Hulu for mobile could be coming to your cell phone in the near future, according NBC Universal's Chief Digital Officer George Kliavkoff. The online video industry was "at a similar log-jam a year and a half ago" said Kliavkoff at CTIA tonight, leading to NBC's launch of Hulu. "I don't know why we couldn't do something similar for mobile", he said.
When questioned directly if Hulu Mobile was coming, Kliavkoff replied that mobile TV is definitely of interest to NBC, but Hulu Mobile is "total speculation". Take note that there is no flat-out denial there.
Other interesting revelations from NBCU's CDO include live programming and highlights from this summer's Beijing Olympics broadcast onto mobile networks via MediaFLO and a partnership with Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion that'll see a number of NBC network TV sites coming to the cellular networks' supported phones.
And another fast-paced, action-packed month has passed wrapping up the first quarter of 2008. For a look back at all the action in March, take your pick of our March articles after the jump...
Sony PIX One Of Two Exclusive Channels Coming To AT&T Mobile TV
Looks like a movie network from Sony Pictures Television, PIX, is going to be one of the two exclusive channel coming to the AT&T mobile TV service we told you about earlier. Titles will come from Sony labels such as Columbia, TriStar, Screen Gems and Sony Classics, and offering a diverse selection of movies including titles such as Resident Evil and Ghostbusters.
Films will run on PIX for a month, with new titles coming weekly and Sony is apparently in talks with other US mobile carriers interested in including the new mobile channel in their mobile TV offerings. Sony has also said that the PIX channel is largely experimental and could include more short-form content in the future, be switched to an on-demand service, or even move its way online.
Microsoft has reached an agreement with Hollywood producer Peter Safran's Safran Company to produce original video content for Xbox Live. The producer behind big names such as Sean Combs and Nia Vardalos says the first round of programming will be all scripted (no reality crap, thank goodness), run under 10 minutes, and focused on genres that appeal to the core 14-34 demographic of Xbox 360 users.
The first shows are expected to be released this fall, exclusive to Xbox Live initially and will be accessible via the paid points system currently used to access content from networks such as Spike TV. Revenues will be further supplemented by advertising.
Scott Nocas, global marketing manager of programming for Xbox Live says Microsoft is looking "at this as the first of many" deals that will see more original video content available on the Xbox 360. And while established filmmakers will be acquired to produce the new series', Safran says we shouldn't expect to see any big-name stars actually acting in them.
Darn, that could be one of the keys to success in digital entertainment.
Loewe Connect 37 DR+: Loaded With Features Including Built-In Media Streaming
Loewe's Connect 37 DR+ is a beautifully designed 37-inch LCD TV that features some seriously high-end features. With 1080p resolution and 24fps HD media playback, expect a near-perfect picture, while a built-in 160 GB hard drive eliminates the need for a set-top box altogether. You'll have plenty of integrated space to record all of your favorite TV shows. A Connect 37 model is also available minus the hard drive.
Both models feature Wi-Fi and Ethernet options for streaming video from your PC using Windows Media Player. Unfortunately, no other streaming options are available. The Connect 37 DR+ also has a Scart socket for component video, 2 HDMI slots, and RCA digital audio inputs and outputs for connecting to a home theater system. It can even display photos and play music via two USB ports.
A couple of added options available to you are purchasing the Loewe Connect without the media streamer and adding DVB-S for receiving HD satellite signals. Available in black, white, and silver the Loewe Connect 37 DR+ is priced at 2150 Pounds or US$4300. Remove the internal hard drive and you'll pay 100 Pounds less, add-on will cost you extra.
Sony's Playstation 3 may be getting Bluetooth sometime in the near future according to a recent Sony filing with the FCC. Reading through the filing it looks like both the 60GB and 80GB PS3's will be soon released as Wi-Fi certified models with the addition of a Reverse F antenna. This is definitely going to require some further investigation.
