Vudu Spark

[kidkash]

Saw Vudu spark Walmart for 24.96 with a $20 Vudu credit that's spread over 4 months so $5 a month.

[erlinmeyer]

Originally Posted by kidkash

Saw Vudu spark Walmart for 24.96 with a $20 Vudu credit that's spread over 4 months so $5 a month.

i'll be the 1st idiot and ask what that is? a subscription service like Hulu Plus or Netflix? Not a movie that I could find.

[Astro Zombie]

I would also like to know how to spark Walmart.

[michaeljoo]

Yes, I have no idea what this is.

I guess I could Google it, but I think I'll just wait here until someone posts.

[erlinmeyer]

Just found out ...
The Vudu Spark, an upcoming stick from Walmart, takes the opposite tack: Instead of offering hundreds of streaming options, it offers only one and does it really, really well. The Vudu Spark is a streaming stick that plays Vudu, and nothing but.
What we do know is what the Spark does, how it works and who's responsible for it. The Vudu Spark connects to a user's Wi-Fi network, prompts him or her to sign into a Vudu account (or create one) and functions via a remote control (which uses Zigbee RF, a smarthome wireless protocol, rather than Wi-Fi, for whatever reason).

For those not familiar with Vudu, it's an à-la-carte streaming service, owned by Walmart, that allows users to buy or rent TV and movies in SD or HD formats. It's a decent choice in a crowded market, but there's otherwise not really much to it.

It's also not clear why a user would select a Vudu Spark rather than a Chromecast or a Roku, both of which support the Vudu service perfectly well. Perhaps if the Vudu Spark turns out to be extremely cheap -- it would have to be less than $20, as a Chromecast is only $35 -- and the customer doesn't own a smartphone or computer reliable enough to power a Chromecast, then the Vudu Spark might be a reasonable alternative.

Otherwise, while Vudu is a pretty good service, buying a stick with no other channels seems like a tough sell.
What we do know is what the Spark does, how it works and who's responsible for it. The Vudu Spark connects to a user's Wi-Fi network, prompts him or her to sign into a Vudu account (or create one) and functions via a remote control (which uses Zigbee RF, a smarthome wireless protocol, rather than Wi-Fi, for whatever reason).

For those not familiar with Vudu, it's an à-la-carte streaming service, owned by Walmart, that allows users to buy or rent TV and movies in SD or HD formats. It's a decent choice in a crowded market, but there's otherwise not really much to it.

It's also not clear why a user would select a Vudu Spark rather than a Chromecast or a Roku, both of which support the Vudu service perfectly well. Perhaps if the Vudu Spark turns out to be extremely cheap -- it would have to be less than $20, as a Chromecast is only $35 -- and the customer doesn't own a smartphone or computer reliable enough to power a Chromecast, then the Vudu Spark might be a reasonable alternative.

Otherwise, while Vudu is a pretty good service, buying a stick with no other channels seems like a tough sell.



with all the Smart TVs and BD players with all kinds of services, it sounds like Walmart is trying to get the confused public to buy more junk they don't need and may never figure out how to use. I'll stick with selecting it from my TV menu without spending another $25 for this.

[RBBrittain]

Originally Posted by erlinmeyer

It's also not clear why a user would select a Vudu Spark rather than a Chromecast or a Roku, both of which support the Vudu service perfectly well. Perhaps if the Vudu Spark turns out to be extremely cheap -- it would have to be less than $20, as a Chromecast is only $35 -- and the customer doesn't own a smartphone or computer reliable enough to power a Chromecast, then the Vudu Spark might be a reasonable alternative.

Otherwise, while Vudu is a pretty good service, buying a stick with no other channels seems like a tough sell.

That shouldn't be an issue. With Chromecast, you only need a device & app that supports casting and can open the movie (even in SD); Vudu supports that from PC browsers and both iOS & Android apps. Except for screen mirroring (not used by Vudu), the stream goes directly to the Chromecast, not your device; once it casts, your device merely controls the Chromecast over your Wi-Fi network. Unless you don't have another device to control a Chromecast, it should do everything a Vudu Spark can, and more. (Same for a Roku Streaming Stick, except it doesn't need another device.)

[Firecrackker]

Just wondering, what's the point in having a Roku/Chromecast/Fire stick if you own a gaming console? Is it worth getting one if you own a PS4?

[lostinva]

Originally Posted by erlinmeyer

i'll be the 1st idiot and ask what that is? a subscription service like Hulu Plus or Netflix? Not a movie that I could find.

Vudu is a streaming service operating on a rental/purchase model, and a major Ultraviolet compatible retailer.The Spark is a stand alone device for non-smart TVs, that does nothing but Vudu. There is really no reason for this thing to exist except for someone trying to save a buck by not getting a Roku or other multi purpose device.

http://www.vudu.com/spark.html

[estrus]

No thanks, love my Roku too much. Snagged an Amazon stick when they were $20 and that little thing rocks too.

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by kidkash

Saw Vudu spark Walmart for 24.96 with a $20 Vudu credit that's spread over 4 months so $5 a month.

The credit essentially makes the Spark a $5 purchase, which is really what it should be priced at IMO. Not a bad deal, honestly.

[k_dog77803]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

The credit essentially makes the Spark a $5 purchase, which is really what it should be priced at IMO. Not a bad deal, honestly.

Yeah I use Vudu as my on-line retail go to service, all my UV copies are redeemed there. Plus I'm always renting those 99 cent movies. So this might be a nice little toy and run smoother than the app in my Samsung blu-ray player.

[hedliniv]

I bought it yesterday and yes it does officially have subtitles!! Yeah!!!

Anyway quick question for everyone. Is there a way to power down or turn off the Vudu stick without taking it out? It runs really hot and I would like to to last for a while but it running hot 24 - 7 can't be good.... Any ideas?

[k_dog77803]

Originally Posted by hedliniv

I bought it yesterday and yes it does officially have subtitles!! Yeah!!!

Anyway quick question for everyone. Is there a way to power down or turn off the Vudu stick without taking it out? It runs really hot and I would like to to last for a while but it running hot 24 - 7 can't be good.... Any ideas?

I tried everything to power down and no luck, for now we just have to unplug the Spark when not in use. Hopefully a update will fix that.