In a move to compete with Netflix, Blockbuster on Tuesday announced a deal with Samsung Electronics to bring on-demand content to home theaters. The companies have joined forces to give consumers access to Blockbuster’s library of premium digital entertainment content on select new Samsung HDTVs, home theater systems, and Blu-ray players.
As part of the agreement, Blockbuster will showcase Samsung products in its stores and on blockbuster.com. In exchange, Samsung will give Blockbuster OnDemand an advantage over rival Netflix with preferred positioning on Samsung’s Blu-ray interfaces.
Blockbuster Chairman and CEO Jim Keyes said the agreement underscores the growing opportunities around digital delivery and carries the video-rental pioneer one step forward in its plan to make its brand as available on television screens as in its stores.
“The Blu-ray players Blockbuster will feature represent the perfect bridge between physical stores and digital delivery by providing streaming digital access to the newest hit movies and high-definition Blu-ray product, which is available in our stores and through Blockbuster By Mail,” Keyes said.
Accessing Rich Content
The Blockbuster OnDemand service offers features that may be attractive to home-theater users, including on-screen search and browsing capabilities, full details, ratings, trailers and other information about each movie directly on the television. The function eliminates the need for customers to manage a viewing queue on their PC. Once a customer rents or buys a movie, pressing play begins instant viewing. Blockbuster’s adaptive streaming technology offers immediate and uninterrupted playback.
“Samsung constantly seeks ways to provide greater value to consumers through innovation and connectivity,” said Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America. “Our strategic alliance with Blockbuster means that we will provide consumers another significant avenue to access rich content and a great viewing experience.”
The partners expect to have the Blockbuster OnDemand service integrated into new Samsung Blu-ray Disc players and…