When you plan on creating a revolution in the market, it essentially does not matter who you are, even Apple has to work with 3rd party companies to create their devices. LG and Samsung are set up quite nicely in this case to produce their own panels for the Smart TV revolution, both of them already well into the market with such things as HDTV and 3DTV. What Apple has been tipped to be waiting for then is Sharp’s IGZO panels specifically as the Japan-base group readies their production lines for a much greater production rate.

At the moment, Sharp’s 8G lines are able to produce all sorts of panels including 32-inch, 46-inch, and 55-inch sizes. On the other hand, IGZO panels are not ready to be produced at the rate Apple would need them. Apple’s iTV would build on the Apple TV market, but would become a whole new segment if analysts are correct. Will you be amongst the millions of already-ready television watchers to jump in o the next Apple market?

[via DigiTimes]

The unit at their booth in CES was very fluid when panning from selection to selection. The TV was able to stream video content, music, and even had a few applications were installed such as YouTube for easy access. Canonical has been known for releasing software that is polished upon release, so it’s hard to tell when we’ll actually see Ubuntu TV on the market.

It will also offer the ability to search, watch, record, and play through TV. They are currently working with multiple manufacturers for a release in the near future, and it seems we’ll end up waiting more on the them than Ubuntu developers. Their devs are quick to the punch and you can bet they want to see their platform expanded to this new market as soon as possible.

Samsung and DIRECTV are founding members of the RVU Alliance, which aims to optimize multi-room entertainment experiences for consumers. The companies introduced the RVU protocol last year, which is based on industry standards such as DLNA and UPnP. It allows a set-top box server to provide a complete, multi-room viewing experience, including DVR services, across all connected TVs through one set-top box.

Now, Samsung is embedding RVU in its entire Smart TV lineup, eliminating the need for a set-top box. DIRECTV has created the HR34 Home Media Center HD-DVR, which replicates the set-top box UI and other features to be directly displayed on a Samsung Smart TV. Users will continue to be able to enjoy features such as live pause on all screens in the home, picture-in-picture, record five shows at once, and store up to 200 hours of content. The new RVU-enabled Samsung Smart TVs are expected to be available in Spring 2012.

It essentially restores the proper resolution for a low quality video to help make it look great on a TV with such a high pixel density. You may not gather it from the press shot above, but the television shown is making use of the X-Reality technology from a tiny YouTube video with low resolution.

Hopefully we see technology like this implemented into other manufacturers as well. it seems almost mandatory at this point, and would greatly help re-pixelate poor HDMI transfers. To some extent, we could save bandwidth by playing lower quality videos, but Sony’s television would just make up for it with their X-Reality Pro software.

The box seen in the leaked images call the device a “dedicated controller,” but what that means exactly isn’t clear as it appears not only able to wirelessly control other devices, but able to mirror its display’s contents to a larger display as well. In addition to physical volume and play buttons on either side of the display, this device seems to have a menu, home, and back button below. The display is a 6-inch capacitive touch-screen and the entire device is what Motorola describes on the box as “elegant.”

This device may well work with a Motorola cable box and will be, as again the box says, will be “optimized for low cost.” This device will have ZigBee-based RF control protocol RF4CE as well as IR control to make sure you’re connected. Finally, there’ll be a big fat undeniably huge 4,000mAh battery that should serve to have the device up with power for days on end without a charge. At the moment the name Corvair might still be a code-name as we’ve never heard any alternate name presented, and everything else is likely pre-production. I’m sure we’ll see more of this either before the holiday season or at CES 2012 – seeya there!

BONUS – just so you know, this is what a real Corvair is, one sweet little number that cruises down the road like a dream:

[via The Verge]

In an excerpt from the Jobs biography, Isaacson revealed that the Apple co-founder and visionary felt that he had finally “cracked” the formula to creating a successful TV, believing that a TV needed to be simple, elegant, and fully integrated. This has led many to believe that Apple’s next step will be to be debut an iOS-powered Apple HDTV set that would integrate apps including FaceTime and Siri.

Analysts have long been speculating on an Apple-branded television set. Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster has been predicting such a move by Apple as far back as 2009 and now believes that Apple could push such a product out to market by late 2012 or early 2013. Other analysts believe that Apple will start off with smaller TVs sporting 15- to 19-inch touchscreens that target the kitchen and bedroom.

It’s also been recently rumored that Apple’s head of iTunes, Jeff Robbin, has been charged with leading the development for the Apple HDTV. A lack of a major update to the current Apple TV set-top box has further fueled the speculation.

[via 9to5 Mac]

Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White issued a note to investors today, reiterating his previous belief that Apple’s HDTVs are already in early stage pilot and prototype production. White also noted that the hardware refresh for the current Apple TV set-top box may have been delayed due to plans related to the Apple HDTV, which could launch sometime in 2012.

“We believe the TV experience is in need of greater simplicity and innovation, providing Apple with opportunity to yet reinvent another product category and develop even closer ties with its customers,” wrote White.

Estimating that the LCD TV market would generate about $102 billion in 2012, White believes that the market has huge potential for Apple, which could dominate with its “unmatched aesthetics, expansive digital ecosystem and overall quality” as well as charge a premium price two to three times greater than competitors.

Additionally, White believes that Apple would not only use iOS and integrate Siri and FaceTime with the new HDTV, but that the company could also bring in iAds advertising and integrated App Store to allow developers to earn more revenue through apps developed specifically for the HDTV.

