Secaucus, N.J. –
said Tuesday it has added Vudu’s
HD movie streaming service to its line of Viera Cast-enabled Blu-ray Disc
players, beginning on Nov. 24.
Vudu is a video-on-demand service offering instant streaming (no
download time) of movies and TV programs through IPTV-enabled HDTVs and Blu-ray
Disc players with no computer or cable/satellite TV service required, and no
subscription or monthly membership fees.
Vudu’s service offers an extensive library of HD movies available
for streaming to connected equipment, many of which are available at a $2 rate
for a two-night rental. Additionally, many new releases are available on the
service on the same day as they are released as DVDs.
“Connected TV will continue to become an increasingly important
feature for consumers and Panasonic is working tirelessly to build upon the
already robust entertainment and connectivity experiences our Viera Cast
customers can enjoy,” said Merwan Mereby Panasonic North America VP. “The
addition of Vudu to our 2010 Viera Cast offerings gives consumers access to a
virtually endless library of TV and high-definition movie content when they
want it and instantly streamed into their TV without ever having to leave the
couch.”
Vudu is the latest entertainment feature to be added to Viera
Cast, Panasonic’s IPTV functionality. Earlier this year, Panasonic added
Netflix, Skype voice and video calling, Twitter and Pandora to a collection of
services that also includes Amazon Video-on-Demand, YouTube, Google’s Picasa
Web Album, FOX Sports, Bloomberg News and a weather service.
New Vudu customers on Viera Cast will receive a $5.99 credit,
enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free, the
company said.
“Our core mission is to deliver the best selection of movies, at
the highest quality possible, directly to the customer’s living room,” said
Edward Lichty, Vudu’s GM. “We are proud to partner with Panasonic to offer
owners of Viera Cast-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players access to the industry’s
best-in-class streaming movie experience, with immediate access to thousands of
titles, including the hottest new releases, all with no subscription required.”
2010 Panasonic Blu-ray players with Viera Cast include the
following models:
·
DMP-BDT350 (FullHD 3D)
·
DMP-BDT300 (FullHD 3D)
·
DMP-BDT100 (FullHD 3D)
·
DMP-BD85
·
DMP-BD65
·
DMP-B500 (portable Blu-ray disc player)
