TiVo Now Offering Over 100 Blockbuster Movies On Demand

TiVo_logo_outline_lg_RGB.jpgThey’ve been trialling the service for a few months already, but triVo have officially launched their movie on demand service in conjunction with Blockbuster, with over 100 films on offer.The service will include new release films to rent for $5.95, with older movies charged at $3.95. There’ll also be some free, advertising supported movies as well.

movies are said to be “DVD quality”, although that term is a bit loose. They also come with a 5.1 channel soundtrack, which is an attractive feature.

If you’re an Internode customer, these downloads are unmetered, although all other ISP customers will have to pay twice for the privelage of watching downloaded films.

TiVo also promise to expand the video on demand service over the coming months, so hopefully we’ll see a real competitor for the Apple TV in terms of legal video downloads for your TV screen.

Blockbuster Movies on Demand service launches on the TiVo platform with over 100 movie titles

Sydney, Australia, 30th April, 2009 – Hybrid Television Services (ANZ) Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensee of TiVo® products in Australia and New Zealand, today announced the launch of the Blockbuster Movies on Demand service on the TiVo platform. With over 100 DVD-quality films with true surround sound available at launch, this comprehensive movie download service is the first major broadband content service for Australian TiVo users.

The initial Blockbuster movie download service, launched on TiVo in December 2008, was purposely limited to one movie a week to help TiVo customers become aware of the role broadband can play in their TiVo experience beyond continual software updates and EPG data. The four month trial period allowed TiVo customers to learn about their broadband speed and capacity in preparation of the full service. Under that single movie a week service, more than 73 per cent of TiVo customers downloaded a collective total of more than 61 terabytes of movie content, clearly demonstrating demand for broadband content in the living room.

The movie service will provide ‘New Releases’ (in the video on demand new release window) charged at $5.95 per film and a great library of other all time favourites charged at $3.95. There will also continue to be a small number of films available for customers to sample at no charge (funded by sponsors).

Customers who have an internet service with Internode, Hybrid TV’s TiVo unmetered partner, will be able to download movies without paying additional data charges to their ISP.

Robbee Minicola, CEO of Hybrid Television Services commented; “The launch of the Blockbuster Movies on Demand service establishes a key milestone for us; the ability to enjoy DVD-quality movie content with true 5.1 channel surround sound downloaded straight into the living room with a TiVo media device. This service demonstrates you can have exactly what you want, when you want it…without any need for a monthly subscription fee. This broadband service launch is a fundamental milestone in TiVo’s evolution in Australia.”

Paul Uniacke, Managing Director of Franchise Entertainment Group (Blockbuster) added; “Movie downloads through the TiVo media device mark another delivery milestone for Blockbuster customers. Access to the latest must-see movies doesn’t get more convenient than the touch of a button.

Movies-on-demand will only grow in the coming months and years, as broadband speeds and capacities become greater. The Blockbuster Movies on Demand service through TiVo allows customers to control when and how they watch and consume the movies that they love.”