No press release, in fact no fanfare at all, but we’re hearing that VUDU have released a minor upgrade for their Netflix streamers that allows users to watch high-definition YouTube content, rather than standard definition. Previously, viewers were given no option to switch between the two formats (if HD was available); now, VUDU automatically prioritizes the high-definition clip.
At a press conference at CES 2009 today, Samsung announced the latest generation of their Interactive TV Experience, with HDTVs integrating DLNA media streaming, online video from sites such as YouTube, streaming movies from Netflix and similar providers, connected Yahoo! Widgets, and media such as photos, video, music and stocks. Yahoo! are calling this Cinematic Internet, bringing user choice, openness, community and customization to the television screen, controlled solely by a remote control.
LG today announced their new NetCast Entertainment Access system that brings Yahoo!, Netflix and YouTube content directly to selected models in the company’s HDTV range. Both LCD and plasma TVs with the NetCast technology will be available, starting with the 47- and 42-inch LH50 LCD models and 60- and 50-inch PS80 plasma models.
Netgear’s EVA9000 Digital Entertainer Elite has been quietly wowing the preview crowds with some pre-CES demonstrations. The 500GB mediaplayer is capable of streaming HD 720p video over your WiFi draft-n network, in addition to pumping out full 1080p high-definition content from your PC.
Check out the video demo after the cut
YouTube have switched on High Definition viewing for online content that has been uploaded in suitably high-resolution. Although there has been no official comment from the company as yet, a search for “HD” shows multiple clips with the option “watch in HD” where once it said “watch in higher quality”. Comparison screenshots after the cut.
SlashGear is taking to the skies later on today, for Virgin America’s WiFi Launch Beta Flight. The first demonstration of the in-flight internet service, we’ll be brushing aside the complementary rice crackers in favor of surfing the internet. Then, we’ll be heading straight for the YouTube Live event, to bring you all the details.
As the date when all TV broadcasts switch to digital approaches, we’re going to hear more and more about it. That seems to already be the case and now CEA is launching a contest on YouTube called Digital TV: Convert Now! that’s meant to help people convert their old analog sets to digital.
If you like to film a lot of impromptu video or simply want a recording solution for traveling and what not, the Samsung VM-MX25E digital media camcorder has the H.264 codec, making uploading videos straight to YouTube incredibly easy.
I don’t spend all that much time watching TV anymore. In fact, while I spend more time than ever in front of the computer, I hardly ever sit for hours straight in front of the TV. And I’m okay with that. And though we have a DVR and all of that, I still don’t get antsy if we miss a favorite show. No, I’m not sure that I’ll catch it in a rerun. I’m positive that I’ll catch it online.
TiVo recently began rolling out its Summer (9.4) software update to its PVR subscribers and, while the company initially kept quiet about it, they have included YouTube video playback. Available to Series 3 and TiVo HD users, the functionality will begin to show up as early as July 18th but it will take 2-3 weeks before all boxes have been updated.
Check out the video of YouTube on TiVo after the cut
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