Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Managed Copy hits Blu-ray Discs December 4th, but you still can't use it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/07/managed-copy-hits-blu-ray-discs-december-4th-but-you-still-can/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/07/managed-copy-hits-blu-ray-discs-december-4th-but-you-still-can/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/07/managed-copy-hits-blu-ray-discs-december-4th-but-you-still-can/#commentsManaged Copy demo
The egg had to come before the chicken right? Well either way, one of 'em came first and in the case of the latest Blu-ray feature, Managed Copy enabled Blu-ray Discs will come before the hardware. Less than five months since AACS was finalized and the details of Managed Copy were revealed and so far we've only seen one demo and not a single product announcement. This doesn't surprise us, but AACS-LA is apparently surprised because although all Blu-ray Discs sold after December 4th have no choice but to allow at least one copy to be made, the requirement to label the packaging as such has been postponed until Spring of next year. We'd expect at least a few products that support Managed Copy to be announced at CES and although we highly doubt any stand-alone Blu-ray players will sport this feature anytime soon, we do have our hopes on PC software and expect a few movie jukebox devices like Kaleidescape -- that we won't be able to afford -- will be announced at the big show in Vegas.

Filed under: ,

Managed Copy hits Blu-ray Discs December 4th, but you still can't use it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AACSBlu-rayHD moviesHdMoviesManaged CopyManagedCopySat, 07 Nov 2009 02:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft emancipates Digital Cable Tuners with second Media Center update today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/microsoft-emancipates-digital-cable-tuners-with-second-media-cen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/microsoft-emancipates-digital-cable-tuners-with-second-media-cen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/microsoft-emancipates-digital-cable-tuners-with-second-media-cen/#comments Scant hours after the SDV tuning, DRM-relaxing firmware update for Vista and Windows 7 Digital Cable Tuner users became available, Missing Remote let us know Microsoft has come through on the other half of its CEDIA promise by pushing the Digital Cable Advisor to Media Center Extras galleries everywhere. This half should enable all Windows 7 PCs to work with the CableCard tuners, sans-OEM requirement or inconvenient hacking. Sure we could ask for more from Windows 7 Media Center, but for now Netflix and these two (in less than 100 days) will have to do.

Read - MCE: Digital Cable Advisor Tool Available Now!
Read - ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings are a go

Filed under: ,

Microsoft emancipates Digital Cable Tuners with second Media Center update today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aticable cardCableCardcediadigital cable advisordigital cable tunerDigitalCableAdvisorDigitalCableTunermc7media centermedia center extrasMediaCenterMediaCenterExtrasoemwindowswindows 7windows media centerWindows7WindowsMediaCenterFri, 06 Nov 2009 22:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Myka ION brings Hulu, Boxee and other web content to your TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/myka-ion-brings-hulu-boxee-and-other-web-content-to-your-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/myka-ion-brings-hulu-boxee-and-other-web-content-to-your-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/myka-ion-brings-hulu-boxee-and-other-web-content-to-your-tv/#comments It's been almost a full year since we heard a peep from the fine folks at Myka, but it looks like we could be talking about 'em a lot more often judging by the specs list on its latest contraption. The simply-titled ION is an Atom-based media PC that relies on NVIDIA's Ion graphics set and a customized interface that brings Hulu, Boxee and pretty much any other web content you can stumble upon to your television. Within, you'll find a 1.6GHz dual-core Atom 330 CPU, up to 4GB of RAM, ten USB 2.0 ports, VGA / DVI / HDMI outputs, an eSATA connector, Ethernet and plenty of audio outputs. The fanless design ensures that things remain quiet, and for those oozing cash, a Blu-ray drive, HDD and WiFi module can be implanted. It's up for order right now starting at $379, but you'll be stuck waiting four to six weeks for delivery.

Gallery: Myka ION brings Hulu, Boxee and other web content to your TV

Filed under:

Myka ION brings Hulu, Boxee and other web content to your TV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomatom 330Atom330boxeehtpchuluionmedia pcmedia streamerMediaPcMediaStreamermultimediaMyka ionMykaIonnettopnvidianvidia ionNvidiaIonset top boxset-top-boxSetTopBoxstbstreamstreamerstreamingFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/netflix-instant-streaming-demoed-on-playstation-3-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/netflix-instant-streaming-demoed-on-playstation-3-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/netflix-instant-streaming-demoed-on-playstation-3-video/#comments Aw, suki suki now! Those Netflix instant streaming discs that started floating out to anxious PS3 owners yesterday are obviously splashing down, with YouTube user (and avid Engadget reader) otimus posting up a stellar walkthrough showing everything in action. We've got to admit -- the whole thing looks exceptionally sleek, but given the PS3's multimedia prowess, we didn't really expect anything less. He stated that he didn't notice any stuttering as he sifted through films and mashed play, and that any jitters you see in the video (after the break) can be blamed on the janky TV capture device. So, any others receive their disc today? How's the experience?

[Thanks, Otis]

Update: Our best buds over at Joystiq got some quality hands-on time with this (video is now after the break), so be sure and check it out!

Continue reading Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)

Filed under:

Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolegame consoleGameConsolenetflixplaystation 3Playstation3ps3ps3 netflixps3 streaming discPs3NetflixPs3StreamingDiscsonystreamingvideowatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo's AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter hits the FCC, stirs up imaginations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/tivos-an0100-802-11n-wifi-adapter-hits-the-fcc-stirs-up-imagin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/tivos-an0100-802-11n-wifi-adapter-hits-the-fcc-stirs-up-imagin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/tivos-an0100-802-11n-wifi-adapter-hits-the-fcc-stirs-up-imagin/#comments TiVo's Wireless G USB network adapter has been out and about since late 2005, so to say an 802.11n version is past due would be understating things dramatically. At long last, it seems as if high-speed network access is coming to the heralded DVR, with an AN0100 802.11n AP recently splashing down at the FCC. There's no instruction manual or indication of whether this is the device we've been waiting for in order to stream networked media to the TV through one's TiVo, but why else would the outfit bother with tossing out a new dongle with support for higher throughput? We know, we're letting ourselves get a bit too optimistic here -- but c'mon, can you really blame us?

