Pandora on VUDU?

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I was only pointing out the validity of buying a Vudu just for watching videos. You seemed to be implying that may not make much sense. Perhaps I misunderstood you.

I concur... the Vudu box is the best box around for watching VOD... Any kind of video... SD, HD, HDX and other. If in any of my posts I "implied" that it wasn't... I take it back.

[redwein]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I was only pointing out the validity of buying a Vudu just for watching videos. You seemed to be implying that may not make much sense. Perhaps I misunderstood you.

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

Well in the Vudu case that certainly is a reasonable scenario. Convenience can have tremendous value in its own right. Imagine someone who likes the convenience of VOD but only has a 2Mb/s connection and a non-HD TV. A Vudu box at $150 with no subscription fee could certainly be a good fit for them even though they will only watch SD on it. One of my Vudus (in our workout room) is hooked up to an older (pre-HDMI) era LCD flat panel. With that box, we only rent SD because there really isn't any point in getting HD with the component output limited to 480p.

BTW, HD over component output is something that I think should be possible on all of the Vudus, not just the XL models since it has nothing to do with the "custom installation" demographic, in my opinion.

Apples vs. Oranges... Quality of sound/video vs. convenience. I have never denied the convenience of adding services and adding features to the Vudu box. I've been saying the more the merrier. I have not argued against the value add of the Vudu box at $150, against the convenience of having no subscription fees or even suggested that anyone here get a SqueezeBox. You need to stay "on topic" if you want to counter my arguments. As you say, the scenario has a tremendous value... and I agree, but that's not what I've been talking about when I mentioned video and audio quality. The Vudu box for Pandora is more than adequate. A Vudu box reproducing high bitrate (CD quality streams) won't do justice to the sound as well as a Squeezeebox because it lacks the appropriate DAP hardware to deal with the high bitrate stream "natively" and adequately. If the Squeezebox folks were to add video streaming to their mix I'd compare to the "quality" of video that I get via the Vudu box and make an educated decision. I'm pretty sure the Vudu box would win. I have compared the sound quality out the Vudu box with that of my Squeezebox using Pandora. The sound quality out of the Squeezebox sounds better to me... sorry... so I listen to Pandora via the Squeezebox. Those that do not have a Squeezebox "and" a Vudu box do not need to make this comparison. If you are happy with the sound of Pandora via the Vudu box... I'm happy for you.

I don't know what the HD over component comment is about. What I was trying to tell the other person with the HDMI issue, was that the Vudu box had other active audio outputs that can be connected directly to the receiver simulataneusly if using his TV as a bridge to route the HDMI sound to his receiver was an issue.

[redwein]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

Getting a Squeezebox to play MP3s would be like getting a Vudu box just to play SD Videos.

Well in the Vudu case that certainly is a reasonable scenario. Convenience can have tremendous value in its own right. Imagine someone who likes the convenience of VOD but only has a 2Mb/s connection and a non-HD TV. A Vudu box at $150 with no subscription fee could certainly be a good fit for them even though they will only watch SD on it. One of my Vudus (in our workout room) is hooked up to an older (pre-HDMI) era LCD flat panel. With that box, we only rent SD because there really isn't any point in getting HD with the component output limited to 480p.

BTW, HD over component output is something that I think should be possible on all of the Vudus, not just the XL models since it has nothing to do with the "custom installation" demographic, in my opinion.

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

G

Why wouldn't you be able to. All audio outputs on the Vudu are active.

Did you read what I said?.

As far as the Burr-Brown DACs in the Squeezebox, I'm not sure how much difference they make with most MP3 based music. For 99% of the users out there, Pandora will be a great add to the Vudu. For those who need more quality, then the Squeezebox is great. I almost bought one a few years back but ended up getting some great closeout deals on Soundbridges at a Tweeter that closed a couple years ago. I got an M2000 for $130!

If you're going to use MP3s with a Squeezebox to listen to MP3s via your stereo then audio quality over your home AV system is not your thing. I use FLAC (CD quality sound) streamed directly to my Squeezebox... I transcode a subset of my FLAC library into MP3s at high bit rate to play in my Cowon D2 portable player. Audio quality and Video quality, specially at home, are important to me. Getting a Squeezebox to play MP3s would be like getting a Vudu box just to play SD Videos.

[NA9D]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

Can you go from one of the Vudu box sound outputs "directly" to your home stereo?... My Vudu box in connected via HDMI to my TV and to my stereo system via one of the digital outputs. That's how I get surround sound because my receiver does not have HDMI. I use a HDMI switcher for video sources.

Why wouldn't you be able to. All audio outputs on the Vudu are active.

