With your FiOS TV subscription and your 2012 Samsung Smart TV or Smart Blu-ray player, you’ll get instant access to 26 live TV channels, including HD channels. You’ll also be able to access more than 10,000 video-on-demand titles through Verizon’s Flex View service, which delivers on-demand content to TVs, PCs, tablets, and smartphones.

For the full lineup of Samsung Smart TVs as well as those from competing manufacturers that turned up at this week’s CES show in Las Vegas, make sure to check out our Smart TV Roundup. In particular, Samsung has a 60-inch model packed with Kinect-style motion and voice control. Samsung has also announced integrating DIRECTV, once again eliminating the need for additional set-top boxes.

Comcast and TiVo had been working together for more than six years to try and make the TiVo user interface an option for Comcast customers. After facing delays and other bumps in the road, Comcast has terminated that agreement. Instead, the company will now offer TiVo Premiere users access to its Xfinity TV On Demand content that includes over 25,000 titles.

The new partnership will be jointly promoted by Comcast and TiVo, with Comcast offering TiVo Premiere set-top boxes for free to its Xfinity video on demand subscribers. However, it’s not clear whether TiVo would be offering any special discounts or freebies for its own service to help promote the new venture.

[via Electronista]

However, theater owners are unimpressed with the proposal, concerned that premium VOD will eat away at attendance figures. “These plans fundamentally alter the economic relationship between exhibitors, filmmakers and producers, and the studios taking part in this misguided venture” the National Association of Theater Owners argues, though the studios behind Home Premiere have said they will delay any titles still performing well at the box office beyond the initial 60 day period.

On the other side, DirecTV and other providers have been arguing for even shorter periods between theatrical release and on-demand access, though at least one theater chain has supposedly threatened to not to screen films should that happen. Paramount is not taking part in Home Premiere over what is believed to be concerns over potential piracy.

Video demo after the cut

That includes The New York Times and USA Today, as well as VEVO, Pandora and Napster; Twitter will have a version too, along with online networks like blip.tv.  A new Google TV site has been set up with more details, and there are demos of the various apps and feeds in the video below.

Sony Pictures, Disney, and Warner Bros. are all named specifically to be in talks with In Demand (a partnership with Cox Communications), as well as Time Warner Cable and Comcast Corporation. The talks are in hopes to somehow create new sales numbers from movies, as the numbers in sales from DVDs are beginning to decline. The studios are trying to figure out a way to charge consumers for viewing movies “early.” Instead of waiting the three to four months, and sometimes longer, to get your hands on the DVD copy of a movie you enjoyed, the studios would let you watch them right on your TV, sooner, but for a higher price.

To make matters more interesting, Disney is contemplating the option of providing this premium service on Internet-connected devices, like Sony’s PlayStation 3 or Microsoft’s Xbox 360. The premium services on these devices would be the same on others, and still make the consumer pay upwards of $30 to get their eyes fixated on a new release movie, before it releases on DVD.

The tests are supposed to begin later this year from Time Warner, but there’s no word on how the tests will be rolled out, or how consumers would be able to gain access to the movies. While it would make sense that the movies would be made available through services already put in place, and by setting up a premium channel of some kind, that movie is completely up to the studios and those they are talking with. As for Disney, they are thinking about setting up tests which would start in the first half of 2011, and be centered around the release of one particular movie. Which movie is probably still up for grabs.

And while Sony has tried the same deal, but cheaper, in the past with single movies, like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in 2009, it seems that the company isn’t saying what their new test would be quite yet. Sony also didn’t comment on allowing the premium services on their PlayStation 3. And Microsoft didn’t respond, either.

What do you think? Charging $30 for a movie, before it comes out on DVD may seem like a lot, but is it something you’d pay?

[via Bloomberg]

Of those countries, Qriocity will launch in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and in the UK this Fall. It’s going to start as a video-on-demand service, but as the title above suggests, Sony has plans to expand that into several different areas. Qriocity will be available on Sony’s networked devices, which does include the PlayStation 3. As for the really important part, the movie studios that are on board include 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, MGM, Lionsgate, Sony (no surprise there, right?), and Paramount. So, obviously they’ve got some heavy hitters in there.

