MovieBeam: Not Ready for Primetime?

I recently predicted that MovieBeam, the Video on Demand set-top backed by Disney, Intel and Cisco, has only a 10 percent chance of success. The device, which can deliver up to 100 on-demand movies to the home without the need of a Broadband connection, has great potential. But consumers will likely balk at buying yet another TV set-top.

In addition, despite the backing of six of the seven major studios, many film buffs may find MovieBeam's lineup of 100 titles too limiting. And, finally, the HDTV audience may find the number of high-def films too small to justify the purchase. According to MovieBeam, the early lineup of HD movies will only include titles from Disney and Warner Bros.

Consumer Reports recently published a review of MovieBeam that makes the same points. In addition, the publication notes that MovieBeam may not be a perfect fit for some early-model HDTVs.

To read the review, click Here

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