Number of results 63 for stream

13/03/2010 - Okoro Media Systems upgrades HTPC range with Core i3 / i5 CPUs, bitstreaming and USB 3.0
You picked up an Okoro media PC last month, didn't you? If you're nodding up and down in a worried fashion, you're probably better off ignoring everything else we'll say in this post. For the rest of you HTPC hounds, the boutique outfit has something that's very likely to pique your interest (and kick that upgrade itch into high gear). Announced today, the company is adding Core i3 and Core i5 processors to its 2010 media center PC lineup, and as if the extra horsepower weren't enough, users will also find native bitstreaming of TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio on every system save for the Q100. You'll also get a 64-bit copy of Windows 7, up to 8TB of internal storage space, optional Blu-ray playback, quad CableCARD support and the new holy grail of transfers, USB 3.0. You can hit up the outfit's webstore now to configure your dream machine, and if you so desire, you can check out its dedicated trade-up program that'll last through May 31st.

Okoro Media Systems upgrades HTPC range with Core i3 / i5 CPUs, bitstreaming and USB 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/01/2010 - Is Wal-Mart interested in buying Vudu?
Vudu
It is no secret that we're big fans of Vudu's HDX streaming around here, in fact it is the only internet delivered HD we've ever enjoyed. At the same time we're not big fans of Wal-Mart because no matter how cheap the prices, we've had a number of issues with the level of service. So we're not exactly sure how we feel about the possibility that the two might be getting together. We really don't see the upside here either as Wal-Mart is so big, why would it want to buy Vudu. The only thing we can think of is that Vudu isn't sustainable on its own, so it needs a big brother to funnel money into it. So yeah, we don't relaly get this one, so hopefully it just remains a rumor.

Is Wal-Mart interested in buying Vudu? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/11/2009 - PowerDVD 9 patch to bring bitstreaming to Radeon 5000 users
So you've had the Blu-ray drive in your PC, and you just picked up the latest Radeon 5000 series video card, but you still don't have the TrueHD or DTS-HD lights lit up on your receiver. Well the wait is over this Friday -- if you use PowerDVD -- because Cyberlink is set to release a patch for PowerDVD 9 that will enable bitstream goodness to those equipped. Yep, that means the wait is over and you can finally build a HTPC that will match even the best Blu-ray player feature for feature.

PowerDVD 9 patch to bring bitstreaming to Radeon 5000 users originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/11/2009 - 1080p HD Is Coming to YouTube

YouTube has announced that support for watching 1080p HD videos in full resolution “is on its way.”

Starting next week, YouTube's HD mode will add support for viewing videos in 720p or 1080p, depending on the resolution of the original source, up from our maximum output of 720p today.


05/11/2009 - Netflix shipping out PS3 instant streaming discs!
It's been a long wait for PS3 users, who had to look on in envy as their Xbox 360 counterparts kicked back and started streaming Netflix as of July last year. Well, the wait is finally over, as PS3 instant streaming discs are being sent out to Netflix users (who've requested them) as we speak. Looks like our friend Jonathan here has a Friday delivery in store for him, while the lazier ones among us hunker down for an XMB software update late next year to let us stream Netflix to the PS3 disc-free, in keeping with the natural order of things.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix shipping out PS3 instant streaming discs! originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/11/2009 - Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed

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Back in late July, we weren't aware of when Onkyo's fancy ND-S1 iPod dock would ship. Now, we're not only certain that the £144 ($235) digital media transport is shipping across the pond, but we've stumbled upon a critique for those wondering if such an outlay is justified. After slamming their iPod touch into the device and connecting it to their reference speaker system, they came away duly impressed; in practically every scenario, using the external DAC in this box led to clearer, more precise audio compared to signals coming straight out of the iPod. In fact, reviewers went so far as to call this unit "peerless," though they did mention that it's really only good for those already satisfied with their existing speaker setuip. Of course, you could just opt for an audiophile-approved media player, but then you wouldn't be able to experience the joy and elation that comes with relying on iTunes. Right?

Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/10/2009 - Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360

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"Very fast," "a dream," "fantastic." It looks like you can add "on hiatus" to the list of superlatives -- at least for the time being. That boffo Sky Player that Microsoft debuted for the Xbox 360? "Suspended." Why, you ask? "Due to an unforeseen technical issue." Luckily for Britons and ex-pats, the £15 monthly service should resume tomorrow, barring any further technical issues. In the meantime, it looks like the poor avatar above will be stuck watching Benny Hill on Netflix like the rest of us. Statement after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360

Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/10/2009 - Netflix Coming to PlayStation3

Sony and Netflix – the two of the fastest growing home entertainment brands in the U.S. – are joining forces to make movies and TV episodes from Netflix available to be streamed instantly to TVs via the PlayStation3.

The streaming via the PS3 system will begin next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system.


27/10/2009 - Sky Player on Xbox 360 receives first eyes-on analysis

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Sky TV has made its arrival on the Xbox 360 today in prompt fashion, with live streaming and on-demand video available, and the keen lads over at Electric Pig already have a preview of the service in action. Their immediate reaction was that the Sky Player interface was "ultra-speedy" and easily navigable using the 360 controller. Streaming at the high-quality setting (alas, there's no HD on offer yet) was also no problem on a 4Mb broadband connection, though they reserve their highest praise for the on-demand content which was pumped through within a couple of seconds of selection and benefits from an "astonishingly well-designed interface." For the full impressions of the subscription-based service, which starts out at £15 per month, hit up the read link below.

Sky Player on Xbox 360 receives first eyes-on analysis originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/10/2009 - Livestream Livepack: a 'satellite television truck in a backpack'

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"Game changing" is thrown around way too frequently these days, but man, this thing just might be. The Livepack is being described as "a satellite television truck in a backpack" by creator Livestream, and for all intents and purposes, it is. Put simply (or as simply as possible), the pack includes everything one would need to stream "HD quality" footage: encoding hardware, a Firewire cable and the real kicker, a built-in wireless connection with six load-balanced 3G modems over three carriers (AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint if you have to know). Users simply provide their own camcorder, mash a button when it's show time, and out goes the signal. The Livepack can currently be rented for $2,500 per month (includes 30 hours of streaming) or $1,500 per month if you commit to a year-long agreement. So, who's up for showing the world their high school prom live in HD? Demo vid is after the break.

[Via Red Ferret]

Continue reading Livestream Livepack: a 'satellite television truck in a backpack'

Livestream Livepack: a 'satellite television truck in a backpack' originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/09/2009 - Akamai Brings HDTV-Like Experience Online

Akamai Technologies has launched the Akamai HD Network, its next generation video delivery offering and the first platform to deliver HD video online to viewers using Adobe Flash technology, Microsoft Silverlight, and to the iPhone, at broadcast-level audience scale.

The new HD Network combines Akamai’s patented HD EdgePlatform, adaptive bitrate streaming and DVR technology. It supports live and on-demand HD streaming.


11/07/2009 - LPCM is not always equal to bitstream

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TrueHD and DTS-HD logoThis is an on going debate on certain forums and for good reason. The fundamental question is where should you decode your lossless audio? In DVD players we almost always decoded compressed audio in the A/V receiver, but when it comes to Blu-ray features like Bonus View, there is at least one specific reason to decode in the player.

Continue reading LPCM is not always equal to bitstream

LPCM is not always equal to bitstream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/07/2009 - HD Streaming and Blu-ray "Can Co-exist" - For Now

There are already more digital delivery devices connected to HDTVs in US homes than Blu-ray players, thanks largely to the Xbox 360 and the likes of TiVo, Roku, AppleTV and Vudu.
Yet despite the numerical supremacy of players capable of streaming HD content, digital downloads are not expected to be a serious competitor to the Blu-ray format anytime soon.