[via AppleInsider]

Biographer Walter Isaacson revealed that during an interview with Jobs, the Apple visionary told him that he wanted to create an integrated television set that would work seamlessly with other devices and the iCloud. It would be simple, elegant, and incredibly easy to use.

‘I’d like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use,’ he told me. ‘It would be seamlessly synced with all of your devices and with iCloud.’ No longer would users have to fiddle with complex remotes for DVD players and cable channels. ‘It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it.’”

It’s not clear whether Apple does indeed have television sets in the pipeline, although rumors have persisted that the company has been working on such a pursuit. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has insisted that Apple had such plans since 2009. Jobs resignation in August had ignited another round of speculation regarding an Apple “iTV.”

[via Washington Post]

What you get is this little piece of hardware that you see in the photos above and below. What this little piece of hardware does is connect to your iPad 2′s dock connector, receiving then television signals without the aid of an internet connection. You’ll be able to download the EyeTV Mobile app from your iTunes App Store for free to work with the tuner in a very simple way. Want to get the weather report but don’t have an internet connection down on your farm? Plug the EyeTV Mobile tuner in to your iPad 2 and BAM! Weather channel.

The EyeTV Mobile receiver comes with several things; a miniature telescopic aerial (MCX), a rod aerial with magnetic base and removable suction cup, a USB charging cable (which, mind you, charges the EyeTV Mobile battery, not the iPad itself, and a printed Quick Start Guide. You’ll have to keep your iPad 2 charged up before you go about watching any television as your only port for charging will be taken up by this receiver which has no additional iPad cord port.

You’ll be able to record shows played through your iPad 2 then transfer them using iTunes to watch elsewhere – note that there’s no anti-copy protection in any of this.

Your iPad 2 will have to be working with iOS 4.3.3 or newer (not a problem if you’re up to date at this point,) and you’ll want to know that EyeTV Mobile supports MPEG-2 standard definition video only. MPEG-2 HD and MPEG-4/H.264 TV channels are not supported, neither are Freeview HD or DVC-T2. The EyeTV Mobile will be priced at EUR 99.95€/GBP 99.95£ and will be available in late September from Elgato at www.elgato.com or most computer retailers.

Sound like something you’re going to want to pick up?

As Schmidt attempted to make clear, “you ignore the Internet at your peril,” continuing on to note that “the Internet is fundamental to the future of television for one simple reason: because it’s what people want.” Wasting no time in dropping down knowledge upon the world, Schmidt reminds us that we’ve always wanted more control over what we view and how we view it. Remember when the VCR came out? I don’t, but I sure can imagine. Same goes for the ATARI, the Commodore 64, and for me, the original Nintendo. Schmidt lets us know that the future is all about choice:

Online, through a combination of algorithms and editorial nudges, suggestions could be individually crafted to suit your interests and needs. The more you watch and share, the more chances the system has to learn, and the better its predictions get. Taken to the ultimate, it would be like the perfect TV channel: always exciting, always relevant — sometimes serendipitous — always worth your time.

The keys to this kingdom, Schmidt reminds us, are the second, third, and fourth screens with which the viewer is interacting with friends, controlling the main screen, and tagging their activities in real time. Watching live television while speaking about what you’re watching with people all around the world can add a mighty incentive indeed – as evidenced through the Twitter tags of the 2008 Presidential elections, amongst the most-viewed in generations.

Measuring the profitability of television shows and interactive elements will become much more effectively done, ad placements more personal, and multi-screen campaigns a brand new element in the brand-heavy world. Schmidt added that “History shows that in the face of new technology, those who adapt their business models don’t just survive, they prosper.” So true, ladies and gentlemen, so true, but is Google the right boat to sail in on?

Sure, why not? Let’s hear Schmidt on the matter:

Next have a look at Google TV as they presented it originally back on May 18, 2010, and explore our big [Google TV] portal. Look enticing enough to work in the future?

Launching the “Just for Kids” tab on the Netflix website (and we assume on other interfaces such as mobile apps for iOS and Android eventually) will bring you to a screen with a giant icons, cartoon characters at the top, video covers on the bottom, and not a whole lot more than this so that kids can select their own videos to watch, one after another after another, all day long. Todd Yellin, VP of product innovation at Netflix explains his position:

Todd Yellin here. In addition to being VP of product innovation at Netflix, I’m a dad of a five and seven-year-old who love to watch characters. So, in both of my roles, I’m proud to announce the launch of a more intuitive and enjoyable way for children to watch all of the great age-appropriate TV shows and movies available to watch instantly streaming from Netflix: “Just for Kids.” – Yellin

When you’ve got your inspiration working right beside you every single day of the year, you more than likely know your audience. Not that Yellin is only using his own children to make this Netflix screen great, but it certainly doesn’t appear to have hurt.

More than one hundred of kids’ favorite cartoon characters and non-cartoon characters are available for the clicking as Netflix offers up one gigantic heaping helping of kid-friendly media. Netflix has also apparently worked with Common Sense Media, “a leading non-profit that provides trustworthy information and tools so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume,” to help prioritize their selections.

“Just for Kids” is available TODAY on PC and Mac computers via internet browsers of all the most updated types in the USA and Canada today with “similar functionality” coming to the Wii, iPad “and many other devices.” Again, we can assume this means Android as well.

