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VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon

by Darren Murph posted Nov 5th 2009 at 12:00PM

And you thought HDTVs were made for watching TV. VUDU has today slung its (admittedly paltry) library of applications over to its television partners, making both Picasa and Flickr access possible through LG and Mitsubishi sets with integrated VUDU software. Of course, all of this was already available to those relying on one of VUDU's dedicated set-top boxes, but it's always nice to have everything wrapped up neatly within the display itself. In related news, Pandora streaming is also available on VUDU-infused Mitsubishi panels, though for whatever reason, LG has "requested that only free TV and games be available on their devices." All bummers aside, the company has asserted that even more internet apps will be released to VUDU customers in the coming months, so make sure hold 'em to their word.

VUDU throwing Rotten Tomatoes reviews on every movie it sells

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 13th 2009 at 9:00AM


Next step for VUDU after adding LG's BD390 to its list of compatible players? The streaming service is now trying to help you figure out which movie to watch with help from the website Rotten Tomatoes, integrating its ratings directly into the movie listings as seen above. Viewers can sort by Tomatometer score and see quotes from top reviews directly on their HDTV screen. Sure it's not auto Twitter updates and IMDB clippings on what scene, movie and actor you're watching, but if they're not going to reduce the cost per rented (or purchased) streaming flick, at least VUDU can help you pick one that's actually good. Check out another screen capture from the new addition after the break.

Continue reading VUDU throwing Rotten Tomatoes reviews on every movie it sells

VUDU goes live on the LG BD390

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Oct 12th 2009 at 5:34PM

Vudu on the BD390
We jumped the gun a little a few weeks ago when we told you that the LG BD390 firmware update that would enable access to VUDU was live, so we wanted to let you know it was finally available -- for real this time. So next time you have a chance, turn on your player while it is connected to the internet and you should be prompted to install the update. After that is just a matter of activating it on VUDU's website, so yeah, pretty painless. If you're still unsure, you should check out our full review, but we think you'll find it as useful as we did.


Continue reading VUDU goes live on the LG BD390

VUDU on the LG BD390 review

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 30th 2009 at 11:00AM

VUDU on the BD390
We have to admit that we've been intrigued by VUDU since its very beginning and although it is far from perfect, is the closest thing we've seen to our dream of being able to watch whatever we want, whenever we want, and at a quality level that is acceptable -- and our definition of acceptable is much, much higher than most's. So of course we were excited to learn that LG was adding VUDU to the BD390 Blu-ray player. The big news here is that this adds yet another great HD source to an already full featured Blu-ray player. Now from our geeky perspective -- it also added a perfect way for us to compare multiple HD sources; including Blu-ray, Netflix Watch Now and VUDU HDX on the same box. But of course you'll have to click through after the break to find out why these three HD sources don't really compare.

Continue reading VUDU on the LG BD390 review

Vudu on the LG BD390 will bitstream Dolby Digital Plus

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 15th 2009 at 5:38PM

Vudu on the LG BD390
We just heard back from Vudu and there's good news. Unlike any other implementation before it, Vudu on the LG BD390 will bitstream Dolby Digital Plus via the HDMI 1.3 port to your AVR. In addition, if you prefer LPCM the BD390 can decode the Dolby Digital Plus track in the Vudu stream as well. This is much better than the LG HDTVs or even the Vudu box itself, which were only capable of re-encoding the stream down to old school Dolby Digital before delivering it to the receiver. We were also directed to this FAQ on Vudu's site which includes all the bit rates for various quality video; interestingly it looks like you need between 4.5 and 9 Mbps of throughput to enjoy moves in HDX quality.

