Vudu's HD selection now outnumbers Apple TV's, Blu-ray might be next

Lee Stewart · 10-31-2008, 10:42 PM

Vudu's HD selection now outnumbers Apple TV's, Blu-ray might be next

Quote:

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Oct 31st 2008 at 6:16PM

For the fourth week in a row, Vudu leaves the flood gates open and continues adding HD movies to the its library in record numbers. Now with this week's additional 120 HD movies, it has replaced the Apple TV as the download service with the best selection of HD. According to Vudu, there are now 769 movies available (or coming in the next few weeks) compared to about 690 HD movies that are offered on the Apple TV. So at this rate, Vudu should also surpass Blu-ray's HD selection in about two weeks. Of course we are talking about quantity here, and not quality, which we're sure could be debated continuously. Unfortunately for movie fans, it's still not quite the ultimate solution, as there's no way to purchase movies in HD, rentals are still limited by 30 days and 24 hours, and worst of all, there is still about a 30 day window between when the latest movies are released on disc and when they show up on download services. But this does make us wonder what would happen if Hollywood eliminated the artificial differences between downloads and discs.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/31...might-be-next/

iDarren · 10-31-2008, 10:47 PM

I thought VUDU was going broke...

**PFC5** · 10-31-2008, 10:52 PM

I think this is a very positive sign to add a wide selection of titles and something I think BD is falling short on. Many people would rather rent than own most movies, so if they continue like this, they may survive and flourish with this greater content approach.

Lee Stewart · 10-31-2008, 10:55 PM

Ah - think the writer is BD bias?

Lee Stewart · 10-31-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDarren

I thought VUDU was going broke...

- guess you thought wrong.

crazyal · 11-01-2008, 05:36 AM

Maybe this will be a wake up call to the studios when it comes to BD support.

Lee Stewart · 11-01-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyal

Maybe this will be a wake up call to the studios when it comes to BD support.

- who do you think is providing those HD movies to Vudu?

In 1997 - IMO - the studios had a rifle. Today? They use a shotgun.

ack_bak · 11-01-2008, 09:04 AM

I really like Vudu out of all the download options out there, but as the article pointed out there are some issues:
- New releases for most titles are delayed by up to 30 days for HD. Most people will not be happy about that. When you go to the rental store and see which movies are the most popular and being rented in the most volume it is typically the movies just released on DVD/BD. Hopefully the studios will come around.
- The price is $299 for the hardware. The wireless kit is $99. The Universal remote kit is $39. That ain't cheap. They are offering a $200 movie credit (with a ton of stipulations like you have to use the credit by April 09, cannot use it on adult movies, etc). Want to add a bigger hard drive? That will cost you too. I would rather they scrap the movie credit and sell the device for $100-150.
- The HD rental prices are way too high. $3.99 for catalog titles, $5.99 for new releases. $5.99 is way too much. That price needs to be $3.99 for new release s and $1.99 for catalog titles IMHO. Getting a Blu-Ray player and a Netflix/Blockbuster account is much cheaper.
- HDX is their higher end "HD" offering. There is a much limited selection of titles available. I count around 158 titles or so. Still not Blu-Ray quality, but closer, and this would probably be good enough for me for chick flicks, comedies, etc. But not at $5.99 a rental. It is cheaper to rent the Blu-Ray version and you get better quality.
- The HDX titles can take up to four hours or more to download. So you can't just sit down and decide you want to watch a movie right now. You need to plan ahead. I would rather just drive 5 minutes to Blockbuster and pick a movie.
- Cannot own the HD movies. Renting is fine for many movies, but there are always movies you plan on watching multiple times and would like to own. They need to let you buy select HD movies when you want to own a movie.
- If Vudu goes under you are stuck with expensive hardware that will basically be a paperweight. This is a problem with a rental-only model from a startup company that is selling pricey hardware. This is the #1 deterrent for me.

Lee Stewart · 11-01-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack_bak

I really like Vudu out of all the download options out there, but as the article pointed out there are some issues:
- New releases for most titles are delayed by up to 30 days for HD. Most people will not be happy about that. When you go to the rental store and see which movies are the most popular and being rented in the most volume it is typically the movies just released on DVD/BD. Hopefully the studios will come around.
- The price is $299 for the hardware. The wireless kit is $99. The Universal remote kit is $39. That ain't cheap. They are offering a $200 movie credit (with a ton of stipulations like you have to use the credit by April 09, cannot use it on adult movies, etc). Want to add a bigger hard drive? That will cost you too. I would rather they scrap the movie credit and sell the device for $100-150.
- The HD rental prices are way too high. $3.99 for catalog titles, $5.99 for new releases. $5.99 is way too much. That price needs to be $3.99 for new release s and $1.99 for catalog titles IMHO. Getting a Blu-Ray player and a Netflix/Blockbuster account is much cheaper.
- HDX is their higher end "HD" offering. There is a much limited selection of titles available. I count around 158 titles or so. Still not Blu-Ray quality, but closer, and this would probably be good enough for me for chick flicks, comedies, etc. But not at $5.99 a rental. It is cheaper to rent the Blu-Ray version and you get better quality.
- The HDX titles can take up to four hours or more to download. So you can't just sit down and decide you want to watch a movie right now. You need to plan ahead. I would rather just drive 5 minutes to Blockbuster and pick a movie.
- Cannot own the HD movies. Renting is fine for many movies, but there are always movies you plan on watching multiple times and would like to own. They need to let you buy select HD movies when you want to own a movie.
- If Vudu goes under you are stuck with expensive hardware that will basically be a paperweight. This is a problem with a rental-only model from a startup company that is selling pricey hardware. This is the #1 deterrent for me.

