Andre Yoskowitz
22 Feb 2010 14:59
According to the New York Times, Wal-Mart is set to purchase VUDU, the premium video streaming service, as a way to compete against iTunes, Netflix and cable VOD.
The move marks the third time Wal-Mart has tried to compete in the realm of video rental. In 2004, it started a DVD-by-mail service, but closed it in 2005 and set its customers right to Netflix as part of a deal.
In 2007, they started an a la carte music download program with full blessing from the major record labels, but killed the service in 2008 after Apple surpassed them as the biggest music retailer in the United States.
Vudu offers the most HD movies, and offers the best quality, but has remained for the most part, obscure, as it does not have broad marketing.