Filed under: ,

TiVo's AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter hits the FCC, stirs up imaginations originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11naccess pointAccessPointan0100bridgefccmedia streamingMediaStreamingstreamstreamingtgn-an0100tivotivo hdTivoHdwapwifiwlanFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS O!Play AIR HDP-R3 arrives with WiFi and card reader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/asus-o-play-air-hdp-r3-arrives-with-wifi-and-card-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/asus-o-play-air-hdp-r3-arrives-with-wifi-and-card-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/asus-o-play-air-hdp-r3-arrives-with-wifi-and-card-reader/#comments We had a sneak peek at ASUS' BR-HD3 just a week few back, and rather than holding out on us any longer, it looks as if the company has come forward to make things official. The O!Play Air HDP-R3 isn't a tremendous update from the previous edition, though the addition of 802.11n WiFi and a multimedia card reader are certainly appreciated. Reportedly, the media player packs an HDMI 1.3 socket, support for just about every file format known to man and a respectable price tag of around €90 ($133). Too bad the Yanks in attendance are left in the lurch.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Filed under:

ASUS O!Play AIR HDP-R3 arrives with WiFi and card reader originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pASUSASUS BR-HD3asus oplayasus oplay airAsusBr-hd3AsusOplayAsusOplayAirBR-HD3hd streamhd streaminghdmiHdStreamHdStreaminghdtvo playOPlaystreamstreamingwireless hdmiwireless hdtvWirelessHdmiWirelessHdtvFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb for Mac finally arrives, streams media from OS X to any internet-connected device]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/#comments Wow, where've you been, Orb? It's been a full year since we heard anything from the once-adored media streaming outfit, and while it's been streaming out content to iPhones for quite some time, those relying on Macs to do it have been left in the damp night air. Until now, that is. Orb for Macintosh has finally hit the streets, bringing with it OS X 10.5 and 10.6 compatibility that enables any and all media from iTunes to be sent out over the internet and consumed on any outside device with access to the web. We're talking laptops, UMPCs, smartphones and even that ancient PC your grandmother still uses with Windows ME. There's no mention of any DRM restrictions, and it'll even allow you to stream live TV if you can manage to connect a tuner card to your Apple. Oh, and did we mention that Orb is completely free? Hit the download link below to get your weekend started off right.

Read - Download Orb
Read - Press release

Filed under: ,

Orb for Mac finally arrives, streams media from OS X to any internet-connected device originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.6appleavailableitunesleopardmacmediamedia streamingMediaStreamingmultimediaorbOrb for MacintoshOrbForMacintoshorbliveos xos x 10.6OsXOsX10.6snow leopardSnowLeopardsoftwarestreamstreamingFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix shipping out PS3 instant streaming discs!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/netflix-shipping-out-ps3-instant-streaming-discs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/netflix-shipping-out-ps3-instant-streaming-discs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/netflix-shipping-out-ps3-instant-streaming-discs/#comments It's been a long wait for PS3 users, who had to look on in envy as their Xbox 360 counterparts kicked back and started streaming Netflix as of July last year. Well, the wait is finally over, as PS3 instant streaming discs are being sent out to Netflix users (who've requested them) as we speak. Looks like our friend Jonathan here has a Friday delivery in store for him, while the lazier ones among us hunker down for an XMB software update late next year to let us stream Netflix to the PS3 disc-free, in keeping with the natural order of things.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under:

Netflix shipping out PS3 instant streaming discs! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>instant streamingInstantStreamingnetflixps3shippingThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/vudu-brings-pandora-picasa-and-flickr-to-connected-hdtv-promis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/vudu-brings-pandora-picasa-and-flickr-to-connected-hdtv-promis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/vudu-brings-pandora-picasa-and-flickr-to-connected-hdtv-promis/#comments And you thought HDTVs were made for watching TV. VUDU has today slung its (admittedly paltry) library of applications over to its television partners, making both Picasa and Flickr access possible through LG and Mitsubishi sets with integrated VUDU software. Of course, all of this was already available to those relying on one of VUDU's dedicated set-top boxes, but it's always nice to have everything wrapped up neatly within the display itself. In related news, Pandora streaming is also available on VUDU-infused Mitsubishi panels, though for whatever reason, LG has "requested that only free TV and games be available on their devices." All bummers aside, the company has asserted that even more internet apps will be released to VUDU customers in the coming months, so make sure hold 'em to their word.

Filed under: , ,

VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationapplicationsappsconnected hdtvConnectedHdtvflickrinternet appsinternet radioInternetAppsInternetRadiolgMistubishipandorapicasastreamstreamingvuduVUDU LabsVuduLabsThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/viewsonics-vmp70-media-player-does-1080p-for-less-than-a-hundie/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/viewsonics-vmp70-media-player-does-1080p-for-less-than-a-hundie/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/viewsonics-vmp70-media-player-does-1080p-for-less-than-a-hundie/#commentsViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie The WD TV is still more or less the king of the tiny media player boxes, but now Viewsonic is getting into the game at a lower price point -- and minus the whole network compatibility bit. The VMP70 is a "direct connect" media device, so it will play content from your choice of USB-compatible storage, pumping it at up to 1080p to your display over HDMI or component cables, also sporting composite for lower-def fare. It packs an S/PDIF port to get clean audio, and supports a slew of formats including the usual suspects (DivX,Xvid,H.264) along with some slightly less usual ones (RM/RMVB, DTS, OGG). It's all available for an MSRP of $129.99, but order now and you'll get special holiday pricing of $98.99. Operators are standing by... somewhere... probably.

