12/11/2009 - Redbox testing out movie distribution without discs, boxes, red

Downloads and streaming may not be ready to overtake discs yet, but it's become standard practice for anyone in the business of delivering round platters to peek into online options and Redbox is the latest one. Word from VideoBusiness is the company has a trial program going with everyone's favorite partner CinemaNow where customers prepay for rental packages and get a gift card that can be redeemed for the online movies. At a $1 a day, we don't think Redbox is close to being overtaken by the online space, but obviously it is trying to figure out where to go next with its business, and a hybrid deal for movies we don't have to get off the couch -- or put pants on -- to watch is as good of a plan as any.

Filed under: Industry, Internet

Redbox testing out movie distribution without discs, boxes, red originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/10/2009 - VideoWeb Introduces World First Hybrid HDTV Satellite Receiver

VIDEO INTERVIEW. VideoWeb has developed a receiver that combines HDTV broadcasting, internet TV and numerous internet applications in a single unit.

Doris Kucera, Press Officer of VideoWeb gave Biz-News.com reporters a short introduction to the company as well as a live demonstration of Plus X Award-nominated WidoWeb S500.

09/09/2009 - Netflix taking everyone to Oz for free via streaming, subscribers go in HD

As if we weren't already hyped that The Wizard of Oz is returning to theaters in celebration of its Blu-ray release, Netflix is putting a little something extra -- and free -- on it. Anyone in the U.S. will be able to stream the classic online via PC (trailer embedded after the break) at Netflix.com/wizardofoz from 9 a.m. October 3 for 24 hours, while subscribers can pull the stream down in high definition on any compatible device. No interruptions, no cost, no hassle. Prefer the group watch experience with an actual physical group of people? The company is also putting on a free concert and outdoor showing in NYC's Central Park September 29. With the options of on disc, streaming, in a theater or even outside it's hard to think of more ways to see a movie than this one, which would you pick?

Continue reading Netflix taking everyone to Oz for free via streaming, subscribers go in HD

Netflix taking everyone to Oz for free via streaming, subscribers go in HD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/06/2009 - Game Consoles Main Driver in Online Video Growth

Networked video game consoles are the most used devices for bringing web video to the TV in the US - and look set to remain so until 2013, according to an In-Stat report.
It found that 29 per cent of US 25 to 34 year olds with game consoles already use the devices to watch streaming video off the Internet.

17/06/2009 - VuNow's internet video-to-TV streamer finds a home in Sherwood receivers

Filed under: Media streamers, Receivers, Others

The VuNow platform is sitting a lot prettier, as it has grabbed an OEM deal to be included in Sherwood's upcoming line of receivers. Already making an appearance as the Netgear ITV2000 standalone unit, now high end amps and surround sound systems will have access to a variety of internet video sources without additional hardware. Verismo's said it will be pursuing many different opportunities for its technology, we'll wait and see where the YouTube / CNN / ESPN and more streaming hardware shows up next, though your cable box would appear to be a safe bet.

Continue reading VuNow's internet video-to-TV streamer finds a home in Sherwood receivers

VuNow's internet video-to-TV streamer finds a home in Sherwood receivers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/06/2009 - ZeeVee releases Zinc TV browser for Macs

Filed under: Media PCs, Media streamers, Internet

ZeeVee has announced a Mac version of its Zinc video browser. Aimed ata TV-compatible i[nterface to any streaming website Zinc should run on any Intel Mac running OS X 10.5. Specifically pointing out boxee, Zinc says users can create access to new sites just by adding an rss feed to their favorites tab. Give it a shot and let us know if its as easy as they make it sound, Mac owners.Speaking of remote-focused interfaces for streaming sites, ZeeVee has announced a Mac version of its Zinc video browser. Aimed at the suddenly crowded field of giving a TV-compatible interface to any streaming website Zinc should run on any Intel Mac running OS X 10.5. Specifically pointing out boxee, Zinc says users can create access to new sites just by adding an rss feed to their favorites tab. Give it a shot and let us know if its as easy as they make it sound, Mac owners.

