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Engadget HD Podcast 301 - 05.30.2012

(Trent Wolbe) — Thu, 31 May 2012 00:38:00 +0100

As we kick off the 300+ episode era, we welcome a guest, Engadget's own Steve Dent, to talk about high frame rate 3D filmmaking and why (or if) we should be excited about it. Other big news in the week gone by are new developments in Amazon streaming as it launched on the Xbox 360, while Comcast's VOD is popping up on Android and more TiVos. Ultra HDTV is also closer to becoming a reality, while LG officially took the wraps off of its first OLED HDTV. We'll also dig into NBC's Olympics broadcast plans (good news for streaming, not great news for 3D), while the E.T. Blu-ray gets a trailer and we talk about what to watch for the summer.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)
Guest: Steve Dent (@Stevetdent)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:00:45 - Editorial: Despite shaky 48 fps Hobbit preview, high frame rates will take off
00:29:44 - Amazon Instant Video streaming is now live on the Xbox 360
00:34:05 - Amazon adds 'hundreds' of Paramount movies to Prime, signals a Clear and Present Danger to free time
00:37:43 - Comcast video on-demand comes to Boston area TiVo Premieres Monday
00:38:55 - Comcast Xfinity TV Player app brings VOD streaming to Android devices
00:42:45 - ITU meets to define 4K and 8K UHDTV parameters
00:49:23 - LG's 55-inch OLED TV gets official design, possible €9,000 price tag
00:53:24 - Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging
00:54:20 - Sony-made Google TV units will come with Plex as standard
00:55:40 - How-To: XBMC 11 the XBMCbuntu way
00:56:36 - Nuance adds Rovi's metadata to Dragon TV, becomes annoyingly good at TV trivia
00:58:10 - NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D
01:11:07 - E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)
01:13:10 - Must See HDTV (May 28th - June 3rd)

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Filed under: Podcasts

Engadget HD Podcast 301 - 05.30.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 20:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinitec returns with Android 4.0-based HDMI dongle, Kickstarts the Pocket TV

(Darren Murph) — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:05:00 +0100

Remember Infinitec? Tricky question, no? The company came to us at CES 2010 with a product that had big -- nay, huge -- aspirations. It was a simple USB stick that promised to enable ad hoc streaming, claiming to bring "infinite storage" to PC users. Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly seamless in operation, and the company's been radio silent ever since. Until today. The Dubai-based outfit is officially getting back in the consumer technology game starting right now, and as it seems that all the cool kids are doing these days, it's going the Kickstarter route in lieu of more conventional capital raising.

The new product is an Android-based HDMI dongle -- not entirely unlike a few others we've seen -- which is being dubbed Pocket TV. Just as Tim Cook stated last night at D10, the TV industry is an interesting one, and it's obvious that people want something different than they have today. Plug this guy into your television, and you'll be able to Skype from the big screen, show PowerPoint presentations without a laptop connection and tap into files you've got hosted on Dropbox (or any other cloud-based Android app). Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) is onboard, and it'll ship with a gyro-equipped keyboard remote that allows control via one's hand motions. Thinking of giving these guys another shot? Hit that source link below and put your money ($99 or more) where your mouse is.

Gallery: Infinitec Pocket TV Android 4.0-based HDMI dongle

Infinitec returns with Android 4.0-based HDMI dongle, Kickstarts the Pocket TV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 12:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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4K TV already being trialed by one UK broadcaster

(Sharif Sakr) — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:18:00 +0100

4K in the UK? It could happen sooner rather than later, if viewers give a thumbs up to feedback tests currently being conducted by a British broadcaster. According to a senior figure at a company that is directly involved in the experiments, people are being asked if they can spot the difference between 4K and regular 1920 x 1080, which will help to decide whether the format is worthy of immediate investment. Our source refused to reveal which broadcaster is running the show, beyond saying that it has complete control over its pipeline right down to the set-top box, which hints at Sky or perhaps Virgin being likely candidates. When asked how 4K TV might be transmitted as a mainstream service, given that it contains four times the resolution of Full HD, he simply replied that the broadcaster would "compress the hell out of it," which surely only cements his credibility. Next stop, 8K.

