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Master Vudu discussion - place to talk about your Vudu experience - Page 53

post #1561 of 1894
12/17/11 at 1:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by oleus View Post


i tried some 3d trailers on VUDU and thought the 3d was terrible, bad black levels and ghosting everywhere.

Yes! That is exactly what I am talking about. Who could watch that without complaining to the company and I wonder why it hasn't been corrected.
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post #1562 of 1894
12/17/11 at 11:15pm
The xbox live app is up (guessing only for those in the preview program). From what I can see there is no HDX option to rent.... just SD and HD (at 4.99 for movies vs the 5.99 HDX usually commands).

My tomato bw statistics also say this where the vudu preview will use about the half the bw compared to a zune 1080p test.
Screengrab of a 2 min zune preview vs a 2 min vudu preview: https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx...FB287E0B9!2820 (zune is first followed by vudu)

The app is one of the better ones layout and UI wise but is still behind the zune app in terms of layout/design. Don't see many on xbox using this app in its current form.
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post #1563 of 1894
12/18/11 at 6:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

Starting in January 2013, no BD players will be made with any analog outputs. Personally I've preferred to have only HDMI outputs on my devices for years. But they typically have the legacy analog , and optical/coaxial outputs which I haven't needed in a long time.

Will the optical/coax audio also be deleted, or even analog audio? I thought it was only analog video that would be prohibited.
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post #1564 of 1894
12/18/11 at 6:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jagouar View Post

The xbox live app is up (guessing only for those in the preview program). From what I can see there is no HDX option to rent.... just SD and HD (at 4.99 for movies vs the 5.99 HDX usually commands).

My tomato bw statistics also say this where the vudu preview will use about the half the bw compared to a zune 1080p test.
Screengrab of a 2 min zune preview vs a 2 min vudu preview: https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx...FB287E0B9!2820 (zune is first followed by vudu)

The app is one of the better ones layout and UI wise but is still behind the zune app in terms of layout/design. Don't see many on xbox using this app in its current form.

Thanks for the heads up. Assuming you have a super high speed and reliable internet connection, which service would give a better HQ picture - zune or Vudu (even if on another system like a PS3 or internet TV aoo)? Does Zune support better quality audio than DD?
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post #1565 of 1894
12/18/11 at 12:29pm
Zune 1080p and VUDU HDX are very comparable, to my eyes (I really wish that msgohan would get his hands on an Xbox at least temporary so he could get some screen grabs of Zune for comparison). One difference is that there is only SD and HD for Zune--you'll get 1080p if there's sufficient bandwidth on your connection to the servers to sustain it. Consequently if 720p would suit you just fine (or you're watching on a 720p monitor), there's no slightly lower priced limited-to-720p PQ tier.

I was surprised that MS was letting VUDU on their platform, since the service is very similar to Zune Video; the lack of HDX support in the player makes sense in that context. If you own some VUDU titles the player on Xbox will let you watch them in a room where the Xbox is the only device with that capability. Personally I don't watch video on consoles anymore. I watch Netflix and Amazon on my Roku 2 XS and VUDU on my Panasonic BD player.
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post #1566 of 1894
12/18/11 at 4:28pm
I wonder how much of a cut MS gets for each VUDU rental?
Walmart has made great strides since buying VUDU in getting on many many devices than I ever thought would have been possible. Vudu has come a longs ways since I first got it four years ago.
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post #1567 of 1894
12/18/11 at 8:13pm
Vudu has come a very long way in getting on more devices and the xbox is another good one to be on but w/o the hdx option the only people I see using it are the ones already invested in vudu on other devices.

That said I will switch very quickly if they are the first ones to bring us a more expensive buffet style plan. I really thought zune would have this service already since they have the zune music pass but still nothing from them.

The first company to charge me $30-40 but give me new dvd/bd releases (even if there is a limit on how many rentals you get each month) and day after tv shows will get my money going forward. Seems like its a 3 horse race currently (netflix, zune and vudu) but I could see apple coming in at the last second and "getting it right" like they have a knack of doing.
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post #1568 of 1894
12/18/11 at 8:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by oleus View Post

while i thought the overall PQ was very good, i was surprised to see Hangove 2 cropped on VUDU.

Pretty sure it's opened up since it's Super35.
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post #1569 of 1894
12/19/11 at 10:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by oleus View Post

while i thought the overall PQ was very good, i was surprised to see Hangove 2 cropped on VUDU. is it normal for them to crop 2.35:1 movies? i know they didn't do that with Inception.

