What did I say when the Blockbuster OnDemand service launched last year? I said something about not discounting the service because the company has a lot riding on it, that’s what. This partnership between Blockbuster and Samsung which will place the service on the majority of Samsung’s new video gear implies that the service broke through to the mainstream and is here to stay.
New Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and home theater systems should come with the service this coming Fall. The presser didn’t lay out exactly what models will be equipped with the service, but a gigantic logo will probably be somewhere on the retail box promoting the service. Don’t worry about delaying your HDTV purchase just for this feature though. Samsung LED HDTV 7000 series and above, along with LCD/plasma 650 series, and some 2009 Blu-ray players will also be able to run the service with just a firmware update soon.
This partnership will skyrocket Blockbuster OnDemand’s home penetration numbers. Samsung claims “millions” in the presser, but all I know is that this method certainly works better than selling consumers a dedicated set-top box.
Most people do not want another random A/V box sitting under their TV. I don’t. HDTVs are constantly increasing in computering power so they can certainly handle the task of displaying a GUI and streaming content.
I doubt that Blockbuster OnDeamnd will ever reach the install level of Netflix, but it doesn’t have to in order to be successful. Digital delivery is the future as physical media is quickly dying and as long as Blockbuster is in on the ground floor – like they are – the service should be around for a good, long time. The next step for Blockbuster OnDemand is to open up the API to developers so it can be used with popular apps like Boxee, Zinc, and XBMC.
I thought Samsung and Netflix were already in bed together. Or is that just every other TV manufacturer? If that is the case, then this could be a really bad move on Samsung’s end as all of us have Netflix memberships and I don’t know anyone anymore with a Blockbuster online (or store) membership.
And, Blockbuster also has an affiliate program
I haven’t seen advertising for blockbuster online in a long time (tv/internet/print ads included). But the fact that I can watch netflix via my xbox or laptop, even my gf has a Roku box. How is blockbuster going to compete, or is this a death shudder?
“will also be able to run the service with just a firmware update soon.”
I’d love to know what percent of consumers actually do firmware updates….something tells me its less than 0.001%, albeit growing slowly with the advent of more electronics (like mentioned in the blog) that rely on internet connections. Maybe next year it’ll grow to 0.01%
HDTV’s are very inexpensive online nowadays :-)
So I’m one of the .001% who do firmware updates. And since I currently get Netflix streaming movies on my Samsung Blu-ray player, I’m interested in the future of that relationship. The article fails to mention whether the Blockbuster deal is exclusive, and whether I need to worry about some future firmware update terminating my Netflix connection. What’s up with that?
A very shrewd partnership on the part of Blockbuster. This may be exactly what they need to resurrect their name and market share, BUT if it fails to gain the penetration they’re projecting I would venture to say Blockbuster may be over and done.
The sole reason I bought a Samsung Blu-Ray player was b/c it came with Netflix. Turns out, the wireless adapter wasn’t yet available, so I returned the player. I heartily believe that services are as important as the product itself. This is a good move.
Ever looked into the LG 390? We have one hooked up to wireless (and just an “ok” wireless signal) and it is great!
Its somewhat unfortunate that nobody really cares about this news.
Japanese companies are notorious for hedging, they have an agreement with Netflix also.
I’ve noticed a few Blockbusters in my area have closed down recently. I had no idea about the Samsung deal and just assumed the company were in dire financial straights..which perhaps they are. Or they are focusing their efforts, and money, on other ventures!
@Blahblah – “Japanese companies are notorious for hedging, they have an agreement with Netflix also.”
Samsung is a Korean company.