Earlier this year at the international technology conference known as Mobile World Congress, we got our first chance to have a hands-on look at the Samsung HomeSync Android TV box. Tossing aside the idea that a Google-friendly TV box should run none other than Google TV itself, Samsung decided here that the system should take […]
In an effort to bring its music-streaming service to as many platforms as possible, Pandora launched an HTML5 website geared toward televisions, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. Pandora says that the new site is “optimized for a 10-foot experience,” making it ideal for streaming music in the living room. At the moment, the new site
In the old days, you’d turn your TV on and see video. Typically it would just play whatever channel was on last, but more advanced digital boxes might start at a main menu or specific channel. Verizon’s latest twist on that idea is rolling out video hub office by video hub office, and should reach all 5 million customers’ set-top boxes within a few weeks. Called FiOS TV Home Page, it welcomes viewers by displaying weather and other basic info next to highlighted VOD or Flex View services, all tailored to each customer’s viewing habits. Sure, some might find it useful, but others might be annoyed at seeing the screen for 15 seconds every time they turn on the TV or because there are tiles advertising package upgrades and VOD. Luckily, if simply hitting exit doesn’t stop the pain fast enough then there is an option to disable the screen completely if desired.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Fanhattan, maker of video-streaming tablet and smartphone apps, now has a set-top box to call its own. It’s called Fan TV, and combines live web streaming, TV and cloud-based DVR functionality in a single device. The interface is very simple and clean — you navigate through a TV-based UI, as you’d probably expect, with a tiny multi-touch remote driving the experience. The main device, designed in partnership with Yves Behar of OLPC fame, is also quite compact. Spec details are light, but we do know that the system runs on Android, and features limited connectivity, including Ethernet and HDMI. According to a The Next Web report, Fanhattan is planning to sell Fan TV through cable TV providers, rather than directly to consumers. The company isn’t sharing its content and distribution partners yet, but more details will surely become public before the expected US launch later this year. There’s also no mention of price. For a closer look, check out the promo video after the break.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Via: The Next Web
Source: Fanhattan
Well, this is quite a blow to basic cable viewers. Up until recently, Comcast has allowed subscribers to access certain channels without adding a set-top box for every TV — instead, you’d simply connect your TV directly via coax (how quaint!). Now, certain customers have received word that their free ride will soon be coming to an end. The media giant will begin is expanding the area where it encrypts basic cable channels, requiring a single STB for each and every television that you plan to use. A Comcast Q&A document only addresses home users, so it’s unclear whether enterprise subscribers would also be affected — though that wouldn’t be out of the question.
We think the move could mean a more complicated (and pricey) installation at hospitals, university dorms and even neighborhood gyms, where TVs installed in cardio equipment often plug directly into wall jacks, not to mention the inconvenience you’ll be facing at home. This latest setback, of course, follows an FCC decision to allow companies to encrypt their basic cable channels — the authorization was reportedly granted to cut back on service theft, among other concerns. Comcast will be issuing up to two adapters to each subscriber at no charge for up to two years, assuming you request your equipment within four months of the date of encryption. That’s the good news, but encrypted content is quite a bummer, nonetheless.
Update: Comcast has already implemented encryption in certain areas — this latest move simply represents a wider rollout. Additionally, Comcast-issued set-top boxes are not required when a CableCard solution is in use. Boxee TV owners can receive a new E-DTA that turns Comcast’s encrypted cable channels into IP streams, as specified in an earlier agreement.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Via: GigaOM
Source: Comcast
Welp, the rumors are true. Erik Huggers, Corporate VP & GM for Intel Media, just sat down here at D:Dive Into Media 2013 in order to confirm that Intel’s getting into the set-top / TV provider business, and everything will be delivered to your home using your existing broadband internet connection. Straight from the man’s mouth:
“We have been working for around a year now to setup Intel Media — it’s a new division that includes a lot of people from outside of the company. We’ve hired people from Apple, Netflix, Google, BBC, etc. We’re aiming to develop an internet television platform. My opinion is that not many of those rivals have cracked it — have truly delivered.
