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Vudu Comes to the PS3 – Interface Makeover on the Way[teaser]Unsatisfied with Netflix quality but still want streaming video? You're in luck. [/teaser] PlayStation 3 owners now have access to just about every video they could want. With Netflix streaming they get catalog titles galore, with Hulu Plus they get plenty of TV shows and now they can get new releases in HD thanks to Vudu. The service, which provides HD movies on the day of the DVD and Blu-ray release, will launch on the PS3 November 23, just in time for your extended weekend. You're in for another change shortly after, as Vudu has said that it will be revamping its interface before the year's up. This redesign should make it easier for everyone, whether you're using a mouse and keyboard, PS3 controller or Sony Move. " With our sleek new design and killer new discovery tools, we've been able to build on what people have always loved about VUDU and make it even better," says Vudu General Manager Edward Lichty. "Finding and enjoying a movie from our extensive library of HD movies has never been easier or more fun." Source: PlayStation BlogPosted Thu Nov 18, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Vizio Launches a Pair of 3D Blu-ray Players[teaser]The difference between them is anyone's guess. [/teaser] The VBR333 and VBR334 are the latest Blu-ray players from Vizio, both of which offer Full HD 3D. They're equipped with built-in WiFi for a simple connection to your home network and access to a huge array of services like Netflix, Vudu and Pandora. Companies often launch several similar products at once, but when it comes to Vizio's new Blu-ray players, it's tough to spot the difference. After all, the company doesn't offer them up and with a price difference of only $10, it's difficult to imagine what features could be added or subtracted. If we had to take a guess, we'd say that one of the players is going to be sold by everyone while the other will be exclusive to a specific retailer like Best Buy. Oh, and the VBR334 does come with an HDMI cable, while the VBR333 does not. Source: eCousticsPosted Thu Nov 18, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Sony Earns CES Innovations Award for Google TV Products[teaser]Both the Google TV enabled Blu-ray player and TV are being honored. [/teaser] Award season is always exciting, even if some of the honorees are a little obvious. Sony will be up a CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering award for its Google TV products, which should come as no surprise. Innovations awards are based on four criteria: engineering qualities, aesthetics, unique/novel features and how the product compares to others in the marketplace. The Sony Internet TV has those wrapped up nicely, and while you might question the look of the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Player, you've got to admit it tackles the other three categories completely. Also being honored is the Sony alpha SLT-A55V Digital SLR camera which uses a new translucent mirror technology, designed to provide the fastest auto-focus speed for both movies and stills. Source: PR NewswirePosted Wed Nov 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Mitsubishi Updates 2010 3D TVs for Full 3D Compatibility[teaser]No longer will Mitsubishi owners be stuck with checkerboard. [/teaser] If you've got a 3D capable Mitsubishi TV, you've had the frustrating task of having to deal with compatibility issues. Luckily, those days are behind you. There's an update available now from Mitsubishi that adds support for top/bottom and frame packing 3D formats. "With this new 3D TV software update, we keep our customers on the leading edge of 3D home entertainment," says VP Frank De Martin. "They can now experience a full range of 3D TV content on our cinema-like large screen 3D TV." The simplest way to upgrade is to simply have your set plugged in to the internet and get the automatic update that will hit between now and the first of December. If you're a little less patient, you can download it directly from Mitsubishi. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Nov 17, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Will Make a Google TV Related Announcement in January[teaser]It's vague, sure, but it's exciting nonetheless. [/teaser] According to Bloomberg, Samsung will be making an announcement in January – which usually means they'll make it at the Consumer Electronics Show – regarding televisions with Google TV software. That could make Samsung the first company on board with Google TV since the initial launch. What's particularly interesting here is that nothing is said about Google TV equipped Blu-ray players, which seem like an obvious move for the company. When the idea of Google TV was first announced, it seemed like a no-brainer. A manufacturer would have to be a fool not to jump on that. After some setbacks with streaming content though, that initial wariness can be understood. Update: 11/18/10 Samsung says that while Google TV is certainly a possibility, it's not a definite. "Samsung is focused on delivering the most complete smart TV experience to consumers and this will guide our approach as we consider introducing new services or platforms such as with Google," explains one Samsung representative. "A relationship with Google TV is currently under consideration but no decision has yet been reached." Source: BloombergPosted Wed Nov 17, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
