
The device is believed to be a standalone product akin to Apple TV, as opposed to embedding a Blockbuster-branded service in such existing devices as Microsoft's Xbox 360 or TiVo. But by offering a home-based alternative to its stores, Blockbuster risks cannibalizing its core brick-and-mortar business in the hope that its brand will be a force online.


The product would be an offshoot of Movielink, the online-film service Blockbuster acquired last year that allows consumers to watch films licensed from the major studios on their PCs.ĭelivering movies to TV might be the most audacious attempt yet that Blockbuster is making to reinvent its brand as digital delivery weakens the viability of its retail footprint. Blockbuster rival Netflix also has indicated that it will compete in this market with a similar device being created with LG Electronics. The device would join a growing roster of devices that aim to bring broadband video to the living room, including Apple TV, which hasn't quite seen sales match the hype surrounding the product.
CREATING A MOVIE FROM FILE SPY CIPS PORTABLE
The home video giant is developing a set-top device for streaming films directly to TV sets and is expected to announce the offering sometime this month.īlockbuster declined comment, but a spokeswoman for the company said, "We're talking to numerous companies and vendors about products, services, alliances, and initiatives that can help us achieve our mission to transform Blockbuster into a company that provides access to media content across multiple channels-from our stores, by mail, through kiosks, through downloading, through portable content-enabled devices-so it's not surprising that there are rumors out there."

Apple TV is getting some competition from Blockbuster.
