Archive for July, 2009
Kodak Theater HD Player Updated
For those of you with the Kodak Theater HD, an update has arrived, bringing 1080p! Kodak has also included more features in the update such as: YouTube access with search for videos by keyword, author, featured, top-rated, and more. Net Video access to online entertainment, and Discovery collage views, a new way to rediscover photos collected on your PC.
Gizmodo Hands-on with Vudu on LG
Gizmodo has gotten hands on with LG’s connected HDTV with Vudu, seems that with the few minutes that Gizmodo had with the service, it didn’t feel quite right.
It’s got nothing to do with Vudu‘s service, which is largely unchanged from the days of the Vudu set-top box. (I mean, we’re still in those days, technically, but hey, narrative! ) The interface is the same easily navigable set of panels and menus, which seem to work fine with LG’s standard remotes—no standalone clickwheel controller here.
The strange feeling I got from the movie samples, whether in SD, 720p or 1080p modes, was down to LG: The NetCast sets that’ll carry the Vudu option have LG’s 120Hz Trumotion interpolation technology, meaning that they essentially insert frames between what’s already on the source material, with the stated purpose of “smoothing” the video output. As we—and others—have complained about before, though, the effect can be strange, making motions seem unnatural, and giving a multi-hundred-million-dollar films an odd, camcorder-like aesthetic.
But despite this, Gizmodo believes that set-top boxes are on the way out to be replaced by multi-service web-connected TVs.
VuNow Gets CinemaNow Streaming
VuNow set-top boxes get access to CinemaNow’s streaming movies. This may just be the first in a sleuth of announcements.
CinemaNow has already announced plans to come directly to flatscreens via widgets, so if the VuNow platform is adopted into more hardware as it was by Sherwood, expect to have one more internet movie-capable box sneaking into your living room disguised as a receiver, amplifier or cable DVR over the next few years.
Korean Firms Join to Develop New Chips
Normally bitter rivals, Samsung and LG join forces to create the next generation of semiconductor chips for televisions.
Samsung, the world’s largest maker of microchips for digital gadgets and second largest mobile phone producer, will work with LG Electronics to make global digital TV receiver chips, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.
While SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier will be working on wireless chips with other chip makers.
Meanwhile SK Telecom, the country’s largest mobile carrier, will develop a wireless connectivity system-on-chip for smart phones with other chip makers, it said.
Yet Another Rave Review of MoCA
The Netgear MCAB1001 MoCA adapters keep getting rave reviews. Recently, the folks over at Station Stops have reviewed the MoCA adapter from Netgear and have deemed it the best solution I have found to bridging Ethernet around your home easily and at high speeds. I recommend it highly.
Mitsubishi and Vudu Start Joint TV Promotion
Starting today, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America will be giving away a Vudu HD set-top box along with $50 worth of movie credits with a purchase of most Mitsubishi TVs. This promotion is set to run until August 10th. Vudu allows for streaming of anything in their library, and to get the best streaming quality, you should use MoCA.
Via Twice
Blockbuster to Deliver its OnDemand Services to Samsung TVs
Blockbuster and Samsung have signed an agreement which will enable customers to gain access to Blockbuster’s ever growing library of digital content. Consumers will be able to access Blockbuster’s OnDemand service through Samsung HDTVs , home theater systems and Blu-ray players. If you want to connect these devices to your network/the internet, you will want to use MoCA.
via PR Newswire
TiVo and Best Buy Team Up
In an attempt to rebound from losing 25% of their subscriber base over the past two years, TiVo and Best Buy have struck a deal. TiVo DVRs will be promoted at Best Buy stores and TiVo will gain access to Best Buy’s Napster music service. This also allows for Best Buy to communicate with consumers even after they have left the store. Products such as Best-Buy branded TiVo’s aren’t set to debut until early 2010. With TiVo DVRs being touted at Best Buy stores, consumers will need a fast and reliable source to get these devices on their network, which is where MoCA comes into the fold. Let us know what you think of this news in the comments.
via Mercury News
Sony’s Connected BRAVIA HDTVs Get Netflix
As more and more HDTV manufacturers are going the route of making connected HDTVs, being able to get a reliable connection to their device becomes that much more important. Today, Sony has announced that they have partnered with Netflix to bring Netflix’s instant watch to Sony BRAVIA HDTVs.
The world’s largest online movie rental service, today announced a partnership with Sony Electronics that will enable Netflix subscribers to instantly watch movies streamed from Netflix on Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs and on previous BRAVIA models compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Internet video link module.
Netflix now plays on Roku, Tivo, LG, Samsung and Sony HDTVs and Bluray players. All of these devices will stream Netflix HD much more reliably using MoCA Home Networking rather than undependable Wifi or Powerline networks.
via Engadget