[via Netflix]

Company spokesman Rich Young spoke the words above and has said that they’ve sought out injunctions against strikers in Pennsylvania and Delaware so far and will continue to seek them out in any state where strikers are blocking buildings. Around 45,000 workers are involved in the strike, none of them dealing with mobile business in Verizon Wireless stores. Labor contracts have apparently failed and Verizon workers are marching for pay and benefits they feel they deserve as Verizon employees.

The CWA represents 35,000 of the 45k workers on the strike while the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers makes up the other 10,000. Verizon spokespeople maintain that Verizon workers have been unwilling to “negotiate on anything that’s critical” while CWA members note that they’re getting “serious about bargaining.” For more information on this strike, head back to our original post entitled Verizon Workers Strike, 45,000 Union Members Strong and see some rather poignant quotes as well.

[via Rueters]

Verizon noted today that the that the strike will not affect Verizon Wireless customers, instead noting that because it involves call center workers and field technicians, it could affect customers with Internet service, land line phones, and Verizon’s FiOS television. Verizon also notes that management and retirees are prepared to cover for striking workers as a contingency plan. Verizon spokesman Richard Young noted the following about the situation:

“Tens of thousands of Verizon managers and other personnel have been trained to perform emergency work assignments. They are trained in various functions including making network repairs, customer service, billing, back office support and other duties.” – Richard Young

Verizon notes that its wireline business has been declining over the past 10 years and that they’re asking employees in the business to “contribute” their healthcare plans amongst other concessions to make up the gap. Young continues:

“We’ve put important issues on the table and we’re willing to negotiate. However, the unions were unwilling to negotiate on anything that’s critical.”

Union workers have a different view of the situation of course, they speaking from the perspective of a middle-class worker as opposed to a multi-million-dollar CEO. CWA political director noted the following:

“A company with those kinds of profits, where the CEO Ivan Seidenberg makes 300 times the salary of the average worker — he made $18 million just last year — to demand the sweeping cuts that they have put on the table is outrageous and unacceptable. We’re saying to them, it’s time to get serious about bargaining; bargain in a constructive way and back off from these attacks on middle class jobs.” – Bob Master

Anita Long, a worker who has been with Verizon for 32 years, had similar comments:

“Why do the people at the bottom always have to give back concessions? Why is it not the top management giving back, when my CEO brings home $23 million in one year, I have a problem with that, but you want to take away my pensions, my medical benefits?” – Anita Long

We’ll continue to cover this situation until it’s resolved. The image at the top of this post was photographed by Mark Lennihan on August 7th in front of Verizon Headquarters in New York.

[via ABC News]

The Apple TV hasn’t been one of Apple’s shining moments, but neither has MobileMe and Apple is giving syncing a second shot with the iCloud. Perhaps a second stab at the TV market will have better results? The former Apple exec claims that Apple will be working with OEMs to produce displays rebranded as Apple television sets. He says, “You’ll go into an Apple retail store and be able to walk out with a TV. It’s perfect.”

The new Apple television set will essentially be like a large display with a built-in Apple TV. Hence, it will most likely be powered by iOS and bring the ecosystem of apps to the TV as well. In light of Google’s announcement that Google TV will be getting Android 3.1 Honeycomb and Android Market along with its recent purchase of Sage TV, it’s possible that Apple will take on TV displays as a preemptive move.

[via 9to5 Mac]

First off Thank you to everyone that entered. If you haven’t been keeping up with SlashGear now is probably the time to start. We are giving this TV away today, we gave a Galaxy Tab 10.1 away earlier this week, and more goodies before that. If your not friends with SlashGear on Facebook you probably should be. Now its time we announce the winner. We had a really hard time deciding on who should receive this TV because we had so many great entries with thoughtful comments. Lets get right to it shall we — and the winner is ……

Congrats to Alan Tong! You are the lucky winner of the SlashGear Father’s Day Toshiba TV Giveaway!

We would like to thank everyone that entered this time around and we hope to see you all reading along and commenting on Facebook while you wait for our next giveaway, as it will be coming soon. We will be in contact with the winner shortly. Stay tuned for the next SlashGear giveaway!

You may have bought a shiny new smartphone for dad, or maybe you got him a gift card for his favorite store. I have a better idea — prepay for 6 months of Netflix for dad and send him a nice little Father’s Day card with all the details inside.

Even if you already bought dad something for Father’s Day you better enter our giveaway, I mean who doesn’t want to win a 24″ LED TV right? In case you missed the original post you can find all the details on the 24″ TV giveaway by clicking here.

Now hurry over to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SlashGear.com and enter before its to late. We will be choosing the winner tomorrow the 19th at 10 AM PST so you better make it quick.

The Orb BR disk is $19.99, and is available for PS3 now, and other Blu-ray players next month. The software allows the streaming of both local and internet content, and iTunes library integration is included. It streams in up to full 1080p HD. That means any content on a user’s home network could be streamed through the Orb enabled device and controlled by smartphone or computer. The Orb BR also supports MKV video. This allows content to be watched from Hulu, HuluPlus, NetFlix, Amazon, YouTube, and others.

The Search feature allows users to simply type the name of the show they wish to see, and Orb BR queries locally and on-line until it finds the right program. They don’t have to search by network or specify the source, Orb BR is supposed to find it. Orb Networks also has other products out like the Orb Music Player, and the Orb TV solution. We can’t wait to get a hands-on to see the Orb BR in person.

Press Release:

OAKLAND, Calif., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Orb Networks (www.orb.com) today announced that it is shipping its new Internet TV streaming software for PlayStation 3 players, making it easy for consumers to watch thousands of online TV shows and movies from Hulu, HuluPlus, Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Comedy Central and more on any TV. The new Orb BR (Blu-ray) software works with an Internet- connected PS3, and is easily controlled through a smart device app (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android phone, Android tablet) or using any computer.

