Blockbuster ramping up mobile video efforts

Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said the video-rental giant is at work on new download technologies aimed at improving delivery of digital content to mobile devices. Speaking this week at the Citigroup Annual Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications Conference, Keyes said Blockbuster is developing a microSD chip enabling consumers to sideload digital video content onto portable devices--he added the firm is exploring over-the-air download options as well.

Late last year, Keyes said Blockbuster was negotiating with mobile handset makers to develop new video technologies enabling wireless subscribers to view movies on the move. "We're talking with virtually all of the major manufacturers about the opportunity to provide greater mobility and convenience," he said at that time.

Blockbuster's traditional brick-and-mortar rental business continues to struggle--in mid-2007, the company announced plans to shutter 282 stores by year's end, and its shares have fallen in three of the last four years due in large part to increased competition from discount DVD retailers as well as online mail-delivery services like Netflix.

For more on Blockbuster's mobile push:
- read this Associated Press article

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