This is not typical. Most 2.35:1 movies are proper OAR on VUDU. Not sure what happened with this one.
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post #1570 of 1894
12/19/11 at 10:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by msgohan View Post

Pretty sure it's opened up since it's Super35.

No--it's definitely zoomed. I just compared side-by-side with the disc.
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post #1571 of 1894
12/19/11 at 1:28pm
Darn, that's doubly stupid of them then.
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post #1572 of 1894
12/19/11 at 1:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by msgohan View Post

Darn, that's doubly stupid of them then.

It's probably not VUDU's fault. They just run whatever transfer the studio gives them. In this case, Warner must have sent them the 16:9 reformatted transfer for cable broadcast, rather than the letterboxed home video transfer.
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post #1573 of 1894
12/19/11 at 3:21pm
You can ask in their forums. They should be able to get it looked at.
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post #1574 of 1894
12/20/11 at 7:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovingdvd View Post

How did the HDX video quality look when it was working properly? How does this quality compare to Blu-ray 1080p24 content, assuming you have a very high end display tat is capable of rendering all the super fine details from Blu-ray? I would like to do streaming but always feel I would be leaving some image quality on the table by streaming, and if I want the true experience I have to rent the Blu-ray. But I'm wondering if that thinking is flawed or justified. Thanks.

Your thinking is not flawed, Blu-ray is still the best quality-wise. But as aaronwt replied VUDU 9Mbps HDX looked great (while it lasted) projected on my 120" screen but once it switched to HD quality the image downgrade was quite noticeable and more like DVD. If I had been watching on my 50" plasma set the change may have been less noticeable but not sure since I generally don't watch movies on the smaller set. I have visited the VUDU forum and see that buffering issues are common even with super-fast internet connections. I still have a $10 credit with VUDU and may try another HDX movie sometime. Does anyone know if VUDU has different streams for different devices (like Netflix) or it is one common stream for all?
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post #1575 of 1894
12/20/11 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.G View Post

Does anyone know if VUDU has different streams for different devices (like Netflix) or it is one common stream for all?

Netflix doesn't really have different streams for different devices; they have an evolution of encodings and some devices are still using the older ones. They started out with WM3 then segued into VC-1 with WMA sound, then to AVC with DD2.0 sound (5.1 DD+ surround and closed/soft captions available on limited set of titles). The new stuff is specifically set up for adaptive streaming (smooth transition between lower bit rate, lower PQ encodings and higher bit rate, higher PQ ones as available bandwidth on your connection fluctuates); it also separates out sound and captions so that they can offer different versions for the same title.

I don't think that anything uses the WM3 set anymore and they probably no longer update it. Most devices still use VC-1 and very small but growing set of devices implement support for 1080p, 5.1 sound and captions.

But to answer you question I don't think that VUDU multiple sets of encodings, since they controlled firmware on their original players and nothing much has changed, feature-wise, since embedded devices showed up.
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post #1576 of 1894
12/20/11 at 10:25am
I've never had a single buffering issue when streaming HDX from VUDU over Comcast in Boston. I really think that this is an internet provider (perhaps local) issue, not a VUDU issue. Even when you pay for high-speed internet, a lot of ISPs don't deliver what they promise.
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post #1577 of 1894
12/20/11 at 10:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeltscott View Post

Netflix doesn't really have different streams for different devices; they have an evolution of encodings and some devices are still using the older ones. They started out with WM3 then segued into VC-1 with WMA sound, then to AVC with DD2.0 sound (5.1 DD+ surround and closed/soft captions available on limited set of titles). The new stuff is specifically set up for adaptive streaming (smooth transition between lower bit rate, lower PQ encodings and higher bit rate, higher PQ ones as available bandwidth on your connection fluctuates); it also separates out sound and captions so that they can offer different versions for the same title.

I don't think that anything uses the WM3 set anymore and they probably no longer update it. Most devices still use VC-1 and very small but growing set of devices implement support for 1080p, 5.1 sound and captions.

But to answer you question I don't think that VUDU multiple sets of encodings, since they controlled firmware on their original players and nothing much has changed, feature-wise, since embedded devices showed up.

Is it really using DD for the 2.0 encodes? I don't think any of the devices I use for Netflix regularly send out DD for the 2.0 tracks. They only send out pcm. Even when the devices send out DD 2.0 for other sources that have it, it's only 2.0pcm for Netflix.

