Nov 01 2012

News - Redbox Signs Warner Bros. for Redbox Instant

By Matthew Miller

Redbox and Warner Bros.Verizon and Redbox have already indicated that they hope to launch their Redbox Instant streaming service in the next couple of months, but other than stating that they plan to focus on movies rather than TV shows, the companies have not said much about the content they plan to offer. That's beginning to change. Warner Bros. is the first major studio to sign on to provide content for the fledgling service. There is no word on exactly what kind of movies or how many movies will be made available on Redbox Instant, but the deal does include UltraViolet support for Warner Bros. titles. The companies also announced that Warner Bros. will continue to supply rental DVDs and Blu-ray discs for the Redbox kiosks, but that Redbox will continue to honor the 28 day release window. Given Redbox's displeasure with the Warner Bros. release windows, it is difficult not to interpret Redbox's continuation of a release window as a concession to get the Redbox Instant deal in place. If Redbox Instant is still on track for a November or December release, then more announcements are likely forthcoming over the next couple of weeks.

When their previous deal expired Redbox said it would find other ways to obtain discs and offer them day and date to its customers, although actually finding them in kiosks could be tough. The new two-year deal covers movies that debut after January 1st, 2013, and claims to improve economics for both Warner (which has apparently seen fit to eliminate the delay entirely for brick & mortar renters) and Redbox. 

Engadget

Nov 01 2012

News - Boxee TV Comes to Walmart

By Matthew Miller

Boxee in WalmartThe recently announced Boxee TV is hitting the store shelves of the world's largest retailer, Walmart. The Boxee team was teasing that they had lined up a major exclusive retail partner for the Boxee TV, and it sounds like Walmart won't just be selling the Boxee TV, but will be helping out with some major promotion as well. In all honesty, I had assumed that this retailer would be Best Buy. Walmart is not the first place I think of when buying the latest in tech and gadgets, but it is difficult to understate the mainstream exposure that a Walmart end-cap can bring to a product. If Boxee and D-link can clearly communicate what the Boxee TV does, then this could be a major coup, though the impact of launching in time for the holday shopping season will be lessened by fact that the Boxee TV's cloud-based DVR is only going to be available in select markets at launch.

But now, with the Boxee TV, the startup has pulled off something special (or devilish depending on your view of the retailer) and managed to get the Boxee TV into Walmart.

TechCrunch

Oct 31 2012

Review - Onkyo TX-NR818 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver

By Andrew Van Til

TX-NR818As the glue in a well-equipped home theater, the audio video receiver (AVR) is a natural hub where audio and video processing can be consolidated into a single device alongside other functions like over the top (OTT) IP services. Onkyo has embraced this ideal with the 135 watts per channel TX-NR818, which offers decoding support for all of the modern audio codecs, HQV video processing and scaling up to 4K UltraHD. More importantly when it comes to room correction, arguably the most important feature of a modern AVR, the TX-NR818 offers Audyssey‘s flagship MultEQ XT32 – an outstanding feat given its $1200 MSRP (~$800 street). With all of the features included, the TX-NR818 seems to be an incredible value, offering unmatched capability per dollar. Moving beyond the spec sheet however, nothing is without compromise – let’s dig in and discover where Onkyo’s 2012 mid-range master excels, and where it does not.

Oct 31 2012

News - XBMC Extends Translation Infrastructure to Add-On Developers

By Matthew Miller

 XBMC Czech

There are a number of reasons why XBMC has risen to prominence and established itself as a premier media center frontend, including its rich codec support, platform versatility, and integrated media libraries, but perhaps the biggest reason is its exstensibility. There are hundreds of skins and add-ons available for XBMC to add new features, tap into new content, and build upon the base visual experience. The XBMC team has announced a new program to help add-on developers with one of the more difficult tasks in add-on development: translation.

The XBMC team recently moved to a new web-based translation system for the XBMC core. The goal of the new system was to make the translation process easier for volunteers and to simplify the process of moving language files around and keeping updates synced. Evidently, the new process has been a success as the team is now offering add-on developers access to the system. Translation volunteers will then assist in translating the add-ons. Developers then need only pull in the translations from the XBMC github repositories and their add-ons will be ready to reach out to a larger audience. 

