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VUDU teaches old boxes new tricks: HDX streaming, apps and more
It's unfortunately rare to see manufacturers extending support to hardware they no longer sell, but VUDU has reached back to owners of its set-top boxes and updated the software to bring them up to par with its platforms running on TVs and Blu-ray players. That means access to the VUDU Apps platform, access to 1080p, 5.1 audio HDX movies as instantly starting streams, not just downloads, movie trailers and social tie-ins with Twitter and Facebook. The new interface also means updates can be instantly pushed down from their end meaning easy access to any new features in the future. It all sounds good to us, go ahead and flick on your box and see if that new software works as well as promised.
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?
VUDU price dramatically slashed to $99* for the holidays
We know it's a touch late to be ordering up a gift for unwrapping on the 25th, but this one just might be worth the IOU you'll likely be forced to give. VUDU's movie set-top-box, which typically goes for $299, is now priced at just $99 for a limited time. Of course, VUDU forces you to purchase $50 in movie credits along with it (thus the asterisk being applicable here), but it's not like you're just going to buy this and never watch anything, right? There's also a bundle that includes a Wireless Kit at 50% off (now just $49), making the grand total for a VUDU, $50 in movie credits and a Wireless Kit only $198. Let's just say now is about the time to buy if you've been holding off on a VUDU -- we hear those HDX titles are mighty tasty![Thanks, Rob]
Ask Engadget HD: Which movie set-top-box is best?
With Roku's Netflix Player all out in the open and an LG box just around the bend, Chuck's question is particularly timely. There are already quite a few choices out there for folks looking to snag a dedicated movie set-top-box, but has the best one even arrived? "I pretty much stick with OTA reception when I watch TV, and while Netflix / Blockbuster is fine, I've recently been considering a standalone movie set-top-box for instant gratification purposes. With the Apple TV, VUDU and Roku Netflix Player already out, which one would be best to pick up? I realize more units are expected, but I'm particularly fond of models that support HD films. Really, I'm just looking for user opinions on each, especially if they already own one or have used one." We'd also like to point out that Netflix's "Watch Now" feature can be piped to your TV fairly easily if you have a nearby HTPC or Xbox 360, but alas, you won't be seeing any material in high-def from there. Here's your shot at defending (or lambasting) your own movie STB -- and... go!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
VUDU / NetStreams link up for whole home video distribution
Back at EHX in Orlando, VUDU's partnership extravaganza announcement was curiously light on details. Now, however, we're beginning to see how VUDU's positioning its movie set-top-box as a mainstay in the connected home. Reportedly, the deal with NetStreams will soon allow VUDU XL (vanilla VUDU left out?) owners to stream video around their domiciles using the VUDU XL as the video server. Reportedly, the box would have to be connected to the DigiLinX IP-Based Distributed Audio, Video and Control system, after which content could be accessed from other rooms. Unfortunately, that's all the details that have surfaced thus far, but we can't help but realize that the VUDU just got a whole lot more attractive for those with deep pockets.
VUDU XL starts shipping, v1.3 software gets detailed
Lots of news on the VUDU front today, starting with the announcement that the grossly overpriced VUDU XL is finally shipping to all three people who forked out for one. Moving on to more important matters, the forthcoming v1.3 software -- which is hitting barely a month after v1.2 was loosed -- will open up the VUDU Vault. Put simply, this feature will "enable consumer to move owned titles from the VUDU hard drive to a secure area on VUDU servers to free up space for additional purchases." As expected, the feature will only be available on "select titles," but hey, we suppose we'll take what we can get. Moving on, VUDU is also announcing the $39 IR receiver kit for both the original STB and the XL, which will "allow for the operation of the service using approved programmable remotes." Lastly, v1.3 will bring about a numerically listed Most Watched overlay as well as improved searching for TV episodes. No word on when the update will start being pushed out, but we'd guess it'll be sooner rather than later.
VUDU XL: $999 for a bit more space
Granted, we did just ask you how you'd tweak the VUDU, but we're fairly certain none of you would recommend over doubling the price. Nevertheless, VUDU is apparently hoping that folks not quite ready to pull the trigger on its original set-top-box will be totally enthused about dropping a cool grand on the XL. Apparently, this one sports a fair bit more internal space (1TB to be exact) -- enough to hold 500 SD movies. If you're wondering if any films other than the Bourne trilogy will be available to take advantage of all this new space, VUDU is apparently aiming to unleash 70 of 'em later this month. Oh, and those high-definition films will run you $5.99 (new titles) / $3.99 ("HD classics) to rent, but hey, what's that after you've laid down $999 for the box itself? [Image courtesy of VUDU] Read - VUDU XL has 1TB of storage Read - 70 new HD films coming to VUDU %Gallery-12690%
