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VUDU posts

Buena Vista and Vudu to sell HD titles day-and-date with Blu-ray

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Jun 4th 2009 at 8:46AM

Vudu Buena Vista
Big news for Vudu fans this morning as yet another barrier to the digital download world is knocked down. Buena Vista has shown over the past year or so that it is willing to try new things and today that means you'll be able to buy HD and HDX titles via Vudu. This is the first major studio to make this type of commitment to digital purchases via Vudu and although we're not the biggest fans of the model due to limited viewing windows etc, we have to admit that having access to 60 HDX quality movies like No Country for Old Men is intriguing. No mention of animated features in the release though, which is a concern, but even so, we like knowing that there are higher quality digital downloads than Apple available for sale.

Continue reading Buena Vista and Vudu to sell HD titles day-and-date with Blu-ray

VUDU offers up Brightcove ad-supported streaming video, Sony Music is the first to jump in

by Richard Lawler, posted May 14th 2009 at 4:03AM


VUDU keeps adding to its offerings bit by bit, first Pandora, now Brightcove video is available, popping up in the VUDU Labs section. The first content up is from Sony Music's MyPlay Video Network, as Brightcove notches its first set-top box partner. You'll have to take a look to see what artists are available, but it's hard to argue with more free music to go with those HD & HDX purchases and rentals.

VUDU to debut as an embedded service on Entone IPTV boxes

by Richard Lawler, posted May 5th 2009 at 11:39AM


After being "bombarded by inquiries" about integration the first lucky dance partner for VUDU as a service is Entone, maker of IPTV set-top boxes. Entone's CEO is a little over the top in describing the VUDU + (whatever service provider is first to offer this combo) as the first time two competing visions come together in one unified service (Amazon VOD + TiVo, Xbox 360 + Netflix, we could go on) but it would be an original twist for customers to get the box directly from their TV operator. Expected to launch this summer, it could get VUDU's HD and HDX movies into customers homes without dropping $149 on a single use additional box, but until one of Entone's 50+ telco carriers actually opts for the service it's all just a (good) idea.

Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too

by Nilay Patel, posted Mar 16th 2009 at 12:56PM


We've always had a soft spot for Vudu and its 1080p HDX movie rentals, and it looks like it's about to get even easier to love -- our man Dave Zatz says that Pandora will be launching on the device "imminently." Not only that, but it looks like the $150 box will also soon be able to stream video off your computer, making it even more flexible -- pending codec support, of course. We're on the lookout for official deets, we'll let you know as we get 'em.

Update: Full release is now after the break.

Continue reading Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too

VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 24th 2009 at 12:01AM


VUDU made some pretty big waves with its Blu-ray-rivaling HDX downloadable format, and now it's pushing the envelope once again by becoming the first on-demand service to actually sell (as in, for keeps... on your box, anyway) HD and HDX movies. Starting today, all VUDU owners can browse a growing library of for-sale high-definition flicks, and it should be noted that both HD and HDX titles will sport the same price tags (between $13.99 and $23.99). Initially, only around 50 films will be available, all of which are from top independent studios. Magnolia Picture's Man on Wire, which just so happened to take home an Oscar this year, is in that group of 50 along with FirstLook Studios' Transsiberian and War, Inc.. Better still, VUDU intends to make future releases available for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release, and we can only hope that major studios get with the program and follow suit. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies

VUDU permanently cuts retail price of movie set-top-box in half

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 9th 2009 at 7:08PM Breaking News


We had a sinking feeling those promotional prices over the holidays wouldn't stick once Santa had done his duties, but rather than ratcheting price tags back up entirely, it has decided to permanently reduce the retail price on its standard VUDU movie set-top-box by half. As of now, prospective buyers can snag a box for $149 (down from $299), while the more capacious VUDU XL is dropping from $999 to $499 (and that'll include a gratis home theater connectivity software package). Also of note, the rack-mountable VUDU XL2 is stooping from $1,299 to $799 for those who prefer that form factor. So, these stickers low enough for you? Or are you really planning to wait 'til Christmas 2009 to score an even more special deal?

VUDU looks to integrate with TVs, DVD players

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 27th 2009 at 3:17PM


VUDU's been doing its darnedest of late to keep up with the slew of rivals looking to steal away every piece of market share they can, and a recent report over at CEPro sheds a little light onto how the company plans to both stay afloat and take off. As with most every other outfit, VUDU has also suffered through a few rounds of layoffs. Currently, the company employs about 50, which is down from a high of around 110. Co-founder Tony Miranz seems pretty optimistic about the future, though, noting that the outfit is being "bombarded with inquiries" from potential partners. Speaking of which, he also asserted that VUDU was -- at its heart -- a software company, and thus it was currently looking to integrate its top-shelf UI and movie delivery network into HDTVs, DVD / Blu-ray players and other standalone boxes. It's tough to say how such a shift would affect the firm. On one hand, you've got CinemaNow barely breathing, while Netflix has managed to execute this plan to perfection. Go on VUDU, roll the dice -- we'll be watching.

[Thanks, Ben]

Minor VUDU update automatically selects YouTube HD when available

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 18th 2009 at 9:58PM


You know that nifty little "Watch in HD" option that came to YouTube a few months back for high-def content uploaded to the world's most well known video sharing portal? After a minor update to your VUDU box -- which hit the tubes this past Friday -- your movie set-top-box should now select that option automatically when viewing HD YouTube material. Hey, we told you it was minor, but satisfactory nonetheless.

