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Vudu boosts TV lineup with 'Glee,' 'Modern Family'

The video streaming service plans to add even more shows to its service in the coming weeks and months as it puts itself in a much better position to compete with Netflix.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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Don Reisinger
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Vudu has content from several networks.
Vudu has content from several networks. Vudu

Wal-Mart-owned Vudu is doubling down on television.

The company announced the addition of several prominent shows to its streaming service yesterday, including "Glee," "Modern Family," and "Weeds." It will also offer every episode of "Gossip Girl." However, only season one of "Glee" and "Modern Family" are available. Moreover, not all of the content is in HD. In fact, "Glee," "Modern Family," and "Gossip Girl" are available in standard definition only. "The Walking Dead," another new addition, is offered in HD.

In order to streamline the process of buying episodes, Vudu has offered a "Season Purchase" option, allowing users to buy an entire season in one fell swoop. As new episodes come out, they will be automatically made available to season buyers. In addition, the company has created a TV Networks hub to help users find content based on the specific provider.

Vudu's television content is available on a per-episode basis for $1.99 for standard definition. HD streams are available for $2.49 and $2.99, depending on desired quality. Full-season pricing varies by the show.

Vudu first announced the addition of television shows to its service in 2007. However, since then, its selection has been quite limited, and its focus has been mainly on movies. But the company is competing in a space that's hotly contested. And Netflix, the leader in the video-streaming market, has a healthy selection of both movies and television content available.

Like Netflix, Vudu's video-on-demand streaming service is available on several devices, including the PlayStation 3 and televisions. Last month, Vudu announced a browser-based player to help it keep pace with Netflix, Hulu, and other competitors that also offer browser-based streaming.

Looking ahead, Vudu plans on bringing more television content to its service. It said that it will be adding new shows "frequently."