Fandangonow (mgo) vs VUDU - Blu-ray Forum

isu4me · 12-01-2016, 07:15 PM

I was surprised that there was not much talk of the Fandangonow vs VUDU. I see that everyone (who use digital) are very positive regarding VUDU but no one is really talking about the Fandangonow apps.
For starters, I do think that the VUDU HDX is pretty good quality, however I decided to give Fandangonow a try (on the Xbox One) as I see that it supported DTS-HD audio on the HD titles. No other UV, or streaming service is doing this for HD titles as VUDU only uses DD+. I realize UHD does have atmos in VUDU but I don't have 4k available, nor will I for some time and a everyong (who uses UV) probably has significant HD library.
I realize that the DTS-HD appears to only be on the Xbox One right now but I would assume that it will eventually make it's way to the other supported streaming boxes (like ROKU). I tried a couple movies just to see how it sounded (BVS and Jason Bourne) and I thought they sounded (and looked) really good. Now I did not do and direct comparisons or anything technical, just to my ears. I found the audit and video excellent - but I couldn't find anyone that has done any actual comparisons.
Just thought I'd reach out and see if anyone else had used, or is using the app and what their impressions were. It seems like a big (although natural) step to include HD audio (for HD streaming).

Opinions/thoughts from others? Does anyone know what Fandangonow specs are for their movies (bit rate, audio, etc)?

squatting hen · 12-01-2016, 07:29 PM

Just based on accessing your UV collection -

Vudu also organizes your owned collection the best. On the Roku, Fandango Now is awful at this. I have used them for a free weekly rental, and that is fine at all, but if they were the only provider I could use for UV, my entire household wouldn't be happy.

Cranston37 · 12-01-2016, 07:35 PM

It needs to support DMA before I use it...

crackedknee · 12-01-2016, 07:46 PM

FandandgoNow is indeed awful when it comes to how they sort your UV collection. Vudu is the best of any service at being able to find your collection in an organized, easy to access manner.

I must note, though, using the weekly FN/T-Mobile rental, that the streaming itself is quite good. AND, it varies from service to service, but some movies that have the wrong aspect ratio in Vudu (2.39 movies at 1.78 = 24% loss of picture) are correct in FN.

isu4me · 12-01-2016, 08:52 PM

I can't speak for the ROKU app as I haven't used it, only the Xbox One app. I agree the interface is, not good to be polite, when it comes to viewing your UV library. I guess I was looking, for the moment, at strictly the playback quality. For me, I can take a clunky interface (which would hopefully get better over some time) if the playback is better.

whipnet · 12-06-2016, 03:41 AM

I rarely make it through a movie on FandangoNow without it bombing. The Vudu app is far superior.

I'll buy things on FandangoNow to watch on Vudu. They usually have better prices and no tax added.

*

dunnbluray · 12-06-2016, 01:32 PM

I started recently using FandangoNow. I've noticed the streaming quality is better than Vudu's. It appears FandangoNow has a higher bitrate. Movies on FandangoNow look much better on my 4K tv than Vudu using the same video settings.

I agree, the library organization is quite a mess. I've sent them emails with suggestions on how they could improve it. They need to group TV episodes into seasons. Also, it doesn't allow you to sort or filter your library. The default view should be newest added.

benderal · 12-06-2016, 04:00 PM

Maybe someone can explain this to me. Why are there movies on Vudu that are UV, but the same movies on FandangoNow aren't UV. Perfect examples of this are The Wild Life and Hands of Stone are UV. If a movie is UV then shouldn't it be UV across all streaming services?

AnemicOak · 12-06-2016, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benderal

If a movie is UV then shouldn't it be UV across all streaming services?

You'd think so, but I've noticed the same with CinemaNow vs Vudu in the past.

