Video Streaming
March 17, 2010
Archos to Release Android Tablets

Archos has two new Android based tablets designed for those who want more than a smartphone and less than a PC. Due out in June, both can play videos, music and photos, and can also access the Interweb at prices around $200.00. The 7 Tablet has a 7" touchscreen with built-in WiFi and USB for transferring files. It will be available in both 2 and 8GB models.
The 8 Home Tablet features an 8" touchscreen and holds 4GB memory. This would certainly be a good addition to any kitchen with the ability to download recipes and be used as a digital frame while cleaning up the dishes.
Via UMPC Portal
March 16, 2010
RealNetworks To Cease Selling RealDVD

RealNetworks will stop selling software that allows users to copy DVDs after several major studios took them to court. The major complaint was that consumers would buy a movie, make copies then return the movies. RealNetworks is now forced to pay $4.5 million in litigation fees to the studios and refund the purchase price to the 2,700 who bought RealDVD.
Via RealNetworks
March 5, 2010
Freakin' Friday! TiVo to Deliver Premiere

TiVo will finally be releasing two new DVRs that allow access to both TV and the Net. The Premiere displays both on its on-screen guide and can hold up to 45 hours of HD at a price of $299.99. Want more? The TiVo Premiere XL will cost you $499.99 but holds up to 150 hours of programming. Both require service subscriptions and will ship next month, but can be pre-ordered now.
Via TiVo Premiere
March 2, 2010
Walmart Acquiring VUDU

Walmart is in the midst of purchasing VUDU. They claim it will give the megastore chain "a powerful new vehicle to offer customers the content they want in a way that expands the frontier of quality, value and convenience." Uh-huh.
The online movie service, now with a library of about 16,000 movies and licensing partnerships with major studios and distributors, will continue to develop Apps.
Via VUDU
February 25, 2010
StorE Saves 2TB Media Files

Toshiba's StorE TV will save up to 2TB of media files. It can stream audio, video and images from your PC to your HDTV, as well as via USB, an external DVD drive or SD card from your camera. The device will be available in Q4 with no price announced as yet.
Via Electric Pig
February 18, 2010
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
Toshiba Combo Includes Digital TV Tuner

Toshiba has a new Vardia DVD/VHS combo that will hold 250GB of HDD. In addition, it has a digital TV tuner for recording, DLNA with USB HDD Network and SKYPerfectTV support. The D-W255K is available for ¥60,000 (~$669.00.) The D-VDR9K combo is also available for ¥32,000 (~$357.00) without the fancy features.
Via Akihabara News
February 15, 2010
Sony A/V Receiver Uses Bluetooth/WiFi

Sony has devised a new A/V system. Instead of using Ethernet, the 7.1 channel STR-DN1000 can utilize either Bluetooth or WiFi adapter and wireless speakers or optional transmitter card. Compatible with Blu-ray disc players, PlayStation 3 and other sources, it has 7 HD inputs, 4 of them with "Active Intelligence." Being able to bypass your PC for less $400.00 makes the receiver an even better deal.
Via Sony STR-DN1000 Receiver
February 9, 2010
Comcast Launches Xfinity

Comcast has decided to rename their broadband service Xfinity beginning next week, perhaps thinking that they need to update their image. Look for Xfinity TV, Xfinity Internet, and Xfinity Voice in 11 of their markets. Perhaps it is just part of the adjustment to Internet viewing as they launched Fancast Xnfinity OD for its subscribers in December. With such a high cost involved in branding, it might be a better move to simply lower their rates.
Via Comcast
February 8, 2010
Netflix To Add 300 Indie VOD Titles

Good news for indie fans. Netflix will be adding about 300 new titles for watching instantly. The company has reached licensing agreements with distributors and will make available such titles as "Departures" (Regent Releasing/Here Films), "Wendy and Lucy" (Oscilloscope), "A Nos Amours" and "Au Revoir Les Enfants" (Criterion.) Other distributors include Gravitas Ventures, Kino Lorber and Music Box Films.
Via Netflix
February 4, 2010
Boxee to Release Payment Platform

Admitting to the fact that they want to be more iTunish, Boxee has decided to release a Payment Platform this summer. They will offer TV shows, movies and channels with content partners with one remote click. This will include premium content, existing media and extras that are not otherwise available at prices not yet determined, although the company promises that it will be less than the 30% often charged by other app stores.
Via Boxxee
February 3, 2010
Pandigital Frame Comes With Email Addy

With the Photo Mail LED Digital Frame, up to 6,400 images can be kept and displayed with its 1GB memory. With touchscreen control, the device has a dedicated email addy, so images can be sent directly to the frame via AT&T. It also supports AVI and MP3 files. Pandigital's 8" frame comes packed with a capacity to hold 300 photos at a price of $149.00. Additional storage is available for an extra charge.
Via AT&T
February 1, 2010
Clamshell Home Projector

The Clamshell Home Projector opens up and displays images and video while also delivering sound with a built-in speaker. The design has a slotted cover to hide in and outputs, and the device features a start-up button. Available for $51.69, pre-order to get yours.
Via Uxsight
January 29, 2010
SE HD Vivaz Comes With Major Pre-Packs
Not content to merely utilize HD in their TVs, monitors and laptops, Sony Ericsson's Vivaz has 720 HD video recording with 16 million colors, 3.2" intuitive touchscreen, 8.1 megapixel sensor, 4x digital zoom cam with autofocus, 75MB expandable memory and comes equipped with apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Google maps, games and YouTube. The 107.0 x 52.0 x 12.5 mm size Symbian OS device has WiFi, TV out and FM radio. Available in 4 different colors, no price or date is out yet.
Via Akihabara News