It's quite possible that whatever video DAC they are using doesn't support component output timing/resolution of 1080p. Since I HIGHLY doubt Vudu would be home-brewing their own video chip, they are going to be subject to the limitations of whatever is available/economical and fits their design spec.

Half right- it's a standard, but it is not necessarily digital. The XBOX 360 will output 1080p over component and there are several TV's that will display it (my Sharp LC-52d64u, for instance).

CJ

you're proud that your stuff is 'old'? This is no longer the case...

Precisely. Once the content is decoded, HDMI and component video take different paths and the fact that HDMI supports one set of resolutions doesn't mean that component can support them exactly the same (and even then at sufficient quality). The good news is that since our HD content is native 1080p24, 1080p displays receiving 1080i/60 should have a easy time restoring the original frames from the 3:2 cadence.

Patrick