You'll also find some places have some titles in SD only while others have them in both SD and HD and some have the same movie with a different aspect ratio. You'd think the studios would have a version control system where the same source files are what's given to every service, but it doesn't seem to. You'd also think that if a given seller has a contract with a studio to sell their titles that they'd have all the same titles as other sellers, but that's not the case either. As much as I'm an overall fan of digital movies much of the system is pretty half assed.

larrs · 12-08-2016, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isu4me

I was surprised that there was not much talk of the Fandangonow vs VUDU. I see that everyone (who use digital) are very positive regarding VUDU but no one is really talking about the Fandangonow apps.
For starters, I do think that the VUDU HDX is pretty good quality, however I decided to give Fandangonow a try (on the Xbox One) as I see that it supported DTS-HD audio on the HD titles. No other UV, or streaming service is doing this for HD titles as VUDU only uses DD+. I realize UHD does have atmos in VUDU but I don't have 4k available, nor will I for some time and a everyong (who uses UV) probably has significant HD library.
I realize that the DTS-HD appears to only be on the Xbox One right now but I would assume that it will eventually make it's way to the other supported streaming boxes (like ROKU). I tried a couple movies just to see how it sounded (BVS and Jason Bourne) and I thought they sounded (and looked) really good. Now I did not do and direct comparisons or anything technical, just to my ears. I found the audit and video excellent - but I couldn't find anyone that has done any actual comparisons.
Just thought I'd reach out and see if anyone else had used, or is using the app and what their impressions were. It seems like a big (although natural) step to include HD audio (for HD streaming). For right now, I have mine set to DD just so my Atmos system can decode that properly for my setup. YMMV

Opinions/thoughts from others? Does anyone know what Fandangonow specs are for their movies (bit rate, audio, etc)?

I think things changed after Fandango bought MGO. I think the picture quality is equal to or sometimes better than Vudu. That being said, I own a boatload of UV movies due to the disc to digital program and I would agree with others that the FandangoNow app is one of the worst possible at navigating through your own collection to find something to watch. I find if I am going to use it, I still go to Vudu on my computer to find what I am going to watch and then search for it on FandangoNow- it's a PITA.

Also, keep in mind the XboX doesn't do real DTS-HD yet. It either does regular DTS, regular Dolby Digital or PCM. DTS-HD and DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and Atmos, etc. will come sometime early in the new year. Right now there is no sonic value to using FandangoNow unless you have the Xbox set to output DTS and you feel DTS is better than DD (many do), but you are not getting DTS-HD. Right now, I have mine set to output DD so I can let my Atmos receiver's DSP route the sound as best as it can. YMMV

larrs · 12-08-2016, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benderal

Maybe someone can explain this to me. Why are there movies on Vudu that are UV, but the same movies on FandangoNow aren't UV. Perfect examples of this are The Wild Life and Hands of Stone are UV. If a movie is UV then shouldn't it be UV across all streaming services?

It's been that way since the beginning. It is like each service has to separately license UV rights to each title. That has driven me to only redeem or buy all of my titles on one service (Vudu).

olarmy96 · 12-10-2016, 04:18 PM

Since I now have a Vizio P50 with built-in Chromecast, I thought I'd give FandangoNow a try. I use Vudu on numerous devices with over 1000 UV HD movie titles (most on Blu-ray as well).

I agree that the Vudu UI is much better, but my top priority for streaming is movie quality. In most cases, Vudu is good in this area. However, there are some exceptions.

There's a long thread of https://forum.vudu.com/showthread.ph...io-quot-Thread on the Vudu forums.

Some renowned classics have butchered aspect ratios that look terrible and are unwatchable to me.

I checked 10 of these last night and 8/10 have the correct OAR on FandangoNow. In most cases, I thought the picture quality was quite good. All except Ben-Hur (1959) streamed in 1080p@24.

Ben-Hur was only 720p (sometimes 480p), not sure if it was my connection or something with the encode. However, most importantly, it streamed in the correct aspect ratio of 2.76:1.