Priced at only $19.99, Orb BR leverages the consumer’s investment in a PS3, and offers a simple and cost-effective way to enter the new world of connected TV without buying or installing any new hardware. In addition to a huge selection of online TV shows, Orb BR provides consumers with access to thousands of movies on their TV, via Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand.

With Orb BR, consumers can stream more than online content, including anything that’s on their PC — downloaded DivX/XviD files, home movies and photos. Orb BR even allows users to stream their iTunes library through their Home Theatre sound system.

Orb BR works with PS3 units that are connected to the Internet using a wired or wireless connection. To help consumers easily find and watch their favorite shows, the Orb controller app features a powerful and easy-to-use global index of TV shows. Consumers can type in the name of the show they want and then Orb quickly finds the show, without having to specify its source (e.g. Hulu, Netflix, ABC, CBS, etc).

It’s quick and easy for consumers to get started with Orb BR because there is no hardware to install. To set up Orb BR, users simply insert the Orb BR disk into their PS3, download the free Orb Caster software to their PC or Mac, and then download the free Orb controller app to their smart device(from the App Store or Android Marketplace).

Orb BR for PS3 is now shipping at www.orb.com, and can be ordered online at orb.com for $19.99. Orb BR for Blu-ray players is scheduled to ship in early July.

About Orb Networks

Based in Oakland, California, Orb Networks, Inc. is the leader in digital media streaming solutions for the digital home and remote access applications. In addition to Orb BR, Orb Networks offers the Orb Music Player ($79) that streams iTunes and Pandora to any home stereo. And, the Orb TV ($99) solution, with a hockey puck-sized device that plugs into a TV, enables consumers to stream online video content to a TV. Focused on enabling the enjoyment of media anytime, anywhere, the company develops and markets PC (Windows, Mac, and Linux) software, smartphone applications and web application services. For more information about Orb products, please visit www.orb.com.

SOURCE Orb Networks, Inc.

• Record two programs and watch live TV on another channel
• Record three live programs, or
• Record three live programs while also watching something you’ve pre-recorded

The boxes were automatically upgraded, so there is no need to download anything.

[via Tivo Community Forum]

As PC Mag pointed out, though, if you don’t have an iPhone, “you also didn’t fall victim to the glitch that kept the clocks on some iPhones from adjusting to daylight savings time last weekend.” But Apple’s marketing has been very effective, as shown by the half-million iPad 2s that were sold in the tablet’s first days in stores. And Apple’s previous “There’s an app for that” ads were also very successful. What do you think, do you like the new ads, or are they annoying? Your answer may depend on what phone you’re carrying around.

Here they are:
App Store:

[via PC Mag]

The BlueDot box will be available in Japan in March, and sell for 13,000 Yen, or about $155.

[via Akihabara]

According to Friebe, “As the first of its kind, the Loewe Invisio introduces technical innovation, combining conventional LCD and the latest TOLED display technology. This allows to create non-transparent / solid moving pictures with rich color reproduction and full contrast range from solid black to pristine white.”

The Leowe Invisio has been entered for a 2011 IF Concept Design award, an international competition for professionals in the areas of design, architecture, marketing and engineering.
No word yet on how much one of these will cost, but this may just be the future of TV.

[via Yanko Design]

NOTE: This contest is now complete, but you can feel free to continue showing your team spirit for the rest of your life if you wish! Adrenaline never killed anyone!

Contest begins at 8:01 a.m. PT on Monday, January 31, 2011 and end at 11:59 p.m. PT on Thursday, February 3, 2011 (“Entry Period”).  Winners will be announced on Friday, February, 4, 2011.
 
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToshibaHomeEntertainment and SlashGear; and
 
2. Follow @ToshibaTV and @SlashGear on Twitter and twitpic an original photo (with @ToshibaTV and @SlashGear in your tweet) that demonstrates his or her football team spirit using the #toshball hashtag.

Limit one (1) entry per person.
 
PRIZE: One (1) Toshiba 46WX800U Cinema Series 3D LCD NetTV.  Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $1,470.49. ARV – Basically a 46” 3D TV.

Be sure to read the huge PDF file of the official rules to make sure you’ve got all your legal business in order. Win this TV, and have an awesome time watching all kinds of football then use it to play all kinds of video games: SlashGear-com-Toshiba-TV-Sweepstakes-v-1-28-111.pdf

Being able to view webpages and content from the Internet on your TV is amazingly useful, especially if the computer IS your TV. Boxee will likely have the ability to expand via OTA updates so there is much more in store for us than what will be covered during CES. ViewSonic plans to release Boxee quarter 2 2011.

