VUDU Puts Entire Video Library Online at Vudu.com
by Richard Sharp
While you may know VUDU as that other on demand video service on your Blu-Ray player or PlayStation, that may all be about to change.
The WalMart-backed subscription-free, video-on-demand movie service announced today that it will make its massive library of content available directly on VUDU.com, where users can browse and instantly stream movies and tv shows, including new releases.
This dramatically increases the volume of movies available on demand for users like those who visit Yidio, who are already comfortable (and often prefer) the ease of use and flexibility of on-demand entertainment.
“Customers will be able to enjoy movies instantly and easily at VUDU.com with no additional hardware or software download required,” said Edward Lichty, General Manager of VUDU said in the company's press release.
Currently available on the site are new DVD release like "Tron: Legacy" and "Black Swan" for on-demand rental at $3.99 to rent or $14.99 to own (download). Sounds great, right?
Users enamored with VUDU's HD movies may, however, be disappointed to find that the browser-based on-demand content options only come in standard definition for now.
Vudu's set-top devices are known primarily for providing access to the world's largest selection of high-definition movies in HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, so watching standard-def videos through a Flash player seems a little...well...goofy.
What may make up for that is the ability for the user to watch the on-demand movies on one platform, pause the content, and pick up on whatever other enabled device they prefer. According to the company, there are 300 VUDU-enabled CE devices on the market, including HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and the PlayStation 3.
Oh, and the company has an entire channel devoted to movies featuring prominent moustachioed stars, so it can't be all bad...