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Vudu’s New XL2 Improves on Custom-Oriented IPTV/VoD
Vudu XL2 sports a rack-mount form factor but costs $300 more than XL. Is it worth it?
Vudu XL2 (above, circled in red) boasts a new form factor that costs $300 more than the original, below
Vudu, the manufacturer of IP-based video on demand, is introducing a new settop box, the Vudu XL2, that delivers more custom-oriented features than the Vudu XL.
The XL2 ($1,300) has all the functionality of Vudu's original XL box ($1,000) – more storage and more integration capabilities than the $295 Vudu retail product – but with a more custom-friendly form factor.
Specifically, the XL2 sports a rack-mount chassis, eliminating the need for integrators to buy faceplates for the awkwardly shaped 2U Vudu XL.
The XL2 is slimmer than the XL and fits in a 1U rack space. It also includes an "aerospace-grade aluminum bezel," complete with a "glowing Vudu logo."
Plus, a reboot button is located on the front panel, and an IR kit ($39 retail) is included in the package.
And those are the differences between the XL2 and XL.
So, is a change in form factor worth an extra $300 (retail) price tag?
According to Vudu national channel manager Mark Donnigan, it is:
Still, it seems to me that this product only fixes some problems with the original, namely, that the "custom" XL was an awkward size and shape for racks.
Where I come from, "custom" means "rack mountable."
In any case, Donnigan points out:
Vudu says it has signed up more than 1,000 integrators. The company offers 1,200 titles natively encoded in 1080p HD.
The XL2 ($1,300) has all the functionality of Vudu's original XL box ($1,000) – more storage and more integration capabilities than the $295 Vudu retail product – but with a more custom-friendly form factor.
Specifically, the XL2 sports a rack-mount chassis, eliminating the need for integrators to buy faceplates for the awkwardly shaped 2U Vudu XL.
The XL2 is slimmer than the XL and fits in a 1U rack space. It also includes an "aerospace-grade aluminum bezel," complete with a "glowing Vudu logo."
Plus, a reboot button is located on the front panel, and an IR kit ($39 retail) is included in the package.
And those are the differences between the XL2 and XL.
Is it Worth an Extra $300?
So, is a change in form factor worth an extra $300 (retail) price tag?
According to Vudu national channel manager Mark Donnigan, it is:
The value and therefore the price justification is that it does not require aftermarket parts which cost close to $200 at retail in order to mount an XL in a rack (Laser cut rack face and rack shelf). What we heard from many of our dealers is give us a physically differentiated piece. … This is a beautiful piece of hardware that looks pro as opposed to another STB sitting on a laser cut shelf.
Still, it seems to me that this product only fixes some problems with the original, namely, that the "custom" XL was an awkward size and shape for racks.
Where I come from, "custom" means "rack mountable."
In any case, Donnigan points out:
We must remember that the real story of VUDU is the amazing user experience, video quality and fact that we are now the largest True HD format in the world at nearly 1,200 titles natively encoded in 1080p HD. When you or your readers look at VUDU and our price points – for those who think we are too high - I encourage you to keep in mind the amazing value proposition of VUDU as compared with any media or entertainment server on the market.
Vudu says it has signed up more than 1,000 integrators. The company offers 1,200 titles natively encoded in 1080p HD.
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About the Author
Julie Jacobson, Editor-at-large, CE Pro
Julie Jacobson is co-founder of EH Publishing and currently spends most of her time writing for CE Pro, mostly in the areas of home automation, networked A/V and the business of home systems integration. She majored in Economics at the University of Michigan, earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and has never taken a journalism class in her life. Julie is a washed-up Ultimate Frisbee player with the scars to prove it. Follow her on Twitter @juliejacobson.
5 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
Did the price go up? I thought XLS1 was $99 MSRP
XLS1 is indeed $99 MSRP
After being unable to actually find the XL2 at any of Vudu’s dealer locations, I contacted them about this and was told the XL2 has already been discontinued…. This of course doesnt instill confidence that there products are no longer available within the same year they were released to the market.
That’s a bummer, I wanted to pick one up myself to replace my normal VUDU sitting on a shelf in the rack with this.
The low profile rackmount chassis and internal power supply were attractive, no longer needed the silly powerbrick dangling off the back.
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At least include the XLS1 Software package with it too! ($149.95 MSRP) Let’s face it - if it is specifically for us custom guys - we are mostly going to use the IP Control and simultaneous outputs anyway.