Blockbuster is finally making an aggressive move against Netflix. The perennial movie-rental chain has partnered with 2Wire to launch the 2Wire MediaPoint digital-media player. It’s Blockbuster’s version of an on-demand video solution that gives movie watchers instant access to Blockbuster OnDemand substance through their television sets.

Blockbuster is pulling out all the marketing stops to gain traction in the marketplace. The MediaPoint digital-media player is available free with the advance rental of 25 Blockbuster OnDemand movies for $99. After the initial 25 rentals, movies are available for as little as $1.99 each. The players will start shipping in day for the holiday season.

“The MediaPoint digital player, featuring Blockbuster OnDemand, is entertainment made easy. We are bringing Blockbuster, and the thousands of movies in our digital library, straight to customers’ televisions,” said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster’s chairman and CEO. “The player is simple to use, delivers DVD-quality video, and there’s no monthly subscription commitment.”

No Subscription Attached

As Keyes stated, there is no monthly subscription commitment — an vital consideration, considering that Netflix does charge a monthly fee for movie rentals. Blockbuster is additionally touting newer movie releases than its competitors, making some titles available within weeks after they stop showing in theaters.

“Blockbuster’s offer looks like a marginally better deal than what Netflix offers,” said Phil Leigh, senior analyst at Inside Digital Media. “If you subscribe to 25 movies you get the box for free, whereas at Netflix you have to buy the Roku box for $100. At the same date, Blockbuster doesn’t tell you precisely when they are going to ship it, other than to say before Christmas.”

While the uncertain ship period may cause some would-be buyers to hold on to their money — or spend it somewhere else — that holiday season, 2Wire does have a solid track record in the industry. Leigh…

Original post by dhiram