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TiVo is testing pre-roll ads on DVR videos and users aren’t happy

Brittany A. Roston | Sep 20, 2019

TiVo has quietly rolled out a new test that has some of its DVR customers raging. Users recently started noticing the arrival of advertisements that play before a recorded video, one that changes each time the video is loaded. Questions about these unusual ads prompted a forum post on TiVo's website, but the company has remained quiet at this time about what it's doing and whether users should expect to see the ads deployed broadly.

Roku adds new Express and Ultra players to its lineup with Roku OS update

Eric Abent | Sep 19, 2019

Roku today added two new streaming players to its product lineup in the US and other countries, bringing the total number of devices it offers to seven. The two new devices joining the fray today are refreshed versions of the Roku Express and the Roku Ultra, representing the two extremes of Roku's collection of players. On top of that, the company also introduced Roku OS 9.2, so all told it's a pretty big day for the company.

Comcast is sending free Flex boxes to its Internet-only customers

Brittany A. Roston | Sep 18, 2019

Comcast is making its Flex video streaming platform available to all of its Internet-only customers for free, the company has announced. Comcast Flex was introduced earlier this year as an option for customers who only sign up for Xfinity Internet, giving them an alternative to Comcast's cable service that features a similarly large body of content, including many free options.

Sonos Move Review: Cutting cords not corners

Chris Davies | Sep 18, 2019

Expectations were high for Sonos Move, the multi-room audio company's first portable, Bluetooth-compatible speaker. Dangerously high, you could argue: Sonos says its users have been asking for a completely wire-free speaker pretty much from day one, and that's plenty of time for an outlandish wish-list to develop. The reality of the $399 Move is that it's not quite the speaker we expected - the question is whether that's a good thing or bad.

NBCUniversal’s Peacock hopes these new shows will make you subscribe

Chris Davies | Sep 17, 2019

Does your wallet, heart, and soul have space for another streaming service? NBCUniversal is counting on it, announcing its own Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ rival will be called Peacock when it launches in April 2020.

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box makes a TV light show from any source

Chris Davies | Sep 17, 2019

The color-changing Hue bulbs in your living room are about to get a lot more useful, with the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box enabling just about any media source to get its own "surround light" show. Connecting in-between a TV and your HDMI sources, the new adapter wirelessly controls the smart lighting in the room, matching it to the colors on-screen.

Seinfeld is finally coming to Netflix: Here’s when to watch

Eric Abent | Sep 16, 2019

As far as sitcoms go, there's few out there that are as enduringly popular as Seinfeld. Despite that popularity (or as a symptom of it), those who want to stream the show here in 2019 are limited in their options. Though services like YouTube and Amazon have digital episodes and seasons for sale, the only subscription service on which you can stream Seinfeld is Hulu - at least here in the US.

Epson LS500 Laser Projection TV packs a unique screen for daytime use

Brittany A. Roston | Sep 12, 2019

Epson has introduced a new short-throw projector and projector screen combo that it calls the LS500 Laser Projection TV. Though projectors are a fairly common element in home entertainment systems, they're typically reduced to movie night when the lights can be turned off and the room is dark. Epson's new Projection TV is different, aiming to become a daytime television substitute via the inclusion of a unique screen.

Sonos One SL and Port go on sale for audiophiles and the assistant-averse

Chris Davies | Sep 12, 2019

Two of Sonos' newest whole-home audio products are arriving on shelves, with the Sonos One SL and Sonos Port both available from today. Announced last week alongside the new Sonos Move - the company's first battery-powered and Bluetooth-compatible speaker - the two new models eschew integrated assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Sonos Move hands-on: $399 Bluetooth speaker cuts all cords

Chris Davies | Sep 5, 2019

Pretty much from day one, Sonos customers have been asking for a portable speaker and one which can be taken outside: the new Sonos Move delivers both. As you might expect from the company pioneering streaming audio long before Spotify and Apple Music were even born, though, the Move is no ordinary wireless speaker. Yes, Sonos has made a Bluetooth speaker, and an expensive one at that, but it did so as only it could.

Sonos One SL and Sonos Port official: No-mic speaker and AV amp add-on

Chris Davies | Sep 5, 2019

Sonos' big news today may be Move, the company's first portable speaker, but it also has two other products to help build out your whole-home streaming audio system. The Sonos One SL offers another option for those looking for an affordable speaker but without integrated assistant support, while the Sonos Port is a nod to the audiophile crowd with some special features to make their installations more effective.

Amazon launches new Fire TV Cube, OLED smart TVs, and soundbar

Brittany A. Roston | Sep 4, 2019

Amazon has officially announced a new lineup of Fire TV products, including new Fire TV Stick models, new smart TVs running the company's software, an updated Fire TV Cube, and more. This was the company's biggest Fire TV announcement ever, covering more than 20 new products destined for the markets in Europe and North America. The company has teamed with TCL, JVC, Anker, and others for its latest product lineup.