Hasta La Gadget!

Streaming music from a computer to all manner of home audio devices is an area Sonos, Logitech, and Apple have been competing in for years. The recently-released MP-1 music player from Orb, though, is a surprise contender that can perform a host of streaming duties for less than $70. Like the competition, it works by connecting to a powered audio device via an in-line jack, and can play music stored locally, on a network, or from services like Pandora when streamed over 802.11b/g/n WiFi through its companion Orb Caster media server software. To sweeten the package, the company is also throwing in their Orb Controller app for iOS devices — which normally costs $10 — for a low price of free, and apparently has plans to release an Android version of the remote sometime in the near future. Sure, it’s a little strange for us to see a company known for their free media streaming software jump in the hardware game so abruptly, but the MP-1’s mixture of functionality for the price is a pretty enticing first step. Plus, if the move ignites a price war to the bottom with the aforementioned competition, who are we to complain?

[Thanks, Tom]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless, Networking

Orb MP-1 music player pulls Sonos-like tricks for way less than a Benjamin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As expected, Netflix has kicked off its first offering outside the United States by opening up a Watch Instantly portal for Canadians this morning at Netflix.ca. With no discs available at all, the only option is a $7.99 Canadian ($7.80 US) plan for streaming that works on PCs, PS3, Wii, iOS family and many other devices — interestingly the Xbox 360, Samsung TVs, and Blu-ray players from VIZIO or Insignia are off the compatible list until later this fall. Content availability also seems to be different for our neighbors to the north (English only for now, French is on the way Quebec), with the Netflix blog specifically calling out Superbad and Mad Men as up for streaming, which aren’t currently available on Watch Instantly in the US. Unlike our recent Caribana experience we weren’t able to cross the border and check it out for ourselves, but owners of Maple Leaf-certified IPs are invited to check out the selection (one month free trials are available) and let us know exactly what we’re missing — more details including Canadian distributors and device availability are in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Netflix launches in Canada today: streaming only service for C$7.99 per month

Netflix launches in Canada today: streaming only service for C$7.99 per month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Willem, who may actually land the love of his life if you’ll lend a hand here. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I have a computer that houses an entire collection of digital movies. In another room I have a TV. I want to stream a selection of MKV and AVI videos to the TV. I can also put all the movies on an external hard drive if that makes it easier. What would be the cheapest way to display the movies on my TV? Solving this problem would let me finally watch a nice movie in my apartment with this cute girl I like!”

If we’ve ever seen an important Ask question, this is it. Stop whatever you’re doing and help Bro Montana here. You don’t overlook this kind of thing… at least not if you believe in karma.

Ask Engadget: simplest, cheapest way to stream movies from PC to TV? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tired of using PlayOn’s web app to enjoy content on your iPod touch and iPhone? Tired of being left out altogether if you’re on an iPad? Fret not, dear content consumers — PlayOn has today released a highly anticipated update to its own software that adds iPad compatibility, enabling users to stream material from Hulu, Netflix, Comedy Central, ABC, CBS, MTV and ESPN3 (among others) over WiFi and 3G. Unfortunately, those of you in that first camp will have to remain there until Apple gets its approval act in order, but at least those who splurged on a tablet can now make better use of it thanks to Safari and HTML5. Hit the press release after the break for access details.

Continue reading PlayOn update brings iPad compatibility, streams over 3G and WiFi

PlayOn update brings iPad compatibility, streams over 3G and WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What a pair these two will make! HP’s Wireless HDMI TV adapter — both the transmitter and receiver, which we toyed with earlier this month — have hit the FCC’s database under two separate filings. The HM517 receiver and HM516 transmitter work in the 4.9THz to 5.9GHz unlicensed band and boasts a maximum video stream of 1080p 60Hz (but supports resolution upwards of 1600 x 1200) and up to 8PCM audio channels, S/PDIF DTS, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and AC-3 (5.1 channel) — all HDCP 1.0 compliant. According to the paperwork, the couple can’t be more than 5 to 10 meters apart at any time. We’ve got a file on ’em… in the gallery below.

HP’s Wireless TV Connect transmitter and receiver hit FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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