WILL TiVO SAVE BLOCKBUSTER :: THE STOCKS HAVE IT :: NETFLIX FEELS THE PAIN

Blockbuster shares spiked today according to a report sent out by TheStreet.com.  Shares of Blockbuster were rallying 9.3% to 80 cents, and TiVo was rising 2% to $7.12. Shares of Netflix, meanwhile, were down 2.9% to $42.18. (Change: -2.39 | -5.50%)

Yesterday, a Press Release was issued by Blockbuster Corporate that announced that they will make on-demand videos available to TiVo users in an apparent attempt to compete with NetFlix, in the wake of issues surrounding NetFlix’s “Watch Now” service, which they say stems from ISP throttling, in home congestion, MAC/PC and general connectivity issues, but I personally don’t like Silverlight as a plug in, especially since there is no elegant roll-back option once installed, and it really is a pain in the rear to get into the various browsers I use in the first place.  (Just take a look at the Installation Forum for Microsoft Silverlight!)

The Blockbuster on-demand service “will be integrated into TiVo Series2™, Series3™, TiVo HD, and TiVo HD XL DVRs. The move by two leaders in home entertainment will make it even easier for all broadband connected TiVo subscribers to download Blockbuster’s content and enjoy a complete television entertainment experience on their individual schedules using TiVo, the best and most comprehensive single solution for delivery and simple, intuitive navigation of broadband, broadcast, and cable content – all from one remote control.”

The release goes on to say, “TiVo DVRs will be sold at thousands of Blockbuster® stores nationwide as well as online at blockbuster.com, giving both companies new distribution outlets and putting TiVo DVRs and BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand front and center of where video shopping takes place. Additionally, the companies will implement a cross-marketing campaign.”

What do you think???  Comment now!