18/06/2009 - QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan

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QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan
It's been ages (okay, months) since we first got our hands on the QNAP NMP1000 network media player, and it's a good long while past its supposed shipping date. But, shipping it is (finally), now hitting Japanese stores according to Akihabara News. Initially we were only told that the thing would cost "somewhere under $10,000," and we're glad to say it's way under: ¥45,000, or about $470. For that you get an HDMI 1.3-toting HD media streamer, which sports room for a 3.5-inch HDD, a gigabit Ethernet port, and the ability to not only stream media but also to act as a NAS, meaning this one didn't fall far from the 'ol family tree. Still no word on a US release, but hopefully that'll be well under $10,000 as well. Soothing demonstration video to tide you over after the break.

Continue reading QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan

QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:06:00 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 - LG Delivers First HDTVs To Instantly Stream Netflix

LG is introducing the first HDTVs capable of streaming Netflix movies without the need for an external device such as game console or set-top box.
The online movie rental service will be available in North America on LG's new 47-inch LCD HDTV LH50 and 50-inch plasma HDTV PS80.

31/05/2009 - HDGiants files BK, lays off everyone but the CEO and support staff

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HDGiants
We can't say we didn't see this one coming as the streaming and hard disk delivery service HDGiants has filed chapter 11 bankruptcy in Nevada this week and lays off everyone but the CEO Scott Bahneman and perhaps one technical support person. No word on what will happen to those Niveus owners who paid one to two thousand for a hard disk pre-loaded with HD movies in the past six months though. The company was working on expanding its services to all Media Center fans, but the economics just didn't come together as investors refused to pony up for the next level.

HDGiants files BK, lays off everyone but the CEO and support staff originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 31 May 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/05/2009 - HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed

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After being introduced to the world late last month, we've heard little else about HP's lower-end MediaSmart Server LX195... until now, obviously. This little media streamer made its way into the HotHardware labs for a little Q&A, and it managed to escape with lots of praise, a mild amount of criticism and a price tag that'll likely be too steep for most to swallow. As for performance and features, the LX195 was found to shine; the Media Collector, iTunes server and Time Machine backup functionality all worked great. Unfortunately, the "endless loop of updates" seen during the initial setup and the lack of an April update -- which was sent out to the EX series last month -- left somewhat of a bitter taste in reviewers mouths. Overall, the system delivered and worked as advertised, but the $360 to $400 street price is apt to turn all but the hardest of hardcore HP fans away, not to mention that the aforesaid EX update (which will hit the LX195 this fall) will require users to completely wipe their HDD and start over from scratch. Check the read link for the full writeup.

HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/05/2009 - LG Offers First DivX HD 1080p Certified Blu-ray player

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.

21/05/2009 - Vista Users Gain As Microsoft Extends Netflix Partnership

Microsoft Vista users can now stream films from Netflix through the Windows Media Center.
The development comes after Microsoft announced that it has expanded its partnership with the movie service.

14/05/2009 - Epix Network Offers HD Movie Streaming Service

Epix plans to offer full-length HD movies over the Internet using a dynamic-streaming feature from Akamai Technologies' content-distribution network.
The movie service, created by Viacom, MGM and Lionsgate, previously said it was launching as a broadband-video service in May, followed by the linear cable channel in October.

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.

22/04/2009 - Adobe Announces Plans For Flash on HDTVs

Adobe has designed a new version of its Flash animation technology that will enable HDTVs, Blu-ray player and other electronics device to stream content directly.
The development means that webcasters, such as Hulu, will be able to compete more evenly with traditional broadcasters.

08/04/2009 - Sewell's WiFi-based HD Media Extender should be more affordable

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You know what's most annoying about wireless HD solutions? Two things, really. First off, 95 percent of 'em only come out to play at trade shows. Secondly, the other 5 percent require you to refinance your now-worthless home to even procure 'em. Sewell, a company known for delivering unexpected treasures when it comes to adapters, has just pumped out its very own wireless HDMI media extender. The good news is that it's shipping right now and it relies on 802.11a/n technology rather than WHDI, UWB or any other less ubiquitous option. The bad news is that 15 to 30 feet of cord-free AV goodness will set you back $1,199.95. You can weigh the pros and cons yourself, but we'll be begrudgingly sticking with coat hangers cheap-o interconnects 'til it becomes just a touch more of a bargain.

