Hands-on with VUDU's movies-on-demand STB

VUDU's set-top-box most definitely won't float everyone's boat, as the pricing alone will likely turn many away. But just in case you're curious about the innards of this stylish box or the company's plans for HD downloads, you owe it to yourself to check out EngadgetHD for a closer look at what VUDU can soon do for you.

[Chris @ Sep 8th 2007 1:12AM]

um, that component HD output switch says "480p" for HD? Isn't 480p known as EDTV, not HDTV?

[Andrew @ Sep 8th 2007 1:27AM]

When I first saw that picture, before I got a better look at it, I thought the box on top was the N64. It is great to see VUDU is staying on top of the latest styles from 1996. (well, I actually did like the design of the N64)

[Aaron @ Sep 10th 2007 5:00AM]

The component output is only 480p or 480i. For anything higher, you have to use HDMI.

[ken fox @ Sep 11th 2007 10:58AM]

I've done beta on this. The graphics are fantastic and the movie choices get much better each week as they add it. They use an IR remote instead of infrared so you don't have to aim the remote. No box to stack. Put the box in a drawer or attic out of sight and you never see it again.The remote has only five buttons and a slick and fast scroll wheel. Click and the movie is ON. It has a WOW factor that only those who have used it can appreciate. It is really fast. I also like they have HD right at the start. You won't have to buy a second box later to get HD, like TIVO did. Also, you can either rent or buy without any monthly fee. Apple should have done this, but they didn’t. With Apple, you have to buy it, download for 45 minutes the day before, then stream it to the TV, and quality is not great. Apple talked rental for two years. None yet. I read that only three of the media people will give movies to Apple, but little Vudu somehow made deals with all eight studios. This is even better a lot better than Netflix, which I've always liked a lot. It takes me 30-60 secs to make up my mind with Vudu. Click. One second later, the movie is playing. That's what I call service.