Engadget HD Podcast 155 - 09.15.2009

by Trent Wolbe posted Sep 15th 2009 at 1:12PM

Engadget logo CEDIA is over so there no better time to wrap up the news than with the Engadget HD Podcast. If you love Media Center, you'll love this episode as we dedicate more than half the show to the topic. We talk new tuners, cost of admission, as well as what might still be announced between now and the official launch of Windows 7. Next up we hit our second favorite topic with Blu-ray's Managed Copy and other Blu-ray player hardware like thee 400 disc Blu-ray changer. We round out the show with a quick chat about HDMI over IP (not just CAT5), the Panasonic 3D demo, the NFL Redzone channel and finally we talk up our reader meetup plus a few reader questions.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:15 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 154
00:03:25 - Video: Dish Network Media Center tuner in action
00:08:36 - Ceton is set to take over the CableCARD PC tuner market
00:33:32 - Poll: What's the most you'd pay for a quad HDTV tuner with CableCARD?
00:35:00 - Windows 7 to get a better version of Netflix than Vista
00:38:55 - Hauppauge to expand its offerings to include a CableCARD tuner
00:41:44 - DirecTV's CEDIA booth was all about multi-room viewing
00:51:14 - Video: First working Blu-ray Managed Copy demo
00:55:45 - Video: Sony 400 disc Blu-ray changer with Gracenote in action
00:58:45 - Video: Vudu on the LG BD390 Blu-ray player
01:01:08 - Panasonic including DivX Plus HD (MKV) support into next gen Blu-ray players, TVs
01:02:10 - Apple TV junkies left out of new iTunes Extra special features
01:05:45 - Panasonic Full HD 3D experience eyes-on
01:13:07 - Just Add Power introduces Projector Connector HDMI-over-IP solution
01:16:23 - It's game day, who's got the NFL RedZone Channel?
01:19:14 - Thanks to Atlanta for the great reader meetup

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Video: Vudu on the LG BD390 Blu-ray player

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 10th 2009 at 8:57PM

Vudu on the BD390
As far as picture and audio quality, it is impossible to beat Vudu in HD streaming business. And for that reason we're happy to see some of our favorite products like the LG BD390 working with Vudu. We had a chance to catch up with Vudu at the LG's CEDIA booth and ask them a few questions. Apparently there were a few changes to the encoding techniques necessary to transition from a disk based device to all streaming, including more profiles to adapt to different broadband connections. We have ot say that our overall initial impression was that the changes went off without a hitch. One question we didn't get answered though was whether or not the Dolby Digital Plus used in downloaded stream could be bitstreamed to an AVR via HDMI -- the original Vudu hardware could only output vanilla Dolby Digital -- but we were promised an answer. In other words you'll know as soon as we do, so in the meantime click through and enjoy the short demo.

Continue reading Video: Vudu on the LG BD390 Blu-ray player

VUDU equips LG's BD390 Blu-ray player with movie streaming abilities

by Darren Murph posted Sep 9th 2009 at 3:00PM

LG's WiFi-enabled, DivX-friendly BD390 Blu-ray player has been shipping here in the States since May, but not until now have you really had a reason to pick one up. Here at CEDIA, VUDU is taking one step further away from its standalone movie set-top-box by announcing that the aforementioned deck will become the first of its kind to tap into VUDU's growing library of on-demand film rentals. Of course, adding VUDU to this player was a natural move given the built-in Ethernet port, though users will have to wait until the end of this month to suck down the free update. In case you're wondering, the VUDU interface on LG's player will be the same as the one found on the company's own hardware (not to mention a few LG HDTVs), and the $399 price point will remain the same even after the new functionality is added.

Continue reading VUDU equips LG's BD390 Blu-ray player with movie streaming abilities

Mitsubishi now shipping VUDU powered 1080p streaming HDTVs

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 3rd 2009 at 9:00AM


Joining LG and (eventually) VIZIO, Mitsubishi's new line of Diamond Unisen HDTVs are shipping with VUDU 1080p streaming capability built in, plus out of the box ability to handle the service's Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround audio, thanks to the 18 speakers peeking out of the bottom of the frame. The 46- and 52-inch LCDs can stream movies via Ethernet, or wirelessly with the optional VUDU wireless accessory bridge. Buyers unsure of whether the streaming experience can live up to expectations are encouraged to take advantage of an offer of two months of SD, HD and HDX movies (up to $50 worth) for free, so if the LT-46249 or LT-52249 find their way into your living room for anywhere near their respective $2,599 and $3,099 MSRPs, we'd plug that network cable in and give it a shot. Check the official PR after the break.