Sewell's WiFi-based HD Media Extender should be more affordable originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/03/2009 - Europe's HDTVs "Starved of HD Content"

FutureSource Consulting has produced an interesting chart that highlights the gulf between HDTV ownership and the penetration of Blu-ray disc players in Europe.
It shows that there are 69 million HD-ready TV sets but just 8 million Blu-ray players,including PS3 consoles - prompting the title: "61 million TVs starved of HD content".

25/03/2009 - BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand Coming Through TiVo

Blockbuster is to be the latest online video-on-demand service to appear on TiVo DVRs.
The pair announced today that they are working to make Blockbuster's service available on all TiVo Series2 and Series3 DVRs (including the HD and HD XL models) in the second half of 2009.

16/03/2009 - Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too

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We've always had a soft spot for Vudu and its 1080p HDX movie rentals, and it looks like it's about to get even easier to love -- our man Dave Zatz says that Pandora will be launching on the device "imminently." Not only that, but it looks like the $150 box will also soon be able to stream video off your computer, making it even more flexible -- pending codec support, of course. We're on the lookout for official deets, we'll let you know as we get 'em.

Update: Full release is now after the break.

Continue reading Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too

Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/03/2009 - ZeeVee ships the $2,500 ZvPro 250

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ZeeVee ZvPro 250 streamer
It seems like ages ago that we first heard about ZeeVee's range-topping ZvPro streamer for sending HD content hither and yon on across existing coax lines at up to 1080i resolution, but really it's only been a few months. The linked press release puts a commercial signage angle on this rack-mountable box, but with the RS-232 control, Toslink input and assignable pairing of the audio and video inputs, we're thinking this would fit pretty nicely in the home, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the $2,500 price that's "disruptive" for the commercial market is just "discouraging" for home users. Trickle down can't come soon enough.

ZeeVee ships the $2,500 ZvPro 250 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/03/2009 - BitGravity Offers 1080p HD Live Video Streaming

BitGravity announced today that it is launching a live digital video service that will allow users to stream Flash-based HD video over the Internet.
The BG Live HD service can stream live events in 1080p or 720p resolution and doesn't require a viewing client to be downloaded.

27/02/2009 - Celeno Technology Enables Multiple HDTV Streams Around Home

Technology that delivers multiple HDTV streams from PCs to TVs and other electronic devices around the home could be launched by the summer.
Israeli-based Celeno Communications is field-testing in-home WiFi networks with backing from Cisco.

20/02/2009 - On2 Technologies 1080p Video Encoder Improves Image Quality and Compression Performance

On2 Technologies has announced a 1080p video encoder aimed at improving image quality and compression performance in battery operated devices and consumer electronics.
The new hardware design, the Hantro 8270, supports H.264 Baseline, Main and High Profile video along with 16Mpixel JPEG still images.

13/02/2009 - Can Blu-ray Now Be Regarded As"Mainstream"?

Sales of Blu-ray discs have climbed to such an extent in Europe that the high-def format is now officially "mainstream".
At least that's according to the cross-industry trade body, Digital Entertainment Group Europe(DEGE).

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.

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.

05/01/2009 - LG Broadband HDTVs To Stream Netflix Movies

LG Electronics has announced the first broadband-enabled HDTVs with Netflix streaming software embedded directly in the set.
The new LCD and plasma “broadband HDTVs” will be able to show Netflix’s library of movies, TV episodes and HD content directly on the set without needing an external device.

22/12/2008 - Morega's curious Qew may or may not eventually stream your media

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Call us skeptical, but we're not so sure that Morega's Qew is anything more than a mere figment of someone's imagination. The outfit has a thing for showing up just before CES in an apparent attempt to drum up interest, but the outfit's Qew teaser site just screams vaporware. We're never actually shown what it is, though we're told that it can stream, archive, transport and share multimedia. Hmm, sounds a lot like the abilities of some other box we know of.

