Blockbuster has finally got into the game of online movie delivery direct to the TV with the MediaPoint set top box, made by 2Wire. It’s clearly an attempt to claw back some market share from Netflix, which will let you stream movies to your Mac, PC, Xbox 360 or TiVo and, most importantly, the Roku box.
Rather than just copy Netflix, though, Blockbuster has an interesting take on the service. First, the box is "free". You buy 25 movie rentals for $100 and Blockbuster gives you yet another box to perch on the tower atop your television. Second, there’s no subscription fee — movies will start $2 a pop, and you’ll have 30 days to watch them. Once you start watching, you have to finish up within 24 hours. This is similar to the model Apple uses for iTunes movie rentals.
What about the hardware? The MediaPoint has Wi-Fi (b and g), ethernet, HDMI out along with composite and optical and it will work with Hi-Def movies.
Of course, Blockbuster’s online offering is much smaller than that of Netflix, but as Ars Technica points out, the movies it does have are truly outstanding. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, anyone?
Still, the unit is essentially free, so why not grab one? Those who really don’t want any more living room clutter should hold out a little longer. Blockbuster is planning on another Netflix-a-like move soon: The company wants to get this service inside Blu-ray players, the PS3 and the Xbox 360.
Blockbuster takes on Netflix with new set-top box [Reuters]
Blockbuster releases set-top box with à la carte rentals [Ars]
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