LG Adds VUDU HD Movie Service to Wireless Blu-ray Disc Player

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
VUDU logo

Streaming Movie Service Brings Largest Library of HD Movies to Consumers’ Fingertips

ATLANTA — LG Electronics today announced the addition of the high-definition streaming movie service from VUDU, Inc. to the LG Wireless Network Blu-ray Player (model BD390). With VUDU, consumers can instantly buy or rent from an extensive library of movies and TV titles, including an industry-leading catalog of more than 2,200 high-definition (HD) movies. The BD390 with VUDU will be demonstrated here this week at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2009 (Booth #2623).

The addition of VUDU service to the BD390 adds yet another content provider alliance to the “NetCast Entertainment Access” family of features, which already includes access to hundreds of hours of Netflix, Roxio® CinemaNow®, and YouTube™ streaming content*. Available later this month through a free automatic upgrade, consumers will be able to enjoy VUDU, as well as other exclusive entertainment options at the click of a remote.

“Our alliance with VUDU exemplifies LG’s commitment to delivering the ultimate HD viewing experience, by providing instant access to more 1080p movie content than ever before,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “VUDU is the latest enhancement to our NetCast Entertainment Access feature and we are excited to now provide consumers with one of the most extensive on-demand, high-definition entertainment options on our Wireless Network Blu-ray Player.”

The BD390 with NetCast Entertainment Access is available now at nationwide retailers at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399. VUDU connectivity will be available at the end of the month via a free upgrade.

VUDU Service and Functions

VUDU’s streaming movie service delivers a near-instant viewing experience – movies start quickly, including high-definition HDX movies, and viewers can fast forward, rewind and browse chapters without the delays or the frustration associated with slow buffering. Its unique HDX format, with Full HD 1080p resolution, allows for a crisper, clearer picture, while Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound makes it feel like the action is unfolding in consumers’ living rooms.

The VUDU catalog is updated weekly, and newly released movies from major studios are typically available months before they are available on subscription-based services. With no monthly fees and without the hassle of having to buy, install, or connect any additional hardware, it has never been easier for consumers to watch their favorite movies.

“Following the recent launch of VUDU on LG HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access, LG’s BD390 Network Blu-ray player provides the perfect opportunity for anyone in the market for a Blu-ray player to enjoy VUDU’s extensive HD movie library in superior 1080p video quality and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound,” said Alain Rossmann, CEO of VUDU. “Through our alliance with LG, VUDU is breaking new ground in delivering high definition Hollywood movies to consumers’ living rooms.”

Connectivity and Storage

As LG’s first-ever wireless Network Blu-ray Player, LG’s BD390 transforms and personalizes the home theater experience, by offering a virtually endless array of entertainment options. In addition to its broadband capabilities, the BD390 offers exceptional “Full HD” 1080p video performance and exceptional image quality from standard DVDs with 1080p up-scaling via HDMI output. The BD390 is also equipped for easy connection to the home network and has one gigabyte (GB) of built-in memory for BD Live functionality.