Translators would love to translate the addons and skins as well. Team XBMC would like to help the developement with providing and maintaining the same translation infrastructure, what we use for XBMC core, to YOUR addons and skins.

XBMC Blog

 

Oct 31 2012

News - Windows Media Center Free for Windows 8 Pro Until January 31st

By Matthew Miller

Metro WMCMicrosoft broke a lot of hearts when they announced that Windows Media Center was not going to be included with Windows 8. It was frustrating enough that WMC development was languishing, but turning it into an optional add-on, and only for Windows 8 Pro at that, seemed to be Microsoft's passive-aggressive way of letting HTPC fans know that WMC was well and truly dead. Fortunately, Microsoft has decided to throw us a bone, if only temporarily. Until January 31, 2013, Microsoft is giving the Windows Media Center Pack away for free. All one needs to do is visit Microsoft's "Add Features" website and supply an email address to receive a product code. Folks running the standard version of Windows 8 will still need to pony up for the Windows Pro Upgrade Pack for $59.99 which includes WMC. After January 31st, the WMC Pack will presumably return to the regular $9.99 price tag. On a side note, the WMC Pack product code apparently only works on retail versions of Windows 8 Pro. MSDN subscribers are reporting issues using the product key and I should find out about Technet copies this weekend.

Of course, Windows Media Center is still widely available for Windows 8 users, but it doesn’t come with the OS itself. Users must purchase it as an add-on in the Windows Store for $10. Granted, that’s not a lot of money at all, especially for all the features that you get, but considering that it was once a free feature that came with Windows, we can see how HTPC enthusiasts would be upset.

SlashGear

Oct 31 2012

News - Roku Introduces Roku Search

By Matthew Miller

Roku is pushing out an update for current-generation Roku LT, Roku HD, and Roku 2 boxes that will bring a new cross-app search capability. Roku Search isn't quite universal search as it is limited to Hulu Plus, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO, VUDU and Crackle, but it will allow users to search for movies, TV shows, actors, and directors across the supported channels. Select the Roku Search channel, run a search, and Roku will display a list of the channels that offer content that match the search term for the user to select from. Text can be inputted with an on-screen keyboard or via the soft keyboard on a remote control app. Given the breadth of content that Roku now offers, cross-app search is arguably a bit overdue. There are some notable Roku channels absent from Roku Search, such as EPIX and CrunchyRoll, so it seems a safe bet that Roku Search will continue to expand its reach. It will also be interesting to see if Roku can expand the functionality to IPTV channels such as DISHWorld.

 Roku Search

Roku Search makes it a snap to find movies, TV shows, actors and directors across Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, VUDU and HBO GO. When you search for a title, Roku Search shows you where it’s available on the Roku platform. Simply select a channel and Roku Search will take you straight to your desired movie or show. 

Roku Blog

Oct 30 2012

News - Sharp Prepping Anti-Glare Moth Eye Panels for TVs this Fall

By Matthew Miller

Sharp Moth EyeSharp is introducing some interesting new technology for a select set of their TVs this year. Sharp will be releasing five Aquos Quattron 3D XL TV sets with a new anti-glare technology dubbed Moth Eye this fall. The new tech evidently uses tiny irregularities in the surface of the LCD panel to reduce glare from external light sources and improve black levels. LCD TVs have certainly come a long way in reproducing deep black levels in recent years, but there is always room for improvement.

 It's bringing five LCD TVs to market in Japan this fall with a new glare-reducing, contrast-enhancing panel called Moth Eye. The name stems from the properties of its namesake, whose tiny irregularities cut reflections and help the insect to see in the dark.  

The Verge

 

Oct 27 2012

News - Hulu Plus, CyberLink PowerDVD 12 and PowerDVD Mobile Arrive on Windows 8

By Matthew Miller

With the release of Windows 8, we are going to see a steady stream of streaming media apps make a splash on Windows 8 and the Windows Store. Netflix got in early, and this week brought a Hulu Plus app and new versions of CyberLink PowerDVD. The Hulu Plus app takes full advantage of the Metro/Modern/Windows 8 UI with touch controls, pin to Start screen, and Snap View. As a Hulu Plus app, it is only useful to Hulu Plus subscribers, so fortunately the free Hulu is just a website away.

