IT news

Blockbuster recently announced the launch of its new MediaPoint digital media player. Manufactured by 2Wire, this set-top box gives consumers the ability to instantly stream thousands of TV shows and movies directly to their television. The player features built in ethernet and Wi-Fi as well as support for HD video content. The MediaPoint digital media player is available now as part of a $99 package which includes the device as well as 25 movie rentals.

Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B), a leading global provider of media entertainment, and 2Wire, a provider of integrated broadband solutions, today introduced the 2Wire MediaPoint(TM) digital media player, an easy-to-use, on-demand video solution that offers movie fans instant access through their television sets to BLOCKBUSTER(R) ONDEMAND content, including thousands of titles from the latest movie releases to classic favorites.

Beginning today, for a limited time, the MediaPoint digital media player is available free with the advance rental of 25 BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND movies for $99 at http://www.blockbuster.com. Unlike subscription-based services, which typically offer movies years after their release, BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND includes hot new releases, many available within weeks of leaving theaters. After the initial 25 rentals, movies are available for as little as $1.99 each. The players will begin shipping in time 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 Chairman and CEO. "The player is simple to use, delivers DVD quality video, and there's no monthly subscription commitment. We are delighted to team with 2Wire to give consumers this great entertainment product."

Easy to install, the MediaPoint digital media player works seamlessly with any broadband connection, either wirelessly via built-in Wi-Fi or wired via Ethernet cable, to deliver the hottest new movies, classics, foreign films and television shows from the BLOCKBUSTER digital library. With full fast-forward, rewind, and pause capabilities, the viewing experience is DVD quality, no matter the speed of the broadband connection. Movies can be played right away or saved to watch later. Additionally, the player supports HD video content and can be connected to HDTVs.

"To be successful, a broadband video offering needs to deliver movies that people want to see, in the quality they expect, with minimal setup requirements," said Pat Romano , chief executive officer of 2Wire. "BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND and the MediaPoint digital media player give movie fans what they want. We are thrilled to help bring this service to the living room, providing immediate access to high quality movies directly on the television set."

The MediaPoint digital media player is extremely compact -- about the size of two boxes of movie candy -- and can be integrated seamlessly into home entertainment systems through composite cable, HDMI, component cable, or Toslink.

    Technical Details
    In the Box
    -- 2Wire MediaPoint Digital Media Player (8" x 8" x 1")
    -- Quick Installation Guide
    -- Power Adapter
    -- Composite A/V cable (supports SD viewing)
    -- Remote Control
    -- AAA Batteries

    Video and Audio Connections
    -- Composite
    -- Component *
    -- HDMI*
    -- Stereo Audio
    -- Toslink (digital optical audio)*

    Network Connections
    -- Ethernet*
    -- Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)

    *cable must be purchased separately