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Vudu's 1080p movie streaming to hit Panasonic's Viera Cast Blu-ray players
We may very well be in the minority here, but we definitely didn't peg winter 2010 as the second coming of Vudu. In just the past month or so, the resurgent movie rental outfit has managed to slink its way onto Sharp connected HDTVs, D-Link's Boxee Box, Sony's PlayStation 3 and now, Panasonic's crew of Viera Cast-enabled Blu-ray decks. The DMP-BDT350, DMP-BDT300, DMP-BDT100, DMP-BD85, DMP-BD65 and DMP-B500 will all gain access to Vudu's 4000+ 1080p movie library starting just two days from today (that's November 24th, for the calendar-challenged), promising instant streaming on titles that start at just $2 per night. If you're the proud owner of one of those players, keep an eye out for an impending firmware update... otherwise, well, keep an eye out for those keeping an eye out.
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%
VUDU hits PS3 on November 23rd, UI overhaul coming mid-December
First Netflix, then Hulu Plus, and now VUDU. The movie rental service is making its way onto PlayStation 3 just in time for Thanksgiving later this month -- November 23rd, to be exact. If you're familiar with Walmart's recently-acquired video service, you know the drill: on-demand HD titles streamed for a fee, up to 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. The interface will be the same as every other VUDU iteration -- until mid-December, that is. That's when, as we've been told, the company plans to roll out version 2.0 of its UI. In addition to being more streamlined, there's ratings, recommendations, and most interestingly, support for PS3's Move controller. Pictures below, press releases after the break. %Gallery-107570%
VUDU, Walmart and Disney join forces, add a free streaming copy to Toy Story 3 Blu-ray discs
Walmart is showing how it might make use of VUDU after purchasing the 1080p movie streaming house earlier this year, now that the two have teamed up with Disney to throw in a free digital copy of Toy Story 3 with each one purchased at the store on DVD or Blu-ray. When the movie goes on sale today, customers will receive a download code they can use on their nearest VUDU player (now including Boxee on the Box, PC or Mac) to stream some Buzz and Woody at any time without a disc involved. Walmart and VUDU are quick to describe this mix of physical and digital access as the future of content, and we're thinking this type of promotion is about to become much more widespread since Amazon's already offered a similar deal with Disc+, and Best Buy purchased CinemaNow specifically for this type of offer. The only question now is if customers will start asking "which streaming service does this connect to?" before they run out to buy a new Blu-ray instead of simply looking for the lowest price or other promotional tie-in.
D-Link's Boxee Box gets VUDU streaming rentals
We're just weeks away from the Boxee Box bringing its pan-dimensional shape to your home entertainment center, but still the surprises keep rolling. VUDU has announced that it too will be making an appearance on the thing, offering streaming downloadable rentals of big hits with some, like Avatar, having special features to boot. Viewers will have 1080p on tap along with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround and the pleasure of knowing that their $2 per rental is going straight into Walmart's pocket. Who doesn't love Walmart? Update: To be clear, VUDU will be available to users of the PC and Mac Boxee clients as well.
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.
