Vudu, Inc.

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Not to be confused with Voodoo.
Vudu, Inc.
Type Subsidiary
Industry P2P/TV
Genre Net TV
Founded 2004 (2004)
Founder(s) Tony Miranz and Alain Rossmann
Headquarters Santa Clara, California, USA
Area served USA[1]
Key people Prasanna Ganesan (CTO)
Services Video content delivery
Employees 40[citation needed]
Parent Walmart
Website www.vudu.com

Vudu, Inc. (stylized as VUDU), acquired by Walmart in March 2010, is a content delivery media technology company responsible for the development of its Vudu-branded interactive media services and devices that are used to distribute full-length movies over the Internet to television in the United States of America, via its content delivery network that uses a hybrid peer-to-peer TV technology.[2]

Vudu began by only making its own set-top boxes (the Vudu Box and the Vudu XL), but Vudu now primarily markets its software as a Smart TV / Connected TV platform and VoD (Video on Demand) distribution service to third-party consumer electronics devices.[2] Vudu is also available within PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. As of December 2011, the Vudu app within the Boxee media player, available for Mac OS X and Windows, is no longer supported.[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] Movie delivery and storage

P2PTV overlay network serving three video streams.

Vudu requires home broadband Internet connection to deliver movies. Users are given the option of watching a selected movie now or watching it later. The first couple of seconds of every movie within the catalog is loaded onto the Vudu Box's hard drive, ensuring instant playback when the user chooses to watch a given film. The remainder of the movie is delivered to the box via an exclusive peer-to-peer network.[3] This process begins instantaneously while the user views the loaded portion of the movie, allowing for seamless viewing.[4] The movie then finishes downloading to the box’s hard drive. Users are able to set the amount of bandwidth the box uses, with settings at 1 Mbit/s (Delayed movies), 2 Mbit/s (Instant standard-definition movies), and 4 Mbit/s (Instant high-definition movies).

[edit] Movie format

Movies are encoded in MPEG-4 video and Dolby Digital Plus audio.[5] Vudu offers movies in three formats: instant standard-definition, instant high-definition, and HDX. Standard-definition movies are up-scaled to higher 1080i/p resolution and high-definition movies can be output at 1080p24.[4] The box is capable of outputting movies in 1080p/24, 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i video resolutions. Audio is sourced in Dolby Digital Plus and output in Dolby Digital 5.1, with the option of stereo output.[6] Users are able to adjust video to display in stretched, boxed, or zoomed format as well as adjusting overscan settings depending on their television format.

[edit] Movie selection

As of May 2009, there were over 15,000 total titles in the Vudu catalog, including both movies and television shows.[7] Titles range from major motion pictures, independent films, documentaries, children’s programming, anime, musicals, recorded musical performances, cartoons and television series. Over 1,900 of these titles are available in high-definition, the largest for any service of its kind.[7] Vudu has established content licensing contracts with all major movie studios as well as over 50 smaller and independent studios.[8] Movies are available to rent in standard-definition, high-definition, and HDX format. A rented title can be stored on the Vudu Box for 30 days before being watched. Once a user begins watching a rented title they have 24 hours to finish. After this 24 hour period, rentals can be extended for a discounted price. The majority of movies and television shows are available for purchase in standard-definition format only. This policy is consistent with studio standards and other digital retailers concerning digital purchases.[9] Movies from FirstLook Studios, Kino, and Magnolia Pictures are available to purchase in high-definition format.[10] On February 25, 2010, to comply with the policies of its parent corporation, Vudu discontinued operating the AVN After Dark channel which provided users with adult movies.[11]

[edit] HDX and TruFilm

Vudu is capable of downloading and playing movies in HDX format, a format created by Vudu which encodes titles in 1080p HD at 24 frames-per-second. This technology is the equivalent of a movie on a Blu-ray Disc, albeit provided through a broadband Internet connection. However, Blu-ray Discs will have better video and audio quality because of their higher bitrates.[12] Vudu utilizes the H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10) encoding process along with proprietary encoding techniques dubbed TruFilm.[13] TruFilm is composed of four main technologies designed to maximize the H.264 encoding standard:

