February 1, 2008

Vudu To Offer 60 More HD Movies Via Software Update

Vudu has announced a version 1.2 software update for their set-top box; perfect timing given the expected two week delay for Apple's Take 2 update for the struggling Apple TV. The Vudu update brings 60 new HD titles for rental to Vudu users, ranging in price from $3.99 to $5.99, as well as some updated settings including instant HD, change speed limit, and constant audio setting. Instant HD uses a green triangle and HD symbol on the screen to indicate a broadband connection fast enough to download high-def titles, roughly 4 Mbps. Change speed limit offers Vudu users the option of changing their bandwidth usage as well as a recommendation for their "speed limit" setting, while constant audio setting is for users with high-end audio systems.

Vudu has also made some usability enhancements to their interface with scrollable movie browsing which brings 6 titles at a time to one screen, eliminating constant and annoying scrolling from title to title as well as a re-ordering of menus on the Find Movies Screen.

Ease-of-use and plenty of movie titles make all the difference in set-top box sales, but even with Vudu's price reduction to $295 from $399, they'll be hard pressed to compete with the new and improved Apple TV if it lives up to its expectations.

Via Vudu Forum