USA: Samsung partners with Blockbuster to deliver OnDemand entertainment

Blockbuster logo

And that could mean an end to finding the last copy of that latest film has just been snaffled by someone else, or forgetting to return it on time.

Samsung Electronics America has just announced a deal with entertainment rental chain Blockbuster, which will see owners of new Samsung TVs, systems and Blu-ray Disc players streaming movies via the Blockbuster OnDemand service.

Using the system, it'll be possible to buy or rent a movie, and just press 'play' to have it streamed into your home via your internet connection. The service also delivers trailers and details of movies direct to the player, system or TV, without needing a home computer in the chain.

Samsung says the Blockbuster OnDemand service will be integrated into new US-market BD players and TVs within a few months, and owners of a range of recent Samsung TVs, home cinema systems and TVs will be able to add it via a firmware upgrade, or a downloadable Blockbuster OnDemand widget.

And it looks like the deal is a win-win for both sides: while Blockbuster gets into homes via Samsung equipment, ready for the time of year when consumers may be less inclined to take a trek to their local store to get a movie, Samsung gets an attractive add-on for its products and an additional sales outlet.

Well, thousands of additional outlets, actually: Samsung Blu-ray Disc players with integrated Blockbuster OnDemand will be sold through Blockbuster's stores across the States, as well as online at blockbuster.com.

Latest in Streaming & Entertainment
Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 9, 2023. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
IPL live stream 2025: how to watch Indian Premier League cricket online from anywhere, teams, schedule
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
George Benson Give Me the Night album cover
This Quincy Jones-produced disco tune has become my go-to test track – and taught me a valuable lesson about hi-fi, too
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Google TV Streamer video streamer
Google TV Streamer
McLaren’s Lando Norris leads a restart on a wet track at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne
Chinese Grand Prix 2025 live stream: how to watch the F1 online from anywhere – Lights Out!
Latest in News
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Vertere DG X turntable in black finish
Vertere's gorgeous DG X turntable features significant updates for a more refined performance overall