Via Navigadget
AT&T Mobile TV, using Qualcomm's MediaFLO technology, will offer subscribers 10 mobile TV channels come May. Owners of Samsung Access and the higher-end LG Vu will be able to view CBS, Comedy Central, ESPN , FOX, MTV, NBC, NBC News, and Nickelodeon and two unannounced, exclusive to AT&T channels.
AT&T uses the same mobile TV network as Verizon, so the quality of the broadcasting is expected to be just as good as regular TV with an affordable expected pricing plan of around $15/month.
We missed this a couple days back, but in case you haven't heard yet, the HD DVD Promotion Group officially dissolved and removed their website March 28. Navigating to their homepage now will only net you this letter:
Bank Of America Predicts An LCD TV Price War, But Don't Get Too Excited
Sony will be selling a 32-inch LCD set in Wal-mart stores for $699 this spring, with a possible price decrease to $648 if a rumored Wal-mart discount is included. This is the first time Sony will sell a 32-inch set for less than $700 and is part of the electronic giant's strategy to bump mid-range Japanese brands such as Vizio and Olevia down a notch. With a slow US economy, the Bank of America is predicting that this is the first step in an all-out price war that will see LCD TV prices drop drastically. But not so fast.
All of the typical 32-inch models already sold in Wal-mart are already sold below the $699 price tag of the 720p Sony, plus LCD panel supply is going to be tight in 2008 with demand most likely exceeding supply. This doesn't bode well for lower prices. It does move Wal-mart one step closer to being a dangerous competitor to the likes of Best Buy and Circuit City, especially as the digital TV transition draws closer and people flock to upgrade to a digital set. This could mean a price war down the line, but we don't see it happening in 2008.
Broadband Providers To Take Over The Video Game Industry?
If you're wondering when the next generation of video game consoles are expected to hit the market, you could be waiting a very long time. According to Sandy Duncan, former VP of XBox Europe, game consoles as we know them could be dead and gone within the next 5-10 years. He expects by that time, we won't have any boxes sitting under our high-def TV's as most technologies will be virtualized by our web providers. As it is, the costs associated with the release of a new game console are extremely high and profit margins can be thin. It only makes sense that our content providers provide us with low-cost delivery video game content as well.
Dell Inspiron 1525 Laptop: One Of The Best Blu-ray Deals Around
One of the best Blu-ray player deals around at the moment comes in the form of a laptop computer. That's right, the new Dell Inspiron 1525 at only $879, comes with an integrated Blu-ray player and HDMI slot, and has all the functions typical of a laptop computer. Makes sense being a laptop and all. Using Broadcom Media PC technology and a built-in accelerator, the Inspiron 1525 can playback Blu-ray titles either on the laptop display or on your HDTV via the computer's HDMI connection. To be honest with you, I wouldn't buy any standalone Blu-ray player until prices come down. Buy the PS3 or Inspiron 1525. Look at all the added value for relatively little additional money spent.
Microprojectors, such as Microvision's PicoP embeddable cellphone projector, are expected to be available by the end of this year. Small enough to fit in your pocket or placed inside your cellphone, these tiny projection wonders are expected to cater mainly to the business market, enabling presenters to conduct on-the-fly presentations without worrying abour carrying around a clunky projector and finding a suitable screen.
Several different companies are currently working on different microprojection models, many of which will be integrated into cellphones. Stand-alone models are expected to cost about $350 when they first hit the market, but drop to under $300 fairly quickly. And microprojectors are expected to bring in big dollars. As telecom companies run out of ways to make money, microprojection and other video-related technologies are expected to be the next big moneymaker. By 2012, sales are expected to reach $2.5 billion for stand-alone models and $1 billion for module embedded into cellphones and other devices.
You have to wonder though, what the ramifications will be if microprojectors hit it big with the younger markets. Are we going to see guerrilla video presentations in public? Annoying teens playing YouTube clips on the back of people's heads on the bus? We can't wait to see!