Ack - those $1.99 and $3.99 prices you stated?

Not happening.

And $5.99 is not a bad price at all IMO for an HD movie.

It is less than 30% of the cost of a BD - closer to 25%.

You spend $100 a month to buy 4 movies (1 movie per week) versus almost 17 movies per month for the same $100.

As we know - not all people like to collect - and those that do - if the economy puts pressure on them - they will realize that the emotional rational of "I own it, I can see it any time I want" doesn't make too much sense if all you ever have done is watch one of your owned movies 2X or even 3X.

ack_bak · 11-01-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Ack - those $1.99 and $3.99 prices you stated?

Not happening.

And $5.99 is not a bad price at all IMO for an HD movie.

It is less than 30% of the cost of a BD - closer to 25%.

You spend $100 a month to buy 4 movies (1 movie per week) versus almost 17 movies per month for the same $100.

As we know - not all people like to collect - and those that do - if the economy puts pressure on them - they will realize that the emotional rational of "I own it, I can see it any time I want" doesn't make too much sense if all you ever have done is watch one of your owned movies 2X or even 3X.

Lee. Why are you comparing renting vs buying? What do you think Netflix and Blockbuster are for? $3.99-$5.99 per movie vs a Netflix or Blockbuster rental plan for Blu-Ray? I think Blockbuster and Netflix will come out ahead in that one. And that is my point. With $5.99 downloads you are asking people to pay more for something than they are paying now. For less quality. And you have to buy the pricey hardware.

HD Goofnut · 11-01-2008, 09:45 AM

Lee I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. I am renting 10-15 BDs a month for about $16.XX through Netflix so that's about $1-2 per movie. Why don't you tell me where I can get BD rentals for less than $2 per movie?

Lee Stewart · 11-01-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack_bak

Lee. Why are you comparing renting vs buying? What do you think Netflix and Blockbuster are for? $3.99-$5.99 per movie vs a Netflix or Blockbuster rental plan for Blu-Ray? I think Blockbuster and Netflix will come out ahead in that one. And that is my point. With $5.99 downloads you are asking people to pay more for something than they are paying now. For less quality. And you have to buy the pricey hardware.

You are not looking at ALL the costs involed - and the convinence factor which many like and want.

If you go to a BBi store - cost of gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

If you use the mail programs - you have to wait for your movie to arrive - and many people post that their choosen movie is not arriving - they are getting something lower down on their selection.

If you don't think that the current economic problems aren't going to cause people to rethink how much they spend on home entertainment - you have another thing coming.

It is already happening - retail sales are down across the board for October. And the economic woes are only going to get worse - before they get better. This one is not a case of months - it is a case of years.

Pricey hardware? You mean like a BD player?

$299 for the Vudu STB - but you get a $200 movie credit. That is 34 movies that you can see with no additional out of pocket cash. You think that is any different then the current "deal" with some retailers offerring a BD player - and buy 4 movies and get $100 off?

Lee Stewart · 11-01-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

Lee I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. I am renting 10-15 BDs a month for about $16.XX through Netflix so that's about $1-2 per movie. Why don't you tell me where I can get BD rentals for less than $2 per movie?

Good plan.

So which is it? 10 . . or 15?

Getting every movie you desire? No que problems? No 'disc won't play" problems?

HD Goofnut · 11-01-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Good plan.

So which is it? 10 . . or 15?

Getting every movie you desire? No que problems? No 'disc won't play" problems?

Pretty much; I'd say about 98% of what I want. No queue problems whatsoever. The only movie I've had to wait a long time for was Dark City and now I am going to watch that tonight as I received it yesterday. Also, no disc problems whatsoever either because I think I am about one of five people in Mississippi with a Blu-ray player.

ack_bak · 11-01-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

You are not looking at ALL the costs involed - and the convinence factor which many like and want.

If you go to a BBi store - cost of gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

If you use the mail programs - you have to wait for your movie to arrive - and many people post that their choosen movie is not arriving - they are getting something lower down on their selection.

With Netflix and Blockbuster you don't have to drive to the video store. Convenience factor? Did you read the part where new releases on Vudu are not available for 30 days? How is that convenient? I have used Netflix and Blockbuster on and off for years. Most new releases ship anywhere from 1 to 7 days. 30 days? I have never waited that long for a new release. And again, where is the convenience factor if you have to wait 4 hours for the movie to download? I would rather spend that money at Blockbuster or even get the VOD for the same price.