4K TV already being trialed by one UK broadcaster originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 20:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

(Ben Drawbaugh) — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:30:00 +0100

It's not Monday, but it's still the regular time where you get to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat as you listen in.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG launches 'upgraded' SP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US

(Richard Lawler) — Tue, 29 May 2012 02:52:00 +0100

Should you have the impulse to turn your dumb display into a full-fledged Smart TV, LG has revealed the second iteration of its Smart TV Upgrader box is ready to hit the marketplace. The original ST600 box was released last year, and this new SP820 was announced earlier this year at CES. It adds LG's Smart TV experience complete with Magic gesture and voice controlled remote to any HDTV with an HDMI input. There's access to both 2D and 3D streaming content from the internet, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct and any new apps LG rolls out for its platform. Similar to Apple's TV box and the Roku family, it's a palm sized device intended for easy installations. An even smaller, stripped down SP520 version that supports fewer apps is already on shelves with a $120 MSRP, although sale prices range from $80 to $99. The SP is shipping in June for 199,000 won ($169 US), while there's no word yet on a US release, we'll probably wait to see if LG can add enough apps to compete as a third party before jumping in.

LG launches 'upgraded' SP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 22:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Must See HDTV (May 28th - June 3rd)

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 28 May 2012 21:42:00 +0100

Game of Thrones
HBO's premiere series wraps up season two this weekend, and while we're not going to spoil things (yeah we read ahead via wiki summaries, we're weak) we're pretty sure that someone will die in this episode. Just like pretty much every other episode. Someone else will do something honorable, someone will be betrayed, and... dragons. Game of Thrones, ladies and gentlemen.
(June 3rd, HBO, 9PM)

Workaholics
Comedy Central's series makes its return this week, and the story of three slackers just trying to get by has really grown on us. Trying to explain the interactions between Blake, Adam and 'Ders would probably make us look crazy, so we'll just advise you to tune in and hope for another Double Dare cameo by Marc Summers. If the words "let's get weird" don't mean anything to you, check out the trailer embedded after the break.
(May 29th, Comedy Central, 10:30PM)

Stanley Cup Finals
The NHL Playoffs are finally down to just two teams: the LA Kings and the New Jersey Devils. Hockey's biggest prize is up for grabs, however the games are pretty spaced out so we've only got two of them on the schedule this week. We're sure you can make time to tune in.
(May 30th & June 2nd, NBC, 8PM)

Continue reading Must See HDTV (May 28th - June 3rd)

Must See HDTV (May 28th - June 3rd) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 17:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D (video)

(Richard Lawler) — Sun, 27 May 2012 18:58:00 +0100

Love it or hate it, we're stuck with NBC as our Olympics broadcaster in the US, and the company recently laid out its full plans for the 2012 Olympics in London this summer. The good news first: NBCOlympics.com will live stream every single event (they'll even be on YouTube, and in the UK the BBC has its own plans) for the first time ever including streams of each of its channels, encompassing 3,500 total hours and the awarding of all 302 medals. The bad news is that if you're not a cable subscriber, many of those hours will not be available to you, and even if you are, you're looking at a (likely convoluted) authentication sign-in process. That's a little bit of pain, sure, but it should mean what we've been asking for -- the ability to watch all Olympics events as they happen, not tape delayed for prime time after viewing grainy bootleg streams over the internet. Also new for the internet are multiple streams for the same event, so for example, viewers can select a particular gymnastics apparatus or track and field event at will.

On mobile devices, NBC also has plans for two different apps on phones and tablets, with one that brings live video streams and another with highlight clips. It didn't specify what platforms they would be available for, but we'd assume the usual suspects (iOS, Android) will be first up. On pay-TV cable, satellite and telco providers it's also providing dedicated channels for basketball and soccer, although it's up to your provider to pick them up. The same goes for the 242 planned hours of 3D coverage it's producing in partnership with Panasonic, which will unfortunately air on 24 hour tape delay, just like the HD broadcast was back in 2004 (we've got chips.... and salsa!). For the full breakdown of all 5,535 hours of coverage across NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, Telemundo and everything else check out the press release after the break, plus an Olympics preview trailer. While there are some limits for cord cutters, sports fans with pay-TV should be ready to experience the best Olympics coverage ever with the ability to watch what we want, instead just what's on the TV schedule.

Continue reading NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D (video)

NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 14:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging

(Richard Lawler) — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:27:00 +0100

After taking a few years to get off of the ground, MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) technology is now found in many modern phones as well as HDTVs from LG, Toshiba and Samsung. Now, Silicon Image has announced its second generation of chips to go in those devices with enhanced features. MHL if you'll recall, lets mobile devices connect to HDTVs via HDMI, while passing power and control signals along with the video. According to Silicon Image its new chips, the SiI8240 MHL transmitter (for phones, tablets, cameras and laptops) and SiI9617 MHL Bridge (for HDTVs, monitors and projectors) and dual-mode IP core (like the one in Samsung's Galaxy S II) upgrade the previous generation's capabilities with the ability to pass 1080p video at 60Hz (up from 30Hz) and charge up to twice as fast. There's a few more details in the press releases after the break, if you're wondering whether or not your phone / HDTV is down with MHL then check the specs or hit the Wikipedia link below.