ZeeVee releases Zinc TV browser for Macs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/05/2009 - New HDMI Cable Adds Internet Data to Video and Audio

A new version of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable has been announced by the industry alliance responsible for licensing the specification.
HDMI Licensing said the upgraded 1.4 version of HDMI will make it easier to connect Internet-connected HD video devices to TVs and other appliances.
The new cable will be able to transfer Internet data as well as video and audio data - something that the existing version isn't able to do.

06/05/2009 - VuNow 3.0 update: Now with AC-3, NTFS, PAL & more

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others

Found the Verismo VuNow's previous iterations lacking? Take another look, because the company says it's gotten all more and better on us, with even more live TV channels, websites, and now Shoutcast Internet radio bringing additional content to the box. On the hardware side it can finally read NTFS formatted drives, not just FAT-32, plus 802.11n support with WPA2 and WPS security, Dolby AC-3 audio, PAL and other tweaks. Check out the full press release after the break and see how $149 for a VN1000HD Hi-Def POD strikes you now that its added even more services (though unfortunately not Hulu, from what we can tell.)

Continue reading VuNow 3.0 update: Now with AC-3, NTFS, PAL & more

VuNow 3.0 update: Now with AC-3, NTFS, PAL & more originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 06 May 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/05/2009 - Mass Adoption of Web-to-TV Video Will Be "Rapid"

Millions of viewers already watch Internet video on their TVs but that number is set to climb dramatically, according to In-Stat.
It forecasts that by 2013 web-to-TV video streaming services will drive nearly USD $3 billion in revenue.

30/04/2009 - Demand For Web-Enabled TVs Surging, CEA Finds

TV makers have been quick to recognise consumer appetite for connected TVs - and their ability to act as a differentiator in a crowded market.
Rightly so, as new research shows that nearly half of prospective TV buyers in the US intend to purchase an Internet-ready TV in the next year.

23/04/2009 - PBS launches online video portal

Filed under: Internet, New content

Between numerous reruns and our DVR, we can't recall the last time we missed a PBS program we wanted. All the same, we won't complain about having another way to soak up content that our pledge dollars help produce, and now PBS has opened up the beta version of its online Video Portal site with full-length versions of some of its programs. There's even some exclusive content -- the first episode of Time Team America is available on the site right now, well in advance of the July broadcast schedule. Sure, we're disappointed that not all the HD pixels made it to the website, but soaking up an episode of NOVA has got to be a better use of your cubicle time than working on your facebook page; not to mention this is another source for boxee to scrape up.

PBS launches online video portal originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/04/2009 - AnySource Media: Simple UI is Key To Internet-enabled HDTV

INTERVIEW: Mike Harris, CEO of AnySource Media, talks to hdtv.biz-news about his company's Internet-enabled TV platform that will start appearing in HDTV sets in the second half of 2009. The Internet Video Navigator (IVN) allows users to view Internet video on their HDTVs alongside traditional TV networks - without requiring a separate box or complicated wiring.

30/03/2009 - ZillionTV adds The Weinstein Company films to its streaming library

Filed under: Industry, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Internet

ZillionTV may not have a price, launch date or even confirmed areas of availability yet, but that hasn't stopped the outfit from racking up a deal to stream films from The Weinstein Company over its service whenever it launches. For those who've already forgotten, ZillionTV is the streaming to TV service with designs on selling its hardware to customers via their ISPs, then streaming content free with ads as well as providing pay video on-demand. Even without flicks like Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and The Reader, it already had a competent lineup of content partners, but now ZillionTV is looking even more like a legitimate challenger, if only we had a few more details to go on.

Gallery: ZillionTV brings ad-based streaming content to the television

ZillionTV adds The Weinstein Company films to its streaming library originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/02/2009 - Verismo's VuNow internet TV platform ambushes OEM market

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Others

If you're still resisting the onset of the internet TV revolution, we're here to inform you that your efforts are in vain. Shortly after launching a dedicated box at CES, Verismo Networks has announced an OEM program that's apparently drawing lots of attention from manufacturers of TVs, optical media players, AV receivers, etc. Essentially, the company is looking to get its open VuNow platform, which pulls in content from around the web, onto other standalone boxes and integrated within future devices -- much like Netflix's Watch Instantly has done. And don't think the cash flow stops at the consumer level, as there are also opportunities within education and medicine sectors for institutions seeking a streamlined way of distributing learning materials. Watch out, pay-TV -- we've got options here, and we aren't afraid to use 'em.

