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Netflix is Losing Californication and Dexter in New Deal with Showtime[teaser]Both shows will be streaming exclusively on Showtime's own service - Showtime Anytime. [/teaser] Netflix is an obvious threat to premium cable channels. That's something HBO has known since day one, but others like Showtime have been a lot friendlier with the streaming service. That seems to be changing. While the new deal between the two companies will include streaming rights to shows like 'The Tudors' and 'Sleeper Cell,' two of Showtime's biggest shows are being pulled. Both 'Dexter' and 'Californication' are being removed from the service. The deal ends this summer, so if you're watching either show on Netflix, you've got plenty of time to finish. If you haven't started yet, it's time to get on it. Source: Hacking NetflixPosted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Apple TV Update Ends Screen Flicker Issues[teaser]The latest update also introduces stability and performance fixes. [/teaser] If you've been using an HDMI to DVI adapter to enjoy Apple TV then you may have noticed flickering on your screen. Those using older TVs may also have noticed that the color of their picture is wrong. The latest patch from Apple takes care of that problem and a few more to boot. Apple TV should now properly wake up from sleep and shouldn't have any more audio problems when switching inputs. Additionally, performance and stability fixes have been put in place. The update isn't all good though. Several users have complained that Netflix and iTunes accounts have been reset and had to be set back up. Source: Apple (via Engadget)Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Unveils New Bravias for Japan[teaser]They're 3D capable, internet connected, and they boast X-Reality picture processing. [/teaser] Sony just announced new Bravias for the Japanese market, all of which will be released in April. They're feature packed and - aside from the lower priced sets - feature Sony's Monolithic Design. The new LCDs offer 3D capabilities and Sony's S-Force 3D surround sound to boot. They also include X-Reality picture processing to clean up noise throughout your videos. The sets are equipped with Skype, Qriocity, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube capabilities as well. At the high end of the new televisions is the 55 inch HX920, which comes in at around $5,300. The cheapest of the bunch is the 40 inch HX720 that sells for $2,600. Source: CrunchGearPosted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Dolby Announces Lighter, Cheaper 3D Glasses for Theaters[teaser]The company has high hopes for its multi-use 3D glasses. [/teaser] When it comes to 3D glasses, Dolby takes a different approach than market leader RealD. Instead of making cheap, disposable glasses, Dolby creates light and stylish glasses that are meant to be used again and again. "With the newly designed Dolby 3D glasses, we look to maintain the premium quality visual performance that Hollywood has come to expect from Dolby 3D," says Dolby's Matt Cuson, "while providing a more comfortable fit for cinemagoers and a lower price point for exhibitors." The glasses will cost anywhere from $12.00 and down depending on the amount ordered. Dolby has also stated that children's glasses will be coming out later. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Mar 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Mitsubishi Dropping LCD to Focus on DLP[teaser]LCD sets are a thing of the past for Mitsubishi. Bigger TVs are the future. [/teaser] It's almost strange to think of an LCD television made by Mitsubishi. The Mitsubishi name is practically synonymous with massive DLPs that take up an entire wall. They're not at home with tiny LCDS. The company agrees and is completely cutting LCD production from the plans. Instead, they'll be focusing on their bread and butter. "To that end," reads the company's press release, "we will manufacture and sell micro-display projection televisions (MDPTVs) and Laservue televisions in sizes 73 inches and above." The company will be closing its Ontario and Braselton offices and relocate services to Irvine, CA. They'll also be cutting back production in their Mexicali, Mexico plant, but won't be closing it completely. EngadgetPosted Wed Mar 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Big Things Coming in Next Boxee Update[teaser]Boxee has confirmed an iPad app and significant browser improvements. [/teaser] Fans of the Boxee Box will be delighted to hear that the latest update is set to bring some significant improvements to the way the device works. The primary function of the update will be an improvement to the internet browser, specifically in regard to sites that use Flash and HTML5. Browser speed, load times and compatibility will be improved across the board. The iPad app will be hitting as well. Whether you own the iPad or iPad 2, you'll be able to stream content from your tablet to your Boxee Box. It's a function that's a bit limited, but it could be nice to have. Source: Tech AU via (Engadget)Posted Wed Mar 23, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Halves Costs of Movie Streaming[teaser]Netflix may be spending more for content, but getting that video to customers keeps getting cheaper. [/teaser] There's been a lot of news about Netflix shelling out money for additional content in the last few months. They're paying upwards of $100,000 for new episodes of shows and have reportedly bid $100 million on an exclusive series. All that spending makes people a little nervous, but there's one statistic that hasn't been talked about much. Though the cost of acquiring new content keeps going up, the cost of streaming that content to customers has gone down significantly. According to analyst Dan Rayburn, the company will spend about $50 million to stream all of their content thanks to partnerships with third-party CDNs, or content delivery networks. That's a big step down from the $100 million they spent in years past. Home Media MagazinePosted Wed Mar 23, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Pleads Guilty in Price Fixing Case[teaser]The company was fined a whopping $32 million. [/teaser] Samsung is the first company to be officially fined in the price fixing scandal that took place between 1997 and 2006. Samsung SDI agreed to plead guilty to the charges and pay the significant penalty. In addition to Samsung - the first company to be found guilty - six individuals have been indicted for price fixing. Another 22 executives and eight companies have been charged and the investigation is still happening. The US Justice Department's statement on the matter is pretty straightforward. "Samsung SDI and co-conspirators exchanged CDT sales, production, market share and pricing information for the purpose of monitoring and enforcing adherence to their agreements." Source: PhysOrg (via Crunch GearPosted Tue Mar 22, 2011 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Launches New Plasma Sets[teaser]The very top of the plasma line, however, won't be available until April. [/teaser] This month marks the release of seven new plasma TVs from Samsung, all of which take advantage of Samsung's new Plasma+1 design. Thanks to a new plasma design, Samsung has been able to up screen size by a full inch while at the same time reducing the bezel. Sure it's only an inch, but going from a 50 inch set to a 51 inch set is nothing to scoff at. With the entry-level plasmas already out, this month sees the release of the similarly inexpensive D490 series in both 43 and 51 inch sizes. The height of this month's releases is the D6500 which introduces Wi-Fi and an ultra-slim design. If you're looking forward to the top of the line D7000 and D8000 models, then you'll have to wait until they hit in April. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Mar 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
3D Clip-Ons for Prescription Glasses are Finally Here[teaser]It took way too long for this to happen, but high quality clip-ons are finally available. [/teaser] Every 3D film that comes to theaters means that prescription lens wearers have to make the decision between watching the 2D version or suffering through an uncomfortable viewing experience. Thankfully, clip-on attachments are finally becoming available. You can find cheap clip-ons sold on Amazon for around $10, but reviews are mixed - some saying that the attachments don't work at all. It's a possible solution, but not an elegant one. The elegant one comes this spring when Marchon releases its 3D Ultraclips. Instead of literally clipping to your frames, 3D Ultraclips utilize micro-magnets to hold snug to your glasses. It makes for much lighter and more comfortable frames. 3D Ultraclips are also photochromic, and darken into sunglasses when taken outside. This ensures that you can get the eye protection you need outside and the maximum amount of light penetration when you're watching a movie indoors. Sadly Marchon hasn't made images of their clips available yet. Source: PR NewswirePosted Mon Mar 21, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