Two movies still at incorrect aspect ratio on FandangoNow:

A Few Good Men
In the Line of Fire

Eight movies with OAR at FandangoNow reported with incorrect aspect ratio on Vudu:

300
Absolute Power
The American President
Ben-Hur (1959)
The Birds
The Hustler
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Shadow Of A Doubt

Some of these titles I don't own on Blu-ray. So, seeing them in the correct aspect ratio for the first time in 1080p on FandangoNow, they never looked better.

Perhaps having some competition will push Vudu to get their library corrected.

Almost all the titles in the thread have languished for nearly 4 years with no update.

Vudu used to have a big lead for UV streaming, however it seems FandangoNow has closed a sizable portion of the gap.

steve_dave · 12-10-2016, 04:44 PM

Here is my opinion:

Vudu -

Pros

Best interface for 90% of devices
Amazing Dolby Atmos audio option for nearly all devices
+ Bonus Features/Vudu Extras/Extras+ for many films
Free With Ads now available for selected titles
Cleanest library, duplicates are not displayed, highest quality is available first
Prices are more reasonable

Cons

Some titles presented in digital Stereo/Stereo Surround only
OAR issues with many titles
Xbox 360/One UI is still Metro UI and does not offer 3D playback, Free with Ads, or Dolby Atmos playback
XBox 360/One app is unstable and may not play back properly
+ Bonus Features/Vudu Extras/Extras+ is confusing, some titles offer all three. Vudu will consolidate at some point to just Vudu Extras and Extras+ but still it is cluttered.

FandangoNow -

Pros

DTS-HD audio available on selected devices
XBox One app more stable and fluid.
OAR on nearly every title
Rewards Program allows you to earn discounts on future purchases/rentals

Cons

Pricing can be unreasonable or confusing
Library is unnecessary messy with sections for FandangoNow purchases, Rentals, and UV Library. Individual TV shows in UV Library section are displayed individuallly instead of under a season. Duplicates are shown.
Available on far fewer devices.

dabl · 01-15-2017, 08:00 PM

Can anyone confirm they get 5.1 Dolby Digital audio with FandangoNow?

I must be missing something but with my Roku Ultra or Sony XBR65X930D FandangoNow apps I only get stereo audio for any trailer.

Do I need to purchase a movie to get 5.1 Dolby Digital audio?

With the Vudu app on either of my systems I get 5.1 Dolby Digital audio for trailers/previews.

Member-353571 · 01-15-2017, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isu4me

I can't speak for the ROKU app as I haven't used it, only the Xbox One app. I agree the interface is, not good to be polite, when it comes to viewing your UV library. I guess I was looking, for the moment, at strictly the playback quality. For me, I can take a clunky interface (which would hopefully get better over some time) if the playback is better.

The VUDU Xbox One app has been updated. Rather, it is a new app. You have to look for the new app in the app store. Get rid of the old VUDU app.

dunnbluray · 01-16-2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve_dave

Here is my opinion:

Vudu -

Pros

Best interface for 90% of devices
Amazing Dolby Atmos audio option for nearly all devices
+ Bonus Features/Vudu Extras/Extras+ for many films
Free With Ads now available for selected titles
Cleanest library, duplicates are not displayed, highest quality is available first
Prices are more reasonable

Chapter Selection.

Connects to DMA.

Share UV library up to 5 users at a time.

Recently Watched List

Expanding 4K UHD Library

Cons

Some titles presented in digital Stereo/Stereo Surround only
OAR issues with many titles
Xbox 360/One UI is still Metro UI and does not offer 3D playback, Free with Ads, or Dolby Atmos playback
XBox 360/One app is unstable and may not play back properly
+ Bonus Features/Vudu Extras/Extras+ is confusing, some titles offer all three. Vudu will consolidate at some point to just Vudu Extras and Extras+ but still it is cluttered.

