WalMart Integrates Vudu For Mainstream Appeal

Originally published on WebTVWire.com – a TV Technology blog.

WalMart is finally integrating Vudu into its main website, thereby taking the streaming service well and truly into the mainstream. Should Netflix and all the other companies already competing in this sector be looking over their shoulders?

WalMart Adopts Vudu

Vudu was doing pretty well(although clearly not well enough) as a hardware-based video platform before WalMart acquired the company early in 2010. Since then Vudu has been made available on 300-plus connected devices as the giant retailer seeks to make its acquisition pay.

Now comes phase two of that effort, with WalMart truly trying to send Vudu over the top to become a mainstream option and a household name. Where it will have to compete with Netflix, the current online video darling of the mainstream.

Vudu Goes Mainstream

WalMart has now integrated Vudu into its main website, with all the content available to purchase on Walmart.com. Rather than just copy and paste Vudu onto the site, the Vudu section looks and feels like the rest of the retailer’s main domain.

This is an important step for WalMart to have taken because it is clearly gearing itself up for the day when streaming overtakes DVD and Blu-ray sales. Which is a day approaching at a veritable rate of knots.

A WalMart spokesperson told VentureBeat:

“One of our key priorities is to provide one seamless shopping experience for our customers and to help them shop the way they live their lives today. This means we’re bringing together everything we are from our stores, our brand, and our footprint with the power of eCommerce, mobile technologies, etc. With VUDU now integrated into Walmart.com, we’re providing customers more access to enjoy digital entertainment in a variety of ways — on their terms.”

One thing to note is that only SD videos can be streamed through the site, with those seeking HD video having to revert to one of the devices set up to support Vudu.

Conclusions

WalMart must sense an opportunity here thanks to Netflix recently hiking its prices and the company possibly taking its eye of the domestic market as it seeks to expand internationally.

They may be two different entities competing in separate markets but WalMart would surely love to see Vudu become as integral a part of everyday life in the U.S. as Netflix now has. And who can blame them.

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