Hasta La Gadget!

TiVo’s mobile apps have so far been limited to those who use the company’s DVRs, but that audience is about to get much larger. The company has just launched a “powered by TiVo” program that will bring the apps’ Live Guide and content searching to cable TV providers, whether or not there’s a TiVo box attached. While those with generic hardware will miss a large chunk of the original experience, the features are the same underneath — recording and remote control are still around for the TiVo faithful. Atlantic Broadband will be the first to deploy a customized app in tandem with TiVo hardware in the fall, and we wouldn’t be surprised if others follow suit.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: TiVo

TV Guide Digital has fared well between its web portal and mobile apps, but part-owner CBS thinks there’s a lot of potential locked away. Enough so, in fact, that CBS is taking over TV Guide Digital by acquiring Lionsgate’s remaining 50 percent stake in the venture. The media giant now has full control of both TVGuide.com and the TV Guide Mobile apps, both of which are folding into CBS Interactive’s Technology, Games and Lifestyle division. CBS mostly hopes that the deal will make it a font of wisdom for channel surfers — it sees TV Guide Digital’s rapidly growing audience and programming knowledge as complements to TV.com. We don’t yet know how the acquisition will affect the TV Guide properties themselves, but we’d expect more than just the status quo.

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, Internet, HD

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Blockbuster started the month by launching an On Demand app for iOS and embracing the streaming video era. For the end of the month, it’s going retro: following a quiet App Store launch earlier in May, the company has formally announced a free Blockbuster 2.0 iOS app that covers everything but streaming. The release is built almost exclusively for traditionalists, letting them manage their Blockbuster By Mail rental queues, scan membership cards and check the stock at those stores that remain open. About the only concessions to modernity are the built-in movie trailers. While the app does give some needed love to disc-based viewers, it’s an acute reminder that much of Blockbuster’s original audience has moved on.

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: App Store

Vizio trotted out a new line of soundbars back at CES, and true to its word, they’re starting to materialize out in the real world. It’s the middle-child, 42-inch unit we’re seeing become available today. As a refresher, the 5.1 system comes with a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, Bluetooth, and a pair of rear satellite speakers. If that gap under your TV was calling out for this, then you can expect to see it at Amazon, Costco, and Walmart online, or Best Buy on both sides of the digital / physical realm (although it won’t be in stores until May 27th). Wherever you get it from, expect to lay down $330 for the honor.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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It’s just as likely that you’ll know Acetrax from the video services it’s behind, as from its own branded offerings. Regardless of how you might use the service, its owner Sky is pulling the plug on June 21st. Impact to pay-per-view customers should mean nothing more than looking elsewhere, but those who bought titles outright will need to download them before the cutoff (there are a bunch of caveats though). The same goes for account credit — either use it, or face the hassle of claiming it back after the fact. There’s an FAQ on the website outlining the best course of action depending on your situation, so we’d suggest you head there first before working your way through your rental library.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Via: CNET

Source: Acetrax