Blockbuster launches film downloads from Internet

Times Dispatch ^ | 29 Dec 2008

[DGHoodini]

I am feeling dubious about these claims. Also, that “must view in 24 hrs from start” requirement, is unsatisfactory to me. I’ve tried many of these sites that offer DLs, and free or not, they all have to one degree or another, gone choppy on me. Certainly not inspiring a will to pay a monthly fee.

[TomGuy]

Between Netflix and the web streamers such as Fancast.com, Veoh.com, and Hulu.com, I’m not sure the $1.99-$3.99 will work very well.

Itunes has had pay-downloads for a while.

BB might be better off to follow Netflix’s example: a set fee with the option to download/view as much as the viewer wants.

Also, the expiration terms make the BB/Itunes downloads less desirable. I am not sure whether Netfix’s downloads have expiration dates.

[TomGuy]

The idea of sitting in front of a computer monitor to watch a movie doesn’t appeal to me. I’m sure someone more tech savvy will tell me that there’s a way around this.

Piece of cake.

I have the main pc wired. I have a laptop in the living room that accesses internet via wireless router. I have a relatively new HD TV that has a video port. I have a long video cable that goes from the laptop to the TV. Thus, the TV acts as a big screen monitor via the laptop and wireless internet.

:)

[Brookhaven]

“NetFlix will always be two steps ahead of Blockbuster. Hopefully NetFlix will upgrade the quality of their downloads, though. I don’t know about the XBox downloads, since I haven’t tried that yet, but the Watch It Now quality for computer is terrible.”

You must have a slower internet connection (they adjust the quality based on your internet speed.) Do you run Cable or DSL?

I’ve notice the quality over a decent cable connection is about as good as a typical DVD on most movies. The movie quality does vary. I’ve noticed a few older films/documentaries that look like they were captured from a VHS tape (the version of Ben Hur they have online comes to mind.) Overall though, the quality is pretty good. As good as regular cable.

[Publius Valerius]

They can stick it where the sun don't shine - 4 bucks a download - get real.

Indeed. This is unbelieveable; I can't believe they even took this to market. Two movie rentals a month and I've paid for the Netflix service, which is unlimited.

What a joke.

[Publius Valerius]

That’s a good idea. I didn’t know you could return them anywhere.

[LiberConservative]

Do you ever have any problems with Netflix? I frequently get delays when I try to watch online.

[LibLieSlayer]

I've been Blu since it was first introduced and I will never go back to DVD or even PPV. I gave away all of my DVD collection to my local rural library.

LLS

[DGHoodini]

Not unless you’re willing to wait 20 hrs for a movie to download. Forget streaming.

[Publius Valerius]

self destructing DVD that walmart or best buy tried.

Circuit City. If Wal-Mart or Best Buy would have been behind it, it might have taken off.

[antiRepublicrat]

Netflix are at risk from larger better funded companies trying to steal their video on demand marketshare.

Netflix have an advantage in that they're hooked up with Microsoft to stream through the XBox 360. They're pretty much set unless Microsoft turns against them, which has been known to happen.

[Vermont Lt]

I work out of a home office. I use Netflix almost like a TV on in the background. Queue up a movie, let it run. Better than the radio or the TV.

[antiRepublicrat]

I will NEVER buy it if I cannot hold it in my hand and use it whenever I want... they can jam this download Pay Per View you know where!

Netflix is it if you don't mind renting. For the $16 or so a month you get to have three hard-copy movies out at a time. You also get to stream as many movies as you want whenever you want through an XBox 360 for no extra charge, except that's currently limited to a selection of about 15,000 movies.

[longtermmemmory]

mid to high end TV’s can easy run as the second monitor to a comupter system.

There are even “ahem” workarounds which will allow you to burn the movie to a dvd and just watch it off your good ol’ dvd player.

[Red in Blue PA]

When delays happen (very infrequently), they are usually for 20 seconds or less. Couldn’t be happier with the service. Perhaps if you are having frequent delays, it is because of your Netflix location; server overload in your area? Or check your speed rating with a net tester such as speedtest.

[LiberConservative]

My connection speed is fine, about 6MB/s. I watch reruns on Hulu, Sci-Fi channel, ABC, etc. I only have trouble with Netflix. I guess I'll call them if it happens again.

[webschooner]

I have the main pc wired. I have a laptop in the living room that accesses internet via wireless router. I have a relatively new HD TV that has a video port. I have a long video cable that goes from the laptop to the TV. Thus, the TV acts as a big screen monitor via the laptop and wireless internet.

Thanks for that! Our two PC's and one laptop are already set up that way, so I think I'll sign up for the Netflix and give it a go. Anything else I need to know for this setup, or does that cover the basics?

[longtermmemmory]

Blockbuster is the John McCain of movie delivery.

[giotto]

If you want HiDef, nothing can beat the free OTA broadcasts of your local TV stations.

I live in a valley surrounded by mountains, so I don't get any OTA TV. That's the only reason I have satellite TV.

[TomGuy]

Anything else I need to know for this setup, or does that cover the basics?

You will need an extension audio cable from the laptop to the TV, in addition to the video (RBG) cable, to get sound to the TV. Otherwise, you could use speakers on the laptop. (I bought a set of USB plug-in speakers for my laptop at Walmart for around $12. They don't need any external power, so they work great with the laptop.)