Washington, D.C. (December 11, 2007) -- Vudu, the VOD set-top service, is planning to offer new video releases in High-Definition the same day they are released on DVD.

That's according to an article by The Associated Press.

Traditionally, the studios wait between 30 and 45 days after the DVD release before making a new film available on Video on Demand or Pay-Per-View. This is to give video retailers an opportunity to maximize profits.

However, Vudu today will begin a test of 'same day' releases with The Bourne Ultimatum, starring Matt Damon, which also makes its DVD and HD DVD debut today.


Will Bourne give birth to 'same-day' movie releases?

The Associated Press reports that it will be the first of many 'same day' high-def movies offered by Vudu.

Vudu sells a $399 VUDU set-top that enables users to download movies over a high-speed Internet connection.

The VUDU box, which first went on sale last month, offers 5,000 standard-definition films, which can be rented for around $3.99.

Some films, including the HD edition of the new Bourne film, can be purchased, meaning it can be stored permanently on the set-top. Vudu customers can buy the high-def Bourne Ultimatum for $24.99.

AP writes that Universal Pictures, which released the latest Bourne film, is one of the studios participating in the 'same day' Vudu test.

The wire service reports that some studio executives are concerned that the ongoing high-def disc format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD is slowing sales in that new category. Consequently, they are anxious to test a new digital delivery system, such as Vudu.

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