HDTV Deal: Toshiba REGZA 42HL67U 42-Inch LCD TV For $899
Regularly priced at $1800, the Toshiba REGZA 42HL67U LCD TV is a 42-inch 720p display with 4096 levels of color gradation thanks to 333 Mhz, 14 bit PixelPure 3G digital video processing. That's 16 times the variety of color you'd find in a typical 8 bit model. DynaLight technology automatically regulates the brightness of the backlight and has 256 different brightness settings creating seamless frame transitions without flicker or motion blur. The 42HL67U uses an SRS WOW Soundstrip speaker system to deliver high-quality Dolby Digital sound and features PC support, 3 HDMI and 2 component inputs. Right now at Amazon, you'll pay only $899.98 for this popular 42-inch REGZA, saving $900, and the purchase includes free shipping.
In this world of multi-tasking and high-speed, watching television while fixing your face in the mirror is a great use of time. In my opinion anyways. Seura has developed a new TV mirror technology that allows the viewing of a HD television picture, but allows it to complete vanish when not in use. Coming in three series'-enhanced, premier, and decouverte-TV mirrors are perfect for bathroom use, or, coming in larger sizes, for a simple but contemporary addition to your living room or hallway.
Looks like Apple has quietly released their first Apple TV update since its mega Take 2 overhaul in February. The company hasn't even mentioned the update yet, though it appears to be little more than a maintenance fix available through their upgrade utility. The only visually noticeable change so far is a new Genres category under the My Movies heading allowing users to browse movies by, well, genre.
Humax Releases LCD TV Prototype: Retro Mashup Featuring Ancient Design And State-Of-The-Art Technology
Most of us familiar with the internet have heard of mashups which basically just combine two services, applications or concepts to produce something new and different. Humax has taken the term mashup to a whole new realm, producing a concept LCD TV designed by UK industrial designer Tej Chauhan. The set combines a retro exterior design reminiscent of the typical curvy design from the 1950's, but boast the hardware common to the most technologically advance HDTV's on the market. Will it hit shelves anytime soon? We doubt, but by making the rounds of the world's most popular design show, the Humax retro LCD TV will make for some cool eye candy.
Pantel's Waterproof LCD TV's Perfect For Summer Lounging In Your Backyard
Pantel has two new outdoor LCD TV's available that are rain, sleet, and sun resistant, perfect for some summer high-def R&R in your backyard. Coming in 32- and 42-inch sizes, the Pantel 320 and 420 feature 1336x768 resolution, a 1600:1 contrast ratio, an RF wireless receiver that allows wireless transmission of high-def audio and video up to 150 feet and a waterproof remote control. Pantel is apparently looking at the possibility of adding some larger models to the line-up, but expect them to be pricey, as the 32-inch Pantel 320 will cost you $3, 950 and the 42-inch Pantel 420 will set you back $4, 450.
Blu-ray Disc Sales Skyrocket, PS3 Gets Blu-ray Profile 2.0
Blu-ray disc sales have skyrocketed this year, recently passing the 9 million discs sold landmark, with a full third of those sales coming this year alone. This, according to stats from HMR Research, means that Blu-ray is on track for 15 million sales this year. This numbers come upon the release of Oscar-winning No Country For Old Men, selling over 68, 000 copies in its first week, besting the previous best first-week average of between 10, 000 and 30, 000 copies.
In other Blu-ray news, Sony has announced that its latest Playstation 3 update will include Blu-ray Profile 2.0, also known as BD-Live, which enables PS3 movie viewers access to interactive features such as downloadable content and games related to BD disc being viewed. Requiring an internet connection and at least 1 GB of free storage space, Sony's first BD-Live releases, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and The 6th Day, are slated for release April 8.
The newest PS3 update will also allow users to transfer music playlists and photos to the Sony PSP, the first step by Sony in turning the PS3 into a mobile home theater hub. Other features included with the Profile 2.0 update include:
"Resume play" will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.(*1)
"Audio Output Device" will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
PS3 system's Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser's view speed will be improved.
DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
"Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.(*2)
*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported.
USB Dongle: 2008 Beijing Olympic Mobile TV Solution
The USB Dongle, developed by Legend Silicon and aigo, has been developed to allow Chinese sports fans the ability to watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics in HD on their laptops. Of course, with China's big media being state-owned and all, it'll only work with coverage being broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV).
