blockbuster and will hopefully speak with them soon. We'll update as soon as we hear back.Update: We talked to Bob Barr, vice president and general manager for Blockbuster Online. He answers our questions after the break about the service and the possibility of integration with PS3.
Blockbuster takes a hint, makes push for better digital distribution model
It's no secret that the movie lovers of the world are leaning more and more towards that instantly gratifying digital download option, and judging by Q4 numbers, we'd say Netflix has done a better job at exploiting that demand than rival Blockbuster. In a move we're honestly thrilled to see happen, the latter firm is apparently waking up and attempting to play catch-up. Here in the past week Blockbuster has hired on former Philips executive Kevin Lewis as Senior Vice President of Digital Entertainment, a spot that'll be responsible for "strengthening commitment to multi-channel entertainment delivery." Additionally, Robert Barr was selected as VP to Blockbuster.com, a move that signals the company's seriousness about getting its online division formidable. As easy as it is to kick the guy that's already down, no consumer in their right mind wants Netflix running this show solo -- there's a word for that type of situation, and it ain't good for your wallet.[Image courtesy of Manda Mia]Read - Kevin Lewis hireRead - Robert Barr hire
Blockbuster's MediaPoint player reviewed: unsurprisingly disappointing
C'mon -- you could tell from the product description that the 2Wire-built BlockBuster MediaPoint player would be a disappointment, now couldn't you? A full month and change after getting unboxed, the latest entrant in the surprisingly meaty movie set-top-box arena has been reviewed by the AP. You know things are headed south when the reviewer starts off by stating that "three similar devices he tested over the past two years were all better than the MediaPoint." In fact, he straight up called BlockBuster out for not being at least as good as units that came out years ago. What could possibly be so wrong, you ask? You can't fast-forward or reverse content until a download is complete. The on-screen interface is downright "unattractive," and it even looks blurry on HDTVs. The remote is said to be "cluttered with cryptic buttons." Oh, and the critic couldn't even figure out what content was in HD and what was in SD. We'd elaborate further, but there's really no need.
Blockbuster, Sonic Solutions team up for online movie delivery
Oh, Blockbuster -- what will we ever do with you? After first launching that branded MediaPoint box that all of four people purchased, you're now waltzing into the digital distribution party a few months late. According to a somewhat ambiguous report issued this morning, the movie giant has teamed up with Sonic Solutions in order to "give consumers access to a vast library of premium digital entertainment across a wide assortment of home and mobile electronic devices." In other words, those kosher with downloading content via Sonic's existing CinemaNow products and the like can soon have Blockbuster material on their handhelds, laptops and LCD-equipped threads. At least initially, BB will still be selling this material on a pay-per-view type system, though a subscription model could be implemented (read: should be implemented) shortly.[Via CNET]
Yahoo! recaps a day of setting the Internet-on-TV movement on fire with Widgets
Okay Yahoo!, we're sorry we teased, we give up, you win. After what certainly seemed on this end to be an endless run of HDTV manufacturers announcing support for the Widget Engine today -- and serving up a hefty slap in the face to Microsoft and others who've been moving the Internet to TV movement for some time now -- all we can do is look over the carnage. Signed up on the app side of platform formerly known as Konfabulator are content providers like eBay, MySpace, CBS, Blockbuster OnDemand (in its first off-2Wire MediaPoint appearance), Netflix, Showtime, USA Today and Twitter, while the Widget Development Kit has opened up to developers interested in putting their apps on the screens of millions. Hardware should street starting this spring from the likes of Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio leaving the biggest question mark as how the competition and their clumsy external boxes can possibly respond.
Vizio takes the cover off Connected HDTV: Netflix, Blockbuster, Amazon, Yahoo! and more
Netflix streaming is one thing, but Vizio seems to be taking its new status as a premium HDTV manufacturer very well, with the new Connected HDTV platform featuring support for Yahoo! Widgets, Flash, Blockbuster OnDemand (!), Flickr, Pandora, Rhapsody and Accedo Broadband. Due Fall 2009, owners can feel free to go wired or 802.11n style to connect to any of these services in HD, if supported. Clearly missing? Yahoo!, Media Center Extender, but the 2H 2009 fight of Internet-ready televisions is on - set-top boxes better watch their back.
