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Netflix Ups Device Limit Per Account to 50[teaser]With more devices streaming Netflix content, the company raised the limit to a nice safe 50. [/teaser] Over the last year, more and more devices have become capable of streaming content from Netflix. That's definitely a good thing for Netflix fans, but those with a even a normal amount of streaming devices were reaching the limit set by the company. The former device limit was six, meaning that if you have, for example, a PS3, Xbox 360, Roku player, Blu-ray player, PC, laptop and phone that were all capable of streaming from Netflix, you'd have to choose one to ditch. Families with multiple televisions or multiple smartphones reached the limit fast. The new limit from Netflix is 50, which ensures that you're unlikely to hit that limit any time soon.Posted Tue Jun 7, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Microsoft Continues Plans for Xbox 360 to Take Over Living Rooms[teaser]Microsoft is betting big on its Kinect to be the Xbox 360 accessory that not only changes the way games are played, but what also makes the Xbox 360 an all-in-one living room media hub. [/teaser] Announced this morning were a gluttony of new game titles that will either be enhanced by the Kinect (meaning, you'll play them with the normal Xbox 360 controllers, with added movement and voice commands being available via Kinect), or be played as controller-free Kinect titles. First up, in the Enhanced-by-Kinect category, EA Sports said Kinect support was coming for this year's versions of 'Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, 'Madden NFL', 'FIFA', and one other still-to-be-named title. Other sequels getting Kinect support include 'Forza Motorsport 4', 'Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier' 'Mass Effect 3', 'Fable: The Journey', 'The Sims 3 Pets', and 'Family Game Night 4'. As one would expect for controller-free games, sequels to 'Dance Central and 'Kinect Sports' will also be out by the end of the year. 'Kinect Sports: Season Two' will include skiing, American football, darts, golf, baseball, and tennis. Controller-free games are being made for both kids and adults, with 'Disneyland Adventures' and 'Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster' promising younger gamers the chance to interact with their favorite characters. On the adult side, developer Cryteck is prepping 'Ryse', a historical Roman epic, for release. And, what looks like a lot of fun, LucasArts will be giving Fanboys a chance to fight like a real-life Jedi (though I hope no one ends up doing a front flip into his or her flatscreen). E3 attendees got their first look at 'Halo 4', due out in 2012, but for this holiday season, Microsoft is releasing a remastered-for-HD version of the original 'Halo', entitled 'Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'. Have a look here: Outside of gaming itself, Microsoft wants the Xbox 360 to be your living room's hub for all digital media. Once again, the Kinect is front and center, allowing Xbox LIVE subscribers to use Bing to "voice search" your Xbox, home network, and the Internet itself for all forms of digital content. This will include YouTube. "Bing on Xbox searches Netflix, Hulu Plus and ESPN, as well as music, video, and Xbox LIVE Marketplace to find exactly the entertainment you want to enjoy… You say it, Xbox finds it." For months, rumors have being flying that Microsoft would, as part of its Xbox LIVE service, announce its Diamond IPTV service for North America, which purportedly will allow access to a slew of cable channels. And while similar services are already available in the UK, France, and Australia, nothing official was announced today, other than another promise for Live TV on Xbox LIVE by the end of the year. Source: Microsoft What do you think? Do you like the Kinect? Do you care? Do you want to watch live TV via your Xbox 360? Hit up the forum to share your thoughts.Posted Mon Jun 6, 2011 at 02:40 PM PDT by: -
Smart View Lets You Watch Your Smart TV on Your Galaxy S II[teaser]More devices are in the works, including the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab. [/teaser] Say what you will about blind brand loyalty - allegiance to one company over others can have some distinct advantages when it comes to compatibility and special features. Samsung's new Smart View, for example, is an application for the Galaxy S II which lets you watch whatever's on your TV on your phone. You don't even have to be watching a Smart TV feature - the app will pull whatever's on your screen, whether you're watching cable, a blu-ray or anything else you have attached to your television. Smart View works with 2011 D7000, D8000 and D9500 televisions and is currently only available for the Galaxy S II. Samsung says the Galaxy Player will be getting the app next month and the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab will get it later this year. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Jun 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Signs Deal with Miramax for Hulu Plus Content[teaser]Select films will also be available through the free ad-supported model. [/teaser] Some studios are hesitant when it comes to streaming content, but Miramax seems to have embraced the new format. Not only did they sign a significant deal with Netflix recently, they've also announced an arrangement that will bring their content to Hulu as well. Hundreds of movies have been added to Hulu Plus for subscribers to watch now - in HD where available. The list includes titles like 'Pulp Fiction,' 'Scream,' 'Swingers,' and 'Good Will Hunting.' Fifteen of those movies will be rotated into free viewing every month, though you'll have to watch them with ad breaks. "Making our films available via premium digital distribution channels is extremely important to Miramax," says Miramax CEO Mike Lang. "As one of the early promoters of Hulu and its CEO Jason Kilar, I couldn’t be more excited than to be in business with them today." Source: MiramaxPosted Mon Jun 6, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
