Vudu launches rack-mounted STB

Vudu has released a second-generation set-top player aimed at home theater enthusiasts who want good quality video and have deep pockets.

The Vudu XL2 HD is a slim 1U rack-mountable device that offers 1TB of storage, IP and IR input control, and outputs 1080p-grade HD.

Owners benefit from a library of 10,000 different titles, with 1,100 total HD titles, which makes it the "world’s largest streaming HD library."

"The introduction of the XL2 reflects our unwavering commitment to the custom installation market," said Tony Miranz, Vudu Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development.  "XL2 is designed for easy and secure integration into rack-mounted systems and delivers the world’s largest HD library as well as the highest quality on-demand 1080p HD, making VUDU XL2 an installer’s weapon of choice."

The Vudu XL2 costs a whopping $1,299, and is available today through home theater installers.

Last year, Vudu released a $399 set-top box so consumers could stream movies directly into the living room for prices ranging from 99¢ up to $2.99, or download them for $4.99 up to $14.99 per movie.

Digital streaming directly into the living room is growing into a big business, with numerous manufacturers releasing set-top boxes.  Consumers can use their Microsoft Xbox 360 game console, Roku, select Blu-ray players, and other devices to stream content without needing to use physical media. 

Netflix also is working with several different manufacturers to have its library of content streamed directly to the TV.

Fully digital living rooms are still years away, but it seems that’s where manufacturers hope to take consumers soon.