At Hulu, we are relentless about creating beautiful, intuitive and engaging experiences that help you find and enjoy popular current season TV shows whenever you want, on whatever device you want. Which is why we are so proud to announce the Hulu Plus app is now available on one of the newest operating systems: Windows 8.

Hulu Blog

PowerDVD Mobile for Windows 8

CyberLink has announced two new versions of PowerDVD with the release of PowerDVD 12 and PowerDVD Mobile for Windows 8. PowerDVD 12 is a fairly standard upgrade to their traditional x86 desktop software. For $14.99, or for free with the purchase of PowerDVD 12, PowerDVD Mobile brings some basic video and photo editing, and MPEG and MKV support to the new Windows 8 UI. The company is also promising an Ultra version of PowerDVD Mobile for Windows 8 is in the works, but they are not offering any specific details at this point. Unfortunately, PowerDVD Mobile does not support Windows RT, so anyone who drank the Redmond Kool-Aid and picked up a Surface is going to have to look elsewhere for their MKV fix.

CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a provider of innovative media creation solutions, today launched an updated version of its award-winning media player, PowerDVD 12, along with newPowerDVD Mobile to ensure users of Microsoft’s upcoming Windows® 8 operating system continue to enjoy a premium entertainment experience on their new Windows 8 PCs.

CyberLink

Oct 26 2012

News - Samsung and LG May Delay 55" OLED TVs Until Late 2013, LG Still Prepping $20,000 4K TV

By Matthew Miller

 Sad OLED

Samsung and LG both made a splash at CES 2012 with 55" OLED TVs that they planned on bringing to market by the end of this year. Unfortunately, it sounds like both companies might be pushing off these new sets until late in 2013. Evidently the two companies have been squabbling over engineers and run into production issues that are slowing down the transition of their manufacturing facilities. 

Samsung and LG, the two electronics makers who promised us these exciting, mind-rotting devices, are said to be having worse-than-expected difficulties manufacturing the sets.

TechSpot

This would seem to be a particularly unfortunate setback for Samsung, given the company's public push to move away from LCD manufacturing to focus on OLED and the growing interest in 4K, or UHDTV, at the high-end of the market from companies that have continued to focus on LCD. LG can at least console itself by capitalizing on the latter trend with plans for a relatively inexpensive 4K LCD TV.

Sony's gorgeous 84-inch 4k TV costs an eye-watering $25,000. Now LG has announced the price of its contender and it's cheaper—but you could still buy a car for less.

Gizmodo

Oct 26 2012

News - NBA League Pass Broadband Comes to Xbox 360

By Matthew Miller

The Xbox 360 has added yet another streaming sports service to its repertoire with the introduction this week of the NBA Game Time app. With the Game Time app, folks who subscribe to both Xbox Live Gold and NBA League Pass Broadband will be able stream regular season NBA games through their Xbox, complete with integrated Kinect-powered voice and gesture controls. The app and service allow for streaming at 720p. There are two levels of NBA League Pass Broadband. The $199.99 "Choice" package provides live streaming and on-demand archives for 5 teams, whereas the $179.99 "Premium" package provides complete access to any regular season game for all 30 teams.

 NBA League Pass on Xbox 360

You'll be able to watch live games, highlights and replays in HD, set a specific favorite team to follow and monitor team schedules and stats all through the app. Game Time also features the ability to watch up to two games at once, or watch a live game and catch up on highlights in a split-screen view.

Joystiq

 

Oct 26 2012

News - Sony Sticking to 4K

By Matthew Miller

Last week, the Consumer Electronics Association announced its plan to label the next generation of high definiton televisions as Ultra HD, along with some baseline specifications to qualify for the label. Sony, for one, isn't planning on toeing the line. Sony has announced that they plan to continue using the 4K moniker by labeling their future products as 4K UHD. To be fair, consumer electronics manufacturers are in not beholden to the labeling strictures of the CEA, so there is nothing wrong with Sony choosing to forge its own path, though one must wonder if this move is so much about providing clarity for consumers as it is about capitalizing on the 4K label that is starting to show up more often at theater box offices so as to create the impression that Sony's TVs offer something closer to the 4096 x 2160 resolution of digital cinemas than the 3840 x 2160 resolution of UHDTV.

