FTANews

EchoStar XIV

2010-03-22T09:55:00.001-04:00

EchoStar XIV is off and orbiting. The latest EchoStar satellite is joining the fleet at 119º West with a payload designed to significantly boost DISH Network's high-definition services across the U.S. Liftoff occurred mid-Saturday afternoon (EDT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. EchoStar Satellite Services will begin testing of the satellite later this month.

Here is some detailed information about the satellite and the launch and the launch video below: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/03/live-ils-proton-m-launch-echostar-xiv-satellite/

In Flight Satellite

2010-02-09T12:52:00.000-05:00

Airbus has selected OnAir to provide mobile satellite connectivity on it's A350 XWB.

With OnAir, passengers are able to use their own portable electronic devices, including laptop computers, mobile phones, smartphones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), as well as the airline’s in-seat equipment, to communicate inflight, just as they do on the ground.

Source: SkyReport

Fox Soccer HD

2010-02-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

As previously announced on FTANews, Fox Soccer HD is gearing up for a launch on the DISH Network, set for Feb. 10. According to a posting on the Fox Soccer website, the HD net will be part of DISH's Top 250 and above.

Source: SkyREPORT

YouTube To Stream Live Sports

2010-01-21T11:55:00.000-05:00

YouTube is stepping into the sporting arena. They will start broadcasting live streams of 60 matches from the Indian Premier League (cricket) starting in March. With Cricket being one of the biggest sports in East Europe and Western Asia, YouTube could target to a whole new demographic adding to their already crazy hit rate of over one billion hits per day.

Source: ZdNet

Youtube To Rent Movies

2010-01-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Youtube announced that it will be entering the movie rental business. They will be partnering with the Sundance Film Festival to make some films available.

Youtube already offers some older full length movies for free but will be expanding is offerings to include more movie rentals, educational videos, and health and fitness.

How will this affect others already in the game such as Apple's iTunes Store, Hulu, and Netflix?

Source: The33Tv and Minyanville

Streaming ESPN to your Xbox 360

2010-01-19T09:53:00.001-05:00

Microsoft wants to reach out to the 20 million Xbox Live subscriber base and use the platform to distribute ESPN live streams. They held talks with the Walt Disney Company about a programming deal with ESPN. The content would be similar to that provided on the ESPN 360 service currently available on ESPN's web site.

Source: New York Times via Slashgear

Sirius XM App for Blackberry

2010-01-13T21:47:00.001-05:00

Leaked by an annoumous techno-tipster, Orbitcast reports that Sirius XM will be releasing an app for the blackberry. It will be offering its online listening application during the month of June.

For the initial launch, the Sirius XM BlackBerry application will be available on the following handsets:

BlackBerry Storm 1 (Series 9530)
BlackBerry Storm 2 (Series 9550)
BlackBerry Bold (Series 9000, 9700)
BlackBerry Tour (Series 9630)
BlackBerry Curve (Series 8900, 8520, 8530)

Stay tuned for more details.

Source: Orbitcast via CrunchGear

Popcorn Hour A-200

2010-01-13T13:21:00.001-05:00

Just announced on the NMT Forum, the Popcorn Hour A200. Network Meida Tank will start taking orders for the new set top box on Monday, 18. January 2010 at a price if $179.00 US. Here are some shots of the product. According to Engadget, the processing power will be comparable to the C-200 but with the A-110's profile. I will also offer an optional WiFi dongle for $20, internally mounted SATA HDD, and reported support for "simple" Blu-ray menu browsing.

Source: NMT via Engadget

Sling Touch Control 100

2010-01-06T14:08:00.002-05:00

The sleek and stylish new Sling Touch Control 100. According to Sling Media, the sling touch control 100 has been developed for television service providers and CE manufactures as a companion product to network-connected SlingGuide-enabled DVRs. It has a capacitive touch screen and intuitive interface that will display live programing and DVR content via your home wireless network.

In addition to browsing channels quickly, consumers can enter search terms and sort, filter, and view program information by genre, network, rating, language, HD content, channel, date and time, and more.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Powerful SlingGuide interface
Change in the way consumers control their TV experience—they will not want to go back to the traditional remote control
Management of DVR content without disturbing other viewers
Perceived as a high-value, premium accessory by consumers
Upgradeable remote control device database
Can be branded and localized

Source: Sling Media

Sling Receiver 3000

2010-01-06T13:11:00.001-05:00

Sling Media, Inc. unveiled the Sling Receiver 300 to television service providers today.

The Sling Receiver 300 can extend the full quality of a primary HD DVR experience to any secondary HDTV in your home. The Sling Receiver 300 connects to a second HDTV via its built-in HDMI, component or composite video connectors. The Sling Receiver 300 is a companion product to a SlingLoaded™ set-top box, such as the award-winning EchoStar SlingLoaded 922 HD DVR, that delivers a full 1080i video stream from an HD DVR to any other HD television in a home using the viewer’s wireless home network.Depending on the connection method, multiple video formats up to 1080i can be delivered. Audio is delivered to the second TV using HDMI, digital audio or analog audio outputs. The Sling Receiver 300 is small enough to be mounted behind an HDTV.