Continue reading Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging

Silicon Image pushes new MHL 2.0 chips for phones and HDTVs with 1080p60 video, faster charging originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 03:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)

(Richard Lawler) — Fri, 25 May 2012 23:41:00 +0100

Ever since Universal announced during CES 2012 that it would deliver many of its classic films on Blu-ray this year as part of a centennial celebration, we've been keeping a careful eye out for news regarding Steven Spielberg's classic E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. While we still don't know the release date, price or if it will contain the changes made in the 2002 edition of the flick, Universal posted a trailer for the Blu-ray (embedded after the break) that confirmed a digital remastering from the 35MM film, 7.1 surround sound and "hours of bonus features". Additionally, forum posters on Blu-ray.com have noticed this (probably not final) box art appearing on Amazon UK recently. After waiting for word since a new distribution deal brought the flick back to Universal in 2008, a few months of silence hasn't broken us, but hopefully more details appear soon. The best guess still sees the 30th Anniversary release hitting store shelves in time for the holidays (like after Jaws, which is scheduled for release August 14th), when we can relive our childhoods in proper 1080p HD at last.

Continue reading E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ITU meets to define 4K and 8K UHDTV parameters

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:26:00 +0100

This month NHK has been previewing a slew of Super Hi-Vision equipment, but there's still much work to be done to make high res broadcasts a reality worldwide. There's where the ITU steps in, and as it did for HDTV back in the 90s it's been meeting to decide just what 4K and 8K Ultra High Definition TV (UHDTV) broadcasts are and how they will work. There's no word on minimum pixel counts for the standards -- we expect that quad-HD vs. 4K battle to rage on, remember these are the people who "defined" 4G -- but they're establishing color range, frame rate, and whether the broadcasts will go over unused satellite bandwidth or regular antenna frequencies. If you're somehow confused by the 33MP video streams that are coming our way... some day, check out a video featuring European Broadcast Union Deputy Director of Technology and Development David Wood.

Continue reading ITU meets to define 4K and 8K UHDTV parameters

ITU meets to define 4K and 8K UHDTV parameters originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's 55-inch OLED TV gets official design, possible €9,000 price tag

(Jon Fingas) — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:12:00 +0100

LG has been coy about details of its 55-inch OLED TV since we saw its hyper-rich organic colors at CES, but it just nailed down a number of details at a Monte Carlo event. The 55EM9600 has seen its display base get a bit bigger now that the screen isn't being specially perched at a trade show, but moving more equipment to the base and using a carbon fiber back has let it shed an extra millimeter of thickness, down to 4mm (0.16 inches). The steadier footing puts all the AV connectors at the back, while a trio of USB ports sit on the side for those who often share media from their cameras and flash drives. LG wouldn't give our Spanish team definite release info about the OLED set, but there's been repeated murmurs of a European price of about €9,000 ($11,313) and a possible release as soon as July, just inside LG's official target of the second half of the year. Certainly not the most frugal TV you can buy at this size if that's true, then, but it'll certainly get everyone's attention -- now where's our US details?

Gallery: LG 55EM9600 press shots

LG's 55-inch OLED TV gets official design, possible €9,000 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How-To: XBMC 11 the XBMCbuntu way

(John Browning) — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 +0100

For all intents and purposes, the original Xbox, with its NVIDIA GPU, 8-10GB hard disk and custom Pentium III processor was a high-end PC for its time -- albeit, one that connected to a television. What Microsoft didn't realize back then, though, was that when you put that kind of hardware in the hands of hackers and enthusiasts, it's only a matter of time before people start doing more than just playing Halo. Fast forward to 2003, the year the Xbox Media Center was born. Nowadays, it's simply referred to as XBMC, since it runs on more than just your Xbox. In brief, XBMC is an open-source software solution that enables a plethora of media streaming capabilities on all sorts of devices. What once was limited to the original Xbox, can now be put to use on everything from a bare-bones Linux desktop to an Apple TV. In this how-to, we'll show you how to build a simple XBMC setup using XBMCbuntu. Catch us after the break for the full step-by-step.

Continue reading How-To: XBMC 11 the XBMCbuntu way

How-To: XBMC 11 the XBMCbuntu way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku players add Dish international TV channels, become that much more exotic

(Jon Fingas) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:45:00 +0100

Roku has already been turning its players into TV hubs, but it's been focused on US programming -- not so hot if you're an immigrant hoping to catch up on affairs back in the homeland. Dish is aiming to remedy that by offering its Dishworld service as an avenue for the media hub: owners can subscribe to over 50 channels without having to spring for a satellite package. The focus is heaviest on south Asia, with Bangladesh, India and Pakistan getting the most service -- including a few cricket channels for good measure. Arab channels like Al Jazeera and Brazilian channels like TV Globo Internacional join the fray as well. Roku 2 and Roku LT viewers living in the US can already subscribe to Dish's service in tiers that start at $20 a month, though Roku HD owners will have to sit tight until the summer to practice their Hindi.

