Kurt Scherf, principal analyst with Dallas-based market research firm Parks Associates, said Netflix and others simply adapted to changing trends faster than Blockbuster.

"Blockbuster had that opportunity a few years ago to set the standard," Scherf said. "I'm just amazed that they got passed so quickly by all these other players."

"They really need to act now before Redbox really steps it up in that space, or they'll get left behind again," Scherf said.

Scherf said if Blockbuster is going to find salvation in technology, it can't afford to merely duplicate something competitors are already doing.

Despite the way Apple has locked down the iPhone, mobile video might be one area where Blockbuster can still make hay, he said.

"Somewhere in there, if the company is going to rebound, they have to have a vision about what's the next big thing," Scherf said.

From the article, "Blockbuster fighting back with new technologies" by Victor Godinez

Next: Ahead of earnings report, Blockbuster faces another challenge
Previous: 3-D, next big thing in TV, will be on display at CES 2010

Be the first to leave a comment.

Have a comment? Login or create an account to start a discussion.