Sharp unveils AQUOS Quattron 3D for the States
Sharp made US 3D fans very happy today by announcing the immediate availability of its new 52 and 60-inch AQUOS Quattron 3D TVs at CEDIA. The LED backlight side-mount scanning LE925 series starts at $4199 with the bigger brother going for $5299, feature two pairs of 3D glasses bundled in, a dynamic contrast ratio of 8,000,000:1 and IP control plus RS-232 for home automation fans. The Ethernet port or optional WiFi adapter can also be used to stream Netflix, VUDU or a variety of other over the top video services. What's interesting is that Sharp is claiming its 4th color (yellow) Quattron technology offers a brighter image which can overcome the dimming, that 3D glasses are known for. Also, a first is that the 3D glasses can convert the 3D signal to 2D for that one 3D hatter in your party (not to be confused with the TV's ability to convert 2D material to 3D). The full release with many more details after the jump. %Gallery-103056%
Toshiba brings WX800 and VX700 HDTVs stateside, BDX3000 3D Blu-ray player this month
Remember that slate of drop-dead gorgeous Toshiba HDTVs that emerged at IFA? They're back, and they're making a beeline for a living room near you. Provided that "you" are in "the US of A," that is. Just as we expected, Tosh has come clean with the US variants of its LED-based Cinema Series, with the flagship WX800 models (46- and 55-inches) getting 3D Resolution+ technology, 240Hz processor, inbuilt 802.11b/g/n WiFi, the company's own Enhanced NET TV service, Yahoo! widgets (score!) and a native 1080p panel. The lower end VX700 series (again, 46- and 55-inches) is meant for those content with 2D imagery, but they still retain the connected features along with two USB ports, an SD / SDHC card slot and DLNA support. Lastly, the BDX3000 3D Blu-ray player that we've been holding out for finally has a ship date, and it's soon. Within a fortnight, the aforesaid player will be out and about on US shelves for $249.99, representing a $50 premium over the 3D-less BDX2700. Check out the full list of details embedded after the break. %Gallery-102328%
Mitsubishi's LaserVue HDTV makes triumphant 75-inch return, becomes 3D-ready
Ah, the LaserVue. Launched way back in the heyday that was 2008, Mitsubishi's 65-inch monster didn't exactly fly off shelves being priced at seven large, but we still maintain that it's the best looking consumer-level set we've ever laid eyes on. 'Course, the fat-backed design didn't exactly do it any favors in a world dominated by flatscreens, but we've always been willing to bend a little on the design for beautiful execution in the image quality department. To that end, we're downright elated to hear that the forgotten line has been revived for 2010, with an all new 75-inch model (L75-A91) being introduced for those who just can't find a television big enough to fill their 8,000 square foot den. The behemoth measures in at 41.7- x 66.4- x 15-inches (so yeah, it's still got some junk in the trunk), and as you'd expect, it's fully 3D ready. Mistu's 3D Starter Pack is being sold alongside of it, containing a 3D emitter, 3D Adapter with remote, an HDMI cable and a Blu-ray Disc with a collection of clips to really show off your new purchase. Other specs include web connectivity (StreamTV can hit up VUDU, Pandora, Flickr, Picasa and more), four HDMI-CEC inputs, a wired IR output, 1080p native resolution and a price tag of "only" $5,999, not including the $399 3D Starter Pack and $99 3D Adapter. Oh, and be sure to call a buddy or four when it arrives -- you know, considering that you can't lift a 154 pound television on your own. %Gallery-96114%
Vudu starts offering special features with Avatar
What does the Vudu HDX version of Avatar have that the Blu-ray version doesn't? That's right, special features. Typically you don't get 'em with a digital download, but Vudu figured the release of Avatar is the perfect time to change that forever. We're not exactly sure what features will be available, but at free, they are priced just right. This is yet another sign that Hollywood is warming up to digital delivery -- the first sign was that digital download customers don't have to wait another 28 days like Redbox and Netflix -- and Vudu also reminds us that if you want to stream Avatar in HD it is them or the Playstation as all the other streaming services will only offer the movie in SD -- we don't know about the Playstation service, but Vudu's HDX certainly qualifies as real HD. Another pictures of the Vudu interface after the jump.
New Mitsubishi 3D DLPs arrive for 2010, is this the mysterious StreamTV?