ViewSonic Collaborates With Boxee and Intel; Demonstrates Integrated Smart TV Solution at CES

ViewSonic Showcases Industry’s First Internet-Connected Smart TV Solution Running Boxee Software With Intel® AtomTM Processor CE4100

LAS VEGAS, NV–(Marketwire – January 6, 2011) – CES 2011 — ViewSonic Corp. (South Hall 30873), a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today unveiled its first connected TV featuring Boxee, software that brings intelligent capabilities to the smart TV experience. The new TV is powered by the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100, a system-on-chip designed for CE devices such as Blu-ray players, set top boxes and digital TVs.
An award sweeper at last year’s CES, Boxee provides access to a wide array of shows, movies, video, music, and photos from the Internet and their home network allowing you the freedom to watch whatever you want, whenever you want as well as providing social networking features enabling users to exchange recommendations with friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Buzz. For the first time, Boxee is available integrated onto a smart TV enabled device from ViewSonic. Through this partnership, consumers will have access to preferred content via a personalized account. Whether viewing TV, movies, Internet video favorite apps, or personal content from your PC, Boxee’s software enables users to access content by category, title, or source rather than by channel — including entertainment media from Netflix, Vudu, CBS, Pandora and more — simply type the name of what you want to watch and hit play.
“The CE4100 delivers processor performance for the smart TV experience, which offers rich content and application choices through integrated broadcast and Internet viewing and interaction,” said Wilfred Martis, general manager, retail segment, Intel Digital Home Group. “With the ViewSonic solution, consumers can easily access and enjoy Boxee’s ever-expanding content library on TV.”
“Consumers are watching more videos online, and are looking for technologies that enable them to watch content on their big-screen TVs instead of their PCs,” said Jeff Volpe, vice president and general manager for ViewSonic Americas. “We are leveraging our front-of-screen display expertise to provide consumers with the first and only TV to integrate the Intel Atom processor CE4100 with Boxee’s award-winning media search and streaming software.”
ViewSonic’s integrated smart TV solutions utilizing Intel and Boxee technology will be available in Q2 2011.

This app also allows you (just so long as you’ve got the correct DVR) to browse and search up to 9 days of shows, schedule recordings, delete shows on multiple receivers, and on the whole turn their iPad into one big huge remote control. Like comically large. Download the app for free now in Apple’s App Store, and check out the full press release below:

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — DISH Network L.L.C., today announced that DISH Remote Access, the free application that gives DISH Network customers the ability to watch their live and recorded TV on compatible smartphones, tablets and laptops, is now available for the iPad™. To enjoy live and recorded TV viewing on the iPad, DISH Network customers must have a broadband-connected, Sling-enabled™ device such as the Sling Adapter™ – a small placeshifting device that pairs with DISH Network’s ViP® 722 or 722k HD DVRs.

“DISH Network is the only pay-TV provider to offer a true TV everywhere solution, and now we’ve extended that experience to the iPad,” said DISH Network Chief Marketing Officer Ira Bahr. “Unlike mobile viewing from cable and telcos that limit access to select programs, our TV Everywhere services give consumers 24 x 7 access to all of their live and recorded content included with their DISH Network programming subscription.”

In addition to TV viewing, the DISH Remote Access app also gives DISH Network customers with compatible DVRs the ability to browse and search up to nine days of programming, schedule DVR recordings, manage conflicts, delete shows on multiple receivers, and transform the iPad into a fully-functioning remote control.

The DISH Remote Access app for the iPad can be downloaded for free from the iTunes App Store. For more information about DISH Remote Access, visit www.dish.com/tveverywhere.

About DISH Network

DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14.2 million satellite TV customers, as of September 30, 2010, with the highest quality programming and technology at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy industry-leading customer satisfaction, the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

Crunchgear states that “the UI almost goes without saying: it’s been a long time since you could look at a TiVo and say “Well, that looks good.” It’s built using Adobe Flash, so all of the fancy swoops and swishes you’ve associated with Flash over the years totally applies. I’d almost say Zune HD like, which is a prety big compliment considering what I had to do to get my Zune HD to work”.

Engadget mentions that the UI is “quite responsive and native feeling, with live streams of video playing without a hitch” and that “The new ways to find and promote relevant content are pretty intuitive and helpful. Everything is “connected,” so it’s easy to start from a category like the “Oscars” or an actor like “Jack McBrayer” and end up on the other end of the universe, IMDB style”.

There’s also brief video coverage of the TiVo via Engadget, although it’s not of the best quality (audio-wise), but since the visual interface is what we’re really after, check it out here.

Introduced today at Booth #925 over at CEDIA, Samsung’s 65″ behemoth of an LCD TV boasts a lot of features. Sure, it’s not all wrapped up in a small package, but who wants a small package? Not when you can have this thing sitting in your living room. The TV will pack full 1080p resolution, Auto Motion Plus with a 120Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time for motion clarity, and have dynamic contrast ratios for more natural blacks. The LN65B650 will include some great networking options as well, including Samsung’s Medi@2.0 Suite. And what’s become standard on the majority of new Samsung sets as of late, the new 65″ TV will include the unique Touch of Color design, and be completely Energy Star efficient.

“We are excited to showcase a variety of our offerings this year at CEDIA, which we feel are ideal for the custom installer or enthusiast looking to build the ultimate HD experience,” said Tim Baxter, co-president of the Consumer Electronics Division, at Samsung Electronics America. “From our new 65” LCD 650 Series TV and latest LED TV’s, to our Blu-ray players with network streaming capabilities and Blu-ray Home Theater Systems, we’re aiming to set a high bar for delivering innovative technologies along with sleek design.”

But, we mentioned that one bit of an obstacle earlier, or did you forget amidst all those features? Well, bring yourself down to Earth for a minute, because we have a good news bad news situation on our hands at this point. The good news, is that the LN65B650 will be available later this month. The bad news, is that you’ll need $5,999.99 to get it. But, you know, if you’ve got an extra six grand and some change to throw around, why not do it on an excellent high definition television?