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Roku players add Dish international TV channels, become that much more exotic originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD Podcast 300 - 05.22.2012

(Trent Wolbe) — Tue, 22 May 2012 23:37:00 +0100

This week the Engadget HD podcast crew rolls the odometer over 300 episodes, but it's no big deal. Especially not when we've got new hardware and software from the likes of TiVo and Comcast to discuss during Cable Show 2012. Comcast is actually all over the news this week, with bandwidth policy changes and new features. Motorola won't be left behind either, showing off a new concept DreamGallery UI, while our old friend Moxi is even in the house with an update. Also up for discussion is whether or not 96k TrueHD audio sampling is worth getting excited over, Super Hi-Vision broadcasts and a new web streaming UI from Netflix.

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[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:05:20 - TiVo's Stream transcoding box and IP connected extender make their debut at Cable Show 2012
00:16:07 - Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app
00:22:18 - Comcast's 'Project Dayview' project does PDA duty across TV, phone, PC and tablet
00:24:50 - Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits
00:28:45 - Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week
00:31:00 - Comcast fires back over Xfinity TV on Xbox 360, says no way, no how it's violating net neutrality
00:33:27 - Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept
00:39:43 - Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote
00:42:12 - Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku
00:45:50 - Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing
00:53:44 - CableWiFi ties up 50,000 WiFi hotspots for cable subscribers to share
01:01:13 - This is what native 4K home cinema looks like on Sony's VPL-VW1000ES projector
01:02:15 - NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee
01:08:15 - Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews
01:11:33 - Bond 50 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video)
01:14:21 - Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th)

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Filed under: Podcasts

Engadget HD Podcast 300 - 05.22.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 19:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu delivers 10 new original shows for summer, iOS app update with iPad retina display support

(Richard Lawler) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:50:00 +0100

As the temperatures heat up, the availability of new network TV programming is falling off as it does every year, and Hulu is taking advantage of the lull to amp up its offerings of original content with ten new shows this summer. The shows include selections like Kevin Smith's Spoilers which is a chat about the summer's films, travel series Up To Speed and playground basketball comedy We Got Next. All ten shows are set to debut throughout the summer on both the free Hulu and paid Hulu Plus services. One thing subscribers don't have to wait for however, is a freshly updated version of the Hulu Plus app for iOS, which features a "re-engineered, optimized video player", new iPad GUI, support for retina display on the iPad and improved handling of AirPlay mirroring and HDMI video out. Version 2.5 can be found on iTunes, while a press release with details on all ten shows and video trailer are embedded after the break.

Continue reading Hulu delivers 10 new original shows for summer, iOS app update with iPad retina display support

Hulu delivers 10 new original shows for summer, iOS app update with iPad retina display support originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 06:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th)

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:55:00 +0100

House
After eight seasons, the run of Gregory House MD comes to an end on Fox tonight with a double episode. While we'll miss Hugh Laurie fumbling around on our American TV screens every week, it definitely felt like time for the series to come to an end. We'll see how Wilson's cancer diagnosis wraps up and if any other old characters stop by after Thirteen popped up last week, although we will avoid throwing back a Vicodin just for old time's sake.
(May 21st, Fox, 8PM)

Awake
Another series coming to a slightly less glorious end is NBC's Awake. The story of a cop who suddenly finds himself splitting time between two worlds, one where his son died in a car accident and the other where his wife was the victim, this week's episode is the show's last chance to give viewers resolution as to what's happening. According to its creator Kyle Killen this episode wasn't originally shot as a series finale, but says it should be satisfying.
(May 24th, NBC, 10PM)

Continue reading Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th)

Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th)

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:55:00 +0100

Continue reading Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th)

Must See HDTV (May 21st - 27th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

(Ben Drawbaugh) — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 +0100

It's Monday, and we're back to our regular time and day where you get to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat as you listen in.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

(Ben Drawbaugh) — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 +0100

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elgato announces Game Capture HD, shows off your deathmatch prowess in H.264

(Daniel Cooper) — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:24:00 +0100

Elgato is releasing the Game Capture HD, a device that lets game-casters and YouTube walkthrough mavens shed low-resolution, over-the-shoulder smartphone footage once and for all. The sleek black box sits between console and display, enabling gamers to record their speed runs and kill records for the world to see. Xbox 360 users can daisy-chain the gear into their HDMI set-up, while PS3 users will have to use the bundled AV cable to circumvent Sony's stronger copy protection. The footage will then be compressed with the company's H.264 know-how and pushed to your PC or Mac for uploading. When it arrives at the start of June, it'll set you back $200 -- just giving you enough time to get practicing your soothing and confident narration voice.

