Engadget HD Podcast 315 – 09.11.2012

Engadget HD Podcast 296 - 04.25.2012This week’s news includes the rare Common File Format for UltraViolet resurfacing, as well as a new DHD initiative from Fox that could push downloadable movies forward faster than ever before. That’s before we even dive into all the news from CEDIA 2012 and take a peek at the just-released Ceton Companion mobile app for Windows Media Center. Also included: where our NFL Pick ’em selections went horribly, horribly wrong and more 84-inch 4K displays than you can shake a stick at.

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

Producer: Trent Wolbe

09:00 – Fox to sell Digital HD movies three weeks ahead of discs or VOD, Prometheus is first
17:22 – Revamped Flixster.com gives one-stop digital movie access for both UltraViolet and non-UV stores
21:38 – UltraViolet movie format to use Dolby Digital Plus encoding, keep sound thumping across platforms
27:23 – Kaleidescape teases movie download store; brings Rotten Tomatoes, Leonard Maltin to its servers
29:15 – Ceton Companion apps for iOS and Android are available, bring WMC mobile control for $5
33:27 – NextGuide for iPad intends to get you to stop using the grid guide
39:26 – Epson leaves well enough alone with its new Home Cinema projector lineup
40:30 – JVC reveals e-Shift2 4K scaling projectors, promises true 4K LCDs for under $20k
42:15 – SIM2’s $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters
43:37 – NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC
44:55 – LG’s 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale in the US next month for $19,999
45:15 – Sony’s 84-inch 4K Bravia XBR-84X900 goes up for pre-order tomorrow for $25,000
47:42 – Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499
48:22 – Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without
50:26 – Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers
52:22 – Proficient Audio launches MaxTV MT2 speaker box, soundbars start job hunt
53:29 – Motorola launches 10 new set-top boxes at IBC 2012
56:18 – Must See HDTV (September 10th – 16th)

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Engadget HD Podcast 315 – 09.11.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a ‘true direct touch experience’

Sony Xperia V packed new sensoronlens touchscreen tech, offers a 'true direct touch experience'

If you thought LG’s Optimus G and Nokia’s Lumia 920 had future touchscreen tech all sewn up, then be ready to welcome Sony’s own contribution. Its sensor-on-lens touchscreen will debut on the Xperia V, combining the sensor and lens component of a standard capacitive display, reducing the number of layers, glare and other interference. This improves both image quality and the screen’s responsiveness — Sony reckons the experience brings it in line with the aforementioned on- and in-cell touch display technology. During our brief hands-on at IFA, we found the Xperia V was certainly responsive enough, but perhaps some of that sensation can be attributed to the new screen, rather than the dual-core Snapdragon processor powering it. We’ll be sure to give it a thorough testing when our review model appears.

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Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a ‘true direct touch experience’ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla details service plans, software updates for Model S

Tesla details service plans, software updates for Model S

So you drop $50,000+ on a Tesla Model S — then what? The all-electric automaker offered some more details on what folks can expect in the ensuing years on its blog this week, detailing service plans and software updates, and what it’ll all cost. On that latter point, you can expect to pay $600 for a basic one-year service plan, or opt for a four-year package that’ll set you back $1900 — on-site visits are available for an extra $100, or as part of a four-year, $2400 plan that includes unlimited on-site visits. To provide that service, Tesla has also announced that it’s nearly tripling its number of service centers, which it says will mean there’s a service center within 100 miles of more than 90 percent of Model S reservation holders. What’s more, it’s also offered some details on what those owners will see in future software updates, including an optional “creep” mode that will mimic the slow, forward roll of a car with an automatic transmission. You can find more details and a full list of service centers at the links below.

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Tesla details service plans, software updates for Model S originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xiaomi Phone 2 pre-production units available on September 22nd, limited to 600 lucky buyers

Xiaomi Phone 2 pre-production units available on September 22nd, limited to 600 units only

Much like the run-up to the previous flagship product launch, Qualcomm-backed Xiaomi has just announced that it’ll be selling a small batch of pre-production second-gen Xiaomi Phones, in the hopes to get some keen users to perform last-minute checks before mass production. To be exact, only 600 of these quad-core Jelly Bean phones will be made available online at local time 10am on September 22nd (that’s 10pm ET on the 21st); and even if you have CN¥1,999 ($310) to spare, you’ll still need to be one of the 1,200 expert members from the Xiaomi and MIUI online communities to be able to hit the “order” button. Nice hype drive, if you ask us.

Later on, successful buyers can simply swap their engineering units in for a final version of the 16GB or 32GB Xiaomi Phone 2 — the latter a new addition that co-founder Lei Jun announced on Sina Weibo last Saturday (where he also cheekily asked if anyone need a 64GB flavor). For those who qualify but would rather avoid the digital bloodshed next week, we suggest you wait until the official Chinese launch in the second-half of October; or try Taiwan by the end of the year.

