VUDU to stream 3D movies

VUDU to stream 3D movies

VUDU logoVUDU has announced 3D content will become available for streaming beginning next week. Initially the title selection will be limited, but it will grow over time.

3D titles will be available in SD (480p), HD (720p) and HDX (1080p) resolutions at the same bandwidth as the 2D movies. This suggests side-by-side 3D, so the horizontal resolution should be halved. This is the same way DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Comcast deliver 3D content.

Rentals in 3D will cost $1 more, and purchases $2 more. The first titles available will be from Disney: Bolt, Meet the Robinsons, and Chicken Little.

To watch 3D movies from VUDU, you will have to have 3D compatible equipment, a 3DTV and 3D glasses. VUDU tries to detect if the device is 3D capable. This only works if the device is a TV. Otherwise, you’ll receive a warning on the purchase confirmation screen that the title requires a 3D television (and glasses) to watch it.

VUDU 3D screenshot

VUDU has long abandoned selling their own set-top box, but it is surprising that their own branded device will not immediately support 3D. These devices are 3D-ready for VUDU:

  • FUNAI (Magnavox and Sylvania) HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • LG HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Mitsubishi HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Philips HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Select 2010 and 2011 Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray Players and Blu-ray Home Theater Systems with Samsung Apps
  • Sony PlayStation 3
  • Toshiba HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • VIZIO VIA HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Boxee Box by D-Link and Iomega TV with Boxee

If you are using UI 1.0, go to VUDU Home -> Explore VUDU and you’ll see collection posters across the bottom of the screen. Select 3D.

If you are using UI 2.0, go to VUDU Home -> Collections -> Showcases. Select 3D.

VUDU is becoming more and more impressive. I recently rented an HDX movie through my PlayStation 3 and was very impressed with the load time, picture quality and surround sound. The selection of titles they have is also impressive. They seem to get streaming rights to new releases faster than most other services.

VUDU press release is below

VUDU Brings 3D Into The Living Room

VUDU first to stream 3D Movies directly on connected HDTVs, Blu-ray Players and Entertainment Systems from FUNAI Electronics, LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Philips, PlayStation 3, Samsung Electronics America, Inc, Toshiba, and VIZIO and devices supporting Boxee Media Software

Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Las Vegas, NV, January 5, 2011 – VUDU, a leader in digital entertainment, will begin delivering instant streaming of 3D movies next week to select 3D-capable HD televisions (HDTVs) and Blu-ray Disc Players (BDPs). Manufacturers that will support 3D streaming from VUDU include FUNAI (Magnavox, Sylvania), LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Philips, Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Toshiba, and VIZIO, as well as to the PlayStation 3 entertainment system and Boxee Media Software. As these manufacturers rollout their select 2011 models over the course of the year, VUDU users will have access to a growing library of 3D content on an expanding array of devices.

By adding 3D movies to its industry-leading cinematic streaming experience that already includes instant HD and HDX 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 Surround Sound, VUDU raises the bar on home entertainment yet again.

Devices that will feature VUDU 3D movie streaming include but are not limited to the following models. Please note that Blu-ray players, STBs and entertainment systems must be connected to a 3D enabled TV to view 3D content:

  • FUNAI (Magnavox and Sylvania) HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • LG HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Mitsubishi HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Philips HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Select 2010 and 2011 Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray Players and Blu-ray Home Theater Systems with Samsung Apps
  • Sony PlayStation 3
  • Toshiba HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • VIZIO VIA HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
  • Boxee Box by D-Link and Iomega TV with Boxee

“We are proud to be a leader in the delivery of 3D movies,” said Edward Lichty, General Manager of VUDU. “Our launch of 3D today is another example of our commitment to deliver the best home entertainment experience available anywhere. There is no better, easier way to get 3D movies at home than through the VUDU Service.”

“The biggest obstacle for the 3D market in the home in the past was the lack of 3D content, where buyers just weren’t interested in a feature they couldn’t use,” said Rob Enderle, principal analyst for Enderle Group. “VUDU delivering 3D streaming content directly addresses this challenge and allows consumers who want to enjoy a major advance in home televisions.”

VUDU’s 3D title selection will be automatically available on any device that is enabled for VUDU 3D, with no additional software to download. 3D titles will be available at all three resolutions – SD (480p), HD (720p) and HDX (1080p) – and the minimum bandwidth requirements for 3D viewing are the same as for 2D.

The VUDU Streaming Movie Service provides customers with access to the world’s largest catalog of more than 4,000 on-demand HD movies, and features movies in VUDU’s HDX format, the best quality streaming video format with 1080p HD video and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound available to consumers today. Movies are available to rent or own without monthly fees or a subscription. The service offers the newest Hollywood releases the same day they are available on DVD and months before they are available on subscription services.

Useful Links:
VUDU website: http://www.vudu.com
Boxee: http://boxee.tv
Funai: http://www.funai.us/
LG Electronics: www.lg.com
Mitsubishi: www.mitsubishi-tv.com
Philips: www.hd.philips.com
Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/
Sony PlayStation 3: http://us.playstation.com/
Toshiba: http://us.toshiba.com/tv/3d?cm_mmc=tai-hpbb-3dtv
VIZIO: http://www.vizio.com/discover/3D/

About VUDU
A leader in digital entertainment, VUDU offers the world’s largest selection of HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics, and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU is available on internet-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players from FUNAI Electronics (Magnavox, Sylvania), LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Toshiba and VIZIO, and on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.vudu.com/.

About Steven Kippel

Steven Kippel has worked as a systems designer for a leading high-end audio/video custom integrator in Southern California since 2003. He is responsible for researching new technologies and integrating them into existing systems and new construction projects. He has designed several high-profile systems for discriminating clients on the cutting-edge of technology. When he is not hard at work, Steven is spending time with his wife, playing with his band or promoting concerts and bands in the Inland Empire. His favorite bands include The Cure, U2, Eisley, Living Sacrifice and DragonForce.

View all posts by Steven Kippel →

3 Comments on “VUDU to stream 3D movies”

  1. VIZIO 3D TV I have is not compatible – it doesn’t recognize the TV as 3D.
    Nor does the PS3 – Playstation

    I downloaded the 3D Sizzle and played through PS3 and it didn’t work.
    I played a 3D movie through PS3 it didn’t work.
    I tried to play Tangled 3D through PS3 & Directly through the TV Widget and it didn’t work.
    * yes I tried all settings.

    Vizio support stated something about updates that are not ready, and to add to customer service they don’t know when they will be.

  2. @Rob, thanks for the info. Hopefully Vizio will provide an update soon that will enable full 3D compatibility for your set. What’s your model number?

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