[Thanks, Mark]

Morega's curious Qew may or may not eventually stream your media originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/12/2008 - XStreamHD Beams "Blu-ray" Quality Video Direct-to-Home

XStreamHD has successfully tested a transport system that delivers Full HD movies, music, and games directly to subscriber homes via satellite.
The system, tested on the AMC-16 satellite at 85 degrees west longitude, will be able to provide content throughout North America.

10/12/2008 - Netflix Beats Blu-ray Target - Hopes High For 2009

Netflix has reached its target of 500,000 Blu-ray subscribers ahead of schedule.
The retailer's chief financial officer Barry McCarthy said subscribers had added the option of paying an extra USD $1 to receive Blu-ray Disc titles at a quicker rate than Netflix forecast in October.

01/12/2008 - Samsung Blu-ray Players First To Offer Netflix HD

Blockbuster may be hinting at offering its download service on Blu-ray players - Netflix is actually doing it.
From next week two Samsung Blu-ray players are to provide Netflix videos in high definition.

26/11/2008 - Blockbuster Launches On-Demand Service

Blockbuster is rising to the challenge posed by cable companies and Netflix by launching a movie rental service via set-top boxes.
It is offering a STB made by 2Wire that plays movies downloaded over a broadband line.

17/11/2008 - Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping

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It took 'em long enough, but Netgear has at long last decided to ship the two powerline adapters it announced way back at CES in January. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101; pictured above), which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based HDXB111 Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (which is obviously capable of transmitting HD footage) can both be snapped up in time for the holidays. Each set is designed for plug 'n play action and for those who'd rather network their wares via installed cabling instead of running something new. Of course, performance is always the questionable aspect of these type devices, but those with faith (and a North American address) can finally lay down their $149.99 / $169.99 and get busy. The full release and a shot of the HDXB111 can be found after the break.

Continue reading Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping

Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2008 - HDTV Owners Prefer Blu-ray....They're Just Not Buying Them

The latest survey from SmithGeiger shows that HDTV owners would rather watch movies on Blu-ray Disc than stream content directly to their TV.
Well, hardly any surprise there. There's never been any doubt about the phenomenal quality of Blu-ray images - but that still doesn't seem to be translating into sales.
Even with price drops in the US of between USD $200 and $300, the HD players aren't rushing off the shelves.

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.

04/11/2008 - WD Brings Simplicity To Streaming

Storage expert Western Digital has launched a standalone media box that streams content from your USB drive.
Rather than hooking your computer to your HDTV and streaming video and other multimedia files, the WD TV HD Media Player accepts content from a separate WD portable backup drive.

31/10/2008 - Microsoft's Silverlight to get adaptive streaming boost from Akamai

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Microsoft and Akamai Smooth HDMicrosoft is hoping to spread the HD to more than its Xbox 360, and has partnered up with Akamai to demo its latest combination of technologies that will send 720p content smoothly over the internet. A beta release of the Silverlight player plus Akamai's AdaptiveEdge Streaming will debut in early 2009, but the aim is as old as the hills -- deliver smooth (or at least, smoothly degrading) HD video to internet viewers with standard web servers, as opposed to dedicated video streaming servers. The videos will stream at 720p and maintain a 24fps minimum, eating up 2 - 6 Mbps in the process, all the while adapting the transmission based on the quality of the connection. Curious? There's a demo link in the source below, so get some post-Olympics use out of that Silverlight plugin you installed this summer!

Engadget HDMicrosoft's Silverlight to get adaptive streaming boost from Akamai originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/10/2008 - Netflix "Watch Instantly" Comes To Macs

Online movie rental giant Netflix is finally offering Mac users its instant watching service.
Windows users have been able to watch movies and TV episodes instantly since early 2007.
The upgraded service will initially only work on Macs with Intel chips - but the Los Gatos, California-based online DVD rental pioneer said that was around 70 per cent of their Mac subscribers.

