I too have slowed my purchasing way down. Since I started Vuduing last a year ago (Jan 9) I can count on two hands how many optical discs I have purchased. It is too easy and convenient to use Vudu. One of the reasons I purchased optical was too have the movies I enjoy right at my fingertips. I now have thatwith Vudu. Plus I get the bonus of not having to get my lazy but up to take the disc out of the case, put it in one of the players, wade through the opening stuff, and then have to take the disc out and put it away. Now it is scroll, a couple of clicks, and watch.... much easier.

I guess I'll hold on to those I own, but I will most likely not buy many more. I have my catalog of 1000+ and then there is anything else I could possibly want on Vudu. In fact, one of the reasons I bought discs was for the times we go to our condo. We always play a couple on the trip and some while we are there. With Vudu, I can rent on the box before we leave, play it back in the car (I have video input and power) and play it in the condo (I have broadband there as well) and I don't have to worry about misplaced discs. It would be much harder to play a BD in the car -the Vudu box is a nice size for this.

Pretty cool stuff.

Is there a plan to add more TV shows for content?

I'm looking at getting a BluRay player (with Netflix streaming) or Vudu. One thing that seems to be a decided advantage of sticking with the optical disks is the amount of content on TV shows. I don't watch TV series until usually there are a few seasons released and I can watch them without too much interruption. So I really love using Netflix to catch up on several tv shows. From the looks of things, the catalog for Vudu for tv shows seems to be pretty thin...are there plans to upgrade the catalog there?

I assume this is mainly an issue with negotiating the rights with the content owners.

How many people are using Vudu on a large (I have 110" 2.37 screen) projection screen? I'm wondering about the quality of Vudu when it's "blown up". It sounds pretty sweet so far! Thanks for any comments

133" screen here, and HDX looks very good. I don't watch SD, but the HD is decent as well. HDX looks pretty close to Blu-Ray, depending on source material.

133" screen here, and HDX looks very good. I don't watch SD, but the HD is decent as well. HDX looks pretty close to Blu-Ray, depending on source material.

Thanks for the reply!

One last question (maybe)...is the Vudu community expecting a replacement for the BX100 any time soon? It looks like Vudu has pulled it from it's site.

FYI, older HDX titles are also $4 rentals - only the new releases are $5.99.

Ed

Yes, sorry so that means it's closer to 5 rentals to equal the cost of picking up the Blu-Ray (and that's at a price of $22 for the BD). I doubt there are more than 50 titles in my collection that I have pulled down and watched more than 5 times. My Vudu investment is looking even better.


FYI, I think the only qualms anyone has with Vudu is that it is a small start up and the economy is weakening. The way I look at it is that at $99 investment for the box, even if it becomes a doorstop some day, I still come out on top. However, as good as it is, if they are seeing decent "rentals per box", I would assume someone will step up and aquire them before they would go under. Just my $0.02, JMHO, YMMV, etc...

FYI, I think the only qualms anyone has with Vudu is that it is a small start up and the economy is weakening. The way I look at it is that at $99 investment for the box, even if it becomes a doorstop some day, I still come out on top. However, as good as it is, if they are seeing decent "rentals per box", I would assume someone will step up and aquire them before they would go under. Just my $0.02, JMHO, YMMV, etc...

Vudu is hiring a couple of Director level positions, so I would consider that a good sign that business is going pretty good, all things considered.

119" screen here. HDX looks every bit as good as blu-ray. I am surprised that SD looks very good as well and is on demand. I understand HD is on demand too given my >4 Mbps connection so we will try one of those soon too. So far I am extremely impressed with the device/service. If anything the remote is to damn small, easily misplaced. It's like a "fun size" candy bar, not as big as standard but not bite size either.

I also stopped purchasing blu-ray discs mid-Dec. having started downloads via PSN. Was not happy with the speed of interface. Vudu blows away PSN in ease of use and speed, glad I jumped @ $99. My box will be paid for in 1 month.

For anyone with an Iphone or Ipod touch Vudu has released an app to queue up movies from you phone or Ipod touch. Pretty nice feature although I don't own either.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/20/vudu-releases-iphone-ipod-touch-app/

For anyone with an Iphone or Ipod touch Vudu has released an app to queue up movies from you phone or Ipod touch. Pretty nice feature although I don't own either.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/20/vudu-releases-iphone-ipod-touch-app/

Yep.. looks sharp.. this is awesome as I have iphone.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2009/01/vudu1.jpg

How many people are using Vudu on a large (I have 110" 2.37 screen) projection screen? I'm wondering about the quality of Vudu when it's "blown up". It sounds pretty sweet so far! Thanks for any comments

100" here and Vudu is the only service I feel confident about at that size. I tried a couple of HD movies from the PS3 store and could easily tell they are not BD quality. HDX is very, very close. Netflix is not even PS3 level to me. JMHO


Check my earlier posts, I can really envision doing without Blu Ray (and that is saying something as much as I like HD).

Is there a plan to add more TV shows for content?

I'm looking at getting a BluRay player (with Netflix streaming) or Vudu. One thing that seems to be a decided advantage of sticking with the optical disks is the amount of content on TV shows. I don't watch TV series until usually there are a few seasons released and I can watch them without too much interruption. So I really love using Netflix to catch up on several tv shows. From the looks of things, the catalog for Vudu for tv shows seems to be pretty thin...are there plans to upgrade the catalog there?

I assume this is mainly an issue with negotiating the rights with the content owners.

This is one reason I would still keep at least the one out at a time on Netflix. Netflix does have quite a selection of TV shows for streaming, and TV shows are a big portion of their HD catalog.

I added my new box and the credit was instantaneous, so if anyone else is still on the fence it works like a charm.

I did finally discover why I did not see 5.1 on my receiver. I had a setting incorrect on my receiver for HDMI audio. Once corrected, I notice Vudu box outputs the proper 5.1 audio and my receiver uses it properly. I originally had only "stereo" selected in the Vudu audio options menu ...

Which brings me to a question about HDMI v1.1. Is the jump to HDMI v1.3a only for video or does v1.3a add some audio improvement capability? I'm thinking ahead here ... kind of what I would like to see in the future for this box. I know we can't upgrade the HW we have but what can be done with v1.1.

Vudu is HDMI 1.2. The only benefit of HDMI 1.3 right now is being able to bitstream new audio codecs like Dolby True HD and DTS MA HD. There are video improvements in 1.3 (true color) but no source material uses it at the moment so it is 100% pointless. I really wish this box had HDMI 1.3 (or could internally decode and send it out as uncompressed audio) because Vudu uses DD+ for their encodes but all you can get is regular Dolby Digital 5.1. If it had 1.3 I'm sure the HDX titles (currently 640Kbps DD 5.1) would have DD+. While still not lossless its a step up from regular DD. Good info on the different version of HDMI in the link below.

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/high-def-disc-faqs/6019-hdmi-1-0-1-1-1-2-1-3-explanation.html

Vudu site claims v1.1 under product link

Audio Outputs
HDMI v 1.1
Digital Optical
Digital Coax
RCA Audio Format
Source: Dolby® Digital Plus
Out: Dolby Digital 5.1

Video Outputs
HDMI v 1.1
Component
S-Video
Composite Video Resolution
1080p/24
1080i
720p
480p
480i

My bad. I could have sworn it was HDMI 1.2 but apparently it isn't.

My bad. I could have sworn it was HDMI 1.2 but apparently it isn't.

I don't think 1.2 matters, the key is 1.3a for the future ....

Some of our rooms can get by with v1.1 but in my large rec/theater area I would like v1.3a with all of the goodness associated with it. I would like to hear about or see the Vudu roadmap. v1.3a would be an attention graber for me and others I am sure. I need a 2nd box anyway.

I don't think 1.2 matters, the key is 1.3a for the future ....

Some of our rooms can get by with v1.1 but in my large rec/theater area I would like v1.3a with all of the goodness associated with it. I would like to hear about or see the Vudu roadmap. v1.3a would be an attention graber for me and others I am sure. I need a 2nd box anyway.

My understanding was that the only difference in 1.1 and 1.2 is the ability to transmit DSD from SACD (on the audio side) in digital form. 1.3 adds Dolby TrueHD, DTS Master Audio, etc. If Vudu added those advanced codecs, then the box would have to convert to PCM, Dolby Digital or DTS if it is 1.1 or 1.2.

Hopefully they announce an updated box this year with HDMI 1.3, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

119" screen here. HDX looks every bit as good as blu-ray. I am surprised that SD looks very good as well and is on demand. I understand HD is on demand too given my >4 Mbps connection so we will try one of those soon too. So far I am extremely impressed with the device/service. If anything the remote is to damn small, easily misplaced. It's like a "fun size" candy bar, not as big as standard but not bite size either.

I also stopped purchasing blu-ray discs mid-Dec. having started downloads via PSN. Was not happy with the speed of interface. Vudu blows away PSN in ease of use and speed, glad I jumped @ $99. My box will be paid for in 1 month.

I hit my max download speed of 50mbs(I have FIOS 50/20 service) from PSN everytime so it is extremely fast for me, but I rarely use it. VUDU is my primary DD source.

Gizmo, this is off your post, but I see you own about the same number of HD titles as I do. I quit buying almost altogether when I got my Vudu at Christmas. Do you see the same?

I figure even in HDX at $6, I have to rent the darn thing 4 times to equal a (discounted) purchase on Blu. And, older catalog titles are available cheaper if we can live with HD or SD. I just can't justify much of it. As I look at my collection (over 1000 total), I can see maybe 100 titles we have watched more than 4 times.

My only purchase in January so far is Eagle Eye and I doubt we'll watch that more than 4 times.

With Netflix on each Tivo in the house (4) and two Vudus, I could envision selling my collection altogether for the first time.

That's what I am hoping for (buying less), but as a reviewer, I can't stop the studios from sending me titles to review :p But yeah, I do want to get it so I can check out other titles in HD that are not in Blu, or others that might be questionable purchases for me that I don't get to review.

And after a $5.99 viewing you are offered $3.99 or less for a 2nd viewing within 2 weeks I think. At least it looked like it on my box.

I demo'ed Vudu to 2 other friends. They thought it was a fantastic idea for $99 and I believe they would even stomach $149-$199. At $299 they are in the Gizmo camp ... wait for entry.

I would also like to see HDX download speeds boosted from 4 Mbps to 8-10 Mbps in the next few Qtrs and full 20 Mbps within 1.5 years. Right now however there is no other download service that comes close IMHO. I stopped PSN downloads and blu disc buying is "on hold" ....

Funny thing is, I have an AppleTV (hacked so I can load my own files onto it along with Boxee) and a 360. I have thounsads of SD and HD content at my fingertips, but VuDu quality is just so much nicer. My friend had one and when I compared it to a release on my AppleTV, the VuDu just looked so much nicer. C'mon...I need a deal on this!

I hit my max download speed of 50mbs(I have FIOS 50/20 service) from PSN everytime so it is extremely fast for me, but I rarely use it. VUDU is my primary DD source.

I had read that Sony limited their server download speed in the past. I find it hard to believe they allow up to 50 Mbps out of their servers. Did you actually measure >5 Mbps from them? I admit I haven't tried PSN for 6 weeks now.

Funny thing is, I have an AppleTV (hacked so I can load my own files onto it along with Boxee) and a 360. I have thounsads of SD and HD content at my fingertips, but VuDu quality is just so much nicer. My friend had one and when I compared it to a release on my AppleTV, the VuDu just looked so much nicer. C'mon...I need a deal on this!

We need to start a pool on when Gizmo caves and buys in!

Any advancements on letting us view our own content on this box?

Thanks

Another item I would like others to confirm. I setup Video to be 1080p but last night when viewing "Jaws" I had to go back to 1080i to avoid studder. This leads me to believe not all movies (the older ones) are 1080p/24. Anyhow, it's not a big deal to change settings but others in the house are less technically inclined.

Another item I would like others to confirm. I setup Video to be 1080p but last night when viewing "Jaws" I had to go back to 1080i to avoid studder. This leads me to believe not all movies (the older ones) are 1080p/24. Anyhow, it's not a big deal to change settings but others in the house are less technically inclined.

I had the same issue with my projector. I fixed it by setting output to "TV preferrd" or whatever it gets from the edid and it fixed it.

My PJ will take 1080/24P but not 1080/60

I had the same issue with my projector. I fixed it by setting output to "TV preferrd" or whatever it gets from the edid and it fixed it.

My PJ will take 1080/24P but not 1080/60

Thanks, I will experiment some more. I never noticed TV preferred. I guess I was looking to force feed my PJ 1080p/24 but that is not the best idea when viewing SD or 1080i/60 video sources.

We need to start a pool on when Gizmo caves and buys in!

When it hits a good peice point I'll cave. But I won't pay $300 for the ability to pay $4-$6 for a HD movie when I have two other options (ATV and 360) already available to me. How VuDu still expects to sell these for $299 is beyond me. $99 and they would fly off the shelves. My BB is stocked like crwzy with boxes and I want one!

Has anyone else noticed more movies are available day and date with their DVD releases? The delayed rental window has always been a bit of an annoyance (Not Vudu's fault since this is up to the studios) but Babylon AD was day and date as well as Max Payne. I'm guessing this is because the didn't do so great at the box offices but it is nice to able to rent these as soon as they are available. I have yet to see a blockbuster come out day and date so I hope that changes as well as them adding some more TV content which is the only thing lacking in Vudu's library IMO.

Any advancements on letting us view our own content on this box?

Thanks

Technically, you can do this now - just post all your content on YouTube and watch it through Vudu Labs. Hopefully the RIA interface will make this much desired feature a reality on Vudu soon. I'm still waiting for them to post a link to download a copy of the RIA for personal usage.

Can you post 1080p mkv files to youtube and get the same quality?!

If so, I didn't know that..

Thanks

I know you can play HD files from YouTube on Vudu, and they look great. I don't have enough information to comment on the specifics. I just understand that YouTube has been moving towards a big HD emphasis.

Speaking of Max Payne, boy did it ever look fantastic in HDX!! If you need demo material to show how good VUDU can look, that title would be a good choice.

I'll look into it.. thanks for the info..

I'd imagine there would be quite a bit of transcoding done before / after / during the upload of said file(s)..

I may have to rethink my angle as to what I want from this "box" that I'm looking for..

Thanks again for your input..

