Tech Shout!

BlockBuster, the home video retail giant, is considering a set-top box that would allow direct streaming of films to TV sets from the internet. This service is believed to use video-on-demand technology from MovieLink service, which was previously bought by Blockbuster.

Users would be able to download movies from Universal Studios, Paramount, Sony Pictures, MGM, and Warner Bros. Apparently, the rumored set-top device is a stand-alone product, similar to Apple TV.

A Blockbuster spokeswoman told Hollywood Reporter, “We’re talking to numerous companies and vendors about products, services, alliances and initiatives that can help us achieve our mission to transform Blockbuster into a company that provides access to media content across multiple channels — from our stores, by mail, through kiosks, through downloading, through portable content-enabled devices — so it’s not surprising that there are rumors out there.”

If BlockBuster enters the market, it has to compete with existing companies like Apple TV and Netflix. The official announcement on this issue is expected to come anytime later in April.