Blockbuster Tuesday said it would begin offering its OnDemand video services through some Samsung electronics and televisions, a move that expands Blockbuster's reach beyond the traditional movie rental options at its brick-and-mortar Blockbuster stores.
Blockbuster's branded OnDemand movie service will be integrated into Samsung's online-enabled HDTVs, home theaters and Blu-ray players, according to a statement.
The new Blockbuster OnDemand movie services will be available starting in fall 2009, and Blockbuster will also sell some Samsung products through its stores. Customers that have some models of Samsung LCD or Plasma HDTVs -- including Samsung Series 650 and Samsung Series 7000 -- only need firmware upgrades to access the Blockbuster content, according to Samsung and Blockbuster.
"This agreement underscores the growing opportunities around digital delivery and the plan to make the Blockbuster brand as available on screens as it has always been on storefronts," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster's Chairman and CEO, in the statement. "The Blu-ray players Blockbuster will feature represent the perfect bridge between physical stores and digital delivery by providing streaming digital access to the newest hit movies and high-definition Blu-ray product, which is available in our stores and through Blockbuster By Mail."
Much like Netflix and other competitors have done, Blockbuster has pushed into the on-demand content space in an effort to keep its brand steady. Blockbuster already partners with Vizio and TiVo. Netflix earlier this week announced an agreement with Sony for streaming video plans over Sony's Bravia brand -- a move seen to counter upstarts like a dollar-a-day service Redbox. Netflix also partners with Microsoft, LG Electronics, Roku, TiVo, Vizio, and, yes, Samsung.
"Samsung constantly seeks ways to provide greater value to consumers through innovation and connectivity," said Tim Baxter, President of Samsung Electronics America, in the statement. "Our strategic alliance with Blockbuster means that we will provide consumers another significant avenue to access rich content and a great viewing experience."