Quote:

If you don't think that the current economic problems aren't going to cause people to rethink how much they spend on home entertainment - you have another thing coming.

It is already happening - retail sales are down across the board for October. And the economic woes are only going to get worse - before they get better. This one is not a case of months - it is a case of years.

Pricey hardware? You mean like a BD player?

$299 for the Vudu STB - but you get a $200 movie credit. That is 34 movies that you can see with no additional out of pocket cash. You think that is any different then the current "deal" with some retailers offerring a BD player - and buy 4 movies and get $100 off?

I am aware of the economy. But the Vudu player still costs you $300+ out of pocket. The $200 movie credit helps, but the $5.99 rentals are not very economical are they. And you have to use that $200 credit by April 09. It is still cheaper in the long run to get a BD player and a Netflix or Blockbuster account if you like to watch movies. Not to mention you will get better PQ, AQ, and have access to extra features.

With that Amazon deal you mentioned people were paying $169-190 or so for a BD player with four free BD movies. If you are somebody that is that concerned about your budget, you can sell the movies for $50-60+ and use that to get a Netflix or Blockbuster account that will last for months. I sold my Ultimate Matrix Boxset that came free with my Samsung 1500 and the end cost of the player was $140.

And your mention of the economy is even more reason to be weary of Vudu. If you think people are going to balk at $149-250 BD players this holiday season, what makes you think they will drop at least $299 on a Vudu (and if you want wireless and want to use a Universal remote you will be spending $440 or so)? Vudu could be gone tomorrow if people are not willing to spend the money on the hardware and more expensive rentals. Kinda funny how you have been complaining about Blu-Ray prices but then seem to have no problem with Vudu's pricing...

So you buying a Vudu box Lee? Would you recommend this to friends and family? I wouldn't. Not because of the technology or content available, but because I would not want them to end up with a $299 paperweight sometime in the near future.

10-31-2008, 10:47 PM	#2
iDarren Hi-Def Junkie Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,038	I thought VUDU was going broke... __________________ www.bogieonline.com www.mcqueenonline.com www.saunaandspascene.com www.projectorreviewcentral.com

10-31-2008, 10:52 PM	#3
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 31,321	I think this is a very positive sign to add a wide selection of titles and something I think BD is falling short on. Many people would rather rent than own most movies, so if they continue like this, they may survive and flourish with this greater content approach. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

11-01-2008, 05:36 AM	#6
crazyal Smarter than the ave bear Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,327	Maybe this will be a wake up call to the studios when it comes to BD support. __________________ Please don't feed the Unicorns

11-01-2008, 09:04 AM	#8
ack_bak Hidef Junkie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,432	I really like Vudu out of all the download options out there, but as the article pointed out there are some issues: - New releases for most titles are delayed by up to 30 days for HD. Most people will not be happy about that. When you go to the rental store and see which movies are the most popular and being rented in the most volume it is typically the movies just released on DVD/BD. Hopefully the studios will come around. - The price is $299 for the hardware. The wireless kit is $99. The Universal remote kit is $39. That ain't cheap. They are offering a $200 movie credit (with a ton of stipulations like you have to use the credit by April 09, cannot use it on adult movies, etc). Want to add a bigger hard drive? That will cost you too. I would rather they scrap the movie credit and sell the device for $100-150. - The HD rental prices are way too high. $3.99 for catalog titles, $5.99 for new releases. $5.99 is way too much. That price needs to be $3.99 for new release s and $1.99 for catalog titles IMHO. Getting a Blu-Ray player and a Netflix/Blockbuster account is much cheaper. - HDX is their higher end "HD" offering. There is a much limited selection of titles available. I count around 158 titles or so. Still not Blu-Ray quality, but closer, and this would probably be good enough for me for chick flicks, comedies, etc. But not at $5.99 a rental. It is cheaper to rent the Blu-Ray version and you get better quality. - The HDX titles can take up to four hours or more to download. So you can't just sit down and decide you want to watch a movie right now. You need to plan ahead. I would rather just drive 5 minutes to Blockbuster and pick a movie. - Cannot own the HD movies. Renting is fine for many movies, but there are always movies you plan on watching multiple times and would like to own. They need to let you buy select HD movies when you want to own a movie. - If Vudu goes under you are stuck with expensive hardware that will basically be a paperweight. This is a problem with a rental-only model from a startup company that is selling pricey hardware. This is the #1 deterrent for me. Last edited by ack_bak; 11-01-2008 at 09:07 AM.

11-01-2008, 09:45 AM	#11
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Age: 28 Posts: 7,534	Lee I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. I am renting 10-15 BDs a month for about $16.XX through Netflix so that's about $1-2 per movie. Why don't you tell me where I can get BD rentals for less than $2 per movie? __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-DirecTV HR21-100 HD DVR-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 1080p 60Hz LCD-DirecTV H23-100 HD-Maganvox NB500MG9-Toshiba HD-A2 Office HP 2159m 21.5" 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive My Movie Collection 371~140 Latest BD Review: *The Fourth Kind*

10-31-2008, 10:55 PM	#4
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 26,403	Ah - think the writer is BD bias?

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