CasaTunes Air bridges traditional whole-home audio with AirPlay

CasaTunes Air bridges traditional wholehome audio with AirPlay

So you’ve made it big time, you’ve got it all. The car, the toys and a big house with a whole-home audio system. The thing is, as great as your CasaTunes Music Server is with its in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, the ability to integrate with the latest and greatest AirPlay devices is still missing. Well it was anyways, as the new CasaTunes Air you can stream any content from your CasaTunes Music Server to all your speakers, AirPlay or any other. Even better, the music can be on your iOS device or stored on your server — but you can still control the whole thing from your phone or tablet. CasaTunes Air is a feature of the new CasaTunes version 4, which we can only assume is a free upgrades for existing CasaTunes Music Servers.

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CasaTunes Air bridges traditional whole-home audio with AirPlay originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 nasne update boosts console’s media credentials

Sony has announced an incoming media-centric update to the PlayStation 3, bringing the console up to speed for the new nasne networked recorder and NAS. Revealed back in April, nasne will hit Japanese shelves on July 19 along with system software update v1.5, allowing the PS3 to stream live and recorded content from the STB to their console, and introducing smartphone browser support for remote control. However, Sony will also begin collaboration with other companies on open DLNA support.

Sony says it plans to “proactively collaborate with DLNA client software developers to enhance compatibility between their software and nasne, so that users can enjoy even more content on their devices through the media server features.” That could mean the tuner-enabled box ends up useful even to those without a PS3; Sony had already said it would be streaming content from nasne to VAIO computers, its Smart TVs, and its Xperia phones.

The new update will also enable inter-compatibility between nasne and torne, and Sony has partnered with Japanese content providers SKY PerfecTV ! e2 and WOWOW. How nasne is presented to other devices via DLNA is also customizable, with user-selectable icons and a client management tool.

nasne is a compact tuner and DVR box, with integrated terrestrial and satellite digital tuners and a 500GB hard-drive. It hooks up to a wired network and can stream live and recorded content to multiple DLNA devices, while remote access from a web-based client is also supported. A USB 2.0 port supports adding extra storage.

Sony is yet to confirm whether nasne will go on sale outside of Japan, though the fact that the v1.5 software update announcement has been pushed out both in Japanese and English (which is not always the case) might imply that there are international launch plans on the drawing board. The STB is priced at 16,980 yen ($214).

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PS3 nasne update boosts console’s media credentials is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


HBO Go And Hulu Plus: The Perfect Living Room Marriage?

I’ve become an expert of sorts on entertainment. I’ve spent the better part of my life watching televisions, enjoying movies, listening to my favorite artists, and playing video games. To me, having all of that media available to me whenever I want it is a blessing.

Because of that, I spend an awful lot of time evaluating different entertainment opportunities. From Netflix to Hulu Plus to iTunes, I’m always out there examining what’s best and what might need some work.

For a long time, I truly believed that Netflix was the best entertainment option available to me. The platform had all kinds of movies and television shows, and it was cheap. Netflix was, for a while, the best living room entertainment option we had.

But now, I’m starting to move away from that. Netflix’s content library is on the decline, and I’m finding myself watching programming on Hulu Plus and HBO Go far more often. To me, those two services are delivering the very best in living room entertainment.

How, you might ask? Simple: top-notch content.

Let’s start with Hulu Plus. Although the commercials can be annoying, the sheer amount of content on the service is delectable. I can watch some of the latest episodes of television shows I might have missed, as well as check out some older films that, in some cases, really aren’t too bad. Granted, Hulu Plus has its limitations, but for those looking for a solid television alternative to Netflix, it’s quite good.

“How HBO gives away so much content for the price is beyond me”

HBO Go, however, might just be the best addition to the living room experience I’ve seen in years. How HBO is willing to give away so much of its content for only the price of subscribing to its network is beyond me. But I’m more than happy to take advantage.

If you haven’t tried out HBO Go, you should do so sooner rather than later. HBO offers every episode (yes, you read that correctly) of its series both on now and off the air. In addition, it comes with the network’s documentaries, sports coverage, and films.