Gallery: Viewsonic's VMP70 Media Player

Filed under:

ViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pcomponentcompositehdmimedia playerMediaPlayerspdifviewsonicviewsonic vmp70ViewsonicVmp70vmp70Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[EOps i24R3Portable speaker is mad, bad, and waterproof]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/eops-i24r3portable-speaker-is-mad-bad-and-waterproof/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/eops-i24r3portable-speaker-is-mad-bad-and-waterproof/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/eops-i24r3portable-speaker-is-mad-bad-and-waterproof/#comments Think of a soundbar rolled into a circular, battery-powered body and you'll have a pretty good idea of what we're looking at here. The product's name -- EOps i24R3Portable Wireless Waterproof Digital Speaker Platform -- should tidy up any further queries you may have. Michael Young's latest design for EOps, whose appearance only hints at its i24R3 heritage, is a fully sealed noisemaker that can communicate via wireless USB or Bluetooth, depending on the model. You should pick your poison with care as there are no options for wired hook-ups. With a Li-Pol battery pack and an array of flat panel speakers and passive radiators inside, this could well be the ultimate in portable weatherproof speaker design, but even if it isn't, we'd still consider mounting it on a wall and worshipping it as our Sun God.

[Via Design Spotter]

Filed under:

EOps i24R3Portable speaker is mad, bad, and waterproof originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bluetootheopseops i24r3 portableeops i24r3portableEopsI24r3Portableflat panel speakersFlatPanelSpeakersi24r3i24r3 portableI24r3Portablemichael youngMichaelYoungmy studioMyStudiospeakerspeakerssurround soundSurroundSoundwaterproofwireleess usbWireleessUsbwirelessWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang & Olufsen's multifunctional BeoTime gets carefully handled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/bang-and-olufsens-multifunctional-beotime-gets-carefully-handled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/bang-and-olufsens-multifunctional-beotime-gets-carefully-handled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/bang-and-olufsens-multifunctional-beotime-gets-carefully-handled/#comments It's rare that we get to see magic wand-shaped remote controls, and rarer still for them to have integrated alarm clocks. The Bang & Olufsen BeoTime is just that sort of exotic specimen, and its $375 touch-sensitive aluminum body has now been tested for our amusement. Being able to turn on your other B&O products by simply grabbing the remote or setting an alarm for the desired time struck positive notes, and those bite-sized displays earned praise too. With automatic backlighting, built-in accelerometer, and full channel readouts, they ensured the minimum of strain for the user (which is probably still pretty high considering they're tiny!). There wasn't much to complain about, but at that price point you wouldn't expect it either. Full hands-on gallery can be found at the read link.

Filed under: ,

Bang & Olufsen's multifunctional BeoTime gets carefully handled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometeralarm clockAlarmClockb and oBAndObang and olufsenBangAndOlufsenbeotimeclockflutehands-onluxuryremoteremote controlRemoteControlrichtimepiecetouch sensitiveTouchSensitivewirelessWed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonos ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one speaker system now available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/sonos-zoneplayer-s5-all-in-one-speaker-system-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/sonos-zoneplayer-s5-all-in-one-speaker-system-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/sonos-zoneplayer-s5-all-in-one-speaker-system-now-available/#comments
We managed to get a early hands-on look at Sonos' new S5 all-in-one speaker system last month, and if that got you intrigued you'll no doubt be pleased to know that the rig is now available in the US for the slightly premium price of $399. That will get you all the usual wireless connectivity you'd expect from a Sonos ZonePlayer (minus the need to purchase additional speakers), plus support for the Sonos Controller iPhone app (but no actual iPhone / iPod dock), and of course some "room-filling" sound, which we found did actually live up to its promise. Still confused about the whole thing? Head on past the break for a video.

Continue reading Sonos ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one speaker system now available

Filed under:

Sonos ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one speaker system now available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>home audioHomeAudios5sonossonos zoneplayer s5SonosZoneplayerS5sound systemSoundSystemspeakerspeaker systemSpeakerSystemwireless audiowireless musicWirelessAudioWirelessMusiczoneplayerzoneplayer s5ZoneplayerS5Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/onkyos-ipod-lovin-nd-s1-digital-media-transport-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/onkyos-ipod-lovin-nd-s1-digital-media-transport-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/onkyos-ipod-lovin-nd-s1-digital-media-transport-gets-reviewed/#commentsBack in late July, we weren't aware of when Onkyo's fancy ND-S1 iPod dock would ship. Now, we're not only certain that the £144 ($235) digital media transport is shipping across the pond, but we've stumbled upon a critique for those wondering if such an outlay is justified. After slamming their iPod touch into the device and connecting it to their reference speaker system, they came away duly impressed; in practically every scenario, using the external DAC in this box led to clearer, more precise audio compared to signals coming straight out of the iPod. In fact, reviewers went so far as to call this unit "peerless," though they did mention that it's really only good for those already satisfied with their existing speaker setuip. Of course, you could just opt for an audiophile-approved media player, but then you wouldn't be able to experience the joy and elation that comes with relying on iTunes. Right?

Filed under:

Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd media streamerHdMediaStreamermedia streamerMediaStreamerND-S1onkyoOnkyo ND-S1OnkyoNd-s1reviewedstreamstreamerstreamingTue, 03 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Paramount and Kingston team up for movies on flash memory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/paramount-and-kingston-team-up-for-movies-on-flash-memory/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/paramount-and-kingston-team-up-for-movies-on-flash-memory/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/paramount-and-kingston-team-up-for-movies-on-flash-memory/#commentsMovies delivered on memory cards isn't an entirely new development (Sony did it back in the early days of the PSP), but it looks like Paramount and Kingston think the idea is prime for a comeback, and have today announced a partnership that'll see some of the studio's movies delivered on SD cards and USB drives. That gets started with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on a (presumably reusable) 4GB Kingston DataTraveler I USB drive that's available right now for $29.99, and will apparently continue with additional movies offered across Kingston's full line of memory cards and USB drives, although both parties are staying mum on any further specifics. There's also no word from any other studios or memory companies just yet, but we can only presume this means slotMovies are right around the corner.

