GeekSugar

Blockbuster Offers Up Video Games by Mail

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:45:30 PDT

Gamefly has been my personal go-to source for game rentals by mail for a while now, but Blockbuster is attempting to woo some of Gamefly's customers by adding video games to its online rental service. Over 3,000 titles for your Xbox, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, and Wii consoles are available for rent at no extra charge with your Blockbuster by Mail subscription, while new customers can start renting games by mail for as little as $9 a month (along with access to the rest of Blockbuster's 95,000 film library) with an unlimited amount of titles in rotation.

Blockbuster has already been trying to compete with Netflix in the movie by mail rental market, but now with Netflix's new streaming partnerships, it seems that Blockbuster will need to attack from all angles to keep up.

How Many Movies Are in Your Netflix Queue?

GeekSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:01:30 PDT

The other day I was chitchatting about Netflix with my friend when she was all "I have sooo many movies on my Netflix queue," and of course I asked how many, and she said, "Like, 30."

I nearly died! 30! 30?! 30 is nothing, I told her. I felt particularly proud that I pared down my queue the the other day. . . down to 280.

I don't know how it got so high; I just started adding everything I'd ever wanted to see, no matter how weak that whim was (sort of like my credit card situation). I don't get it either - I hate clutter usually, but when it comes to spring-cleaning my queue, I just can't. I know I'll see them all someday! And now that I have a Netflix app for my iPhone, it's all over.

Until then, how many movies are on your Netflix or Blockbuster queue?

0-5

7%(43)

5-20

10%(64)

20-50

15%(98)

50-100

16%(107)

100-200

16%(104)

200-300

14%(90)

300+

23%(150)

Total votes: 656

Netflix On TiVo - Almost As Good As It Sounds

GeekSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:00:47 PDT

You can now view or modify your online movie queue with popular DVD rental programs like Netflix, Blockbuster Online and even Amazon's Unbox by downloading a simple and free TiVo plugin.

This does not mean you can have your Netflix of Blockbuster films on demand on your TiVo or even download them, but it does give you easy access to your movie queue when you're sitting in front of the TV.

You can access, browse for movies by genre/category and keyword and update your Blockbuster or Netlix movie queue with TiVo and your online service. I'm in love with this feature because I only think about my Netflix queue when I receive reminder e-mails or when I am playing with my TiVo wishing I had a great movie to watch because 90 percent of the stuff I TiVoed enviably falls in the "TiNo" category.

As for Amazon Unbox, you can rent or purchase and download videos on your registered TiVo, watch video previews on TiVo ToGo enabled receivers, view or modify video preview queue and do regular searches by genre, category or keyword.

View 6 Photos ›

Get the TiVo plugin for free.

Netflix Alternatives to Online Streaming

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:11:43 PDT

Netflix recently shocked its customers by announcing that it would split its streaming and DVD rental company in half, essentially forcing customers to deal with two separate subscriptions - Netflix for streaming, and newly founded company Quickster for DVDs.

Netflix's recent price bump may have angered customers, but this move has sent loyal movie watchers over the edge. GeekSugar Twitter users have said that they're ready to cancel both subscriptions completely, relying on other forms of streaming to get their entertainment fix. If you're cutting ties with Netflix (and Quickster), here are some alternatives to try.

Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs, and computer systems.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVDs without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.
Epix - A joint venture between movie studios Viacom, Paramount, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Lionsgate, Epix offers 150 movies; though, it can only be accessed through an existing cable subscription.
Amazon - The online retailer recently signed an agreement with CBS making shows like Star Trek and The Tudors available instantly on the site. Over 8,000 video titles are available instantly via Amazon for a fee.
Walmart VUDU - Walmart's own streaming media service, VUDU, is accessible online or through VUDU-enabled devices like certain HDTVs, Blu-ray players, or PlayStation 3. Customers do not sign up for a subscription, but rather pay per film viewing. Rentals begin at $3, with new releases starting at $4 and higher for HD-quality streams; many movies can be purchased for unlimited viewing for $15.
Facebook - Though currently limited to select options like Doctor Who episodes and The Dark Knight, we'll stay tuned for more streaming developments from the social network in the future.

Miramax Adds More Streaming Video Options to Facebook

Kelly Schwarze — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:23:57 PDT

Good news for those wishing to stream movies online: Hollywood movie studio Miramax joins the streaming media crowd with the launch of a Facebook app called Miramax eXperience. For $3, rent any of the available movies, like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill (in addition to previously mentioned Doctor Who episodes) for commercial free viewing on Facebook, iPad, and GoogleTV.