Sure most other manufacturers are new to this 3DTV thing but Mitsubishi is already on its fourth generation, announcing the new 638, 738 and 838 series DLP TVs. New for the 2010 lineup, and possibly giving some insight to those weird HDTVs that appeared on Amazon yesterday is "StreamTV" interactive media which appears to be a new (post Wal-mart acquisition?) branding for the VUDU Apps service we spotted during CES with Pandora, Flickr, Picasa and others built in. If that sounds like a little too much then don't worry, it's not in the base 638 series televisions while the 738 models add StreamTV, an optional WiFi N adapter and video calibration options, and the top of the line 838 models offer Mitsubishi's 16 speaker built-in iSP surround sound tech along with a few other minor adjustments as upgrades. We're still waiting to find out when these ship (probably in the next month or so), but one thing that never changes is projection's ability to go big for less money than its flat-panel competitors, ranging from $1,199 for the 60-inch WD-60638 to $4,499 for the 82-inch WD-8238 (don't forget to add in the price of a special checkerboard compatible 3D Blu-ray player or an adapter to make everything work.) Check after the break for a full breakdown, we'll let you know once more info is available -- or if some $6k autostereoscopic options pop up on the horizon. %Gallery-90047%
Toshiba brings new LCDs this month with WiFi and LED, but no Cell
They may not be quite as thrilling as the Cell TV ZX900 series Toshiba was focused on during its CES press conference, but if you can put off all that LED-backlit, Wireless HD 3D conversion madness there's a slew of other new HDTVs due this month. The 120Hz UX600 takes top billing with its edge-lit LEDs and sub 2-inch depth, plus the added bonus of an included WiFi adapter for access to all the NET TV features with VUDU and DLNA support, allowing access to Twitter, Pandora and more. The 40-, 46- and 55-inch editions retail at $1,399, $1,699 and $2,499, respectively. The 120Hz G300 series is available in the same sizes but without the LEDs, WiFi, Net TV and slim "Air Lagoon" styling the price maxes out at $1,599 for the largest screen. Moving down the line the E200 models focus on energy efficiency while the C100 and CV100 bring small 720p screens with or without built-in DVD player. A quick check of Amazon and other retailers shows the smaller ones already leaking into availability with their larger brethren due, oh, any day now. Check for full MSRP lists and press releases after the break,, plus a peek at the 55300U, if you must.
VUDU rolls in Facebook and Twitter integration
If you thought the constant roll out of VUDU updates would end once Wal-mart took over the reins, think again -- and no, were not talking about how quickly the after dark content got pulled. The update this week will be of particular interest with those who love to flood their social feeds with their every movement, as now VUDU will update your Facebook or Twitter status with the your impressions of the movie you're watching. In addition your friends with VUDU will also be able to see those particular updates, but also join in on the fun by watching the same movie. A pretty neat way to promote and discover content, but we're not sure we'd want to follow anyone with such mundane updates and wonder if baking the social features in makes more sense, you know, the way Boxee does it.
Wal-Mart buying Vudu streaming movie service? (update: yes!)
Wal-Mart often finds itself on these pages not only for its deals but for the fair amount of comedy its stores provide us, but this next item could be big. According to The New York Times, the company has indeed agreed to purchase Vudu -- giving it a leg up on digital distribution and helping to brace against a declining market for DVDs. Details are scarce, but apparently the two companies have been informing Hollywood studios and TV manufacturers about the plan all day -- so an official announcement can't be too far off. Let's just hope this goes a little better than the Wal-Mart MP3 sales have, eh? Update: It's official, and the full press release is after the break. Walmart will be acquiring Vudu, and the deal is expected to close "within the next few weeks." We are told that Vudu will "continue developing entertainment and information delivery solutions such as Vudu Apps," but outside of that, few details (including a purchase price) are being made available.
Is Wal-Mart interested in buying Vudu?
It is no secret that we're big fans of Vudu's HDX streaming around here, in fact it is the only internet delivered HD we've ever enjoyed. At the same time we're not big fans of Wal-Mart because no matter how cheap the prices, we've had a number of issues with the level of service. So we're not exactly sure how we feel about the possibility that the two might be getting together. We really don't see the upside here either as Wal-Mart is so big, why would it want to buy Vudu. The only thing we can think of is that Vudu isn't sustainable on its own, so it needs a big brother to funnel money into it. So yeah, we don't really get this one, so hopefully it just remains a rumor.
