FAQ - Digital Copies (UV, CinemaNow, Vudu, Flixster & Apps Help Thread) - Page 4 - Blu-ray Forum

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-07-2012, 11:01 PM

I'm happy that there is more then one and we have a choice. The only problem I have is that some of these providers seem to need more time to get there crap together before it works really smoothly and seamlessly. But that should be resolved with time...

flix1 · 12-08-2012, 11:28 PM

Great thread.

Well, after 5 years of collecting over 1000 BD's, I decided to finally start redeeming the digital copies.

I started with the UV ones ... and personally I love UV. The ability to stream/download on Android devices is great.

Now, I've moved to the non-UV ones. Some only allow iTunes/Windows Media, and although I am not a fan of iTunes, I have been choosing iTunes over Windows.

So, I some of the studios have you go online to pick which service you want to download into. If its between iTunes and Windows Media, its the same as above ... but a few also offer VUDU.

I created a VUDU account and its linked to my UV account ... it seems like these 2 are fairly well integrated.

To my question ... if I redeem a VUDU movie, does it get added to my UV account? Or will I only see it in VUDU and only be able to watch through VUDU and VUDU capable devices?

If my VUDU movies are not in UV, then I'm not sure if I should choose VUDU or iTunes. Believe me ... you'll get no love from me for iTunes, but it has history and longevity.

flix1 · 12-08-2012, 11:31 PM

... and what about pocket Blu?

Anyone have any experience with it?

flix1 · 12-09-2012, 02:44 AM

Regarding VUDU, I'm not sure this entirely answers my questions, but it seems that IF the VUDU movie is supported on UV (i.e. allowed by the studio), then it should be added to your UV account.

I am reading "purchased to own on VUDU" as equivalent to "redeemed", as in a code redemption.

Excerpts from the VUDU FAQ:

Do I need an UltraViolet™ account to participate in the Disc-To-Digital program?
Disc to Digital is an UltraViolet program backed by many of the world's leading entertainment and technology companies and offered by Walmart. Creating a free UltraViolet account is a necessary step to initiate the Disc-to-Digital program. Once you create your UltraViolet account, any movies from participating studios that you purchase electronically on VUDU, including any past purchases, will be automatically registered within your UltraViolet account at no extra charge to you. You will also be able to redeem UltraViolet e-copies offered with select DVDs and Blu-ray discs offered by participating studios.

If I purchase a movie to own on VUDU, will it automatically be added to my UltraViolet™ account?
As long as the movie is available for UltraViolet redemption and your VUDU and UltraViolet accounts are linked together, the title should be added and accessible through both your UltraViolet and VUDU account. Look for the UltraViolet logo to see if a movie is UltraViolet-compatible.

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-09-2012, 12:37 PM

I would choose VUDU over iTunes any day! Your right, that if the movie is available with UV it will be added to you UV locker. But the one thing to note about iTunes vs VUDU is that if you have a movie to redeem and it's not currently a UV title. When it becomes available as a UV title, VUDU will automatically add it to your UV locker. This won't happen with iTunes because Apple doesn't support UV and is not part of the DECE. In the future if Apple came on board, then that might change... But I would choose VUDU over iTunes, if you have the choice...

flix1 · 12-09-2012, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomNinjaAtk

I would choose VUDU over iTunes any day! Your right, that if the movie is available with UV it will be added to you UV locker. But the one thing to note about iTunes vs VUDU is that if you have a movie to redeem and it's not currently a UV title. When it becomes available as a UV title, VUDU will automatically add it to your UV locker. This won't happen with iTunes because Apple doesn't support UV and is not part of the DECE. In the future if Apple came on board, then that might change... But I would choose VUDU over iTunes, if you have the choice...

Thanks. I was leaning that way, but wanted someone to push me over the edge.

I think the only drawback would be if there was a VUDU movie that was not in my UV library, I have no way to share it ... whereas in UV and iTunes I can share them with my family.

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-09-2012, 04:18 PM

Did Apple introduce something new for sharing? As far as I was aware that wasn't really possible except for giving someone access to your own account... which really isn't sharing as you could technically do the same thing with VUDU.

But I have not used iTunes in the past year or so with all the changes.... iCloud and etc.

flix1 · 12-09-2012, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomNinjaAtk

Did Apple introduce something new for sharing? As far as I was aware that wasn't really possible except for giving someone access to your own account... which really isn't sharing as you could technically do the same thing with VUDU.

But I have not used iTunes in the past year or so with all the changes.... iCloud and etc.

True, in a sense ... Apple has the "Home Sharing" option, which isn't much different than just having your Apple ID on 5 computers.

VUDU is about the same, as I think about it.

