VUDU's next major firmware upgrade to the VUDU Box could give it and its sibling devices a greater role as a local media hub, according to a new rumor. Networked set-top box observer Dave Zatz hears that the next version of the firmware after this week's 2.2 update will add the option to use the VUDU Box as a media extender for computers on the local network. It's not known if this would include Windows Media Center PCs, DLNA or other formats.

Additionally, the same hints would have VUDU let users archive or otherwise store videos bought through VUDU's store on drives connected to the local network, though whether this involves simply network-attached storage or PCs themselves is again unclear.

The move would bring VUDU closer to replicating a true local media hub like the Apple TV. Presently, VUDU's hardware is almost entirely dependent on purchases and rentals of TV shows as well as accessing online-only content like YouTube.