Vudu movie streaming added to PS3, Panasonic Blu-ray players

Vudu recently picked up several new strong allies in the living room, with the Sony PlayStation 3 game console and Panasonic Viera Cast Blu-ray players now including Vudu app support.

Customers using the Panasonic Viera Cast Blu-ray players now have Vudu movie service support, as the app was publicly released before Thanksgiving.

The addition of the free PS3 Vudu app is to help Sony try to combat Microsoft and its continued adoption of streaming content. The Xbox 360 started the war with open embrace of Netflix, which has since migrated to the PS3 and Nintendo Wii.

Sony now includes Hulu Plus and live sporting events from MLB baseball and NHL hockey, while the Xbox 360 has ESPN3 content. In addition, the Japanese electronics company will keep its own PS3 movie store open, even if it has to sacrifice some of its own sales to Vudu.

The Vudu video platform offers streaming content directly into the living room through the PS3, HDTVs, and other connected consumer products. PS3 owners now have access to more than 4,000 high-definition movies that can be rented or purchased (rentals $1-$6, movie purchases $5-$25).

LG Electronics started including the Vudu app in its connected devices late last year, with companies and partners expected to make similar announcements. The company most recently released a new Wi-Fi Direct Blu-ray player that also includes Vudu and other currently available streaming apps.

Consumers, copyright holders, and third parties are still unsure how streaming content will continue to mold the market in 2011. As noted by several announcements in 2010, including Best Buy’s entrance into streaming movies alongside a new Walmart movie store, reveals how retailers also wish to cash in.