ATLANTA, Ga. – September 10, 2009 – Today at CEDIA EXPO 2009 (Booth #925) Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announced availability for its latest CCFL-backlit LCD TV– the 65” LCD 650 Series (LN65B650) with 1080p resolution. The latest entry in the LCD 650 Series TVs will deliver Auto Motion Plus™ 120Hz refresh rate, fast 4ms response time for motion clarity and high dynamic contrast ratios for deeper, more natural blacks. The LN65B650 will also include expansive networking and connectivity capabilities including Samsung’s Medi@2.0Suite, the unique Touch of Color™ design, and it will meet the latest Energy Star® qualifications.

The Samsung booth will also showcase additional products designed for the true HD and home entertainment aficionado at the show, including the recently announced 8500 Series LED TV. In addition, CEDIA attendees can check out the latest line of Samsung Blu-ray players (BD-P1600, BD-P3600 and BD-P4600) that feature Netflix, Pandora, and YouTube™ streaming capabilities, as well as the new HT-BD8200 Blu-ray Soundbar, the latest Blu-ray Home Theater Systems (HT-BD7200, HT-BD3252 and HT-BD1250), and the HT-WS1 Soundbar. Samsung is located at Booth #925 at CEDIA EXPO 2009, just inside Main Entrance #3 in Building C.

“We are excited to showcase a variety of our offerings this year at CEDIA, which we feel are ideal for the custom installer or enthusiast looking to build the ultimate HD experience,” said Tim Baxter, co-president of the Consumer Electronics Division, at Samsung Electronics America. “From our new 65” LCD 650 Series TV and latest LED TV’s, to our Blu-ray players with network streaming capabilities and Blu-ray Home Theater Systems, we’re aiming to set a high bar for delivering innovative technologies along with sleek design.”

65” LCD 650 Series
Product Availability and Pricing
- Price: LCD 650 Series– 65-inch class: $5,999.99

- Availability: September 2009

Enhanced Picture Quality
The newest member of the LCD 650 Series TV family will utilize Samsung’s proprietary Auto Motion Plus™ 120Hz frame-interpolation technology, partnered with a quick 4ms response time, to reduce blurring caused by fast movement shown onscreen. Advanced users can also customize how Auto Motion Plus handles judder and motion blur to suit their taste. The LN65B650’s Ultra Clear Panel technology creates a vibrant picture by enhancing colors and reducing glare, even in rooms with a lot of ambient light. The Wide Color Enhancer 3 ensures accurate reproduction of colors with shows, movies, games and more, regardless of the viewing environment.

Connectivity and Content
The 2009 LCD 650 Series TVs (40-inch class and larger) come equipped with the new Samsung Medi@2.0 suite of multimedia features. Ready for both wired and wireless connectivity, the LCD 650 Series TVs offer access to a breadth of content via the Internet@TV – Content Service, built-in Content Library, DLNA and USB 2.0 ports to play movies and more. Internet@TV delivers access to Internet content from Yahoo!, Flickr, YouTube, and more while watching TV via easy-to-use TV widgets. The smart, user-friendly USB 2.0 interface makes it easy to share and view media files on your TV from a digital camera, MP3 player, or even a thumb drive.

A New Touch of Color™
The LN65B650 further distinguishes itself with a Touch of Color, or ToC™, design, which is produced through a dual-injection molding process that luxuriously coats a translucent surface over the frame for a premium look. The 65” includes a two-tone gradation of a stylish gray tone color along the curve of the bottom edge, with transparent color finishing along the bezel’s outer edges.

Energy Friendly In Any Home
As with all of Samsung’s LCD 650 Series TVs, the LN65B650 features low power consumption, meeting Energy Star® v3.0 efficiency guidelines and saving energy and money for the consumer. Additionally, the dual-injection process used to create the unique ToC bezel design is done so without the need for sprays, paints or dyes, which typically release Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs).

Samsung Electronics America’s press releases, video content and product images are available atwww.samsung.com/newsroom.

Specifications

LCD 650 Series TV – LN65B650

Screen Size

· 65-inch

Resolution

· Full HD 1080p

Design

· Touch of Color™ (ToC™) with gray accents

· Crystal neck swivel stand

Video

· 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio

· 4ms response time

· Auto Motion Plus™ 120Hz frame interpolation
Ultra Clear Panel

· Wide Color Enhancer 3

Audio

· 15-watts x 2 (55-inch class)

SRS TruSurround HD™

Features

· Medi@2.0™

o Internet@TV – Content Service with Yahoo! Widget Engine

o Content Library ™ (1GB flash memory)

o USB 2.0 Movie with MPEG4, DivX, MP3, JPEGdecoders

o DLNA-CERTIFIED™ for wired / wireless access (USB dongle for wireless sold separately)

· Energy Star® v3.0 compliant

· Built-in ATSC/Clear QAM digital tuner

· Picture-in-Picture

A/V Connections

· 4 HDMI (HDMI-CEC) version 1.3 inputs

(3 rear, 1 side) (32-inch class and larger)
· 2 component inputs (2 rear)

· 2 composite inputs (1 side, 1 rear, shared with component)

· 2 USB 2.0 inputs (side)

· 1 Ethernet connection (rear)

· 1 optical audio output (rear)

· 1 PC input (rear)

· 1 RS232C (rear)

Estimated Selling Price

· $5,999.99

Availability

· September 2009

*Subject to change without notice.

