DirecTV began quietly seeding its HDUI to customers back in November, but judging by our tips inbox it has recently picked up the pace of the rollout. It's live in many areas already where you're probably enjoying the sweet, sweet new guide with its 16x9 graphics and speedier interface, but if you don't yet have it, check out the thread at DBSTalk with estimated rollout dates for many areas. Also by way of the forum comes word of 12 new channels including AMC, Velocity and HD Net that were just added to DirecTV's live TV streaming iPad app. Of course, the update still won't play nicely with jailbroken iPads, so a cracked version will be required in those cases. Check out the list of channels after the break, if you're not seeing them in the app try hitting the "edit" button at the top right, finding them in the list and clicking the green plus symbol to add them manually.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading DirecTV HDUI is rolling out across the land, iPad app adds 12 more live streaming channels

Filed under: Cellphones

DirecTV HDUI is rolling out across the land, iPad app adds 12 more live streaming channels originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  DBSTalk  | Email this | Comments

If you've made the switch to watching movies delivered via the internet instead of disc, one of the things that you'll usually give up is interactive special features, but Fox is turning that trend around with its latest repackaging of Avatar. The iTunes Extras Special Edition of the movie goes on sale Tuesday and includes "Green Screen X-Ray" features letting viewers deconstruct the extensive special effects during 17 scenes as they watch, as well as an original screenplay from director James Cameron, his scriptment, and a gallery of 1,700 images. You can get an idea of how the X-ray feature works from the images here and a trailer (included after the break), but at $20 for an HD copy, we figure it will be just the most dedicated fans taking a trip back to Pandora before the 3D Blu-ray is freed from exclusivity next year.

Continue reading Avatar special edition takes another dip on iTunes Tuesday, brings exclusive extras

Avatar special edition takes another dip on iTunes Tuesday, brings exclusive extras originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  iTunes  | Email this | Comments

After announcing that it would completely revamp its struggling TV business after yet another quarter of financial setbacks, what's next for Sony? CEO Howard Stringer tells the Wall Street Journal that R&D is focusing on a "different kind of TV set." He didn't specify whether he was talking about the company's efforts with Google TV or any other technology, however he did note the "really well organized" beauty of the iPhone and said that after a five year quest to build a platform that would compete with Steve Jobs, it's finally ready to launch. This all hinges on Sony's ability to pull its four screens (phones, tablets, PCs, TVs) together with network services like Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited (and hopefully make those Qriocity-birthed offerings famous for something other than being a footnote in its hacking scandal). Sony has finally begun to acknowledge its weaknesses in software and providing a uniform user experience, we'll probably find out more about how it plans to turn that around at CES 2012 in January.

Sony's CEO is ready to launch a four-screen platform 'that can compete with Steve Jobs' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Wall Street Journal  | Email this | Comments

DirecTV debuted its iPad app in February with an impressive suite of remote control and content browsing options, but one of the few missing features was the ability to watch TV on it, which has now been added. Like similar apps from Cablevision and Time Warner Cable, v1.3.1 adds the ability to watch 38 channels live on the tablet, provided you're connected to the same home network as your DirecTV Plus HD DVR. That home restriction, plus being limited to only live TV streams and not DVRed programming separates it from Sling's apps, but at least it's still a free add-on. If you want to watch recorded shows or take them on the go you'll still need the Nomad box for that. Check below for a link to one of DBSTalk's usual thorough walkthrough PDFs breaking down the new features, a few screengrabs sent in by a reader, and the complete channel list after the break.

[Thanks, Will & Jon]

Continue reading DirecTV's iPad app updated with live TV streaming, as long as you stay at home

DirecTV's iPad app updated with live TV streaming, as long as you stay at home originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  iTunes, DirecTV, DBSTalk  | Email this | Comments

The next version of XBMC isn't ready for prime time yet, but the team behind it is already talking about what's being added and tweaked in v11.0, a.k.a Eden. This is the first major release since the media player app added iPad, iPhone and Apple TV support and as such improved touchscreen support is high on the list. We can also expect a new "Files" view in the video library, a different default skin, improved CPU / GPU efficiency, customizable home screens and other UI tweaks as seen above. Now that the list of features is pretty much locked down we'll be expecting a beta, and eventually final release, but you can hit the source link to dive in early and help test everything out.

XBMC teases new features coming in 11.0 'Eden' release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Digital Lifestyle  |  XBMC  | Email this | Comments

A new update for DirecTV's official iPad app just showed up in iTunes, adding the ability to manage recordings on all of your connected HD DVRs. As seen in the screenshot above, v1.2.6 ties into the company's whole home DVR setup by letting a user control one box directly, then browse recordings stored elsewhere and play them in the room in the room where they are. Also new is the ability to delete DVR'd shows straight from the iPad, and readers tell us that after the upgrade the app has begun working with the revamped HDUI beta that DirecTV started testing a couple of weeks ago. Hit the source link below to grab it for yourself from iTunes.