The issue with HBO Go is its general lack of availability in the living room. Unless you have certain devices or televisions, you’ll more than likely be watching it on a computer. Luckily, my Samsung television recently started supporting HBO Go, so I can watch all of its programming right from the couch. Over time, I expect more vendors to support the application, as well.

So, let’s consider this new scenario: when we want to watch popular, current major network and cable programming, we can opt for Hulu Plus. And in those cases where we want to check out what, I believe, is a grouping of even better shows and entertainment, we can go for HBO Go.

With Hulu Plus and HBO Go in tow, I don’t quite miss Netflix. In fact, I couldn’t care less about it.


HBO Go And Hulu Plus: The Perfect Living Room Marriage? is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


AMC to live stream Breaking Bad season premiere on its site, Dish customers rejoice

AMC to live stream Breaking Bad season premiere on its site, Dish customers rejoice

Yes! Good news are in for those of you who were affected by the ongoing kerfuffle between Dish and AMC: the TV network just announced it’ll be live streaming the return of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman on its website. As you’re likely aware, this announcement comes shortly after Dish Network revealed it was dropping the home of Breaking Bad and Mad Men from its lineup, after both parties couldn’t reach a deal to keep the channel in place — if there ever was one on the table to begin with. Nevertheless, AMC’s taken it to the interwebs to stand its ground, and has rolled out a page inviting Dish customers to sign up for the free live stream of the season premiere this Sunday. Notably, TechCrunch reports an AMC rep told the site that “there’s no real way for the network to verify that viewers are actually Dish subscribers,” which pretty much opens the doors to anyone wanting to join the Season Five fun. The link to the nice streaming gesture is down below, so give it a bookmark if you’re planning on tuning in.

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AMC to live stream Breaking Bad season premiere on its site, Dish customers rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AUO, LG, Toshiba pay $571 million to settle LCD price fixing lawsuit, broken record keeps skipping

AU Optronics 71-inch 3D LCD

The way LCD price fixing lawsuits keep popping up and settling in short order, you’d think they were going out of style. The latest motley group to face a reckoning includes AU Optronics, LG and Toshiba, the combination of which has agreed to pay a total of $571 million to eight separate American states to either avoid the the legal wrath of a class action lawsuit or to pay an outstanding fine. Allegedly, the trio kept LCD prices artificially high between 1996 and 2006, hiking the prices of PCs and TVs in the process. There’s a slight twist here: while keeping the display builders honest is the primary goal, the class action status will net some direct rewards for the public. Americans who claim to have been wronged in the scandal can get “at least” $25, which goes a lot further towards buying an LCD than it did six years ago.

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AUO, LG, Toshiba pay $571 million to settle LCD price fixing lawsuit, broken record keeps skipping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Pear brings Bluetooth to your Apple-compatible speaker dock

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line.

Insert Coin Pear brings Bluetooth to your Applecompatible speaker dock

What a lovely set of speakers. Let me just dock my smartphone right th…

Or perhaps you happen to own one of the thousands of devices not equipped with a proprietary Apple dock connector. Well, when it comes time to slide your Android or Windows Phone into place, the only sound you’re likely to hear is the screech of a 30-pin plug scratching up the case. If the speaker rig packs Bluetooth, you can use that instead, but if you own one of many that don’t, you’ll probably want Pear. Drawing some name and design inspiration from an arguably more popular fruit, Pear brings Bluetooth connectivity to any dock connector-equipped speaker set, drawing power from the port so it can pair with virtually any smartphone or tablet, letting you play your tunes while keeping your handset in hand. It offers a range of 30 feet indoors or up to 75-feet outside (there’s a video proving the feat at the source link below), and works with any apps and devices that offer Bluetooth output.

The wireless gadget’s designer is turning to Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to launch Pear into production. The team has already developed a working prototype, so there’s proof that you’re not backing vaporware, and a $30 pledge can net you one of 250 early bird devices. After that initial run, you’ll need to hand over 40 bucks (which also happens to be the expected retail place) for an arctic white or jet black Pear. The developers are hoping to raise $40,000, to cover their prior investments and push the device to the manufacturing stage (no, it won’t be “made in the USA“), so if you want to see Pear pop up in a speaker dock near you, hit up our source link below to make your pledge. You can also jump past the break for a quick intro video, and an update on a previous Insert Coin project.

