VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

[rgbyhkr]

So I don't often listen to The Digital Home podcast, but since this latest episode (ep 46 http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10143202-17.html) included discussion of VUDU, I thought I would see what was said. At about the 20 minute mark, host Don Reisinger interviews VUDU EVP Edward Lichty. At 36:20, Edward talks about how they are having discussions about where the VUDU service can exist on other devices.

I hadn't heard this before, but I think it's a very smart move. Netflix and Amazon are getting a lot of splash for having their services run on a variety of hardware devices. VUDU is smart to do the same to expose it to as many potential customers as possible. In the long run, a proprietary STB requirement is going to limit the user base, so allowing teh service to run on other hardware makes complete sense.

The question is if they have the bargaining power to expand to the same degree that the others can. Hardware requirements are also an interesting question. As in, could they do purchased content streaming vs just download? That would enable the service to run on more hardware platforms, but it does raise questions about the currently employed P2P infrastructure model and how streaming fits into that.

Jeff

[NA9D]

Re: VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

Wow. Well, you know more than I do! It is certainly an interesting question...

The Netflix box is one thing since it basically is a stream device with no real database browser (you have to put them in your queue first) and no storage or P2P capability - so it's easy. Plus the Vudu system is built around the Broadcom chip. So I can see how there'd be hardware and software that would need to be integrated into the "other" equipment.

[Nded]

Re: VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

I can easily imagine a "soft Vudu" client that could run on just about any computer OS. There's no technical reason a PC/MAC/OTHER box with internet access and a hard drive couldn't function as a part of the Vudu P2P platform. They would just need a media player client that is compatible with the Vudu H.264 file format.

On the other hand, I hope they will stick to their standards and not consider providing sub-quality service like the VBR quality problem that is inherent with the Netflix streaming device. The Blockbuster toy has its own limitations (see review at http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...FcIUQD95NRCL80 ), and it is not clear how much flexibility they have on running a more robust interface like the Vudu. I guess @TV could be "upgraded" to work with Vudu, but that level of cooperation would be amazing and out of character with their "not invented here" platform protection mindset.

[rgbyhkr]

Re: VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

Yeah, it will be interesting to see what they come up with. Unless they were to make some infrastructure changes and have separate software development for streaming only clients, you'd think that devices like BR players, direct TV integration, etc would be off limits. Sure, they could work deals where those devices added hardware to accommodate VUDU in its current form, but that's a harder sell to manufacturers when the competition may not have teh same requirements. Tivo boxes could be a possibility and I think desktop clients are also plausible, although that seemingly goes against their current focus on the TV (though it would make content watching more flexible). Very interesting indeed.

Jeff

[HeadHodge]

Re: VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

I can easily imagine a "soft Vudu" client that could run on just about any computer OS.

I wonder if you could watch VUDU via VUDU Labs??

[larrs]

Tivo the Perfect Mate

I can easily imagine a "soft Vudu" client that could run on just about any computer OS. There's no technical reason a PC/MAC/OTHER box with internet access and a hard drive couldn't function as a part of the Vudu P2P platform. They would just need a media player client that is compatible with the Vudu H.264 file format.

On the other hand, I hope they will stick to their standards and not consider providing sub-quality service like the VBR quality problem that is inherent with the Netflix streaming device. The Blockbuster toy has its own limitations (see review at http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...FcIUQD95NRCL80 ), and it is not clear how much flexibility they have on running a more robust interface like the Vudu. I guess @TV could be "upgraded" to work with Vudu, but that level of cooperation would be amazing and out of character with their "not invented here" platform protection mindset.

Tivo has constatntly added additional value through this kind of thing and the Tivo HD devices would be the perfect way to break into a large owner base without jeapordizing Vudu standards. Tivo is a computer with plenty of storage, ethernet connectivity and the power to run the Vudu software.
Tivo also fits the perfect merket for Vudu much better than Xbox or PS3 (although they have larger installed bases) since it is all about movies and TV shows. They would also be competing with Microsoft and Sony's own offerings there, but tivo has been smart in offering movie rentals/streaming from outside companies so "the more the merrier"...

[Rusdude]

Re: VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

If VUDU somehow finds a way to work around their P2P design, than a lot of devices are probably going to be powerful enough to run it.

But with P2P tech, it'd make sense that the devices that need to be targeted are always-on type, e.g. cable boxes, TiVo, etc.

[redwein]

Re: VUDU running on other hardware - potentially

If VUDU somehow finds a way to work around their P2P design, than a lot of devices are probably going to be powerful enough to run it.

But with P2P tech, it'd make sense that the devices that need to be targeted are always-on type, e.g. cable boxes, TiVo, etc.

That's an interesting point about the P2P. Given that it's such an important part of the architecture and it enabled the Vudu to work so well, I wonder how it will impact things going forward. I'd hate to go backwards as far as quality goes.