Blockbuster Unveils Streaming Movie Player

According to a company press release, Blockbuster has collaborated with 2Wire to introduce the 2Wire MediaPoint digital media player, which enables users to instantly stream thousands of movie titles and watch them directly on their TVs.

The release continues by saying that the MediaPoint player is available at no extra charge upon the advance rental of 25 Blockbuster OnDemand movies for $99. At the moment, roughly 2,000 films, including new releases, are available for streaming.

Reuters reports that when users download a movie (for $1.99), they have 30 days to watch the movie—once viewing commences, the movie must be completed within 24 hours.  The report adds that unlike Netflix’s streaming service, users do not have to subscribe to Blockbuster’s DVD-by-mail service.

The Blockbuster press release goes on to say that the media player uses a broadband connection via built-in Wi-Fi or via Ethernet cable. When connected to an HDTV or home theater system, the player can deliver video signals via composite, component, or HDMI interfaces and audio signals via Toslink or HDMI. The company claims that the viewing experience offers DVD quality and allows users to pause, rewind, and fast-forward. The player also supports HD video content.

Reuters reports that the service is an extension of Blockbuster’s movielink.com Web site, which offers about 10,000 rental films for download. Movielink.com indicates that come December 15, the Web site will no longer be available but the service will be available at blockbuster.com. Current users’s information will be migrated to the Blockbuster site.

For more information, visit blockbuster.com.