Continue reading Elgato announces Game Capture HD, shows off your deathmatch prowess in H.264

Elgato announces Game Capture HD, shows off your deathmatch prowess in H.264 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elgato announces Game Capture HD, shows off your deathmatch prowess in H.264

(Daniel Cooper) — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:24:00 +0100

Continue reading Elgato announces Game Capture HD, shows off your deathmatch prowess in H.264

Elgato announces Game Capture HD, shows off your deathmatch prowess in H.264 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:37:00 +0100

As expected, Comcast is kicking off the rollout of its new X1 (previously beta tested under the name Xcalibur) DVR platform. The announcement was made at the Cable Show in Boston, and that's where it will be available first, some time in "the coming weeks" with a few other major markets following soon after. We've had a few peeks at the new UI over the last year or so but now we have a full gallery of shots of both the DVR software and accompanying X1 remote app that will be available first on the iPhone. The new guide looks very similar to the existing Xfinity TV remote apps for phones and tablets, formatted for HD screens and with support for recommendations from your social network and support for apps like weather, TV, traffic, Facebook and Pandora to start. The new set-top boxes it runs on have built-in tru2way and internet support, as well as RF remotes instead of IR.

Meanwhile, the X1 remote control app adds motion and gesture control to the current set of features, as well as more direct interaction with what's on screen, since it can be used to swipe through pages, type into menus and pause currently video with a shake. As far as pricing, Comcast says it will be available to new Triple Play customers with HD/DVR service at no additional cost -- no word yet on what that means for everyone else. Check the gallery below for a look at the new software, and check the press release after the break for more info.

Gallery: Comcast X1 DVR and iPhone remote app

Continue reading Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app

Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app (update: video)

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:37:00 +0100

Update: Check out a video of CEO Neil Smit demonstrating the new UI on the show floor after the break.

Gallery: Comcast X1 DVR and iPhone remote app

Continue reading Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app (update: video)

Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video)

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:41:00 +0100

MGM and 20th Century Fox revealed during CES that all 22 of the James Bond movies would be released together for the first time in the Bond 50 Blu-ray disc collection this fall, and now ahead of the Cannes International Film Festival there's additional details to share. The Bond 50 set will include 23 discs -- one for each movie and its bonus content, plus an extra containing two Bond featurettes digging into the world of James Bond and the six actors who have played him, plus videoblogs from the upcoming flick Skyfall (there's an open slot in the specially designed case for it as well). The set ships September 24th in the UK, September 25th in the and in other countries that same week, and while no price is mentioned in the press release, Amazon currently is taking preorders for £126. That's a hefty price but if you absolutely must have all of Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig in one box this is it. The release with all the details follows after the break, plus the same trailer for the boxed set, a video reveal of the box itself, and the just revealed trailer for Skyfall, which is due to hit theaters October 26th in the UK and November 9th in the US.

Continue reading 'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video)

'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading 'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video)

'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video)

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:41:00 +0100

MGM and 20th Century Fox revealed during CES that all 22 of the James Bond movies would be released together for the first time in the Bond 50 Blu-ray disc collection this fall, and now ahead of the Cannes International Film Festival there's additional details to share. The Bond 50 set will include 23 discs -- one for each movie and its bonus content, plus an extra containing two Bond featurettes digging into the world of James Bond and the six actors who have played him, plus videoblogs from the upcoming flick Skyfall (there's an open slot in the specially designed case for it as well). The set ships September 24th in the UK and September 25th in the US with other countries getting it the same week. While no price is mentioned in the press release, Amazon currently is taking preorders for $199. That's a hefty price but if you absolutely must have all of Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig in one box this is it. The release with all the details follows after the break, plus the same trailer for the boxed set, a video reveal of the box itself, and the just revealed trailer for Skyfall, which is due to hit theaters October 26th in the UK and November 9th in the US.

Continue reading 'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video)

'Bond 50' 22 movie Blu-ray collection details revealed, ships in September (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 +0100

If your cable company is offering Arris' Moxi Whole Home DVR setup (we've seen it pop up on Shaw, BendBroadband and Wide Open West so far) you should have a few new features headed your way. This week at the NCTA Cable Show 2012 it's debuting Moxi software release 2.0 which adds in a WebKit-based browser, downloadable apps and an appstore the TV provider can customize itself, as well as APIs and SDKs aplenty to bring in third party developers. With the SDK, other companies can pair mobile devices and build in remotes or stream content, while Arris is also showing off its own iPad app for remote DVR scheduling. Unfortunately, we're told these upgrades won't trickle down to owners of Moxi's retail DVRs, but considering how close they came to total deactivation, we're not that surprised.