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Xiaomi Phone 2 pre-production units available on September 22nd, limited to 600 lucky buyers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX network

EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX networkEarthLink has been laying low since its Philly-wide WiFi project failed all those years ago, but now it’s back in the limelight with Clearwire’s 4G network under-arm. The companies have struck a deal for EarthLink to access Clearwire’s WiMAX infrastructure, initially to offer wireless, in-home broadband. This is expected to launch in early 2013, with mobile and small business markets being future goals. An LTE network is also in the pipeline, don’t forget, and when it goes live, EarthLink is likely to expand the agreement to cover it. The ISP is obviously putting its eggs in the 4G basket, because no one wants wires anymore, do they?

Continue reading EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX network

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EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientists develop robotic tentacle that can pick flowers, make us thumb our collars

Scientists create soft robotic tentacle that picks flowers, has us thumbing our collars

Okay, it’s a little too late for Johnny 5’s grass hopper, but thanks to new “gentle” robotic tentacles developed at Harvard University, future generations of insects could escape a similar demise. Researchers have created a new soft appendage made from flexible plastic, that uses three compartmentalized air channels to achieve a snake-like range of movement. The touch of the tentacle is so light, that it is able to pick flowers without damage. While suggested applications include working with fragile objects, or in hard to reach locations, the team also experimented by adding cameras, suction cups and — most terrifyingly — syringes to the tip. The only limitation, apparently, is that the air channels prevent it from being scaled down. So while our insect friends are safe from strangle-bot, we might not be so lucky.

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Scientists develop robotic tentacle that can pick flowers, make us thumb our collars originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Splendor now available at US Cellular for $80 after rebate, it’s the Optimus L7 all over again

LG Splendor now available at US Cellular for $80 after rebate, it's the Optimus L7 all over again

After having previously leaked, the LG Splendor is now officially available at US Cellular. A retooled version of the Optimus L7, it combines Android 4.0 with a single-core 1GHz CPU, a 4.3-inch WVGA display and a 5-megapixel camera that’ll capture video at 720p. The phone also sports a front-facing VGA camera, 2GB of internal storage, a 4GB microSD card and a 1,700mAh battery. Unfortunately, its heritage means purchasers must deal with sluggish performance and forego basic amenities such as an ambient light sensor. Given its $80 price tag — after a $100 mail-in rebate, mind you — it’s positioned as a poor alternative to the Galaxy S II, which is also available for $80 from US Cellular. Don’t say we never warned you.

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LG Splendor now available at US Cellular for $80 after rebate, it’s the Optimus L7 all over again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 07:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CyanogenMod 10 now available in ‘M-Series’ monthly builds

If keeping up with those CyanogenMod 10 nightly builds was hard work, or just a little too bleeding-edge, then you might be interested to hear about the introduction of “M-Series” releases for CM10. Once a month, the team will release a more stable version for your downloading pleasure, though they are also keen to point out they will be available under the experimental tag. The list of handsets that will get the new builds includes variants of the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S, Galaxy SIII, Nexus S, Nexus 7, Galaxy Note and Sony Xperia S. Support for more phones is promised, but for now, head over to the official site for the comprehensive list and a link to the downloads.

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CyanogenMod 10 now available in ‘M-Series’ monthly builds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia reveals new City Lens augmented reality app for Windows Phone 8 lineup

Nokia reveals new City Lens augmented reality app for Windows Phone 8 lineup

Just last week, Nokia’s augmented reality app known as City Lens broke free of its beta shackles, but its developers are hardly sitting on their laurels as they help prepare the company’s Windows Phone 8 handsets for store shelves. New to the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, Nokia has announced a refined version of City Lens replete with 3D icons and the ability to disable suggestions that aren’t within the line of sight. Also on deck, users will be able to query their surroundings more quickly by pinning categories to the home screen and storing favorite searches. As one final addition, Nokia will be introducing the ability to use City Lens in both portrait and landscape orientation. Unfortunately, the company hasn’t committed to these new features for the Windows Phone 7.5 version of its app. For a quick peek of what’s next, just hop the break for a video teaser from Nokia.

Continue reading Nokia reveals new City Lens augmented reality app for Windows Phone 8 lineup

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Nokia reveals new City Lens augmented reality app for Windows Phone 8 lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vonage mobile apps get international roaming, let users chat for free on both sides of the border

Vonage mobile apps get international roaming, let users chat for free on both sides of the border

For the past year or so, Vonage has been adding to its international VoIP game, and the latest new feature is roaming. That’s right, the company’s iOS and Android apps will soon have Vonage Mobile Roaming, meaning folks can take all their incoming calls over WiFi wherever they go without fear of ringing up a ridiculous cellphone bill. The catch? The service is in its trial phase and you’ve gotta reside in the UK, Netherlands, Spain or Italy to take advantage of this frugal feature. Those interested (and eligible) can sign up to get in on the action at the source below.

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Vonage mobile apps get international roaming, let users chat for free on both sides of the border originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 20:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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