Source: Sling Media

Another HD 3D Television Channel

2010-01-05T13:53:00.003-05:00

Discovery, Imax, and Sony announced that they are to form a joint venture for a 3D television channel.

Discovery Communications, which operates the Discovery Channel, TLC and other cable channels, will distribute the channel, which has a 2011 start date.

The three companies will own equal stakes in the channel, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

Source: NYTimes

ESPN to launch 3D network in June 2010

2010-01-05T10:57:00.004-05:00

More information surfaced today as USAToday reports that ESPN will be going 3D on June 11th, starting with a World Cup soccer match. We reciently reported that DirectTV is gearing up for the 3D HDTV explosion.

ESPN expects to air a least 85 live sporting events it's first year including the Summer X Games, NBA Games, college basketball games and college football.

You will still need a 3D capable television. We will probably see some offerings at the upcoming CES this year. 3D glasses will also be needed to view content in 3D.

Source: USAToday

Avatar Makes $1 Billion in 17 Days!

2010-01-04T09:39:00.001-05:00

According to box-office analyst Chad Hartigan of Exhibitor Relations, Avatar has made more than $670 million internationally and more than $352 million in the US in a mere 17 days since its debut. This brings the movie's box-office total to more than $1 billion dollars, making it the third biggest-grossing movie ever next only to Titanic with $1.842 billion and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King with $1.119 billion.

Source: Techie Via: Inquirer.net

Sneak Peek at Popbox

2010-01-04T09:27:00.003-05:00

Syabas Technology looks to replace the Popcorn Hour with Popbox. The new Popbox will include a new user interface showing weather and Twitter feeds when the viewer pauses video and support for Java and Flash. Video processing now supports 100Mbps bitrate 1080p video. The new media set top box should be out in March. Pricing at around $129.00.

Source: Electronista

Fox Soccer Channel in HD!

2010-01-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

It looks like Fox Soccer Channel HD is now here. According to Fox Soccer Channel, they will be offering FSC HD on a wide verioty of networks. Check out the Channel Finder Tool to see if it's avaliable in your area.

Source: Fox Soccer Channel

Sling at CES!

2009-12-31T10:56:00.002-05:00

That's right! Sling still wants to throw that telly around to all your devices. According to ZatzNotFunny, Sling will be showcasing new placeshifting products including Wifi television, ultra-slim Slingboxes, and a next-generation touch screen device. Stay tuned!

Source: ZatzNotFunny

DirecTV to Launch a 3D HDTV Channel

2009-12-30T12:47:00.001-05:00

According to the hdguru site, DirecTV plans to launch the first ever 3D HDTV channel in the US next year. With the launching of it's new satellite, DirecTV-12, DirecTV will have the much needed capacity to add an all HD 3D channel, along with additional HD channels. The new satellite will be fully operational in March 2010.

DirecTV’s current HDTV boxes will receive a firmware upgrade to allow its existing subscriber base to receive HD 3D programming. The shows will then be compatible with the new 3D capable HDTVs expected to debut at CES by Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG and other TV makers, as well as existing Mitsubishi DLP models that are accompanied by a forthcoming 3D converter box. Viewers will need one of these new 3D HDTVs to view DirecTV 3D programming, along with compatible 3D glasses.

Source: HDGuru

DirecTV-12 Launched!

2009-12-30T12:25:00.001-05:00

When the satellite begins operations in the early second quarter of next year, it will be among a fleet of five powerful, HD satellites delivering an unprecedented array of programming and other services to households across America.

The new satellite will boost DIRECTV’s HD capacity by 50 percent, to more than 200 HD channels, increase the number of local HD markets DIRECTV will serve and significantly expand movie choices on the DIRECTV Cinema and DIRECTV on Demand services. DIRECTV offers more than 130 HD channels today and delivers local HD programming to 138 markets, representing 92 percent of U.S. TV households.

DIRECTV 12, a Boeing 702 model satellite, lifted off on an International Launch Services Proton Breeze M vehicle at 4:22 p.m. PT yesterday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Controllers at the ground station in Hartebeesthoek, South Africa have made contact with the satellite and confirmed that all systems are functioning properly. Video replays of the launch are available on directv.com.

“With the successful launch of our DIRECTV 12 satellite, we will have the capacity to dramatically expand HD and movie choices for our customers and further extend our content and technology leadership,” said Romulo Pontual, DIRECTV’s chief technology officer. “With a robust fleet of 11 satellites, including five spacecraft delivering HD programming, advanced transmission and set-top box technology, we are able to provide our customers with an unparalleled viewing experience and maintain a significant competitive advantage for many years to come.”

DIRECTV 12, the eleventh owned-and-operated satellite in the DIRECTV fleet, will be maneuvered into a circular orbit at 102.8 degrees West longitude and when tests are completed, it is expected to begin operations early in the second quarter of next year

Here is a link to the DirecTV-12 Wikipedia site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DirecTV-12