When LG does officially launch the set, it will officially be the largest OLED display on the market. It easily trumps the only competition, that being Sony’s 11-inch XEL-1. And while the majority of high definition screens on the market are just fine for watching your Blu-Ray (does anyone still have HD discs?), OLED uses self-glowing materials that induce far better picture quality, and manage to stress far better energy efficiency. They’re also a lot thinner, because they don’t need any kind of back-lighting. However, on the other side of the coin, the technology also makes it pretty expensive for the consumer.

LG’s 15-inch set is primed to hit Korean stores in November, before availability reaches other markets in 2010. Apparently, LG is also set to launch a 40-inch OLED display in the “not to distant future.” While it would be awesome to have an OLED display at 40-inches in our rooms, we can’t help but think that considering Sony’s 11-inch XEL-1 is going for $2,500 right now, that 40-inches would pretty much break us.

[via Electronista]

Sources close to the matter are saying that a launch of any size of OLED tv at this point, would only add stress to Sony’s television line and propel further losses. As it should be, Sony is far more concerned with profitability, than to bring expensive equipment to the market just for the consumers. While it may not be good in the short run, we can at least say that if Sony stays on this track, they won’t be going anywhere due to lack of funds because they were producing too many expensive things when they didn’t necessarily have the means to.

Of course, when compared to the 11-inch display released back in 2007 for a staggering $2,500, it might be a great idea on Sony’s part. While the technology was relatively new, especially for displays like televisions two years ago, Sony isn’t necessarily known for keeping prices low on their products. That doesn’t mean any new OLED screens that Sony produces next year will be astronimically priced, but before we find out, at least the delay means that Sony can focus on competing in retail stores, and improving their LCD screens already on the market. That sounds like a win-win for all of us.

[via Wall Street Journal]

In case you are unaware of what a FyreTV is, you can visit the site (NOT SAFE FOR WORK!) or watch this handy unboxing video I have for you below and read the description. Now isn’t that something?

If you don’t fall into the former category and are indeed educated on the adult entertainment industries AppleTV like efforts, you’ll know that the FyreTV BoXXX is a handy television add-on that allows you to stream and download adult films and scenes to fit any, um, preference. The NEW version is WiFi enabled, taking care of the chief complaint for the previous version that adults don’t have televisions near their routers or ethernet ports. Not only do you get WiFi, but HDMI out as well for those of you who desire to see more detail in every scene, discovering new tattoos on your favorite adult video star perhaps. Sort your movies by star, category, studio and more to make the experience of using the FyreTV as satisfying as it can be. This is going to be one of the hard–most difficult jobs I’ve ever done, simply because keeping it PG is going to take some work, and there are so many euphemisms to avoid. But none the less I shall review the FyreTV soon, and have my impressions for you when I do.

Now, in an effort to get the channel back on these services, FEARnet is working on a petition. It’s currently located on Facebook and they are working to sign up as many new members as possible.  With enough support, the fan page might help towards getting Time Warner to put FEARnet back on the air.

So, if you’re a fan of all things horror and thriller, you might want to consider joining up. You can watch the video recruitment message for the petition below:

With OLED’s, light can be incorporated into designs, rather than hidden within the fixture. It can become a part of the artwork, which Philips has demonstrated at a conference in Milan. The designs are beautiful displays of light and art meshed together to demonstrate the applications of OLED’s.

Kristin Knappstein, Business development Manager at Philips Lighting says that “The OLED technology is available, but the opportunities they present go much further than lamps, OLEDs are actually a kind of building block – a new type of magic material – that can be combined with others to produce a striking new and creative whole. OLEDs in clothing, furniture, vehicles, jewelry, works of art: the possibilities are endless. But just hearing about OLEDs isn’t enough to be able to fully appreciate their unique characteristics and potential. That’s the purpose of the exhibit and the online OLED shop. We want to make it possible for people to see, touch and experience OLEDs for themselves. And if they get inspired, Philips Lighting is always interested in co-development and partnerships. When it comes to OLEDs, just about the only limit is your imagination.”

Hit up the link for more amazing photos.

[Via OLED-Display.net]

What the device does is simple – it aims to simulate a flickering television on your curtains or walls.  Potential burglars could see the flickering and think that someone is home watching TV.  They could then decide that your home is one they’d rather avoid.

Using the Simulator is much more power efficient than putting your television on a timer – in fact, the Simulator uses 2% of a television’s power.  You can up pick the Home Security Television Simulator for $39.95 over at Hammacher and Schlemmer.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

The President-elect is backing a digital TV delaydue to recent news from the National Telecommunications and Information Adminsitration (NTIA) that the entity is running out of money for analog TV convertor vouchers.  That means that, when the February 17 deadline hits, there may be a large number of people who applied for convertor vouchers and never received them.

Obama isn’t alone in his support – he also has Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-VA) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) backing a delay, as well.  We’ll find out in the next few weeks whether or not the transition will be delayed, but for now, the switch is on as planned.  At the end of the day on February 17, if nothing changes, 1,700 telelvision stations will shut down their analog signals for good.

[via Ars Technica]

This new advertising will allow people to buy text spots that will be displayed whenever a user pauses live TV or a timeshifted program. The ads are set up to show up during particular shows or when a show possesses a particular keyword in its description.

TiVo says they had to do this, since everyone is fast forwarding through standard commercials these days. I guess they had to get those ads seen somehow. TiVo isn’t exactly jumping head first into this pause commercial stuff though. In fact, it is only being rolled out on the Series 2 TiVo boxes for now. There’s no word on when they’ll be implemented on the newer Series 3 models.