An estimated 800, 000 foreign tourists and 15 million Chinese residents are expected to tune into the Beijing Olympics via CCTV, and the developing companies of the USB Dongle say that their product is the most economical, efficient and portable way to view Olympic coverage.
Sanyo PLC-XW60: World's Smallest And Lightest Ultraportable Projector
Sanyo's PLC-XW60, announced by the company yesterday, is the world's smallest and lightest XGA LCD ultraportable projector. Sanyo was able to develop ultra-small optical components for the projector contributing to a decrease in lamp size of 39% and lens weight of 44%, ultimately resulting in a 3.6 pound projection tool perfect for corporate schleps constantly on the go. Features include:
1024x768 resolution
2000 lumen brightness
4:3 aspect ratio
automatic keystone correction
automatic input signal detection
guidance display for easy step-by-step setup
easy-off function that eliminates the need for cooldown time
Color or Blackboard mode displays pictures on any solid-colored service eliminating the need for a white projection screen
built-in 1 watt mono speaker
Interestingly the PLC-XW60 isn't compatible with HDMI, using component and composite video inputs. The Sanyo projector will be available in April 2008 at an expected street price of $795.
ApriPoko: The Ultimate Robot Friend/Personalized Universal Remote Control
Looks like Toshiba's failure with HD DVD has spurred them into entering the remote control market, and this time it looks to be no holds barred. The 5 pound, 11-inch ApriPoko can detect infrared signals from home theater devices resulting in the android asking you, "What did you just do?". If you tell ApriPoko you just ordered an on-demand movie, it will commit the command to memory so the next time you want to do the same thing you can just tell your robot friend to do it for you. By learning about your behavior through Q&A, ApriPoko functions as the ultimate personalized universal remote. ApriPoko is still in the R&D stages but is expected to eventually be released to the consumer market.
Matsushita, maker of Panasonic flat panel HDTV's, discussed its plasma business and what the next-generation of TV sets, the Fifth Wave, promises at a pre-seminar for the 2008 Flat Panel Display International conference. Susumu Tsujihara, a Matsushita manager, said that Panasonic will continue to focus on the plasma business and described three key characteristics of next-generation HDTV's:
active TV's will fuse television, print, movie, PC and digital signage cultures
TV's with more compression capabilities and professional digital technologies
displays that drive compression technologies used for formats such as Blu-ray
He also said that despite the recent focus on plasma thickness (or thinness), weight is just as important and Panasonic plasma sets will continue to get lighter.
Could Your DTV2009 Analog-To-Digital Converter Box Be Faulty? Microtune Says So
Microtune, a company that makes tuners for some of the analog-to-digital converter boxes, says it has tested 5 NTIA-certified converter boxes not containing its tuners, and found problems with all of them. Revealed in a letter to the NTIA (National Telecommunications & Information Administration), private testing by the company revealed "numerous and pronounced test failures" that could lead to "the loss of television reception in large areas of many metropolitan areas throughout the United States."
Microtune president Jim Fontaine said all five boxes were bought off the shelves although he declined to identify who the manufacturer's of the supposed faulty boxes are. Microtune has called for the NTIA to expand testing of all converter boxes to ensure they all comply to minimum standard and decertify those that aren't up to snuff.
Because decertification of boxes that contain rival tuners would benefit Microtune, we're all wondering if this is some kind of sick marketing ploy, but the company says that anyone can come and test their boxes, giving a guarantee of complicity with NTIA standards.
This wasn't the only case of "converter boxes under fire" today as the Community Broadcasters Association asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to force the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to put a stop to "the marketing of DTV converter boxes that block analog signals." They say that the court action is to protect the business of low-power local television stations, citing a 1962 law that forced the FCC to make sure that "all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce, or imported into the United States, for sale or resale to the public be capable of receiving all channels allocated to television broadcasting." Unfortunately, analog-to-digital converter boxes approved under the NTIA's TV Coupon program cannot have an analog tuner according to government specifications, a direct violation of the cited law.
