Must See HDTV (October 17th – 23rd)

The baseball season is almost over, but we’ve got one more playoff series to enjoy before giving things over completely to the fall and winter sports. We’ve also got a new new shows premiering this week, alongside notable Blu-ray releases including The Crow and Cape Fear. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Boss
Kelsey Grammer comes back to TV this week on Starz playing the mayor of Chicago, who has just been diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease that he’s trying to hide from both his friends and his enemies. Focused more on political intrigue it probably won’t have the action of The Chicago Code, but the intricacies of the corrupt political machine at work should remain. Check out a trailer after the break, apparently this first season was already impressive enough that it’s been renewed for a season two before the premiere episode airs Friday.
(October 21st, Starz, 10PM)

World Series
The long baseball season has finally come down to the last two teams standing. the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals both feature impressive offensive and defensive lineups, which should make for an exciting round of baseball, as long as the series goes. The first four games are all scheduled to take place over the next week, so check the schedule below and clear out a little time for the inevitable Pujols/Hamilton/Cruz show.
(All week, Fox)

Once Upon A Time
Game of Thrones this ain’t. This new drama premieres on ABC Sunday and attempts to update fairy tales for the modern age. The plot centers around a woman who is contacted by the son she gave up for adoption who believes that she is actually from an alternate universe where she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Now he lives in a normal-looking neighborhood that is actually populated by the characters of the most famous classic children’s stories. The subject matter is a bit out there, but coming from writer’s whose biggest credit to date is their work on Lost, who would expect anything different? There’s a trailer for this one after the break as well.
(October 23rd, ABC, 8PM)

Continue reading Must See HDTV (October 17th – 23rd)

Must See HDTV (October 17th – 23rd) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virgin Media’s TiVos get updated with Spotify, iOS app support and more

Over in the UK, Virgin Media has given a lucky few (3,500 or so) access to a pilot update for their TiVo DVRs that adds many of the features we’d heard were on the way, plus some extras. Word out of Crawley and Cambridge is that multiroom streaming is enabled, there’s faster performance and an official community post mentions compatibility with TiVo’s iOS apps, BBC iPlayer integration and music streaming from Spotify. A wider rollout is expected before Christmas, for a full list of changes check out the links below.

Virgin Media’s TiVos get updated with Spotify, iOS app support and more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceVirgin Media, Unofficial Virgin Media TiVo Blog  | Email this | Comments

Crestron debuts free, paid mobile apps for Android devices

It’s taken some time, but Crestron has finally rolled out an official version of its home automation remote control software for Android. Crestron’s iOS efforts have been around and there was also an unofficial solution available from former Sling founder Blake Krikorian, but now users can choose between the free Crestron Mobile app and $100 Crestron Mobile Pro app. Judging by its iOS counterpart, the Pro version adds a number of control options including pre-set scenes and more. Of course, if you’re rocking one of the company’s setups then we figure you pay someone to explain this stuff to you who can probably break it down in more detail. Hit the link below to download or check out the press release after the break.

Continue reading Crestron debuts free, paid mobile apps for Android devices

Crestron debuts free, paid mobile apps for Android devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Blu-ray 3D release coming to Japan in January, still no release date for US

The United States got a quickie Blu-ray release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon a couple of weeks ago sans-extras and 3D, with only a promise they would be delivered “in the coming months” but that is not the case across the Pacific. In Japan Paramount has announced the Blu-ray 3D version is coming January 20th complete with English and Japanese soundtracks. There’s still no date for a full-fledged release around these parts, so if you’re an early adopter (if you have a 3D TV, it’s a pretty safe bet) your first chance to bring the billion dollar blockbuster home as Michael Bay intended may come with some extra kanji on it.

Transformers Blu-ray 3D release coming to Japan in January, still no release date for US originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boxee Box adds music streaming from Spotify, just press play

Today the Boxee Box becomes the next media streamer in the US (after the WDTV Live and Live Hub) to add support for Spotify’s streaming music library. Assuming you have a premium subscription at the ready (free and unlimited passes won’t cut it, consider this the same as access on a smartphone) all you need do is log in and your personally curated selections from the company’s catalog of sounds is available in your home theater. We gave it a quick try on our own system and found it synced our favorites with no problem, however if you don’t have playlists set up there’s no way to search or pull in songs from different sources. Still, considering how difficult it is to throw a party with more than one participant around your laptop, this should be the perfect way to take your dubstep playlist to the big speakers. And maybe invite some other people.

Boxee Box adds music streaming from Spotify, just press play originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD Podcast 269 – 10.11.2011

After a tumultuous week in tech we’re back — but Qwikster isn’t. Of course we’re giving our two cents on Netflix’s stunning reversal, but there’s also plenty of non-streaming news too. The newest TiVo DVR is out and about, while DirecTV is also ready to show off its Nomad and HR34 boxes. Microsoft has enhanced the Xbox 360’s capabilities with a few new partnerships, while Comcast previews the future of pay-TV with its latest moves. The dawn of Ultraviolet is finally upon us, so are we excited about the possibility of buy once play anywhere? Find out the answer to this question and many more when you press play below.

