As we've also mentioned in some of our previous articles, more and more content distribution companies are entering partnerships with various consumer electronics manufacturers, namely those companies actively developing all sorts of Internet-connected devices. And this is exactly the case with Blockbuster, which has just announced a new partnership with Korean company Samsung, the main target of this deal being the delivery of digital content directly via select new Samsung HDTVs, home theater systems and Blu-ray players.

The new service will be available in the fall of 2009 and, as part of the agreement, Blockbuster OnDemand will have preferred positioning on the Blu-ray interfaces.

The BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand service provides comprehensive on-screen search and browsing capabilities, as well as full details, ratings, trailers, and other information about each movie directly on the television, eliminating the need for customers to manage a viewing queue on their PC. Once a customer rents or buys a movie, they simply press play to begin instant viewing. Blockbuster's adaptive streaming technology ensures quality viewing with immediate and uninterrupted playback.

"This agreement underscores the growing opportunities around digital delivery and the plan to make the BLOCKBUSTER brand as available on screens as it has always been on storefronts. The Blu-ray players BLOCKBUSTER will feature represent the perfect bridge between physical stores and digital delivery by providing streaming digital access to the newest hit movies and high definition Blu-ray product, which is available in our stores and through BLOCKBUSTER By Mail," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster Chairman and CEO. "We look forward to working with Samsung to showcase their select products in Blockbuster stores while making Blockbuster's digital library available in homes across America."

Of course, it remains to be seen just how popular such a service would ultimately prove to be, especially taking into account the multitude of such options currently available on the market, but I guess that only time will tell that.


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