Hasta La Gadget!

We bet you thought your DirecTV receiver and Android tablet would never get along, didn’t ya? Well, it has been over two years since the satellite provider released an iPad app, and although software for both Android and Apple smartphones were available long before that, Android slates have curiously been neglected. That’s all changed now, however, as “DirecTV for Tablets” quietly snuck onto the Play store yesterday. Better late than never, we suppose, and at least it’s got the functionality you’d want to make up for its tardiness. The app allows you to use your tablet as a remote, stream various channels (including the Audience Network), manage your DVR, access a bunch of TV-related content, and overshare your viewing habits on several social networks. If you’ve been waiting for the app so long you refuse to believe it’s actually here, don’t trust us. Head to the source link for proof.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Tablets, Software, HD

Comments

Via: Solid Signal Blog

Source: Google Play store

We doubt we’ll see any reduction in ticket prices, but the process of bringing new movies to theaters could get easier very soon as five major studios have signed on with the Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC) to use its satellite distribution network. Lionsgate, Universal, Disney, Warner and Paramount are all on board with the scheme, which says it will provide participants access to “a host of delivery options” as digital projection becomes increasingly common. The Hollywood Reporter quotes spokesman Randolph Blotky saying the network is expected to reach 300 locations when it launches this summer, all of which will be equipped with an appliance from video distributor KenCast. The satellite end of things is being handled by EchoStar/Deluxe, and once it’s rolled out should make things much easier than the current system of shipping hard drives back and forth. Of course, what we’re not hearing so far is if/how this upgrade will reach smaller, older theaters that are facing pricey upgrades from film-based equipment, but with theater chains like AMC, Regal and Cinemark forming the DCDC along with Universal and Warner, those considerations are probably a little further down the list.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Comments

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Zotac has this media-friendly SFF computer thing pretty much nailed. For years the company has been churning out ever smaller machines purpose built for living rooms and media servers. The StreamBox and RAIDbox aren’t standalone computers, but accessories that build on the home theater capabilities of their ZBOX PCs. The StreamBox pushes content to your TV from a laptop, Android smartphone or tablet using DLNA or Miracast for mirroring your portable’s display. In addition to the 10/100 Ethernet jack and dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n radios, there’s also a USB port on board for connecting external storage devices. What kind of storage devices, you ask? Well, how about the USB 3.0 RAIDbox that was unveiled alongside the StreamBox. The box itself doesn’t ship with any drives inside, but you can slip in a pair of mSATA SSDs and it wont even require an external power supply. Sadly, the really important details like price and availability haven’t been announced, but you can still read the PR after the break.

Filed under: Desktops, HD

Comments

Via: Tom’s Hardware

Source: Zotac 1, 2

Now that Cablevision is actually suing Viacom over channel bundling, is there a chance that major changes are coming to the pay-TV landscape? We’re not entirely optimistic, and most regular listeners may already understand why but we’ll lay out the obstacles as they stand (spoiler: money). Still, progress marches on with new developments from YouTube and DirecTV apparently getting ready for its inevitable 4K channels. We also take a look at F1’s first 3D broadcast just as LG starts shipping its… unique new laser projector.

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: James Trew (@itstrew)

Hear the podcast

Filed under: Podcasts, HD

Comments

Amazon doesn’t have any original programming just yet that can quite compete with the buzz of House of Cards or the resurrection of Arrested Development. What it does have, however, is a compelling lineup of exclusive children’s programming from big names like Angela C. Santomero and Carol Greenwald, the people responsible for Blue’s Clues and Curious George, respectively. The two are collaborating on Sara Solves It, the second project from Santomero for Amazon’s burgeoning Prime lineup. The series, which stars bother and sister Sara and Sam, was created with help from WGBH Boston (home of Frontline and Nova), where Greenwald works and is currently under contract for 12 episodes. It’s unclear when the duo will begin solving their “absorbing and relatable” math mysteries, but our friends across the pond can rest easy knowing the interactive children’s programming will be coming to Lovefilm in the UK and Germany as well.

Filed under: HD, Amazon

Comments