In the era of digital streaming, it’s easy to forget about the physical media we once cherished. DVDs and Blu-rays were once the norm, but with the rise of services like Netflix and Hulu, many of us have abandoned our disc collections. However, some of us still hold on to our beloved movies and TV shows on disc, and for good reason. One of the most popular services that allowed users to convert their disc collections to digital was Walmart’s Disc to Digital service. But does Walmart still do Disc to Digital?
A Brief History of Disc to Digital
Walmart’s Disc to Digital service was launched in 2012, in partnership with the major Hollywood studios, including Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and Paramount Pictures. The service allowed customers to bring their DVDs and Blu-rays to a participating Walmart store, where they could be converted to digital copies for a small fee. The digital copies were then stored in the customer’s Vudu account, which is Walmart’s digital movie and TV show streaming service.
The service was a huge success, with millions of customers taking advantage of the opportunity to convert their disc collections to digital. However, in 2019, Walmart announced that it would be discontinuing the Disc to Digital service. The company cited a decline in demand for the service, as well as the increasing popularity of digital movie and TV show purchases.
What Happened to Disc to Digital?
So, what happened to Walmart’s Disc to Digital service? As mentioned earlier, the company discontinued the service in 2019, citing a decline in demand. However, the company did not completely abandon the concept of disc-to-digital conversion. Instead, Walmart shifted its focus to a new service called “Vudu Disc to Digital,” which allows customers to convert their discs to digital using a mobile app.
The Vudu Disc to Digital service is similar to the original Disc to Digital service, but with a few key differences. Instead of bringing your discs to a Walmart store, you can now use the Vudu app to scan the barcode on your disc and convert it to digital. The service is still available for a small fee, and the digital copies are stored in your Vudu account.
How Does Vudu Disc to Digital Work?
Using the Vudu Disc to Digital service is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the Vudu app on your mobile device.
- Open the app and navigate to the “Disc to Digital” section.
- Scan the barcode on your disc using your device’s camera.
- Select the disc you want to convert and choose the digital format (SD, HD, or HDX).
- Pay the conversion fee (typically $2-$5 per disc).
- The digital copy will be added to your Vudu account.
Benefits of Vudu Disc to Digital
So, why should you use the Vudu Disc to Digital service? Here are a few benefits:
- Convenience: The service allows you to convert your discs to digital from the comfort of your own home.
- Cost-effective: The conversion fees are relatively low, especially when compared to purchasing digital copies outright.
- Space-saving: By converting your discs to digital, you can free up space in your home and reduce clutter.
- Accessibility: Your digital copies are stored in your Vudu account, making it easy to access them from any device.
Limitations of Vudu Disc to Digital
While the Vudu Disc to Digital service is convenient and cost-effective, there are a few limitations to be aware of:
- Not all discs are eligible: Some discs, such as those with special features or bonus content, may not be eligible for conversion.
- Quality limitations: The digital copies may not be in the same quality as the original disc.
- Compatibility issues: Some devices may not be compatible with the Vudu app or the digital copies.
Alternatives to Vudu Disc to Digital
If you’re not satisfied with the Vudu Disc to Digital service, there are a few alternatives to consider:
- Amazon’s Disc+ On Demand: This service allows you to convert your discs to digital and store them in your Amazon Video account.
- Google Play Movies & TV: This service allows you to convert your discs to digital and store them in your Google Play account.
- Microsoft Movies & TV: This service allows you to convert your discs to digital and store them in your Microsoft account.
Comparison of Disc-to-Digital Services
Here’s a comparison of the different disc-to-digital services:
| Service | Conversion Fee | Quality | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vudu Disc to Digital | $2-$5 per disc | SD, HD, HDX | Vudu app, smart TVs, streaming devices |
| Amazon’s Disc+ On Demand | $2-$5 per disc | SD, HD | Amazon Video app, smart TVs, streaming devices |
| Google Play Movies & TV | $2-$5 per disc | SD, HD | Google Play app, smart TVs, streaming devices |
| Microsoft Movies & TV | $2-$5 per disc | SD, HD | Microsoft Movies & TV app, smart TVs, streaming devices |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Walmart’s original Disc to Digital service is no longer available, the company’s Vudu Disc to Digital service is still a great option for those looking to convert their disc collections to digital. The service is convenient, cost-effective, and offers a range of benefits, including space-saving and accessibility. However, there are limitations to be aware of, and alternatives to consider. Ultimately, the choice of disc-to-digital service will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Does Walmart Still Do Disc to Digital?