FandangoNow -

Pros

DTS-HD audio available on selected devices
XBox One app more stable and fluid.
OAR on nearly every title
Rewards Program allows you to earn discounts on future purchases/rentals

Higher bitrate streams for new titles released in 2015 and beyond.

Additional movies UV enabled and available in HD.

Cons

Pricing can be unreasonable or confusing
Library is unnecessary messy with sections for FandangoNow purchases, Rentals, and UV Library. Individual TV shows in UV Library section are displayed individuallly instead of under a season. Duplicates are shown.
Available on far fewer devices.

Doesn't connect to DMA.

Unable to sort or filter UV library.

Great list. I added a few additions.

jasonvoigt · 02-12-2017, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the complete pros vs. cons list. I can definitely relate. I bought a new TCL Roku TV (lovin' it so far...) last week and it had automatically installed Fandango mgo on it, supposedly to be my main source for movies/TV on the menu. I regularly use Vudu and have in the last 3 years, and I've had an account with Fandango for probably half a year now, but never was active. I'm not sure why TCL or whichever company (probably Roku) has teamed up with Fandango of all streaming suppliers, but I'm not gonna bear with Fandango. It's just not cool how they separate libraries (movies you bought from Fandango vs. Ultraviolet) and they do such a crappy job in sorting your UV titles. None of my TV shows (Eastbound and Down, Little House on the Prairie) wouldn't play on Fandango, even though they are UV-enabled. Vudu still manages to outweigh them all.

AnemicOak · 02-12-2017, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonvoigt

I'm not sure why TCL or whichever company (probably Roku) has teamed up with Fandango of all streaming suppliers, but I'm not gonna bear with Fandango.

It's a Roku thing. They had a deal to make M-Go the built in provider and when M-Go became FN it carried over.

nycomet · 02-12-2017, 11:48 PM

Although I am a huge Vudu fan, here is one more item to add to the "cons" list:

Vudu previews and trailers are all presented in SD quality. This is pathetic! All trailers and previews on Vudu should be in HDX.

12-01-2016, 07:15 PM	#1
isu4me Active Member Member since:Apr 2014 4K collection:163 Blu-ray collection:837 DVD collection:42 MA collection:931 Digital collection:1094 iTunes collection:1315 Trading Score:159	Fandangonow (mgo) vs VUDU I was surprised that there was not much talk of the Fandangonow vs VUDU. I see that everyone (who use digital) are very positive regarding VUDU but no one is really talking about the Fandangonow apps. For starters, I do think that the VUDU HDX is pretty good quality, however I decided to give Fandangonow a try (on the Xbox One) as I see that it supported DTS-HD audio on the HD titles. No other UV, or streaming service is doing this for HD titles as VUDU only uses DD+. I realize UHD does have atmos in VUDU but I don't have 4k available, nor will I for some time and a everyong (who uses UV) probably has significant HD library. I realize that the DTS-HD appears to only be on the Xbox One right now but I would assume that it will eventually make it's way to the other supported streaming boxes (like ROKU). I tried a couple movies just to see how it sounded (BVS and Jason Bourne) and I thought they sounded (and looked) really good. Now I did not do and direct comparisons or anything technical, just to my ears. I found the audit and video excellent - but I couldn't find anyone that has done any actual comparisons. Just thought I'd reach out and see if anyone else had used, or is using the app and what their impressions were. It seems like a big (although natural) step to include HD audio (for HD streaming). Opinions/thoughts from others? Does anyone know what Fandangonow specs are for their movies (bit rate, audio, etc)?

12-06-2016, 01:32 PM	#7
dunnbluray Power Member Member since:Oct 2013 Trading Score:434	I started recently using FandangoNow. I've noticed the streaming quality is better than Vudu's. It appears FandangoNow has a higher bitrate. Movies on FandangoNow look much better on my 4K tv than Vudu using the same video settings. I agree, the library organization is quite a mess. I've sent them emails with suggestions on how they could improve it. They need to group TV episodes into seasons. Also, it doesn't allow you to sort or filter your library. The default view should be newest added. Last edited by dunnbluray; 12-06-2016 at 02:11 PM.