  • Psychovisual Processing: Designed to dampen and eliminate artifacting and pixilation commonly seen in areas of dark sky and water in movies by utilizing a constant algorithmic and visual check, then flagging these sections to be re-encoded.[14] See also Psychophysics and Subjective video quality.
  • Film Grain Preservation: A process which maintains the slight imperfections that the director of the movie decided to leave in the final film. Vudu makes multiple encoding passes over the original film, allowing the final encoded product to contain the original film grain.[14]
  • Statistical Variable Bitrate: Ensures optimal video quality throughout the film by allocating a higher encoding budget to high detail and high motion segments of the film, while conserving the budget during slower sequences. With peaks as high as 20Mbit/s and as low as 2 Mbit/s, this process allows for the highest possible video quality streaming over a broadband Internet connection.[14]
  • Color Gradient Processing: A unique technology used to tune the picture for optimal display on modern LCD and plasma televisions vs. an older CRT television.[14]

[edit] Vudu Internet applications

Vudu Internet applications have been developed using Vudu's rich Internet application platform that allow users access to online content. Via the Vudu Box, users can access and watch videos, view photos on Flickr and Picasa, and play casual games. Vudu no longer supports YouTube. Vudu Internet applications also contain access to on-demand television shows, some of which are available in HD.[15] In May 2009, Vudu partnered with Brightcove to bring ad-supported content to the Vudu Box. The first application available from the partnership is the ability to watch Sony music videos through the MyPlay service.[16]

[edit] Search functions

Vudu allows users to explore the catalog in a multitude of ways. Users are able to search by movie title or actor or director name. Users can also browse through genres and add filters to the results to narrow down their results. Users are able to select a genre or multiple genres together, and add a filter such as critic's rating, release date, and whether the movie is available for rent or to purchase. The Vudu system also links the directors and casts of movies together, similar to IMDB, allowing a user to see all of an actor or director's movies available on Vudu.[17]

[edit] History

Vudu was founded by Tony Miranz and Alain Rossmann (the creator of WAP). The Vudu Box had been secretly in development since 2004, but on April 29, 2007, The New York Times revealed that Vudu had signed deals with many movie studios and independent distributors to deliver access to nearly 5,000 films.[18]

As of April 2007, Vudu had received $21 million in venture capital funding from Greylock Partners and Benchmark Capital.[19] The company is based in Santa Clara, California.

In May 2008, Vudu began displaying and selling its set-top box in Best Buy stores. Before this time, the box was only available via online retailers.[20]

On February 24, 2009, Vudu became the first on-demand service to offer high-definition movies for download to own. Prior to Vudu allowing users to purchase high-definition movies, studios only allowed their films to be purchased in standard-definition format.[10] LG was the first to integrate Vudu into its HDTVs, with access beginning in August 2009 though the TV's NetCast application.[21][22]

On January 8, 2010 (the second day of Consumer Electronics Show 2010), Vudu announced it was no longer shipping its set top boxes and would provide its service to select HDTVs and Blu-ray players from LG, Magnavox, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Toshiba, and Vizio. The company also announced its Vudu Apps platform for delivering internet services including embedding Wikipedia links in its movie descriptions[23]

On February 22, 2010, Wal-Mart announced that it was acquiring the company for a reported $100 million.[24]

[edit] Set top box features (2007 - 2010)

The Vudu Box was capable of connecting to standard-definition (SD), enhanced-definition, and high-definition (HD) televisions. The box connected to a television by HDMI, component, S-Video, or composite video cables. An HDMI cable and a composite video and analog stereo cable were included; any other connections must be provided by the user. Audio was provided through HDMI, digital coax, digital optical ports, or stereo analog. The box connected to the Internet through an Ethernet port with the provided Ethernet cable.[6] Wireless was not supported directly from the player but Vudu offered an optional wireless kit for purchase using 802.11g and 128-bit WEP security encryption.[25]

There were 2 USB ports present on the Vudu Box. One can be used to power the wireless kit that the company sells but usage for the other is unknown.[26]

The Vudu Box was separate from both a computer and cable/satellite television system. A user must only provide a broadband Internet connection to use the service.[25] Users do not pay a monthly subscription fee; instead they add a selected amount to an online account which is depleted depending on how many movies the user rents or purchases.[27] Users can purchase and rent movies via the set-top box or through the company's website.

