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VUDU beams out v1.2 update, enables HD streaming
Merely a day after the Apple TV (take 2) update was delayed, VUDU has apparently beamed out the v1.2 update for its self-titled set-top-box. According to users who have successfully downloaded it, the new build reportedly enables HD streaming and adds a new "Instant HD" speed setting along with a "Constant Audio" setting to "fix the popping issues" that some folks are experiencing. According to NA9D over at the VUDU user forums, the update has also made 64 (give or take a few) HD titles available for viewing (all are rental only at the moment, save for the third Bourne Identity), and while some of them are said to be new releases, some supposedly go back as far as 1972. For anyone with a VUDU STB in their abode, feel free to check things out and give us an idea of available titles in comments below.[Thanks, Brian S.]
Switched On: Apple TV gets its second audition
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment. Apple TV was overwhelmed by the introduction of the iPhone at the Macworld 2007 keynote, but the little set-top device has been the recipient of a complete makeover in 2008. The rich visual menus of the first release are now revealed only after traversing a textual navigation grid that looks austere for an Apple product and downright grim for a TV-based user interface. "Take Two" as it is being called, upgrades Apple TV's software and positioning, but the product will still struggle to break out of its niche in the mad rush to free movies from their disc detainment. The first iteration of the Apple appliance was, like many products before it, focused on sending content from the PC to the television. Apple included a fast 802.11n receiver and even a hard drive for ensuring content availability when the network was offline, and the product's media serving was tied to its popular iTunes software. But ultimately, Apple learned that the music and photos that populate consumers' hard disks have a hard time competing for attention with premium Hollywood television. This curse of familiarity is especially insidious when it comes to video that demands constant replenishment. As Steve Jobs noted during his Macworld keynote, Apple now "gets" that video is what consumers want on their TVs. And Apple TV should deliver. In fact, the movie rental and purchase proposition is now very similar to that of the device and service offered by Vudu, Inc., which has a head start on content but a higher price and nowhere near Apple's brand or distribution power. Apple is also offering podcasts, YouTube and its original ability to access personal content from PCs.
Vudu price slashed to keep up with Apple TV
Competition is a good thing, and now that the Apple TV is actually turning into a solid offering in its space, Vudu is cutting the price on its box to stay relevant. Originally launched at $399, you can now snag a Vudu to rent your movies and TV shows straight into your living room for $295. The best news is that if paid the full price for one of these things in the past 30 days, you can call up Vudu and get a $100 movie credit. Who knows if it'll be enough to mitigate the aggressively-priced and now competitively-featured $229 Apple TV, but it looks like consumers are winning already.
Hands-on with the pricey VUDU XL
Yeah, we don't exactly envision too many individuals getting hands-on time with the XUDU XL -- you know, considering the $999 sticker -- but we were able to stop by and snap a couple shots of the suddenly luxurious device. In case you haven't noticed, the only difference between the new one and the predecessor is a slick new silver logo, the loss of an RF antenna (replaced with an IR receiver), a 1TB drive within and a price tag pushing four digits. So yeah, the chassis is exactly the same, but feel free to check out a few biggie images below if you're overcome with disbelief. %Gallery-12843%
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%
How would you change the VUDU set-top-box?
This week's episode of "How would you change" over on Engadget Classic involves an item that's been quite the mainstay here at Engadget HD. We've already heard the lengthy list of pros and cons -- we're ready to learn how you would change it. Hop on over and take a peek, and drop in your two pennies while you're there, cool?
VUDU set-top-box gets proper unboxing
We know, the VUDU set-top-box has been covered up and down around here, and while you've already taken a look at the thing from all angles, there's just nothing like a proper unboxing on the world's unofficial unboxing day. All done with your presents? Hop on over to the read link and check out Mr. Zatz cracking open one of his own.
VUDU gets held down by studio limitations
We'll get right to it: the VUDU really isn't a stellar purchase for the average joe or jane, particularly when HD VOD is being more ubiquitous and options like Blockbuster / Netflix are still out there. According to a review by the AP, the VUDU was hampered by restrictions (mostly surrounding rental times) presumably enforced by studios who are still utterly terrified to let their precious content leave on any medium that could possibly be shuffled around the internet with any level of ease. Also worrisome was the pricing; $19.99 to purchase an SD film that will likely need to be deleted (or transferred to another HDD) should your drive fill up just seems absurd when you take a peek at the going rate for a DVD. Quality wise, it fared well when playing back SD material, but the "four-hour wait" to get an HD film even started was most definitely not enjoyable. Additionally, the reviewer found some signs of "false contouring" during HD playback, but once the thing got going, it was deemed fairly impressive. Overall, we just can't see the VUDU fitting well into most living rooms -- until the studios lighten up a bit, that is.
VUDU box thrown in with select Sharp AQUOS LCD TVs
While Sony's effectively giving away BDP-S300s when you pick up a BRAVIA HDTV from SonyStyle, Sharp is hoping to up its holiday sales figures by bundling in a VUDU set-top-box. Starting now, consumers who pick up a select AQUOS LCD TV that's 42-inches or larger (trust us, there's quite a few choices) can also expect to receive a $399 VUDU box and a $50 movie credit to boot. Off hand, we don't see a definitive expiration date for the offer, but considering that it's billed as a "holiday" promotion (and only available directly through these two, sadly), we wouldn't sleep on this too long if you're remotely interested.
Switched On: Vudu starts on its to-dos
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment.
