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Vudu, Walmart’s Streaming Service, Might Be Sold to Comcast
Comcast has made the next move in the streaming wars by showing interest in Walmart's streaming service, Vudu, an ad-based streaming service. This strategic move comes just before NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, prepares to launch its new streaming service, Peacock. The other newcomer streaming giants have been quick to retaliate. Fox Corporation is reportedly in the process of buying Tubi TV, another free ad-based streaming service similar to Vudu. HBO Max has also stolen some of the spotlight officially confirming that there will be a brand new Friends reunion episode on the streaming service.
Vudu initially launched as an independent video service in 2004 before Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu even began streaming. Walmart bought Vudu in 2010, giving the company an extra boost. The streaming service is similar to an electronic Blockbuster as many of the early video services started out as. The service has stayed true to its roots over the years. The service doesn't require a subscription to use it and functions with a pay-as-you-go system. Users can rent or buy high quality versions of movies for an inexpensive price. Comcast seems to be leaning in this direction as consumers are complaining about having too many streaming subscriptions to pay for. In addition to acquiring the non-subscription-based Vudu, Peacock will also have a free and paid services.
According to Deadline, Comcast is still just in the beginning stages of negotiating a deal with Walmart. Comcast has been very adamant in not disclosing any details of the possible Vudu acquisition and the current stage in which the process is at. The possibility of working with Comcast is very likely, but the network conglomerate may have some competition, which may be why its hands are in many pots. Comcast has also been in talks to acquire Xumo since December 2019. While Walmart is also keeping many of the key details under wraps, Walmart spokesperson Ravi Jariawala revealed that while Vudu is doing just fine on its own since operating under Walmart, there are currently a few conversations being had among partners about new plans for Vudu.
Quote:
“We’ve built Vudu into an incredibly strong business with an installed base of more than 100,000 devices across America. We’re constantly having conversations with partners, but don’t share details of those discussions.”
Walmart has reportedly been looking to sell Vudu for some time now. Since October 2019, Walmart has considered the possibility of selling Vudu despite its efforts to expand the platform. Walmart has also been pushing the initiative of creating original content for Vudu. Vudu has since released original movies like Friends in Strange Places starring Queen Latifah and has even joined in on the remake craze with a reboot of the 1983 film Mr. Mom. Vudu is even in the process of creating merchandise that viewers will be able to purchase as they are watching the film.
The streaming wars become increasingly more aggressive each day as many of the streaming platforms are approaching its launch date. Networks are rushing to add those final tweaks to its streaming service that will give it the edge among all of the other new platforms. No matter how much elbow grease they put in, they will only learn if the hard work has paid off once their products are released. It's time for consumers to start thinking carefully about which streaming services will get a chunk of their paycheck.
