11.17.2008 — 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.

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.