Netflix came under a lot of heat when it announced plans to separating its DVD service and re-brand it Qwikster. But after nearly unanimous disapproval, the company has decided to shelve those plans, and will keep DVD-by-mail a part of the Netflix brand and website. Read More »
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Dish Network unveiled its new streaming and DVD service, Blockbuster Movie Pass, Friday. But those who thought it would be positioned as a Netflix killer will be sorely disappointed: Despite earlier speculation, at launch, Movie Pass will be strictly to the satellite operator’s pay TV service. Read More »
Dish Network could soon take on Netflix in the subscription streaming space, with a new service offered through Blockbuster. The service is expected to roll out next month, as Dish seeks to take advantage of Netflix’s recent price hike and steal angry customers away. Read More »
Netflix subscribers are still unhappy with the company’s price change, which increases the cost of unlimited streaming and one DVD out by 60 percent. The good news is that the number who will unsubscribe altogether is likely overstated due to the emotional response to the change. Read More »
Blockbuster is trying to take advantage of outrage over Netflix’s recent price increase with a new campaign aimed at courting its users. But once their 30-day trial is over, new Blockbuster subscribers will be paying $2 more a month than if they had stayed with Netflix. … Read More »
Zediva launched a service to stream DVDs to users’ web browsers. That raised the ire of Hollywood studios, which sued it for copyright infringement. Now Zediva has filed its response, claiming that it is no different than other DVD rental services from Netflix or Blockbuster. Read More »
Dish Network unveiled its first cross-promotional deal with the Blockbuster assets it just picked up in a bankruptcy auction. Under the promotion, Dish will provide three months of free access to Blockbuster’s DVD-by-mail service to any new subscribers of its satellite TV service. Read More »
TiVo is adding more cable content to its DVRs, announcing a deal to bring Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand library to its menu of options. With 22.8 million subscribers, Comcast provides a huge user base for TiVo to target with a more-integrated DVR offering. Read More »
With adaptive streaming technology in its set-top boxes, access to digital rights and the Blockbuster brand, as well as some spectrum that could be used for wireless broadband services, Dish could be well-positioned to roll out new, IP-delivered video services. Read More »
Now that Dish owns Blockbuster, it will try to build a profitable business from the ailing video rental store. Digital will be a part of Dish’s plans, but CEO Charlie Ergen said it wouldn’t compete with Netflix, in part because Netflix is already too big. Read More »
Dish Network could keep as few as 600 retail Blockbuster locations open, a strategy that highlights the importance of the video store’s digital rights. Those rights, along with some spectrum it got in the acquisition of DBSD, could help Dish expand its streaming video services. Read More »
Dish Network won an auction for embattled DVD rental firm Blockbuster, ending long-running bankruptcy proceedings that have led to store closings and layoffs. But Dish has some major challenges ahead in its plan to make the acquisition pay off in the long run. Read More »