27/10/2008 - HD Option A Big Hit For MyToons

MyToons only launched its high definition channel a few months ago but already it's attracting attention from several major TV and film studios.
Paul Ford, president of the animation website, spoke to HDTV.biz-news.com about the burgeoning HD animation community and the challenges of offering high def cartoons on the internet.

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.

09/10/2008 - SlingCatcher now officially for sale

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It's been over a year and half since Sling first announced the SlingCatcher, but the mythical streamer is finally, finally here -- it's now officially for sale on Sling's site and at other major retailers. You already know most of the details about the $299 box -- Slingbox playback, SlingProjector computer streaming, extensive codec support including XviD, eventual Sling.com content delivery -- so we'll just let you hit the order page, but rest assured we'll be tearing this thing apart when our test unit arrives.
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07/10/2008 - BitGravity To Support Interactive HD Video Applications

BitGravity has announced the release of an application programming interface (API), capable of supporting cutting-edge interactive video applications.
The company claims the updated API unlocks the ability to create affordable and scalable interactive HD video applications for the first time.

07/10/2008 - SlingCatcher gets unboxed, our hearts beat ever faster

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After seemingly endless delays, it looks like the SlingCatcher is finally making its way into the world, as evidenced by this grainy unboxing at the SlingCommunity forums. Sure, it looks exactly the same as the prepro boxes we've toyed with, but we won't lie -- we've been waiting for this box with breathless anticipation ever since it was announced at CES 2007, and combined with the recent launch of the Sling 2.0 software, the Slingbox PRO-HD, and the seemingly-imminent launch of the the Sling.com video portal, Sling's ending the year strong. Click on for a few more pics, and don't worry -- we'll be blowing this thing out as soon as we get our hands on one.

[Thanks, Christopher]
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04/10/2008 - PIE United cranks out HD-0310 1080p Digital Photo Viewer

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If you don't have quite enough set-tops sitting underneath your HDTV, we've got one more to fill that tiny gap over there on the right. PIE United has introduced a rather quizzical device aimed at folks who love to show off photos of their journeys around the world on the big screen. The HD-0310 1080p Digital Photo Viewer connects up via HDMI and supports 12 types of flash cards along with USB drives; in addition to photos, it'll play back video clips and MP3 files. Oh, and just in case you're fresh out of HDMI ports, this thing packs a single input in order to connect another HDMI device and switch between the two. Not too sure how much this will run the layman, but outfits looking to buy in bulk should be able to land a killer deal.
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02/10/2008 - Hitachi Camcorder Wirelessly Streams HD

Hitachi have been showing off a prototype digital camcorder that can stream HD video on a TV via a wireless LAN, according to Tech-On.
The camcorder, which was being exhibited at CEATEC JAPAN 2008, can output video recorded on its HDD or video being shot live to a Hitachi HDTV.

24/09/2008 - VOX TV-R HDD Media Player / Recorder gets reviewed

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Never heard of VOX (outside of the guitar amplification company)? Fret not, as the critics over at TechwareLabs are about to introduce you two in fine fashion. The TV-R HDD Media Player / Recorder was recently reviewed over at the site, and outside of having a full-fledged media PC handling your PVR duties, this one was seen as the next best thing. The unit can be grabbed for well under two bills with 120GB of storage built right in, and aside from being able to capture TV shows, it can also act as a local multimedia player for those who like to run things through their entertainment center. We would've loved to see an Ethernet port or WiFi module added in for good measure, but if you're down with keeping it local, this one doesn't seem like a half bad option for the coin. Tap the read link to decide for yourself.
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07/09/2008 - Netflix focuses on video-streaming

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.

01/08/2008 - Kodak offers HDTV answer to photos "lost" in the PC

Kodak has long been known for producing imaging and photographic material.
hdtv.biz-news.com asked Matthew Yarrow, Kodak country business manager for the UK and Ireland, to explain the rationale behind his company’s decision to move into new territory with the launch of a set-top box.