A zoetrope is a device that uses static images but when spun at high speeds, create the illusion of movement. The Sony BRAVIA-drome feeds off of this 19th century technology to make for a device that is 10 meters across and spins at over 40 kph.

The subject of BRAVIA-drome is soccer, and this acts as the perfect way to show off how Motionflow works. In actually gets rid of jerkiness and shows the ball traveling in the air smoothly. This reproduces the feeling of being there live at the game. The new ‘drome is the subject of a commercial that will be used worldwide. Filmed in Venaria, which is near Turin, Italy, it shows a soccer star within the images in the BRAVIA-drome.

The commercial itself shows the faces of those in the audience standing in awe of this massive device. And it’s no wonder people were impressed. The BRAVIA-drome is capable of reaching speeds of over 50kph, requires two 40-foot trucks to transport it and weighs in at ten tons. It’s believed to be the largest zoetrope ever built!

The Motionflow 240Hz technology helps smooth out the jumpiness experienced on a normal television set. This works by significantly boosting the number of images, thus the frame rate. A “transitional picture” is placed between images in fast-moving parts of video, providing for smooth picture that is more pleasing to the eye.

This transitional picture is actually created by this Motionflow tech. It works by examining the images that precede and follow a particular image–especially during fast moving parts of a sports event or during an action sequence in a movie. All of the quick cuts and fast movements can cause a problem with how the sequence is subsequently viewed. By examining the prior and following image, Motionflow then adds an image in between that can make that car chase–or the movement of a soccer ball, in the case of the new ad campaign–look natural without any noticeable gaps in movement.

It’s really rather impressive and the whole BRAVIA-drome effort shows Sony is serious about promoting their newest technology. Check out our video from the press event below:

This new device is a rangehood outfitted with a 10-inch LCD monitor. That way you can look at a screen right above your stove. Talk about convenient. And with it up high like that, it’s out of the way of splatter and food particles, unlike screens that sit on counters.

The LCD screen can be controlled by means of a wireless remote and you will need to hook up cable to it. There are AV inputs as well, so a DVD player hook up is a possibility, if you find it necessary to have a kitchen DVD player. No word on availability or price yet, unfortunately.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

The TV Cozy looks like a TV test screen, complete with bright color bars. While it might be a little loud for the average living room, the idea behind the cover isn’t such a bad one. I know my LCD seems to attract more dust than everything else in my home, it would be nice to have a way to cut down on the dust, and the amount of times I have to clean my set, even by just a little bit. What do you think about the TV Cozy, is it a good idea, or a waste of felt?

[via Gizmodo]

The DMX-WL1T will have four HDMI inputs, a stereo analog input, a digital audio input, and a component input. The system will have the ability to transmit uncompressed 1080i video and audio to any BRAVIA HDTV with Sony DMex compatibility. The device reportedly has a transmission range over 100 feet, so you could hook everything up in one room, and then play it onto a television in another.

As someone who has cables running all over their house, I’m pretty excited this technology is becoming available. My only gripe is that the device (much like other Sony products) is only going to work with Sony TV’s, so if you want to use it you’re going to wither have to have one or shell out the cash for a new TV.

[via SonyInsider]

Sony DMX-WL1T: Sony’s first WHDI device is written by Emily Price & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 - 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved. ]]> http://www.slashgear.com/sony-dmx-wl1t-sonys-first-whdi-device-1514034/feed/ 0 http://www.slashgear.com/plasma-tvs-can-last-42-years-1514012/ http://www.slashgear.com/plasma-tvs-can-last-42-years-1514012/#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:42:18 +0000 Brenda Stokes http://www.slashgear.com/?p=14012 One concern many people have about plasma TVs is their relatively short lifespan. And until recently, it was commonly thought that you’d only get a few years out of your plasma screen before it was destined for the junk bin. But now it seems you could hang onto that flat-panel a good while longer.

Unless you watch your TV all day, everyday, you’re looking at a around 42 years worth of normal use, according to Panasonic. “Normal” use is about six and a half hours worth of viewing a day. That’s a significant increase from the previous notion that plasmas can only last “a few years.”

That being said, I highly doubt a 2008 TV will be in tip-top shape in 2052. You might still have a picture, but I’d imagine other parts would suffer wear and tear.

[via Gearlog]

How can I be so sure? Well, for starters, there’s all of the network websites that let you watch episodes of shows that have already aired. Sure, there’s a few commercials, but you can click through to the specific “act” of the show you want to see, as well. A good example is The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Just want to see the musical performance? No problem. Watch a minute long ad and you’re good to go. Plus, the picture quality is good.

Then there’s the websites not linked to any one network, like YouTube. Who hasn’t wasted a good several hours on that site? You can watch TV shows, interviews, movie clips, and people making fools of themselves all in one convenient place. And Hulu let’s you watch whole episodes of some TV shows (like Doogie Howser. Yes, that makes 2 NPH references in one week) and a bunch of clips from others. Movies are up there, too.

So what’s the point of all this? Well, with media at your fingertips, who wants or needs to sit around waiting for an episode of your favorite show to come on? Who even needs to remember when something will air? We live in the on-demand age. It’s all about instant gratification. And while deep down I know I’m supposed to think this is a bad thing, I can’t help but love it. I mean really, what did I do before I could look up old 80′s cartoons without hunting all over the net to find them? For that matter, what did I do before I had the Internet? I shudder at the thought.

But what do you think? Is having media at our fingertips corrupting us or is it a great timesaver and a provider of deeper access to entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments.