Blockbuster OnDemand coming to TiVo DVRs

(Credit: Blockbuster/TiVo)

Blockbuster will become the latest Internet video-on-demand service to appear on TiVo DVRs.

The two companies announced late Tuesday that they are working to make Blockbuster's service available on all TiVo Series2 and Series3 DVRs (including the HD and HD XL models) in the second half of 2009.

The announcement marks the first non-PC device to support both Blockbuster OnDemand and its archrival, Netflix. TiVo DVRs also support Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Jaman, and some Disney movies via CinemaNow.

In addition to Blockbuster's online video service being available on TiVo, Blockbuster will sell TiVo hardware at its stores. The companies will also launch a joint marketing campaign. Blockbuster, meanwhile, already offers its own movie rental set-top box, the 2Wire MediaPoint.

[Macajuel]

so erm..........is there a valid reason why Blockbuster's service can run on Tivo's Series 2 units but Netflix is limited only to Series 3? I'd love to have Netflix on my Series 2 box but was told that a codec issue prevented Series 2 compatibility.

[Stormspace]

Blockbuster's service must not be a streaming a service like Netflix, but more of a download service like Amazon Unbox. Thus they don't need to use highly compressed codecs to deliver a seamless experience since the video would be stored locally. It's a brilliant move on Blockbusters part since they'll be able to cater to the entire TiVo community and not just Series 3 units. BTW, Netflix required a subscription and a rental model like Blockbuster does not.

[Macajuel]

Good answer Storm..........thanks for the insight. Quick question though............shouldn't it be theoretically possible to solve codec compatibility issues with a firmware upgrade?

[karl6423]

I to have a series 2 tivo and want netflicks to be able to download to the series 2 tivo's. Im sure at tech support can think of a way to make it possible. Work on it guys we know you can do it.

Wonder if this will be available/supported on the new TiVo/DirecTV box coming later this year.

[BtmnHatesRbn]

How about, oh, I don't know, run on my game systems instead? Oh, wait, with the download limits ISPs started doing, I think I'll wholly pass on this entire service.

[fcz1]

Hopefully some competition with Amazon Unbox will bring some rental prices down.

[jpfalcone]

Alas, the studios tend to set the pricing for movies and TV shows, so competition doesn't usually come into play here. Most online rental and sale prices are the same (on a title by title basis), regardless of where you're buying them. That's why Netflix's "all you can eat" plan is such a big delineator.

[funkyboot]

I'm still on a Tivo Series 2 and I hate to say it, but I might have to drop my Netflix subscription in favor of Blockbuster because of this. It's a shame that they can't get Netflix working on Tivo Series 2 DVR's, because this will almost definitely have me switching online video rental services.

[Macajuel]

I'm almost with you there except for the fact that I went ahead and got me a Roku Netflix box.......I doubt I'd be leaving the service anytime soon.

[fcz1]

I am with you, especially since my Series 2 has a lifetime subscription.

[funkyboot]

Macajuel, thought about the Roku (even considere replacing my Series 2 with a Series 3 or even an X-Box 360), but in the end, I want fewer devices not more.

[OA69]

If you are using your Series 2 with cable, then the use of a Series 3 will definately mean less devices. There will be no need for the Cable Box in addition to the Tivo Unit. The one Series 3 serves as both. But if you have a lifetime subscription, Tivo does not let you transfer the subscription over to the new Series 3 box. They permitted it for a limited time and claim that it will not be offered again.

[jpfalcone]

Question to you Series2 guys: I totally understand why you want to hold on the box for as long as possible (especially if you invested in a lifetime subscription). But I'm wondering if and when you have plans to transition to an HD solution (TiVo or otherwise)?

[fcz1]

I have an HD DVR with my cable company as well as my Series 2. For recording tv in HD, I use the cable box/DVR. I use the Series 2 for shows I don't care that much about or aren't available in HD. I also use the Series 2 for other media applications... namely downloading movies from Amazon and streaming my iTunes library from my computer in a different room of the house. It doesn't get used that much, but because of the lifetime subscription, I keep using it.