Why Not Use Local Storage as Buffer for HDX

[coachkecz]

One of the main features of VUDU, and a critical point of differentiation from other streaming services, is the availability of HDX titles. However, there are major issues with buffering and poor internet connections that limit the availability of this service.

Why not buffer a portion of the film using local storage to alleviate some of the bandwidth issues? I'm not talking about "downloading" a complete film to local storage for an indefinite period of time, but rather using the flash drive on a BD player or the hard drive on a PS3 to allow for a larger buffer. Once the film is through, there would be no remaining data stored locally.

Furthermore, you could use mobile apps or a web interface to begin the buffering process. Kick it off before you leave work and have it buffered when you get home. Or start it before dinner and have it ready while you heat something up.

How much buffer time would you need if your connection was only 2mb? 4mb? Though they might have to wait a little longer, this would at least give people the option of enjoying HDX. The built-in speed test that VUDU uses could tell you how long (and how much) you'd need to buffer if you want to watch HD or HDX based on your current bandwidth.

Some BD players have built-in storage and most use an external flash drive to support BD Live content. Why not leverage this to expand the reach of HDX, the biggest selling point of VUDU?

Are there technological limitations vis-a-vis 1080p streaming that make this impossible (e.g. is it not just a matter of having a large upfront buffer but rather a true need for CONTINUOUS high throughput)? Surely someone at VUDU has considered this. Is it a perceived lack of local storage capability?

What do you guys think?

[AmishFury]

Re: Why Not Use Local Storage as Buffer for HDX

$5 says it's the content providers and their fear of technology

the second you mention hard drive or something like that they start crying about piracy

[t1user]

Re: Why Not Use Local Storage as Buffer for HDX

These days you would think it's feasible to have say 4GB of buffer RAM, then you don't have to worry about hard disk storage.

[mike568]

Re: Why Not Use Local Storage as Buffer for HDX

You can download the movies in HDX to the PS3 hard drive. You need to an internet connection to start the movie so I can verify the license with Vudu.

[retrospiff]

Re: Why Not Use Local Storage as Buffer for HDX

$5 says it's the content providers and their fear of technology

the second you mention hard drive or something like that they start crying about piracy

Bingo. Piracy is the main reason. It is also the reason you can only stream SD.

[MaxH]

Re: Why Not Use Local Storage as Buffer for HDX

Bingo. Piracy is the main reason. It is also the reason you can only stream SD.

Well, close. An irrational fear and misunderstanding of piracy and digital media in general are the main reasons.