VUDU Switches On In-Browser Movie Streaming

VUDU has remained one of the only movie streaming services that deliver true 1080p material. The vast majority of them peak at 720p, but VUDU XL is 1080p. And proud of it. But even VUDU knows that the web is the future, and if you aren't streaming through a browser, you're missing out on a major chunk of the market. The company has this week revealed their latest trick, in-browser movie streaming, but there's a long way to go before those VUDU XL videos come to Firefox.

For now, all browser streaming is capped at an SD resolution, and that's likely due to the browser technologies currently available and VUDU's desire to ensure a good experience even on PCs that aren't exactly "modern." From what we have gathered, the library of films to stream via browser remains identical to those already available via their own hardware box or through built-in HDTV portals, and we're guessing that pricing will remain similar as well.

Will VUDU be able to compete with the likes of Amazon and iTunes? Hard to say, but we definitely hope their joining presents a bit of pricing pressure to go around.

VUDU Launches Browser-Based Streaming of Expansive Content Library on VUDU.com
April 12, 2011 07:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--VUDU, the leading subscription-free, video-on-demand movie service, announced today that it will make its vast library of content available directly on VUDU.com. Movie fans can visit VUDU.com to browse, select and instantly stream content from the company’s massive selection of movies and television shows, including the newest releases from all major Hollywood studios and leading independent distributors.

    “This launch is part of our overall commitment to provide the VUDU service through as many points of access as possible, offering our customers the latest movies at the highest available streaming quality wherever they choose to watch.”

“Customers will be able to enjoy movies instantly and easily at VUDU.com with no additional hardware or software download required,” said Edward Lichty, general manager of VUDU. “This launch is part of our overall commitment to provide the VUDU service through as many points of access as possible, offering our customers the latest movies at the highest available streaming quality wherever they choose to watch."

VUDU’s browser-based streaming service gives movie lovers the opportunity to rent or buy content at VUDU.com and then watch the content on any of the more than 300 VUDU-enabled CE devices, including HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and the PlayStation 3. Through this launch, users will be able to access the same piece of content across multiple platforms so that they can begin a movie on VUDU.com and then finish watching that content on their home entertainment device, or vice versa.