Blockbuster Moves to TiVo, Glares at Netflix

In a last-ditch effort to not be overrun by the digital age, Blockbuster has teamed up with TiVo to offer TiVo DVRs integrated with Blockbuster OnDemand. While not a risky move, we do think it's odd that both Blockbuster and Netflix (already an integrated partner) are both OK with this move since now the direct competitors will be even more directly competing. We don't judge, we only report and we think this may be one of the last lifelines Blockbuster can give itself.



Ok, we're judging. In what may be termed the "convulsive death throes" of Blockbuster's desperate fight to stay afloat, they have created a database of thousands of movie titles at blockbuster.com. Customers who purchase the TiVo Series2, TiVo HD, TiVo HD XL and TiVo Series3 models will be able to access the database from their home TV and will never have to leave the house again.

The new alliance of digital content will be available by the second half of 2009 when TiVo and Blockbuster will enter a cross-marketing campaign. TiVo will put Blockbuster on its models and Blockbuster will put TiVo DVRs in their stores (did anyone tell TiVo that the fact that DVRs exist kind of makes video rental stores irrelevant and the fact that TiVos will be sold in a movie rental store is somewhat hypocritical?).

Blockbuster offers their movies for $4 per standard definition movie and will have the option to both rent and buy movies. So we'll have to see how it fares when directly compared to Netflix. While you're waiting for the new TiVo models, check out these other tech news blog posts:

Porting Flash onto Google Android Smartphones (G1)

Android App Shows You What's on Store Shelves

The White House is Open for Questions

Video Game Advertising More Effective than TV Ads?