Adding movies to your Vudu library involves several methods, from purchasing and renting directly within the platform to utilizing physical disc ownership. Ultimately, the goal is to seamlessly integrate your desired content into your Vudu account for convenient streaming on your preferred devices.
Understanding Your Vudu Movie Library
Vudu, owned by Fandango Media, provides a robust platform for streaming movies and TV shows. Understanding how to populate your Vudu library is essential for maximizing your entertainment experience. There are several ways to add content, catering to diverse preferences and situations.
Purchasing and Renting Directly from Vudu
The most straightforward method is browsing the Vudu store directly. Vudu offers a vast selection of movies and TV shows for purchase or rent.
- Browse: Use the Vudu website or app to explore their catalog.
- Select: Choose the movie or TV show you want to add.
- Purchase or Rent: Select either the “Buy” or “Rent” option. Renting typically provides a 30-day window to begin watching and 24-48 hours to finish once you start. Purchasing adds the title permanently to your Vudu library.
- Payment: Use a linked credit card, PayPal account, or Vudu credit to complete the transaction.
- Enjoy: The movie will immediately appear in your “My Vudu” section.
Movies Anywhere Integration
Vudu seamlessly integrates with Movies Anywhere, a digital locker service that links your accounts from various providers like iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and more. This integration is critical if you’ve built a digital library across multiple platforms.
- Link Accounts: Ensure your Vudu account is linked to your Movies Anywhere account. This is typically done within the settings menu of both platforms.
- Eligible Titles: When you purchase a movie that is Movies Anywhere eligible on a linked platform, it will automatically appear in your Vudu library (and vice versa). Look for the Movies Anywhere logo on the movie’s details page before purchasing.
- Benefits: This allows you to consolidate your digital movie collection in one place, making it easier to access and manage.
Disc to Digital Conversion
Vudu offers a “Disc to Digital” service that lets you convert your physical DVDs and Blu-rays into digital copies within your Vudu library. This is a cost-effective way to digitize your existing movie collection.
- Mobile Disc to Digital (In-Home): This method uses the Vudu app on your mobile device.
- Open the Vudu app and select “Disc to Digital.”
- Scan the UPC code on your DVD or Blu-ray.
- Choose the conversion quality (SD or HDX).
- Pay the conversion fee.
- The movie will be added to your Vudu library. This option is only available in the US.
- In-Store Disc to Digital: Some retailers offer in-store Disc to Digital services, where they can scan your discs and add the digital copies to your Vudu account. Check with your local retailers for availability.
Redeeming Digital Codes
Many Blu-ray and DVD packages include a digital code that can be redeemed for a digital copy of the movie.
- Locate the Code: Find the digital code insert inside the Blu-ray or DVD case.
- Redeem on Vudu: Go to Vudu’s website or app and navigate to the “Redeem” section (often found under Account settings or a similar menu).
- Enter the Code: Enter the code exactly as it appears on the insert.
- Verify: The system will verify the code and add the movie to your Vudu library.
Gifting Movies on Vudu
Vudu allows you to gift movies and TV shows to other Vudu users.
- Select the Movie: Choose the movie you want to gift.
- Choose “Gift”: Select the “Gift” option (typically located next to the “Buy” or “Rent” options).
- Enter Recipient Information: Enter the recipient’s Vudu email address and a personalized message.
- Payment: Complete the purchase.
- Notification: The recipient will receive an email notification with instructions on how to redeem the gift.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Adding movies to Vudu is generally a smooth process, but sometimes issues arise. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Movies Anywhere Connection Problems: If movies aren’t syncing, double-check that your Vudu account and other platform accounts are correctly linked to Movies Anywhere. Try unlinking and relinking the accounts.
- Disc to Digital Errors: Ensure your camera is clean and the UPC code is clearly visible when using the mobile Disc to Digital feature. Sometimes, certain titles are not eligible for conversion.
- Code Redemption Issues: Verify that the code is entered correctly, including capitalization and any special characters. Check the expiration date of the code.
- Payment Problems: Ensure your payment method is valid and that you have sufficient funds available.
FAQs: Adding Movies to Your Vudu Library
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process:
1. How do I link my Movies Anywhere account to Vudu?
To link your Movies Anywhere account, go to the Vudu website or app and navigate to “Settings” or “Account.” Look for the “Movies Anywhere” option and follow the prompts to sign in to your Movies Anywhere account. If you don’t have one, you’ll be prompted to create one.
2. What happens if I buy a movie on iTunes that’s not Movies Anywhere eligible? Will it still show up on Vudu?
No. Only movies that are part of the Movies Anywhere program will sync across participating platforms. Always look for the Movies Anywhere logo before purchasing if you want the movie to be accessible on Vudu.
3. Is there a limit to how many movies I can add to my Vudu library?
Vudu generally doesn’t impose a hard limit on the number of movies you can add. However, managing a very large library might become cumbersome.
4. Can I convert TV shows using Disc to Digital?
Yes, Vudu’s Disc to Digital service typically supports both movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray. The process is the same – scan the UPC code and choose the conversion quality.
5. What quality options are available for Disc to Digital conversions?
Vudu usually offers Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HDX) conversion options. HDX provides higher resolution and better audio quality but may cost more.
6. I tried to redeem a digital code, but it says it’s already been used. What should I do?
If a digital code has already been redeemed, it cannot be used again. This usually means the code was previously used by someone else. Contact the seller or the movie studio’s customer support for assistance.
7. Can I download movies from Vudu for offline viewing?
Yes, Vudu allows you to download purchased movies for offline viewing on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). You can’t download rentals.
8. How long do I have to watch a rented movie on Vudu?
Typically, you have 30 days to start watching a rented movie. Once you begin playback, you usually have 24-48 hours to finish watching it before it expires. This timeframe can vary, so always check the rental details.
9. If I delete a movie from my Vudu library, can I get it back?
If you purchased the movie, deleting it from your library typically only removes it from your viewing list. You should be able to re-add it without repurchasing it, often found in your purchase history. However, rented movies cannot be recovered once the rental period expires.
10. Does Vudu offer any discounts or promotions for adding movies?
Vudu frequently offers discounts and promotions on movies and TV shows. Keep an eye on their website and app for sales, bundles, and special offers. Sign up for their email list to receive notifications about deals.
11. Can I watch Vudu on multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, Vudu allows you to watch on multiple devices simultaneously, but there may be restrictions depending on the movie and your account type. Generally, you can stream on up to five devices.
12. What payment methods does Vudu accept?
Vudu typically accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and Vudu credit. You can add and manage your payment methods within your Vudu account settings.