Comments on: Initial Vudu Thoughts and Unboxing Pics

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:46:43 +0000

I think the instant playback feature may be specific to SD content. I’ve watched 4 flicks now, and all began immediately. However, SD content on the Xbox 360 plays back nearly immediately as well. I’ll give Bourne a test run later this week and see if I can watch during download, and how long it takes to build a suitable buffer.

By the way, I also endorse Monoprice. Great selection and prices, with quick shipping. I’m contemplating replacing most of my cables with shorter cables to clean up some of my mess.

By: Scott Goldblatt

Scott Goldblatt — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:30:43 +0000

Download time may be about 4 hours, but do remember that a connection to the Internet at over 2mb or so allows almost instant playback.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:20:34 +0000

AnotherDave, The Bourne Ultimatum info screen says the HD download will take at least 4 hours. I’ll experiment later and report back.

By: AnotherDave

AnotherDave — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:06:09 +0000

I might buy it at $99. Will be interested in the d/l time for HD content.

C’mon people though, get an HDMI switch from monoprice. They are like $40 (get some cables while you at it, so you don’t get reemed by a brick and mortar store).

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 14:08:18 +0000

David, if I were using real money I wouldn’t be making purchases for exactly that reason. Storage is limited and the movies are locked to the device. Amazon Unbox is somewhat better in that you can re-download your purchases at any time and to multiple PCs or TiVos. Digital movie purchases (as opposed to music) don’t make much sense to me anyway – you can’t share it like an optical disc.

As far as the Moviebeam goes, the box is impossible to open making the parts worthless. I dumped mine. I also trashed the Akimbo, though I pulled the drive out first.

Eric, good point. Supposedly the Vudu component outputs are only good for 480p. To get higher resolutions, you need HDMI. While I did have extra power and networking in the bedroom, that HDTV has only one HDMI input… So I’ve been swapping it with the TiVo HD.

By: Eric J

Eric J — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 12:37:48 +0000

Another drawback to
single-function boxes – just how many HD inputs do most TVs have? Mine has 2, which are taken up by my Fios box and DVD player.

By: David

David — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 06:00:10 +0000

Aside from the price, I’m not thrilled with the fact that you can’t move purchases off the box — seems it can fill up fairly quickly. Any word on external storage?

As for MovieBeam, since the service never reached my area after all, my box is still… well, in the box. Is there any other use for it?

By: Hogues

Hogues — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 21:13:23 +0000

Great review. As you pointed out, with the PS3 and the XBOX 360 (which I have) at around the same price, I just can’t see Vudu being successful, epically with all of the limitations. I also think that any service of this kind will have a tough road with the current pricing schemes. Until Vudu can match netflix/blockbuster’s monthly subscription based fees, people will stick with the dvd’s.