Digital distribution is the real winner of Warner/Netflix deal
We just love when analysts make obvious statements, it makes us wonder why we aren't professional analysts -- Ralph Schackart, digital media analyst with William Blair & Co. states that companies who rent movies digitally have the most to gain from the recent Warner/Netflix deal. If this doesn't seem obvious to you then consider this. Right now the only (legal) way to rent a new release without leaving the house in the first thirty days is via Netflix. If Netflix strikes similar deals with the other studios, it'll really level the playing field between physical media and digital distribution rental services. It is obvious now that studios want to find a way to roll back the 2009 trend of renting instead of buying, but we're not so sure this new window will have the intended effect. Netflix said that most customers won't notice the new window and in our own personal experience, a 30 day window isn't going to make us buy anything we weren't going to buy already. Assuming we are right, the sooner Hollywood figures this out, the sooner we won't have to wait the extra 30 days, no matter what our preferred distribution channel is.
VUDU coming to Sharp, Toshiba, adds tons of new apps
The folks over at VUDU have been very busy apparently, not only have deals been struck to get VUDU onto new Sharp, Sanyo, and Toshiba HDTVs and Blu-ray players, but there are also 100 new apps for select models -- TV manufactures like LG can decide not to support the Apps even though the VUDU movie streaming is supported. The list is pretty extensive, but many of the names look iffy -- more like show names than apps -- so we'll hold back on judgement until after we've gotten a chance to try them first hand. There are some that piqued our interest though; like Twitter, Facebook and Weather. Check out the entire list for yourself after the break.
New line of LG plasma HDTVs feature NetCast, slim design
The fact that LG presented 39 new LCD HDTVs today and only eight plasmas is telling of the times, but videophiles are just happy to still have the option to choose picture quality over features. For you Mr videophile, LG has eight new plasma models from 42-inches to 60-inches. The new TrueSlim frame has a bezel that is only .9-inches and wireless capabilities. The PK950 (pictured above) and PK750 both feature NetCast, which is LG's name for its streaming services that including Skype, Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, Napster DivX and Yahoo Widgets, while the rest of the line just features a network connection and DLNA. The Wireless Media Hub is available for all the models and allows you to place your HD sources up to 98-feet away without running wires. One last thing worth mentioning -- the rest is in the press release -- is that the PK950 incorporates a Magic Wand which is described as a Wii-like experience, but we sure hope old school remotes are supported as well.
LG presents 39 new LCD HDTVs, most with NetCast, some with 3D
Yes, this press release is pretty crazy, the sheer number of LCD HDTVs is impressive enough, but the various models offer just about anything you could want. The top of the line LE9500 Series (pictured above) is LG's first LED 3D HDTV offering, but is also ultra slim with a 8.5mm bezel, has optional wireless HDMI set-back box, Local Dimming, 480Hz, THX Certification, NetCast (VUDU, Netflix, DLNA and just about every other streaming service including Skype). In fact the only bad aspect of the LE9500 is that it is only available in 47 or 55-inch variety. The lineups goes down from there and there's something for everyone and you'll just have to click on the press release to see all 39 options. One thing you won't find in the release is the price or availability, which seems to be the trend this year at CES.
VUDU updates keep rolling by integrating Wikipedia
The VUDU web based architecture is evidently really paying off, because this makes the third VUDU update in the last month. The company tells us that since its UI is pulled from the web like any other website, it can continue to easily roll out updates. This week's addition is a welcomed one, as we'll no longer have to reach for our computer or handheld just to look up the details of a movie on Wikipedia. But what's even more useful is the fact that you can browse beyond the movie's Wikipedia entry to the actor's pages, etc., and links are even added so you can quickly get back to actor's list of movies available on VUDU. We haven't been able to try this for ourselves yet, but it does sound like something we'd find useful. Of course the only thing left to add now that Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes are accounted for is IMDB, which can't be far behind -- right, VUDU? There's one more screen cap of the new feature after the jump.