[Via HotHardware]

Filed under: ,

Paramount and Kingston team up for movies on flash memory originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flash memoryFlashMemorykingstonmemory cardsMemoryCardsparamountparamount digital entertainmentParamountDigitalEntertainmentsdsd cardsSdCardsusb driveusb drivesUsbDriveUsbDrivesMon, 02 Nov 2009 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Wall of Sound is loud, prohibitively expensive, and somewhat defeats the purpose]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/wall-of-sound-is-loud-prohibitively-expensive-and-somewhat-def/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/wall-of-sound-is-loud-prohibitively-expensive-and-somewhat-def/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/wall-of-sound-is-loud-prohibitively-expensive-and-somewhat-def/#comments
You know the problem with most iPod docks? They're too compact, too convenient. Luckily the wild men at Brothers in Drottninggatan, Stockholm, have the cure to tinny sounds that come in small packages. Hopefully a nod to the sound generated by "the bruddas" from Forest Hills, Queens (and not that of a certain homicidal record producer), the Wall of Sound is a handcrafted, 4 x 3 foot, 125 watt tube amplified behemoth. Intrigued? We bet you are. Sadly, the company has sold out of its first run, but you'll need time to save up your lunch money for one of these anyways: the asking price is $4,495 (plus shipping). Hit that read link to get started.

[Via Geek.com]

Continue reading Wall of Sound is loud, prohibitively expensive, and somewhat defeats the purpose

Filed under:

Wall of Sound is loud, prohibitively expensive, and somewhat defeats the purpose originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplifierbrothersdockhome entertainmentHomeEntertainmentipodipod dockIpodDockspeakertubewall of soundWallOfSoundMon, 02 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[XBMC ARM port teased, will manage HD playback from pocket-sized Beagleboard (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/xbmc-arm-port-teased-will-manage-hd-playback-from-pocket-sized/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/xbmc-arm-port-teased-will-manage-hd-playback-from-pocket-sized/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/xbmc-arm-port-teased-will-manage-hd-playback-from-pocket-sized/#commentsXBMC ARM port teased, will manage HD playback from pocket-sized Beagleboard (video) There was a time when the X in XBMC stood for Xbox, but now just look at it. The open source project is showing up on everything from MIDs to Apple TVs and soon will be in the wild running on ARM-powered devices, with the development team posting a teaser video of the software running quite well on a tiny 600MHz Beagleboard. It's a fraction of the size of most HTPCs and, at $150, a fraction of their cost, too. Right now the software seems to be struggling a bit with what looks to be 480p wide content, but the devs promise proper HD playback in the full release -- though they're not saying when that full release will be.

[Via Hack A Day]

Continue reading XBMC ARM port teased, will manage HD playback from pocket-sized Beagleboard (video)

Filed under: , ,

XBMC ARM port teased, will manage HD playback from pocket-sized Beagleboard (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>600mhzARMbeagleboardhtpcteaserxbmcMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iluv-ships-weather-watching-imm183-dual-dock-ipod-iphone-alarm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iluv-ships-weather-watching-imm183-dual-dock-ipod-iphone-alarm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iluv-ships-weather-watching-imm183-dual-dock-ipod-iphone-alarm/#comments It belts out severe weather alerts as storms are barreling towards your domicile. It acts as a decent bedroom stereo. And it wakes you and the SO up to your own favorite jams -- all while charging your iPod or iPhone throughout the night. If those amenities sound like must-haves in your own life, you might be interested in knowing that iLuv's iMM183 dual dock alarm clock is now shipping, nearly a full year after being originally announced at CES. The pain? $149.99 -- but hey, that's a small price to pay to keep your dear media player / handset out of a tornado's eye, right?

Gallery: iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock

Filed under: , ,

iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarm clockAlarmClockclockclock radioClockRadiodocking stationDockingStationiLuviLuv iMM183IluvImm183iMM183iphoneiphone accessoryIphoneAccessoryiPod accessoryipod alarm clockipod boomboxipod clockipod radioipod sound systemIpodAccessoryIpodAlarmClockIpodBoomboxIpodClockIpodRadioIpodSoundSystemweatherSat, 31 Oct 2009 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/media-manager-for-mac-enables-iphone-itunes-media-streaming-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/media-manager-for-mac-enables-iphone-itunes-media-streaming-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/media-manager-for-mac-enables-iphone-itunes-media-streaming-to/#comments We're hearing that the PC version of this here software still beats out the Mac counterpart, but equality is slowly but surely becoming a reality. The main new feature over on the OS X side, however, is a good one: the ability to stream iPhone and iTunes media directly to your TV via your FiOS TV DVR. Fire up an iTunes playlist and watch the fun roll by on your home TV, and there's even support for photo slideshows and the like. It's available to download right now from the read link, and those still skeptical can catch a demonstration vid just past the break.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Continue reading Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)

Filed under: , ,

Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledvrfiosfios tvFiosTviphoneiphone streamingIphoneStreamingitunesitunes streamingItunesStreamingmacmedia managerMediaManageros xOsXsoftwarestreamstreamingFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco FlipShareTV streamer outed in FCC documents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/cisco-flipsharetv-streamer-outed-in-fcc-documents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/cisco-flipsharetv-streamer-outed-in-fcc-documents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/cisco-flipsharetv-streamer-outed-in-fcc-documents/#comments Flip Video remote, meet your family. One of Cisco's latest FCC filings happened to keep its user manual outside the seal of confidentiality, giving us a pretty good look at FlipShareTV, a setup for streaming recorded video from the computer's FlipShare software, out the USB dongle transmitted wirelessly to the receiver connected to the TV... and that's about it. Nothing too thrilling here, and there's no indication of price or release date. More pictures below -- any Flip enthusiasts actually excited by this?

Gallery: Cisco FlipShareTV


[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Filed under: ,

Cisco FlipShareTV streamer outed in FCC documents originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscofccflipflip shareflip share tvflip videoFlipShareFlipShareTvFlipVideomedia streamerMediaStreamerstreamstreamerFri, 30 Oct 2009 00:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/apple-tv-3-0-software-update-is-out-apparently/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/apple-tv-3-0-software-update-is-out-apparently/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/apple-tv-3-0-software-update-is-out-apparently/#comments Looks like Apple's "hobby" is finally getting the iTunes Extra & LP features it was initially denied, as the Apple TV 3.0 software has just released, featuring a brand new main menu (above) plus Genius Mixes and internet radio access. It took a reboot and a few tries for units around here to start seeing the new software was available, so feel free to give that "check for updates" button a workout, 'til then the official PR is after the break describing what your box is missing.