01/08/2008 - Open Media Library beta available, easy access to DVD rips via extenders for all

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Forget about waiting for Niveus to open up its slick Movie Library to the public, now that the Open Media Library is available. The GPL v3-licensed project just rolled out the 0.1 beta version, designed for users to access their entire movie library and associated metadata (actors, summary, etc.) no matter the format, through extenders like the Xbox 360 or HP MediaSmart Connect. Turning Media Center Extenders into DVD streamers has been done before, but this should streamline things even further, with the added bonus of playing back Blu-ray and HD DVD rips. If you've got Vista Media Center, check it out and give some feedback for future editions.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

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31/07/2008 - First Blu-ray Disc player with streaming movies

LG Electronics and Netflix are to launch the first Blu-ray Disc player that will have the ability to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV.
The LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player, which is to be launched in the autumn, will play high definition Blu-ray discs and up-convert standard DVDs to 1080p.

09/07/2008 - Geek Brief's live switching call answered by Vidblaster

Geek Brief star Cali Lewis’ request for someone to come up with an affordable live switching application that would work with services like Ustream.tv and Stickam has been answered.
Lewis wanted a lower-cost live switching application for the growing network of video-podcasters streaming out near-professional HDTV quality live shows.
She said there were analogue solutions but they cost over US$1,000, while the best options were priced at US$9,000 or more.
Now on her latest webcast, Lewis said Mike Versteeg, the developer of Vidblaster, has adapted its software to make it work with streaming services.

07/07/2008 - NBC uses Olympics to promote HDTV and study viewer habits
NBC has made no secret of the fact it plans to use the Beijing Olympics as a campaign platform for HDTV.
Now the US network has announced that the summer games will also act as a research lab to guage how viewers use different media platforms.
The network hopes its research will reveal how people combine, for example, high def TV coverage of an event with tools such as video streaming, video on demand and mobile phones.
Alan Wurtzel, NBC’s research chief, said the company would publicly issue a TAMi (Total Audience Measurement Index) for the first time.
“An event of this magnitude requires the biggest and most sophisticated research effort to measure it,” he said.

03/07/2008 - Mvix's MX-780HD wireless HD media streamer gets reviewed

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If you've been putting off that impending HD media streamer purchase, you may have waited just long enough to find the one you'll be picking up "next week." Mvix's MX-780HD wireless HD media streamer was recently reviewed over at TweakTown, and aside from a few minor gripes, critics were overwhelmingly pleased with its performance. So much, in fact, that they stated the unit could actually take the place of a dedicated HTPC. All in all, the only thing really holding this format-lovin', HDMI-packin' device from approaching media streaming stardom is the relatively lofty price tag ($320), but if that figure is well within your budget, it seems the MX-780HD is a pretty safe bet.
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18/06/2008 - Surging demand for mobile connectivity and services such as HD streaming IPTV poses dilemma for broadband network operators in Europe

The number of notebook PCs with HSPA/LTE mobile broadband connectivity in Europe will grow from 8.4 million in 2007 to 49 million in 2013, according to researchers.
A study by analyst firm Berg Insight says the development will be driven by consumer demand for ubiquitous internet access.
It forecasts that rather than replacing fixed networks for internet access, mobile broadband will be a complementary access technology to the connection available at home.
But Tobias Ryberg, a senior analyst at Berg Insight, said the explosion in network utilisation – which equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.1 – will present the mobile network infrastructure with a “formidable challenge”.

14/06/2008 - Geek Brief star calls for low-cost live streaming hardware to satisfy growing network of internet broadcasters

First there were YouTube videos and podcasts made on webcams and camcorders, now there’s a growing network of video-podcasters streaming out near-professional HDTV quality live shows.
Some – like Leo Laporte and Diggnations’s Kevin and Alex – attract many thousands of viewers to their live network-style webcasts using portable productions systems such as Tricaster.
Yet while this technology has plumetted in price it’s still out of the reach of the new generation of low-budget producers – everyone from churches and community organisations to individual bloggers.
Now the American internet podcaster Cali Lewis has launched an appeal on her popular Geek Brief show.
She is calling for someone in the industry to come up with switching hardware aimed at this emerging market.

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