Video Streaming
February 1, 2012
James Bond 50th Anniversary Set
Can't get enough of Bond, James Bond? In honor of its 50th anniversary, MGM and Twentieth Century Fox are releasing an impressive Bond 50 box set that includes all 22 films in HD, 9 of them available in Blu-ray for the first time. About 130 hours of bonus content is included in the package as well as an hour of new material. All that you need after that is a few shaken martinis to enjoy a movie marathon.
Via James Bond Films
January 10, 2012
Skype Via HDTV with telyHD
Have Skype and want video communication? tely Labs produces a device that can do that via WiFi. Hook the telyHD to your TV and video chat, send and receive photos, and transmit video mail. The set top device runs Android, has a NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor and four directional noise-cancelling microphones. No computer is needed and you will not have to worry about monthly fees.
Via tely Labs
January 4, 2012
Boxee Releases Final Interface Update
While it used to be that software was downloaded to facilitate combining PC and TV, there are now plenty of devices that come Internet ready. Boxee's latest 1.5 beta will soon be released as a streamlining interface for Windows, Mac or Linux. This is the final version of the UI as the company plans to concentrate more on its Streaming Box, Blu-ray players and TV. It will be open source for plenty of upcoming applications.
Via Venture Beat
December 26, 2011
Avatar Features Supefluous Extras
There has been a trend of late that when you rent a video, you don't get the extras until you buy a copy. John Cameron and Apple are offering so many of them with Avatar that it will overplease everyone. Customers can download 6, count 'em, 6 hours of extras when they purchase the regular version for $14.99 or the iTunes Extra Special Edition for $19.99. Viewers can interact with performance capture and visual effects in 17 scenes. There is also Cameron's original screenplay with over 1,700 images. That should keep you busy until next year's hottest movie.
Via iTunes
December 14, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - Apple TV Holiday Priced
'Tis the season. If you planned to invest in Apple TV, now is the time. With streaming of movies and TV shows from iTunes and availability of content from Netflix and various online sources, the box is unassuming at its 4" square size. Control by remote, or by iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with app. At $99.00, this might challenge Roku as the set top box of choice.
Via Apple TV
December 8, 2011
UltraViolet Future of DVD?
We have to admit that when it comes to UltraViolet, we just don't get it. With most of the major studios involved (Disney is the holdout,) the idea is that instead of streaming or renting, a onetime purchase with the logo gives you a Blu-ray and regular DVD with a code that can be used to download on various UltraViolet enabled video devices like tablets, smartphones and PCs. Sign up at the site and up to six individuals get access. Go for a code only and you get to burn your own copy.
While the service only launched in mid-October and is still new with only a few titles available and no major retailers committed to the idea, the company feels that it can do to video what Apple and iTunes did for music. But when it comes right down to it, the fact is that you have to be on the Internet to use the service and burn a copy that many cannot or don't want to do makes it less appealing.
We so prefer renting or streaming to amassing more "stuff" and unless you have kids that can endlessly watch animated movies or you are sci-fi fanatic, we think the concept has a ways to go. Especially since if you look at a purchase for "Horrible Bosses" Blu-ray/DVD combination pack plus UltraViolet digital code that is a whopping $24.99.
Via UltraViolet
November 24, 2011
Boxee Live TV Tuner
Boxee is back and is aiming to bypass cable with their Live TV tuner. Used in conjunction with the Box, now viewers can watch Internet HDTV as well as over-the-air broadcast TV. This is a perfect gift for someone who doesn't need to get hundreds of channels and at a price below $50, get one for yourself and save on those satellite/cable bills. Pre-order now for a January delivery.
Via Boxee Live TV
November 9, 2011
Amazon Adds Disney to VOD, Offers Lending Library
Amazon has gone one step further in its newly established video streaming service. They bargained with Disney ABC to get Prime Instant short term access to some of their broadcast channels as well as their cable channels. They have also worked out deals with CBS, Sony, ABC Universal, Fox and Warner Bros. This is a good move on their part as it should help boost Fire sales.
As further incentive to get their tablet going, Amazon has "opened" a Lending Library. Kindle owners are allowed one title per month. Although the "Big Six" publishers have not signed on because of pricing disagreements, there are still over 5,000 books that can be downloaded. The bad news? Borrowers have to subscribe to Amazon Prime, a service that costs $79 yearly.
Via Amazon Prime
October 21, 2011
Freakin' Friday! BoomBoom Photo Frame
Philips 8"BoomBoom PhotoFrame has been around for a while, but it is still a convenient and portable device for those who want to keep their photos, videos and music close. There is an AUX-In for iDevices and other MP3 players, a USB connection to play your camcorder video and it can be used as an additional PC monitor. You can even connect your SD card or flash drive and keep those home movies and slide shows coming. With 2GB storage, a remote control is included in the package.
Via Philips
October 20, 2011
Affordable Roku LT Player
Roku has an inexpensive alternative for those who want a streaming player but don't have a lot of extra cash. The LT can play over 300 channels i.e. Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant and Pandora. There is no SD card slot or Bluetooth support but you get HBO Go with over 1,400 titles. At a price of only $49.99, look for its release in November.
Via Roku
October 19, 2011
Marmitek Simplified Receiver
Get your media from your smartphone with the Marmitek BoomBoom 75 Bluetooth Music receiver. As it can handle up to 8 different devices, you can send a movie to your iPad and music to your sound system. You can even use it in the car, with a CD player or dock if you have an AUX input and listen to Internet radio without a computer. The receiver is priced at $31.95, a moderate price for a simple fix.
Via Marmitek
October 18, 2011
TiVo Elite Features 4 Tuners
TiVo Premiere Elite has been released with 4, count 'em, four digital tuners so that you can record four different movies, TV shows or the latest baseball game to save for later. The DVR also has a 2 TB hard drive, up to 300 HD hours of programming and THX certification. You still need to subscribe to their service for $19.99 a month ($499.99 one time fee) but you get the luxury or rewatching that grand slam over and over and over...
Via TiVo
September 29, 2011
Slingbox App to Come to Honeycomb
Sling's Mobile app is already available for Android and now those who have Honeycomb will soon be able to take advantage as well. At a price of $29.99, the app is compatible with the Slingbox PRO-HD and SOLO. The application will work with those who have already gotten it for their Android smartphones and tablet owners should see some excellent video quality. Click the link to sign up to be notified when it becomes available.
Via SlingPlayer Mobile
September 26, 2011
Blockbuster Offers Deal to Netflix Scorned
It's no secret that Blockbuster is probably giddy with delight now that Netflix has enraged so many former customers. They are offering runaway subscribers a 30 day free trial with both movies by mail and unlimited in-store exchanges. Included in the deal is their game service, pre-release videos and Blu-ray titles. We expect them to announce a total VOD service for those who do not have On Demand devices. The move could perhaps save the beleaguered company from oblivion if they amass more fans.
Via Blockbuster
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