VUDU certifies MoCA Ethernet-to-coax bridge for HD streaming

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 10th 2009 at 10:36AM


Hard to say how much of an impact this will have -- after all, VUDU's already expressed its love for wire-free applications -- but the aforesaid movie set-top-box company has certified MoCA as a wired home networking solution for HD streaming. We get the impression that users looking to pipe VUDU content through their existing in-wall coaxial network can just pickup a MoCA Ethernet-to-Coax bridge, but as always, YMMV.

VUDU lowers barrier to entry once more to $99 even

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 4th 2009 at 10:14PM


Some might say that a perpetually decreasing price tag could foreshadow certain doom. We aren't quite on that bandwagon yet, so instead, we'll simply point out that $99 out-the-door for a movie set-top-box capable of HD (and "Blu-ray rivaling" HDX) quality ain't a bad deal. VUDU's post-Christmas sale has actually ended up better than the one hosted up a few weeks back, with the previously required $50 in movie credits being removed entirely. Also of note, the VUDU + Wireless Kit is now available for just $148. So, are the new price points low enough for you, or are you waiting to see what CES might bring?

[Thanks, Ben]

Reminder: VUDU's movie set-top-box giveaway ends tomorrow!

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 1st 2009 at 4:00PM Featured Story


Like it or not, most of you are about to come to terms with the fact that the next major holiday is months away. Do you really want to face that realization without a copious amount of on-demand content at your disposal? We thought not. Thus, we're giving you one final shot to register for a chance to win a VUDU movie set-top-box; if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, head on over and leave a comment. It all ends (the contest, not life as we know it... hopefully) tomorrow night (January 2nd) at 11:59PM ET.

Engadget HD Holiday Giveaway (part II): VUDU's movie set-top-box

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 25th 2008 at 4:30PM Featured Story


Just as promised, we're back for round two. The Engadget HD gift bag is opening once more, and this time we've a shiny new VUDU movie set-top-box to give away. We hear that nothing warms the heart like on-demand movies, and nothing pleases the eye like on-demand movies in high-definition. Just plug this into your HDTV, attach a broadband connection and kick back by the fireplace to enjoy whatever flick your delicate soul desires. Santa's only request is that you leave a comment below to be considered in the drawing, and you know it's always best to do what Santa says.

Psst... don't forget to enter our earlier giveaway for a Slingbox PRO-HD if you haven't already!

Gallery: VUDU movie set-top-box



The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, though we'd prefer to hear what holiday film you plan on renting just as soon as this baby arrives.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) VUDU movie set-top-box. Approximate value is $299.
  • Entries can be submitted until Friday, January 2nd, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

VUDU price dramatically slashed to $99* for the holidays

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 23rd 2008 at 8:15AM


We know it's a touch late to be ordering up a gift for unwrapping on the 25th, but this one just might be worth the IOU you'll likely be forced to give. VUDU's movie set-top-box, which typically goes for $299, is now priced at just $99 for a limited time. Of course, VUDU forces you to purchase $50 in movie credits along with it (thus the asterisk being applicable here), but it's not like you're just going to buy this and never watch anything, right? There's also a bundle that includes a Wireless Kit at 50% off (now just $49), making the grand total for a VUDU, $50 in movie credits and a Wireless Kit only $198. Let's just say now is about the time to buy if you've been holding off on a VUDU -- we hear those HDX titles are mighty tasty!

[Thanks, Rob]

VUDU gets official with some internet content

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Dec 16th 2008 at 12:01AM


The VUDU fans who felt teased by the leak a few weeks ago can feel a little better today. Not only is VUDU offically announcing access to the previously discovered features, but in addition VUDU owners will have access to other on demand HD content from networks you've actually heard of like National Geographic and PBS -- other SD content will also be available, but really who cares about SD? What might end up being the most interesting in the long run though, is the fact that VUDU has brought this to market using its new VUDU RIA (Rich Internet Application) platform, which in the future will allow third parities to bring even more internet content to your living room. We'll have to hold our tongue on this idea until sometimes next year though, to see if anyone actually adopts it. These features are great and all, but how 'bout giving us access to our own content VUDU? Yeah we know, you're partners wouldn't like that very much, would they? The full release is after the jump.

Continue reading VUDU gets official with some internet content

VUDU rolls out YouTube, Flickr, Picasa and games

by Steven Kim, posted Nov 27th 2008 at 3:18PM

VUDU labs
Lookee what VUDU brought to the Thanksgiving feast -- a spread of goodies that should dispel mutterings about the little box that could being a "one trick pony." More internet video from YouTube (hopefully with official HD from YouTube to follow soon), photo browsing of Flickr and Picasa and games, too. We use the phrase "games" pretty loosely, as Solitaire and Freecell won't be displacing your console -- unless you're still rocking an Atari 2600 -- anytime soon. FormatWarCentral was particularly impressed with the YouTube navigation, and now we're wondering how far off music playback can be. Sure, none of this is as exciting as the ability to purchase downloaded HD content (although music would come close), but that's just our tryptophan-induced gluttony talking!




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