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-09-2012, 05:34 PM

Well with UV its a bit different, because you could have 6 total UV member accounts with 6 different logins and then each member can have there own unique VUDU account. This way each member can separately rate and track what movies they've watched and etc. Also each VUDU member can have up to 5 devices linked to their account.. This is far more flexible and better then Apple's program.

flix1 · 12-09-2012, 06:53 PM

Ok. On to a new set of questions:

1) Does it make any difference which service you redeem your UV copy through?

For example, with The Lorax, you get a UV copy where instructions direct you to the UniversalDigitalCopy.com site to start. Selections for UV copy redemption at their site are "Universal" (through their own site), Flixster or VUDU.

If you select Flixster, it sends your directly to the Flixster site.

If you select Universal, you login to their site and go through the redemption process on their site.

If you select VUDU, you MUST enter your code, email, etc on the Universal webpage and then it links you over to the VUDU site, where it "automatically" redeems on VUDU without you required to enter anything. You only need to login. Based on some messing around, it looks like Universal auto generates a redemption code for VUDU on their site at that moment and sends it to VUDU. You cannot go to VUDU and redeem directly.

In the end ... does it even matter which site you redeem through? It seems like its added to your UV account regardless and then all linked services get it.

2) Given a choice between iTunes and Amazon Instant Video, what would be your preference?

Again, with The Lorax, in addition to the UV copy, you get a digital copy through another service (iTunes, Windows Media or Amazon Instant Video).

As I posted previously, I usually skip Windows unless it is my only option, so that leaves the other 2. Until now, most digital copy redemptions were only iTunes and Windows, which was an easy choice. Throwing Amazon into the mix leaves me open to overthink more decisions.

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-10-2012, 12:16 PM

1. Sometimes! I say this because I've received bonuses occasionally from redeeming a movie. For example I redeemed Spider-Man 2 from Sony's site and received a copy of Spider-man 2.1 (directors cut) in addition to the original. I had no way of knowing before redeeming though. I tend to always redeem at the specified location because of this...

2. I would choose Amazon Instant Video. The reason is because they are already supporting the DECE (UV) and they will be more likely to implement UV sooner then Apple's iTunes service. And this could then mean that all titles that you have with Amazon Instant Video would be added to your UV locker, thus allowing you to watch them from VUDU or other retailers.

My first answer is from experience, and my second answer is more influenced based on what I think will theoretically happen. I would recommend that you do whatever works best for you.

Kuma · 12-11-2012, 11:48 PM

Hi guys, do any of you that have experience with iTunes copies know if it is a one time download or do the movies stay tied to your iTunes account for multiple watchings/downloads? Im not a fan of iTunes either but if its my only option Id still like to redeem my DC. Thanks in advance.

darkfear12 · 12-12-2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuma

Hi guys, do any of you that have experience with iTunes copies know if it is a one time download or do the movies stay tied to your iTunes account for multiple watchings/downloads? Im not a fan of iTunes either but if its my only option Id still like to redeem my DC. Thanks in advance.

Well, all the download codes are available through itunes in the cloud. That means you can download them again later if you delete/loose the files. Not sure if you can stream them to an Apple TV. Also not sure about digital copies that come on discs.

Kuma · 12-12-2012, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkfear12

Well, all the download codes are available through itunes in the cloud. That means you can download them again later if you delete/loose the files. Not sure if you can stream them to an Apple TV. Also not sure about digital copies that come on discs.

Well now Im kicking myself in the ass for not redeeming some of those earlier, hopefully some still work.

flix1 · 12-12-2012, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuma

Hi guys, do any of you that have experience with iTunes copies know if it is a one time download or do the movies stay tied to your iTunes account for multiple watchings/downloads? Im not a fan of iTunes either but if its my only option Id still like to redeem my DC. Thanks in advance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkfear12

Well, all the download codes are available through itunes in the cloud. That means you can download them again later if you delete/loose the files. Not sure if you can stream them to an Apple TV. Also not sure about digital copies that come on discs.

If it is a "disc-less" code, as darkfear12 stated, it is part of your iTunes cloud account, and can be downloaded to any iTunes compatible device that you have authorized.

For disc-based codes, I have found that many are available on the cloud, but are not "added to your account". For example, on the main PC where I register all my codes, more than half are disc-based, and although I registered the codes there, I did not fully install them. On that PC, they show as downloadable from the cloud ... but on other computers using the same account, the same movies do NOT show up at all.

I would be willing to bet that if I exported my library from the "registration" PC and imported that library to other PCs that it may show up on them (even though they are not downloaded), but by default, most disc-based are not truly cloud saved.

There are a few disc-based that are definitely NOT in the cloud at all and when I interrupted the 'copy from disc' process, they no longer showed up in my library.

flix1 · 12-12-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomNinjaAtk

2. I would choose Amazon Instant Video. The reason is because they are already supporting the DECE (UV) and they will be more likely to implement UV sooner then Apple's iTunes service. And this could then mean that all titles that you have with Amazon Instant Video would be added to your UV locker, thus allowing you to watch them from VUDU or other retailers.