Continue reading Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow

Filed under: ,

Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0appleapple tvapple tv 3.0AppleTvAppleTv3.0genius mixesGeniusMixesitunesitunes extrasitunes lpItunesExtrasItunesLplpsoftware updateSoftwareUpdateThu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/#comments
 VIZIO sure ends up in a whole lot of legal battles, but one way or another, it always seems to find its way out in the long run. Such is the case once again today, as the current LCD TV king has apparently said all the right things to Sony. If you'll recall, Sony (along with a slew of others) filed suit against Vizio awhile back over patent licensing concerns, but now it seems the two have reached a mutual agreement to use each other's technologies without bickering over who owns what. The release on the matter states that Sony "has become a licensee under VIZIO's patent portfolio," and that "VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony's color television patent portfolio." Who knows how much under-the-table cash and shaky promises had to be passed along in order to make everyone happy, but hey, a problem solved is a problem solved.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Update: Sony's response to all of this is after the break, courtesy of a company spokesperson who pinged us directly.

Continue reading Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Filed under: , ,

Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementcourthdtvlawsuitlcdlcd hdtvlcd tvLcdHdtvLcdTvlegallicensingpatentpatent disputePatent InfringementPatentDisputePatentInfringementsettlementsonysuesuittelevisiontvvizioThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Details of 3D cable demo at Cable-Tec emerge ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/details-of-3d-cable-demo-at-cable-tec-emerge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/details-of-3d-cable-demo-at-cable-tec-emerge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/details-of-3d-cable-demo-at-cable-tec-emerge/#commentsCable-Tec Expo 3D cable demo
Our friend Mari at the official Motorola Blog just got back from checking out the 3D demo at Cable-Tec and was able to dig up a few extra details in addition to sharing her impressions. Overall she said the circular polarized and active shutter demos both "looked good" but each was driven by a different set-top-box so it was hard to do a fair a to b comparison. This also makes us continue to wonder how compatible these two 3D display technologies are -- we suspect they are compatible and that this was just to prove that both IPTV and QAM worked as delivery methods. The most interesting tidbit is the fact that, thanks to new Multiview Video Encoding techniques, the 3D stream only requires about 30 percent more throughput than the same image in 2D. This isn't as much as Panasonic is claiming the new 3D Blu-ray spec will require, which is estimated at 50 precent. One other thing we're left wondering is what the frame rate of the demo was, but earlier this week CableLabs did confirme that the demo is 1080p and that the SCTE has already added 1080p at 60 fps to its encoding standards. We assume the frame rate had to be at least 30 fps per eye though, because otherwise the flicker would probably be noticeably annoying.

Filed under: , ,

Details of 3D cable demo at Cable-Tec emerge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DCable-TecMotorolaSCTEscte cable-tecScteCable-tecWed, 28 Oct 2009 23:08:00 EST<![CDATA[MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/mtube-android-mid-streams-media-to-the-tv-and-back-via-touchscre/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/mtube-android-mid-streams-media-to-the-tv-and-back-via-touchscre/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/mtube-android-mid-streams-media-to-the-tv-and-back-via-touchscre/#comments
MTube, known most famously in these parts for its diminutive, WiMAX-sportin' media player, seems to be putting some time and effort into Android as of late. While the MTube II hybrid Android / XP / tablet / netbook has certainly inspired its share of techno-lust, the Android MID hits us where it counts: in front of the television. The unholy union of a handheld and a multimedia controller, this guy lets you drag and drop video from the device to your TV, stream media to the TV or vice versa, and transfer files between multiple MTubes -- all this in addition to the core functionality of the OS. Details are still scant: although we know it's rocking an ARM Processor, a 7.6-inch 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen OLED, and Android 1.6, there's no word on storage or memory, or even how the video is streamed (we think that WiFi might be a good guess). As it stands, the thing is most certainly not ready for prime time (as becomes painfully obvious when the system crashes at 1 minute 45 seconds), but as a taste of things to come we're definitely intrigued. Peep the video after the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video)

Filed under: ,

MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid midAndroidMidbroadband show 2009BroadbandShow2009home entertainmentHomeEntertainmentmidmtubemtube android midMtubeAndroidMidWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix streaming purportedly hitting Nintendo's Wii next]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/netflix-streaming-purportedly-hitting-nintendos-wii-next/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/netflix-streaming-purportedly-hitting-nintendos-wii-next/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/netflix-streaming-purportedly-hitting-nintendos-wii-next/#comments Mmhmm. We see precisely where this is going. First came Microsoft's Xbox 360, then came the PlayStation 3. Now, the beast that is Netflix's "Watch Instantly" is coming to Nintendo's Wii... or that's the scuttlebutt, anyway. According to StreamingMedia, an undisclosed source close to the project has confirmed that the Big N is currently testing Netflix streaming on the Wii, and that it'll be rolled out to the public "very soon." Our initial reaction is to think that "very soon" will translate into "before the holidays," though we all know that only time will tell. But hey, when you've been waiting for this to happen since March, patience comes naturally.

Filed under: ,

Netflix streaming purportedly hitting Nintendo's Wii next originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolegame consoleGameConsolenetflixnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirumorstreamstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywiiWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/microsoft-temporarily-suspends-sky-player-for-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/microsoft-temporarily-suspends-sky-player-for-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/microsoft-temporarily-suspends-sky-player-for-xbox-360/#comments
"Very fast," "a dream," "fantastic." It looks like you can add "on hiatus" to the list of superlatives -- at least for the time being. That boffo Sky Player that Microsoft debuted for the Xbox 360? "Suspended." Why, you ask? "Due to an unforeseen technical issue." Luckily for Britons and ex-pats, the £15 monthly service should resume tomorrow, barring any further technical issues. In the meantime, it looks like the poor avatar above will be stuck watching Benny Hill on Netflix like the rest of us. Statement after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360

