Vudu getting its own button on Vizio remotes

By Geoff Duncan May 23, 2011

Vudu remote control button — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Earlier this year, streaming video service and DVD rental outfit Netflix made a few eyes roll announcing deals that have consumer electronics manufacturers putting dedicated Netflix buttons on their remote controls. Now competing service Vudu is following suit, announcing that top consumer electronic brands&mdsah;including Vizio—will be adding Vudu buttons to the remote controls of selected HDTVs, media players, and Blu-ray players. The deal will give the Walmart-owned Vudu more exposure in the marketplace and—if the image of a Vudu button they’re distributing is to be believed—will put Vudu right next to Netflix in consumers’ hands.

Vudu currently offers customers access to more than 20,000 movies, including new releases as well as catalog titles and independent films. Vudu rentals start at $2 for two nights and don’t involve any subscription fees; Vudu also likes customers to know its catalog doesn’t have the same 28-day delay Netflix often experiences making new releases available.

Recommended Videos

The Vudu button will first appear on a range of Vizio HDTVs, 3DTVs, and Blu-ray players. The company hasn’t offered any information on when the new Vudu-equipped remotes will be reaching consumers.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Audio / Video

Netflix launches new low-cost tier — here’s how to get it

Netflix app icon on Apple TV.

Netflix has launched its new low-cost subscription plan, Basic With Ads.

The new plan costs $7 a month, $3 less than the next cheapest plan, Basic, which costs $10 a month.

Audio / Video

Plex adds a new artwork-centric option to its visual experience

Plex's Modern visual interface.

Plex, the company that gives folks a way to easily manage and access their personal library of movies, TV shows, music, and photos, is rolling out a new look for its on-screen interface. Dubbed "Modern," it leverages the artwork for a selected movie or TV show to create a more immersive look, instead of the typical poster-on-a-black-background design that has defined the Plex experience for years. The new design will appear today on Apple TV and Roku clients, with Android TV coming shortly. Eventually, Plex's other clients will be included too.

The new look can be seen on the Plex home page as well as the TV Guide and details pages that appear when you select a title from your library. Thankfully, if you're not a fan of the Modern look, you can choose to stick with what Plex now refers to as its Classic interface. If you opt for the Modern design, Plex gives you control over how the artwork and the background colors mesh together. You can decide if you want Plex to automatically grab background colors from the title's artwork, or stick with the default black gradient.

Audio / Video

Walmart is readying its own Android TV streaming stick

Walmart Onn. 2K Streaming Stick

Walmart has been slowly dipping its toes into the streaming devices game, thanks to its Onn. brand's partnership with Roku. Now, however, it looks like the massive retailer wants another option for its store shelves: A recently spotted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification lists specifications and photos for an Onn. 2K Streaming Stick, powered by Android TV.

The photos reveal what is a very standard-looking streaming stick -- black, around four inches long, with an HDMI plug at one end and a MicroUSB port at the other end. The thick, rounded body bears the Walmart-owned Onn. branding. The included USB cable, power adapter, and HDMI extension cable are all exactly what you'd find with a Roku, Mi, or Amazon Fire TV streaming stick.