We know you were put off by the whole Twitter censorship debacle last month, but Microsoft and the Zune HD have moved past that (honest) and they want you to come along as well. They're enticing everyone to forget about that bone-headed move by, well, throwing everyone a bone and adding in Xvid support, part of full compatablity with MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile. DivX will not be coming out to play, but Smart DJ will be, a feature that isn't so much new but is newly portable, providing a counterpoint to the iPod's Genius and, since you can use it to stream content from the Zune Marketplace (when connected via WiFi) it begins to approach the functionality of apps like Pandora or Slacker Radio. Tasty, indeed, though at this point we're not sure when Microsoft will be throwing us this juicy firmware update.

Zune HD getting Xvid, Smart DJ, ever more appealing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you were put off by the whole Twitter censorship debacle last month, but Microsoft and the Zune HD have moved past that (honest) and they want you to come along as well. They're enticing everyone to forget about that bone-headed move by, well, throwing everyone a bone and adding in Xvid support, part of full compatiblity with MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile. DivX will not be coming out to play, but Smart DJ will be, a feature that isn't so much new but is newly portable, providing a counterpoint to the iPod's Genius and, since you can use it to stream content from the Zune Marketplace (when connected via WiFi) it begins to approach the functionality of apps like Pandora or Slacker Radio. Tasty, indeed, though at this point we're not sure when Microsoft will be throwing us this juicy firmware update.

Zune HD getting Xvid, Smart DJ, ever more appealing originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Other hardware, Internet

Over the last few years we've witnessed a slew of DivX Certified devices including HDTVs, DVD & Blu-ray player, set-top boxes, game consoles and even cell phones, but until now, despite several content agreements, in the U.S. there hasn't been any content available in the format from the major studios. That changes today now that online store FilmFresh.com, has signed up Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures to offer new release and archive movies for purchase as DivX formatted downloads. The bad news? For now at least, they'll be standard definition (stereo audio) only. Rick Bolton, CEO of Film Fresh as well as Eric Grab and John Greene of DivX filled us in on the details, and from what we've learned -- if you'll stand for lower res video -- the combination of compatibility and portability could make this download service a competitor against the likes of iTunes, CinemaNow and Zune.

Continue reading Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX

Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG has launched the first DivX HD 1080p certified Blu-ray player.
The BD390 - originally displayed at CES in January - has an 802.11n WiFi module and support for DivX streaming from a DLNA server.

LG Electronics' new range of HDTVs will be capable of playing full DivX HD 1080p videos.
The company says the upcoming models will be the first device series capable of doing this - enabling consumers to play DivX HD videos from a PC or the Internet through a USB slot.

Filed under: Misc, Media PCs

Coming a scant few months after the PC version, DivX 7 for Mac is now available, putting all the h.264 enabled power into your hands, whether it's for good or evil is your choice. That reminds us, we're still looking around for those DivX Plus HD Certified devices (beyond the DivX Connected beta) featuring MKV and many other forms of compatibility, but for now, this will have to do.

[Via 123MacMini]

DivX 7 for Mac now available originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Panasonic, Plasma

Not willing to let its Blu-ray decks have all the fun, Panasonic's seen fit to announce that the European editions of its upcoming Z1, V10 and G15 line of VIERA plasma displays will all be DivX compatible. We assume this functionality will be present on this side of the Atlantic as well, so these flat panels are ready to access video via DLNA or SD/SDHC card. Frankly, these days we're happy just to hear plasmas are still in production, and expect the added functionality won't hurt a bit.

Panasonic newest plasmas include DivX originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats

We were told point blank that it'd be arriving in January, and lo and behold, arrive it has. Version 7 of DivX for Windows is now available for download, and with it comes an H.264-based player that supports 1080p and even DivX video creation if you opt for DivX Pro. Additionally, the company has just launched its DivX Plus HD Certification program in order to stamp forthcoming devices with seals of high-def approval. Anyone had a chance to grab the new player? Likes / dislikes?

Read - DivX 7 launches
Read - DivX Plus HD Certification program

H.264-based DivX 7 makes landfall originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Displays, Samsung

This would be an interesting turn of events, but looking back at that AVForum post from earlier this week we noticed -- thanks Megazone -- that the new Samsung HDTVs featuring Internet@Tv Widgets will also include support for just about every video codec we've heard of (full list after the jump). So while some people might be clamoring for widgets on their TV -- we're not -- others just want an easy to to playback 1080p MKV files with h.264 inside. Of course this isn't official or anything, but we'll be waiting -- with our hopes up -- until the Samsung press event tomorrow at 5PM EST.

[Via GizmoLovers]

Continue reading New Samsung TVs to support every codec we've heard of?

New Samsung TVs to support every codec we've heard of? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Other formats, Players, LG

LG's DVS450H may be "just" a DVD player, but it's a fanciful one. Register Hardware was recently able to acquire one of the units, which handles upscaling and DivX playback without a hitch, and they were mighty impressed with both the form and function. To be honest, though, our interest in this player hovers around the design -- why can't Blu-ray players be fashioned after this? Are manufacturers waiting for market proliferation before thinking outside of the proverbial box in terms of design? Practically every Blu-ray deck that has ever been introduced looks completely typical, with no one willing to take a chance and offer up a stylish, if not unorthodox, alternative. We know, there are inherent risks in pulling such a trick, but won't someone gather up the courage and try? People love to buy shiny new toys, you know.