Miramax's foray into Facebook video streaming is just one addition to the many streaming options consumers can choose from for their entertainment needs, including the following:

Netflix - With access via gaming consoles, TVs, iPhones, and Android smartphones in addition to computers, the popular classic doesn't seem to be going anywhere despite the competition and controversial new pricing structure.
Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs, and computer systems.
VUDU by Walmart - The service is accessible through the VUDU page on Walmart's website or from VUDU-enabled devices like certain HDTVs, Blu-ray players, or PlayStation 3. Customers do not sign up for a subscription, but rather pay per film viewing. Rentals begin at $3, with new releases starting at $4 and higher for HD-quality streams; many movies can be purchased for unlimited viewing for $15.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVD without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.

For those who love the freedom of choice, check out more streaming options after the break.

BuzzSugar's Top 10 Summer Jams

BuzzSugar — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:08:52 PDT

Summer means a lot of things to a pop culture junkie: blockbuster movies, TV in reruns, and songs that burn up the radio no matter what the weather is like. The BuzzSugar team has been listening to lots of jams all season long, and now we want to share our favorites. From radio hits to indie confections we heard online to earworms we just heard "around," check out (and listen to!) the 10 songs that have made our Summer hot after the jump

Recently Cut Cable or Satellite? Here's How to Stream Your Favorite Shows Online

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:16:54 PDT

Nearly 200,000 Americans canceled their cable or satellite subscription this quarter. This loss comes as no surprise (since cable and satellite subscriptions have been heading downward all year), and while some folks are cutting back on monthly bills due to the down economy, some are moving to online streaming options.

If you're toying with the idea of canceling your outrageously priced cable subscription, check out these online streaming options that are just a mouse click away.

Netflix - With access via gaming consoles, TVs, iPhones, and Android smartphones in addition to computers, the popular classic doesn't look to be going anywhere despite the competition and controversial new pricing structure.
Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs, and computer systems.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVDs without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.

For those who love the freedom of choice, check out more streaming options after the break.

Trick Yourself Into an Exercising Routine With These Tips

Leta Shy — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:07:23 PDT

Most of us have experienced it: we make excuse after excuse for not going on a run or hitting the gym, but once we actually finish our workout, we think, "That wasn't so bad!" For many, the hardest part of maintaining a regular exercise routine is motivating yourself to start exercising. There are so many things that get in the way - sleeping through alarms, extra-long doctor's appointment, or deadlines at work can keep us from staying motivated in order to make a once-off workout a regular routine.

If you are looking to start or maintain an exercise routine but haven't been able to stay on track, it may help to think small. Here are a few tips for tricking yourself into exercising more and creating an exercise routine.

Have a standing date with a workout buddy. Busy schedules mean some friends can get the shaft. If you feel like you need a little more quality time with a bestie, try setting up dates that only involve something active so you can socialize while you work out. Associating the weekly workout with something fun may keep you from dreading it.
Vow to do one active thing each day. Does the idea of booking it to the gym every day sound daunting? Start off small by making little goals for yourself each day. Whether it's taking a walking break every few hours or rounding up the family for an easy weekend hike, start making goals that sounds fun and easy to do so you can ease yourself into an exercise routine.

Read on for more tips for tricking yourself into exercising more!

A Streaming Media Customer's Guide

GeekSugar — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:36:23 PDT

Walmart announced today its streaming media service, VUDU. The company bought VUDU in 2010 and has finally integrated the HD digital media rental company into the Walmart website.

The service is accessible through the VUDU page on Walmart's website or from VUDU-enabled devices like certain HDTVs, Blu-ray players, or PlayStation 3. Customers do not sign up for a subscription, but rather pay per film viewing. Rentals begin at $3, with new releases starting at $4 and higher for HD-quality streams; many movies can be purchased for unlimited viewing for $15.

With companies like Walmart racing to produce popular streaming video service, customers have a wide range of products and pricing plans to choose from, including the following:

Netflix - With access via gaming consoles, TVs, iPhones, and Android smartphones in addition to computers, the popular classic doesn't look to be going anywhere despite the competition and controversial new pricing structure.
Hulu Plus - The $8 monthly subscription fee for Hulu Plus allows access to the most current episodes of TV shows and has an even larger catalog of movies available than its free Hulu counterpart. Available via iOS, Android, select gaming consoles, Samsung TVs and computer systems.
Blockbuster Total Access - Pricing models give customers the option to rent DVDs for home delivery with a subscription plan for $10 or $15, choose to rent DVD without subscriptions, or stream films online on demand.

For those who love the freedom of choice, check out more streaming options after the break.