VUDU gets held down by studio limitations

Posted Dec 22nd 2007 5:31PM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Reviews, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others

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.

Tags: review, reviewed, VUDU

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

ckelly @ Dec 22nd 2007 6:44PM

Currently, the only HD available are the Bourne's so I can easily compare my experience with that of the reviewer's above. I clicked the HD versions and watched them instantly (at most 5 mins later) after a quick run to the kitchen). I can say this: the reviewer ought to check his/her broadband connection. I had no delay whatsoever from click to watch.

Neutral

chulesola @ Dec 22nd 2007 9:57PM

Yes, the delay is minimum
http://www.spymac.com/details/?2321924

Neutral

JeffDM @ Dec 23rd 2007 12:31AM

I'm not big on the idea of download-to-own. At least with a DVD, the studios can't just decide they can not let me play it, and if the company shuts down, there's no risk that my "purchased" movie is lost because an authentication server is shut down. The rental offering is a different question, but my DVD player is long paid for. I'm not interested in buying an expensive box to do things my existing equipment can do already in a simiar form and similar or better quality.

Neutral

michifitu @ Dec 23rd 2007 10:25AM

yes true... http://www.cool.mactanque.com

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VUDU gets held down by studio limitations

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