Hands-on with VUDU's movies-on-demand STB

Just days ago we learned that VUDU would be cranking out a $399 set-top-box that enabled customers to rent or buy downloadable movies via the internet, and while we're still not entirely convinced that folks are going to buy into this, we couldn't help but stop by at CEDIA and check it out. The box itself looks quite good, but the oddball size could cause stacking problems within an AV cabinet. As for ports, you'll find component / S-video / composite outputs, HDMI, stereo and coaxial / optical digital audio ports, Ethernet, IR out, and a slot in the front that accepts a thin card to uniquely identify each box.

Upon speaking with a VUDU representative, we learned that the unit will begin shipping on October 1st, will have access to 5,000 SD movies from the start, and thanks to the 250GB hard drive built-in, it'll hold "around 100 hours of SD movie purchases." Additionally, VUDU hopes to begin offering up an undisclosed amount of HD films "before Christmas," and if you're worried about how quickly you'll go through a quarter-terabyte of space, you needn't fret. Turns out, VUDU should be releasing a software update alongside its HD download launch that will enable users to connect their own USB hard drive to the box (sound familiar?) for even more storage, but alas, any content stored externally must still be played back through the VUDU STB. Hit the gallery below for a few glamor shots along with photos of the VUDU in action.

Hands-on with VUDU's movies-on-demand STB

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 8th 2007 4:10AM]

I'm interested in the remote. Also, how about wiping those smudges on the VUDU before taking a picture?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 11th 2007 12:14PM]

I've done beta on this. Graphics are fantastic. Content gets better each week as they add it. They use IR instead of infrared so you don't have to aim the remote or stack the box. Put the box in a drawer or the attic and never see it. You wouldn't want this on a universal remote since one of the best things is the VUDU remote. Only five buttons and scroll wheel, which rocks. BETTER than apple interface. Click and movie is ON. It has a WOW factor. I like they have HD right at the start. Don't won't have to buy a second box later to get HD, like TIVO. Also, you can either rent or buy without any monthly fee. With Apple you have to buy; you can't rent. Also with Apple, you have to buy it, download for 45 minutes the day before, then stream it to the TV, and quality is not great. This is even better than Netflix, which I've always liked a lot. Takes 30-60 secs to make up your mind. Click. One second later, the movie is playing. That's what I call service.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 8th 2007 9:56AM]

Are we to assume that there is no monthly fee for this? That would be well worth it but something tells me otherwise. If there is no monthly fee the cost to "rent" the movies will probably be steep compared to existing cable providers movies on demand service. Is there any news on what studios are willing to make content available? That would most certainly be a deciding factor in purchasing this device for a lot of people. If pricing is reasonable and the content is decent then this could be the next "must have" component for home theaters everywhere.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 8th 2007 10:05AM]

Hm, what's the IR out for? Can this box control something else, such as your TV?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2007 1:11PM]

Yes, I typed it wrong. They use RF so you can put the box totally out of sight and don't have to aim the remote. They also do have high def capability with HDMI connectors.
I read that little VUDU closed deals with all 8 majors movie studios and 20 independents, whereas the studios that own the content don't like Apple or the Apple store and provide content from only 3 of the major studios. (See the first NYTimes article.) I think the much greater content with VUDU will make a difference. I read (NYT) that VUDU will launch with 5,000 films and have 10,000 loaded in less than a year. I am sure they will also have the 50,000 TV shows (24 hrs a day times 40 years) that Blockbuster and Netflix say they have as part of their big numbers brag. I think the movies will count and the TV will not be big, for anybody. Apple will be a strong and worthy competitor and may or may not be the winner, but they only have 3 studios. You can't forget that Apple weakness. I love Apple generally, but like to see more competitors in any field. Competition is good for consumers. Maybe VUDU is raising the bar with instant downloads, high def, better graphics, more content, and you don't have to stream through the computer. That's pretty good for a startup to be able to provide all of that.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2007 1:47PM]

Let's hear some pricing, if they have deals with all studios, the prices might be a bit high. I ain't gonna spend $400 for a box and then $7-10 per download, unless I get to keep it.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 18th 2007 11:34AM]

I got a feeling we do have a winner here on the VUDU service. But I think when you rent a movie you should be able to keep it for 3-5 days on one rent of the movie you paid for. Reason being is you have to pay out $400.00 for the box which we own it. If they do this people will catch on to this new VUDU high tech product.

P.S. 3 days rental (Alright) 5 days rental (Awesome!)