Rumour Mill: Blockbuster to Launch Streaming Movies

Posted Apr 13, 2008 by ■ Chris Hogg in Technology 4 comments

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With the Internet downloads threatening to choke retail movie rental profits, it's no surprise Blockbuster is now rumoured to be considering a direct-to-TV download service a la Netflix.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the company has been secretly working on a set-top device that will allow customers to stream films directly to their TV sets. The announcement is expected to come later this month.

Blockbuster declined comment, but a spokeswoman for the company said: "We're talking to numerous companies and vendors about products, services, alliances and initiatives that can help us achieve our mission to transform Blockbuster into a company that provides access to media content across multiple channels -- from our stores, by mail, through kiosks, through downloading, through portable content-enabled devices-- so it's not surprising that there are rumors out there."

The device would join a growing roster of devices that aim to bring broadband video to the living room, including Apple TV, which hasn't quite seen sales match the hype surrounding the product (HR 3/27). Blockbuster rival Netflix also has indicated that it will compete in this market with a similar device being created with LG Electronics.

Do you think the announcement comes too late for the retailer to effectively compete against the well-established Netflix and the powerful distribution channel Apple has with iTunes?

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Comments (4)

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Posted Apr 13, 2008 by ■ David Silverberg
#1

It's too late for Blockbuster. Playing catch-up is a fool's game and I don't think Blockbuster has enough online cred to win over film fans. People would rather go to Netflix, which stakes its reputation on its Web applications. Sorry, Blockbuster, too little too late.

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Posted Apr 13, 2008 by ■ Chris Hogg
#2

@■ David Silverberg
It's too late for Blockbuster. Playing catch-up is a fool's game and I don't think Blockbuster has enough online cred to win over film fans. People would rather go to Netflix, which stakes its reputation on its Web applications. Sorry, Blockbuster, too little too late.

You think so? Even if they are able to promote it in the thousands of locations they have? Their web of physical locations that could promote this would make for a very strong marketing platform.

There are millions of people who know about Netflix, and millions who don't know it.

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Posted Apr 13, 2008 by ■ Chris V. Thangham
#3

@■ Chris Hogg
You think so? Even if they are able to promote it in the thousands of locations they have? Their web of physical locations that could promote this would make for a very strong marketing platform.

There are millions of people who know about Netflix, and millions who don't know it.
There may be some migration, but there are too many products like these and doesn't work other products. I doubt anyone will spend money for this setup boxes. If the TV becomes a web connected one, they can then stream movies to TV.

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Posted Apr 13, 2008 by ■ Chris Hogg
#4

@■ Chris V. Thangham
If the TV becomes a web connected one, they can then stream movies to TV.

Totally agree with that.

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