Hasta La Gadget!

Second screen apps seem to be all the rage as of late, and Vobile’s freshly announced TVSync API platform can help developers ride that wave of popularity. Compatible with iOS and Android devices, PCs and some smart TVs, the API can be leveraged to supplement what’s on the silver screen with relevant content ranging from polls to products. Apps developed with the interface can trigger what’s displayed on the companion screen at just the right moment by analyzing audio, video, or both. For instance, a recipe featured on a celebrity chef’s program could be pushed to your slate as soon as it’s first mentioned. Yearning to code an app of your own with the tech? Visit the source to request beta access to TVSync or look below for the full press release.

Continue reading TVSync API unveiled, helps devs build second-screen and smart TV apps

Filed under: Home Entertainment

TVSync API unveiled, helps devs build second-screen and smart TV apps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  TVSync  | Email this | Comments

Roku unveiled its miniaturized Streaming Stick at CES, and while we still don’t have an exact release date or price tag, the company has produced a list of manufacturers that will deliver “Roku Ready” hardware. That list is comprised of Element Electronics; GlobalVue International, LLC; Haier; Hitachi America, Ltd.; Insignia / Best Buy (which already tried out this strategy once with the whatever-happened-to-the TiVo-powered cTV); Mitsubishi Electric (TVs); Onkyo and Integra; OPPO and TMAX Digital, Inc.(Apex Digital(R) TVs). In case you’ve forgotten, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into MHL-compatible HDMI ports to not only feed video to the HDTV, receiver or other device, but also accept remote control inputs and power, and brings its own WiFi hookup for internet access. That way, users can add this single accessory to make a “dumb” flat panel into a connected TV all without any extra cords or switching remotes, and, if necessary, easily upgrade in the future.

As CEO Anthony Wood mentioned just days ago Roku’s current focus is finding companies willing to work together to provide a well integrated experience for the add-on. To make that clear for potential buyers, Roku Ready devices like HDTVs, receivers and Blu-ray players will not only be stamped with a logo to show they’re compatible, some will arrive with the dongle packed in. Its due date is set for “the coming weeks” so it shouldn’t be long until we nail down the other details about the Roku Streaming Stick — all currently available information can be found in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Roku Blog  | Email this | Comments

As promised, Vizio has starting taking pre-orders for its Co-Star Google TV box. For a penny less than a Benjamin, it adds the new Google TV experience to your existing setup, and brings along its remote with QWERTY keyboard on the underside and integrated IR blaster. Based on one of Marvell’s ARM processors it’s ready for apps like OnLive, and now that the price is competitive with the hockey puck streamers like Roku, Western Digital or Apple, we’ll see which one consumers choose. August 14th is the current estimated shipping date, if you’d like to be the first with one (and take advantage of a “limited time” free shipping offer) before the box hits retailers hit the source link to get in line, or check out the press release and quick video preview embedded after the break.

Continue reading Vizio Co-Star Google TV set-top box is up for pre-order, $100 brings it your way in August

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Vizio Co-Star Google TV set-top box is up for pre-order, $100 brings it your way in August originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 06:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Vizio Store, Vizio Blog  | Email this | Comments

It looks like LG is actually going to sell that sweet 84-inch ultra-definition TV we saw at CES. With a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 (UHDTV) it will maintain a full 1080p picture for 3D movies even with LG’s FPR Cinema 3D passive glasses technology, and also includes the standard suite of Smart TV features. Of course, the launch is quite predictable, considering there’s no way LG could let Korean rival Samsung rule the roost with its 75-inch ES9000 that’s on the way. While we’ll wait for an English language PR for all the details on the 84LM9600, native speakers can scrounge some won together and hit the source link below for more information.

Update: We’ve checked with LG and confirmed that this LCD has a price of 25 million won ($21,925 US) for anyone preordering the 84 units that will be on sale for the first month, and it has a 2.2 channel “3D sound” system. It’s only going to be available in Korea for now, so lining up outside your local big box store might be going a step or two too far, for now — that 4K content isn’t really available yet could be another reason.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment

LG 84-inch ‘ultra definition’ 4K HDTV going on sale in limited quantities in Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  LG Korea  | Email this | Comments

Having already unveiled an entire set of HD, LCD televisions back at last year’s CES, the next obvious step for Philips would be to work its way up the entertainment ladder and take the wraps off of its flagship Series 9. Fortunately for us (and you), though, a recently leaked document’s giving us an early peek of what we can expect from the manufacturer as it tries to re-invade living rooms all over the globe. According to the revealing docs, Philips will be adding the 9707 and 9607 Smart TVs to its Series 9 repertoire, offering viewers a choice between a relatively large 46-inch or a more colossal 60-incher — both reportedly “very thin.” Additionally, the intelligent couple’s said to be loaded with 3D Max features, a 1200Hz Perfect Motion Rate system, and both are expected to be powered by the outfit’s Perfect Pixel HD processing technology. Needless to say, given its Smart TV status, it’s safe to say it’ll come with the usual WiFi capabilities as well as a number of apps to pick from. If curiosity is taking over you, such exposing documents can be found at the source below in PDF form.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment

Philips’ unannounced Series 9 flagship TVs get exposed by leaked document originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink FlatpanelsHD  |  Leaked Phillips Document (PDF)  | Email this | Comments