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Insert Coin: Pear brings Bluetooth to your Apple-compatible speaker dock originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC’s 2012 London Olympics second screen and streaming apps for Android and iOS launch today

NBC's 2012 London Olympics apps for Android and iOS are now available

NBC mentioned it would deliver two complementary mobile apps for its extensive London Olympics coverage and now they have arrived. Available for Android phones and tablets as well as the iPhone and iPad, they’re built on Adobe technology to deliver the information and live streaming video, as well as handle the TV Everywhere authentication with the cable providers that’s necessary to view all of the content. The NBC Olympics Live Companion is specifically designed to operate as a second screen for users to pull up stats and extra info on while they watch TV, and the NBC Olympics Live Extra app delivers video of every event streaming live to users wherever they are. It supports multiple camera angles, social features like the Facebook tie-ins NBC announced yesterday and users can even switch between the two apps at will.

Check after the break for a quick video preview of some of the technology at work, and if you’re planning to tune into the games, hit NBC’s Olympics site now to sign in and authenticate so once the Opening Ceremony kicks off, all you’ll have to do is press play.

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NBC’s 2012 London Olympics second screen and streaming apps for Android and iOS launch today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Sonic Screwdriver is a Remote Control on the Inside

A remote control? Whaaaat. It doesn’t make as much sense as the Sonic Screwdriver screwdriver right? Then again, it’s not as if the tool itself makes sense. A screwdriver that opens locks and takes vital stats? Whaaaat.

dr who sonic screwdriver tv remote control

Except for its case, this gadget is very similar to the Magic Wand remote control. It can learn up to 39 gestures – and thus 39 commands – to control any device that has an infrared remote, from TVs to home theater systems. It also emits 13 sound effects from the Doctor Who series.

ThinkGeek sells the Sonic Screwdriver programmabey-remotey for $100 (USD), but you should travel to the site at a future date in September because the gadget is currently sold out.

[via Ubergizmo]


Toshiba unites PC, tablet and TV design groups, aims for hub of digital harmony

Toshiba unites PC, tablet and TV design groups, aims for hub of digital harmony

Toshiba is one of the few Japanese tech giants to be riding high from a cash standpoint, but the company is still looking for ways to trim the fat — not to mention get some fresh design in the process. The firm is merging the design team for its Regza TVs into the same western Tokyo facility that houses its PC and tablet groups. While there’s a certain amount of cost-cutting involved, the shift will help “fusion products,” Toshiba says, where TV influences PCs and tablets (or vice versa) like so much chocolate getting into peanut butter. The only amount of discord left might be in Toshiba’s TV production, where quality and production controls are being outsourced and more of the production itself is leaving Japan. As much as we’d argue that the Excite 13 is almost too much like a TV to begin with, we’ll only find out whether or not there’s merit to Toshiba’s design nirvana after the groups get cozy with each other later this year.

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Toshiba unites PC, tablet and TV design groups, aims for hub of digital harmony originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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July 12th, 1962: the day two continents smiled at each other

July 12th, 1962 the beginning of satellite TV, the end of islands

We’d probably all agree the Internet is the real revolution of the modern era, but today marks an older, parallel milestone that also brims with significance. On July 10th, 1962 — back when JFK fretted over Russian missiles in Cuba and Bob Dylan sang In My Time of DyingNASA pelted the Telstar 1 satellite out into orbit, following a team effort by AT&T, Bell Labs and the British and French post offices. Two days later, the world’s first transatlantic TV signal made its way from Maine to Brittany, via a quick stop-over in the heavens, and a new age of international communication was born. Kennedy forgot his troubles for a moment to tidy his hair and grin at France, who replied with a chirpy performance by Yves Montand. It didn’t last long: Telstar 1 gave up its spherical ghost after just a few months and 400 transmissions, but by then, of course, the message had been delivered.

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July 12th, 1962: the day two continents smiled at each other originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 07:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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