Streaming giant Fandango has quietly discontinued support for the Vudu app on several older consoles and media devices. Many users found out only after being unable to connect to the service this week.
The decision, while disappointing for some, isn’t entirely surprising. Vudu, now branded as “Fandango at Home,” has been shifting its focus toward newer, more capable devices. The company likely wants to streamline its services and ensure compatibility with high-definition and 4K content, which older hardware often struggles to support.
Affected devices
Reports on Reddit indicate a growing list of affected devices. TiVo users, for example, reported that the app’s thumbnail still appears, but it fails to connect to the service. PS4 users, many of whom still rely on the console as a primary media hub, have also voiced frustration. Even TiVo’s Roamio and Mini devices, popular among DVR users, are no longer functional with the app.
Some users speculated that the decision might be tied to declining usage rates on these platforms. However, others noted that it could be a cost-saving measure, as maintaining older apps becomes increasingly resource-intensive.
The discontinuation is particularly troubling for users who’ve built digital libraries on Vudu. Losing app support doesn’t mean losing purchases — movies and shows can still be accessed through supported platforms — but it does complicate how you can watch the content.
Fandango at Home still supports modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, as well as most smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV. However, the omission of the PS4 — a console with millions of active users — has left many upset.
What can you do?
For those affected, the simplest solution is to switch to a compatible device. Streaming sticks like Roku or Amazon Fire TV are affordable and easy to set up. Some users have also had luck accessing Fandango at Home through a web browser on unsupported devices, though this workaround isn’t always ideal.
For TiVo users specifically, upgrading to TiVo Stream 4K, which still supports the app, might be the most seamless option. So if you’re still relying on older hardware for streaming, now might be the time to explore your options.
Featured image credit: plooger / Reddit