Verismo's VuNow internet TV platform ambushes OEM market originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/02/2009 - ARCHOS Offers Android-powered HD Media-playing Smartphone

ARCHOS, the company that "invented the PMP", is to bring out a touchscreen smartphone based on the Android operating system.
The new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet (IMT) will allow playback of HD video while offline.

10/02/2009 - Vudu Halves Cost Of Basic Player

The cost of VUDU's basic 250GB VUDU HD player has been halved to USD $150.
According to the on-demand internet provider the move is not a sign of looming financial problems. It stresses that the dramatic price cut is due to positive factors.

04/02/2009 - Blu-ray Players To Become Leading Connected Device

Nearly two-thirds of US viewers want to watch Internet-based streaming video on their home HDTV, according to research.
The results endorse the growing trend for set manufacturers' to launch internet-connected HDTVs, as was evidenced at last month's CES.

13/01/2009 - Slingbox Founders' Departure Completes Transition

Various members of Sling Media's top management, including several founders, have announced their departure from the company.
The move follows Echostar's acquisition of Sling for USD $380 million in 2007.

13/01/2009 - Move Networks streams over 100 million hours of HD video in 2008

Filed under: Industry, Fiber

Move Networks has a pretty amazing statistic to share with the world: in 2008, it streamed over 100 million hours of high-definition content, and that's compared to 180 million hours of total content. Additionally, it experienced a 100% growth in the amount of people watching internet television, and if you're wondering why figures from this company are notable, have a listen. It's responsible for streaming 60% of the most popular TV shows and 11 or the top 20 primetime TV shows including Fringe, Lost, Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty. Even Bill Bradford, Chief Product Officer of Fox Digital Media, noted that it has seen "tremendous growth in its audience since partnering with Move Networks to deliver its programs online." No wonder TV manufacturers are champing at the bit to get online video portals on their sets.

Move Networks streams over 100 million hours of HD video in 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/01/2009 - Panasonic Takes Blu-ray Portable

Panasonic has unveiled the first portable Blu-ray player at CES in Las Vegas.
The DMP-B15 features an 8.9-inch WSVGA display and along with the ability to play Blu-ray discs it also has access (via
Ethernet connection to the Internet) to VIERA CAST. Fully Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) compliant it also features an SD card.

06/01/2009 - Young Lead Shift Towards Internet TV Viewing

Internet television viewership is increasing rapidly in the US due to better content and improved viewing quality, according to Move Networks.
The Internet TV service provider has released figures showing it streamed more than 100 million hours of high definition content and over 180 million total hours of content in 2008.

23/12/2008 - Verismo officially launches $99 VuNow PoD with YouTube support

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Internet

Just in time to snag some of that cash you're sure to have showing up right about now via greeting cards from around the world, Verismo Networks is officially launching its diminutive VuNow PoD. We've seen the device evolve quite a bit since June, but with a smorgasbord of competitors already grabbing market share left and right, we're left to wonder if this one won't be sitting on the outside looking in. The internet TV streamer hooks directly to one's TV and internet connection in order to deliver web content (YouTube, of note) to the tele. While specifics are conveniently omitted, we're told that users will have access to "a broad choice of online video content -- from movies, global Live TV channels, to user-generated content and viral videos." It's available now for $99, but can you stand yet another set-top-box beneath your flat-panel?

Verismo officially launches $99 VuNow PoD with YouTube support originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/12/2008 - YouTube makes finding high-def content easier with HD tab

Filed under: Internet, New content

YouTube already made the HD transition, but now it seems that finding content without unacceptable levels of pixelation is a whole lot easier. One eagle-eyed tipster picked up on the apparently new "HD" tab that now sits prominently beside "Most Popular" and "Most Viewed." At present time, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interesting (or becoming, to be frank) material on the HD side, but just give it a few months to grow.

