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
























Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rob78 @ Jul 30th 2009 12:03PM
So the new interface looks a lot like the old (no bad thing) except for the chapter search which is new. Nice to see they are still working on the technology side. As long as they keep working on licensing more and more content they should do pretty well with this. Apparently, the set-top boxes are selling faster than thay can source the hard drives too, not a bad sign.
Bozster @ Jul 30th 2009 12:11PM
It looks a lot like Silverlight 3. Detecting bit-rates and similar. This looks pretty much identical way of doing things as new Microsoft's service coming to XBL with 1080p HD streaming.
nut4gadgets @ Jul 30th 2009 1:19PM
$3.99 to rent an HD movie for 1 night...hmmm...think I'll stick with my blu-ray media and Netflix subscription because it's a better value proposition. Now, if VUDU started offering a monthly flat-rate subscription fee for unlimited viewing, then I would consider doing business with them. Until flat-rate subscription fees for these types of services come around, I think I will pass.
nathan @ Jul 30th 2009 3:27PM
If Vudu comes to the HTPC, I will certainly use it for HDX movies when I don't have something sitting here from Netflix (which happens once a week, at least). Especially if that have day and date HDX releases, I'd probably rent one a week, since Netflix still sucks for new release Blu-rays unless you time your return to be perfectly aligned with a one-day shipping window that occurs the day before the street date of new releases -- which is a hassle.
WiFiSpy @ Jul 31st 2009 7:47AM
The HD titles on Vudu are all 1080p, Its just the HDX ones have much higher bitrate.
And how come I cant watch a HDX movie right away (16Mb/s connection) on my Vudu box, but users of the LG TVs can?