[Via Slashgear]

LG's DVS450H DVD player makes us long for stylish Blu-ray decks originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc

There's not much to on besides a teaser page right now (okay, so there's only a teaser page right now), but here's the important part: DivX 7 is coming, and it's due next month. The next-generation of the software promises "true HD video" with H.264 video and AAC audio, and apparently it'll present something akin to "a cinematic experience" on your computer. Pretty bold claims there -- thank goodness we've but a matter of weeks to determine if it lives up to 'em or not.

DivX 7 gets January 2009 release date originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

We asked, and we're receiving. LaCie's LaCinema Rugged was initially announced across the pond late last month, yet we rough Americans were left wondering if it would ever see the light of day on US soil. Just in time for the holiday rush, LaCie has indeed announced US pricing and availability for the bulked up multimedia drive, and it's not like you even have to wait around to get your mitts on one. Try right now starting at $199.99, with sizes including 250GB, 320GB and 500GB.

LaCie's LaCinema Rugged multimedia HDD now available in US originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Players

LaCie launched the original LaCinema media drive back in January, and the company is now extending the line of media-playback drives with the LaCinema Rugged. Built in a tasteful black version of the same rubber-coated chassis as LaCie's standard rugged drives, the new unit comes in capacities up to 500GB and features 1080i HDMI output of a variety of codecs, including XviD. The LaCinema remote appears to be redesigned, and the menu system is apparently graphical and pretty, which is always nice. Not a bad way to do playback on the go, we suppose -- now if LaCie would just bring the £219 ($357) drive to the States, we'd be all set.

[Via Pocket-lint]

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Filed under: Displays, LG, DLP, Projector

Pardon us while we lick our chops, but we're digging -- nay, loving -- LG's HS102. The finely tuned successor to the delectable HS101 boasts an 800 x 600 native resolution, 160 ANSI lumens, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 4:3 / 16:9 output options, PhlatLight LED technology, and a built-in DivX player for good measure. On top of that, you'll also find an integrated rechargeable battery that'll keep things beaming for around two hours. It's said to be available now in South Korea for around ?670,000 ($555), and you can peep the read link for a few more images (including in-action shots).

[Thanks, Jonathan]

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Netflix has hired Bill Holmes, a five-year veteran of digital-media company DivX, to help build its video-streaming business.
His appointment is the latest in various moves by the company to build on its 8.4 million subscriber base with its streaming services.

Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Set-top boxes, JVC, LG, Others

Another tradeshow, another chance for DivX to add juice to its symphony of new consumer hardware. Listen closely so your attention's undivided as the first DivX HD-compatible DVD player from a major manufacturer, the LG DVS450H, stands ready to play back full length HD flicks from disc or USB flash drive. Turkish manufacturer Vestel is back to straighten the facts, introducing the first DivX-capable STB for Europe in the t5000. It's still undergoing DivX certification, but promises a firmware update should be the only thing needed to ensure complete compatibility. JVC steps up to make the people unite with its first Blu-ray player, the NX-BD3, carrying DLNA and DivX certs to acquire content via wired or wireless networks, and play back DivX files from DVD or CD after it goes on sale in September.

Read - LG
Read - Vestel
Read - JVC

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DivX has announced the high-definition DivX certification of Broadcom Corporation’s BCM7405 system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution.
It supports the playback of DivX 1080p content, and other key integrated features for digital television content such as recording, playback, time-shifting and trick modes.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Although it seems like every TV shipping recently comes with USB ports and DivX compatibility packed in, if all you want is the ability to plug in a drive and play, the Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link may be right for you. Equipped with the same HDMI / component / composite outputs plus WAV, WMA, MPEG-1/2/4, MP3, OGG, AC3, AVI, DivX, XviD and JPEG file formats as the ScreenPlay HD, this unit forgoes the 500GB hard drive -- a far cry from the old ScreenPlay days when it was just a HDD -- in favor of a sleek 3.26 x 3.07 x .78-inch profile weighing less than 4 oz. Plug in your USB flash drive or FAT32 or NTFS formatted HDD and play or upconvert SD content up to 1080i with no problem. Granted it doesn't have the power of a full-fledged media streamer but as a $99.95 take-anywhere box (available now in the U.S., Europe later this month) it's probably worth a look.

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Watching high def content downloaded from the Internet is going to get a whole lot easier for viewers in Japan.
A liquid crystal display high-definition television made by byd:sign Corporation is to be the first with DivX Certification sold in the Japanese market.
The video format will let viewers watch digital content from PCs on the HDTV – rather than on a PC monitor.
Katsumi Iizuka, chief executive officer of byd:sign Corporation, said DivX videos had enabled consumers to enjoy high-quality content through the internet.
“DivX Certification enhances our HDTV features and gives added value,” he said.