For the first time, we’ll deliver a few things to consumers. We’ll deliver a new consumer electronics product under a new brand. It’s associated with Intel, but you’ll have to wait to hear what exactly that is. It’ll be an Intel-powered device with beautiful industrial design. Where it really gets interesting is here — we’re working with the entire industry. It’s an over-the-top service, delivering network channels, pay-TV channels, catch-up television, on-demand, and a host of applications.”
He also affirmed that the box (and service) would launch “this year,” and while the box won’t provide Intel’s “entire vision” at launch, a fair amount will be. That should include live television, on-demand, and catch-up. We’re guessing it’s the app ecosystem that’ll take some time to truly develop.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Intel
Philips brought its uWand motion-sensing set-top-box back to CES this year, and as we hadn’t shown you the unit in action, we’d take a look and see what it promises. The company has just signed deals with Broadcom, Marvell and Intel to integrate its Wiimote-style controller into the trio’s home-entertainment hardware. Playing with it for a few minutes, we were impressed by its accuracy, although gestures did take a little time to get used to. If you’d like to catch your humble narrator looking out of touch with a TV, watch the footage after the break.
Continue reading Philips uWand motion-sensing STB remote hands-on (video)
We’ve seen several reports over the last week about Intel’s set-top box efforts, and an impending CES launch. According to GigaOM, some of those rumors simply aren’t true. The site has confirmed with several sources at Intel that a set-top box (and a whole lot more) is in the works, but a CES announcement has not been planned. Instead, Media, the mysterious Intel division, which is run like a startup with staffers hired from other Silicon Valley companies rather than shifted from different departments, could be unveiled in March, or perhaps even at the AllThingsD Dive Into Media conference in February.
A detailed GigaOM report outlines the company’s plans, which do include a STB manufactured by Intel that would compete with Apple TV, but also solutions for other platforms, including computers, tablets and smartphones. According to GigaOM sources, the company has spent more than $100 million on Intel Media, so it’s clearly taking the effort seriously. Still, until Intel Media has been exposed to the market, it’s too soon to judge its success. Hit up our source link for the full scoop.
Update: Now the Wall Street Journal has chimed in, with its own reports from usual unnamed sources indicating that a launch could be pushed as far as Q4. The reason for the wide launch window? Trouble negotiating content agreements for those unbundled packages (at much higher rates than the channels currently receive) it reportedly wants to offer, although the rumors say Intel has reached at least one content deal — we’re guessing it wasn’t with ESPN. Whether this will ever appear or simply remain vapor like so many other rumored Intel software products remains to be seen, but just like the often hinted at Apple television, the licensing issues will probably be much harder to work out than any software or hardware.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Intel
Source: GigaOM, Wall Street Journal
While we’ve seen the Google TV platform spread to additional manufacturers and some new lower-priced form factors, LG Uplus (not the same as LG Electronics) is the first we’ve seen offering a set-top box for its IPTV service based on it. new and existing customers alike can opt for the U+TV G, which will blend live TV streams, video on-demand and Google TV apps. Rapper Psy will be playing a large part in a national campaign to promote the offering, and after making Korea the tenth country Google TV is available in, Google says it will continue to work with providers around the world. Jumping inside the cable box is a notable move for the project, however at home hasn’t significantly improved integration beyond that originally offered by Dish Network, and it’s not even built into the Google Fiber set-top box. Check out a few (oddly silent?) demo videos embedded after the break.
Continue reading Korean IPTV service LG Uplus launches a Google TV-powered set-top box
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Korean IPTV service LG Uplus launches a Google TV-powered set-top box originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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KDDI has introduced this morning in Japan its latest set-top box (STB) with the Smart TV Box. Offering you the possibility to stream Videos and access to several VOD Japanese services as well as SKY Perfect! HD, the Smart TV Box comes with the usual W Digital Tuner capable to record two channels, WiFi, USB HDD Recording at once but come for the first time with Android 4.0 and DLNA.
Not only the Smart TV Box can be used to surf the web and Watch YouTube, this little STB is also compatible with …
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