Blockbuster, 2Wire Intro Digital Media Player

Blockbuster Inc. (BBI) and home gateway vendor 2Wire Inc. today launched a media player that enables customers to view the DVD rental chain’s new and classic movies on their TVs, the latest in a growing list of service-specific devices for content access.

For a limited time, the duo says, the 2Wire MediaPoint unit is available free with the advance rental of 25 BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND movies for $99. After that, movies cost as little as $1.99 each. The players will begin shipping in time for the holiday season.

Blockbuster has been trying to evolve past its core business of carry-out DVD rentals, in what some have characterized as a too-little-too-late effort given the number of TV VoD and online movie access options. The development also raises questions as to what the chain will do with its huge network of stores.

“We are bringing Blockbuster, and the thousands of movies in our digital library, straight to customers' televisions," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster chairman and CEO, in prepared comments. “The player is simple to use, delivers DVD quality video, and there's no monthly subscription commitment.”

The duo claim the player works with any broadband connection using built-in Wi-Fi or via Ethernet cable, to deliver the hottest new movies, classics, foreign films and television shows from the BLOCKBUSTER digital library.

Like the TiVo Inc. DVR launched about a decade ago, the 2Wire player includes fast-forward, rewind, and pause capabilities. The movies can be played right away or saved to watch later. Additionally, the player supports HD video content and can be connected to HDTVs.

The player can be integrated into home entertainment systems through composite cable, HDMI, component cable, or Toslink.

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