HBO is Thriving on DVD and Blu-ray While Others Fail[teaser]The company gives full credit to its original programming. [/teaser] In an environment where most companies are seeing decreased sales, HBO is doing well. Very well indeed, according to CEO Bill Nelson. "Believe it or not, our DVD business is on an uptick, bucking the industry trend," he says. He cites the company's investment in original programming for the strong DVD performance. "Not only have we upped the quantity, but we’re upping the quality," says Nelson. He says that keeping that programming going will ensure that disc sales stay strong. He adds that the worst case scenario is for disc sales to flatten. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Jun 6, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Mitsubishi's 2011 Line Includes a 92 Inch 3D DLP[teaser]The company is staying true to its big screens only approach with a series of extremely large sets. [/teaser] Mitsubishi's mantra going forward - at least where televisions are concerned - is "the bigger the better." They're focusing exclusively on large sets, like the new $5,999 92 inch Diamond 840 3D DLP. Of course, if 92 inches it too much, you can get an 82 or 73 inch version, but if you're going part of the way, why not go all out? If you're looking for something a bit more reasonable, the Mitsubishi 740 series offers 3D, over 100 applications including Vudu and is available at 73 inches ($2,099) and 82 inches ($3,499). Going a step down from that is the 640 series, which keeps the 3D but ditches the networking and comes in at $1,599 for 73 inches. At the top of the line is the latest LaserVue, which boasts Vudu, built-in WiFi and a 75 inch large Clear Contrast screen. You can pick it up this month at $6,999. Source: TWICEPosted Fri Jun 3, 2011 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo's New Receiver is the First With DTS Neo:X Technology[teaser]The new tech from DTS gives you a huge amount of flexibility when adding speakers[/teaser] Onkyo's latest receiver is fairly impressive on its own, but the addition of DTS Neo:X technology makes it that much more interesting. The new tech is designed to allow you to have freedom when setting up extra speakers. Neo:X tech upscales 2.0, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 channel audio sources to 9.1 or 11.1, but that's just the beginning. When adding to your 5.1 setup, you get to choose what you'd like to do with the extra speakers. You can add speakers for more ambient sounds, a fuller soundstage or even put all four in the front for a nice wide space that doesn't need added back speakers. The receiver also boasts HQV Vida upscaling of standard definition video sources. It'll take them to 1080p as well as enhance and clean up compressed video. If 1080p isn't far enough, the Qdeo processing tech included in the receiver will take you all the way to 4k. Source: eCousticsPosted Fri Jun 3, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix is Putting its Focus Back on Discs[teaser]The company intends to change its streaming-only attitude over the next few months. [/teaser] You've probably noticed, but Netflix hasn't exactly been a great place to go for Blu-rays recently. They slacked on new releases, have limited catalog titles, and they charge more for the privilege. This lacking seems to be primarily due to the strong focus on streaming content. "Over the next couple of months (and couple of years) you’ll see us putting more focus on it," says the company's chief content officer Ted Sarandos on the subject of disc based content. "“Right now it is a couple of bucks more to get all the discs you want. There is some room in there to right that and put a little more focus on the DVD business." Sarandos also criticized brick and mortar stores like Blockbuster for failing to take advantage of Netflix's inadequacy. "There should have been end-caps at Best Buy that said ‘Not on Netflix’ and moving those movies to the front of the store," he says. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Fri Jun 3, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Roku Players Get Their First Game - Angry Birds[teaser]Roku is in talks with more casual game companies to expand their selection. [/teaser] The latest announcement for content coming to Roku players is more than just video streaming - though video streaming is a part of it. The company is bringing gaming to their internet TV boxes. "Just as we were the first to enable Netflix to stream instantly to the TV," says Roku CEO Anthony Wood, "we intend to be the catalyst for transforming the way people play casual games-starting with Angry Birds-on the biggest screen in the home." This summer, Roku will add 'Angry Birds,' 'Angry Birds Seasons' and 'Angry Birds Rio' to their store, but it doesn't end there. The 'Angry Birds' animated shorts will be available through the players, as well as access to 'Angry Birds' merchandise, directly through the online store. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Jun 2, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix and Facebook Plan Close Integration for More Socialized Movie Watching[teaser]Just how the companies plan to work together is unclear, but something is certainly in the works. [/teaser] At the eG8 conference last week in France, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that his company was looking to link up with Netflix in a cross-promotional effort. It makes sense, of course, that the biggest social media site on the net would want to join up with the biggest movie streaming service, but the big question is just how they'll do that. A plan outlined at the conference suggested that Facebook could be an all-in-one stop for content, allowing you to access movies your friends are watching directly from the site. "Music, TV, news, books — those types of things I think people just naturally do with their friends," says Zuckerberg. "I hope we can play a part in enabling those new companies to get built, and companies that are out there producing this great content to become more social." Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Thu Jun 2, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
