LG adds Vudu support for Blu-ray players
Vudu wants to change the way you stream movies.
Although streaming Netflix and YouTube support is now being included in most midrange Blu-ray players, Blu-ray enthusiasts still unsatisfied with streaming video quality options may have found salvation in Vudu.
Vudu hopes to revolutionize the streaming media marketplace with its HDX format, which utilizes H.264 encoding to stream 1080p video at 24fps with 5.1 surround sound – an impressive feat by any standard.
LG BD390 owners are the first lucky souls to receive Vudu support, with its most recent firmware update allowing for the rental and purchase of movies from the distributor.
Vudu has already stated that it will support any manufacturers that include its software in home entertainment devices, and LG plans to expand Vudu support into further Blu-ray players.
To celebrate, Vudu held a press event in San Francisco, where it streamed high quality, HDX video on the LG BD-390 player straight from a broadband connection. The technology, which received raves earlier in the summer, received almost unanimous praise from the press during the latest demonstration.
Also rolling out with the LG BD-390 launch is the addition of Rotten Tomatoes’ aggregated scores for its entire film library. From the Vudu interface, users will even be able to browse individual reviews for select titles.
Vudu support is now available for all LG BD-390 owners, and is currently in development for future Blu-ray models. Depending on the success of the rollout, we could see an influx of players promoting similar support.
… but one wonders whether or not this will cannibalize Blu-ray software sales. What do you guys think?
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