My first answer is from experience, and my second answer is more influenced based on what I think will theoretically happen. I would recommend that you do whatever works best for you.

Thanks again.

Well, with The Lorax, you already get a UV code, in addition to being able to add to iTunes or Amazon, so if the impending UV access is the only reason for choosing Amazon, then I might choose iTunes to have it with the other large part of my digital collection.

Kuma · 12-13-2012, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flix1

Thanks again.

Well, with The Lorax, you already get a UV code, in addition to being able to add to iTunes or Amazon, so if the impending UV access is the only reason for choosing Amazon, then I might choose iTunes to have it with the other large part of my digital collection.

I can understand your reasoning and if Amazon did go UV it would be truly my go-to service for UV. Already I use that for TV shows such as doctor Who and Torchwood as its included with my Prime account and its a really nice service all around.

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-13-2012, 12:20 PM

In his case, if he already has the UV, I would go with iTunes or something else. Because if Amazon goes UV there would be no point to have redeemed it at a UV site and then Amazon because your UV copy should just become available via Amazon after integration with UV.

Kuma · 12-13-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomNinjaAtk

In his case, if he already has the UV, I would go with iTunes or something else. Because if Amazon goes UV there would be no point to have redeemed it at a UV site and then Amazon because your UV copy should just become available via Amazon after integration with UV.

Thats kind of what I was saying, I was just signing the praises of Amazons service and if they got UV it would be that much better. So yeah, the iTunes one would be the one he should choose now so he can have both. Has there been any indication that Amazon is going UV?

RandomNinjaAtk · 12-13-2012, 02:53 PM

Amazon announced last year at CES that it had joined the DECE (UV)... But they're hasn't been any other news in regards to it. With Barnes & Noble integrating UV into their video service, I would think there would be more pressure on Amazon to do so.... I'm really looking forward to CES 2013 for announcements in regards to UV and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't hear something then...

Just my thoughts...

12-07-2012, 11:01 PM	#61
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	I'm happy that there is more then one and we have a choice. The only problem I have is that some of these providers seem to need more time to get there crap together before it works really smoothly and seamlessly. But that should be resolved with time... Last edited by RandomNinjaAtk; 12-07-2012 at 11:26 PM.

12-10-2012, 12:16 PM	#71
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	1. Sometimes! I say this because I've received bonuses occasionally from redeeming a movie. For example I redeemed Spider-Man 2 from Sony's site and received a copy of Spider-man 2.1 (directors cut) in addition to the original. I had no way of knowing before redeeming though. I tend to always redeem at the specified location because of this... 2. I would choose Amazon Instant Video. The reason is because they are already supporting the DECE (UV) and they will be more likely to implement UV sooner then Apple's iTunes service. And this could then mean that all titles that you have with Amazon Instant Video would be added to your UV locker, thus allowing you to watch them from VUDU or other retailers. My first answer is from experience, and my second answer is more influenced based on what I think will theoretically happen. I would recommend that you do whatever works best for you. Last edited by RandomNinjaAtk; 12-10-2012 at 12:19 PM.

12-08-2012, 11:28 PM	#62
flix1 Member Member since:Oct 2008 Blu-ray collection:1536 DVD collection:7 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:2	Great thread. Well, after 5 years of collecting over 1000 BD's, I decided to finally start redeeming the digital copies. I started with the UV ones ... and personally I love UV. The ability to stream/download on Android devices is great. Now, I've moved to the non-UV ones. Some only allow iTunes/Windows Media, and although I am not a fan of iTunes, I have been choosing iTunes over Windows. So, I some of the studios have you go online to pick which service you want to download into. If its between iTunes and Windows Media, its the same as above ... but a few also offer VUDU. I created a VUDU account and its linked to my UV account ... it seems like these 2 are fairly well integrated. To my question ... if I redeem a VUDU movie, does it get added to my UV account? Or will I only see it in VUDU and only be able to watch through VUDU and VUDU capable devices? If my VUDU movies are not in UV, then I'm not sure if I should choose VUDU or iTunes. Believe me ... you'll get no love from me for iTunes, but it has history and longevity.

12-08-2012, 11:31 PM	#63
flix1 Member Member since:Oct 2008 Blu-ray collection:1536 DVD collection:7 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:2	... and what about pocket Blu? Anyone have any experience with it?