Blockbuster selling oodles of HD DVDs for $7.99 a pop
Missed out on those fire sales held right after HD DVD's funeral, did you? Fret not, as Blockbuster is looking to make the most of your HD DVD player purchase. As of now, the rental outfit is selling over 300 HD DVD titles at just $7.99 each, which gives you a perfect excuse to blow that Christmas cash before 2008 is even over. In related news, Frys is offering up an Xbox 360 HD DVD player along with HD DVD box sets of Heroes: Season One and Battlestar Galactica: Season One for just $49.99. Better hurry on that one, though -- the deal's up at the stroke of midnight.[Via HighDefDigest]Read - Frys dealRead - Blockbuster sale
Check your local Blockbuster for buy one, get one free sale
According to the folks at NeoGAF, your local Blockbuster may be a bottomless well of golden gaming bliss right now. Up until January 5th, Blockbuster is holding a buy one, get one free promotional offer on games. If it's priced at $14.99 or lower, then it qualifies for this sale. According to some of the folks in the GAF thread, there's plenty to be had. We advise you check your local store to see what's in stock, because the GAFfers seem to be finding some steals.
Blockbuster aims to boost rental prices, not fret over expanding digital delivery
It's not tough to say what ails Blockbuster, but it's incredibly hard to see what will turn it around. As the world at large decided to pass up renting from brick-and-mortar locations in favor of by-mail renting or digital downloads, Blockbuster remains stuck in 1983. We already had a clue that it may be jacking rates up further to help with near-term financials, and now those increases are all but set in stone. CFO Thomas Casey noted at a conference in Santa Monica that it would be focusing on "boosting rental prices over broadening its digital delivery service," which is quite amazing given that the outfit just pumped out its own movie set-top-box not two months ago. Oh sure, digital delivery is a much smaller market than the DVD rental sector, but how exactly does Blockbuster plan on raking in revenue with higher prices? It's not like it's about to undercut Netflix.[Image courtesy of Wired]
Engadget Podcast 120 - 12.05.2008
We're back, and better than ever! After a quasi-relaxing Thanksgiving break, the Engadget Podcast is on the scene and strutting like 1970's disco dancers. Enjoy the soothing sounds of Josh, Paul, and Nilay this week as they discuss Nokia's newest smartphone entries, the Peek email device, Blockbuster's foray into streaming movies, and lots and lots of personal stuff that no one has ever heard before. Side note: Josh is suffering through mic problems and had to resort to his internal mic -- if you have any good suggestions for a USB mic or headset, let us know in comments! Otherwise, enjoy the 'cast! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, and Nilay Patel Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Snow 01:51 - Nokia N97 hands-on part II: the reckoning 31:18 - Nokia E63 hands-on 37:45 - Peek handheld: $49.95 for "today only" 51:08 - Blockbuster joins the movie set-top-box game with 2Wire MediaPoint player Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
Switched On: Blockbuster box boxes blocks to bust
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. January 2009 will mark the first anniversary of Apple's switch in positioning Apple TV from something that transferred computer-based content to a PC to a video vending machine that allowed direct ordering over broadband. In doing so and cutting a few dollars off the price, the company became the leader in a small category of products exclusively focused on displaying networked content. However, it's been far from alone there. The installed bases of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, which offer similar functionality, far exceed those of Apple's little box. Recently the long-delayed SlingCatcher came out of the gate, which -- with a little finagling on a PC screen-- can display virtually any video content available via broadband on a television using its SlingProjector technology.Vudu, a startup that had launched a similar a la carte device, has pushed deeper into the custom installation channel as of late. And CinemaNow, which had partnered with HP on its MediaSmart televisions and standalone device, was recently purchased for $3 million by Sonic Solutions. The acquiring company likely has designs on using the service to support its at-home DVD burning technology QFlix.And on the low-end from Roku -- the roots of which were as a developer of PC-stereo bridging products -- has come a nondescript box that streams movies from Netflix for $99. A year before MovieBeam finally had its plug pulled, its receiver device was available for even less than that.
Microsoft and Blockbuster hook up to offer mobile media content
Just about a year ago today we heard whispers that Blockbuster was shopping hardware manufacturers to launch a mobile video service. Leveraging Microsoft's Live Mesh network, Blockbuster hopes to get video out to average joe consumer's portable media device -- which we will assume includes Windows Mobile sets -- initially through Airport kiosks that'll offer quick downloads while you wait for your flight. Blockbuster's CIO, Keith Morrow went on to say "Eventually, we'll give customers instant access to any movie on any device with an Internet connection and a screen" and to that we say, cool beans! This all seems to still be in the demo-app stage, and while we know these ventures really have to fight to get consumer attention, we're sorta hoping this takes off.
MediaPoint Blockbuster movie set-top-box gets unboxed
The 2Wire-built MediaPoint box has a long ways to go before it's widely viewed as a formidable opponent to the Roku Netflix Player, Xbox 360 or the number of Netflix-enabled Blu-ray players. That said, we're always down for a fun unboxing, and this one's coming to us courtesy of Mr. Dave Zatz. Upon firing it up, he didn't have the greatest experience with Ethernet, but things seemed to get going with WiFi. Granted, he has yet to actually enjoy any material on this here movie STB, but that's likely because he was busy hosting up a litany of photographs for your enjoyment. Speaking of, the whole gallery awaits you in the read link.