As far as the Burr-Brown DACs in the Squeezebox, I'm not sure how much difference they make with most MP3 based music. For 99% of the users out there, Pandora will be a great add to the Vudu. For those who need more quality, then the Squeezebox is great. I almost bought one a few years back but ended up getting some great closeout deals on Soundbridges at a Tweeter that closed a couple years ago. I got an M2000 for $130!

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I've played around with the Pandora feed a bit. It is cool. Unfortunately, the audio feed out of my Bravia seems underpowered, so I don't get great sound out of my stereo. I'm hoping somebody sells in-line amplifiers I can put it.

Can you go from one of the Vudu box sound outputs "directly" to your home stereo?... My Vudu box in connected via HDMI to my TV and to my stereo system via one of the digital outputs. That's how I get surround sound because my receiver does not have HDMI. I use a HDMI switcher for video sources.

I have a Rhapsody susbscription. In addition to songs, they have music videos for many of the artists. It would really be cool to log into Rhapsody and play music videos.

Rhapsody Music Videos... I don't have a subscription, but that sound like a good fit for the Vudu box.

[raaurora]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

This is exactly what I've been trying to say... I like it, but I don't need it... and I'm happy that it has been added to the Vudu box for others to enjoy.

I've played around with the Pandora feed a bit. It is cool. Unfortunately, the audio feed out of my Bravia seems underpowered, so I don't get great sound out of my stereo. I'm hoping somebody sells in-line amplifiers I can put it.

I have a Rhapsody susbscription. In addition to songs, they have music videos for many of the artists. It would really be cool to log into Rhapsody and play music videos.

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I also have a squeezbox so I understand what you are saying. The pandora offering seems cool but I wouldn't look to my vudu to stream music. But for those without a squeezebox or sonos at least it is an alternative way to stream music for parties and such. For me, not so much.

This is exactly what I've been trying to say... I like it, but I don't need it... and I'm happy that it has been added to the Vudu box for others to enjoy.

I'm much more excited about the reference in the article to being able to play video from a computer thru the Vudu. My son's xbox does that but it's down in the basement.

Same here... the "Home Movie" component that was leaked in pictures seems to point to a "local" server component... not as rich as SqueezeCenter, but a window into the Vudu Labs area of the Vudu Box.

[raaurora]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I might not be on everyone side here with this one,

I also have a squeezbox so I understand what you are saying. The pandora offering seems cool but I wouldn't look to my vudu to stream music. But for those without a squeezebox or sonos at least it is an alternative way to stream music for parties and such. For me, not so much.

I'm much more excited about the reference in the article to being able to play video from a computer thru the Vudu. My son's xbox does that but it's down in the basement.

[Taveanator]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I think it's awesome. I'm no audiophile but paying $250 for a Squeezebox just to get Pandroa / internet radio wasn't an option for me. The addition of Pandora to my Vudu box pretty much puts the last piece of my entertainment system puzzle in place - plus I don't have yet another box cluttering up my living room. Keep up the good work Vudu! -T

[RonV]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

I have not tried it yet... but can one listen to Pandora and play one of those Vudu games simultaneously?

You can only have one VUDU Labs application runing at a time...I tried the same thing out this morning and the music stopped as soon as I got back to the VUDU Labs menu....

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

Well, with Pandora, we're talking about mpeg'ed data anyway so it's not like I expect CD quality in the first place.

I agree with pretty much most of what you wrote above, btw. I'm sure we will see updates on those features too. I'm just very glad they have also added Pandora as it's a pretty cool feature. It will definitely help sell some boxes.

I agree... and I'm happy that we have Pandora on Vudu. As I said... more is better. Actually now that it's in the Vudu box I'm going to get my wife a separated account so that she can create her own Pandora stations and listen via the Vudu box. She keeps pressing thumbs + - on tracks she likes/disklikes on my account and messes the mood of my Pandora stations.

I have not tried it yet... but can one listen to Pandora and play one of those Vudu games simultaneously?

[Citizen Erased]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

If audio quality is not that important to you... you'll be fine with the Vudu box. Btw, the Squeezebox does not have HDMI ports. It only outputs audio.

Well, with Pandora, we're talking about mpeg'ed data anyway so it's not like I expect CD quality in the first place.

I agree with pretty much most of what you wrote above, btw. I'm sure we will see updates on those features too. I'm just very glad they have also added Pandora as it's a pretty cool feature. It will definitely help sell some boxes.

[tamanaco]

Re: Pandora on VUDU?

It's live!

Go to Vudu Labs and it's at the top of the list.

Guess this give me one less reason to buy a Squeeze Box (I've run out of HDMI ports anyway!).

If audio quality is not that important to you... you'll be fine with the Vudu box. Btw, the Squeezebox does not have HDMI ports. It only outputs audio.