As far as the buffering issues with VUDU, many people have had success by changing their DNS Ip addresses(Like using google or Open DNS). I know in my case it made a big difference with all the streaming services. They all start much quicker now and any buffering issue is extremely rare. This is in comparison to my normal FioS DNS servers. They occasionally had a buffering issue, but the content typically took a little longer to load as well.
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post #1578 of 1894
12/20/11 at 11:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

Is it really using DD for the 2.0 encodes? I don't think any of the devices I use for Netflix regularly send out DD for the 2.0 tracks. They only send out pcm. Even when the devices send out DD 2.0 for other sources that have it, it's only 2.0pcm for Netflix.

The old disc-based PS3 player was subject to the SEL key info overlay and it said that it was playing DD 2.0. They certainly do not stream PCM. The stereo audio bit rate is either 64 Kbps or 192 Kbps (see the bottom of this Netflix blog post)--PCM at either rate would be unlistenable (IMO 64 Kbps stereo MP3 is unlistenable ). They may be using some sound encoding which isn't commonly supported by AVRs as audio on an HDMI video stream.
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post #1579 of 1894
12/20/11 at 11:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.G View Post

Your thinking is not flawed, Blu-ray is still the best quality-wise. But as aaronwt replied VUDU 9Mbps HDX looked great (while it lasted) projected on my 120" screen but once it switched to HD quality the image downgrade was quite noticeable and more like DVD. If I had been watching on my 50" plasma set the change may have been less noticeable but not sure since I generally don't watch movies on the smaller set. I have visited the VUDU forum and see that buffering issues are common even with super-fast internet connections. I still have a $10 credit with VUDU and may try another HDX movie sometime. Does anyone know if VUDU has different streams for different devices (like Netflix) or it is one common stream for all?

Thanks. I wonder if on a high end display with a pristine (5 star video quality) Blu-ray whether there would be a discernible difference between it and a 9Mbps HDX feed. And if so, whether the difference would be negligible.

Most of the world is going streaming now and it seems like us high end video and audiophiles are getting left behind. At least give us HD audio capabilities... I wonder if that is on the horizon.
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post #1580 of 1894
12/20/11 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh Z View Post

I've never had a single buffering issue when streaming HDX from VUDU over Comcast in Boston. I really think that this is an internet provider (perhaps local) issue, not a VUDU issue. Even when you pay for high-speed internet, a lot of ISPs don't deliver what they promise.

Hello interesting I have an oppo 93 constantly buffers with HDX and a panny 210 never buffers with HDX vudo. been on phone constantly with oppo in fact they are exchanging player, Use Comcast Central Jersey and signal very strong. Both hardwired to my netgear router. any suggestions I think it is the oppo will see if it doess on the new one comming today. HDX is pretty neat big diff from HD.
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post #1581 of 1894
12/20/11 at 1:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by william06 View Post

Hello interesting I have an oppo 93 constantly buffers with HDX and a panny 210 never buffers with HDX vudo. been on phone constantly with oppo in fact they are exchanging player, Use Comcast Central Jersey and signal very strong. Both hardwired to my netgear router. any suggestions I think it is the oppo will see if it doess on the new one comming today. HDX is pretty neat big diff from HD.

The OPPO 93 is the player I also use. Never had a problem with it. Perhaps a DNS setting issue, as aaronwt suggests?
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post #1582 of 1894
12/20/11 at 1:43pm
Thanks for the reply. What i find weird is i download content from my newsgroups all the time and never have any hicupps. 10gb + files at 3.8mb's a sec.... no dropouts or slowdowns at all. I will try again, but i feel it was probably vudu's problem. Remember, the 3d movie played fine for the first 30/40mins...

Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeltscott View Post

Note that you now have the option of downloading HDX titles to the PS3 (or SD or HD). Full HDX is 9 Mbps so a 2 hour film should consume about 8 GB. It might take a while (if you're getting your full 25 Mbps down, it'd be 43 mins).

Before they added this recently (they call it VUDU to Go) it was a weakness versus Zune Video, which can be either streamed or downloaded to an Xbox. Now people who flat out don't have the bandwidth to stream HD or HDX (like common 2-3 Mbps service) can download and get the full monty . You can also load up your laptop for trips (they need to get that working for tableets).
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post #1583 of 1894
12/20/11 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh Z View Post

The OPPO 93 is the player I also use. Never had a problem with it. Perhaps a DNS setting issue, as aaronwt suggests?

