Samsung adds Blockbuster, Amazon on-demand video services
Tired of playing wallflower while other TV brands did the streaming-movie tango, Samsung today hit the dance floor with deals with both Blockbuster and Amazon to bring their respective on-demand movie services to select Samsung TVs, and in the case of Blockbuster, Blu-ray players and home-theater-in-a-box systems (HTIBs).
We've been waiting several months for Blockbuster On Demand, the video giant's streaming movie service, to appear on Samsung TVs, but weren't aware the service would be rolled out to other Internet-enabled devices. The deal with Amazon was also a surprise, as the company offers Netflix's instant-movie service on some Blu-ray players.
The Blockbuster On Demand service, which requires a firmware update, will be available on all Internet-enabled Series 650 and above LCD and plasma TVs, plus Series 7000 and above LCD models with LED backlights. In addition to the TVs, the service can be added to three Samsung Blu-ray players—models BD-P1600, BD-P3600 and BD-P4600—and Samsung’s HT-BD1250, HT-BD3252, HT-BD7200 and HT-BD8200 HTIB systems.
To use the service, you need to register your account, provide credit-card information, and then pair the account to your TV or player. According to a press release issued by the companies, once you rent or purchase a movie it can be viewed on several registered devices, at least within the time limitations of the rental. For example, you could order the movie via a Samsung Blu-ray player in the living room, then finish watching it on a Samsung TV in the bedroom. Movies can also be ordered via PC—for example, from work—and immediately become available for viewing by someone at home. Streaming movie rentals will generally cost $3 to $4, while purchases will typically be in the $8 to $20 range.
The service will reportedly include on-screen search and browsing capabilities, movie synopsis and ratings, plus trailers and other information about each movie. You can access Blockbuster On Demand by choosing the Internet@TV feature on Samsung TVs, or by clicking a color-coded button on remotes for Samsung Blu-ray players and home theater systems. Once a movie is rented or purchased, it should start playing immediately.
To get Amazon Video On Demand, owners of Series 650 and above LCD and plasma TVs and Series 7000 LED LCD models can download a free Amazon widget using the Internet@TV Content Service feature on their HDTVs. Once the widget is activated, you can browse, search, rent or purchase movies and TV shows directly from Amazon's On Demand service.
We've tried out Amazon's service on a Panasonic plasma TV, but haven’t yet had a chance to update the Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players in our labs to check out Blockbuster's offering. If you have an eligible TV or player, let us know about your experiences with Blockbuster On Demand and whether it lives up to your expectations. —James K. Willcox
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