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Vudu

*Est. $1 to $7 per rental
Reviewed
February 2011
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Vudu

Best-quality streaming movies

Pros
  • High-quality video
  • Surround-sound audio
  • 3D
  • Titles available on day of their DVD/Blu-ray release
Cons
  • Lengthy HDX downloads
  • Title count inflated by low-grade content
  • Best-quality streaming is pricey
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 
 

Critics say that if you want the highest-quality streaming video, Vudu's offerings are better overall than the competition and are notably better in the case of the company's HDX format. Vudu does a good job of getting current releases on the same day that they are released on DVD and Blu-ray. On the other hand, the library of roughly 20,000 movies includes lots of B-grade (and notably worse) titles. Movies are also available for purchase (*Est. $5 to $25), but you don't get possession of the files -- just the right to stream them again and again to any device you've registered with Vudu. TV programs aren't a major part of what's available via Vudu, but the service has recently added a smattering of 3D films.

While critics love the video quality, cost is a concern. Titles -- especially HDX titles -- are expensive. Compatibility with home-theater electronics (HDTVs, Blu-ray players, etc.) isn't as wide as with Netflix (*Est. $8 per month and up), but is pretty robust in its own right. If you are interested in a less costly video streaming service, Netflix has a library that's nearly as large and charges a flat fee for all the movies you can download and watch. Quality, especially for HD titles, is good, but Vudu is still better. In addition, Netflix doesn't have very many of the latest titles.

The best comparative review of Vudu can be found at Mashable.com, which offers comparisons and opinions of what it considers to be the five top video streaming services. Vudu is also included in the analysis of which services offer the most recent hit movies at TNL.net. Other helpful feedback can be found at About.com, Electronista.com, StarkInsider.com, ITWorld.com and The New York Times

Our Sources

1. Mashable.com

Mashable.com says that Vudu is unmatched when it comes to streaming video quality -- especially content in the HDX format. However, the library is smaller than that of as some competitors and the video streaming service can get expensive.

Review: 5 of the Best Streaming Media Services Compared, Christina Warren, Feb. 14, 2011

2. TNL.net

Tristan Louis's analysis identifies which video streaming service has the best lineup of current hot titles, which he defines as the top 100 films of 2010. Vudu is found to be on a par with two other top choices -- iTunes and Amazon Video On Demand -- and well ahead of Netflix in that regard.

Review: Where the Hits Are Streaming, Tristan Louis, Jan. 20, 2011

3. About.com

The Vudu video streaming service is profiled in this report by Barb Gonzalez, a contributing writer for About.com. A link leads to a review of Vudu's new 3D content, which is praised as being comparable quality-wise to what's available via Blu-ray. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: What is Vudu?, Barb Gonzalez

4. StarkInsider.com

Vudu is called a good reason to cut the cord to cable and satellite TV providers. Clinton Stark says that Vudu can be more expensive than some streaming video services, such as Netflix, but that's outweighed by some positives such as the availability of new releases and terrific picture quality.

Review: Review: Vudu On-Demand Video Service for PS3, Clinton Stark, Dec. 15, 2010

5. ITWorld.com

Vudu streaming video on the Sony PlayStation 3 is evaluated here. While some glitches are noted -- some digital noise is noted and a buffering delay -- the overall impression is very positive.

Review: Hands on: Vudu Streaming 1080P Movies to the PlayStation 3, Peter Stark, Nov. 24, 2010

6. The New York Times

David Pogue praises Vudu, as accessed with an LG Blu-ray player. Image quality is a major plus -- better, he says, than any other video streaming service. The availability of new releases is excellent, Pogue adds. However, watching Vudu over a slow Internet connection is problematic. The short 24-hour rental window is also a disappointment.

Review: Vudu Lives (Outside the Box), David Pogue, Feb. 10, 2010

7. Electonista.com

This review also tests the Vudu streaming video service using an LG Blu-ray player. Video quality is excellent -- though not quite as good as a Blu-ray Disc. Sound quality is also complimented. Like Pogue, Justin King laments the 24-hour window for viewing rented movies.

Review: Vudu Movie Service on LG Blu-ray Player, Justin King, March 12, 2010

Video Streaming Runners Up:

Hulu.com Free

3 picks including: About.com, Notebook Review.com…

Amazon Video On Demand *Est. $1 to $5 per rental

2 picks by top review sites.

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