The other bit of good news for Qriocity participants, is that there will be Sony’s Music Unlimited service, which will be ready to rock and roll by the end of the year. Unfortunately, there’s no word on the pricing quite yet. There is also talk that there’s going to be third-party devices supported in this endeavor, but no time line for that support quite yet. So, Sony devices like Internet-connected BRAVIA TVs. Oh, and if you’re here in America and this all sounds familiar to you, that’s because you’ve actually been enjoying it since about April, so . . . Be happy that you got something worthwhile before Europe.

[via Sony]

According to the new report, it seems that several drafts of a proposal have made their way around corporations. These include General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal, Viacom Inc., and Time Warner Inc., amongst others. The proposals have been going out over the last couple of weeks, if not months, and have outlined a way for a Web-based subscription service to work. Considering Amazon already sells some single episodes of popular TV shows for about $1.99 each, and renting/owning movies from Amazon On Demand is pretty simple, this new streaming platform would make quite a bit of sense.

The sources go on to say that the subscription service would not only be available on the Web proper, but also on devices that already play TV shows and movies that Amazon already sells. That would include Microsoft’s Xbox 360, for example, and some Internet-connected TVs. And, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you would be immediately able to start streaming the service, without extra cost. That would give Amazon a pretty big bulk of customers right off the bat.

The sources say that Amazon wants to launch the online streaming service by the holiday season, this year, but there’s no word on whether or not that’s actually going to happen. It seems that it’s still unclear if any media giants are actually going to participate in the proposal. There’s a chance we get to hear from Apple on their own intentions, especially regarding Apple TV/iTV, so stay tuned. We’re sure this will get interesting soon enough.

[via Wall Street Journal]

Verizon plans on utilizing the same technology that’s tucked inside their set-top boxes, and bring the same kind of entertainment to the iPad, as well as other mobile devices in the near future. The application, though, will only work from a customer’s home, which puts the usability tone on the fence, but still, it’s better than nothing. If Verizon can pull away from experiencing any extra licensing fees (which they think they can), then it shouldn’t be a problem for the service to launch in due time.

However, while that’s all well and good, what about video-on-demand? Apparently, Verizon’s got a plan for that, too. The service will actually be launched for Android devices, as well as the BlackBerry Storm (2?), and Windows Mobile 6.5 devices. You’ll have to buy the videos via your cable box, or from the website, but then you can download that video on up to five different devices.

Cloud storage didn’t get forgotten, either, as Verizon’s set to update their Media Manager service. This will let customers upload up to 70GB of goodies to the cloud, and then stream it to their TVs, PCs, or mobile phones. As far as releases go, the report suggests that live streaming TV should be up and ready to go by early 2011.

[via NewTeeVee]

It’s also possible to watch the HD content on a PC or Mac, with offline downloads supported for $2.99.  As with other streaming content services, the HD in Amazon’s VoD is not at the same level as Blu-ray media; similarly, audio at present is stereo, not 5.1 surround sound.

Update: It seems that stereo or 5.1 sound is device-dependent, not down to Amazon’s service.  Since the Roku can only stream files (as it has minimal onboard storage) it can only handle stereo sound; other devices, which can download a full file before beginning playback, are capable of accessing 5.1 surround sound.

The full list of available titles can be accessed at Amazon.com.  The cheapest way to access the Amazon VoD service in a standalone system remains the Roku Video Player, priced at just $99.99.

Press Release:

Amazon Video On Demand Announces Launch of High Definition Movies and TV Episodes

Customers can now purchase HD TV shows from Amazon Video On Demand and rent HD movies from compatible devices including those from Roku, TiVo, Sony, and beginning today, Panasonic

SEATTLE – April 21, 2009 – Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that customers can rent box-office favorites and purchase top TV shows in HD from Amazon Video On Demand. Customers can select from more than 500 HD TV shows and movies from major studios and networks including Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Showtime Networks. Top titles available now in HD on Amazon Video On Demand include new-release movies such as “Frost/Nixon,” “Twilight” and “Yes Man” and hit TV series including “Californication,” “The Tudors,” “Smallville,” and “Gossip Girl.”

