Wal-Mart’s movie service now supports the iPad

Walmart’s video-streaming service Vudu announced today that it’s begun offering the ability to rent, purchase, and watch movies from an iPad.

There’s no need to download a app because Vudu uses a Web-based interface. By visiting vudu.com in Safari on your iPad, you can browse and watch movies from your tablet. However, due to licensing restrictions video streams are available only in standard definition (SD) on the iPad.

Beginning today, iPad users can go to VUDU.com and browse through VUDU’s entertainment content library, which includes more than 20,000 blockbusters, Hollywood classics, independent films and TV episodes, then rent or purchase and watch them instantly. For one touch access to VUDU, customers can add a VUDU icon to their iPad desktops by clicking the “Add to Home Screen” button when on VUDU.com.

Vudu’s one-time movie rentals range from $0.99 to $5.99. You can also purchase movies from $4.99 to $24.99. The purchased or rented movies can also be viewed computers, web-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, gaming devices and even the second generation Apple TV using AirPlay.

By using a web app, instead of a native app through the App Store, Vudu is able to avoid sharing any revenue with Apple.

Due to restrictions from the App Store and Apple’s mandatory 30% cut, web apps may be a growing trend.