As expected, TiVo has gone ahead and launched Blockbuster’s Video On Demand service on Series 2 and TiVo HD DVRs. Rental prices range from $2.99 to $3.99. Like Amazon VOD, anything you download expires within 24 hours of video playback. Also, you must watch your download within 30 days or else the program will automatically be deleted.
If you’re ready to start bringing home movies from BLOCKBUSTER without leaving your house, here’s how:
* Create or login to your account at
www.blockbuster.com/tivo/activate. Make note of your BLOCKBUSTER user name and password.
* On your TiVo DVR, go to TiVo Central > Video on Demand > BLOCKBUSTER.
* Browse BLOCKBUSTER on your TiVo DVR and find a movie you want to rent. You’ll be prompted with instructions to link your BLOCKBUSTER and TiVo accounts.Remember, you will need your BLOCKBUSTER user name, your BLOCKBUSTER password, and your TiVo.com password to complete the account linking.
Personally I won’t be using this offering mainly because it doesn’t currently offer HD content and I tend to shy away from standard def programing. Also, I’ve been extremely happy with both Netflix Watch Instant and Amazon VOD. Both of these services satisfy my streaming and video on demand needs. That being said, I’d love to hear what you have to say about this new offering. Feel free to leave a comment or go ahead and hit me up on Twitter.
I’m one of the many Series 2 Tivo owners out there… I’m happy to see Blockbuster On Demand on the Series 2 (though I don’t plan on using it, because I don’t like pay-per-view) and I can’t figure out why Netflix Watch Instant isn’t available on the Series 2. I went out and bought the Roku Player which I’m perfectly satisfied with, but I’d be even happier to get rid of an extra box and remote and use my Tivo for Watch Instant viewing.
I have been using Amazon VOD since it was Unbox and have generally enjoyed the service. I think it is unlikely that I will use Blockbuster for one simple, yet minor reason. Amazon VOD doesn’t charge me sales tax, but Blockbuster does. It seems a small amount of money, but why pay more for the same service? I rent often enough that over the course of a year that could be $10-20. I understand that taxes are subject to the law, but why would I use a service requiring sales tax, when I can get the exact same service without it.
I’ve tried it and it works just as well as Amazon. I figure, why not have another source for watching ppv movies? It only costs money if you want something, and BBV has a different selection of movies than Amazon. As far as the high-def issue goes, I view on a 61″ high def screen, and the picture looks great! Maybe not as good as full-on high-def, but much better than standard.
There seem to be a little better selection on Blockbuster but fewer HD movies.