Print
In an attempt to better compete with streaming giant Netflix, Blockbuster this week announced a new deal to begin transmitting movies to TiVo users.
"This relationship with TiVo is step one in getting into the places that consumers care about," says Kevin Lewis, Blockbuster's senior VP for digital.
As part of the deal, Blockbuster will start selling TiVo DVRs in its retail stores later this year. However, neither company was willing to divulge how many of Blockbuster's nearly 4,000 stores will participate. Nor is it known what movies will be available, as "The studios and we are trying to figure it out," Lewis added.
Due to begin in the second half of 2009, Blockbuster's OnDemand will feature content to both buy and rent, and will be integrated into TiVo Series2, Series3, TiVo HD, and TiVo HD XL DVRs, Blockbusters says.
Barring any changes, TiVo owners with Blockbuster accounts will pay up to $4 to rent a movie and then have 30 days to begin watching. Subscribers will then be given a 24-hour window. Alternately, movies will be available for sale at up to $20 a pop, but DRM will prevent subscribers from copying purchased content over to DVD.
Links:
[1] http://www.maximumpc.com/user/paul_lilly
[2] http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2009-03-25-blockbuster-tivo_N.htm
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/technology/internet/25video.html
[4] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/tivoization_a_creeping_menace_or_not_a_big_deal_really
[5] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/field_streams_netflix_streaming_invades_tivo
[6] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/daily_news_brief_blockbuster_bumps_up_online_pricing_again
[7] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/blockbuster
[8] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/movies
[9] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/netflix
[10] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/streaming
[11] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/tivo
[12] http://www.maximumpc.com/articles/news
[13] http://www.maximumpc.com/user/login?&commentfragment=comments_top_anchor