Filed under: ,

Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live streamingLiveStreamingmicrosoftskysky playersky tvSkyPlayerSkyTvstreaming mediastreaming tvStreamingMediaStreamingTvxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/jvc-joins-the-sub-200-blu-ray-player-game-with-ultrathin-xv-bp1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/jvc-joins-the-sub-200-blu-ray-player-game-with-ultrathin-xv-bp1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/jvc-joins-the-sub-200-blu-ray-player-game-with-ultrathin-xv-bp1/#comments Sub-$200 Blu-ray players certainly aren't new -- heck, some guys have been doing it since the year 2008 -- but you'll never catch us kvetching about a little more competition. JVC has today introduced (in the briefest way possible, might we add) its newest Blu-ray player just ten months after deciding to play the BD game here in the States. The ultrathin (and "now available") XV-BP11 should slide into just about any AV rack, bringing Blu-ray / DVD playback, AVCHD support, HDMI 1.3, a USB socket and compatibility with a slew of audio formats. Curiously enough, the outfit doesn't bother to mention if this thing is Profile 2.0, but we're guessing (read: hoping) that it wouldn't do something as ludicrous as charge two bills for a Profile 1.1 deck in late 2009. Then again, we've seen zanier things go down...

Update: Ouch -- this thing is only Profile 1.1. Dud. [Thanks, Aaron!]

Continue reading JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11

Filed under:

JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avchdbdblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerhome entertainmentHomeEntertainmentjvcjvc XV-BP11JvcXv-bp11XV-BP11Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/fcc-keen-on-commandeering-tv-spectrum-for-wireless-broadband/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/fcc-keen-on-commandeering-tv-spectrum-for-wireless-broadband/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/fcc-keen-on-commandeering-tv-spectrum-for-wireless-broadband/#comments We'll come right out and say it, we like Julius Genachowski. Whether you agree with the dude's policies or not, you can't deny he's pursuing them with gusto. Having already noted the insufficient carrying capacity of current mobile broadband airways to deal with incoming 4G connections, the FCC chairman is now reported to be moving ahead with plans to provide greater spectrum allocation for those purposes. Currently in the draft stage, the latest Commission proposals include a plan to reclaim airwaves from digital broadcasters (and pay them appropriately for it), which are to then be sold off to the highest bidder from among the wireless service providers. Executing the most extreme version of this plan could generate around $62 billion in auction revenues, though it would require transitioning digital TV viewers over to cable or subscription services and is therefore unlikely. Jules and his crew are still "looking at everything" and ruling out nothing, but we can probably expect to see a moderate shift of TV spectrum rights over to wireless carriers in the final plans when they're revealed in February.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: , ,

FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airwavesbroadbandcellphonesfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissioninternetJulius GenachowskiJuliusGenachowskimobile broadbandMobileBroadbandspectrumtelevisionwirelesswireless broadbandwireless internetwireless spectrumWirelessBroadbandWirelessInternetWirelessSpectrumWed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's 30-inch 3D AMOLED TV won't make you dizzy, will leave you poor and silly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/samsungs-30-inch-3d-amoled-tv-wont-make-you-dizzy-will-leave/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/samsungs-30-inch-3d-amoled-tv-wont-make-you-dizzy-will-leave/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/samsungs-30-inch-3d-amoled-tv-wont-make-you-dizzy-will-leave/#comments Feeling that 3D craze yet? No? Well what if we told you that Samsung was bringing stereoscopic 3D to its magnificent AMOLED panels touting a million-to-1 contrast? Today in Japan it's showing off its 30-inch AMOLED 3D television with Full HD panel measuring just 2.5-mm thick. Although much is lost in the Korean language press release, Sammy is claiming that itd panel plus shutter-glasses technology helps to reduce the dizziness felt by some 3D viewers. The set's just a prototype at the moment but its price will certainly invoke financial vertigo whenever it might hit the manufacturing lines. One more very serious picture after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's 30-inch 3D AMOLED TV won't make you dizzy, will leave you poor and silly

Filed under: ,

Samsung's 30-inch 3D AMOLED TV won't make you dizzy, will leave you poor and silly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-inch3damoleddizzinessdizzyfpdfpd 2009Fpd2009oledsamsungtelevisiontvWed, 28 Oct 2009 04:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku HD-XR Player and Roku SD Player announced (with hands-on!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/roku-hdxr-player-announced-adds-802-11n-not-much-else-with-h/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/roku-hdxr-player-announced-adds-802-11n-not-much-else-with-h/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/roku-hdxr-player-announced-adds-802-11n-not-much-else-with-h/#comments We had big hopes the Roku HD-XR streaming player would add local streaming when those leaked pics showed a USB port, but we just got the official launch materials and a review unit, and as of right now the only difference between the new $129 HD-XR Player and the existing model is an upgrade to 802.11n WiFi -- the USB port is for "future use." Now, we're big proponents of 802.11n, so we're not complaining, but we've never had a problem streaming HD Netflix or Amazon with our regular Roku HD Player on 802.11g, so we're not too sure the HD-XR is worth the $30 premium right now. Roku is gearing up to launch a new Channel Store with additional content in the coming weeks, however, so there's a chance this little box will need the extra bandwidth sometime soon -- we'll have to wait and see.

Roku's also launching the SD-only Roku SD Player for $79, which might actually be the more interesting product here, as we know tons of people with old TVs in bedrooms and basements who would love some cheap movie streaming. It'll be in the same enclosure as the HD Player and the HD-XR Player, but only have 802.11g WiFi and RCA audio / video outputs.