“Our customers have been asking us for two things: HD and the ability to watch movies and TV shows instantly on their television,” said Bill Carr, Amazon vice president Music and Video. “Today we are thrilled to begin offering HD and to add the distinctive Panasonic VIERA CAST®-enabled HDTV lineup to the growing number of televisions and devices supported by Amazon Video On Demand. We plan to continue making it easier than ever for customers to instantly enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies in HD from the comfort of their living rooms.”

With movies and TV episodes in HD, Amazon Video On Demand is providing customers with even more choices for entertainment. Customers can now order and watch movies and TV shows in HD on their televisions through compatible devices including: the Roku digital video player, TiVo Series3, HD, and HD XL DVRs, and the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link. Starting today, Amazon Video On Demand’s entire library of 40,000 titles, plus HD titles, are also available on Panasonic VIERA CAST® enabled HDTVs. Using these devices, customers can now rent HD movies for $3.99 – $4.99. Customers can also purchase and watch HD TV shows online on MACs or PCs, through compatible devices, or download them to their PC for offline viewing for $2.99.

“Panasonic is thrilled to be working with Amazon’s Video on Demand service, an association we see as another step in providing the ultimate entertainment experience for the consumer. Both Panasonic and Amazon are extremely consumer centric and this functionality will provide the consumer with a myriad of entertainment choices.” said Merwan Mereby, Panasonic vice president of New Business Development. “It’s fitting that Panasonic and Amazon have joined creative forces to create this unique entertainment vehicle. Panasonic’s VIERA CAST HDTVs have garnered numerous best of awards, while Amazon is a pioneer in transforming in-home movie entertainment. The consumer will have access to a vast selection of movie and TV entertainment at their finger tips with just a click of a button.”

“The addition of Amazon’s HD offerings to the Roku digital video player is a tremendous enhancement for our customers,” said Tim Twerdahl, vice president of consumer products at Roku. “Amazon’s vast selection of high-quality content is the perfect complement to Roku’s instant delivery of top movies and TV shows directly to the TV. The combination of Amazon Video On Demand and the $99 Roku player is an incredible value to customers.”

“This is a great day for our customers because our best-in-class HD offering just became even better with HD movies and TV shows now being offered by Amazon Video On Demand,” said Tara Maitra, vice president and general manager of Content Services and Advertising Sales at TiVo Inc. “Adding HD content from Amazon Video on Demand to an existing vast library of options shows once again that with a TiVo remote you truly can have it all. Consumers can access Amazon Video On Demand HD movies and TV shows, all with the simplicity people have come to expect from TiVo.”

“Striving to deliver high-quality content directly to customers, Sony is excited to have HD movies and television shows from Amazon Video On Demand delivered directly to BRAVIA televisions,” said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of TV Marketing for Sony Electronics.

Press Release:

DOWNLOADS FROM AMAZON VIDEO ON DEMAND COMING TO A TIVO DVR NEAR YOU

ALVISO, Calif. – April 21, 2009 — TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced the availability of HD movies and television shows for download from Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) directly to their television set. Starting today, broadband connected subscribers with a Series3™, TiVo HD, or TiVo HD XL will have access to high quality HD downloads available from Amazon Video On Demand.

Movie and television lovers from coast to coast can browse through hundreds of selections, all without having to leave their living room and at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a Blu-ray disc. High definition episodes of current TV seasons will be available for purchase at $2.99 and top new release HD movies will be available for rental from $3.99 – $4.99. The experience is made even better with the vast majority of titles providing Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, offering a full surround sound experience.

“Consumers are seeking affordable entertainment alternatives to an expensive trip to the movies. With HD downloads for movies and TV shows, TiVo and Amazon can transform any night into a memorable movie experience, all for a fraction of the cost of the theater,” said Tara Maitra, general manager and vice president of content services and advertising sales at TiVo Inc. “Our customers now have access to a new world of ultra high quality HD television and movie choices, many of which are available when the DVDs are released, something no other DVR, cable, or satellite company can match.”

TiVo Search, which is optimized for HDTVs with a wide screen display, will include HD results from Amazon along with broadcast and cable programs when a user performs a search.

