Is this the start of something bigger? You may not have heard of Entone, but the IPTV provider has partnered with Vudu to chop at least one set-top box out of the equation while delivering an influx of on-demand high-def viewing.

Entone announced today that its next-generation media hubs will feature the integration of Vudu’s on-demand movies and TV shows already inside—no need to shell out the $149 for a separate Vudu box.

Of course, you may not have heard of Entone because it’s an IPTV service provider to about 50 telcos worldwide—not exactly a Scientific Atlanta or Motorola working with biggie cable companies.

Still, there’s plenty of optimism here. Entone’s IPTV and DVR all-in-one media hubs, like the Janus, is one well-connected machine. You get dual-stream IP to deliver high-def on one stream, standard-def on the other, the streams work over your home’s existing coax line, there’s support of video up to 1080p, whole-home DVR and networked media sharing ... and now Vudu. Plus you don’t need a box at each TV, according to the company.

So add in an on-demand library of more than 14,000 movies and TV episodes, including 1,500-plus in HD (with Vudu’s sweet-looking HDX format in 1080p) and you’ve got a super-stocked set-top box. Not sure if other Vudu goodies like Pandora, Picasa, YouTube and Flickr are included, but we’re guessing the IPTV background of Entone can address that.

We can’t wait to see what else Vudu may have in store for us this year to help eliminate the amount of boxes hooked to our TVs and receivers.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.