Gallery: Roku HD-XR Player unboxing and hands-on


Gallery: Roku HD-XR and SD Player press images

Filed under:

Roku HD-XR Player and Roku SD Player announced (with hands-on!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd xrhd-xrHdXrnetflixrokuroku hd playerroku hd-xrroku hd-xr playerroku playerroku sdroku sd playerroku video playerroku xrRokuHd-xrRokuHd-xrPlayerRokuHdPlayerRokuPlayerRokuSdRokuSdPlayerRokuVideoPlayerRokuXrsd playerSdPlayerxrTue, 27 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky Player on Xbox 360 receives first eyes-on analysis]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/sky-player-on-xbox-360-receives-first-eyes-on-analysis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/sky-player-on-xbox-360-receives-first-eyes-on-analysis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/sky-player-on-xbox-360-receives-first-eyes-on-analysis/#comments Sky TV has made its arrival on the Xbox 360 today in prompt fashion, with live streaming and on-demand video available, and the keen lads over at Electric Pig already have a preview of the service in action. Their immediate reaction was that the Sky Player interface was "ultra-speedy" and easily navigable using the 360 controller. Streaming at the high-quality setting (alas, there's no HD on offer yet) was also no problem on a 4Mb broadband connection, though they reserve their highest praise for the on-demand content which was pumped through within a couple of seconds of selection and benefits from an "astonishingly well-designed interface." For the full impressions of the subscription-based service, which starts out at £15 per month, hit up the read link below.

Filed under: ,

Sky Player on Xbox 360 receives first eyes-on analysis originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live streamingLiveStreamingmicrosoftskysky playersky tvSkyPlayerSkyTvstreaming mediastreaming tvStreamingMediaStreamingTvxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba's BDX2000 Blu-ray deck hits Best Buy for $199, sour grapes also on sale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/toshibas-bdx2000-blu-ray-deck-hits-best-buy-for-199-sour-grap/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/toshibas-bdx2000-blu-ray-deck-hits-best-buy-for-199-sour-grap/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/toshibas-bdx2000-blu-ray-deck-hits-best-buy-for-199-sour-grap/#comments Man, poor Toshiba. The company's already sucked up its pride and started putting Blu-ray drives in its laptops, but here's its first stab at a proper standalone player, the BDX2000, on Best Buy shelves a bit early for $199 -- or $50 less than its announced price. Sure, that makes sense given the falling prices of Blu-ray decks as the holidays approach, but even at that price it's not super competitive with the slew of other decks out there that can do Netflix streaming. We'll see if Tosh's next efforts are a little more interesting than this, or if this is just more heartbreak than its worth.

[Thanks, Alex]

Continue reading Toshiba's BDX2000 Blu-ray deck hits Best Buy for $199, sour grapes also on sale

Filed under:

Toshiba's BDX2000 Blu-ray deck hits Best Buy for $199, sour grapes also on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdx2000best buyBestBuyblu-rayin the wildInTheWildon saleOnSaletoshibaMon, 26 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix for PlayStation 3 requires a disc, software solution coming late 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/netflix-for-playstation-3-requires-a-disc-software-solution-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/netflix-for-playstation-3-requires-a-disc-software-solution-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/netflix-for-playstation-3-requires-a-disc-software-solution-com/#comments It can't all be sweet, right? So Netflix is indeed coming to PlayStation 3, but there's a catch, and that is a disc (badly photoshopped into the picture above) will be required for use -- not just for a one-time install, but every time you want to stream. Joystiq shot some questions off to the company, who justified this as being "fastest and easiest way to let PS3 enthusiasts get Netflix on the PS3" and that an embedded software solution through XMB will be coming late next year. It denies this has anything to do with Microsoft's exclusivity agreement, but frankly we're a bit bummed by this perplexing hurdle in convenience. At any rate, be sure to go reserve your disc now if you want to start streaming -- assuming, of course, PlayOn hasn't already satisfied your Netflix needs.

Read - Netflix interview
Read - Disc reservation page (must be logged in to see)

Filed under: ,

Netflix for PlayStation 3 requires a disc, software solution coming late 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>netflixplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyMon, 26 Oct 2009 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[GlideTV Navigator gets a thorough hands-on and critiquing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/glidetv-navigator-gets-a-thorough-hands-on-and-critiquing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/glidetv-navigator-gets-a-thorough-hands-on-and-critiquing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/glidetv-navigator-gets-a-thorough-hands-on-and-critiquing/#comments If you're not down with snapping up an HTPC-centric keyboard with an integrated trackpad or trackball, controlling the likes of Hulu, Boxee and ZeeVee's Zinc TV viewer can be a real chore. Dave Zatz was able to wrap his paws around the problem-solving GlideTV Navigator, and while he deemed the actual remote trackpad "the best he'd ever used," he couldn't unequivocally say that this beauty was worth a buck-fifty. He also found that the remote could be used one-handed with a bit of practice, and he expressed understandable concern about this thing's ability to stay functional as the software around it evolves. If you've been waffling on pulling the trigger here, you owe it to yourself to give the read link a look.

Filed under: ,

GlideTV Navigator gets a thorough hands-on and critiquing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glidetvglidetv navigatorGlidetvNavigatormedia centermedia center controllermedia center pcMediaCenterMediaCenterControllerMediaCenterPcnavigatorremoteremote controlRemoteControltouchpadusbwireless controllerWirelessControllerMon, 26 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Ready or not, the latest 3D technology is coming home]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/ready-or-not-the-latest-3d-technology-is-coming-home/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/ready-or-not-the-latest-3d-technology-is-coming-home/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/ready-or-not-the-latest-3d-technology-is-coming-home/#commentsPanasonic 3D camera Now wait one second before you start on the whole "I'm not wearing any stupid looking glasses," because no matter what you say, there are more people paying extra to go 3D movies than ever and the reason is simple; it's because this isn't like the crappy 3D you saw during the Super Bowl last year -- or that our parents grew up with. No, the 3D that Sony, Panasonic, and others are promising next year is like nothing you've seen. We've come a long way since the old anaglyph red and blue glasses that come in cereal boxes, so before you knock the new technology before it's even out, click through and read about the technologies that might bring us a real 3D revolution.