[Thanks, Victor]

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17/12/2008 - VUDU Brings The Web To TV

VUDU has launched a new platform that brings Web-hosted applications and services to consumer appliances, including its own Internet movie player.
The VUDU RIA (Rich Internet Application) platform will deliver TV shows as well as Web apps which enable users to share their photos and watch the tens of millions of YouTube videos on their HDTVs.
The company plans to open VUDU RIA up to third party developers in the first half of 2009.

05/12/2008 - NXP Chip Brings High-end HDTV Quality Into Mainstream

NXP has launched a new global single-chip LCD TV platform that it claims will give mid-range TVs an HD viewing experience previously only available on higher end sets.
Founded by Philips, the semiconductor company believes its new platform will allow manufacturers and content providers to bring a broad range of Internet and digital video content to a significantly wider audience.

02/12/2008 - Sling.com internet TV portal opens to the public, Hulu quakes

Filed under: Internet

Internet TV portals are a dime a dozen, and most of them can't hold a candle to the current king of the hill: Hulu. Thankfully, some real competition has just waltzed in, as the Sling.com online viewing network is now open and available to the general populace. The service will deliver content from over 90 providers (including a bunch you've actually heard of), original editorial content and social networking features to keep you coming back. Now that it's open, why not hop over and give it a spin -- let us know how you like / dislike things in comments below.

Sling.com internet TV portal opens to the public, Hulu quakes originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/11/2008 - Verismo Networks' PoD web video-to-TV box grabs release date

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Internet

Remember that totally forgettable PoD that popped up and vanished back in June? You know -- that minuscule box (around the size of two cigarette packs) that plays back practically anything (torrents, web videos, etc.) on your TV without a PC in between? Yeah, that very unit has finally secured a legitimate release date and price, and we can safely say that we're riveted. For those needing a refresher, the wired / wireless unit scans your local network and detects any type of multimedia stored anywhere; from there, it streams content directly to your TV without any fuss -- much like the Neuros-powered WhereverTV, but with far fewer limitations. If you're intrigued, get set to pony up $99 on December 15th to quell your curiosity.

Verismo Networks' PoD web video-to-TV box grabs release date originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11/11/2008 - Boinx Launches Mac-based Live Recording Studio

Boinx Software has launched a new tool for video podcasters that turns a Mac into a live video recording studio.
Called BoinxTV, it's an audiovisual mixing application that allows one person to edit high quality recordings live.

18/10/2008 - TV Worldwide to open America's largest internet TV studio

Filed under: Internet

TV Worldwide, which was founded way back in 1999, is gearing up to open what will become America's largest internet TV studio. Hot on the heels of a report studying the importance of community in TV viewing comes this news, which explains that the outfit will be expanding its current Washington, DC-based facility to "support its growing network of internet TV channels and programming." It seems it'll be using the additional space to bulk up its offerings in the professional / commercial realms, but who knows, maybe it'll start serving up more general content when it can't find anything else to do with all the fresh space.

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14/10/2008 - Flood Of Content Predicted For Real-time HDTV Video Streaming

While more operators are beginning to offer HD video-on-demand services, live streaming video continues to pose infrastructure and bandwidth problems.
HDTV.biz-news.com spoke to Alex Mashinsky, CEO of DigiMeld, about the challenges of streaming video - and developments that could open-up the service to millions of viewers.

28/09/2008 - Shut-ins rejoice, Metropolitan Opera delivers over the internet

Filed under: Media PCs, Internet

Let's say you're interested in checking out a HD performance of the Metropolitan Opera, but the idea of getting your entertainment on someone else's schedule doesn't agree with your PVR-placeshifted-virtual community sensibilities. No problem -- beginning on October 22, the Met is bringing 170 performances -- 120 audio-only, 50 with video -- including recent HD simulcast shows (promised to be in web-quality HD) to your browser. This will be a subscription service, to the tune of $15 per month, or $150 for the whole year. Having to install a dedicated Move Networks player to keep everything on the up-and-up is a niggle, but if there aren't participating theaters or PBS affiliates in your area, it's worth checking out.

