Movielink

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Movielink is a web-based video on demand (VOD) and electronic sell-through (EST) service offering movies, TV shows and other videos for rental or purchase. The service is a subsidiary of Blockbuster Inc. Movielink draws its content offerings from the libraries of Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Buena Vista Pictures (including Miramax), Twentieth Century Fox, Koch Entertainment and others on a non-exclusive basis. While it is only available to users in the United States, it was the first company in the world to offer legally downloadable movies.

In general, movies obtained through Movielink can only be viewed on a computer or a TV connected to a computer. However, consumer electronics devices such as the Xbox 360 game console also allow users to more easily view these digital media on a traditional TV screen.^[1] Also, Movielink has deals with certain set top box companies to offer its movies downloaded directly to people's TV's (including AT&T's Homezone product).^[2] Experimentation with other business models is underway, including a feature which would allow users to purchase, download, and burn a DVD of a selected film.

Movielink uses digital rights management software from Microsoft and RealNetworks to protect their content. Consequently, compatibility is limited to Intel-based computers running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP,or Vista and Windows Media Player version 9 or later.^[3] Also, the service is currently available only to residents of the United States. ^[4]

They offer daily weekday specials for under 99 cents, and certain films for half price every week.

On June 1, 2006, it was revealed that Movielink's initial investors; a joint venture of Paramount (owned by Viacom), Sony, MGM, Universal (owned by General Electric and Vivendi), and Warner Bros. (owned by Time Warner), were looking to sell the company. ^[5] This came shortly after numerous studios announced intent their to work with a range of potential Movielink competitors, such as Amazon.com, Apple Computer, BitTorrent Inc., Jaman and Microsoft Xbox.

On August 8th, 2007, Blockbuster purchased Movielink. According to the 8-K filing by Blockbuster, the total purchase price was $6.6 million. The deal will include content agreements thus giving Blockbuster access to one of the largest libraries of downloadable movies. With the acquisition of Movielink, Blockbuster could be positioned for media content delivery in brick and mortar rentals, DVD by mail, and now online delivery of movies.^[6]