[Thanks, SV & Stuart]

DirecTV iPad app upgrade adds easy multiroom DVR control, HDUI compatibility originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  iTunes  | Email this | Comments

Roku has been charming the pants off Google and the suspenders off Mickey. The media streaming company has shed light on both the development of a YouTube channel and a partnership with Disney. After an unofficial attempt at viral video stardom was quickly squashed by Google, Roku has confirmed via Facebook plans for a new YouTube channel. In another win for Roku addicts, the company launched a Disney channel where fans of the cartoon crew can ingest short form content from Disney.com, including animated shorts, movie trailers and music videos. As the first connected device to offer content from the Magic Kingdom, the friendship gives Roku some serious leverage over its competitors, just in time for the holiday spending spree.

Continue reading Roku announces Disney partnership, YouTube channel in the works

Roku announces Disney partnership, YouTube channel in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gigaom, Zatz Not Funny!  |  Facebook  | Email this | Comments

Continue reading JetStreamHD starts shipping, leaves iPad media streaming vapor trails in its wake (video)

JetStreamHD starts shipping, leaves iPad media streaming vapor trails in its wake (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Continue reading Elgato EyeTV Mobile eyes-on (video)

Elgato EyeTV Mobile eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Apple has pulled the plug on TV episode rentals via iTunes, abruptly leaving customers with only the option of purchasing per episode -- good thing you can watch those on your Apple TV streamed from the cloud -- or a Season Pass where available. AllThingsD has a quote from spokesman Tom Neumayr indicating this was in response to customers that "overwhelmingly prefer buying TV shows." Making the timing of the move particularly curious are once-again renewed rumors of an Apple HDTV and a WSJ profile of new CEO Tim Cook that indicates the company is "working on new technology to deliver video to televisions, and has been discussing whether to try to launch a subscription TV service." Like Google, any move depends on its success in negotiating a new delivery model from the networks, who so far have been averse to anything that threatens their existing relationship with pay-TV providers. It appears 99-cent rentals didn't move the needle, so we'll wait and see what the folks from Cupertino have up their sleeve next.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple stops renting TV shows in iTunes, could be working on a new kind of video service originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Wall Street Journal, AllThingsD  | Email this | Comments

Well, that was anticlimactic. Viacom quickly sued Cablevision after the Optimum for iPad (now on iPhone and iPod Touch) app launched and allowed cable customers to stream the entire channel lineup on their tablets, but now they've resolved that and "an unrelated business matter". Viacom's case against Time Warner's similar offering is on hold while they also try to work out a deal, but Cablevision's stance from the start is that its approach fell within the existing agreements and they appear to have gotten their way. Just like most other channel carriage disputes, it was likely a deal on the supposedly unrelated issue that got things moving, but as long as we can keep watching Teen Mom in the kitchen, bathroom or out on the patio it doesn't really matter. Check the official statement from both companies after the break.

Continue reading Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad

Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Now that Vudu has started streaming movies to PCs over the web, we're not surprised that starting today, it's moving to the iPad as well but what is surprising is the decision to stream over the web and forego a dedicated app. This approach lets the Wal-mart-owned (and fully integrated) video delivery company avoid the restrictions of Apple's app store and any additional fees, but unfortunately still means that like the PC, it's restricted to standard definition resolution and due to licensing issues is missing any flicks from Disney. The company plans to keep expanding onto other platforms like Android soon (if you must, the site does work on the iPhone right now but the UI isn't optimized for it yet) but it appears accessibility is replacing high quality HDX streaming as the service's most notable trait, for better or worse.

Continue reading Vudu starts streaming movies to the iPad, chooses the web app route

Vudu starts streaming movies to the iPad, chooses the web app route originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

As promised, v2.0.1 of the TWCable TV iPad app has arrived with a slew of tweaks and bug fixes. The Time Warner Cable Untangled blog has a run-down of the release notes, claiming improved overall stability (no more crashes when you disconnect from WiFi with the app open), new filters and and effects on the guide, and DVR improvements including conflict resolution and more. Check the source link for a full list of the improvements or just head over to iTunes to grab the latest and greatest.