I have changed the dns numbers as per oppo still buffered. Just hooked up the new one already frozw on pandora. changed the dns on that and will try vudu tonight. Love this player shame but love vjdu hdx and panny does it well so I might go for the integra 50.3 better streamer and sacarifice the sacd and pick up a used sacd over hdmi player. crazy I know but it should work. will work with oppo tech again first they are great people there.
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post #1584 of 1894
12/20/11 at 4:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeltscott View Post

The old disc-based PS3 player was subject to the SEL key info overlay and it said that it was playing DD 2.0. They certainly do not stream PCM. The stereo audio bit rate is either 64 Kbps or 192 Kbps (see the bottom of this Netflix blog post)--PCM at either rate would be unlistenable (IMO 64 Kbps stereo MP3 is unlistenable ). They may be using some sound encoding which isn't commonly supported by AVRs as audio on an HDMI video stream.

I just don't understand why they won't bitstream it if it's in DD. And if they are using something not supported by AVRs, why not switch to DD since the 5.1 tracks are using it.
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post #1585 of 1894
12/20/11 at 4:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by william06 View Post

I have changed the dns numbers as per oppo still buffered. Just hooked up the new one already frozw on pandora. changed the dns on that and will try vudu tonight. Love this player shame but love vjdu hdx and panny does it well so I might go for the integra 50.3 better streamer and sacarifice the sacd and pick up a used sacd over hdmi player. crazy I know but it should work. will work with oppo tech again first they are great people there.

Try changing the DNS in your router. This is what I did on my network. I didn't change anything in the individual devices.
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post #1586 of 1894
12/21/11 at 5:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

Try changing the DNS in your router. This is what I did on my network. I didn't change anything in the individual devices.

I hate to fool with my router everything else works fine my router is a net gear N300 wnr3500l I oul not even know how to do it not too computer savy like some of you guys . Last night I rented a movie in HDX from vudu there were several buffers finally it went home screen would not play told me to play at HD. I turned off the oppo and went to the panny 210 and it played perfectly. This is my second oppo I changed the DNS to 008.0008.0008 just as oppo advised with the other did not help. Puzzled. ? If everything else would do the same I would be comfortable it was my comcase or something else in my system Its only the oppo. My panny plasma streams well both my computers and my Onkyo 3009 etc. I really hate to give up the oppo but I really get nuts with things when they do not work as they should. For the Oppo would I need a stronger router or a way to boost the signal even if that would help. Sorry to drag on.
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post #1587 of 1894
12/21/11 at 6:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by william06 View Post

I hate to fool with my router everything else works fine my router is a net gear N300 wnr3500l I oul not even know how to do it not too computer savy like some of you guys . Last night I rented a movie in HDX from vudu there were several buffers finally it went home screen would not play told me to play at HD. I turned off the oppo and went to the panny 210 and it played perfectly. This is my second oppo I changed the DNS to 008.0008.0008 just as oppo advised with the other did not help. Puzzled. ? If everything else would do the same I would be comfortable it was my comcase or something else in my system Its only the oppo. My panny plasma streams well both my computers and my Onkyo 3009 etc. I really hate to give up the oppo but I really get nuts with things when they do not work as they should. For the Oppo would I need a stronger router or a way to boost the signal even if that would help. Sorry to drag on.

Is anyone else with the Oppo reporting the same thing, or does it only seem to be affecting you?
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post #1588 of 1894
12/21/11 at 8:35am
Q: Do the 2min movie samples stream in plain jane DD or in full DD+? (Because they just added the Vudu app to the new WD TV Live today and none of the 2min streams I've tried are DD+, I think it's a bug in the app).
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post #1589 of 1894
12/21/11 at 10:39am
The Xbox VUDU app just launched. No HDX resolution and I'm sure that it doesn't bitsream DD+. Perhaps the lamest VUDU implementation I've used, though understandable, given that its in direct competition with the Zune Video marketplace.
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post #1590 of 1894
12/21/11 at 11:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeltscott View Post

The Xbox VUDU app just launched. No HDX resolution and I'm sure that it doesn't bitsream DD+. Perhaps the lamest VUDU implementation I've used, though understandable, given that its in direct competition with the Zune Video marketplace.

I've seen it speculated a few places (maybe here too) that the limitation is the silverlight app platform all these apps are written on do not support 1080p yet and would eventually get updated but who knows since you would think the zune app would use the same framework and does 1080p now. Their hd quality is not very impressive on xbox with this first version.... roughly netflix or hulu hd.
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