• Zoomed– Keeps the original aspect ratio of the video but zooms into the
picture to fill the screen and cuts off any overlap off the screen.
HDMI Resolution–Allows the user to override the HDMI resolution
recommended by the TV. The default setting is Auto.
• Auto–Takes the preferred resolution from the HDMI TV.
• 480p–Forces box to display 480p (if TV can display).
• 720p–Forces box to display 720p (if TV can display).
• 1080i–Forces box to display 1080i (if TV can display).
Overscan Settings–VUDU enables you to easily maximize the on-screen
viewing surface of your TV. You can use the remote to adjust the arrows on the
screen and judge the size you are specifying.
AUDIO SETTINGS
VUDU encodes in Dolby Digital Plus, the next generation audio technology from
Dolby. The box decodes the audio into either Stereo and/or Surround Sound
(Dolby 5.1).
FAQ
How does VUDU work?
VUDU uses technology developed over the past 2 1/2 years to deliver movies
instantly over the Internet directly to your TV. VUDU employs a unique
distributed network model that enables cost-effective and efficient delivery of
movies to each home. In addition, VUDU pre-positions content across the
network and caches previews and meta-data on each box to create a seamless and
instant viewing experience.
How much of my VUDU box is used to support the distributed
network?
Less than 10% of the hard drive is used solely for content storage for the
distributed network.
What is the encryption VUDU uses?
VUDU encrypts all files and uses hardware decryption specifically designed by
the VUDU team. Each VUDU box comes with a smartcard that slides into the
front of the box. The card, which is linked to each user’s account, should never be
removed during operation. If it slides out, simply reinsert it to continue operation.
Can I move the movies to a device or another TV?
At this time, our agreements with the studios do not allow for the export of
purchased movies onto an external DVD-burner. However, nothing stops
consumers from connecting the box to another TV within their home or in a
different house. Even if you don’t have access to the Internet at this new location,
all movies previously stored on the box will be viewable.
What happens if my VUDU drive gets full?
VUDU has enough storage space for 100 hours of purchased SD content–roughly
50 movies. Within six months, we will upgrade the box’s software to support off-
the-shelf external USB hard drives. VUDU will format the drive and make it an
extension of the VUDU box.
Do you support wireless networking?
You can use an Ethernet wireless bridge typically used for gaming consoles to
connect the VUDU box to your wireless network. We recommend 802.11G
minimum. Wireless performance may vary based on environmental factors
specific to each home–distance from the router, building materials, and
proximity to microwaves.
Do you offer HD Movies?
The VUDU hardware is capable of displaying HD content. Once movie studios are
ready to license this content to VUDU, we are ready to deliver it to our customers.
How does it compare with other stand-alone services in this category?
Most digital services deliver content to the PC or offer a limited number of
movies for delayed viewing on the TV. We’re delivering thousands of titles to the
living room that can be watched instantly on TV–more content than two typical
video stores combined. We believe consumers want access to movies directly
from their TV with a TiVo-like ease-of-use. That is what VUDU delivers.
How does it compare with VOD services from Cable providers?
Most VOD services from cable providers offer access to a limited number of
movies, generally about 100 to 200 titles. Most are not considered recent
releases. As a result, people who use VOD services are still likely to rent or
purchase videos from traditional video stores.
How often does VUDU update and when does that happen?
VUDU will update content and software on a regular basis (weekly) at an off hour.
If you happen to be watching something at that time, the update will start once
the box is idle so as to not interrupt your viewing session.
How many movies are added every week?
5 to 20 movies are added on a weekly basis.
Are movie releases day-and-date with the DVD release?
We get the movies at the same time that the
DVD is released; sometimes there
might be a day or so lag between the actual release and appearing on your VUDU
box given the VUDU box update schedule. At the DVD release, you may purchase
the movie on VUDU. Rental availability varies by studio but is generally several
weeks following DVD release.
Can you force a connect and get an update?
No. The update is done automatically when the box is connected to the Internet
and idle.
What is VUDU’s privacy policy?
VUDU collects and uses personal information to give customers superior service
and to provide them with convenient access to our products. In addition, we may
use their personal information to keep customers up-to-date on the latest product
announcements, software updates, special offers, and other information we think
they will like to hear about. We do not share information about an individual’s
viewing habits under any circumstances. For contractual reasons, we may report
aggregate usage to our content partners.
We may occasionally include information about products and services from other
technology companies that can add value to your VUDU products.
From time to time, we may also use the information to ask customers to
participate in market research surveys, so that we can gauge customer
satisfaction and develop better products. If the user does not want to receive such