Panasonic 2010 Blu-ray Players To Gain VUDU Movie Streaming Service

Netflix may be the dominant provider of streaming content these days, with Hulu close behind in terms of mind share. But when it comes strictly to movie rentals (streaming ones, anyway), VUDU has been in the business as long as anyone. The company started out by providing their own hardware boxes, but quickly diverted from that market and instead provides software alone now for integration in Blu-ray players, televisions, etc.

Now, VUDU's movie rental services will be coming to Panasonic's 2010 line of VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players. After a firmware update on November 24, the players will be able to access VUDU's library of 4,000 HD movies (and growing), which can be streamed in 1080p. Most other movie services can't actually stream Full HD flicks, but VUDU can.

Players that can look for the update are as follows: DMP-BDT350, DMP-BDT300, DMP-BDT100, DMP-BD85, DMP-BD65 and DMP-B500.

VUDU Goes Live on Panasonic's 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc™ Players
 
Consumers Gain Instant Streaming Access to VUDU's Extensive Library of Full HD 1080p Movies Instantly for Rental or Purchase

SECAUCUS, N.J., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology and built-in TV web entertainment and movie streaming service, VUDU™ announced that Panasonic's 2010 line of VIERA CAST™-enabled Blu-ray Disc™ Players(1) will offer instant streaming of VUDU's huge high definition movie library, including more than 4,000 Full HD (1080p) movies, beginning on November 24.

VUDU is a video-on-demand service offering instant streaming (no download time) of movies and TV programs through IPTV-enabled HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc Players with no computer or cable/satellite TV service required, and no subscription or monthly membership fees. VUDU boasts the world's most extensive library of HD movies from all Hollywood studios and leading independent distributors, and an unmatched new release collection with titles available the same day as the DVD release. The VUDU service also offers a great value to movie renters, with an enormous collection of titles available for only $2 for a two-night rental.

"Connected TV will continue to become an increasingly important feature for consumers and Panasonic is working tirelessly to build upon the already robust entertainment and connectivity experiences our VIERA CAST customers can enjoy," said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President, Merwan Mereby. "The addition of VUDU to our 2010 VIERA CAST offerings gives consumers access to a virtually endless library of TV and High Definition movie content when they want it and instantly streamed into their TV without ever having to leave the couch."

VUDU is the latest entertainment feature to be added to VIERA CAST, Panasonic's IPTV functionality. Earlier this year, Panasonic added Netflix, Skype™ voice and video calling(2), Twitter(3) and Pandora to an already robust list of popular entertainment and information options, including Amazon Video-on-Demand™, You Tube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Album, FOX Sports(4), Bloomberg News and a weather service. Panasonic's line of VIERA CAST™-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to turn any flat panel HDTV into an IPTV or connected TV via VIERA CAST. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC(5) and is accessed via a single button on the Blu-ray Disc Player remote control. There is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as VUDU, Netflix and Amazon VOD have a separate fee structure). New VUDU customers on VIERA CAST™ will receive a $5.99 credit, enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free.

"Our core mission is to deliver the best selection of movies, at the highest quality possible, directly to the customer's living room," said Edward Lichty, General Manager of VUDU. "We are proud to partner with Panasonic to offer owners of VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players access to the industry's best-in-class streaming movie experience, with immediate access to thousands of titles, including the hottest new releases, all with no subscription required."

2010 Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Players Featuring VIERA CAST:

    * DMP-BDT350 (Full HD 3D)
    * DMP-BDT300 (Full HD 3D)
    * DMP-BDT100 (Full HD 3D)
    * DMP-BD85
    * DMP-BD65
    * DMP-B500 (Portable Blu-ray Disc Player)