Movies were stored on the box's hard drive. The Vudu Box was capable of storing about 50 purchased films in standard-definition format. There was no limit for film rentals.[28] Vudu also allowed for the remote "archiving" of purchased movies.

[edit] XL version

Vudu made an XL version of the Vudu Box. The XL featured one terabyte of storage, which can store approximately 500 standard-definition movies. The XL features technology typically used for home automation and is designed for use in home theater systems.[29]

[edit] Remote control

The Vudu remote control features five buttons and is designed to fit in the palm of either hand. Users browse through the menus using a scroll wheel which doubles as a button for making selections. The scroll-wheel is also used to move through movies similar to fast-forward and rewind. The remote also provides a play/pause button, a back button, a more button, and a Vudu button which takes users to the main Vudu screen. The provided Vudu remote uses radio frequency, allowing the user to control the Vudu Box without having to point the remote directly at the box.[30] Using off the shelf external Infrared dongles a Vudu Box can be integrated into a universal IR remote.[31]

[edit] Specifications

[edit] Competitors

Competitors include Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, LOVEFiLM, Netflix, and Voddler.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ VUDU, Inc. Terms of Service from the company's website
  2. ^ a b Paul Sweeting (November 8, 2010). "Strategies of the Top Contenders in Connected TV". GigaOM. http://gigaom.com/2010/11/08/strategies-of-the-top-contenders-in-connected-tv/. Retrieved 15 June 2011. 
  3. ^ Wilson Rothman (2007-09-06). "Vudu Video Wonderbox Picture Walkthrough and Review: Just Short of Wonderful". Gizmodo.com. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/blockbuster-buster%3F/VUDU-video-wonderbox-picture-walkthrough-and-review-just-short-of-wonderful-297309.php. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  4. ^ a b –Noah Robischon (2007-04-28). "Exclusive Pics of the Vudu - Video Store In A Box". Gizmodo.com. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gizmodo-exclusive/exclusive-pics-of-the-VUDU-+-video-store-in-a-box-256044.php. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  5. ^ "Cool Products - Dolby's Booth at CES 2008 - Dolby Podcast". Dolby. 2008-01-31. http://www.dolby.com/dolbycast/transcripts/2008-ces-roundup.html. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  6. ^ a b http://www.VUDU.com/product_VUDU.html[dead link]
  7. ^ a b Pogue, David (December 23, 2008). "Vudu Drops Its Price to $100". The New York Times. http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/VUDU-drops-its-price-to-100/. Retrieved May 27, 2010. 
  8. ^ "VUDU announces $0.99 extended rentals, "99 for 99" movie channel - Engadget". Engadgethd.com. 2008-08-13. http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/13/VUDU-announces-0-99-extended-rentals-99-for-99-movie-channel/. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  9. ^ Fox News. December 20, 2007. http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2007Dec20/0,4675,TechTestVudu,00.html. 
  10. ^ a b http://www.vudu.com/press_release02.24.2009.html[dead link]
  11. ^ "VUDU FAQs :: Why can I no longer access AVN After Dark?". Supports.vudu.com. 2010-02-25. http://supports.vudu.com/questions/266/Why+can+I+no+longer+access+AVN+After+Dark%3F. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  12. ^ Pogue, David (October 2, 2008). "For Purists, a Cut Above in Movies". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/technology/personaltech/02pogue.htm. Retrieved May 27, 2010. 
  13. ^ http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/columns/2008/02/showdown_apple_tv_vs_VUDU.php[dead link]
  14. ^ a b c d Peter Ha (2008-10-02). "Vudu officially announces full HD service, HDX | TechCrunch". Crunchgear.com. http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/10/02/VUDU-officially-announces-full-hd-service-hdx/. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  15. ^ Mark Wilson (2008-12-16). "VUDU Offering 120 Channels of Free Media with New App Platform". Gizmodo.com. http://gizmodo.com/5111309/VUDU-offering-120-channels-of-free-media-with-new-app-platform. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  16. ^ "Vudu, Brightcove Partner to Deliver Ad Supported Content to Set Top Box". PR Newswire. Vudu. 12 May 2009. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-12-2009/0005024219&EDATE=#. 
  17. ^ "Vudu BX100 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/VUDU-bx100/4505-6739_7-32589079.html. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  18. ^ Brad Stone (April 29, 2007). "Vudu Casts Its Spell on Hollywood". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/business/yourmoney/29vudu.html. Retrieved 15 June 2011. 
  19. ^ "Faultline: Vudu, RawFlow and Joost all target web video services - Analyst Insights". HPInnovator. 2007-05-02. http://hpinnovator.com/index.php?articleID=11435&sectionID=269. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  20. ^ "Digital News, Home Entertainment, 3D, VOD, Gaming - Variety". Videobusiness.com. http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6563617.html. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  21. ^ Chabot, Jeff (2009-07-29). "LG first to bring Hulu to HDTVs". Hd-report.com. http://www.hd-report.com/2009/07/29/lg-first-to-bring-hulu-to-hdtvs/. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  22. ^ Albanesius, Chloe (2010-02-22). "Wal-Mart Confirms Plans to Buy Vudu - pcmag.com - February 22, 2010". pcmag.com. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2360203,00.asp. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  23. ^ "VUDU Expands Distribution to HDTVs and Blu-ray Players from LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Toshiba and VIZIO". Business Wire. 2010-01-08. http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100108005913&newsLang=en. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  24. ^ Bustillo, Miguel (2010-02-23). "Wal-Mart Re-Enters Digital Downloading of Movies With Purchase of Vudu - Wall Street Journal - February 22, 2010". Online.wsj.com. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454304575082010734950440.html?mod=WSJ_Markets_LEFTTopNews. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  25. ^ a b Shane Sturgeon (June 5, 2008). "VUDU Has Gone Wireless". HDTV Magazine, Ltd.. http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2008/06/vudu-has-gone-wireless.php. Retrieved 15 June 2011. 
  26. ^ "Shop". VUDU. http://www.vudu.com/product_wireless.html. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  27. ^ "VUDU FAQs :: How does billing work?". Supports.vudu.com. http://supports.vudu.com/questions/97/+How+does+billing+work%3F+. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  28. ^ Edwards, Cliff (2007-10-05). "Nothing Mysterious About Vudu". Businessweek.com. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc2007104_097726.htm. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  29. ^ "Vudu Introduces XL2". AVguide. 2008-11-19. http://www.avguide.com/article/VUDU-introduces-xl2. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  30. ^ Wilson Rothman (2007-09-06). "Vudu Video Wonderbox Picture Walkthrough and Review: Just Short of Wonderful". Gizmodo.com. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/blockbuster-buster%3F/Vudu-video-wonderbox-picture-walkthrough-and-review-just-short-of-wonderful-297309.php. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  31. ^ "Can I use my universal remote to control my VUDU box?". Supports.vudu.com. http://supports.vudu.com/questions/159/Can+I+use+my+universal+remote+to+control+my+VUDU+box%3F. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h http://www.vudu.com/product_specs.html[dead link]
  33. ^ "VUDU FAQs :: Can I use the VUDU box and service in a different country?". Supports.vudu.com. http://supports.vudu.com/questions/118/Can+I+use+the+VUDU+box+and+service+in+a+different+country%3F+. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 

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