Continue reading Ready or not, the latest 3D technology is coming home

Filed under:

Ready or not, the latest 3D technology is coming home originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120hz3Dcircular polarizationCircularPolarizationfeaturedfeaturesPanasonicSamsungshutter glassesShutterGlassesSonyMon, 26 Oct 2009 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/ziliontv-expands-pilot-program-delays-product-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/ziliontv-expands-pilot-program-delays-product-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/ziliontv-expands-pilot-program-delays-product-launch/#comments
Here we are plunged headlong into Q4 and we know what you're thinking: "What's up with ZillionTV?" You know, the company that whetted our appetites with its promise of a "free" (unless you count the one-time $99 setup fee as free, which we don't), ad-based streaming content and whose finely rendered set-top boxes were due out before the end of the year? According to a hot tip sent to Zatz Not Funny!, the company's pilot program is not only in full swing, but expanding -- that's the good news. Unfortunately, it looks like there is quite a bit of turmoil within the company itself that might serve to delay the device beyond even its new estimated 2010 target date, including: a 30 staff reduction, a new CEO, and the fact that the sexy product renders have been superseded by a box that looks, well, about as un-sexy as you can get. We'll keep our ears to the ground on this story -- in the meantime, there are a couple more pics after the break to tide you over.

Continue reading ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch

Filed under:

ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Optiarc garners unwanted attention from DOJ for possible Blu-ray or DVD price fixing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/sony-optiarc-garners-unwanted-attention-from-doj/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/sony-optiarc-garners-unwanted-attention-from-doj/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/sony-optiarc-garners-unwanted-attention-from-doj/#commentsIn a filing with the Tokyo Stock Exchange this morning, Sony has revealed a request for information from the US Department of Justice regarding its optical drive production arm, Sony Optiarc. While the same filing indicates the Japanese giant's belief that this information gathering is part of a wider investigation into competition in the optical drive market, we've yet to hear of any other companies facing the same request. If you were feeling disgruntled with the pace of Blu-ray price drops, this might just be your moment of vindication... or it could be a storm in a teacup. There's really not enough information to tell either way right now, but if we know anything about the DOJ, it's that it loves shaking down naughty corporations. We'll keep a careful eye on this as it develops.

Filed under: , ,

Sony Optiarc garners unwanted attention from DOJ for possible Blu-ray or DVD price fixing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-trustantitrustcompetitiondepartment of justiceDepartmentOfJusticedojinvestigationlawmarketmarket competitionMarketCompetitionOptiarcopticaloptical disc drivesoptical discsoptical drivesOpticalDiscDrivesOpticalDiscsOpticalDrivesprice fixingPriceFixingsonysony optiarcSonyOptiarcwatchdogMon, 26 Oct 2009 04:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart to rival Best Buy's Geek Squad with own in-home install crew]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/walmart-to-rival-best-buys-geek-squad-with-own-in-home-install/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/walmart-to-rival-best-buys-geek-squad-with-own-in-home-install/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/walmart-to-rival-best-buys-geek-squad-with-own-in-home-install/#comments We've never truly been at ease with that Geek Squad crowd. Something about "the people" they hang with and "the places" they hang at just worries us, so we're pretty thrilled to see another mega-corp stepping in to take the place of the now-deceased Circuit City FireDog crew. Starting sometime before the holiday season, Wally World will be partnering with N.E.W. Customer Service Companies in order to offer in-home installation to customers buying anything from a wireless router to a HTIB. The service plans will be sold on prepaid cards ranging from $99 to $399 in value, and each install includes a "preliminary consultation and a tutorial after installation is completed." Granted, it may be a bit tough to get the dude looking to spend $5 on a new plasma to spring for such a service, but hey, it's not like competition is a bad thing.

[Via Hot Hardware]

Filed under: , , , ,

Walmart to rival Best Buy's Geek Squad with own in-home install crew originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuybusinessconsumer electronicsConsumerElectronicselectronicsgeek squadGeekSquadhelpinstallinstallationitretailserviceservicestech supportTechSupportwal-martwalmartSun, 25 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix hints at Watch Instantly integration on 'already-popular device']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/netflix-hints-at-watch-instantly-integration-on-already-popular/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/netflix-hints-at-watch-instantly-integration-on-already-popular/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/netflix-hints-at-watch-instantly-integration-on-already-popular/#comments Microsoft's Xbox 360 may call itself the only console to stream Netflix, but all that could be changing -- and soon. As Netflix continues to pull in new subscribers (and cash flow) like it's no big deal, the company is apparently looking to spread its wings even further by integrating its wildly popular Watch Instantly feature into "a device already owned by a large number of consumers." Naturally, the most fitting candidates for that would be Sony's PlayStation 3 or Nintendo's Wii, though the company has yet to come forward with anything concrete. Just so know you, Netflix credits the Xbox 360's streaming integration as the main reason some 2.4 million customers have signed up since late 2008, so it's more than apparent that it loves the game console. Any bets for when this will go down, or are you just plugging your ears in order to avoid potential disappointment?

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under:

Netflix hints at Watch Instantly integration on 'already-popular device' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentfilmsinternet tvInternetTvmedia streamingMediaStreamingmoviesnetflixonlineonline tvOnlineTvprogrammingrentalsstockstreamstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlySat, 24 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Polk Audio's HitMaster: your own personal Rock Band stage monitor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/polk-audios-hitmaster-your-own-personal-rock-band-stage-monito/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/polk-audios-hitmaster-your-own-personal-rock-band-stage-monito/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/polk-audios-hitmaster-your-own-personal-rock-band-stage-monito/#comments Sheesh. Just days after Altec Lansing shocked the gaming world with a dedicated stage monitor for Guitar Hero, Rock Band or any other gaming title you'd care to pump through a mini-wedge, Polk Audio has stepped in to do the same. As we witness the beginning of a curious, um, beginning, the HitMaster has stepped things up for anyone else thinking of joining the fray by packing 60 watts of RMS power, a pair of 2.2- x 5.5-inch horns, twin 1-inch tweeters and a booming 6.5-inch subwoofer. The whole cabinet weighs some 13 pounds, and aside from line level inputs and outputs, you'll also find a 1/8-inch jack for connecting iPods and the like. Oh, and did we mention that you can daisy chain these things? Because you can. Look for this one to rock your face off (or something to that effect) in early 2010 for $99.99.

[Via Hot Hardware]

Filed under: ,

Polk Audio's HitMaster: your own personal Rock Band stage monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryguitar heroGuitarHeroHitMastermonitormusicpolkpolk audioPolkAudiorock bandRockBandwedgeSat, 24 Oct 2009 15:37:00 EST