Walmart’s Disc to Digital service was a popular option for converting DVD and Blu-ray discs to digital copies. However, the service is no longer available in its original form. In 2019, Walmart announced that it would be discontinuing its Disc to Digital service, citing a shift in consumer behavior towards streaming services.
Although the original service is no longer available, Walmart has partnered with other companies to offer alternative digital conversion options. For example, Walmart has partnered with Vudu, a digital movie and TV streaming service, to offer digital copies of movies and TV shows. However, this service is not the same as the original Disc to Digital service, and it may not be available for all titles.
What Happened to Walmart’s Disc to Digital Service?
Walmart’s Disc to Digital service was launched in 2012 as a way for customers to convert their DVD and Blu-ray discs to digital copies. The service allowed customers to bring their discs to a participating Walmart store, where they would be converted to digital copies and made available through Vudu. However, the service was not without its limitations, and it was eventually discontinued in 2019.
The discontinuation of the Disc to Digital service was likely due to a combination of factors, including the rise of streaming services and the decline of physical media sales. As more and more consumers turned to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, the demand for physical media and digital conversion services decreased. As a result, Walmart decided to discontinue the service and focus on other areas of its business.
Can I Still Convert My Discs to Digital Copies?
Although Walmart’s Disc to Digital service is no longer available, there are still other options for converting your discs to digital copies. For example, you can use a digital conversion service like Vudu or Google Play to convert your discs to digital copies. These services typically require you to enter a code or scan a barcode to verify ownership of the disc, and then the digital copy is made available through the service.
Another option is to use a third-party digital conversion service, such as a company that specializes in converting physical media to digital copies. These services may offer more flexibility and options than the original Disc to Digital service, but they may also be more expensive. It’s worth noting that not all discs may be eligible for digital conversion, so it’s a good idea to check with the service provider before attempting to convert your discs.
What Are the Alternatives to Walmart’s Disc to Digital Service?
There are several alternatives to Walmart’s Disc to Digital service, including Vudu, Google Play, and iTunes. These services allow you to purchase or convert your discs to digital copies, which can then be streamed or downloaded to your device. Some services may also offer additional features, such as the ability to upgrade to 4K or HDR.
Another alternative is to use a third-party digital conversion service, such as a company that specializes in converting physical media to digital copies. These services may offer more flexibility and options than the original Disc to Digital service, but they may also be more expensive. It’s worth noting that not all discs may be eligible for digital conversion, so it’s a good idea to check with the service provider before attempting to convert your discs.
Can I Still Use My Vudu Account to Access My Digital Copies?
Yes, if you previously used Walmart’s Disc to Digital service to convert your discs to digital copies, you can still access those copies through your Vudu account. Vudu is a digital movie and TV streaming service that allows you to purchase, rent, or convert your discs to digital copies. If you previously converted your discs to digital copies through Walmart’s Disc to Digital service, those copies should still be available through your Vudu account.
To access your digital copies, simply log in to your Vudu account and navigate to the “My Movies” or “My TV Shows” section. From there, you should be able to see a list of all the digital copies you have purchased or converted, including those that were converted through Walmart’s Disc to Digital service. You can then stream or download those copies to your device.
How Do I Convert My Discs to Digital Copies Using Vudu?
To convert your discs to digital copies using Vudu, you will need to create a Vudu account and purchase a digital conversion code. The code can be purchased through the Vudu website or through a participating retailer. Once you have the code, you can enter it on the Vudu website to convert your disc to a digital copy.
To convert your disc, simply go to the Vudu website and navigate to the “Disc to Digital” section. From there, you can enter your code and select the disc you want to convert. Vudu will then verify ownership of the disc and make the digital copy available through your account. You can then stream or download the digital copy to your device.
Is It Worth Converting My Discs to Digital Copies?
Whether or not it is worth converting your discs to digital copies depends on your personal preferences and viewing habits. If you prefer the convenience of streaming and don’t mind giving up the physical disc, then converting your discs to digital copies may be a good option. However, if you prefer to own physical copies of your movies and TV shows, then it may not be worth converting.
It’s also worth considering the cost of converting your discs to digital copies. While some services may offer free or low-cost conversion options, others may charge a fee for each disc converted. Additionally, not all discs may be eligible for digital conversion, so it’s a good idea to check with the service provider before attempting to convert your discs.