Continue reading Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote

Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 05:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote

(Richard Lawler) — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 +0100

If your cable company is offering Arris' Moxi Whole Home DVR setup (we've seen it pop up on Shaw, BendBroadband and Wide Open West so far) you should have a few new features headed your way. This week at the NCTA Cable Show 2012 it's debuting Moxi software release 2.0 which adds in a WebKit-based browser, downloadable apps and an appstore the TV provider can customize itself, as well as APIs and SDKs aplenty to bring in third party developers. With the SDK, other companies can pair mobile devices and build in remotes or stream content, while Arris is also showing off its own iPad app (images after the break) for remote DVR scheduling. Unfortunately, we're told these upgrades won't trickle down to owners of Moxi's retail DVRs, but considering how close they came to total deactivation, we're not that surprised.

Continue reading Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote

Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 05:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plex shows you how to make your TV shows look great with its new Local Media Agent

(Daniel Cooper) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:41:00 +0100

Out friends at Plex have shuttled out a new Local Media Agent that'll enable you to make your TV shows look great. The updated software lets you add show and season posters, banners, background art, theme music and individual episode thumbnails to your recorded shows to make each one really, really good-looking. It'll happily handle PNG and FLAC files for those lossless enthusiasts and it'll even overlook a messy file structure to get everything looking great. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're going to catalog our Community episodes with thumbnails of Dean Pelton's outfits.

Plex shows you how to make your TV shows look great with its new Local Media Agent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plex shows you how to make your TV shows look great with its new Local Media Agent

(Daniel Cooper) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:41:00 +0100

Plex shows you how to make your TV shows look great with its new Local Media Agent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing (video)

(Jon Fingas) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:51:00 +0100

Just because your home theater can handle lossless audio doesn't mean the sound is as good as it could be. Dolby is now giving Blu-ray producers using Dolby Media Producer Encoder v2 the choice of premastering TrueHD surround sound at an upsampled 96k. Along with just squeezing the most possible clarity and depth out of 48kHz audio, the encoding purportedly eliminates some of the harshness of digital sound through an apodizing (signal altering) filter. At least three projects have already been given the 96k treatment, and authoring firms like Technicolor have upgrades in place to give that noticeable boost to your next Blu-ray movie.

Continue reading Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing (video)

Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 07:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing (video)

(Jon Fingas) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:51:00 +0100

Continue reading Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing (video)

Dolby ups TrueHD lossless audio on Blu-ray to 96k, says every upsampled bit is amazing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 07:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:28:00 +0100

Comcast's bandwidth policy has come under fire from several directions lately, and today it's announced plans to test two new systems for managing capacity. In a company blog post, VP Cathy Avgiris describes the new "flexible" approaches it will be testing out in certain markets that start off by raising the limit to 300GB (from 250GB where it's been since 2008) per month. One of the plans involves offering 300GB as a base on its Essentials, Economy, and Performance internet packages, and higher limits on its Blast and Extreme tiers, with extra data available as an add-on, possibly $10 for 50GB or so. The other plan simply bumps all tiers to 300GB per month and offers the additional blocks of data as needed. For markets where it's not testing the new plans, it's suspending enforcement of the 250GB cap entirely for now, although it says it will still contact "excessive" users about their usage.

We're currently on a conference call concerning the changes and Comcast is reaffirming its belief that the FCC has decided it can "manage" data usage on its network, and that it will continue to do so in a "non-discriminatory" way. Particularly since the launch of its Xfinity TV Xbox 360 app others like Netflix and some consumer and networking watchdogs would beg to differ, it will be interesting to see if these approaches change anything. Executives on the call noted "noise" around the Xbox 360 app in making the change, but also pointed to an "ongoing internal discussion" and simply that times have changed from four years ago. The words that keep coming up so far are choice and flexibility, as well as mentioning that even today, very few customers approach the previous 250GB limit. In response to a question, Avgiris indicated the median usage for customers is still around 8-10GB per month.We'll find out more like where the test markets are later, for now hit the source link for all the information currently available.

Update: Netflix has responded to the move, and it's about what you'd expect. In other words, it appreciates the notion, but it's still mad.

Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:28:00 +0100

Update: Netflix has responded to the move, and it's about what you'd expect. In other words, it appreciates the notion, but it's still mad.

