VUDU to be offered through Entone IPTV

Entone, an IPTV company based in San Mateo, Calif., and VUDU, an Internet TV provider, have partnered to bring VUDU's content library to Entone's IPTV customers in a unique combination of over-the-top video and IPTV services. The 14,000+ titles in VUDU's library will be available for Entone's telco service operator customers this summer.

The integrated service will feature VUDU's large library of HD content in addition to Entone's programming, creating a rich content collection for service providers to enhance their content offering and increase ARPU.

"Entone has broken new ground with this approach and we encourage operators to follow," Colin Dixon, senior analyst for The Diffusion Group, said. "Entone's approach of embracing rather than defending against online video services is a win-win-win for operators, content providers and consumers."

Entone CEO Steve McCay said the partnership provides benefits for both companies.

"This lets operators make a VOD service where they might not have before, due to the complexity and time commitment of negotiating their own content deals," McCay stated. "The VUDU option allows operators to spend less, because they don't have to negotiate individual content deals, since VUDU has those in place. VUDU gets a new market selling through to our customers, giving our customers a new opportunity, and it's an additional reason for service providers to consider the Entone solution when deploying IPTV."

VUDU dramatically lowered prices of its stand-alone box in February, after weak customer uptake. Partnerships that directly embed VUDU's service into other living room devices could be a way for the company to offset any struggles selling direct. 

For more:
- see the press release here 

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