Vudu.com 101 – Movie and TV Show Streaming Service
Vudu is a web page/app that allows its users to access and watch thousands of television shows and movies for a small fee. The quickly rising entrant in the online TV market initially started as a set-top box manufacturer. It was later acquired by Walmart back in 2010 and has established itself as the best place to rent TV shows and movies online. One of the best things about Vudu is the selection. It has a vast selection of titles (at least for rent) that you won’t find somewhere else.
How To Use It
The first step requires you to sign up for Vudu, which is best done on a real computer. Once you have created an account the Vudu website/app allows you to connect to as many as eight devices using the one account. It gives an option to use your smart phone or tablet (Android or Apple), various web browsers on your computer, and both Microsoft and Sony gaming consoles.
Apart from the more regular options, Vudu works with various Blu-ray players, TiVo DVR boxes, and smart TVs to offer content. The particular options include Sony home Entertainment Systems, LG, Samsung, TiVo (Roamio plus, Premiere), Over-the-Air DVRs such as channel master.
When you order an episode it streams using your broadband connection. Instead of being downloaded to your device. However, the service features an incredible rating system that is based on a 5-star system. With every selection made, the app allows you to see how the VUDU community rated it. However, Vudu 101 doesn’t recommend any series based on your previous reviews.
Vudu’s Rental Terms
Like with most streaming services that employ pay-per-view style, Vudu offers its users the option to either purchase or rent a variety of television shows and movies. They have all the latest releases of TV shows and movies to select from. Once you have created your account you’ll be able to purchase or rent movies and TV show as you like. You will find them under the “My Vudu” section that is positioned under the “TV and Movies” tab on the web page.
Once rented, you can watch a TV show or a movie for an unlimited number of times in a 24 hour window. There is also a huge collection of films that are available as 3-day rentals. If you a purchase a movie or a TV show you have the right to watch it as many times as you wish, forever. However, some of the movies can only purchased or only rented. Most streaming movies or programs can be viewed in standard definition, high definition, or in HDX format. The latter offers the best streaming picture quality for any streaming service.
How Much Does Vudu Cost?
As mentioned earlier, subscribers have the option to purchase or rent most of the available titles. Rentals are apparently cheaper than buying especially if it’s the first time you will be watching the movie or TV show. The average fee charged on rentals on Vudu range between $2.98 and $5.99. The prices will obviously fluctuate depending on sales and the quality of picture opted for.
When purchasing films ensure you check out the “Deals” tab because there are always various sales going on for single movies, bundles and even collections.
Help and Support
Support is relatively in-depth. The website lacks a live chat, but it provides its subscribers with an email form in case you have any concerns that have not been addressed in the FAQs or community forums.
Pros
-Vudu offers best quality video streaming
-Vast selection of new TV shows and movies
-It is widely available
Cons
-Best quality video costs extra
-Payments are made separately for every TV show and movie
Summary
Vudu is a pay-per-episode service and has a user-friendly interface. It has a vast library of streaming movies and TV shows with many episodes available within a few days after they air. Their picture quality is the best of any streaming service provider. However, you will pay separately for any movie or TV show you stream and will also need to pay extra to view them in the best video quality.
As the company grows, Vudu users will start to see apps on every smart device. I hope that in the near future, the company will add a more personalized experience based on the viewer’s taste.
Annie Lobo says
November 28, 2016 at 6:25 amHello
I use to stream movies via NetFlix, the video quality is really good but it’s pretty expensive for me. Thus, I just went through your write up, it’s really useful. I will try vudu hope for the best.
Thank you
Annie Lobo