Comments on: Blockbuster OnDemand Not Ready For Prime Time

By: Jones Mark

Jones Mark — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:34:33 +0000

The problem is not Blockbuster, because they are not the marker of software. It is 2Wire. From my experience with 2Wire’s boxes (including STBs for AT&T homezone customers), software flaws are plagued into all their systems. They just do not have the expertise to make a good quality product. If you try 2Wire boxes, it will simply add frustrations in your entertainment, just forget about 2Wire boxes, your life will be easier.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:57:40 +0000

I pulled the box out of the closet over the weekend to see if it’s improved. It downloaded the .45 update. My wireless connectivity appears more stable, but I’m still seeing occasional random pauses while navigating the UI and experienced a reboot after it popped up a screen to call tech support during business hours. So it’s a bit better, but I’m putting it back into the closet for now. Perhaps the next update will improve the performance/stability even more. And maybe we’ll get some larger movie previews.

By: Muck Muck

Muck Muck — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:08:13 +0000

Version .46 is now available…very stable addresses most of the earlier issues.

By: Ken

Ken — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:19:10 +0000

New software is on my box. I have version 45 now.

By: Dustin

Dustin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:09:46 +0000

I have not yet purchased one of these boxes, but I placed a call to Blockbuster tech support yesterday to clarify some questions that I had. After 45 minutes on hold I finally got someone with the knowledge to talk to me. I pressed him on the issue of the slowness of the box that I have been reading about and he said that last weekend 2wire pushed a firmware update to the boxes to resolve the issue. Is there any truth to this? It seems from what I am reading that the box is rather cheaply made, and I am so far not too impressed with Blockbuster tech support. The price of the box isn’t bad at $99 bucks including 25 rentals, but I’m wondering if I might be better off to wait for Blockbuster and 2wire to release a higher quality piece of hardware.

By: Gus Kovago

Gus Kovago — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:35:58 +0000

Very frustrating setup to my wireless network despite the box being about 12 feet away. Tried two different TV’s, same problem. Finally etherneted the box directly. Set up alright. Replaced the TV on stand and connection problem resurfaced. 2Wire really made a junky box for Blockbuster. I was told by tech support (another fun experience) that my laptop had a much more powerful antenna. Given that this box is supposed to connect to one’s home wireless network, one would think 2Wire would employ a decent antenna. To sum it up, I don’t think that this will work for many people until 2Wire makes a better unit.

By: Bobf

Bobf — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:57:27 +0000

I had the same problem. Two calls to BB finally brought force the acknowledgemnt that 2Wire has the same flaw in ALL of their boxes (it’s the software). They are working on a patch which will be automatically D/Ld when available — no timeframe given.

In my case, the slowdown would always occur 5 minutes after each power cycle, which could only be initiated by pulling the plug. I believe the ‘reset’ button mentioned above is the faux ‘on/off’ switch on the front which just suspends the OS.

After a factory reset (suggested by call #1), the OK time increased to 15-20 minutes before the box devolved to the 30 second action between remote button presses.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:28:03 +0000

I had the same slowdown as others have reported. There is a small reset button on the left front panel but it’s easy to miss. Holding that in for 5 or so seconds will reboot the unit and restore operation for a few hours.

This unit is NOT ready for prime-time. In contrast, my Netflix box worked perfectly right out of the box and is still going strong months later.

I’m contacting support to see WHEN a firmware upgrade will be available.