Blu-ray players are getting more and more commonplace these days as prices start to drop and the adoption rate goes up, but it still isn’t good enough to be on par with DVD’s explosion when that format was introduced many years ago. After all, the jump to full High Definition from DVD isn’t that remarkable compared to what DVD did better compared to the regular Video CD format. Well, the elimination of the rival HD DVD format did go some way in Blu-ray’s case over the past year, but we could see non-physical media take over Blu-ray disc sales in the near future if more and more agreements such as this is introduced – VUDU is now offering owners of LG’s BD390 Network Blu-ray Player the option to settle for their on-demand HD (1080p, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound) movie service through the BD390’s menu user interface before September is over. To sweeten the deal, the VUDU service does not require a single cent in terms of monthly subscription fees – basically, it works on a pay-as-you-watch basis, regardless of whether you choose to rent or purchase the movie straight from the player without the need to fork out even more money for additional hardware.

This won’t be the first partnership announcement VUDU has with consumer electronics manufacturers as they have also tied in with other flat panel HDTVs in the past, and the LG BD390 partnership also won’t be the last, either. VUDU’s service already stands out from the crowd as it delivers the largest available HD movie library of instantly-viewable movies in 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound to date in order to take advantage of your current home entertainment setup. According to Alain Rossmann, CEO of VUDU, “Our goal as a company is to offer the best possible HD movie service to the broadest possible audience. By adding the top-rated LG BD390 Blu-ray player to the lineup of VUDU-enabled products, we’ve made it easier than ever for customers to enjoy the VUDU experience.”

Interested? The BD390 with LG’s “NetCast Entertainment Access” feature will retail for $399, where you can then take advantage of VUDU connectivity later this month when it comes in the form of a free upgrade.

Press Release