4K Ultra HD

"To ensure clarity for consumers and delineate between today's and tomorrow's technology, Sony will continue to use the 4K moniker for its products and will market its future products as 4K ultra-high-definition (4K UHD)," she said.

cNet

Oct 23 2012

News - Noctua announces NH-L9 low profile HSF for LGA1155 and FM1/2 IPG

By Andrew Van Til

Noctua NH-L9

Finding a good low profile heat sink and fan (HSF) that isn't also incredibly wide is a lot harder than it should be, especially for AMD's FM1/2 socket. Fortunately this will be much easier now that Noctua has announced its NH-L9 HSF for that platform (NH-L9a) and Intel's LGA 1155 socket (NH-L9i). It's hard not to like Noctua's cooling solutions, but they can be a bit pricey for a budget build and at ~$50 the NH-L9 is no exception.

Full PR and links to more pictures after the click.

Oct 20 2012

News - Zappiti Media Center for Dune HD Reviewed

By Matthew Miller

The Dune HD line of media streamers are lauded for their versatility and feature set, but much of that attention tends to fall on the hardware. This is probably because the Dune HD media streamers generally have a somewhat utiltarian UI. It works and it works well, but it might lack the visual pizzazz that many HTPC fans have come to expect from their media center software of choice and it does not offer the same options for automatically collecting metadata for the movies and tv series accessible to the Dune HD. Fortunately, the Dune HD systems are also extensible. Zappiti Media Center is a PC applicaiton and Dune HD plugin that not only breathes new life into the Dune HD UI, but also serves as a metadata scraper. There are some hoops to jump through to secure a free license, and some manual steps that need to be taken to keep the Zappiti library up-to-date, but between the option to use a mobile device app as a remote control and the upgrade in visuals it gives the Dune HD, there is definitely a lot for Dune HD users to like here.

 Zapitti

Once Zappiti has found or scraped your content, it will begin to populate those folders and subsequently your computer screen with metadata that also includes cover art. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Zappiti gets the information right. If it doesn't, it's easily remedied by simply right-clicking on the egregious art or metadata and selecting the appropriate info from a drop-down menu from the top menu bar. 

Home Theater Review

Oct 19 2012

News - CEA Settles on Ultra High-Definition to Describe 4K or QuadHD TVs

By Matthew Miller

Ultra HD

The Consumer Electronics Association has announced that the next generation of high-definiton televisions will officially be labeled Ultra High-Definition. Several TV manufacturers have already launched TVs running at resolutions higher than current HDTVs, and they have been marketed as 4K, QuadHD, or Ultra HD. The CEA is hoping that standardizing on a specific term and setting minimum standards will assist in educating consumers about why they should be excited to see these TVs start to filter down into the sub-$25K range. According to the CEA, an Ultra HDTV will need to have a 16:9 resolution, a minimum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, and offer at least one digital input capable of carrying an Ultra HD signal without upconverting. Of course, the real trick will probably be convincing consumers that they can see a difference in resolution. One need not look far to find a forum in which two parties are arguing about how big a TV needs to be before one can see the difference between 1280 x 720 and 1920 x 1080.

The Consumer Electronics Association has rubber-stamped "Ultra HD" as the designation for screen displays that quadruple the resolution of today's standard Full HD.

Where HD images are 720 pixels deep, Full HD offers 1080 and Ultra HD does 2160. This gives Ultra HD images a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (8.3 megapixels).

ZDnet

Oct 19 2012

News - Netflix Streaming Now Available in Scandanavia

By Matthew Miller

NetflixA couple of months ago, HBO and Netflix announced within days of each other that they were going to be launching streaming services in Scandanvia. At the time, HBO stated that HBO Nordic would launch in October, but Netflix was going with a less definitive launch date of "by the end of the year". Call me cynical, but I think HBO gave Netflix a bit of incentive to pick up the pace. Not only has Netflix announced that they have completed rolling their service out across Scandanavia, but they launched in all four countries over the course of four days. As usual, Netflix is available on a variety of Smart TVs, settop boxes, and mobile devices, and the company is claiming that initial demand has been greater than they expected. With HBO Nordic, LOVEFiLM, and Netflix all duking it out for the same region, the real test will be to see how many of those early signups turn into paid subscriptions.

Netflix Oct. 18 said it is officially beginning streaming rental service in Denmark, Finland and Norway, completing its Scandinavia rollout following the launch of subscription video-on-demand in Sweden earlier in the week.

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