Time Warner Cable iPad app update stomps out a few bugs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Internal documents we've received show Time Warner Cable is planning a major update for both its live TV streaming TWCable TV iPad app and many of its set-top boxes. TWCable TV 2.0 is scheduled to arrive on June 28th with new features including a seven day program guide, and the ability to use it as a remote control or to schedule the DVR remotely. Around that same time, its cable headends around the country will deliver the "Florence" update that brings its OpenCable Digital Navigator software to version 4.5 on certain Cisco, Motorola and Samsung set-top boxes. That should bring them up to speed with other platforms it uses, adding the ability to delete recordings in a multiroom setup, a transparent GUI, enhanced Start Over and Look Back features, settings to control aspect ratio, output resolution, pictures size and more. This may yet be the year we get to ditch the cable box, but while we still live with them you can see the full list of upgrades and which boxes will get them in the gallery and after the break.

Continue reading Time Warner Cable internal docs reveal TWCable TV iPad app, DVR upgrades on the way

Time Warner Cable internal docs reveal TWCable TV iPad app, DVR upgrades on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Boxee threw a meetup in London last night where it revealed the return of its BBC iPlayer app and upcoming addition of streaming movies and shows from Blinkbox. This continues a trend that has seen the addition of Headweb video on-demand for Scandinavian regions and Databazaar's library of Bollywood flicks in the last week. Boxee had iPlayer before but it stopped working after some technical changes, while the blog post reveals Blinkbox support is expected arrive around the end of the year. Boxee flashed its iPad app at the party too, promising to bring the existing experience to your tablet plus the ability to send video back to a Boxee Box for watching on the big TV screen. Finally, VP of marketing Andrew Kippen mentioned streaming locally stored video to the iPad from new Boxee Media Server software. While adding Plex-style functionality is nice by itself, we're just excited to see any kind of reference to the software for PC and Macs that seemed to have been ignored since Boxee got into the box business, so we'll keep an eye out for any additional news on that front.

Boxee hits London with updated iPlayer app, Blinkbox video and new Media Server originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

One unfortunate side effect of the connected TVs and set-top boxes invading living rooms is a whole new set of remotes to deal with. This week our question comes from Steven who has a stable of four remotes he'd like to slim down, but he's not sure how to make it all work:

Just bought a Samsung 51" 720p plasma. Love the TV, slight regret about not getting 1080p, but I mostly stream from my Apple TV and watch OTA broadcasts.
My question is, I have about four remotes (TV, Vizio Soundbar, Panasonic Blu-ray, Apple TV) and I can't stand it. Is a Harmony remote worth getting and will it work with my Apple TV, which is my main source for content. And if so, which model is ideal? Thanks for the help!

There you have it, it's not an overly complex situation, but we're wondering if Harmony or anyone else has a one remote solution that will take care of his issue. An alternative of course is going all app-happy on a smartphone, but we're sure if there's a simpler way some of you must have figured it out. Let us know how it's going in the comments below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Is there a universal remote that works with Apple TV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Time Warner has added several new cable channels to its TWCable TV iPad app, including Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, which were two of the channels yanked after broadcasters complained. we don't know if they've worked out an agreement over the matter, but viewers can now enjoy those two as well as TLC, Sundance, Lifetime, Military History and Wedding Central on their tablets. Check out the TWCableUntangled blog for the official word, we'll wait and see if Viacom or Fox budge next.

TWCable TV iPad app updated with a few more channels, brings back Discovery originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

While other networks (Fox and ABC) have dipped a toe in with specialized iPad companion apps, NBC is going a different route with the recently launched NBC Live. From the screens, it's able to pull up information on multiple shows in a similar style to the website and provides social feeds and interactive features between viewers while they watch the show on TV. What it doesn't do is stream video to the iPad like the ABC Player has since launch which, judging from some of the reviews, is confusing to would-be users. It's a free download though, so try it out and let us know if you're interested in "tuning in, interacting and engaging" with Parks & Rec or 30 Rock in a whole new way.

[Thanks, TV Tipster]

NBC Live iPad app adds interactivity to shows, won't keep Michael on The Office originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

While there's been a lot of talk about whether or not Time Warner has the right to include feeds of cable channels it carries in the new TWCable TV app, besides the company's voluntary removal of several networks there's been very little action until now. Time Warner Cable announced this afternoon it has filed a request in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for a declaratory judgement regarding Viacom's cable networks. Time Warner continues to maintain its carriage agreements give it the right to allow subscribers access on any screen in their home, not just the TV and is apparently ready to prove that in court -- or at least drive Viacom, Discovery, Fox and other complaining networks towards more favorable negotiations. The app added seven more channels earlier today, while we wait for Viacom's side of the story you can check out the press release after the break or Time Warner's official blog to understand its stance in full.

Update: Viacom has responded, saying Time Warner "blatantly grabbed the rights that their competitors have negotiated in good faith to obtain" forcing it to file a lawsuit of its own. The gloves are officially off -- check the full text after the break, or a PDF of Verizon's complain linked below.

