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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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The Voodoo is Weak for Vudu Movie Box

Downloadable video gadget falls short on selection, price, bandwidth, the Wall Street Journal says

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(Newser) – Downloading movies to your TV might seem convenient in theory, but in practice the Vudu is bad magic, the Wall Street Journal says. Sure, its setup and interface are easy, and the picture quality’s good. But sparse selection, high prices and slow downloads sink the device. Vudu’s 5,000-title selection pales before Netflix’s 85,000, and popular movies are in short supply.

Movies download instantly – if you have a 2 mbs connection. The millions who don’t will be waiting hours for downloads. Worse, Vudu’s peer-to-peer system uses your bandwidth to send movies to others. The box’s $399 price tag is bad, but the clunky pay-in-advance system for the movies is worse. Regular Vudu charges will quickly dwarf the initial investment.

Vudu's price tag, combined with rental fees, and selection, might hurt its chances at revolutionizing the home viewing experience.
Vudu's price tag, combined with rental fees, and selection, might hurt its chances at revolutionizing the home viewing experience.   (vudu.com)
A screenshot of Vudu's user interface from official website. Vudu advertises 5000 titles directly to your home, but recommends you check your bandwith speeds before purchasing.
A screenshot of Vudu's user interface from official website. Vudu advertises 5000 titles directly to your home, but recommends you check your bandwith speeds before purchasing.   (Vudu.com)
The Vudu box holds offers 5000 movies for home download at a range of individual fees, but some wonder if the market, and the technology, is really there yet.
The Vudu box holds offers 5000 movies for home download at a range of individual fees, but some wonder if the market, and the technology, is really there yet.   (vudu.com)
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The New York times gushes over the Vudu Movie Box.   (thenewyorktimes (YouTube))

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Other Reviews

Business Week: Selection, Vudu's pricing disappoint
BusinessWeek

Tech Republic says pricing structure is chief problem
Tech Republic

CNET: Best video-on-demand device so far
CNET


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