Verizon Subscription Streaming?
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, December 9, 2011 · 
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It was widely reported on December 8 that Verizon was planning a Netflix-type killer service. Described as a subscription on-demand video service featuring films and television episodes, the new service started to take on additional intrigue when it was revealed that Verizon is in discussions with RedBox.
RedBox, recognized for providing a simple, user-friendly and low-cost kiosk service, also has been rumored to have a streaming service under consideration. The Verizon element adds fuel to the probability fire. Information provided by Verizon indicates that the service will be totally Internet based and will likely support Apple’s iOS platform, Android, Google TV, XBox, Roku and other streaming boxes and browsers.
If the rumors are true that launch is planned for mid second quarter 2012, Verizon will need to get busy putting TV show deals together.
For more, see this Reuters article.
Blockbuster Reports Q1 Loss
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, May 14, 2010 · ·
Blockbuster, working hard to increase revenues from its multichannel distribution service, came up short in the first quarter of 2010. The DVD rental service reported a loss of $65.4 million compared to a profit of $27.7 million for the same period the previous year.
Citing encouraging discussions with financial and strategic partners as well as a 28-day advantage on competitors Redbox and Netflix, Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said that the company has “achieved a number of goals to establish a significant competitive advantage going forward.” Read more