12-10-2016, 04:44 PM	#13
steve_dave Blu-ray Duke Member since:Nov 2008 Trading Score:21	Here is my opinion: Vudu - Pros Best interface for 90% of devices Amazing Dolby Atmos audio option for nearly all devices + Bonus Features/Vudu Extras/Extras+ for many films Free With Ads now available for selected titles Cleanest library, duplicates are not displayed, highest quality is available first Prices are more reasonable Cons Some titles presented in digital Stereo/Stereo Surround only OAR issues with many titles Xbox 360/One UI is still Metro UI and does not offer 3D playback, Free with Ads, or Dolby Atmos playback XBox 360/One app is unstable and may not play back properly + Bonus Features/Vudu Extras/Extras+ is confusing, some titles offer all three. Vudu will consolidate at some point to just Vudu Extras and Extras+ but still it is cluttered. FandangoNow - Pros DTS-HD audio available on selected devices XBox One app more stable and fluid. OAR on nearly every title Rewards Program allows you to earn discounts on future purchases/rentals Cons Pricing can be unreasonable or confusing Library is unnecessary messy with sections for FandangoNow purchases, Rentals, and UV Library. Individual TV shows in UV Library section are displayed individuallly instead of under a season. Duplicates are shown. Available on far fewer devices.

12-01-2016, 07:29 PM	#2
squatting hen Special Member Member since:Aug 2013 Location:TX MA collection:459 Digital collection:772 Trading Score:350	Just based on accessing your UV collection - Vudu also organizes your owned collection the best. On the Roku, Fandango Now is awful at this. I have used them for a free weekly rental, and that is fine at all, but if they were the only provider I could use for UV, my entire household wouldn't be happy.

12-01-2016, 07:35 PM	#3
Cranston37 Senior Member Member since:Jul 2014 Trading Score:9	It needs to support DMA before I use it...

12-01-2016, 07:46 PM	#4
crackedknee Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Nov 2014 4K collection:134 Blu-ray collection:420 DVD collection:195 MA collection:1777 Digital collection:992 iTunes collection:33 Prime collection:1 Trading Score:728	FandandgoNow is indeed awful when it comes to how they sort your UV collection. Vudu is the best of any service at being able to find your collection in an organized, easy to access manner. I must note, though, using the weekly FN/T-Mobile rental, that the streaming itself is quite good. AND, it varies from service to service, but some movies that have the wrong aspect ratio in Vudu (2.39 movies at 1.78 = 24% loss of picture) are correct in FN.

12-01-2016, 08:52 PM	#5
isu4me Active Member Member since:Apr 2014 4K collection:163 Blu-ray collection:837 DVD collection:42 MA collection:931 Digital collection:1094 iTunes collection:1315 Trading Score:159	I can't speak for the ROKU app as I haven't used it, only the Xbox One app. I agree the interface is, not good to be polite, when it comes to viewing your UV library. I guess I was looking, for the moment, at strictly the playback quality. For me, I can take a clunky interface (which would hopefully get better over some time) if the playback is better.

12-06-2016, 03:41 AM	#6
whipnet Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2016 Location:Korova Milk Bar 4K collection:19 Blu-ray collection:233 DVD collection:420 MA collection:1124 Digital collection:1209 iTunes collection:1 Prime collection:121	I rarely make it through a movie on FandangoNow without it bombing. The Vudu app is far superior. I'll buy things on FandangoNow to watch on Vudu. They usually have better prices and no tax added. *

12-06-2016, 04:00 PM	#8
benderal Expert Member Member since:Sep 2011 Location:Pittsburgh 4K collection:31 Blu-ray collection:1138 Digital collection:2649 iTunes collection:7 Trading Score:344	Maybe someone can explain this to me. Why are there movies on Vudu that are UV, but the same movies on FandangoNow aren't UV. Perfect examples of this are The Wild Life and Hands of Stone are UV. If a movie is UV then shouldn't it be UV across all streaming services?

