Blockbuster, TiVo Announce Partnership

ALVISO/DALLAS: Blockbuster is making its library of digital movies available directly to the TV set via the TiVo DVR.

Blockbuster OnDemand, featuring content to both buy and rent, will be integrated into TiVo Series2, Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVRs in the second half of this year. In addition, TiVo DVRs will be sold at Blockbuster stores nationwide as well as online at blockbuster.com.

"We are excited to be teaming with TiVo, the company that created the DVR, to make Blockbuster’s entertainment content readily available to their millions of subscribers," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster’s chairman and CEO. "Ultimately, our vision is to work with TiVo so that their subscribers can access movies not only through our OnDemand service but also from our stores and through our by-mail service as well. Regardless of a film’s availability—through VOD or on DVD—we want to work with TiVo to provide their subscribers unprecedented access to movie content."

"Joining with Blockbuster further distinguishes TiVo as a true universal solution for content providers, making it a one stop shop for any content thru broadband or linear distribution straight to the TV," added Tom Rogers, the president and CEO of TiVo Inc. "When consumers walk into one of the thousands of Blockbuster stores entertainment for the home is on their minds—it could not be more natural to have them exposed to the world of millions of entertainment possibilities for the home that the TiVo Service provides."