HBO Launches VOD GO

HBO has launched GO, obviously in an effort to grab some of that online VOD money from Netflix and Amazon. You can get their movies, original series, sports and TV series in HD, as well as bonus features and extras. Unfortunately, you have to be a subscriber or have FiOs TV for the free service and if you would like to sign up for only the online viewing, that's not going to happen. So this is good news for HBO subscribers, but we don't think that Netflix users will want to give up their minimal $8.99 to get most of the same, including many HBO movies and TV series.

Via HBO GO

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Sony Blu-Ray Player/Burner to Go 3D

Sony's new BDP-S470 Blu-ray Player/Burner, due out mid-March, supports SACD and 3D and features BD-Live, BRAVIA Internet Video and is Wireless LAN ready. Other Sony players and home theater systems will also do 3D with a firmware update coming this summer. New to all of the above is a free "BD Remote" app that allows control from your iPhone/iPod touch and can be downloaded from the Apple store.

Via Sony Blu-ray Player/Burner

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Hulu May Charge For Older Shows

Hulu has been free up to this point, but the online viewing site may start charging for some of its programs. While trying to find a figure that most would pay for, the company may set a $4.99 per month subscription rate for older shows like "30 Rock," "House" and "Modern Family." Look for the change to take effect in the next six months.

Via LA Times

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DFDTV Online Network

DFDTV is an actual startup network on the Net. Launched last month, it features scheduled programming as well as OD streaming. Channels include DigitalRicks (live music performance,) LiveLaughs, and the "Really" Independent Film channel. They also will be including special events and invite charitable organizations' happenings to be seen on their network. Sign up is free and viewers can comment on their blog.

(Thanks, Kyle)

Via DFDTV

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Chumby One - Less Bucks, Faster Speed

After 2 years on the market, there will soon be a new Chumby in town. The WiFi Chumby One will have a new hard shell, a faster CPU from 350 to 454mHz, FM and Internet radio. The 3.5" 320x240 display will remain the same and there are still about 1,500 widgets available. The price should be around $100.00, half the price of the original.

Via The Gadgeteer

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Don't Just Tweet - Twitcam

You might want to invest in Livestream stock as they have released Twitcam. Log in to Twitter, turn on your webcam and hit broadcast and you are instantly a star. When someone answers one of your tweets it links up to your show and continues to do so with others. Each page has its own URL so that others can come back and watch once the live stream is over. Eventually users will be able to brand their own sites. Think of it as running your own community TV station.

Via Twitcam

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Boxee Updates Sites, Support

No sooner did Boxee release their new version than they have updated their site, including the ability to find your buds that may be scattered over the Net. Finally, check out their support site for any questions that may come up.

(Thanks, Avner)

Via Boxee

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TW and Comcast To Test Online TV

Time Warner and Comcast are one step closer to bringing cable TV to the Internet but there is a catch. It is only for cable subscribers for now. A test beginning in July will involve 5,000 Comcast customers who will get TNT and TBS on a fast-speed connection. Users will be required to log on with name and password and the system will know if you try to cheat. There will not be any additional fee, but there may be some alteration to the schedule as the test progresses.

Via USA Today

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Hulu Releases Desktop beta

Hulu has announced a Desktop application built on flash for use with your PC or Mac. As opposed to their regular service, this one runs on your computer and doesn't need a browser. Usable with Windows Media Center or Apple control, it only takes 6 buttons to navigate. No remote? Use your keyboard and mouse. Hulu Desktop has been launched in beta, is looking for your feedback and will soon be available for the masses. We are all for any company that has such clever commercials.

Via Hulu Labs

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RealDVD Suit Heats Up

We have mentioned before that the six largest film studios and the DVD Copy Control Association claim that RealDVD violates copyright laws and are taking them to court. The RealNetworks program was finally launched last week and allows DVD owners to duplicate a single DVD. The digital version can only be played on the computer that made the copy. The judge that is presiding is Marilyn Patel, who was also involved in the demise of Napster. Let's face it. There are already plenty of ways to copy DVDs besides what the studios refer to as "Steal TV." If you want to keep track of the proceedings, click here.

Via BBC

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Disney to Mate With Hulu?

Rumor has it that Hulu and Disney are negotiating to bring the mouse's programming online. Supposedly, the content is concentrating on ABC, but may come from other Disney sources such as ESPN. In exchange, Disney wants an equity stake in Hulu and the possibility of performance incentives. While this all has not been officially confirmed, it is increasingly obvious that media companies will join the Internet revolution and Hulu doesn't want to be left out.

By the way, if you caught this ad with Alec Baldwin shown during the Super Bowl, you have to know that Hulu received a 33% increase in viewed videos after airing. Somehow, that does not surprise us.

Via paid Content

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FiOs TV Adds Sony and Turner to Lineup

We have previously mentioned FiOS TV, the free service for Verizon subscribers of Home Media DVR. The company has announced even more VOD in their library. Both Sony and Turner Networks have signed on. That mean you can watch shows from CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS, and other networks along with lots of free movies including:
"The DaVinci Code"
"Final Destination 3"
"Anaconda"
"Anaconda III"
Okay, so watching Jon Voight or David Hasselhoff wrestling an enormous rubber snake is not your idea of incredible viewing, but don't knock the free ride.

Via Verizon

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Miro 2.0 - Now Customizable

Miro is a free HD video player that can handle almost any video file and has access to over 6,000 Internet TV shows and podcasts. The open source device has integrated search and will also stream from sites like YouTube and Hulu. The new 2.0 version is customizable and has keyboard shortcuts, while the built-in guide connects you for downloading to your computer. With such extensive free viewing available online, it is no wonder that some of the networks are increasing their output there as well.

Via Miro

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More Online Access for Cable?

Look for some of the more prominent cable stations to go online either for free or a small fee in the near future. Media conglomerates such as those behind HBO, MTV, TLC, Discovery and Animal Planet are in negotiation. The reason for for the discussions are that there are already so many networks that offer their programming online for free, yet cable networks must pay them for content. Included in the companies are Time Warner, Cox, Viacom and Comcast, who has dubbed the initiative "On Demand Online." No doubt this is the shape of things to come and we will do our best to keep an eye on its progress.

Via CBS

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