Opportunity knocks
US tech retail giant seems to be a bit of a corporate predator these days. Not content with exploiting the weakness of tech retail both in the US and internationally, it's now looking to pick up the slack left by the flagging Blockbuster by launching its own digital video-on-demand service.
Just like Best Buy's international expansion, CinemaNow is the product of a collaboration with another company, in this case Sonic Solutions. Under the Roxio brand Sonic has developed CinemaNow, then sold the legal rights to the name to Best Buy, while continuing to run the service. Furthermore, Best Buy has also partnered with LG to make the service available on its connected CE devices from now on, but other companies are expected to join the fun before long.
"With the introduction of CinemaNow, Best Buy continues our commitment to evolve with our customers as their demand for digital entertainment grows," said Chris Homeister, SVP of entertainment for Best Buy. "The convenience, selection and flexibility of the CinemaNow service offers customers more freedom in the way they choose to consume entertainment from Best Buy."
"At LG, we're committed to enriching in-home entertainment by delivering the ultimate HD viewing experience and limitless content options," said Peter Reiner, SVP of marketing at LG Electronics USA. "Best Buy, through its compelling CinemaNow service, will provide customers with one of the most interactive entertainment options available making it easy for people to access their favorite content using LG's NetCast Entertainment Access feature simply from the remote."
We have yet to get any comment from Best Buy on international availability, but considering it's not even looking to commence its UK e-tail presence until the autumn, we assume it will be a while before CinemaNow becomes available in the UK.
Having said that, CinemaNow does seem to already have an international service, but we've never heard of any of the titles it's offering.