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Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:40:00 +0100

As we revealed yesterday, Time Warner Cable has finally activated HBO Go streaming to TV connected devices. As seen on the new activation pages for Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, Xbox 360s and Roku boxes, TWC and Bright House Networks are now among the available options (sorry, still no word on ESPN3 for the Xbox 360). The only bad news? DirecTV and Comcast have not (yet) followed suit, so for those customers HBO Go streaming on the TV is still a hit-or-miss affair. We're not sure what is behind the change of heart or policy, but while Comcast reportedly had authentication issues to resolve before switching on the Xbox 360's HBO access, it's worth noting that Time Warner Cable could have its app coming to some or all of these platforms very soon. An official blog post indicates it may take a few hours for things to switch on every where so if you don't see this in your neck of the woods just keep checking back.

Update: Cablevision too, as noted by a post on the Roku blog.

[Thanks, Ben]

Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:40:00 +0100

Update: Cablevision too, as noted by a post on the Roku blog.

[Thanks, Ben]

Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee

(Jason Hidalgo) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:24:00 +0100

Fresh off from successfully shrinking its Super Hi-Vision camera, Japan's NHK is sticking another feather in its cap -- the first over-the-air broadcast of its super-duper high-resolution technology. The broadcaster says it recently managed to send a compressed Super Hi-Vision signal from the roof of its Science and Technology Research Laboratories in Tokyo to a distance about 4.2 kilometers away with no issues. NHK used two UHF channels during the experiment. To optimize and boost transmission capacity, NHK leveraged technologies such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). Low-density parity check coding was also used for error correction. NHK has been constantly experimenting with its Super Hi-Vision high-resolution (7,680 x 4,320) video format, including a UK-to-Japan broadcast via a 24Gb/s internet connection in 2010. Folks who happen to be in Japan from May 24th to 27th can check the tech at the NHK labs' open house in Tokyo's Setagaya ward.

NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 07:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee

NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee

(Jason Hidalgo) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:24:00 +0100

NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 07:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:02:00 +0100

We didn't hear much from Hillcrest Labs' Kylo web browser for TVs after it launched in 2010, but now the company is apparently turning its fate over to the community. A Mozilla-based browser, Kylo will work with any mouse but is designed specifically for its Freespace pointer controls. It's available under the Mozilla Public License which means others can use it for commercial products, but so far web connected products have been slow to take off and even Google TV has had trouble pushing a typical browser experience on HDTVs. Interested devs can snag the code at Kylo.tv or GitHub, we'll see if anyone builds anything with more market impact.

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one

Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 03:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:02:00 +0100

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one

Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 03:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

With the exception of tweaks for new features like HD video and closed captioning Netflix's Silverlight-based web player has been largely unchanged for years, but today everything is being reworked. As detailed in a post on the company's blog, PC and Mac users (no word on ChromeOS) the size of the player controls now scale to the window they're in and replace words with icons. Other new features users will notice is the ability to preview additional episodes of TV series without stopping the stream, title information that pops up when the stream is paused and that full screen viewing now has the same options as the windows player. The finale tweak is that the back to browsing button that brings viewers back to their queue has shifted from the bottom right to the top left. Hit the blog for the full breakdown, or just expect a surprise tomorrow when you're watching Downton Abbey at work Drive in the comfort of your own home during leisure time.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews

(Richard Lawler) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HBO Go on Roku, Samsung and Xbox opens up to Time Warner (and possibly others) tomorrow?

(Richard Lawler) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:25:00 +0100

HBO subscribers currently locked out of streaming HBO Go to their connected TV devices (namely Samsung HDTVs / Blu-ray players, Roku boxes and Xbox 360s) could be in for a treat soon, as our sources indicate Time Warner Cable is preparing to announce access for its customers on all three platforms tomorrow. There's also a few small pics of the updated menus for Xbox 360 and Roku flashing the TWC logo, as well as currently unsupported providers Bright House Networks (both), as well as DirecTV and Comcast (Roku). We've contacted both HBO and Time Warner Cable for comment but have not received a response yet, but we'll keep an eye out for an expanded activation menus hitting our devices soon.

HBO Go on Roku, Samsung and Xbox opens up to Time Warner (and possibly others) tomorrow? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HBO Go on Roku, Samsung and Xbox opens up to Time Warner (and possibly others) tomorrow?