Continue reading Time Warner Cable takes Viacom to court over its TWCable TV iPad app; Viacom responds

Time Warner Cable takes Viacom to court over its TWCable TV iPad app; Viacom responds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

For whatever reason, cable companies have fallen in love with extending their offerings to Apple's tablet, and as a result we have a glut of news centered around the devices from Cablevision, Time Warner Cable and Comcast. First up is Cablevision's Optimum app, despite upsetting a few sports networks it has passed 50,000 downloads from the App Store and as the press release (included after the break) notes, has been the #1 app in the Entertainment category since Sunday. The TWCable TV app also has good news, it's adding seven channels including Oxygen and Lifetime. While Comcast's Xfinity TV doesn't stream live TV like the other two here, it does have access to video on-demand and the company just announced it's added more viewing options bringing the total up to 4,500 hours of video available, up from 3,000 two months ago. More info is available at the source links, we're just wondering how many of you are actually dialing up any of this content on your iPads?

Continue reading Cable iPad app roundup: Cablevision counts 50k downloads, Time Warner adds channels, Comcast increases VOD

Cable iPad app roundup: Cablevision counts 50k downloads, Time Warner adds channels, Comcast increases VOD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continuing the trend of tying streaming content to the ol' ball and chain that is your pricy cable subscription, ESPN announced the launch of the WatchESPN App for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, with an iPad optimized version slated for release in May. Said App can be downloaded now and will allow you to "stay connected to live sports and shows from ESPN, wherever and whenever you want them" -- assuming you're a Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks or Verizon FiOS TV customer that is. The ability to watch three of the most popular cable networks while on the go, or anywhere in your house, is certainly nothing to scoff at, but many sports fans' excitement will indeed be diminished until ESPN fulfills its promise to release apps for "other smartphones and tablets," and of course the other big service providers like Comcast, DirecTV and Dish Network get with the program. For now you can live vicariously through us by clicking through to the gallery or watching the western style WatchESPN App commercial available via the source link.

Continue reading WatchESPN iOS app lets some people watch live sports wherever they want

WatchESPN iOS app lets some people watch live sports wherever they want originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Seven months ago, Motorola unveiled a dual-sided, QWERTY-laden TV remote control: the NYXboard. It was never heard from again. Today, we've learned why -- the open-source community will be selling a version specially redesigned to control your XBMC rig. The folks behind the Xbox Media Center tell us they actually talked Motorola out of bundling the remote with set-top-boxes in favor of their nefarious plan, which means you'll be able to buy an IR and RF remote that natively supports XBMC for a penny under $60 this June.

While we don't have any real pictures of the unit quite yet -- just the renders you see above and below -- developers say it will work with installations on Mac, Windows, Linux and the original Apple TV on day one, and will actually turn off the side of the remote that's face down to avoid accidental inputs. You'll find the NYXboard up for pre-order now at our source link, with the first shipments slated for around June 27th. Then again, you might want to wait, as we're told there are more surprises in store: a second version that can control the Apple TV 2, and a secret method which would allow the remotes to control your home entertainment center without pesky line-of-sight infrared. The best laid plans and all that... but it sounds like Logitech's Harmony may finally get some competition.

Motorola NYXboard surfaces from the dead, XBMC reclaims it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

If you've been using an HDMI to DVI adapter to hook up your Apple TV, there's a chance you've been dealing with some annoying flickering on the boob tube since downloading the latest update to the device. Well, the end to your flashing screen woes is here: Apple's just let loose a followup that promises to fix the flickering. Update 4.2.1 also addresses audio issues and a glitch that puts the thing in a permanent slumber when it goes to sleep. So there you have it -- now you won't have to miss even a split second of your favorite episode of That's So Raven, even though we all know you have it committed to memory. Follow the source link to get your fix.

Apple TV 4.2.1 update puts kibosh on flickering screens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Our friend Nathan is a simple guy with simple needs. He just wants to stream MKVs from a DLNA server to watch on his HDTV and he doesn't want to pay a lot or do a lot of work to do it. We'll let him break down the situation:

I was about to buy an Apple TV for $99 with the express purpose of hacking it (jailbreak) to put XBMC on it -- to play MKV files from my DLNA server. And then it occurred to me, maybe there is a cheaper solution, that doesn't require a hack, for this purpose? What are the pros and cons of going with such an alternate?

So what is it: Roku, WDTV, the hacked Apple TV he was already planning to go with, or something else? Let us know what you'd recommend and why in the comments below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the cheapest media streamer that plays MKVs? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fix for Apple TV screen flickering issue said to be on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments