Vudu, Inc. is an American content and media technology delivery company responsible for Vudu branded interactive media services and devices. Vudu distributes full-length movies over the Internet to television in the United States. This is done with a content delivery network that uses hybrid peer-to-peer TV technology. Vudu was acquired by Walmart in March 2010.
Vudu started by making only his own set-top box (Vudu Box and Vudu XL), but Vudu now primarily markets its software as a Smart TV/Connected TV platform and the VoD (Video on Demand) distribution service to third-party consumer electronics. Vudu is also available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, iPad, Android TV, Apple TV (4th and 4k genes), TiVo Roamio, Roku devices (like Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4 and Roku Stick ) and most smartphones through the Vudu app (Android and iOS) which also support the use of Chromecast. As of December 2011, Vudu applications in downloadable versions of Boxee media players are no longer supported, due to DRM requirements and certification.
Video Vudu
Movie delivery and storage via Vudu Box
Vudu Box requires a broadband internet connection at home to send movies. Users are given the option to watch the selected movie now or watch it later. The first pair of seconds each movie in the catalog is loaded onto the Vudu Box hard drive, ensuring instant playback when the user chooses to watch a given movie. The rest of the movie is delivered to the box through an exclusive peer-to-peer network. This process starts instantly when the user sees the part of the movie loaded, allowing it to see unhindered. The movie is then finished downloading to the hard drive box. Users can adjust the amount of bandwidth the box uses, with settings at 1 Mbit/dt (Delayed movie), 2 Mbit/s (Instant default definition movie), and 4 Mbit/sec (Instant high definition movies).
Maps Vudu
Digital locker integration
In 2012, Vudu began partnering with the film-supported UltraViolet to offer users digital lockers as well as digital versions for some DVD and Blu-ray purchased at retail stores.
In 2014, Vudu becomes a participating provider of Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), a Disney digital locker service separate from Ultraviolet.
Vudu is currently one of only two US streaming providers that are compatible with UltraViolet and Movies Anywhere, DMA's successors.
Movie format
Film encoded in MPEG-4 video and Dolby Digital Plus audio. Vudu offers movies in three formats: standard-definition (480p and 480i), high-definition (1080p and 1080i) and ultra high-definition (2160p) or commonly known as UHD or 4k. Standard definition movies are upgraded to 1080i/p higher resolution and high definition movies can be generated at 1080p24. Audio is sourced in Dolby Digital Plus and outputs in Dolby Digital 5.1, with stereo output options. Audio is limited to stereo playback on the HTPC/PC/Mac platform. Users can customize the videos to display in stretched, boxed, or enlarged formats and adjust the overscan settings depending on their television format.
Movie selection
In January 2015, there were over 18,000 films in the Vudu catalog, and 5,000 television shows. Titles range from major films, independent films, documentaries, children's programming, anime, musicals, musical performances, cartoons, and recorded television series. More than 13,000 of these titles are available in high definition, the largest for any service of its kind. Vudu has licensed content contracts with all major movie studios as well as over 50 smaller and independent studios. Movies are available for rental in standard definition, high definition, and HDX formats. Hired titles can be stored in the Vudu Box for 30 days before being watched. Once the user starts watching the title they hire, they have 24 hours to complete. After this 24-hour period, the lease can be extended at a discount. The majority of movies and television shows can only be purchased in standard definition format. This policy is consistent with other studio and digital retailer standards related to digital purchases. Films from FirstLook Studios, Kino, and Magnolia Pictures are available for purchase in high definition format. On February 25, 2010, to comply with its parent company policy, Vudu ceased operation of the After Dark AVN channel that provides adult movie users.
HDX and TruFilm
Vudu is able to download and play movies in HDX format, a format created by Vudu that encodes titles in 1080p HD at 24 frames per second. This technology is similar to movies on Blu-ray Disc. However, Blu-ray Disc will have better video and audio quality due to higher bitrates. Vudu utilizes the H.264 encoding process (MPEG-4 Section 10) along with a proprietary encoding technique dubbed TruFilm. TruFilm consists of four main technologies designed to maximize H.264 encoding standards:
- Psychovisual Processing: Designed to dampen and eliminate artifacting and pixelation commonly seen in darker areas of sky and water in films by utilizing constant algorithmic and visual checks, then marking this section to be encoded repeated. See also Psychophysics and subjective video quality.
- Film Grain Preservation: A process that retains a slight imperfection decided by the film's director in the last movie. Vudu made some encodings past the original film, enabling the last encoded product to contain the original film grain.
- Statistical Variable Ratio: Ensure optimal video quality across movies by allocating higher encoding budgets to high-motion and high motion movie segments, while saving budgets during slower orders. With a peak as high as 20Mbit/sec and as low as 2 Mbit/s, this process allows for the highest quality streaming video over a broadband Internet connection.
- Color Gradient Processing: Unique technology used to fine-tune images for optimal viewing on modern vs. modern LCD and plasma televisions. older CRT televisions.
Vudu Internet and mobile app
The Vudu Internet application has been developed using the Vudu-rich Internet application platform that lets users access online content. Through Vudu Box, users can access and watch videos, view photos on Flickr and Picasa, and play casual games. The Vudu Internet app also contains access to on-demand television shows, some of which are available in HD. In May 2009, Vudu partnered with Brightcove to bring advertising-backed content to the Vudu Box. The first app available from the partnership is the ability to watch Sony music videos through the MyPlay service.
Vudu has apps available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Movies can be streamed to the device itself or sent to a second screen via Chromecast integration of the app.
Search function
Vudu lets users browse catalogs in many ways. Users can search by movie title or actor or director's name. Users can also search for genres and add filters to the results to narrow down their results. Users can select genres or multiple genres together and add filters such as critic rating, release date, and whether movies are available for rent or for purchase. The Vudu system also connects film directors and casting together, similar to IMDb, allowing users to view all the actors or movie directors available in Vudu.
History
Vudu was founded by Tony Miranz and Alain Rossmann (creator of WAP). The Vudu Box has been secretly in development since 2004, but on April 29, 2007, The New York Times revealed that Vudu has signed deals with many independent film studios and distributors to grant access to nearly 5,000 movies.
In April 2007, Vudu has received $ 21 million in venture capital funding from Greylock Partners and Benchmark Capital. The company is based in Santa Clara, California.
In May 2008, Vudu began displaying and selling his set-top boxes at Best Buy stores. Prior to this time, the box was only available through online retailers.
On February 24th, 2009, Vudu became the first on-demand service offering high definition movies for self-download. Before Vudu allows users to purchase high definition movies, studios only allow their movies to be purchased in standard definition format. LG was the first to integrate Vudu into its HDTV, with access starting in August 2009 through the NetCast TV app.
On January 8, 2010, Vudu announced that there is no more set top box shipment and will provide its services to select HDTV and Blu-ray players from LG, Magnavox, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Toshiba, and Vizio. The company also announced the Vudu Apps platform to provide internet services including embedding Wikipedia links in its movie descriptions
On February 22, 2010, Walmart announced that it acquired the company to report $ 100 million.
Vudu became the official sponsor of the WWE Royal Rumble 2017 pay-per-view event on January 29, 2017.
Set top box feature (2007-2010)
Vudu Box is able to connect to standard definition television (SD), high definition, and high definition (HD). The box is connected to a television by HDMI, component, S-Video, or composite video cable. HDMI cable and composite video and analog stereo cable are included; other connections must be provided by the user. Audio is provided via HDMI, digital coax, digital optical port, or stereo analog. The box connects to the Internet via an Ethernet port with an Ethernet cable provided. Wireless is not supported directly from players, but Vudu offers an optional wireless kit for purchases using WEP 802.11g and 128-bit security encryption.
There are two USB ports in the Vudu Box. One can be used to power a wireless kit that a company sells but its use for another is unknown.
The Vudu Box is separate from the computer and cable/satellite television system. A user should only provide a broadband Internet connection to use this service. User does not pay monthly subscription fee; instead they add the selected amount to an outdated online account depending on how many movies the user hired or purchased. Users can buy and rent movies through the set-top box or through the company's website.
Movies are stored on the hard drive box. The Vudu Box is capable of storing about 50 movies purchased in standard definition format. There are no restrictions on movie rentals. Vudu is also allowed to "archive" films purchased remotely.
Version XL
Vudu creates XL version of Vudu Box. XL displays one terabyte of storage, which can store about 500 standard definition movies. XL technology features are typically used for home automation and are designed for use in home theater systems.
Remote control
Vudu remote control has five buttons and is designed to fit in the palm of the hand. Users browse the menu using a scroll wheel that doubles as a button to make a selection. The scroll wheel is also used to move through films similar to fast-forward and backward. The remote also provides play/pause buttons, back buttons, more buttons, and Vudu buttons that take users to the main Vudu screen. Remote Vudu provided using radio frequency, allowing the user to control the Vudu Box without having to direct the remote directly to the box. Using from an external shelf Infrared dongle the Vudu Box can be integrated into a universal IR remote.
Specifications
- TV compatibility: High-definition (HD), Enhanced-definition (ED), Definition-standard (SD)
- Video Resolution: 1080p/24, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i
- Video Output: HDMI v1.1, Component, S-Video, Composite
- Audio Output: HDMI v1.1, Digital Optical, Digital Coax, RCA
- Dimensions: 2.4 ÃÆ'â € "8.9Ã, ÃÆ' â €" 7.3 in
- Weight: 4.2Ã, lb (7.5Ã, lb packaged)
- Connectivity: Ethernet, 2 USB ports
- Remote: RF (range 22Ã, ft)
- Availability: United States only
Competitors
Competitors include Apple iTunes, Amazon Video, CinemaNow, Hulu, Google Play, Netflix, FandangoNow, and Movie Anywhere.
See also
- Apple TV
- Interactive television
- Internet television
- Smart TV
References
External links
- Official website, including blogs
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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