12-10-2016, 04:18 PM	#12
olarmy96 Active Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:110 Digital collection:683 Trading Score:15	Since I now have a Vizio P50 with built-in Chromecast, I thought I'd give FandangoNow a try. I use Vudu on numerous devices with over 1000 UV HD movie titles (most on Blu-ray as well). I agree that the Vudu UI is much better, but my top priority for streaming is movie quality. In most cases, Vudu is good in this area. However, there are some exceptions. There's a long thread of https://forum.vudu.com/showthread.ph...io-quot-Thread on the Vudu forums. Some renowned classics have butchered aspect ratios that look terrible and are unwatchable to me. I checked 10 of these last night and 8/10 have the correct OAR on FandangoNow. In most cases, I thought the picture quality was quite good. All except Ben-Hur (1959) streamed in 1080p@24. Ben-Hur was only 720p (sometimes 480p), not sure if it was my connection or something with the encode. However, most importantly, it streamed in the correct aspect ratio of 2.76:1. Two movies still at incorrect aspect ratio on FandangoNow: A Few Good Men In the Line of Fire Eight movies with OAR at FandangoNow reported with incorrect aspect ratio on Vudu: 300 Absolute Power The American President Ben-Hur (1959) The Birds The Hustler The Outlaw Josey Wales Shadow Of A Doubt Some of these titles I don't own on Blu-ray. So, seeing them in the correct aspect ratio for the first time in 1080p on FandangoNow, they never looked better. Perhaps having some competition will push Vudu to get their library corrected. Almost all the titles in the thread have languished for nearly 4 years with no update. Vudu used to have a big lead for UV streaming, however it seems FandangoNow has closed a sizable portion of the gap.

01-15-2017, 08:00 PM	#14
dabl Junior Member Member since:Jul 2007	Can anyone confirm they get 5.1 Dolby Digital audio with FandangoNow? I must be missing something but with my Roku Ultra or Sony XBR65X930D FandangoNow apps I only get stereo audio for any trailer. Do I need to purchase a movie to get 5.1 Dolby Digital audio? With the Vudu app on either of my systems I get 5.1 Dolby Digital audio for trailers/previews.

02-12-2017, 09:01 PM	#17
jasonvoigt Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Glen Carbon, IL Blu-ray collection:29 MA collection:576 Digital collection:200 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:4	Thanks for the complete pros vs. cons list. I can definitely relate. I bought a new TCL Roku TV (lovin' it so far...) last week and it had automatically installed Fandango mgo on it, supposedly to be my main source for movies/TV on the menu. I regularly use Vudu and have in the last 3 years, and I've had an account with Fandango for probably half a year now, but never was active. I'm not sure why TCL or whichever company (probably Roku) has teamed up with Fandango of all streaming suppliers, but I'm not gonna bear with Fandango. It's just not cool how they separate libraries (movies you bought from Fandango vs. Ultraviolet) and they do such a crappy job in sorting your UV titles. None of my TV shows (Eastbound and Down, Little House on the Prairie) wouldn't play on Fandango, even though they are UV-enabled. Vudu still manages to outweigh them all.

02-12-2017, 11:48 PM	#19
nycomet Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Long Island, NY, USA ; I enjoy watching 3D blu-rays; 41 Blufans steels so far Home Theater Gallery:11 Blu-ray collection:1344 DVD collection:55 Digital collection:246 Blu-ray reviews:40 Trading Score:343	Although I am a huge Vudu fan, here is one more item to add to the "cons" list: Vudu previews and trailers are all presented in SD quality. This is pathetic! All trailers and previews on Vudu should be in HDX.

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