VUDU movie service coming to PS3 on November 23
Just in case you aren't content with the video delivery service offered by the PlayStation Network, Sony has announced plans to introduce a third party video provider onto the PS3 XMB. Starting November 23, VUDU will join a growing list of video apps available on the console, including Netflix, Hulu Plus and NHL GameCenter.
For those unfamiliar with the service, VUDU offers "more than 4,000 HD movies," which VUDU claims makes it the "world's largest HD library." The subscription-free service gives members access to on-demand rentals and purchases, in SD or the costlier "HDX" format -- 1080p HD with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Prices are comparable to PSN's native video store, but thrifty PS3 owners will want to comparison shop. For example, VUDU's "$2 for 2 nights" rental specials generally undercut Sony's offerings, whereas PSN's "Deal of the Week" specials usually best VUDU's prices.
To encourage newcomers to try out the service, VUDU is offering a free $5.99 credit to new registrants, "enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free." It's certainly an enticing offer, one that will encourage PS3 owners to make the switch. But remember to stop by PlayStation's video service once in a while, as well. After all, you can't get new episodes of The Tester anywhere else.%Gallery-107575%
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PlayStation®Network Continues to Expand its Industry Leading Entertainment Offerings with VUDU™ HD Streaming Movie Service
VUDU Brings High Definition Movies On-Demand to PlayStation®3
FOSTER CITY, Calif., November 16, 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced that on-demand movie service VUDU™ will launch on PlayStation®Network in the United States with an application that allows for High Definition (HD) and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound streaming to the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. VUDU delivers a massive library of movies to PS3 in true 1080p HD format, providing another choice for PS3 users to experience cinema-quality entertainment in the comfort of their living rooms. When the VUDU application launches on November 23, PS3 will be the first and only system with dedicated gaming functionality to offer this service. This partnership further establishes PlayStation Network as the complete home entertainment hub, which includes the latest in gaming, movies, television shows, sports, original programming, internet browsing and social networking.
Using the VUDU streaming movie service, PS3 owners will be able to conveniently and instantly access more than 4,000 HD movies for all major Hollywood studios on-demand, including new releases available the same day they are released to DVD or Blu-ray Disk. The VUDU streaming movie service also offers great value to PS3 households, with an enormous collection of titles available for only $2 for a two night rental.
"PlayStation® has long been the leader in providing living room entertainment. PlayStation Network has emerged as the industry leading entertainment hub for experiencing an unmatched amount of digital content," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PlayStation Network, SCEA. "With the addition of the VUDU application to our free PlayStation Network, users will have another way to access entertainment, with thousands of HD movies available instantly in the comfort of their own home."
"PS3 is tailor-made for the high-quality, high-speed VUDU streaming experience," said Edward Lichty, general manager, VUDU. "Now with VUDU on PS3, we are able to deliver a completely immersive experience to those loyal to their entertainment system when they want, where they want."
Customers that have a free PlayStation Network account can download the VUDU application in the "Media" category on PlayStation®Store and then access it under the "Video" icon on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu. New VUDU customers receive a $5.99 credit, enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.
About VUDU
A leader in digital entertainment, VUDU offers the world's largest selection of streaming HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics, and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-Ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU comes built in on select internet connectable HDTVs and Blu-Ray Disk Players from, LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Toshiba and Vizio, and is also available on PC or Mac via the Boxee platform. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.vudu.com/"http://www.vudu.com/.
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"PlayStation", "PSP" and "PS one" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