“TiVo is enabling customers to access our unparalleled library of hit movies and TV shows, bringing them directly into the home where friends and family can watch from the comfort of the couch,” said Bill Carr, Amazon vice president music and video. “Together with TiVo, Amazon Video On Demand is excited to offer HD and increase the selection, quality, and convenience for the TiVo community.”

To activate their broadband-connected TiVo DVR, subscribers can log onto Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/videoondemand/tv. After a one-time registration, they can use the remote to search and browse the Amazon selections right from the TV screen, then download the selection directly to the TiVo DVR. To receive more information on how to download HD content from Amazon via your TiVo DVR visit www.tivo.com/amazon.

The content is all on-demand, and varies by provider.  E! Entertainment are offering daily segments from their E! News, Daily 10 and The Soup shows, while National Geographic will have three channels on the Hub – Kids, Travel and What’s New on TV – offering various video clips.  As for the VZ Navigator integration, it basically allows you to find a destination on the Hub and then send that to a Verizon Wireless cellphone; if that phone has a VZ Navigator subscription, as well as basic address details it also has access to turn-by-turn directions.

Of course, all that functionality comes at a price, and Verizon haven’t held back.  The Hub itself costs $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate, then there’ a $34.99 monthly service plan.  You’re also required to have at least one Verizon Wireless cellular plan, and since the Hub won’t, bizarrely, work as a router, if you don’t have one Verizon will happily sell you a suitable device for another $69.99.  Additional handsets cost $79.99.

Much like PlayOn makes use of game consoles or PCs to deliver Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, ESPN.com and other online contents though broadband service; Gridcast TV enables content distributors and owners to stream video directly over the Internet to viewers’ TVs though similar devices with UPnP capability.

Already inked with Xbox 360, Gridnetrworks will reach 35 million homes teaming up with PS3 though its video-content providers—Revision3, IndieFlix and HavocTV. Current services does not support DRM-contents and videos are encoded in Microsoft’s Windows Media format. Pricings and plans have not been finalized, but the company said they are looking into a variety of per usage rates instead of monthly fees, it could be charging per view, per byte, per minute per user or some combination of those.

SEATTLE –(Business Wire)– Dec 17, 2008 Video delivery platform provider GridNetworks today announced support for GridCast TV on the Sony PlayStation 3. The GridCast TV service, which launched last month, enables content distributors and owners to stream video directly over the Internet to viewers’ TVs without requiring a set-top box or any other additional hardware. GridCast TV uses existing UPnP (universal plug and play) devices such as the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Internet-enabled TVs.

GridCast TV can now be viewed by anyone with an Internet-connected Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. With combined support for these two gaming consoles, which hold a majority of console market share, GridCast TV can reach over 36 million homes worldwide, with roughly half of those in the U.S. These numbers are also growing quickly, with Microsoft recently announcing the biggest Black Friday ever for the Xbox 360, with record sales on one of the biggest shopping days of the year for U.S. retailers.

“Microsoft and Sony know that today’s console gamers are perfectly suited for new TV offerings,” said broadband media expert Colin Dixon in a report for TDG, a market planning and research firm that is a leading voice regarding the diffusion of broadband video. “The segment is dominated by males between the ages of 18 and 35—a prized advertising demographic—with little sense of loyalty to their ‘local’ cable or telephone company. They are also heavy viewers of online video and quite comfortable spending money for online digital media.”

Dixon’s report for TDG further quantifies this dynamic, with numbers that underline the opportunity available to video content distributors who can reach gaming console audiences:

* Approximately 190 million households will use a next-generation game console by 2012;

* 80% of these households—148 million—will have this console connected to the Internet; and

* 75% of connected-console households—more than 110 million—will use console-based video services at least a couple times each week.

GridNetworks CEO Tony Naughtin said, “Support for the PlayStation 3 further broadens the Internet reach we give content owners into their viewers’ living rooms. And just as with GridCast TV over the Xbox 360 and Internet-enabled TVs, our customers don’t have to give their content to a third party, or negotiate with cable or satellite providers. They remain in control of their brand, content, and revenue.”

Apparently they are also putting the HDX on the test bench to kick it up a few notches. So the work is still in the early beta process but Blu-ray quality or not, taking hours to get a movie rolling seems a little too much for a regular joe or any video enthusiast for the matter.