Last night we rented an HD movie for immediate playback. The first issue was lack of audio so I stopped and changed the settings back to stereo and the problem was resolved. I had hoped to leave it at 5.1 all the time. My Denon receiver is set to receive audio over HDMI but maybe I somehow have that limited to 5.1 only and not stereo. I also want to apply processing to fill all 7 channels.

The 2nd issue we had was 46 minutes in. The video stuttered. I paused and did a 30 second rewind and it played fine for 15 minutes more. At this point the movie download was well ahead of playback but the video stuttered. I am at a loss as to why.

SD playback is/was fine with my previous audio/video settings
HDX playback is/was also fine.
HD playback is a bit problematic for me.

The movie was "Burn after Reading" if that matters.

UPDATE - - I will perform a reboot and send my sys id to Vudu engineers.

I guess I am not 100% up to the ins and outs of the box yet. By the way HD is VERY good resolution. Our guests were in disbelief about the PQ from a download. Still, I prefer HDX and flawless playback with 5.1 surround. I also noted that HDX version of the same movie could have started playback in 2 hours last night. I thought 4 hours was the norm? Perhaps not a very high bit rate action movie so 2 hours was enough.

k

Last night we rented an HD movie for immediate playback. The first issue was lack of audio so I stopped and changed the settings back to stereo and the problem was resolved. I had hoped to leave it at 5.1 all the time. My Denon receiver is set to receive audio over HDMI but maybe I somehow have that limited to 5.1 only and not stereo. I also want to apply processing to fill all 7 channels.

The 2nd issue we had was 46 minutes in. The video stuttered. I paused and did a 30 second rewind and it played fine for 15 minutes more. At this point the movie download was well ahead of playback but the video stuttered. I am at a loss as to why.

SD playback is/was fine with my previous audio/video settings
HDX playback is/was also fine.
HD playback is a bit problematic for me.

The movie was "Burn after Reading" if that matters.

UPDATE - - I will perform a reboot and send my sys id to Vudu engineers.

I guess I am not 100% up to the ins and outs of the box yet. By the way HD is VERY good resolution. Our guests were in disbelief about the PQ from a download. Still, I prefer HDX and flawless playback with 5.1 surround. I also noted that HDX version of the same movie could have started playback in 2 hours last night. I thought 4 hours was the norm? Perhaps not a very high bit rate action movie so 2 hours was enough.

k

Had you used Vudu labs anytime this "boot" before watching the movie? I think it's a known bug that 5.1 HDMI audio doesnt work after using Vudu labs. I think enabling stereo, then watching the movie for a second, then switching back to 5.1 fixes it, as does a reboot. I'm not sure about the video stutter, did a reboot fix it?

bald

I had a stutter problem throughout a movie, a few weeks back. I had never seen this problem before, and after a re-boot, never saw it since.

Yes we did use Vudu Labs before the movie. Thanks for the suggestions. I have a different boot procedure from Vudu tech. support I received this afternoon (Saturday???) so I'll give that a go. We are currently downloading an HDX.

By the way it is a re-assign of the remote. I don't think it should matter but we do have all the usual wireless suspects. PS3, XBox 360, Wii, cordless phones

The HDMI audio/video glitches after using Vudu Labs is a "known bug" that they are going to patch soon. For now, a cold reboot after Vudu Labs does fix everything.

The Vudu remote uses RF in a range that is not in conflict with those other devices (they are mostly IR). The Vudu remote can be set to 4 different RF frequencies via dip switches (see www.vudu.com for the remote pairing instructions).

None of those controllers are IR. There is even a wireless headset used. The Wii uses IR only in setup with the sensor bar.

Last night after Vudu labs again and during browsing of titles the box suddenly displayed the message "going to sleep" and shut down. After about 2 minutes we were able to get it to come out of "sleep" and respond to the remote.

None of those controllers are IR. There is even a wireless headset used. The Wii uses IR only in setup with the sensor bar.

Last night after VUDU labs again and during browsing of titles the box suddenly displayed the message "going to sleep" and shut down. After about 2 minutes we were able to get it to come out of "sleep" and respond to the remote.

I have all those devices plus several Bluetooth devices too. I've never had any interference with my VUDU boxes. And I have three with each one using a different frequency with each VUDU remote.

The Vudu remote uses RF in a range that is not in conflict with those other devices (they are mostly IR). The Vudu remote can be set to 4 different RF frequencies via dip switches (see www.vudu.com for the remote pairing instructions).

Are you saying the Vudu box can not accept IR? I have a pronto professional that uses either IR or Serial to control devices. Are their other ways to control the VUDU box if you have a set up like a Pronto Pro?

I have all those devices plus several Bluetooth devices too. I've never had any interference with my VUDU boxes. And I have three with each one using a different frequency with each VUDU remote.

I never claimed I had interference. I just wanted Vudu support to know what I have in the vicinity. I do notice sluggish performance from the remote from time to time. I have since changed the freq. of my Vudu remote but have not used it extensively since.

We just noticed the "going to sleep" message last night after a Vudu labs session. My daughter claims she just left Vudu labs and went to browse the catalog when the message appeared. We had to wait a couple of minutes for the box to respond.

Are you saying the Vudu box can not accept IR? I have a pronto professional that uses either IR or Serial to control devices. Are their other ways to control the VUDU box if you have a set up like a Pronto Pro?

There is an IR adapter for the Vudu. I believe pronto remotes are among the compatible remotes, but I would confirm that in the Vudu documentation on their website.

bald

Are you saying the Vudu box can not accept IR? I have a pronto professional that uses either IR or Serial to control devices. Are their other ways to control the VUDU box if you have a set up like a Pronto Pro?

Out of the box the Vudu does not support IR control. The IR kit for the Vudu (allowing you to use your Pronto) is sold on the vudu website for $39. I've seen them on eBay occasionally for much less.

I have been noticing that many of the HDX titles are now showing download times of 2 hours, however that is half of the time that it actually takes. I have checked my bandwidth, through the device and am consistently getting more than the max 4mbs, and my cable line is capable of 20+.

I made the mistake tonight of planning a movie, that was supposed to take two hours to download, but it took twice that long, and was unable to watch it. I won't make that mistake again, but am wondering what is going on??

I just have to say that iPhone thing is an amazing saver! Fast access, I pick movies and the thing downloads to my Vudu box and while I'm ready to watch in my theater room it's already downloaded. Great stuff.

I have to commend Vudu management and engineers at doing a tremendous job adding extremely cool features to this little box!

We just need the external streaming from our hard drives or through network and I'll be a super happy camper and I bet a lot of other users.

I can't wait to see how far Vudu goes and how far community will go to extend with Vudu labs.


Btw, I have a bit of a an idea that's out there but if you have great relationship with the studios there's something I bet we all dreamed about.

Buying active movies in the theater through Vudu box. I always had an idea about having a company create relationships with movie theater chains and studios to offer current theater movies for download as well.

Now I know this is pretty impossible but if it was in any way possible I think this would be the perfect way it would work:

1. Movies would be encoded in high quality (HDX)
2. Vudu would act as a connection between a consumer and the theater and allow purchasing of a ticket either through Vudu interface or even in the theaters as well. You go pick up the ticket, you get Vudu code on it, you come back and you punch it in and your download starts.
3. I understand that Vudu needs to make money off of this but I'm pretty sure that majority of us would gladly pay premium over the regular ticket because our theaters are most likely much better then what we have in theaters to begin with. If a ticket is $9, I would have no problem paying $15 to get it on Vudu. It could take care of the movie theaters, it would certainly make studios happy and Vudu could make some profit out of it.

In my perfect dream, everybody wins. Ok, maybe theaters rely more on snacks and beverage revenue but they still won't lose out and plenty of people will still go to see the movie in theaters.

I wish Vudu management maybe throw an idea in the air with the studios and try. This would be absolutely fantastic and put Vudu in such a unique place I can't even describe.

Imagine, kids soccer practice or other activities over the weekend and then one pulls up his/her iphone, buys a ticket on Vudu, comes home and do a family screening of the latest movies.

What a wonderful dream, is it not? :D

So you'd pay $15 for a theatrical release on your VUDU, that as many people that could fit in your living room/home theater could watch. All that lost revenue is something you think studios would ever agree too?

So you'd pay $15 for a theatrical release on your VUDU, that as many people that could fit in your living room/home theater could watch. All that lost revenue is something you think studios would ever agree too?

I think you are taking it too far. I'm certainly not going to have 20 people watching the movie and even if I wanted to it's pretty impossible. Who's gonna do that? But even without that, you still pay premium for the privilege. They won't lose money because a lot of people who have theaters and use Vudu most likely don't even go to the theater but wait for the release on Vudu or DVD or Blu-Ray to watch home, and those who do, will continue going to the theater. At least I think so based on what I've heard from people like I am.

But one can dream and hope that day will come. At the very least it would be something that would kick theater chains in the behind and force them to provide better experience for movie watching so you would not want to stay home.

So you'd pay $15 for a theatrical release on your VUDU, that as many people that could fit in your living room/home theater could watch. All that lost revenue is something you think studios would ever agree too?

I'm already not going to the theater...ever...it's been years. So what is the studio missing out on again?

bald

Out of the box the Vudu does not support IR control. The IR kit for the Vudu (allowing you to use your Pronto) is sold on the vudu website for $39. I've seen them on eBay occasionally for much less.

Yes. I picked up a second one on Ebay for a avery good price. I also picked up the VUDU case through Amazon. It's excellent for carrying the VUDU back and forth between locations.

I think you are taking it too far. I'm certainly not going to have 20 people watching the movie and even if I wanted to it's pretty impossible. Who's gonna do that? But even without that, you still pay premium for the privilege. They won't lose money because a lot of people who have theaters and use Vudu most likely don't even go to the theater but wait for the release on Vudu or DVD or Blu-Ray to watch home, and those who do, will continue going to the theater. At least I think so based on what I've heard from people like I am.

But one can dream and hope that day will come. At the very least it would be something that would kick theater chains in the behind and force them to provide better experience for movie watching so you would not want to stay home.

The theater chains are offering something better with 3D projectors and IMAX(and IMAX 3D) theaters.
If a movie is available in IMAX I will only see it in the IMAX theater now. It is so much better than the reguar theater.
I haven't seen a 3D film or 3D IMAX film yet, but I know several people who have and they could not stop praising it. They couldn't believe how good the 3D was. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see a 3D film later this year since there are several high profile films being released in 3D this year.

And of course I am using my VUDU boxes more andmore. I just wish they would hurry up and offer an external storage solution. My mainbox is pretty full now so I can only rent one or two titles and I have to wait for the extended viewing period offer to end before I can rent something else.

But one can dream and hope that day will come. At the very least it would be something that would kick theater chains in the behind and force them to provide better experience for movie watching so you would not want to stay home.

I totally agree - I have a pretty nice home theater and I would love to pay $15+ for a new theatrical release. I would have 8 people over and for me it is the holy grail of movie watching. Prior to the studio clamp down - we used to do this all the time with the Oscar movies that were sent out to the academy. It was a total blast - I would definately pay for this pay per view experience.

Also, I do not think the dream is to far off or that the studios will lose that much money. Heck, Landmark is already doing this with select movies introducing them on HDNET at the same time the theatrical release comes out. Albeit - this is a very small niche that HDNET is involved in but it is already happening. I saw Flawless on HDNET the day it was released in the theater - and it was a great experience to have people watch it in my home theater. It did not hurt that it was actually a pretty good movie also.

If VUDU could pull this off - I think they would have a home run.

I have been noticing that many of the HDX titles are now showing download times of 2 hours, however that is half of the time that it actually takes. I made the mistake tonight of planning a movie, that was supposed to take two hours to download, but it took twice that long, and was unable to watch it. I won't make that mistake again, but am wondering what is going on??

I wonder if it has to do with popularity and server congestion. We started Appaloosa HDX at 4 p.m. thinking we'd be ready at 8 p.m. Once the download started it gave us an ever increasing ETA and ended up being 8:45 p.m. I believe Appaloosa is the current #1 download so without the extensive peer-to-peer network in place it may take longer.

Last night we added some upcoming movies to our wish list. I guess we are going to plan ahead by 5 hours from now on. Impulse renting will have to be HD rather than HDX. You don't miss out on much on the video side.

We've DL'ed 10 movies now in 17 days from our box. Seems high but there are so many choices at your finger tips and the ease and speed in which to get them makes it a winner in our household.

The theater chains are offering something better with 3D projectors and IMAX(and IMAX 3D) theaters.
If a movie is available in IMAX I will only see it in the IMAX theater now. It is so much better than the reguar theater.
I haven't seen a 3D film or 3D IMAX film yet, but I know several people who have and they could not stop praising it. They couldn't believe how good the 3D was. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see a 3D film later this year since there are several high profile films being released in 3D this year.

And of course I am using my VUDU boxes more andmore. I just wish they would hurry up and offer an external storage solution. My mainbox is pretty full now so I can only rent one or two titles and I have to wait for the extended viewing period offer to end before I can rent something else.

Good point, but I'm not overwhelming excited by IMAX to be honest with you. I appreciate the extra quality but theaters are still behind with technology. They are trying but they didn't have a lot of incentive to upgrade overall.

Good point, but I'm not overwhelming excited by IMAX to be honest with you. I appreciate the extra quality but theaters are still behind with technology. They are trying but they didn't have a lot of incentive to upgrade overall.


IMAX is all digital, no film using DLP projectors. At least the IMAX theaters at AMC are in my area.
Although they only have one IMAX theater and one 3D theater(that also uses a DLP projector) at each of the two AMC cineplexes near me that we frequent.(there are actually several AMC cineplexes within 20 minutes of me but my girlfriend and I only go to two of them, an 18 screen and a 22 screen)
At least it's a start. It will be nice when they drop film and go digital with all their theaters. If that ever happens.

http://www.cepro.com/article/after_cutbacks_vudu_accelerates_plan_to_oem_its_video_on_dem and_software?utm_source=CEPWeekly&utm_medium=email


This was just posted on cepro

http://www.cepro.com/article/after_cutbacks_vudu_accelerates_plan_to_oem_its_video_on_dem and_software?utm_source=CEPWeekly&utm_medium=email


This was just posted on cepro

Awesome article, thanks for posting it. Vudu is sure precariously poised to take the whole market or fall flat on its face. I hope that some VC's can throw some money at Vudu to make sure it's the former.

Agreed - All the other services seem geared to lower quality offerings. The Apple box is nice from a user experience standpoint but the quality is not there. Let's hope that VUDU takes off.

I was interested to find out that Vudu was interested in OEMing their service. Placing their service on media center boxes (i.e. Escient, Crestron, etc.) or on boxes like the Roku could be a good move.

I'd surely like to see Vudu integrated into 2009 flat panels but I guess we have to wait until 2010?

Makes me a little nervous since I just got my vudu box and like it; however, I am disappointed that I cannot use the 1080p/24 since my tv only supports 1080p/60.

The selling points for me were 1080p, lots of HD titles in 1080p and that it was on sale for 99 dollars. My 30 day trial period is almost up, I'm still on the fence, and this news is making me think a little harder...

In a normal economy there would be nothing to worry about. However in this economy, small companies trying to introduce high value products that charge a premium are going to struggle a bit. This is why the netflix all you can eat service for physical disks and poor quality downloads seems to be a winning value proposition for a lot of people and why their profits are up even in a down time.

That being said - $99 is still a great deal for a service such as this.

I agree $99 is not a big deal. I already saved the purchase of a quite a few discs and 3 of them on blu.

If you want to put losing money ($99) in perspective, take a look at your 401k or home value.

Makes me a little nervous since I just got my vudu box and like it; however, I am disappointed that I cannot use the 1080p/24 since my tv only supports 1080p/60.

The selling points for me were 1080p, lots of HD titles in 1080p and that it was on sale for 99 dollars. My 30 day trial period is almost up, I'm still on the fence, and this news is making me think a little harder...

If you don't want it I'll buy it off you got $115 which should cover the amount you paid plus tax and shipping to me. Let me know!

(I posted this an hour ago and my post disappeared?)

I now notice Roku box is $99. I need to investigate this box relative to Vudu. Does anybody have both?

update: found this review

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/19/do-not-time-netflix-hd-streaming-shootout/

Think I will pass for now.

i dont think the roku box competes in quality but then the downloads are free - what do you expect for free

i dont think the roku box competes in quality but then the downloads are free - what do you expect for free

I don't know. I would guess some day they start offering HD movies and start charging. In the future it looks like Amazon and Netflix compete.

I am looking for an HDMI 1.3 capable box ... kind of hoping Vudu takes a step but with this weeks news ... I'm a bit doubtful. They best hook up with some partners and get their "sauce" into a few other avenues.

I have the netflix box and just recently caught the sale on the vudu box. I love both and for different reasons. When it comes to sound and picture, Netflix cannot compare to vudu. But there are many oddball movies and tv series on Netflix that will NEVER be on vudu. In many cases, I put something in my netflix watch instantly que, watch 5 minutes of it and say;"No, thanks!" and it cost me nothing extra. In a few, rare, cases, I watch a few minutes of something, decide to give it time to develope and find a gem. I find shows that I never would have bothered wasting the effort of having it delivered on dvd to my door or would never have paid extra to rent. And the few times here and there that the box redownloads are hardly worth mentioning.

When I watch vudu, I expect perfection and get it. I plan a time to watch a movie and watch it in HDX format, with the sound up and the lights down.

I bought into HD-dvd early but have not bought a blu-ray player even after HD-dvd bit the dust. Right now, I pretty much feel like I don't need to- since I have vudu. That 99$ has saved me not only the price of the movies I would have bought but the hardware too.

On the flip side, netflix has saved me from buying dvd sets of tv shows I may or may not have liked but wanted to check out. I get the best of both worlds!

I have the netflix box and just recently caught the sale on the vudu box. I love both and for different reasons. When it comes to sound and picture, Netflix cannot compare to vudu. But there are many oddball movies and tv series on Netflix that will NEVER be on vudu. In many cases, I put something in my netflix watch instantly que, watch 5 minutes of it and say;"No, thanks!" and it cost me nothing extra. In a few, rare, cases, I watch a few minutes of something, decide to give it time to develope and find a gem. I find shows that I never would have bothered wasting the effort of having it delivered on dvd to my door or would never have paid extra to rent. And the few times here and there that the box redownloads are hardly worth mentioning.

When I watch vudu, I expect perfection and get it. I plan a time to watch a movie and watch it in HDX format, with the sound up and the lights down.

I bought into HD-dvd early but have not bought a blu-ray player even after HD-dvd bit the dust. Right now, I pretty much feel like I don't need to- since I have vudu. That 99$ has saved me not only the price of the movies I would have bought but the hardware too.

On the flip side, netflix has saved me from buying dvd sets of tv shows I may or may not have liked but wanted to check out. I get the best of both worlds!

This sums it up perfectly for me as well. I see them much more complimentary than competitive.

Great post.

This sums it up perfectly for me as well. I see them much more complimentary than competitive.
Ya think?! ;)

With Netflix VOD being added to BD players it should be pretty obvious that they are complimentary. I use both physical media and Netflix VOD (plus streaming video from network sites), and the option to do both is SWEET!

Another example of "denial of content" .... sooner or later we will have all movies DL on date of DVD release. Of course "date of DVD release" may become and out of fashion term too.

Open Season 2 releases today and it is a buy SD option only on Vudu for $19.99. I reserved it via Red Box for $0.99 on SD.

I checked PSNetwork online but they only "feature" movies and don't show what is available for DL rent. I wonder if it is DL rent on PSN? I do have some $$ on my PSN account but haven't been there in 5 weeks.

Considering OS2 is Sony...I am not shocked by this.

Considering OS2 is Sony...I am not shocked by this.

Sony PHE, Disney and Lionsgate do pretty much the same thing. All Disney Pirates of the Caribbean series and Cars are not there. Wall-E is however.

Iron Man, Batman, Appalosa, Max Payne, Burn after Reading and other newer worthwhile titles are there pretty fast.

Let's see how long SPHE and Disney hold out ... I would guess until DVD and blu-ray is milked as best they can. I bet Disney isn't keen on DL's ... they can hardly have 8 previews and 2 commercials before the feature on a DL.

I added my new box and the credit was instantaneous, so if anyone else is still on the fence it works like a charm.

This is good until jan 31, right? If so, I plan to make a trip to BB this evening and pick one up.

cjett

This is good until jan 31, right? If so, I plan to make a trip to BB this evening and pick one up.

cjett

AFAIK the deal is still valid until Saturday night - let us know if it works!

Another example of "denial of content" .... sooner or later we will have all movies DL on date of DVD release. Of course "date of DVD release" may become and out of fashion term too.

Open Season 2 releases today and it is a buy SD option only on Vudu for $19.99. I reserved it via Red Box for $0.99 on SD.

I checked PSNetwork online but they only "feature" movies and don't show what is available for DL rent. I wonder if it is DL rent on PSN? I do have some $$ on my PSN account but haven't been there in 5 weeks.

Typically there is a 30 day delay on renting. So in 30 days it should be available to rent in SD, HD, and possibly HDX. This is nothing new. But it is available to download day and date with the DVD. But only for purchase. And this also is nothing new.

Ya think?! ;)

With Netflix VOD being added to BD players it should be pretty obvious that they are complimentary. I use both physical media and Netflix VOD (plus streaming video from network sites), and the option to do both is SWEET!

That does bring up a point. I am a fairly new owner of Vudu (Christmas) and after a month I can see that Vudu might be a threat to Blu Ray in the long term although as you say, Netflix is really not.

If Vudu took HDX up to Dolby Digital+, then the only difference I can see (better audio codecs) is gone, although you can certainly argue that DD+ is not really hi-rez. I, for one, have already cut my Blu Ray purchases and I am hardly renting BD from Netflix as I know many new releases will be "long wait". I just get it from Vudu when I can.

Naw, this box, however great hdx movies might display, is geared toward the rental market only.
BD is a collectors market. I'm not even sure if this is a threat to the dvd market in that I can purchase a dvd w/ extras for less than I can buy it here. I also know I can pop the dvd in the player 3 years from now and it will play.
Dropping $300 for a player to a company that might not be here in 6 months has no appeal as I don't need another paper weight. At $25 I might try it.
Vudu really appears to be a nice bridge from dvd to BD while new titles are added to the BD catalog. As BD players from the heavy hitters such as panasonic, sony, samsung, lg and software come down in price, machines like this will become marginalized.

... As BD players from the heavy hitters such as panasonic, sony, samsung, lg and software come down in price, machines like this will become marginalized....

For someone like me, who no longer sees the point in owning or collecting discs, I have a hard time believing a physical medium will be able to "marginalize" the convenience of choosing from 1000s of movies on a whim. If those BD players integrate a Vudu like service, then it's possible (netflix in its current state doesn't count - the quality and selection is garbage), but otherwise just the convenience factor will allow a service like this to survive to some degree, whether it's vudu or someone else.

bald

edit: as I re-read your post, I see you may have meant the Vudu set-top-box may not survive - you are probably right. Dedicated set-top-boxes are probably not going to be around for long.

VOD is not going anywhere. It is growing because it makes business sense for those involved, and customers enjoy the convenience.

Netflix is making the investments into their streaming service because their initial data is pointing to people using it results in less mailing of DVDs, which is ultimately a cost savings for them.

That said, people need to chill out about things getting "marginalized". The overall market is large and diverse enough for different delivery methods.

Netflix has a great offering, enhanced by the fact that there are many devices in homes that can use the VOD offering (and already connected to TVs), with more coming on the market. Vudu has a great offering for those who will pay a premium for higher quality while keeping the convenience of download/stream. BD has a great offering for those who want to collect discs and build up a library and are willing to pay the premium on hardware and software for higher quality.

Although I think disc purchases will be around for a long time, I also think the perceived value has changed. The all you can eat offerings are very compelling, particularly from a company like Netflix who offers DVD and Blu-Ray via snail mail, and a growing library of streaming content.

EDIT: BTW... Please see this thread if anyone has any doubts about VOD growing as a consumer option.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1114772

I don't think it's VOD service that will get marginalized, however, boxes that only play with certain services will certainly fall by the wayside. The thought of buying a $300 box that may get dumped in the near term gives me second thoughts(and third and fourth).
You know it's not a secret as to what would be a smash hit machine: 1080p /24 frame producing artifact free movies with 5.1 sound that lets you rent but also buy and burn if you want...so what's with all these companies that can't deliver? It could be that the studios are the ones holding it back and it may be a business strategy to keep the VOD market fractured and lacking in certain features.

I don't think it's VOD service that will get marginalized, however, boxes that only play with certain services will certainly fall by the wayside. The thought of buying a $300 box that may get dumped in the near term gives me second thoughts(and third and fourth).
You know it's not a secret as to what would be a smash hit machine: 1080p /24 frame producing artifact free movies with 5.1 sound that lets you rent but also buy and burn if you want...so what's with all these companies that can't deliver? It could be that the studios are the ones holding it back and it may be a business strategy to keep the VOD market fractured and lacking in certain features.
I think it likely has to do with each studio believing that their own content is enough for them to make all the money on the content and the delivery system.

I do believe that having boxes that do one more than one thing are the future. Whether that is playing video games and streaming movies, playing disc based movies and streaming media, or being the actual display device and streaming movies... although I think the video game device makes the most sense as it has a life cycle that fits in well with upgrades to codecs, bandwidth and other features. Of course both Sony and Microsoft have their own systems for delivering non-subsciption based VOD.

I'm thinking the RIA will let us take the Vudu to enough additional functionality to make it the best of breed for VOD. While Vudu Labs is a good start, there's plenty of room for growth when end users can write their own applications to run on the Vudu.

I don't think it's VOD service that will get marginalized, however, boxes that only play with certain services will certainly fall by the wayside. The thought of buying a $300 box that may get dumped in the near term gives me second thoughts(and third and fourth).
You know it's not a secret as to what would be a smash hit machine: 1080p /24 frame producing artifact free movies with 5.1 sound that lets you rent but also buy and burn if you want...so what's with all these companies that can't deliver? It could be that the studios are the ones holding it back and it may be a business strategy to keep the VOD market fractured and lacking in certain features.

I'd prefer 7.1 especially since I'm on my fifth 7.1 receiver since 2001.

I'd prefer 7.1 especially since I'm on my fifth 7.1 receiver since 2001.
7.1 on BD is sweeeet!

Naw, this box, however great hdx movies might display, is geared toward the rental market only.
BD is a collectors market. I'm not even sure if this is a threat to the dvd market in that I can purchase a dvd w/ extras for less than I can buy it here. I also know I can pop the dvd in the player 3 years from now and it will play.
Dropping $300 for a player to a company that might not be here in 6 months has no appeal as I don't need another paper weight. At $25 I might try it.
Vudu really appears to be a nice bridge from dvd to BD while new titles are added to the BD catalog. As BD players from the heavy hitters such as panasonic, sony, samsung, lg and software come down in price, machines like this will become marginalized.

I guess my point is that we will see whether collectors change their "spots". Just like everyone, I can only go by my own experience and I have been a "collector" for many years. Instead, I am only buying definte keepers now and that has not always been the case for me.

As I posted earlier in the thread, I only got Vudu as a gift, but after a couple of HDX rentals, I took a good look at my DVD closet (and yes, my collection does need a closet) and it pained me at how many titles had been watched only once.

I love quality and finally a download source delivers. If it wasn't for the TrueHD or Master Audio tracks, I would never be able to justify another blu Ray purchase unless I know for a fact that it will be watched over and over.

Just my $0.02 :)

I love quality and finally a download source delivers. If it wasn't for the TrueHD or Master Audio tracks, I would never be able to justify another blu Ray purchase unless I know for a fact that it will be watched over and over.

Just my $0.02 :)

HDX did put a fork in my blu-ray disc (and DVD) buying. I have almost 500 DVD, HD DVD and blu-ray discs. I will live with HDX as I am sure it will get a audio upgrade at some point in the future with HDMI 1.3 boxes. That is when I get box #2 and place my current box in another room.

With the economy as it is, this may never happen so I just sit and use what I have today. If a red box started renting blu near me I might try them.

Your analysis is correct, and if you act fast, you can still get a new Vudu from the website at http://my.vudu.com for only $99. I have 3 Vudu's now, and I'm really looking forward to what new stuff we'll get on our Vudu's in 2009.
Man, what a bummer. I've been following Vudu for the last year and didn't look all through the holidays?? How did I miss the $99 special. Sheesh.

Oh well, guess I will be waiting until it drops again.

(or until PSN improves)

Tom

Vudu is now $149 on best buy's web site.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8763938&type=product&id=1218008397877

Vudu is now $149 on best buy's web site.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8763938&type=product&id=1218008397877


Better still.

https://my.vudu.com/buynow/

$99 on Vudu.com and $149 with box and wireless kit. Run, don't walk all ye fence sitters!

A definite buy at this price. Let's see what GizmoDVD does. If you skip 6 or 7 "expensive" discs you come out ahead. I have already done 4 HDX, 1 HD and 6 SD titles in 3 weeks so I am in the black with my purchase. This box is a wonderful way to save $$ on movie night.

Better still.

https://my.vudu.com/buynow/

$99 on Vudu.com and $149 with box and wireless kit. Run, don't walk all ye fence sitters!

A definite buy at this price. Let's see what GizmoDVD does. If you skip 6 or 7 "expensive" discs you come out ahead. I have already done 4 HDX, 1 HD and 6 SD titles in 3 weeks so I am in the black with my purchase. This box is a wonderful way to save $$ on movie night.

Holy cow. I'm having second thoughts about returning my new Pioneer blu-ray player. hmm...

Does the box still come with a $200 content credit?

Does the box still come with a $200 content credit?

Don't think so. On Vudu site, the MSRP is $99 for box and $149 for box+wireless kit. I have CAT-5 routed throughout the house so wireless is not needed but I can see where those routers would be handy.

Another thing I take pleasure in. Vudu offered 12,384 movies when I signed on 3 weeks ago. Last night I noticed they are up to 12,948 titles. It keeps climbing at a steep clip. Someday all movies will be on there! ... Well maybe not some Sony Pictures ...

Don't think so. On Vudu site, the MSRP is $99 for box and $149 for box+wireless kit. I have CAT-5 routed throughout the house so wireless is not needed but I can see where those routers would be handy.

Another thing I take pleasure in. Vudu offered 12,384 movies when I signed on 3 weeks ago. Last night I noticed they are up to 12,948 titles. It keeps climbing at a steep clip. Someday all movies will be on there! ... Well maybe not some Sony Pictures ...
If would do wireless, but setup my own 802.11n bridge. All my wireless devices are 802.11n (including my 360) and are on par with my physical connection to the internet.

Need to think about this... with the content included it is a no brainer. Without it, I may wait to see if Vudu decides to partner with anyone else. Would be cool to have their service on the 360!

Better still.

https://my.vudu.com/buynow/

$99 on Vudu.com and $149 with box and wireless kit. Run, don't walk all ye fence sitters!

A definite buy at this price. Let's see what GizmoDVD does. If you skip 6 or 7 "expensive" discs you come out ahead. I have already done 4 HDX, 1 HD and 6 SD titles in 3 weeks so I am in the black with my purchase. This box is a wonderful way to save $$ on movie night.

Holy poop!!!!!!!!!!!!

Site is down for maintence but I WILL be buying when it comes back up! Damn...get paid today to! Thanks guys!

Here's a question - Lets say I DL a movie. Can I then move it to another TV and watch it without being connected to WiFi/Internet? $50 is a bit to spend for "maybe" wanting to move the box to the bedroom to watch a movie (I have CAT5 for my HT setup in the Living room)

Ok...price shows $299 on VuDu's website :(

If would do wireless, but setup my own 802.11n bridge. All my wireless devices are 802.11n (including my 360) and are on par with my physical connection to the internet.

Need to think about this... with the content included it is a no brainer. Without it, I may wait to see if Vudu decides to partner with anyone else. Would be cool to have their service on the 360!

Usually n type routers are backwards compatible to b/g routers. I use a Linksys WRT160N and it is amazing .... but I don't have a Vudu wireless kit.

K

Ok...price shows $299 on VuDu's website :(

What a crock! It was there a couple of hours ago. How about the BestBuy price, is that still $149 in the link provided above.

Also, The SD and HD movies are streamed. Only the HDX is DL'ed. If you move your box can you also move the connection? A wireless kit would allow you to move it anywhere in the house. I have CAT-5 everywhere so I could simply plug in elsewhere.

What a crock! It was there a couple of hours ago. How about the BestBuy price, is that still $149 in the link provided above.

Also, The SD and HD movies are streamed. Only the HDX is DL'ed. If you move your box can you also move the connection? A wireless kit would allow you to move it anywhere in the house. I have CAT-5 everywhere so I could simply plug in elsewhere.

$150 ($160 after taxes) is decent, but I could have gotten $50 worth of free movies a month ago as well at the same price point. I'll (sadly) wait until VuDu lowers it to $99 again or BB matches their previous offer.

Usually n type routers are backwards compatible to b/g routers. I use a Linksys WRT160N and it is amazing .... but I don't have a Vudu wireless kit.

K
They are, but I am a wireless speed whore and want every device running 802.11n :-)

They are, but I am a wireless speed whore and want every device running 802.11n :-)

O.K.

I am getting 18.6 Mbps to a laptop and my service is only 20.4Mbps. I heard the best people could achieve with type N was 70 Mbps ... if you have the service for that!

Anyhow, Vudu limit 4 Mbps seems to be the wall. I hope this grows up to 8-12 Mbps ... and I hope for DD+ or better audio too.

I wonder if the BUY page of Vudu was a mistake today. Seemed to go down rather quickly once "noticed" and posted. I wonder if anybody got the price and if it would be honored.

They offered the VuDu for $99 for some time a month ago so I doubt its a mistake. Best Buy lowered their price today as well. I won't bite until its $99 or $149 with $50 of credits. I have tons of movies to occupy my time with.

Even though I already have a Vudu everyone should be careful here. The broadband providers, Time Warner, Comcast etc., are not going to let this downloading continue with out getting their piece of the action.
they are going to start to charge for excessive bandwidth use.

Beware!!!









s

...The SD and HD movies are streamed. Only the HDX is DL'ed. If you move your box can you also move the connection? A wireless kit would allow you to move it anywhere in the house. I have CAT-5 everywhere so I could simply plug in elsewhere.

The SD and HD films begin downloading as soon as you rent them. I'm pretty sure you can rent them, wait for them to download, move the box to another tv without an internet connection, and watch them without difficulty.

bald

Vudu will be acquired or out of business by 2010.

Vudu will be acquired or out of business by 2010.

Wonderful. Can I ask you what next weeks Lotto #'s are since you have your Crystal Ball out?

I tested the notion of DL'ing a movie, disconnecting from the net and powering down. I then reconnected power but not the net. I could playback the HDX title I DL'ed last night.

I assume it would work equally as well if you waited for an SD or HD DL also.

It does mention that the "service is not connected" but you still can start the movie playback. I also forwarded through the movie and played it from several places. A DL and disconnect with move looks good to go.

We're going to watch movie #12 tonight (in 4 weeks). This thing is pretty convenient, I'll say that.

K

I tested the notion of DL'ing a movie, disconnecting from the net and powering down. I then reconnected power but not the net. I could playback the HDX title I DL'ed last night.

I assume it would work equally as well if you waited for an SD or HD DL also.

It does mention that the "service is not connected" but you still can start the movie playback. I also forwarded through the movie and played it from several places. A DL and disconnect with move looks good to go.

We're going to watch movie #12 tonight (in 4 weeks). This thing is pretty convenient, I'll say that.

K

I want to DL a couple of SD titles and let the kids watched them in the SUV on a trip next weekend. I will then connect to the cat5 when I get home. We'll see if it works, if no one else does.

Vudu is now $149 on best buy's web site.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8763938&type=product&id=1218008397877

Ok - close enough to $99. I just pulled the trigger when I saw this post come across by Samsung Blackjack. I went to Bust Buy - they still had the old $299 price posted - I made them look it up on the web site - and bingo. I am now a prowd owner of a Vudu box for $149. Doing my part to stimulate the economy - your welcome Barack Obama.

Now with my luck:

Vudu will go out of business in 2010 :-)
or
HDXstream will come out with their box with 7.1 DTS MA support and a netflix all you can eat model
or
Vudu will introduce a new box with BluRay quality and 7.1 uncompressed audio

---- and I will want to upgrade - giving my wife one more reason to be pissed at me for this expensive hobby.

I received e-mail from tech support that no plan exists for HDMI 1.3a so no to DTS-MA in the foreseeable future.

XStreamHD is already defunct.

Swanni predicts AppleTV and Vudu both will be gone in 2009. He also predicted AppleTV would be gone in 2008 last Jan. and it is interesting to note he predicted HD DVD would prevail over blu-ray at one point.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/swannisix122808.htm

Are we to live our lives in fear of what might happen? Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

[QUOTE=kevivoe;15752102]XStreamHD is already defunct.QUOTE]

Swanni sounds a lot like my stock broker -- I should hire him.

When did XstreamHD go defunct? I new they were on life support and did not show up for CES. But there web site is up and running -- I was not aware that they had flat lined

I want to DL a couple of SD titles and let the kids watched them in the SUV on a trip next weekend. I will then connect to the cat5 when I get home. We'll see if it works, if no one else does.

It works. Just make sure the Vudu is secure since it has an HDD. I download and transport either to the homes of friends or just on trips. It works great in the car or at the destination.

When did XstreamHD go defunct? I new they were on life support and did not show up for CES. But there web site is up and running -- I was not aware that they had flat lined

Remember when nobody showed up for the CES 2008 HD DVD press conference?

That's why I say XStreamHD is defunct.

Remember when nobody showed up for the CES 2008 HD DVD press conference?

That's why I say XStreamHD is defunct.

Toshiba kinda canceled their CES conference though because of Warner's choice. No need to get into it here - but they had to throw out what they had to work on and nothing new could be done in 3 days time.

why can i not set my video preferences to 1080p or 1080i on this box? It is stuck on 480p:mad:

ok - i was able to force the setting by hooking up to a different TV and then switching it back. I suspect that this is one of the pains of this box not having hdmi 1.3.

My video processor is HDMI 1.3

I was able to at least get 1080i. My projector only supports 1080p 60hz - does this mean i can not get 1080p to work on the Vudu?

Again one more reason to stick with BluRay?

ok - i was able to force the setting by hooking up to a different TV and then switching it back. I suspect that this is one of the pains of this box not having hdmi 1.3.

My video processor is HDMI 1.3

I was able to at least get 1080i. My projector only supports 1080p 60hz - does this mean i can not get 1080p to work on the Vudu?

Again one more reason to stick with BluRay?

I was told to click the box marked "preferred by TV" in video settings. My projector connects at 1080p/24 for HDX.

ok - i was able to force the setting by hooking up to a different TV and then switching it back. I suspect that this is one of the pains of this box not having hdmi 1.3.

My video processor is HDMI 1.3

I was able to at least get 1080i. My projector only supports 1080p 60hz - does this mean i can not get 1080p to work on the Vudu?

Again one more reason to stick with BluRay?

It is my understanding that if your display does not support 1080p/24 the vudu will output 1080i. This is probably more of a psychological disadvantage than something perceptible.

bald

I was able to at least get 1080i. My projector only supports 1080p 60hz - does this mean i can not get 1080p to work on the Vudu?

Again one more reason to stick with BluRay?

I thought most blu-ray discs were 1080p/24. I think video series like Planet Earth are 1080i/60.

People like to predict the demise of Vudu. But there's one "killer app" that would make it easy for me to buy one: streaming from arbitrary sources. I know the box didn't have that capability when it was first introduced, but maybe it has been added?

I.E. if this device can also act as a generic streamer, then it's almost a no-brainer to buy it. It means that even if the company goes out of business the box still has value. Without that, why should I risk hundreds of dollars on a niche startup company?

Can someone verify if Vudu service is working? I have been getting NETWORK DOWN for 2 days now. I do a connection test and I get OK on both home connect and internet but network service is down?

I can't rent anything. I can browse the catalogs though.

I rented a movie yesterday. You should reboot the box and see if it is OK after that.

Can someone verify if Vudu service is working? I have been getting NETWORK DOWN for 2 days now. I do a connection test and I get OK on both home connect and internet but network service is down?

I can't rent anything. I can browse the catalogs though.

I watched the duchess last night in hdx - it was downloaded friday night. last night i started the download on rocknrolla hdx.

bald

People like to predict the demise of Vudu. But there's one "killer app" that would make it easy for me to buy one: streaming from arbitrary sources. I know the box didn't have that capability when it was first introduced, but maybe it has been added?

I.E. if this device can also act as a generic streamer, then it's almost a no-brainer to buy it. It means that even if the company goes out of business the box still has value. Without that, why should I risk hundreds of dollars on a niche startup company?

I doubt that you'll be able to stream "from" the Vudu box ("generic streamer"), but if/when the Vudu Labs development tool kit is released developers will be able to construct plugins ("killer" Apps) that once installed in the Vudu box will let you play video streams from different sources "to" the Vudu box. You might be able to use your home computer and other Internet service providers as sources of Video streams.

I doubt that you'll be able to stream "from" the Vudu box ("generic streamer"), but if/when the Vudu Labs development tool kit is released developers will be able to construct plugins ("killer" Apps) that once installed in the Vudu box will let you play video streams from different sources "to" the Vudu box. You might be able to use your home computer and other Internet service providers as sources of Video streams.

Do you mean I can get to Netflix with such an application. This is similar to playon for the PS3 that allows access to Netflix?

Do you mean I can get to Netflix with such an application. This is similar to playon for the PS3 that allows access to Netflix?

At this point it's all "speculative"... we don't know what kind of APIs will be open to the Vudu box via this "rumored" Vudu Labs development kit. But I can tell you that when Vudu Labs fuctionality was added with firmware 2.1.1 it allowed the Vudu box to access Youtube, On-Demand TV, Picasa, Flickr, Now Being Watch and some Games... So the "potential" to add other online content providers channels exists.

Can someone verify if Vudu service is working? I have been getting NETWORK DOWN for 2 days now. I do a connection test and I get OK on both home connect and internet but network service is down?

I can't rent anything. I can browse the catalogs though.

I rented and purchased yesterday and last night with no issues with either.

I thought most blu-ray discs were 1080p/24. I think video series like Planet Earth are 1080i/60.

Blu-Ray discs are 1080/24 but I am still able to watch them on my 1080P/60 projector using 1080P setting on my Blu-Ray player and my video scaler.

I doubt that you'll be able to stream "from" the Vudu box ("generic streamer"), but if/when the Vudu Labs development tool kit is released developers will be able to construct plugins ("killer" Apps) that once installed in the Vudu box will let you play video streams from different sources "to" the Vudu box. You might be able to use your home computer and other Internet service providers as sources of Video streams.

It would be nice if the Vudu box could work both ways, i.e. stream "to" it and stream "from" it. That would allow easy MRV. But just being able to stream "to" the box from a home media server would be sufficient. Then I would know I wasn't buying a potential "hanger queen". OTOH, if I owned a Vudu, I'd rent maybe 2 HD movies a month; I don't think my $10/mo would be enough to keep Vudu in business. They need more revenue per user than that. So maybe they shouldn't be listening to my opinions on the features they need.

I visited the Vudu web site and read up a little on Vudu Labs. I like it (in principle).

OTOH, if I owned a Vudu, I'd rent maybe 2 HD movies a month; I don't think my $10/mo would be enough to keep Vudu in business.

I used to think that too.

Since Jan. 15, 2009 (when I first started with Vudu) through Feb. 8, 2009

6 $0.99 SD movies
4 $5.99 HD/HDX movies
4 $3.99 SD movies

In 3 weeks my family has done 14 movies. I have only seen 9 of them. Wife and/or daughter and/or son have done some on their own. $46 in 3 weeks. I think we have saved the purchase of 2 blu-ray discs and at least 4 SD discs.

We've also rented 2 Red Box movies since. Home theater is pretty popular in our neighborhood.

I used to think that too.

Since Jan. 15, 2009 (when I first started with Vudu) through Feb. 8, 2009

6 $0.99 SD movies
4 $5.99 HD/HDX movies
4 $3.99 SD movies

In 3 weeks my family has done 14 movies. I have only seen 9 of them. Wife and/or daughter and/or son have done some on their own. $46 in 3 weeks. I think we have saved the purchase of 2 blu-ray discs and at least 4 SD discs.

We've also rented 2 Red Box movies since. Home theater is pretty popular in our neighborhood.

Sounds equal to a Netflix unlimited 8 disc plan with unlimited streaming

In a similar period of time, our family used NF @18.99/mo (BD enabled) and viewed 12 movies, 4 being BD. We didn't stream anything.

yup - in this economy - netflix is a tough model to beat

I use NF as well, though now it is mainly for the streaming because my NF experience used to go something like this.

I am in the mood to watch movie "A" ,well movies "D" and "E" showed up today because "A" still had a wait. Oh well I will have to wait a few days or weeks for "A" to show up. I can either watch "D" and/or "E" and send it back so "A" shows up or I can let them set on the counter and run to BB to get a movie I am in the mood to watch.

If I had to wait for movie "A" it wasn't that big of a deal but my only backup was the other discs that I had gotten from NF and either they were movies my wife wanted or I just didn't want to watch them right then. With Vudu I have most of the movies I want to watch at my fingertips. If for some reason I can't rent a movie I really want to see because of the VOD window I still have other options right at my fingertips.

I now only purchase BD that I find I will watch again and again. I also rent the ocassional BD for the "theater AQ". Those, however, are getting fewer and fewer. The Vudu HDX/HD is a great blending of quality and convenience that make it worth every penny. I could go back to the 20 bucks a month NF plan and watch the movies I want somewhere around the time that I want to watch them, but paying as I go for movies that I want to watch when I want without having to get my lazy butt up out of the chair is priceless.

An example of a Vudu plus is... the other day I had some friends over who have kids, I do not, so while the adults were conversing the kids wanted to watch a couple of movies I turned on the filters and explored Vudu for 3 star and above rated G family movies and came up with a list for the kids to choose from. They narrowed it down to two and away they went the first being Horton Hears a Who. What I am getting at is there was no need to run out to BB, no searching through my collection to find something they would like, just click click scroll click. That is something that 20.00 a month can't do.

In a similar period of time, our family used NF @18.99/mo (BD enabled) and viewed 12 movies, 4 being BD. We didn't stream anything.

Looks like you save more money than me. I however started watching most of the movies 6 seconds after I selected them and the HDX 4.5 hours after selecting them.

How long did you wait to watch a movie you selected? 1-2 days I guess. By the way, I can queue HDX (blu ray equivalent) movies on Vudu also. I pick 5 and the DL until they are all delivered. Should take 24 hours to get 5 ... I can begin again the next morning and my "queue" (hard drive) will have more movies than I can watch.

SD and HD are instant so the wait is 6-14 seconds. If Vudu ever offered a monthly fee plan similar to Netflix, it would be over for any disc based distribution. IF the studios supported all releases to digital distribution, disc based methods would be extinct in 2 years time.

I just got Vudu -- and I had not thought of it as a way to lower my Netflix bill. I currently spend $47 a month for eight discs and have plenty of selection - lowering it to $20 a month and rent the occasional Vudu download makes sense.

Regarding Vudu destroying netflix business model - an all you can eat plan would help - although you still would have the question of quality. I have not done an a/b comparison of bluray and vudu.

It would be interesting to hear if anyone has done that.

Bluray is absolutely stunning and I would hate to give up the picture and sound quality for convenience - although the IPOD model would suggest that I am in the minority on this one.

Looks like you save more money than me. I however started watching most of the movies 6 seconds after I selected them and the HDX 4.5 hours after selecting them.

How long did you wait to watch a movie you selected? 1-2 days I guess. By the way, I can queue HDX (blu ray equivalent) movies on Vudu also. I pick 5 and the DL until they are all delivered. Should take 24 hours to get 5 ... I can begin again the next morning and my "queue" (hard drive) will have more movies than I can watch.

SD and HD are instant so the wait is 6-14 seconds. If Vudu ever offered a monthly fee plan similar to Netflix, it would be over for any disc based distribution. IF the studios supported all releases to digital distribution, disc based methods would be extinct in 2 years time.

The only problem with this model is that a watch approximately 30 movies a month - don't watch a lot of TV - and if I do it is on BluRay (i.e. Damages, Dexter etc). As such - the Vudu model would cost me $150/month which is 3x the top Netflix model of 8 movies on hand at any give time.

I came here to make sure you guys had seen the news, but Ed beat me to it. Anyway, questions, comments or suggestions are welcome, either here or on our forums (or our blog, facebook page, twitter, whatever)

Do you have plans for things like ESPN Monday Night Football in the fall or other live sports?

I also currently have Netflix and a Vudu. The vudu hd/hdx is clearly better than dvd in terms of quality. In a strict value sense, you can't "beat" netflix if you're willing to live with what others have said - wait times, not having the movie you want to watch right then, scratched discs, etc - nothing will ever beat netflix. For me, the convenience of what i want when i want it, even at a premium price is worth it. I've spent about $30 in the last month on Vudu, but the quality of the experience along with the convenience is unbeatable. A lot of times my schedule is irregular and I'll suddenly have time to watch a movie, which doesn't work well if you have to wait 1-3 days for the mail. Especially on my 2-at-a-time plan, I will have more time than netflix movies over a long weekend. Vudu is an unbeatable supplement to that.

bald

It is getting harder to not jump into Vudu. Netflix streaming has spoiled me on the idea of instant access, and a larger library of titles and more HD content is very tempting.

The only problem with this model is that a watch approximately 30 movies a month - don't watch a lot of TV - and if I do it is on BluRay (i.e. Damages, Dexter etc). As such - the Vudu model would cost me $150/month which is 3x the top Netflix model of 8 movies on hand at any give time.

I have my eye on Netflix streaming for the fixed monthly fee. Am hoping they do more HD.

By the way, your movie watching per month is insane ... I bet the studios love you.

The only problem with this model is that a watch approximately 30 movies a month - don't watch a lot of TV -...


You should write movie reviews, then you'd get paid
to watch those movies.

"The only problem with this model is that a watch approximately 30 movies a month - don't watch a lot of TV - and if I do it is on BluRay (i.e. Damages, Dexter etc). As such - the Vudu model would cost me $150/month which is 3x the top Netflix model of 8 movies on hand at any give time".

That is why vudu loves you...you watch all month long and when you get the bill:eek::eek:

Here's a question - Lets say I DL a movie. Can I then move it to another TV and watch it without being connected to WiFi/Internet? $50 is a bit to spend for "maybe" wanting to move the box to the bedroom to watch a movie (I have CAT5 for my HT setup in the Living room)

Yes, after the movie is fully downloaded you can move the box and play the movie back without internet access.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/vudu-permanently-cuts-retail-price-of-movie-set-top-box-in-half/

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

The thread on frequency of watching movies on Vudu motivated me to see how much my wife and I watch on Vudu. For the month of December (2008) we watched a total of 25 movies. The average price was about $2.50; this was a mix of $5.99 HDX, $0.99 SD, and "newly released" including (shudder) "Sex and the City: The Movie (Extended Version)".

We used to pay for all of the premium channels on TWC and recently canceled them all. Even with all of the movies we watched in December, we are still under the amount of money we used to pay to TWC - a big shocker for us!

With Vudu, we just select a movie we are in the mood for and download and watch it. When a big release comes out, we decide if we want to watch "now", in HDX or some other format, or in another year or so. HDX has become a major feature for us. Our decision making is evolving; we used to watch a lot more and were not as pleased as we are now. This is just like eating at a Vegas buffet, a lot of cheap starch or a more quality....

Tom

My biggest hangup with Vudu (other than the question of whether the firm will survive) is the rental viewing period. I know that is the studios' issue and it also applies to AppleTV and cable VOD but that is the biggest reason I dont rent more movies from any source and rely on Netflix. We just rarely find the time to spend 2+ hours sitting down consecutively and we typically watch a movie on 2 successive nights. That just pushes us out of rentals entirely and into the netflix disc format (we almost never buy a disc). If the studios wanted to boost revenue from our household they would give us a 48-72 hour viewing window - I'd even pay an extra $0.50-0.75 for that. Change that and I'd buy a Vudu in an instant - especially with the new price point and expansion of the box with Vudu labs.

My biggest hangup with Vudu (other than the question of whether the firm will survive) is the rental viewing period. I know that is the studios' issue and it also applies to AppleTV and cable VOD but that is the biggest reason I dont rent more movies from any source and rely on Netflix. We just rarely find the time to spend 2+ hours sitting down consecutively and we typically watch a movie on 2 successive nights. That just pushes us out of rentals entirely and into the netflix disc format (we almost never buy a disc). If the studios wanted to boost revenue from our household they would give us a 48-72 hour viewing window - I'd even pay an extra $0.50-0.75 for that. Change that and I'd buy a Vudu in an instant - especially with the new price point and expansion of the box with Vudu labs.

From what I have read, the studios are working to change this. This is something that needs to be done over time as existing contracts between studio and talent are involved.

My biggest hangup with Vudu (other than the question of whether the firm will survive) is the rental viewing period. I know that is the studios' issue and it also applies to AppleTV and cable VOD but that is the biggest reason I dont rent more movies from any source and rely on Netflix. We just rarely find the time to spend 2+ hours sitting down consecutively and we typically watch a movie on 2 successive nights. That just pushes us out of rentals entirely and into the netflix disc format (we almost never buy a disc). If the studios wanted to boost revenue from our household they would give us a 48-72 hour viewing window - I'd even pay an extra $0.50-0.75 for that. Change that and I'd buy a Vudu in an instant - especially with the new price point and expansion of the box with Vudu labs.

I think this is a hurdle that the Movie Studios are still reluctant to jump, but will have to take that leap sooner or later. Music Studios were pressured to remove DRM from digital music by distributors and by end users that found that DRM was a limitation that was stifling market growth and preventing user from fully enjoying their purchases. As the digital movie rental market grows the Movie Studios will be forced to jump the 24 hour window rental hurdle as this practice will also limit the growth of the rental market from which they'll make money. A 48-72 hour viewing window makes a lot of sense. It's not going to happen over-night, but physical media (CDs/DVDs) are just extra packaging that add cost and inconvenience to the flow of digital content. This type intermediate packaging can and will be eliminated to allow the free flow of digital content from distributor to costumer... for rental and for purchase. It won't happen today or tomorrow... but it's happen.

Lately been having issues with what I thought was an HDCP hand-shake issue. The vudu would momentarily connect and then a blue screen, even sometimes a message regarding the tv not being HDCP compliant briefing would appear. Re-boooting the vudu box multiple times was needed to make the picture stay on the screen. OK, I have been talking to vudu support and their first suggestion was connect the vudu directly to the tv. I have done that which has fixed the issue. THE QUESTION: Anyone passing a 1080p/24 thru an Onkyo AVR without issues?

i could only get 1080i to work - i can not get 1080p to work and I have an Integra preamp which i believe is the same as the Onkyo. My projector is 1080P/60 but it should not matter. I think it is an HDMI issue.

The only reliable boxs that has been able to hook up via 1080p with no problems are my HDDVD player and my BluRay player.

Sat Service, Vudu only do 1080i.

If you find a way to hook up 1080p - I would love to hear it.

i could only get 1080i to work - i can not get 1080p to work and I have an Integra preamp which i believe is the same as the Onkyo. My projector is 1080P/60 but it should not matter. I think it is an HDMI issue.

The only reliable boxs that has been able to hook up via 1080p with no problems are my HDDVD player and my BluRay player.

Sat Service, Vudu only do 1080i.

If you find a way to hook up 1080p - I would love to hear it.
Well, the vudu did definetely work on 1080p for awhile and then this problem developed. I think it maybe an HDCP issue because I have seen a message saying something about being connected to a non-HDCP device. the message flashed on and disappeared immediately before I could read it all. Seems when I selected 1080p/24 my issues started but not sure. Now I have the vudu connected direct to the tv (hdmi video and coax back to the receiver) and 1080p/24 works fine. Vudu's will output 1080p or 1080p/24 if your tv will accept it, mine does both.

to be able to extend the rental period of a movie... I'd even pay an extra $0.50-0.75 for that. Change that and I'd buy a Vudu in an instant - especially with the new price point and expansion of the box with Vudu labs.

Note that many, not all, of the movies on Vudu have an extension price. For these movies you pay an additional $0.99 for another 30day rental period.

We have done that once or twice for the very same reason you mention. Just last week we were watching "Moscow does not believe in tears" and were unable to finish it... we were busy for the next few days so we picked it up for 0.99 on an extension a few days later.

Not exactly what you want but pretty darn close.

All the movies that have extension pricing say so when you rent them.

Tom

There are some serious movie down loaders here. I thought we were bad but some of your guys hit it hard.

I don't think we ever watched more than 10 discs per month but we are on pace to beat that by a good margin with Vudu. It's amazing how much more you watch when it is so easy to search, sort, play and in seconds be watching. The fact that there are no long previews or top menus to slow you down helps too.

yes, for the first time last night. I was watching HellBoy 2 and a coupe times throughout the movie, the image would scramble and the sound would cut out. Connecting a Vudu directly is NOT an option for me. I would hate for this to become an issue, as its a deal killer for me.

It is getting harder to not jump into Vudu. Netflix streaming has spoiled me on the idea of instant access, and a larger library of titles and more HD content is very tempting.

Jump Partner!

My wife says that the Vudu box is the best electronics purchase I have made since I bought Tivo in '99 and Front Projection in '03. That's saying alot since there have been some impressive (IMO) things I have purchased- including 7.1 audio, TrueHD/Master Audio, Blu-Ray, HD DVD, flat panels, etc.

yes, for the first time last night. I was watching HellBoy 2 and a coupe times throughout the movie, the image would scramble and the sound would cut out. Connecting a Vudu directly is NOT an option for me. I would hate for this to become an issue, as its a deal killer for me.


So, have you filed a trouble report at http://support.vudul.com/contact and gave them your system ID and AV configuration specifics? Just reporting it on AVSForum isn't going to accomplish much. I've observed the Vudu engineers solve practically every problem that has been reported. Often they acquire identical gear and try to recreate your problem. It's even possible you've got a sick Vudu that needs to be replaced.

Bottom line, get over to forum.vudu.com and ask for help (and a credit back on your account for any bad viewing experiences).

I show 24 listed on their web site - not on my system to see which seasons but I am assuming all of them

With Vudu MSRP now at $149 and HDX's stellar PQ it is logical for the AV fan to get it. Uncompressed audio is absent.

HDX load time on 4Mb pipelines is still 4 hours.

Otherwise i have Netflix and watch all sorts of off the beaten path movies and foreign flicks.

As for Dish Network, i pity their fixed times and limited HD 1080i titles, with only SD On Demand.

AppleTV and the rest may go to xxxxx with their 720p fixation.

Keeping Vudu and Netflix, best mix one can have now.

When 50Mb pipelines become reality in my farming community (hmm in the 25th century) instant streaming 24p with DTS-HD MA may become reality one day.

With Vudu MSRP now at $149 and HDX's stellar PQ it is logical for the AV fan to get it. Uncompressed audio is absent.

HDX load time on 4Mb pipelines is still 4 hours.

Otherwise i have Netflix and watch all sorts of off the beaten path movies and foreign flicks.

As for Dish Network, i pity their fixed times and limited HD 1080i titles, with only SD On Demand.

AppleTV and the rest may go to xxxxx with their 720p fixation.

Keeping Vudu and Netflix, best mix one can have now.

When 50Mb pipelines become reality in my farming community (hmm in the 25th century) instant streaming 24p with DTS-HD MA may become reality one day.

Very well said

Very well said

I have been watching and reading this thread and I appreciate all of your comments.

I am searching for vudu quality, but i am not going to invest in this product until there are definitive financial dislosures about the service, and VOD is not defined by 4 hour downloads.

You have to luv the porn options (sorry had to say it) and the quality of content, but well, you get the idea.

Paul

Can any one tell me if VUDU has 24 Season 5, episodes 19-24 (all of them) in its library? We are watching on borrowed dvd's, and a disc is missing. PS3 for some reason is missing two of the episodes. I might use this inconvenience to add another box - either VUDU or AppleTV. The Vudu website just lists the show to non-members.

I scanned thru. They appear to have full seasons 1-6. $1.99 per episode to "own."

bald

I have been watching and reading this thread and I appreciate all of your comments.

I am searching for vudu quality, but i am not going to invest in this product until there are definitive financial dislosures about the service, and VOD is not defined by 4 hour downloads.

You have to luv the porn options (sorry had to say it) and the quality of content, but well, you get the idea.

Paul

SD and HD movies are instant view, only HDX is delayed. Out of the 13,400 titles in the Vudu catalog, over 12,000 can be watched instantly. That is VOD!

... but i am not going to invest in this product until there are definitive financial dislosures about the service...
Paul

Paul, I appreciate your concern about spending $150 or so on a device which delivers thousands of instant movies to your home. Good caution for poorer people in these economic hard times.

LT

How come movie purchases are only in SD? Anyone have an idea when we will be able to purchase movies in HD or will this also be up to the studios on a case by case basis?

How come movie purchases are only in SD? Anyone have an idea when we will be able to purchase movies in HD or will this also be up to the studios on a case by case basis?

It looks like that is up to the studios. Universal has allowed the Bourne trilogy to be sold in HD, although right now Ultimatum is MIA due to licensing issues with pay tv. The also had a few HDX titles for sale back in November for 4.99. I hope this catches on but for now I am content to rent and then, if I like a itle enough to warrant a purchase, purchase the BD. Vudu has frever changed my video buying habits.

Just wanted to share my experience with Vudu.

I purchased the Vudu box for $150 (MSRP now) from BestBuy on Saturday. I set everything up in under 20minutes, which included taking it out of the box, opening an account and being able to order my first movie. Alot of the art covers were not loaded but they will slowly download and load. I purchased an HD movie (not HDX) and the picture was stunning, IMO better than Directv HD channels for both audio and video. I can't wait to test out HDX. I really do hate the 1 day vieiwing period.

When I set everything up, I noticed the Vudu remote control did not work properly out of the box. Every button made the Vudu turn off except the scrolling wheel (that seemed to work ok). I contacted Vudu today via email and in just a few hours I got a response that they are sending me a new remote control for free. I am VERY impressed with their customer service!

So far I am VERY pleased with the Vudu box and extremelly pleased with the customer service. A+

I have been watching and reading this thread and I appreciate all of your comments.

I am searching for vudu quality, but i am not going to invest in this product until there are definitive financial dislosures about the service, and VOD is not defined by 4 hour downloads.

You have to luv the porn options (sorry had to say it) and the quality of content, but well, you get the idea.

Paul

VOD on VUDU is defined by instant watching not 4 hour downloads. the HDX titles take approx 4 hours but they only account for around 10% of the available titles.

Paul, I appreciate your concern about spending $150 or so on a device which delivers thousands of instant movies to your home. Good caution for poorer people in these economic hard times.

LT

Tom,

Your post seems to infer that that the "device which delivers thousands of instant movies" is perpetual.

What happens next week if a financial announcement was made that shuts down this device?

What will you post then? That it was fun while it lasted?


Paul

Has anyone taken advantage of the Outlaw Audio offer. They have apparently teamed up with Vudu. You can purchase $1,000 in Vudu movie credit through Outlaw for $500- a whopping 50 percent discount! Just go on the Outlaw audio website and click on products, then click on Vudu XL on the product page. The only stipulation is you must purchase a Vudu XL from Outlaw.

Tom,

Your post seems to infer that that the "device which delivers thousands of instant movies" is perpetual.

What happens next week if a financial announcement was made that shuts down this device?

What will you post then? That it was fun while it lasted?


Paul

Absolutely! In the past year I have canceled my subscription to all of the premium movie channels on TWC, halted my purchase of DVDs, and watched at least 20 movies a month on Vudu. I have already come out ahead of where I was - with far more enjoyment than before.

Let's look at other technology I have abandoned ... VHS tape machines (several went to charity plus hundreds of tapes), Sony Walkman and other cassette players (and the tapes), Archos Jukebox players, out-of-date boomboxes, etc. This does not include periodically updating my stereo systems, speakers, computers, multiple external hard-drives of varying GB..... Maintaining my hi-def projection system routinely costs me several thousand every three years or so...

I am sure I am not alone on the AVS forum with wanting the best experience my money can buy for my entertainment devices. Sometimes that comes with risk ... but sometimes the rewards are well worth it.

The Vudu box is the most inexpensive piece of equipment I own. Having it disappear tomorrow, if the company goes bankrupt, will disappoint me, not because of the lost money, but the lost experience.

The economy is tight, I will not be updating my projection system this year... but next year for sure.... bring what it may. That is one of the reasons I work hard - even being as lazy as I am.

Tom

hi everyone, i am looking for online services as potential replacement for my cable service and its $200 monthly bill.

i figure between hulu, fancast, and joost. it would have most of the stuff that we usually watch (csi, law and order, etc.).

netflix/roku seems to have the stuff that our kids watch (which are primarily disney/nick toon, etc. stuff).

my question is with vudu. is this the same as roku? or is vudu geared toward movies only? i am looking for service that have lots of kid shows and my impression is that netflix/roku would be the right fit, unless i am completely missing out on vudu.

thanks all.

hi everyone, i am looking for online services as potential replacement for my cable service and its $200 monthly bill.

i figure between hulu, fancast, and joost. it would have most of the stuff that we usually watch (csi, law and order, etc.).

netflix/roku seems to have the stuff that our kids watch (which are primarily disney/nick toon, etc. stuff).

my question is with vudu. is this the same as roku? or is vudu geared toward movies only? i am looking for service that have lots of kid shows and my impression is that netflix/roku would be the right fit, unless i am completely missing out on vudu.

thanks all.

Vudu is geared towards movies. Netflix/Roku is your best bet for kids TV shows. It has the disney channel shows in HD, kids movies, etc. Plus the Roku box will soon offer Amazon. Another thing you might want to look in to is TivoHD. You get a DVR for OTA reception (that's what I use it for anyway) Netflix, Music Choice, Amazon, Disney Movies, etc.. and they can be had refurbed from the Tivo website for 178.00 or 79.00 more than the Roku.

Vudu is geared towards movies. Netflix/Roku is your best bet for kids TV shows. It has the disney channel shows in HD, kids movies, etc. Plus the Roku box will soon offer Amazon. Another thing you might want to look in to is TivoHD. You get a DVR for OTA reception (that's what I use it for anyway) Netflix, Music Choice, Amazon, Disney Movies, etc.. and they can be had refurbed from the Tivo website for 178.00 or 79.00 more than the Roku.

thanks but don't you have to pay a monthly fee with the Tivo box?

thanks but don't you have to pay a monthly fee with the Tivo box?

Yes.

Absolutely! In the past year I have canceled my subscription to all of the premium movie channels on TWC, halted my purchase of DVDs, and watched at least 20 movies a month on Vudu. I have already come out ahead of where I was - with far more enjoyment than before.

Let's look at other technology I have abandoned ... VHS tape machines (several went to charity plus hundreds of tapes), Sony Walkman and other cassette players (and the tapes), Archos Jukebox players, out-of-date boomboxes, etc. This does not include periodically updating my stereo systems, speakers, computers, multiple external hard-drives of varying GB..... Maintaining my hi-def projection system routinely costs me several thousand every three years or so...

I am sure I am not alone on the AVS forum with wanting the best experience my money can buy for my entertainment devices. Sometimes that comes with risk ... but sometimes the rewards are well worth it.

The Vudu box is the most inexpensive piece of equipment I own. Having it disappear tomorrow, if the company goes bankrupt, will disappoint me, not because of the lost money, but the lost experience.

The economy is tight, I will not be updating my projection system this year... but next year for sure.... bring what it may. That is one of the reasons I work hard - even being as lazy as I am.

Tom

We are kindred spirits bro.

The only format i religiously collect is SACD for obvious reasons, i hardly ever watch a movie twice, and i find myself more and more with the Vudu box. $6 versus $17 SD for XXX is nice too :)

Vudu is geared towards movies. Netflix/Roku is your best bet for kids TV shows. It has the disney channel shows in HD, kids movies, etc. Plus the Roku box will soon offer Amazon. Another thing you might want to look in to is TivoHD. You get a DVR for OTA reception (that's what I use it for anyway) Netflix, Music Choice, Amazon, Disney Movies, etc.. and they can be had refurbed from the Tivo website for 178.00 or 79.00 more than the Roku.

Dump the boxes, go for the BD-P2550, essentially a Pandora music station player (Roku $200 M1001), a Netlfix player (Roku $100), and a Profile 2 DTS-HD MA BD player with 6 channel analog out and Reon video processor(the next player doing this is a Pio Elite for $500). All for $344.

Keep the Vudu of course.

Browsing through the Vudu catalog I found that 45 HD/HDX movies will be available for purchase starting Feb. 24th. It looks to me like the studios are interested in getting more revenue from the DD consumer. Unlike the earlier Vudu experiements with allowing purchase of HD content which were limited to 3 HD titles in 2007 and 8 HD titles over the 2008 Black Friday shopping weekend, this appears to be the start of an actual rollout of purchase options. Some of the movies were even purchase only, with no rental options. I expect a full catalog listing to be posted by somebody at Vudu next week. So far nobody from Vudu has offically commented on this big change in the DD "rules". In the past, purchasing HD content from DD services was basically unheard of. I now wonder if we'll see the same opening of the floodgates with all the other competing DD services.

P.S. The growing Vudu catalog now has 13,557 titles, with 1465 available in HD and/or HDX format.

instead of scrolling through every title, the way I found that worked the best was to explore category/genre, filter for "studio = independent" and "own", and "high definition".

If there are 45, then I missed a bunch, but this gives a good sample of items to own.... and there are several I will clearly purchase.

I wonder what the cost will be? If SD own options for new release titles is $19.99, I think a digital copy on a proprietary box of >$20 will be a little bit of a tough sell for HD/HDX (why not just buy the BD?), especially with no external storage option. In any event, however, it is good news.

bald

We are kindred spirits bro.

The only format i religiously collect is SACD for obvious reasons, i hardly ever watch a movie twice, and i find myself more and more with the Vudu box. $6 versus $17 SD for XXX is nice too :)

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Vudu has replaced all of our optical disc purchases. HD and HDX are that good. SD is even great and a worthwhile option for those less than stellar blockbusters that are of only a passing interest.

I am guessing that 90% of people who do try Vudu for movie rentals will abandon disc rentals almost 100%. Also, if something comes out that I have to see RIGHT AWAY and can't wait for a Vudu rental option, I simply Red Box it and drive the 15 minutes to the gas station to get it.

Gone are the days of $24.99 HD optical disc purchases or 2-3 day rent by mail turns. I dropped DirecTv HD premiums too.

I am guessing that 90% of people who do try Vudu for movie rentals will abandon disc rentals almost 100%.
60% of the time, it works every time. ;)

http://sex-panther.com/

Hey Guys. I found this thread after hearing about Vudu on Howard Stern this morning. He was complaining about Neflix and Baba Booey came in and said that he has had a complimentary Vudu box that he never hooked up and THAT is the way to watch movies.

So I googled Vudu and found various sites about it. I'm pretty intrigued about it but I have a question and I'm sorry if this has been addressed.

I'm currently a Netflix customer and Xbox 360 owner. I rarely find a good movie to "Watch Instantly" so I watch all of my movies via DVD from Netflix. I'm a 2 at a time customer and do get frustrated with the wait.

From what I've been reading, the video quality is superior and the movies would be instant albeit 3-4 hours to download....

The quality is excellent - although not quite Bluray. I have never been a netflix on demand customer but I heard from others that the service was not great. Vudu on the other hand has great availability and excellent quality. Depending on how many movies you rent - it will cost you more to go with Vudu than the Netflix all you can eat model.

Thanks for the quick reply. Netflix has stepped up, in recent weeks, on the shipping of the DVDs but there were some instances in which a popular movie would be on "backordered" and I would have to wait a week or two to receive it.

In regards to the cost, yeah...that's what I also discovered on the forums is the cost. If you are a hardcore movie fan, then the cost is more on Vudu. However, I only watch, let's say, 2 movies a week if that on an average.

I guess I'll visit the local BB and see what they have in stock while I think about dropping Netflix.

I have a nice HT setup and would love to see more out it than a typical DVD visual.

Ok - here is the thinking - at two rentals per week or 8 per month at the hdx price of 6.99 you would be equal to an 8 disk netflix subscription fee. To me that does not make sense but I guess for people that want same day delivery it may.

Until Vudu get's a better pricing model - I will use it as a back up to netflix. What it has done is enable me to go the a lower Netflix subscription model and cancel most of my directv movie channels.

Then - if I do not have a netflix bluray on hand or if I just have to have it that day - then I will order off of vudu.

I do a very similar thing. I was a 2 at a time netflix subscriber and then got a vudu box. I will likely be going to a 1 at a time netflix sub and supplement it with vudu. My watching pattern will probably be the 1 netflix disc per week with 2-3 vudu movies / month. That will cost me on average $20/mo for about 6 movies. I honestly don't have time for more than that.

Netflix streaming is a joke compared to vudu - both in quality and in selection. There is a reason why it's included at no cost.

Vudu is instant watch for sd/hd if you have a 4mbit broadband connect, instant sd at 2mbit with delayed hd.

Their HDX format is always delayed watch, about 4 hours on a 4mbit connection.

Overall the quality and reliability of the vudu is rock solid - the only complaint people have is the pricing structure - you can either live with it for the convenience, or you can't.

bald

btw - I believe the HDX new release price is $5.99, not $6.99 as the above poster indicated.

Well, Guys, here is the kicker and the reason I'm asking about vudu:

I got laid off in November and am trying to think of services I can redo during this $$$ crunching period. I never thought of giving up Netflix since, to me, the 2 DVD membership is affordable HOWEVER I am willing to pay a little more if it means BETTER service. ie: video and sound.

I'm trying to justify dumping Netflix for Vudu or try to keep both. I think I pay $14 for the 2 DVDs at a time membership and based on Bald's comment, paying $20 for both isn't a bad idea.

Well, Guys, here is the kicker and the reason I'm asking about vudu:

I got laid off in November and am trying to think of services I can redo during this $$$ crunching period. I never thought of giving up Netflix since, to me, the 2 DVD membership is affordable HOWEVER I am willing to pay a little more if it means BETTER service. ie: video and sound.

I'm trying to justify dumping Netflix for Vudu or try to keep both. I think I pay $14 for the 2 DVDs at a time membership and based on Bald's comment, paying $20 for both isn't a bad idea.

I do the one-at-a-time membership for $9, and with the unlimited streaming I am really not at a loss for content. Netflix has also noted that they are spending money to expand the content up via their streaming options.

Add in Vudu, and it gets to be a pretty potent mix.

I do the one-at-a-time membership for $9, and with the unlimited streaming I am really not at a loss for content. Netflix has also noted that they are spending money to expand the content up via their streaming options.

Add in Vudu, and it gets to be a pretty potent mix.

Good idea, I might seriously look into that, then...

by the way, how long is the HDMI cable that is provided with the vudu??

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6639448.html

FEB. 24 | Blu-ray Disc is about to get some digital competition.

Internet movie service Vudu Inc. will begin selling the first permanent high-definition movie downloads, beginning with Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire, the company announced today.

Vudu has deals with Magnolia Pictures, First Look studios, Kino and other independents to offer all of their releases going forward as permanent HD downloads and is in talks with other studios to do the same. The company will immediately begin offering the first 50 titles, including War, Inc. and Transsiberian.

Vudu is positioning its service as an alternative to Blu-ray, noting it already offers 1,400 films in HD, more than have been released on the high-def disc format.

“The broader context is that you read every day about what’s happening with the DVD business—DVD sales are down, digital is up,” Vudu executive VP of strategy and content Edward Lichty said. “This is the first move in a broader shift to electronic.”

Vudu beats industry leader Apple iTunes and other major retailers including Amazon.com and CinemaNow in offering the own-able high-def downloads, though for how long is unknown. Last month, rumors surfaced on some online blogs that Apple was selling a high-def download of Paramount Home Entertainment’s Iron Man, but it turned out to be a typo on the film’s iTunes page.

Vudu’s HD downloads will be available in 1080p the same day they debut on DVD and Blu-ray, which is the same window that standard-definition download-to-own films are available and generally a month earlier than high-definition rental downloads, which fall into the pay-per-view window that follows DVD. Vudu will sell the HD downloads for $13.99 to $23.99, a premium to standard-definition downloads, but less than most Blu-ray discs.

“We continue to explore every channel for distribution, and the emerging digital platform that reaches consumers in their homes directly on their HDTVs via Vudu is an important new channel for us,” First Look Studios chief operation officer Dean Wilson said in a statement announcing the deal.

Vudu users will be able to download the films to their Vudu set-tops for playback on their HDTV. Films can be kept on the boxes or deleted and downloaded again from the Vudu Vault at a later date for free.

Vudu already offers permanent downloads in standard-definition and high-definition rentals, and Lichty said about 30% of rentals are in HD, though the majority of films offered are only available in standard-definition.

Vudu is in talks to add its service to other set-tops, and Lichty said they would offer the HD downloads anywhere Vudu is available. Users can’t transfer them to their PC or other devices though.

“All things being equal, it would be wonderful if all content were available everywhere,” Lichty said. “We’ve found the primary movie watching experience that people want is movies on their big high-definition TVs.”

bald

Whoops! I just posted a new thread with that news story.

i hope these movies are available for rent. If Vudu started offering indies for rent in hdx that are not available on bluray - they just may get some of my hard earned money

Yes, most are available to rent to. I see the movie Splinter is only available for purchase and a couple of other titles. HD and HDX have the same price.

Sorry for the noob question but where are these movies stored? Does the Vudu have a large hard drive? If you download a movie, it requires storage space, correct?

Sorry for the noob question but where are these movies stored? Does the Vudu have a large hard drive? If you download a movie, it requires storage space, correct?

The Vudu box has a 250 GB HD, and the Vudu XL has a 1 TB HD.

The Vudu box has a 250 GB HD, and the Vudu XL has a 1 TB HD.

Very nice, thank you.

by the way, how long is the HDMI cable that is provided with the vudu??

About 2 meters (6 feet).

From what I've been reading, the video quality is superior and the movies would be instant albeit 3-4 hours to download....

I have a 4Mbps connection (actually tests out at 20.4 Mbps sustained download)

For 4 Mbps you get instant SD and HD. The 4-5 hours wait is for HDX only.

HD is no more than 4 Mbps peak bit rate 1080p/24 with 2 channel sound.
HDX is no more than 20 Mbps peak bit rate 1080p/24 with DD 5.1 channel sound.

My biggest "wish" is for Vudu to offer 8 Mbps or even higher service so that we can boost HDX to at least 5.1 DD+, TruHD or DTS-MA. 20 Mbps peak bit rate leaves plenty for video when only using DD 5.1 sound. Of course HDMI 1.3a would be required to handle the audio. Think of it as "profile 1.1" Vudu .... lol

I have a 4Mbps connection (actually tests out at 20.4 Mbps sustained download)

For 4 Mbps you get instant SD and HD. The 4-5 hours wait is for HDX only.

HD is no more than 4 Mbps peak bit rate 1080p/24 with 2 channel sound.
HDX is no more than 20 Mbps peak bit rate 1080p/24 with DD 5.1 channel sound.

My biggest "wish" is for Vudu to offer 8 Mbps or even higher service so that we can boost HDX to at least 5.1 DD+, TruHD or DTS-MA. 20 Mbps peak bit rate leaves plenty for video when only using DD 5.1 sound. Of course HDMI 1.3a would be required to handle the audio. Think of it as "profile 1.1" Vudu .... lol


All the content is already in DD+. The VUDU box transcodes it to DD for output. The box can't decode TrueHD or DTS and it doesn't have HDMI 1.3 so it can't bitstream the DD+(or any advanced codec)

All the content is already in DD+. The VUDU box transcodes it to DD for output. The box can't decode TrueHD or DTS and it doesn't have HDMI 1.3 so it can't bitstream the DD+(or any advanced codec)

I want output of DD+. I also want HDMI 1.3a to get the higher end audio in the future, that is why I propose Vudu profile 1.1 ....

...

HD is no more than 4 Mbps peak bit rate 1080p/24 with 2 channel sound.
HDX is no more than 20 Mbps peak bit rate 1080p/24 with DD 5.1 channel sound.

...

I'm almost positive that numerous HD and some SD titles have 5.1 sound.

bald

All the content is already in DD+. The VUDU box transcodes it to DD for output. The box can't decode TrueHD or DTS and it doesn't have HDMI 1.3 so it can't bitstream the DD+(or any advanced codec)

Question then. Would my HT Onkyo receiver be able to decode it to TrueHD since, I believe, my receiver has TrueHD?

All the content is already in DD+. The VUDU box transcodes it to DD for output. The box can't decode TrueHD or DTS and it doesn't have HDMI 1.3 so it can't bitstream the DD+(or any advanced codec)
It's been posted on the VUDU forum by a rep that all new releases are DD 5.1 native , and are not derived from DD +.

It's been posted on the VUDU forum by a rep that all new releases are DD 5.1 native , and are not derived from DD +.

ALL new releases? I guess I have not paid much attention since I only see 2 channel on SD movies but have not watched a new release in SD. Only HD or HDX.

It's been posted on the VUDU forum by a rep that all new releases are DD 5.1 native , and are not derived from DD +.


I haven't heard that on the VUDU forums. Who posted it? The last I heard was all titles were encoded with DD+ and transcoded to DD for output.

I just learned about a free test pattern for your vudu box. If you search for the title QWYZZY, you can purchase a "free" test pattern video. Has anyone tried this file yet? I am downloading the HDX to my vudu box now.

I just learned about a free test pattern for your vudu box. If you search for the title QWYZZY, you can purchase a "free" test pattern video. Has anyone tried this file yet? I am downloading the HDX to my vudu box now.

Yeah, I got it. It is very useful, and the price is great!

After a week of researching, I walked into a BB and bought Vudu today. Connected everything and wham -- so far so good.

I am a bit nervous that I'll get "addicted" to the instant viewing and HDX movies and my bill will be huge but we'll see....I'll just have to have to some will power.

C'mon Vudu....stay afloat!!

After a week of researching, I walked into a BB and bought Vudu today. Connected everything and wham -- so far so good.

I am a bit nervous that I'll get "addicted" to the instant viewing and HDX movies and my bill will be huge but we'll see....I'll just have to have to some will power.

C'mon Vudu....stay afloat!!

Take a look at the $0.99 section. Always some filler material in there to occupy your time. We spent about $42 the first month. Looks like it will taper down a bit the 2nd month and a bit more when summer finally arrives.

Take a look at the $0.99 section. Always some filler material in there to occupy your time. We spent about $42 the first month. Looks like it will taper down a bit the 2nd month and a bit more when summer finally arrives.


Good idea....I'll start looking at the .99 section tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!

I was watching the Lucky Ones in HDX. I was only getting 2 channel audio. While the video seemed comparable to BluRay - the sound was just horrible - not even close to BluRay lossless. Do others hear the difference? I have not watched a lot of rentals on Vudu yet - but I would rarely rent if the audio is only two channel.

Could it be a problem with my Integra Receiver. I do not have any problems getting the Integra to recognize lossless audio on my bluray. Therefore I am assuming it should recognize dolby digital from the Vudu.

Any thoughts anyone?

Yeah, I got it. It is very useful, and the price is great!


Hey Nded,

I'm downloading the test pattern now, as well, but I'm only renting the free test....should I cancel it and "buy it"? I mean, how often would I use it -- just once right?

Thanks.

Hey Nded,

I'm downloading the test pattern now, as well, but I'm only renting the free test....should I cancel it and "buy it"? I mean, how often would I use it -- just once right?

Thanks.


Seeing as it's "free", and you can download it as many times as you like, I'd say it's entirely a matter of personal preference.

P.S. I understand that the 99 for .99 promotion is going away. Some sort of new promo should pop up soon.

I was watching the Lucky Ones in HDX. I was only getting 2 channel audio. While the video seemed comparable to BluRay - the sound was just horrible - not even close to BluRay lossless. Do others hear the difference? I have not watched a lot of rentals on Vudu yet - but I would rarely rent if the audio is only two channel.

Could it be a problem with my Integra Receiver. I do not have any problems getting the Integra to recognize lossless audio on my bluray. Therefore I am assuming it should recognize dolby digital from the Vudu.

Any thoughts anyone?

That doesn't sound right at all. I suggest you open a support ticket at http://support.vudu.com/contact - be sure to include your system ID and as much detail as possible about your AV gear. Seeing as you live in Vudu's back yard, you might be surprised at what they will do to solve your problem.

I was watching the Lucky Ones in HDX. I was only getting 2 channel audio. While the video seemed comparable to BluRay - the sound was just horrible - not even close to BluRay lossless. Do others hear the difference? I have not watched a lot of rentals on Vudu yet - but I would rarely rent if the audio is only two channel.

Could it be a problem with my Integra Receiver. I do not have any problems getting the Integra to recognize lossless audio on my bluray. Therefore I am assuming it should recognize dolby digital from the Vudu.

Any thoughts anyone?

This is the thing I HATE about Vudu. Some of their HD titles (Like the Lucky Ones) is in STEREO only not 5.1 surround. I am really pissed about this and the only way to see this is by going to their website, logging in and go to the movie. This happened to me on Master and Commander. This is total BS IMO and there should be a way to know on the actual Vudu box if it is stereo or surround.

Why even have HD movies in stereo?

This is the thing I HATE about Vudu. Some of their HD titles (Like the Lucky Ones) is in STEREO only not 5.1 surround. I am really pissed about this and the only way to see this is by going to their website, logging in and go to the movie. This happened to me on Master and Commander. This is total BS IMO and there should be a way to know on the actual Vudu box if it is stereo or surround.

Why even have HD movies in stereo?


It is a studio call as to whether or not a movie on Vudu has stereo vs. surround sound. If Vudu had their choice, they would provide all movies with SS. This information is displayed on the Vudu screen BEFORE you order/rent/purchase.

It is a studio call as to whether or not a movie on Vudu has stereo vs. surround sound. If Vudu had their choice, they would provide all movies with SS. This information is displayed on the Vudu screen BEFORE you order/rent/purchase.

So this should mean that any other download/VOD service would get the same, correct? agree one should be able to tell from the menus, but i would be pi$$ed if servces got different versions.

Hey Guys,

A few weeks ago, I finally purchased Vudu after weeks of research. Yesterday, I finally decided to download some movies to watch in HD or HDX quality. I went online to download both Role Models and the foreign vampire flick, Let The Right One In.

Imagine my confusion when neither flicks are available!! Now, Role Models is available to OWN but not to Rent.

I thought the movies are available upon DVD release dates???

I did find, in their FAQ, that the movie availability dates are subjected to the movie studios which could be 1-5 days. IF this is true, I'm somewhat bummed for I have to wait for the movies instead of the availability through Netflix.

Am I wrong???

You are wrong. Unless the release is Warner Brothers , you will have to wait at least a month. this is how all pay per view systems work. the studios do this to protect their dvd bluray sales.

You are wrong. Unless the release is Warner Brothers , you will have to wait at least a month. this is how all pay per view systems work. the studios do this to protect their dvd bluray sales.

Really? A month? This is on Vudu's site on availability:


Generally, we get movies at the same time that their DVDs are released; however, this is determined by the studios on a title-by-title basis. Sometimes, there might be a short gap (1 to 5 days) between the DVD release and the film appearing on your VUDU box, depending on the VUDU box update schedule. At the DVD release, you may purchase the movie on VUDU.

my experience has been good with release dates. I can get a vudu release about the same time I can get a bluray release

Unfortunately...this is the main reason I haven't jumped on board yet. Too long of a wait to "rent" new releases. I'm not really interested in purchacing to Own on the vudu box....and the convience vs. rental stores lessens.

my experience has been good with release dates. I can get a vudu release about the same time I can get a bluray release


I'm not sure how you can say that for my example: Role Model and Let The Right One in was available on Tuesday but still not available on Vudu.

To make it more nerve racking -- I checked Vudu's forum boards and under Movie Request, a person asked to have Vicky Cristina Barcelone available. That shocked me for that DVD release was at the end of January!

Again, maybe I did my homework wrong but I thought the movies would be available near the release dates...

I guess I'm glad I still have my Netflix account..

Unfortunately...this is the main reason I haven't jumped on board yet. Too long of a wait to "rent" new releases. I'm not really interested in purchacing to Own on the vudu box....and the convience vs. rental stores lessens.

I agree. I'm going to check my return policy with Best Buy and see if I can return my Vudu box. I thought the advantage of Vudu was to get the movies without the wait. I, like you, do not want to own them, but rather rent them in HD.

Unfortunately...this is the main reason I haven't jumped on board yet. Too long of a wait to "rent" new releases. I'm not really interested in purchacing to Own on the vudu box....and the convience vs. rental stores lessens.

This is the reason I also find VUDU unappealing.

Why would I want to pay more, get less content and wait longer to get what can be had by renting the BD?

...

To make it more nerve racking -- I checked Vudu's forum boards and under Movie Request, a person asked to have Vicky Cristina Barcelone available. That shocked me for that DVD release was at the end of January!

Again, maybe I did my homework wrong but I thought the movies would be available near the release dates...

I guess I'm glad I still have my Netflix account..

Well, don't speak too soon. I have netflix as well - currently Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a Long wait, as are a lot of new release DVDs (don't even get me started with new release Blu rays) on netflix. The solution? I use both. I keep the $9/mo netflix and watch about a movie a week. When I have time to watch more than that, I pick something I want to see on Vudu. Also, waiting a month for the ppv window is no different than theater vs dvd. If you absolutely have to see the DVD on the Tuesday it comes out and it's not on Vudu, you're going to have to either buy it, rent from a b&m, or hope that the other 9million netflix users aren't interested. After waiting 6 months for dvd to catch up with theater releases i've skipped, waiting another month for the PPV schedule is no big deal.

...
To make it more nerve racking --


Also, try to relax - movies are supposed to be fun.

bald

This is the reason I also find VUDU unappealing.

Why would I want to pay more, get less content and wait longer to get what can be had by renting the BD?

Why?

Because I want to pay more to avoid the video store (it's 2 minutes from my house).

Because netflix BD takes forever. I find that Netflix actually often "takes longer." Never mind if you suddenly have time to watch a movie "right now," four hours from now, or on a day when our illustrious postal service is off.

And I'm not sure what you mean by less content. The Vudu HD/HDX catalog is larger than the blu-ray catalog. If you mean less extras, yes, I'm willing to pay more for a video that has no previews, no warnings, no extras, no menus, no interviews, no commentary, no alternate endings, no deleted scenes, no featurettes, and no retarded (at this point) BD-Live "features." I just want to watch the movie.

bald

If you mean less extras, yes, I'm willing to pay more for a video that has no previews, no warnings, no extras, no menus, no interviews, no commentary, no alternate endings, no deleted scenes, no featurettes, and no retarded (at this point) BD-Live "features." I just want to watch the movie.

Exactly my reasons for not paying MORE for LESS.

PT Barnum would have loved VUDU owners.

Exactly my reasons for not paying MORE for LESS.

PT Barnum would have loved VUDU owners.

Everyone is aware you don't like Vudu. You can probably stop visiting threads about it to tell everyone.

Your second comment is insulting and childish. Of course, we expect nothing less. You could have left your post with just your opinion, but choosing to add a personal attack was real classy.

bald

[QUOTE=bald;16031379]Well, don't speak too soon. I have netflix as well - currently Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a Long wait, as are a lot of new release DVDs (don't even get me started with new release Blu rays) on netflix. The solution? I use both. I keep the $9/mo netflix and watch about a movie a week. When I have time to watch more than that, I pick something I want to see on Vudu. Also, waiting a month for the ppv window is no different than theater vs dvd. If you absolutely have to see the DVD on the Tuesday it comes out and it's not on Vudu, you're going to have to either buy it, rent from a b&m, or hope that the other 9million netflix users aren't interested. After waiting 6 months for dvd to catch up with theater releases i've skipped, waiting another month for the PPV schedule is no big deal.


Bald, actually I think you recommended to me, in the past, to keep Netflix but drop down to one movies at a time. I did that.

Again, I was just bummed that popular movies aren't released the same day as regular DVDs.

Everyone is aware you don't like Vudu. You can probably stop visiting threads about it to tell everyone.

I don't like VUDU in its current form, and those reasons are obviously hindering its progress, based on the low sales of hardware. If VUDU doesn't address these issues, it has no chance of remaining in business. But some owners would rather hide their heads in the sand than address them.

I don't like VUDU in its current form, and those reasons are obviously hindering its progress, based on the low sales of hardware. If VUDU doesn't address these issues, it has no chance of remaining in business. But some owners would rather hide their heads in the sand than address them.

You couldnt be more right:

No 7.1 sound
HDX is good, but it's not bluray
some title availability problems - rent only; buy only; can't buy hd, not available at all; delayed availability
needs more hd/hdx titles available for purchase
where is the external storage option?
I can't make movies I buy portable to other devices
no extras (not my thing, but some people miss it)
4mbit limit on download speeds due to p2p algorithm
ISP caps - obviously affects all downloads
etc, etc

Also, while we dont really know how many they have sold, I agree the number is likely low, probably 15-25,000, total. I think Apple TV sold like 2 million units last year or something, for comparison.

But, it's the best at what it does right now. AppleTV is lower quality and harder to use (although it does have a lot more versatility with other media, and a wider TV selection, but Vudu wins for movies) and Netflix streaming is a joke in comparison in both selection and quality. Netflix's streaming single biggest reason for its popularity is that it comes free with the sub and is an all-you-can-eat deal.

I probably use dvd/bd via netflix for 80% of my viewing. But without the vudu, that other 20% would be a giant pain in the ass. couldn't go back to not having it now.

bald

For me, VUDU is more about the convenience. I can watch a title when I'm in the mood. This is also the reason I bought so may DVDs between 1998 and 2000 and HD DVD/BDs between 2006 and 2008. But now that I only purchase a few BD titles every few months, most of my new movie watching is from VUDU. I don't have to wait for a disc, and have a large selection to choose from. it's not about the cost for me. If that was the case i wouldn't have the $9 a month Netflix tier(for video streaming) and also use FIOS HD VOD, Xbox Live, and the PS3(rarely for the PS3) for watching movies as well. I'm pretty much done renting discs of any kind. I will either purchase the BD or watch the HDX titles from VUDU. And if VUDU doesn't have it in HDX/HD I look at the Xbox 360 second and then my other choices.
The only way I will consider renting discs again is if the Redbox at the Wegmans across the street from me starts renting BD titles. For one dollar a night i would start renting discs again since I go by the Wegmans store a few times a week.

Well again when I was doing my research on an alternative to Netflix, I came across Vudu. I am willing to play a little more to get it downloaded the day of the release with better video quality. I really thought that the new releases would be available soon (if not on the day of) after its release.

I guess I didn't do my homework for I found this was not the case. Thankfully I followed Bald's advice and dropped my Netflix sub to 1 movie at a time when I purchased Vudu.

My venting started when I saw that on Netflix, Role Models, would be a short wait and I went to Vudu and they don't have it listed. Then I read incredible reviews of the Swedish flick, Let The Right One In, but Vudu doesn't have it. My brother recommended Vicky Barcelona but I checked and it's not available, and that was released at the end of January.

Soon the upcoming Oscar flicks are coming out and I wonder how soon they'll be available to Vudu owners. I'm thinking of Slumdog Millionaire.

I didn't buy Vudu to watch "mediocre" flicks. Again, I'm trying to chill about it and hopefully Vudu will step up and improve their selection. I always root for the underdog and hope they can survive the onslaught of the "big boys" Netflix, Roku, etc......

What? No more 99 for 99 cents???

....
I guess I didn't do my homework for I found this was not the case. Thankfully I followed Bald's advice and dropped my Netflix sub to 1 movie at a time when I purchased Vudu.
......

I don't want to make Vudu out to be something it's not. I don't think it's the end-all-be-all of movie watching. I stand by my opinion though, that despite the limitations I outlined above in a reply to Vikingfan, I feel that at the $150 I paid for it, the convenience it affords me is worth the price of admission. The caveat is that I am a renter, not a buyer (although if HDX becomes widely available for purchase at the right price that may change - limited studios @$24/pop isnt there yet, but it's a start I guess).

If you're not happy with your Vudu, BestBuy or Vudu should take it back in 30 days minus the cost of any content.

bald

Vudu expanded its offerings with music today, allowing subscribers to access music from Internet radio Pandora.

Do we need music through our TV? Well, it's sure to sound great in home theaters.

Vudu has been trying to boost its service with RIA options, Rich Internet Applications. Others already available through Vudu are YouTube, Flickr, Picasa and others.

Edward Lichty, exec VP of strategy and content at Vudu said in a statement: "As we continue to expand our RIA platform, we look forward to bringing many more popular services like Pandora to the Vudu service."

Most cable or satellite companies offer music channels within their packages, making Vudu look more and more like a competitor to those companies. The advantage of Pandora over the other music channels is that Pandora can be customized, offering a level of interactivity cable or satellite can't handle.

The race for viewers is squarely on, and it's getting exciting.

http://www.videobusiness.com/blog/1730000173/post/580042058.html

What? No more 99 for 99 cents???

I will check it out. Haven't been on for a few days but it was there last week. It was not the usual first column if I recall.

The race for viewers is squarely on, and it's getting exciting.

I don't know if Vudu will make it, but at least they're trying lots of different things.

They really need to add an external storage solution(I've purchased most of the HDX shows that were available for purchase and you can't archive them). I can't watch anything new on two of my three boxes unless I delete something(which I really don't want to do since I purchased the content) or wait for a previous rental to fall off.(I've already archived all the SD TV shows I've purchased)

Although I did read where they are supposed to introduce a solution in the second quarter. Hopefully it's in April and not in June.

I don't know if Vudu will make it, but at least they're trying lots of different things.

I would not be surprised if they do not make it. I just hope that the market does not take that as a sign that people don't want quality. VOD and streaming is the future, and I would like to see quality offerings.

I would not be surprised if they do not make it. I just hope that the market does not take that as a sign that people don't want quality. VOD and streaming is the future, and I would like to see quality offerings.

This statement is what scares me away. I have the Apple tv and the quality is poor. I would ditch the Atv for vudu quality if only I knew will survive at least the next three years.
I'm pretty sure Apple will still be around.

This statement is what scares me away. I have the Apple tv and the quality is poor. I would ditch the Atv for vudu quality if only I knew will survive at least the next three years.
I'm pretty sure Apple will still be around.

Three years for a piece of technology worth $150? Hmmm, that is over 1000 days. I like being frugal but if you only watch it half of the days in the year for three years it seems to work out to be under 30cents a day...

Me, I hope they stick around just for the competitive pressures on all the rest of the "competitors" out there (oh, and for my personal pleasure of course).

LT

I would not be surprised if they do not make it. I just hope that the market does not take that as a sign that people don't want quality. VOD and streaming is the future, and I would like to see quality offerings.\

Take a look at how popular the iPOD is. It's pretty obvious that the masses do not want quality.

\

Take a look at how popular the iPOD is. It's pretty obvious that the masses do not want quality.

I believe the masses want convenience first, but that does not mean that they will not take quality if it is delivered at a reasonable cost. It is a good sign if we are seeing sites offer 1080p for free.

I purchased a Vudu today. I suppose I'm in the minority, but my main purpose for the purchase was to get Pandora. I also really enjoy the YouTube interface. I'll probably watch a movie now and then, but movies are not my priority with Vudu.

I've purchased a lot audio and video electronics over the past 25 years. For $150.00, I can't think of another electronics purchase that has a bigger price-to-fun ratio.:)