After months of speculations whether Apple will release completely new Apple TV device making it a high-end media center for our living rooms or rather leave it, more or less, as it is (means without all the latest true HD capibilities, IP streaming, Blu-ray, live TV ability, HD recorder, 1080p support, etc.)… we still don’t know the answer.

The company introduced new Apple TV 3.0 software that gives us not more than a redesigned main menu - which is said to give a faster access to the content, possibility to watch iTunes Extras and enjoy iTunes LP in fullscreen and listen to the internet radio (including stations in high-quality HE-ACC formats).

Filed under: Set-top boxes

Looks like Apple's "hobby" is finally getting the iTunes Extra & LP features it was initially denied, as the Apple TV 3.0 software has just released, featuring a brand new main menu (above) plus genius Mixes and internet radio access. It took a reboot and a few tries for units around here to start seeing the new software was available, so feel free to give that "check for updates" button a workout, 'til then the official PR is after the break describing what your box is missing.

Continue reading Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow

Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virgin Media has just begun a broadband customer pilot to test real-world deployment of 200 Mbps speeds - making it the fastest implementation of Docsis 3.0 technology in the world. Services offered in Japan and the US currently reach 160 Mbps and 101 Mbps respectively.
In a separate announcement, the UK digital cable TV operator said it plans to add up to five new HD channels this year to keep pace with growing demand for high-def programming.

Filed under: Displays

Budget minded customers waiting for VIZIO's 2008 LCD lineup can rest easy as all the details of new VL, VT, and EcoHD lines are official. All the lines feature either SRS TruSurround XT or HD and multiple HDMI inputs. But while the VL and VT series are all 1080p and feature VIZIO's version of 120hz technology called Smooth Motion II, the EcoHD series is the new eco-friendly version we've heard about which is up to 25 percent more energy efficient than Energy Star 3.0 requires. The VL line ranges from 32 to 47 inches, with retail prices between $599 and $1099. The VT however is only available in 42 and 47-inches, which are $899 and $1099. The EcoHD line however really spans the gamut ranging from 19-inch all the way up to 32-inches and from $249 to $449.

Read - VIZIO EcoHD
Read - VIZIO 120hz 1080p LCDs

The 2009 VIZIO HDTV lineup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Misc, Cable, Internet

Details are exceptionally vague at the moment, but Insight Communications is currently testing an internet service capable of hitting (theoretical) download speeds as high as 100Mbps. Not that we haven't seen similar services offered from fiber providers or anything, but generally speaking, 50Mbps is the high-end of what DOCSIS 3.0 provides. Then again, the article never specifically mentions said protocol, so we're left to wonder exactly what's going on and when it'll expand from this so-called "trial" stage. Can you tell we're tense with anticipation?

[Via DSLReports]

Insight testing 100Mbps high-speed internet in Kentucky originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cable, New content

With enough bandwidth to support 1080p video on-demand, France's Numericable has apparently found space left over in its MPEG-4 DOCSIS 3.0 network to add five new channels. All due before the end of the month, Melody Zen and Brava HDTV jump into the Premium Plus channel lineup, while Euro 1080, i-Concerts HD and Ushuaïa TV HD head to the premium package. No MTV Networks?

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