Dish Network Unveils Streaming Video Service
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, September 26, 2011 · 
·
Last Friday, Dish Network unveiled its new streaming video subscription service that will capitalize on the Blockbuster brand. The new service, called “Blockbuster Movie Pass,” bundles many of the existing DVD-chain services with access to premium movie channels and Dish video-on-demand (VoD). It includes the following: Read more
Blockbuster To Offer Subscription Streaming
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 · ·
Though Blockbuster currently provides an “on-demand” streaming service, Dish Network confirmed on Tuesday that Blockbuster would begin providing a subscription streaming service. This will place it squarely in competition with Netflix.
Dish Network purchased the video rental company in April for $320 million. Blockbuster is equipped with a huge film library and a 28-day advantage over Netflix and Redbox for some new-release titles. Though no timeline was given, it is believed that the new streaming service will begin fairly soon.
Blockbuster’s Plan to Attract Netflix Customers
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, July 15, 2011 · ·
Dish Network’s Blockbuster video unit has initiated a limited-time offer targeted at Netflix customers unhappy with the recent price changes unveiled earlier this week by Netflix.
Netflix customers that sign up will get a free 30-day trial after choosing one of the two most popular Total Access plans from Blockbuster. Once the trial is over, the monthly price will be $9.99 or $14.99–depending on which package is selected from the deal that launched on Thursday. Both packages use the traditional disc-by-mail plan with the caveat that you can go to the store to exchange titles. Blockbuster also provides films via streaming through its “Blockbuster On-Demand” to Internet-enabled devices or Blu-Ray and television sets.
Blockbuster isn’t competing with the new Netflix prices but does promote several differences in the services they provide. Read more
Blockbuster to Dish Network: Pay the Cashier
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 · ·
Dish Network announced early this morning that it had won the Blockbuster assets in the bankruptcy-court sanctioned auction.
The auction began in court early April 5 and then moved to a “closed door” session. Those bidding besides Dish Network included Carl Icahn who owns a considerable investment in Blockbuster and a group of liquidators and the aligned creditor group known as Cobalt Video.
What Will You Bid for Blockbuster?
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, April 4, 2011 · ·
April 4 is a big day for Blockbuster. The U.S. bankruptcy court has approved an auction where the highest bid will take the fading home video rental company. Blockbuster is currently reporting a $68.4 million loss for the first two months of 2011.
Bidders include Carl Icahn, South Korean Telecommunications company SK Telecom, Dish Network and Cobalt Video holdings, a group of hedge funds that put forward the February 21 $290 million bid.
Blockbuster is thought to be a potential “brand” for on-demand platforms sought by both SK Telecom and Dish Network. The Blockbuster licenses with movie studios and television producers would give either Dish Network or SK Telecom a competitive package to Netflix. One added advantage provided by Blockbuster is an earlier window on theatrical releases.
Blockbuster Files for Bankruptcy
Posted by Steve Fravel on Thursday, September 23, 2010 · ·
Movie rental giant Blockbuster Inc. filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy court in New York today. The move coincides with a $125 million debtor-in-possession loan through senior bond holders to maintain operations. It will reduce more than $1 billion in debt to approximately $100 million.
Details of the pre-packaged bankruptcy plan call for 11.75% of the senior secured notes to be exchanged for equity in the reorganized company after bankruptcy. Those who hold outstanding subordinated date, preferred stock or common stock will receive nothing.
Enhanced Sound Coming to Downloads
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, June 11, 2010 · ·
Yesterday, Sonic Solutions and DTS, Inc., announced that DTS, the multi-channel audio format, would be added to the RoxioNow platform as part of a partnership arrangement. The addition of the highly regarded DTS will allow retail partners Blockbuster and Best Buy to offer 5.1 channel surround sound on independent films, next-day television programs and premium movies. Read more