12-09-2012, 02:44 AM	#64
flix1 Member Member since:Oct 2008 Blu-ray collection:1536 DVD collection:7 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:2	Regarding VUDU, I'm not sure this entirely answers my questions, but it seems that IF the VUDU movie is supported on UV (i.e. allowed by the studio), then it should be added to your UV account. I am reading "purchased to own on VUDU" as equivalent to "redeemed", as in a code redemption. Excerpts from the VUDU FAQ: Do I need an UltraViolet™ account to participate in the Disc-To-Digital program? Disc to Digital is an UltraViolet program backed by many of the world's leading entertainment and technology companies and offered by Walmart. Creating a free UltraViolet account is a necessary step to initiate the Disc-to-Digital program. Once you create your UltraViolet account, any movies from participating studios that you purchase electronically on VUDU, including any past purchases, will be automatically registered within your UltraViolet account at no extra charge to you. You will also be able to redeem UltraViolet e-copies offered with select DVDs and Blu-ray discs offered by participating studios. If I purchase a movie to own on VUDU, will it automatically be added to my UltraViolet™ account? As long as the movie is available for UltraViolet redemption and your VUDU and UltraViolet accounts are linked together, the title should be added and accessible through both your UltraViolet and VUDU account. Look for the UltraViolet logo to see if a movie is UltraViolet-compatible.

12-09-2012, 12:37 PM	#65
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	I would choose VUDU over iTunes any day! Your right, that if the movie is available with UV it will be added to you UV locker. But the one thing to note about iTunes vs VUDU is that if you have a movie to redeem and it's not currently a UV title. When it becomes available as a UV title, VUDU will automatically add it to your UV locker. This won't happen with iTunes because Apple doesn't support UV and is not part of the DECE. In the future if Apple came on board, then that might change... But I would choose VUDU over iTunes, if you have the choice...

12-09-2012, 04:18 PM	#67
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	Did Apple introduce something new for sharing? As far as I was aware that wasn't really possible except for giving someone access to your own account... which really isn't sharing as you could technically do the same thing with VUDU. But I have not used iTunes in the past year or so with all the changes.... iCloud and etc.

12-09-2012, 05:34 PM	#69
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	Well with UV its a bit different, because you could have 6 total UV member accounts with 6 different logins and then each member can have there own unique VUDU account. This way each member can separately rate and track what movies they've watched and etc. Also each VUDU member can have up to 5 devices linked to their account.. This is far more flexible and better then Apple's program.

12-09-2012, 06:53 PM	#70
flix1 Member Member since:Oct 2008 Blu-ray collection:1536 DVD collection:7 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:2	Ok. On to a new set of questions: 1) Does it make any difference which service you redeem your UV copy through? For example, with The Lorax, you get a UV copy where instructions direct you to the UniversalDigitalCopy.com site to start. Selections for UV copy redemption at their site are "Universal" (through their own site), Flixster or VUDU. If you select Flixster, it sends your directly to the Flixster site. If you select Universal, you login to their site and go through the redemption process on their site. If you select VUDU, you MUST enter your code, email, etc on the Universal webpage and then it links you over to the VUDU site, where it "automatically" redeems on VUDU without you required to enter anything. You only need to login. Based on some messing around, it looks like Universal auto generates a redemption code for VUDU on their site at that moment and sends it to VUDU. You cannot go to VUDU and redeem directly. In the end ... does it even matter which site you redeem through? It seems like its added to your UV account regardless and then all linked services get it. 2) Given a choice between iTunes and Amazon Instant Video, what would be your preference? Again, with The Lorax, in addition to the UV copy, you get a digital copy through another service (iTunes, Windows Media or Amazon Instant Video). As I posted previously, I usually skip Windows unless it is my only option, so that leaves the other 2. Until now, most digital copy redemptions were only iTunes and Windows, which was an easy choice. Throwing Amazon into the mix leaves me open to overthink more decisions.

12-11-2012, 11:48 PM	#72
Kuma Expert Member Member since:Jul 2008 4K collection:56 Blu-ray collection:58 Trading Score:19	Hi guys, do any of you that have experience with iTunes copies know if it is a one time download or do the movies stay tied to your iTunes account for multiple watchings/downloads? Im not a fan of iTunes either but if its my only option Id still like to redeem my DC. Thanks in advance.

12-13-2012, 12:20 PM	#78
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	In his case, if he already has the UV, I would go with iTunes or something else. Because if Amazon goes UV there would be no point to have redeemed it at a UV site and then Amazon because your UV copy should just become available via Amazon after integration with UV.

12-13-2012, 02:53 PM	#80
RandomNinjaAtk Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 Location:USA -> maryland Blu-ray collection:12 Digital collection:532 Trading Score:108	Amazon announced last year at CES that it had joined the DECE (UV)... But they're hasn't been any other news in regards to it. With Barnes & Noble integrating UV into their video service, I would think there would be more pressure on Amazon to do so.... I'm really looking forward to CES 2013 for announcements in regards to UV and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't hear something then... Just my thoughts...

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