LAS VEGAS -- In another step toward finding a place in the digital video future, Blockbuster, Dallas, has formed an alliance with TiVo, Sunnyvale, Calif., which makes a computer-based device that allows consumers to record and pause television programming, among other attributes. The TiVo personal digital recorder is seen by many as eventually replacing the VCR's recording function. The announcement was made during the Consumer Electronics Show here this month.
omotions and upcoming video releases available through its stores, while running trailers for movies available through the TiVo system. Consumers will eventually have the opportunity to reserve movies for pick-up at Blockbuster stores or for viewing through their TiVo receivers.
"Our goal at Blockbuster is to provide quality movies conveniently to people at home whether it's from our retail store base or through exciting new technologies like TiVo," said Santo Politi, president of Blockbuster's new media group.
Best Buy, Image In DVD Promotion
MINNEAPOLIS -- Best Buy Co., here, and Image Entertainment, Chatsworth, Calif., are running a tie-in promotion where buyers of DVD hardware in Best Buy stores receive a free copy of the software title, "Eagles: Hell Freezes Over," the biggest selling music title in the DVD format, according to the Soundscan service. The promotion runs from Jan. 2 to March 4.
Consumers get a mail-in voucher for the title when they purchase a DVD player at Best Buy. The offer also includes other coupons good for discounts on home theater products.
Dreamcast Reaches 1.5 Million Units
SAN FRANCISCO -- Sega of America has reported that as of the end of 1999, its new Dreamcast game system has sold more than 1.5 million units in North America since its launch in September, 1999. This is three months ahead of the company's own projections, Sega said in a press statement.
Dreamcast software is also selling at a fast pace, the company said. During the holiday season, software sold at a three-to-one ratio over hardware sales.
The most popular Dreamcast titles were "Sega Sports NBA 2K," "Sega Sports NFL 2K" and "Sonic Adventure."
