BB Liquidating Inc. (BLIAQ)

[fredman]

Best Buy Co. (BBY) said it will sell on-demand access to movies and TV shows through some Blu-ray players, high-definition TVs and personal computers, joining the crowd of providers offering video in a downloadable capacity.

The biggest U.S. consumer-electronic seller said its new CinemaNow service will offer same-day instant access to new-release movies and TV shows beginning this month through all new connected Blu-ray Disc players and home-theater systems from LG Electronics Inc. (066570.SE). The service is expected to launch on devices from various other manufacturers, including Insignia, later this year.

Several companies, including Netflix Inc. (NFLX) and Apple Inc. (AAPL) through its iTunes store, have in recent years made movies and television shows available for download and rental so users can watch them on demand.

"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, senior vice president of entertainment for Best Buy.

Best Buy said the initial product will be followed by an improved and updated version later this year. CinemaNow is the product of a collaboration between Best Buy and Sonic Solutions (SNIC), which had traditionally provided software used to format, press and distribute about 90% of DVD and Blu-ray discs but recently teamed up with Best Buy for the transition to downloadable content.

Best Buy in March said its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings rose 37% following prior-year charges as it saw sales rebound.

Shares of Best Buy and Sonic closed at $43.24 and $12.57, respectively, on Monday and were inactive premarket. Best Buy stock has risen 19% in the past year, while Sonic was below $2 a year ago.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100518-705035.html?mod=WSJ_World_MIDDLEHeadlinesAsia

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