Blockbuster is coming out with a Set Top Box for its movie download service. :eek:

They had delayed launch last week

Here is the info

Http://www.blockbuster.com/ondemand

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
- more -
Blockbuster/2Wire
Page Two

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

Interested to see what they offer, even though I'll have the NF streaming to my XBOX on the 19th (and have it now through PlayOn)

Too bad BB is always playing catchup to NF.

wasn't this announced over 6 months ago? Blockbuster is playing catchup with itself...

Yep announced originally in April.

New info, release date will be week of November 24(according to my source) and will be sold in two stores in Dallas as well as on-line

Anybody seen some confirmed specs?

Got the information

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/11/2wires-mediapoint-hd-streamer-box-is-special-just-like-everybod/

This is what the Blockbuster player will be.

Box launched today

You can download the user manual here:

http://www.blockbuster.com/content/v.4.230.3.0/media/settopbox/2wire_STB_user_guide.pdf

Looks interesting!

It does look interesting, but don't even think about bringing this box into the conversation in the blu-ray blogosphere. With 1080i maximum video and only stereo sound (no 5.1 or better support) the BR fans will discard this thing, despite its attractive functionality.

Does anyone know, will this box support music and video streaming from a PC? 2wire web site says it can, with software, but Blockbuster doesn't mention it.

Also, does anyone know, do the 25 rental credit expire?

It does look interesting, but don't even think about bringing this box into the conversation in the blu-ray blogosphere. With 1080i maximum video and only stereo sound (no 5.1 or better support) the BR fans will discard this thing, despite its attractive functionality.

The hardware only has stereo output but digital sound output via hdmi and optical port could indicate DD 5.1 support.

It's not yet clear where the restriction is on lack of DD 5.1. It seems that the hardware may support it, however, the Blockbuster content doesn't.

With UPnP AV, DLNA and USB expansion this could provide some interesting functionality. Again, that support depends on Blockbuster.

It's not yet clear where the restriction is on lack of DD 5.1. It seems that the hardware may support it, however, the Blockbuster content doesn't.

With UPnP AV, DLNA and USB expansion this could provide some interesting functionality. Again, that support depends on Blockbuster.

On page 36 of the manual (page 41 of th pdf) when asked if they support 5.1 surround the answer is very terse - "The MediaPoint player provides stereo sound." This really doesn't make sense when the box comes with a full set of modern ports that could support a better sound quality standard. I hope they can improve on this with a firmware update in the future. You would not believe how upset some folks get when they rent a movie on Vudu and it only has stereo output.

Well, I demoed this set top box over the weekend. Now granted, I have a 50" Pio Kuro display and was looking for a quality picture. First off the unit only does at this point 480i, even though it has an HDMI connection. Second off it will only do sound in 2 channel stereo. We watched one movie and the PQ was poor, blurry, color balance was poor, and my husband even noticed the pixelation. I contacted the folks at Blockbuster and they were very nice and informed me they had 4 HD movies in their catalog. Got to be kidding. Needless to say, I have returned the unit and it's obvious they have a long way to go in development. Bottom line is if you have a small display, don't care about PQ or having surround sound, or maybe just want something basic in a bedroom, then maybe it's for you. But for me, it just doesn't cut it. I have no doubt I will become a Vudu customer very soon.

This is very interesting. I like it so much..

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-dntw.html

Purchased Vudu yesterday. Installation was a breeze. There is no comparison between Blockbuster and Vudu as far as picture quality is concerned. Vudu wins by a landslide. In fact, Vudu SD material looks better than Blockbuster's claimed HD. There are no hiccups with downloads and pixelation. Plus, why watch movies in 2 channel when you can have 5.1? No contest.

Purchased Vudu yesterday. Installation was a breeze. There is no comparison between Blockbuster and Vudu as far as picture quality is concerned. Vudu wins by a landslide. In fact, Vudu SD material looks better than Blockbuster's claimed HD. There are no hiccups with downloads and pixelation. Plus, why watch movies in 2 channel when you can have 5.1? No contest.

Apparently this is a dud due to Blockbuster's doing. It reminds me of Amazon Video On Demand on Tivo, very crippled for an A/V enthusiast.

The Blockbuster Mediapoint box has been out a while now, and this thread has been dead for a while, is anyone using this box?

Is it worth getting or not?

I ended up buying this POS. Very disappointing!

I had problems with it, and actually after owning it for months and using over half of my prepaid movies I called Blockbuster the other day and told them I'd had enough, this thing sucks and now my Samsung BD-P1600 blu ray player can download Blockbuster so please transfer my credits to that machine instead. They said they couldn't do that and after a little bit of complaining they are giving me a full refund after I return the unit!

If you've got one of these and are not satisfied give Blockbuster a call and see what they'll do for you.