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

Producer: Trent Wolbe

04:45 – Netflix backtracks on Qwikster, will keep DVDs and streaming under the same URL
13:20 – TiVo Premiere Elite now available, but is updated software the big surprise?
22:37 – DirecTV Nomad is ready to launch, transcodes DVRed shows for mobile viewing
31:40 – DirecTV’s five tuner, RVU-ready HR34 DVR revealed
38:10 – Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)
44:25 – U-verse on Xbox 360 is getting upgraded in November, but will require XBL Gold
47:13 – Comcast testing pay-per-package, still afraid of a-la-carte
49:55 – Comcast promises Xfinity VOD streaming on more devices, new Xcalibur guide in 2012
54:41 – CinemaNow strikes deal with Intel, adds new movies in 1080p HD
55:30 – UltraViolet ‘digital locker’ opens for business. Lets you buy once, play anywhere… eventually
01:02:05 – Must See HDTV (October 10th – 16th)

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Engadget HD Podcast 269 – 10.11.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku announces $50 LT model, will add HBO Go streaming to all of its boxes this month

That cheaper, purpler, Roku LT we spied passing through the FCC and beta testing is official, and will hit retail shelves for just $50 next month. It’s only $10 less than the also-720p-limited Roku 2 HD, but that model isn’t sold everywhere and if you’re just snagging a box to watch some Netflix you probably won’t notice the missing Bluetooth and SD card reader. No matter which model is selected, starting next month viewers will be able to watch HBO Go streaming content on the Roku family of hardware. Cord cutters that have dropped pay TV entirely still don’t have access, but Roku CEO Anthony Wood reports around 80 percent of Roku owners still have cable or satellite. With that in mind, after Roku added Epix and was namechecked by Comcast to the FCC and at conferences, it’s not surprising to see the TV Everywhere movement trying to co-opt the box for its own ends. Expect more content announcements from Roku going forward, including more gaming options — Angry Birds 2 alone is one of the most used channels already — and even more authenticated streaming as the cable and satellite players extend their reach onto other platforms.

Continue reading Roku announces $50 LT model, will add HBO Go streaming to all of its boxes this month

Roku announces $50 LT model, will add HBO Go streaming to all of its boxes this month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTube extends movie rental service to the UK

YouTube — no longer the favorite repository for cats playing pianos — has launched its movie rental service for folks across the pond. Previously available in North America only, web denizens in Ol’ Blighty will now have access to brand new flicks for 24-hours at $3.99 a pop. Looks like all Mountain View needs now is Hulu to fully control the play-shifted portal.

YouTube extends movie rental service to the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UltraViolet ‘digital locker’ opens for business. Lets you buy once, play anywhere… eventually

UltraViolet

The first UltraViolet-enabled disks wont actually appear on shelves till tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on migrating to DECE’s buy once, play anywhere platform. The digital locker is now open for business (sort of) and consumers can go sign up for an account right now. Sadly, there isn’t much you can do just yet. Though the Flixster app for PCs and iOS was updated to add UltraViolet support, there doesn’t appear to be anyway to link your various accounts (like iTunes or Netflix) with the service just yet. An account can have up to six different users associated with it, and you can control what content they will have access too — a feature sure to be welcome by families with children. If you want to be able to purchase your flicks once and take them anywhere, right now your only hope is UltraViolet and Blu-ray discs bearing its logo — a slow trickle of titles which begins October 11th with Horrible Bosses.

UltraViolet ‘digital locker’ opens for business. Lets you buy once, play anywhere… eventually originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Must See HDTV (October 10th – 16th)

Baseball playoffs are in full effect and altering TV schedules, so if you’re digging Fox’s lineup then too bad — it’s going to be mostly on ice for the next couple of weeks. We’ve still got a few major fall premieres trickling in, but the most significant addition are the first Blu-ray titles with Ultraviolet (Horrible Bosses, Green Lantern). Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Forza Motorsport 4
It’s no big secret that around these parts, our love of things that plug in and log on only narrowly beats out the need to go fast, and since we can’t drive every car in real life, we’ll leave that up to Forza. The fourth iteration of Turn 10’s driving game arrives this week and has racked up a list of glowing reviews. New this time around are Kinect-enhanced car walkarounds and driving, enhanced community features and a revamped career mode. The only knock seems to be that some things are a little too familiar from its predecessors, but we can’t wait to get behind the wheel and find out ourselves.
($59.99 on Amazon, October 11th)

Psych
The Adventures of Shawn & Gus’ Psychic Detective Agency continue on this week, and while that title may make one USA’s best show’s appear somewhat childish, we assure you — it’s even more childish than you think. Of course, one of the appeals of Psych is its retro flair (so far we’ve seen Ralph Macchio as a guest star and an entire episode spoofing Twin Peaks) so if you’re in the target age range and haven’t quite grown up, this is one to watch.
(October 12th, USA, 10PM)

The Walking Dead
One of last season’s most-talked about shows, this tale of survival in a zombie infested wasteland came in with a bang and went out with a whimper. We’ll be watching to see if it cab retain the crunchy action flavor of the first few episodes and avoid the boring melodrama that came in later on. If you’re willing to risk a few spoilers (surprise, the RV breaks down at the worst possible time) then check out the season two trailer after the break.
(October 16th, AMC, 10PM)

Continue reading Must See HDTV (October 10th – 16th)

Must See HDTV (October 10th – 16th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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