Continue reading Mitsubishi now shipping VUDU powered 1080p streaming HDTVs

VUDU's 1080p movie streaming goes live on LG Netcast HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Sep 2nd 2009 at 5:22AM


You knew good and well it was coming, and come it has. Starting today, those fortunate enough to own an LG Broadband HDTV in the LH50 LCD series and PS80 plasma range can tap into VUDU's growing library of on-demand 1080p films. If you're still skeptical, we'll invite you to surf over to your set's Netcast interface; from there, you can either update your software to gain VUDU access or begin viewing right away (depending on when you purchased your tele). Oh, and if you're thinking of just lallygagging around while the rest of the world takes advantage, you should know that your first HD or HDX movie rental is gratis for a limited time, so there's some pretty obvious motivation to hop on it. Anyone given it a go? Impressed / unimpressed?

VUDU's streaming service demoed live on an LG TV

by Paul Miller posted Jul 30th 2009 at 11:12AM Featured Story


We've seen it in the flesh, and we must say VUDU is doing things right with its move to a device-agnostic service. They haven't chucked a single feature, and the interface is rather responsive for a TV-based video service (though not quite as flashy as its PS3 and Xbox 360 counterparts). Even with a bit of crummy hotel internet getting in the way, the device managed to buffer streams of 720p and 1080p content at a fairly rapid rate -- besting a best-case-scenario Netflix buffer time in most cases. It's clear that the 5.1 surround, 1080p-equipped HDX format, which can downgrade its bitrate based on available bandwidth, is really going to eat up your pipes, but the 720p looks quite good even in the face of a somewhat limited connection. While LG and Vizio are the jumping off point for this service, it's VUDU's stated aim to land on pretty much any home theater device that'll have them -- we can't imagine Microsoft or Sony taking very kindly to the offer, but it's hard to argue with this level of HD selection. Video of the service in action is after the break.

Gallery: VUDU's streaming service demoed live on an LG TV

Continue reading VUDU's streaming service demoed live on an LG TV

VUDU ditches the box, integrates into LG's LH50 NetCast HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Jul 29th 2009 at 9:00AM

After a quick test run on Entone's IPTV boxes, VUDU has now done the deed with a big time player. In a joint announcement today with LG, the outfit is announcing its first major foray into STB-less movie streaming. LG's Netflix-friendly LH50 line of connected HDTVs will act as the hosts, with VUDU's tried and true high-def streaming service acting as the highly anticipated guest. The outfit's next generation movie platform will enable owners of the 47LH50, 50PS80, 60PS80 and 42LH50 to buy or rent HD and HDX (1080p) films on demand through a refreshed user interface that promises no stutters or buffering waits. The new VUDU also brings along instant fast forward and rewind as well as instant start for all movie qualities, and as before, there's no monthly fee associated with the service. Eager to dive on in? It'll be made available for everyone (existing owners included) starting next month, and just so you know, we definitely don't envision LG being the last TV maker to slip under VUDU's covers. The full release is after the break.

Update: From the sounds of Vudu's solo PR, the LG sets are just the first off the line, so we'd expect a few more manufacturers to partner up soon.

Continue reading VUDU ditches the box, integrates into LG's LH50 NetCast HDTVs

So is Blu-ray really ripping off consumers?

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 14th 2009 at 2:52PM


That's the idea behind a recent column on TheStreet.com, which cites consumers happiness with DVD and the oncoming march of downloads as reasons that "Blu-ray rips off consumers." Now to be fair, actually within the article are less hyperbolic statements like "Blu-ray hasn't failed" but even from here we can see several holes in the author's theory. To begin, he claims that downloadable and streaming high definition video is "360 lines away from providing the same clarity" demonstrating an unfortunate ignorance of 1080p downloads already available from Vudu and streaming from CBS.com. Unfortunately, as we all should be aware there's more to the movie experience than simply resolution, and even with more 1080p movies on the way from Xbox Live, it will be some time before a customer can get the same experience available on Blu-ray from any internet service. Another assumption? That Blu-ray "expects customers to ignore the rapidly advancing technology right on their doorstep." Tell that to companies like Samsung, LG and Panasonic, who already sell Blu-ray players that double as digital distribution set top boxes delivering HD movies from Netflix and Amazon. Check out all three pages of this guy's opinion yourself and let us know if we missed anything.

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.




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