Movielink

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Movielink was a web-based video on demand (VOD) and electronic sell-through (EST) service offering movies, TV shows and other videos for rental or purchase. First available on November 11, 2002, Movielink drew 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 was only available to users in the United States, it was the first company in the world to offer legally downloadable movies from major studios.

In general, movies obtained through Movielink could only be viewed on the computer or a TV connected to the computer that the movie was purchased from. However, consumer electronics devices such as the Xbox 360 game console also allowed users to more easily view these digital media on a traditional TV screen.[1] Also, Movielink had 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 was underway, including a feature which allowed users to purchase, download, and burn a DVD of a selected film.

Movielink used digital rights management software from Microsoft and RealNetworks to protect their content. Consequently, compatibility was limited to Intel-based computers running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP,or Vista and Windows Media Player version 9 or later.[3]

They offered 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, Sony, MGM, Universal, and Warner Bros--were looking to sell the company. [4] This came shortly after numerous studios announced their intent 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 included content agreements thus giving Blockbuster access to one of the largest libraries of downloadable movies. With the acquisition of Movielink, Blockbuster was positioned for media content delivery in brick and mortar rentals, DVD-by-mail, and online delivery of movies.[5]

On December 16th, 2008 the Movielink website was shut down. The site was re-directed to the Blockbuster home page. All customers were notified 30 days in advance that all movies rented or purchased prior to the shutdown date must be downloaded by no later than 12/15/08 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time.

The domain name now redirects to Blockbuster's downloading service, which also features titles from IFC Films.

References

  1. ↑ "Movielink FAQ: How do I connect my PC to my TV?". Movielink.com. Retrieved 2007-08-10. 
  2. ↑ "Movielink - Watch Movielink on Your TV!". Movielink.com. Retrieved 2007-08-10. 
  3. ↑ "Movielink FAQ: What are the system requirements?". Movielink.com. Retrieved 2007-08-10. 
  4. ↑ Business Week, May 2006
  5. ↑ "Press Release: MultiVu Video Feed: Blockbuster Inc. Acquires Movielink, LLC". Yahoo! Finance. 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-10. 

[www.moviesoutright.com-A Current Look At Downloadable Movies]

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