Some local stations and even network affiliates will not be converting to digital in 2009, meaning that those that use the current NTIA-approved boxes will not have access to those stations. Many in the television industry are critical of the court action, saying that a positive resolution for the Community Broadcaster's Association would do little more than impose new costs on consumers to access services they probably don't and won't use. The FCC hasn't commented yet, but we'll keep you updated.
Fascinating Fact: Rich People Say Price Is The Decisive Factor In Their TV Purchase, Poor People Lag Behind
An interesting bit of research from iSuppli has revealed that while price is the most important factor for US consumers in the market to purchase a new TV, the richer folk actually care more about price than the poorer folk.
In the last quarter of 2007, 59.6% of American with incomes less than $25000 annually citing price as the deciding factor in their latest TV purchase. 63.1% of Americans making $100000-$149000 annually cited price as the main factor in their television purchase choice. What does this tell us?
Those who make more money are more concerned about money management than those who make less? No, it's probably the big house, fancy car, and pending divorce putting the screws to them!
LCD-DTV221 XBR PC Monitor Features DTV Tuner, HDMI
The 22-inch LCD-DTV221 XBR PC monitor, from Japan's I-O Data, is the latest addition to a growing trend of PC displays with integrated digital TV tuners. With a digital TV tuner, 1680x1080 pixel WSXGA+ resolution, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 300cd/m2 brightness level, the DTV 221 is the equivalent of many popular second-tier HDTV brands on the market currently. Other features include picture-in-picture, D5 compression, DVI HDPC, and even an HDMI port. Sound is pumped through two 2.5W integrated speakers, rounding up your home theater PC experience.
China's Next-Gen Hybrid STB Readies Analog TV's For The Digital Beijing Olympics
A partnership between Oki Electric Industry Co Ltd, Intel KK and Huashu Digital TV Co Ltd has resulted in the announcement of a "Next Generation Hybrid STB (set top box)" with both DVB and IPTV compatibility. Chinese operators usually distribute lower end STB's to consumers for free, but this results in users denied access to higher-end value-added services and minimal profits for operators. The next generation hybrid was developed as a solution to these problems.
Featuring an Intel CE 2110 media processor, the next-gen STB is compatible with HDTV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. It also has a plug-in Flash Player, a 2D/3D graphic accelerator, JVM (Java Virtual Machine), and internet access.
According to Oki Electric, 23.64 Chinese households had digital TV subscriptions in 2007, and the upcoming Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo in 2010 would lead to an increase in the number of cable channels being digitalized. This combined with HDTV and IPTV penetrating deeper into the consumer mainstream should lead to a huge demand for STB's in China for the next few years.
Vismara Design Incorporates Art Deco Into Your Home Theater
The number of ways designers attempt to incorporate flat panel TV's into home interior decor are becoming to high to count as HDTV continues to penetrate the mainstream market, but this Art Deco and Baroque framed media center, from Vismara Design, is one of our favorites as of late. Maybe not techie enough for some of you, but it definitely has a sense of old-school class and style, although apparently Crave doesn't agree with us.
FreeDTVShop Sells All Coupon-Eligible Converter Boxes, Provides Awesome How-To Resources
With 329 days left until analog television signals are switched off forever, you still have plenty of time to prepare for the digital television transition. We'd like to claim that we're the best resource on the web for everything you need to make sure you're not watching "snow" come February 18, 2009, but the truth is that there are plenty of other great resources out there as well.
According to recent research by Frank N. Magid Associates, 6 out of 10 Americans are now aware of the 2009 digital television transition. That means 4 out of 10 Americans don't even know it's going to happen, and likely more than four aren't completely prepared. In comes the newest site dedicated to DTV2009-FreeDTVShop.com.
A creation of Mosquito Productions, FreeDTVShop.com contains the largest selection of government-approved, coupon-eligible converter boxes around. Owner John Buchman says that "it shouldn't be a chore for TV viewers to track down coupon-eligible
converter boxes" resulting in his decision to put them all in one place.