(Richard Lawler) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:25:00 +0100

HBO Go on Roku, Samsung and Xbox opens up to Time Warner (and possibly others) tomorrow? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week

(Zach Honig) — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:01:00 +0100

Now you can Skype on Xfinity, and beyond. Comcast's re-branded cable arm is touting a new trick beginning today, with customers in Boston and Seattle among the first to have access to the new Skype on Xfinity videoconferencing service (Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Chicago, Detroit, Harrisburg, Pa., Indianapolis, Miami and Pittsburgh will be online by the end of the week). Interested parties can add a $9.95 monthly fee to their Triple Play service to take advantage, enabling "free" (read: $10-per-month) instant messaging and video chatting services. That monthly fee will presumably cover the requisite all-in-one kit, which includes an adaptor, a "high-quality" camera and a spiffy new Skype-enabled remote control with an IM-friendly keyboard on the rear. Naturally, your bud on the other end doesn't need any special equipment, unless of course they plan to chat through their HDMI-capable Comcast box as well. Eligible customers can hit up the source link past the break to sign up, and breeze through the attached PR for a bit more detail.

Continue reading Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week

Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week

(Zach Honig) — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:01:00 +0100

Continue reading Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week

Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prototype 3D display maintains resolution, bumps viewing angles, spans dimensions

(James Trew) — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:21:00 +0100

If 3D has a future in our pockets, then it must be one that requires no spectacles. Not only are the goggles an issue, other key factors like resolution and viewing angles all need to be bettered before it stands a chance of broad adoption. NLT technology knows this, and has prototyped a 3.1-inch 3D LCD display that not only matches 2D resolution (as we've seen before,) but also offers up to six viewing angles. The display is based on existing horizontal double-density pixel technology with "HxDP" (horizontally x times-density pixels,) a new technology for creating multiple viewpoints, thrown into the mix. Standard HDDP gives a 3D image two viewpoints, HxDP allows more depending on density of sub-pixels. It also allows for both 2D and 3D images to be on-screen at the same time, meaning you can decide which version of Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked you prefer side-by-side.

Prototype 3D display maintains resolution, bumps viewing angles, spans dimensions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prototype 3D display maintains resolution, bumps viewing angles, spans dimensions

(James Trew) — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:21:00 +0100

Prototype 3D display maintains resolution, bumps viewing angles, spans dimensions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Roku HD, 2 and LT updated to version 4.7, slew of 'under the hood' improvements in tow

(Edgar Alvarez) — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:59:00 +0100

It's been nearly a month since we saw the Roku 2 and LT get hit with some performance-boosting updates, and now the pair's about to be on the receiving end of some additional enhancements. Version 4.7 -- which is also coming to that new Roku HD -- brings with it a slew of improvements, including refined stability for the aforementioned player and a sharpened device discovery method on the company's Android / iOS applications. Inside v4.7, Roku's also added support for channels using Microsoft Smooth Streaming as well as other improvements to help with launch of "several new partner channels" later this year. The refresh is set to arrive automatically over the next 48 hours, though you could always grab it manually by hitting the Software Update menu on your tiny box.

New Roku HD, 2 and LT updated to version 4.7, slew of 'under the hood' improvements in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 03:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IKEA Uppleva HDTV to retail for $960 in Europe beginning next month, US launch in 2013

(Zach Honig) — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:44:00 +0100

Details continue to emerge as we approach the IKEA Uppleva's June launch. GigaOM has discovered that the set will be available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches and will be priced "around $960" -- with a scale relative to the display size, we presume. The TV will feature a built-in Blu-ray player and a wireless subwoofer, and is being assembled by TCL Multimedia a manufacturer in China. Uppleva is expected to roll out to France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden beginning next month, then to other European countries later in the year, followed by the US in 2013. There will also be a handful of applications that will vary based on region, including Dailymotion, Vimeo and YouTube, along with games, music playback and video-on-demand apps, and the Opera for TV web browser. There's a familiar sneak-peek vid awaiting you just past the break.

Update: Due to an error at the source article, we originally identified the manufacturer as TLC, rather than TCL Multimedia. The text above has been updated to reflect the correction.

Continue reading IKEA Uppleva HDTV to retail for $960 in Europe beginning next month, US launch in 2013

IKEA Uppleva HDTV to retail for $960 in Europe beginning next month, US launch in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 00:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The BBC's coverage promises to make you sick of the Olympics by the time it's done

(Brian Heater) — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:57:00 +0100

How much Olympics is too much Olympics? The BBC aims to find out at this year's London 2012 games, by offering up "the most comprehensive coverage ever," a list that includes 2,500 hours of coverage via the broadcaster's site and up to 24 live HD streams. Live coverage will be offered up for every sport and each sport, athlete, venue and country will have its own page on the site. The BBC will also be providing a free mobile app, a mobile browser site and apps for connected TVs -- 3D and Super Hi-Vision coverage is a bonus. Check out an explanatory video about the new video player after the break, as well as some scheduling information in the source link below. And maybe think about a training regimen to get ready to watch this summer's games.

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The BBC's coverage promises to make you sick of the Olympics by the time it's done originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 23:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading The BBC's coverage promises to make you sick of the Olympics by the time it's done