With a broadband Internet connection, the $400 Vudu enables you to directly download movies from a library of over 5,000 films for a $3 to $4 rental fee (there is no subscription fee).
"High-def movies from Paramount, Universal, and Lionsgate will soon be on tap for Vudu, the TV set-top box that offers more than 5,000 on-demand movies. It's just not clear how soon the HD flicks will arrive, or how many will be available.
Vudu reps had been hinting for months that HD movies would arrive on the service, which I reviewed last month. But while the Vudu press release confirms that HD films are indeed on the way, there's no word on when they'll go live on the service, how many HD movies we'll see in the first wave, or how much they'll cost."
Implications - Today's consumer demands more convenience from all facets of life, especially entertainment. Thus, PVR, Netflix and other instant entertainment apps and sites are more popular than ever.
HD Movies Without A PC/Cable/Satellite
Vudu TV Set-Top Box
Trend Themes
1. Direct Movie Downloading - Vudu's set-top box allows for direct movie downloading without the need for a PC or traditional cable/satellite subscriptions.
2. HD Streaming - Vudu's addition of HD movies offers an opportunity for disruption in the streaming industry with improved resolution and visual quality.
3. On-demand Library Expansion - The expansion of Vudu's on-demand library to include more than 5,000 films provides opportunities for new and diverse content for consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can benefit from the convenience of direct movie downloading and the expansion of on-demand libraries.
2. Streaming Services - The addition of HD streaming to Vudu's service can disrupt the streaming industry and encourage other streaming services to improve their resolution and visual quality standards.
3. Technology Hardware - Vudu's set-top box offers a new product category for technology hardware companies seeking to provide high-quality movie streaming and downloading options to consumers.