The site is probably one of the most detailed of all the available web resources as well, offering tutorials showing customers how to hook up converter boxes to all types of older TV's and showing customers what their onscreen displays will look like once they have their digital receivers all connected.
While Buchmann has developed a great business model that's almost guaranteed to generate profits, it's important to note that 10% of all profits from converter box sales will go to New York's Freedom Calls Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing soldiers with the necessary technology to keep in contact with their families. Says Buchmann, "Everyone who purchases a coupon-eligible DTV converter box from FreeDTVShop.com will not just be getting a good deal on the equipment they'll need to keep their TV functioning after February 17th, they'll also be helping a military family to remain close in spite of the distance separating them."
Philips Design Collection TV's Feature "Curve Of Your Arse" Design
The video above is the new Philips Design collection, with an innovative curvy look that Shiny Shiny describes as being similar to the "curve of your arse".
65.7% of US multichannel households will have either high-def cable or high-def satellite subcriptions by 2012, according to a recent study by SNL Kagan. That's a huge increase from an 18.8% HD penetration number for 2007, but with 1 in 3 homes now having at least one HDTV, networks are under pressure to provide more HD content. We wouldn't doubt they hit 2012's expected numbers by the last half of 2010.
How Much Will You Pay For An HDTV In December 2008?
At the recent DisplaySearch Flat-Panel TV Conference, industry experts came up with some predictions regarding expected pricing for LCD and plasma flatscreen HDTV's for holiday season 2008. While HDTV prices dropped by about one-third last year, 2008 won't see drops quite as drastic, yet they'll continue to drop nonetheless.
LCD TV prices will drop by about 5-19%, resulting in the following expected prices by December 2008:
a 32-inch 720p set will sell for $647, down 7 percent from December 2007
a 37-inch 720p LCD TV will cost $782, down 5 percent
a 40- or 42-inch 720p LCD TV will sell for $944, down 5 percent
a 40- or 42-inch 1080p set will sell for $1,123, down 19 percent
a 46- or 47-inch 1080p set will sell for $1,528, down 17 percent
a 52-inch 1080p LCD TV will sell for $2,243, down 19 percent
Plasma sets saw drastic price cuts last year, the largest of which was the 63% price drop for 50-inch 1080p sets. This year we can expect to see a more moderate decrease in prices, 17-27% by year-end. So what can you expect to pay for a plasma HDTV by December 2008?
a 42-inch 720p set will sell for $803, down 20 percent from December 2007
a 42-inch 1080p model--which were scarce last year--will sell for $1,200, down 20 percent
a 50-inch 720p model will sell for $1,154, down 17 percent
a 50-inch 1080p model will sell for $1,817, down 27 percent
Other predicted HDTV trends for the rest of 2008 from DisplaySearch industry experts:
HDTV sizes uncommon last year such as 55-inch LCD's and 32-, 37-, and 46-inch plasma sets will take a more prominent place in the US
120 Hz motion blur technology will become more popular
higher-end brands such as Panasonic and Samsung will increase their market share, eliminating lesser known brands from the US
the use of LEDs will surge, including the use of OLED's, usage of which is expected to see 120% growth
Wal-mart and other general retailers will become more prominent in television sales
retailers will begin to offer more HDTV packages that could include, for example, Blu-ray players with the television purchase
with the top manufacturers exchanging the number one sales spot so frequently, most retailers will carry a fair selection of different HDTV brands
Starz Media, a television production and distribution company that houses Anchor Bay Entertainment and Manga Entertainment, will launch on iTunes tonight. Starz typically distributes both proprietary and licensed content on DVD through bricks-and-mortar retail chains such as Best Buy, but Marc DeBevoise, SVP of business development and strategy believes that people will purchase episodic content through the iTunes platform "as long as it feels like free". Starz will debut with two sitcoms, Hollywood Residential and Head Case as well as four popular anime series'.
Hulu For Mobile On Its Way?
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