IOGear Launches Two New HTPC Controllers[teaser]Two new options are available for HTPC users, including a handheld model and a full sized keyboard. [/teaser] If you're using an HTPC, things are looking good. You get to scoff at the news of blocked content and chortle at the news of Apple TV preorders and now you even get some cool new gear. The GKM571R from IOGear is small enough to fit in your hand and features a full QWERTY keyboard as well as a tiny out of the way trackball in the upper right corner. It's also got a closing lid, though it's not exactly clear why. IOGear's GKM581 is a bit more traditional. It's a full sized keyboard with a trackball on the right and the mouse buttons on the left. It's a bit bigger, but it seems much simpler to browse with. You'll find the GKM571R at a price of $89 while the larger GKM581 runs $99. Both are slated to ship before the end of the year. Source: Crunch GearPosted Tue Nov 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Goes Commercial With 3D TVs[teaser]3D sets with passive technology could be hitting a hotel room near you. [/teaser] If you're staying at a hotel with an HDTV, chances are you'll be watching an LG. They're the number one provider to both the lodging industry and the hospitality industry, which means you're likely to find them at hospitals too. The company has just unveiled two new product lines designed specifically for these industries, but it's the LD950C that's particularly interesting. It's a 3D set, designed for placement in hotel lobbies, restaurants and sports lounges. It's 47 inches diagonally and uses passive 3D tech, so there's no need for expensive active shutter glasses. They also unveiled the LE530C, which is an LED backlit model designed to save energy while delighting guests. It's just 1.2 inches thick and boasts a contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1. Source: PR NewswirePosted Tue Nov 16, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Plasma Sales Outgrow LCD Sales in 2010[teaser]In particular, the 720p plasma market grew incredibly well. [/teaser] When money is an issue, you're forced to make a choice about your new TV. You can either sacrifice screen size for better quality and features, or get yourself a big screen with a sub-optimal resolution. The majority of American plasma buyers are choosing the latter. The surprisingly low pricing on plasmas has sparked a huge surge in sales, increasing sales by 28 percent in the third quarter of 2010. That's impressive, but what's particularly interesting is that the buyers picking up these plasma sets didn't seem to concerned with 1080p. According to Quixel Research, sales of 42 inch 720p plasmas were up 27 percent, while 50 inch 720p plasmas went up a massive 65 percent. "Hopefully it is clear by now that the HD 720p segment is not dead yet for larger sized TVs," says Quixel's Tamaryn Pratt. LCD sales went down in the 40 inch range, up in the 60 inch and up 16 percent overall. Source: TWICEPosted Tue Nov 16, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
JVC's New Projectors Get THX 3D Certified[teaser]After a lengthy testing process, they get the stamp of approval. [/teaser] 3D certification from THX is still relatively new, but it's impressive nonetheless that JVC's projectors – the DLA-RS60, DLA-X9, DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 - are the first to earn it. The process involves over 400 laboratory tests to determine a projector's worth. THX deals with color accuracy, viewing angles, video processing and perhaps the most important thing of all – cross-talk. After these tests, if the projectors are up to snuff, THX gives it the go-ahead. In addition to rooting out the best of the best, THX certification gives you the option of THX Cinema Mode, a setting designed to bring out the best in your projector without you having to root around in the video menus. THX Cinema Mode can even be tuned further by THX professional calibrators. The DLA-RS60 and DLA-X9 projectors will hit pro and consumer markets later this month at a price of $11,996 while the DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 come in at $7,995. Source: Audio Video RevolutionPosted Mon Nov 15, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Living Outside the States? Get Around Restrictions and Enjoy Netflix on Your Console.[teaser]If you're living outside the US, you can still get access to all the best streaming content if you're willing to work a bit (and pay a bit). [/teaser] Netflix has finally made it to Canada, but our neighbors to the north got short-changed on selection. As far as the rest of the world, the streaming service still has a long way to go. Lucky for you, there's a solution. It's not a free solution, and it's not for the computer illiterate, but with a bit of work and an extra $5 a month, you can make it happen. Essentially, you'll be using a site called USVideo.ca that's been helping Canadians get Netflix for a while now. It's not just limited to Canada though – you can set up an account from any country. The service will simply tell sites like Netflix that you're coming from the US, giving you full access to all the content available to Americans. If you want to stream from the Xbox 360 things get a bit more complicated since you'll need a legitimate US address. Source: Crunch GearPosted Mon Nov 15, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by:
