Blockbuster Working on Set-Top Box

An anonymous reader writes "According to the Hollywood Reporter and news.com, Blockbuster will soon be announcing yet another reason not to go to a rental store. A media-delivering set-top box is in the works for the company, leveraging the store's existing competence in the industry to provide a viable alternative to iTunes, Xbox Live, and Amazon. 'There was no mention of price or how such a service would work in the report. But let's think about this: to compete with Apple TV or Vudu, the device would have to cost around $200, and rentals of movies and TV shows should be around $3 to $4 each, which would be slightly cheaper than rentals of new releases from Blockbuster currently. The big advantage Blockbuster would enjoy over Apple TV, Vudu, and TiVo, it seems, would be selection.'" I still think they're kinda doomed.

Comments

hooray!

[sneakyimp]

I can't wait to start paying late fees when my computer can't download their movies fast enough due to my poor broadband service!

existing competence?!

[Eil]

the store's existing competence in the industry

C'mon, am I really going to be the first one to point out the hilarity of that phrase?

Its sure to fail

[PPH]

Just like every other set top box on the market.

With these newfangled flat panel TV sets, none of the boxes stay on top of the set. They all fall on the floor.

Re:Doomed by the integrated computer

[urcreepyneighbor]

Sort of like Napster is now for all "compatible" music players. Bullshit! Napster isn't compatible with my Dixie cup and string!