[Via press]

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18/09/2008 - Vimeo now hosting one million videos, 10% in HD

Filed under: Misc, Internet

While the competition is stiff (and all but dominated by YouTube) in the online video sharing space, Vimeo is still finding a reason to celebrate. Last week, the site announced that it had surpassed one million video uploads, and potentially more amazing was that a full 10% of those were of the HD variety. According to it, that figure makes it the "largest repository of high-definition video anywhere in the world," though we'd be interested in seeing just how far behind Viddyou is. Also of note, IAC chief Barry Diller stated in a recent interview that it didn't see anything particularly huge in Vimeo's future, though it did plan to "keep tending it and letting it grow." So, is one (or more) of your videos one (or more) of those 100,000 referenced here? Or are you rushing to Google "Vimeo" in an effort to find out what this service even is?

[Via NewTeeVee]

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22/08/2008 - Yahoo and Intel aim for internet on HDTVs

A new partnership to create what has been called the “Widget Channel” has been announced by Yahoo and Intel.
The pair want to build support into HDTVs that embed Web-enabled “channels” that run alongside TV shows.

12/08/2008 - Olympics viewership through the roof, HDTV / internet to thank?

Filed under: Industry, Misc, NBC, Universal-HD, Internet, Sports

With Michael Phelps spending a great deal of time in front of the cameras between 8:00PM and midnight ET each night, it's hardly a shock to hear that USers are tuning into the Olympics like its 1976. According to preliminary numbers, NBC Universal is reporting that an average of 29.1 million viewers are flipping on the Olympics, which is the "most highly rated broadcast of the Summer Games held outside the United States since 1976." When seeing figures like this, the obvious question emerges: why? Contrary to the beliefs of Big Media, the internet is actually somewhat to thank. Many believed that internet broadcasting would whittle down TV ratings, when in fact, it seems that quite the opposite has happened. Interestingly, it appears that all the high-def footage really isn't getting the credit it deserves. Be honest -- would you have stayed up until 1:00AM watching men's gymnastics had it not been in HD?

Read - Olympics ratings
Read - The internet influence

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02/08/2008 - NBC Olympics on the Go hears the starting rifle, goes live

Filed under: Internet, Sports

It being August 2008 and all, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Olympics news will be flowing hot and heavy for the next few weeks. On the docket today (again) is NBC Olympics on the Go, which just went live for those looking to catch some of the action online. Powered by Wavexpress' TVTonic, this Windows Vista Media Center application enables fans to "create their own personalized, portable and high-quality viewing experience for the Summer Olympic Games." Anxious to get a real head start? Tag the read link, download, and enjoy.

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30/06/2008 - Survey shows viewers shifting towards web but preference is still for television screen

Over a third of all US broadband users have watched at least one TV show on the Internet, according to a study conducted on behalf of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM).
But the research found that while broadband users are increasingly turning to the web for their video content fix, 94 per cent still prefer to do their viewing on a television screen.
For cable and satellite networks concerned about the growing threat of online TV shows and movies, the survey provided some comfort.
Of those who watched online shows, 82 per cent did so because they had missed a specific programme on TV.
Based on this, the report points out the “critical importance of strong marketing for the initial TV showing".

19/05/2008 - PBS taps Comcast's thePlatform for online video

Filed under: Industry, Internet

PBS has chosen media distribution company thePlatform to help boost its online video offerings. It's a fairly pretentious name, but in the two years that thePlatform has been a division of Comcast, it's racked up some big name clients, including BBC, CBS College Sports and Hulu. The PBS deal is intended to bring something we all like -- more content on the web. The arrangement opens up a kind of free-for-all between nationally- and locally- originated content and websites. Of course, content from the PBS mothership can be sent out to local affiliate websites. But local stations will also have access to thePlatform publishing tools to allow them to push their content to other affiliates. This is good news, as some of our favorite PBS stuff is produced by local affiliates.

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