According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple may be preparing to license AirPlay video streaming technology to third party consumer-electronics companies later this year.

Under the plan, Apple would license its AirPlay software to consumer-electronics makers that could use it in devices for streaming movies, TV shows and other video content, said the people, who asked to remain anonymous because the plans haven’t been made public. Apple now only licenses AirPlay for streaming audio. Devices that could be used for video may be available this year

Currently, third party manufactures can license AirPlay to stream audio to their devices, but they are restricted from streaming video at this time. If Apple does license AirPlay technology to television manufacturers, then consumers would no longer need to purchase an Apple TV to view iTunes content on their HDTV’s. Apple may wish to follow the example set by Netflix, and license AirPlay to as many companies as possible so it too can become a standard feature on future televisions and Blu-ray players. Netflix has become so ubiquitous on so many devices including HDTV’s, game systems and smartphones, that it’s difficult to find a device that doesn’t include Netflix nowadays.

Apple has always referred to the Apple TV as a “hobby.” It’s never been very clear, however, if it is a profitable “hobby” or not. By licensing AirPlay to third party developers, Apple has the opportunity to stream content to a larger number of devices with a minimal amount of investment. If Apple can convince enough consumer-electronics companies to adopt AirPlay as a standard feature on all future devices, then there would be very little need for Apple to continue selling a standalone Apple TV. Apple currently takes in about $4 for every AirPlay compatible audio device sold. If Apple were to strike a similar deal to stream video, then AirPlay could become very profitable without much effort on their part. Hopefully, by next year we’ll all be able to buy a new HDTV that includes not only Netflix, but Apple’s AirPlay as well.

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[Source: Bloomberg]

]]> http://mygadgetnews.com/tech/apple-rumored-to-license-airplay-video-streaming-to-hdtv-manufactures/feed 0 http://mygadgetnews.com/events/skype-looks-to-take-over-living-rooms-via-blu-ray-and-hdtvs?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=skype-looks-to-take-over-living-rooms-via-blu-ray-and-hdtvs http://mygadgetnews.com/events/skype-looks-to-take-over-living-rooms-via-blu-ray-and-hdtvs#comments Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:04:05 +0000 V_Geek http://mygadgetnews.com/?p=27508

We’re seeing Skype slowly work its way into becoming commonplace on newly released entertainment based technology such as TVs and Blu-Ray players. The company is also winning some adoption on pocket devices and with the recent acquisition of Qik, it very likely that we’ll see that rate of growth explode. But as for now Skype is focusing on taking over and connecting living rooms everywhere.

During CES, Skype was demoing its product many different types of home theater devices. Panasonic and LG have been on the bandwagon for quite awhile with product support for HD Skype calling, and it now seems that this year Sony and Vizio are looking to join the party. Not to be outdone, Sony and Panasonic are making Skype a standard feature on some of their Blu-Ray players. The company is trying everything in its power to make video calling a seamless part of the product experience, as for now users still need to provide their own camera to plug into the Blu-Ray players. Unfortunately right now due to the general awfulness of conference Internet connectivity, its going to be a bit difficult to judge how it will perform in real-world conditions. It also seems a little odd that the Sony Blu-Ray players don’t support HD quality calling seeing as how the whole point of Blu-Ray is increased video quality. But on the bright side, the UI was simple and easy to navigate. While watching television you can remained logged in and just like the PC version, you will receive a pop up notification when a video call is incoming. As for now, Skype via home theater devices will work just fine for communication but it has plenty of room for improvement and we can’t wait to see the progress it makes in the near future.

What products would you like to see Skype on? What features or advances would you like to see it on?

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[Source: Arstechnica]

CES 2011 has definitely hit its quota for surprises, good and bad but one thing remains, this years show has been has been amazing. We’ve had everything from a mixed emotion keynote from Verizon to an announcement of glasses-free 3D TVs from LG. To say this year has been a roller-coaster would be an understatement. So after getting over our nerdgasms we thought we could put together a quick list of devices that have stood out so far. So without ever further delay, we give you the list of products (so far and in no particular order) that you should check out from CES 2011.

Kicking off the list was the 4 new tablets from Asus — the Eee Pad MeMO, Eee Pad Transformer, Eee Pad Slider and Eee Slate EP121. We picked these because the range covers all user bases, from the tiny Android note-taker all the way up to 12-inch display Windows 7 powered monster.

LG takes a spot on the list thanks to the “world’s thinnest smartphone”, the LG Optimus Black. This may be the thinnest smartphone but it still packs a punch with Android 2.2, a gorgeous display and case measuring in at only 9.2mm thick.

Next up isn’t so much a product as it was the press event from AT&T where the carrier announced it was ahead of schedule for the deployment of LTE. It was also announced that its current HSPA+ network will be renamed to “4G” beginning in the second half of 2011. And last but not least, several devices were introduced as well. the Motorola ATRIX 4G sports a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and a laptop-like docking station; the Samsung Infuse 4G features a stunning 4.5-inch Super-AMOLED display, a 1.2GHz processor and an 8-mega pixel camera; and the HTC Inspire 4G finally brings HTC’s 4.3-inch form factor into light.

Motorola, to everyone’s surprise makes the list this year. Don’t get us wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Motorola, the company just wasn’t expected to make the showing it did this year. But did they ever blow us away when they introduced the DROID BIONIC — a dual-core 4G LTE phone for Verizon Wireless. As well as the Xoom, a tablet running Android 3.0 Honeycomb on a 10.1-inch display powered by a dual-core processor and Verizon Wireless connectivity.

Not to be outdone by AT&T, Verizon put on quite the press event Thursday. The nations now No.1 carrier came out swinging with its announcement of ten, yes ten, 4G devices. These devices included the HTC Thunderbolt, LG Revolution, and a yet to be named Samsung smartphone. Verizon looks to be ready for any competition this coming year.

Stay tuned for all your CES 2011 news by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS Feed.

After teasing us with its CES 2011 smart TV line up, LG seems to be bringing more to the table than originally expected. The new LK530, LV3700, LV5500, LW5600, LW6500, LW7700, LW9500, LW9700, PZ750 and PZ950 – all made up of LED, LCD and plasma models – are all models that will be getting a redesigned UI and a Magic Motion remote along with other exciting features. With the main menu being slimmed down -to TV Live, Premium Content, TV Apps and Launcher Bar- there’s now more focus on streaming content and LG Apps. You’ll get local streaming with LG Smart Share working with a web browser on the LG Smart TV models. Full details and answers can all be found when CES kicks off today but for now check out the press release. Do you think the redesigned UI’s and added apps is what LG’s TV line up really needed or what other areas should they be focusing on?

Press Release:

LG electronics makes it easy to go smart with new Smart TV offerings

User-friendly Home Dashboard and Magic Motion Remote Control Provide Easy Access to Premium Content and LG App Store

SEOUL, Jan. 4, 2011 –- LG Electronics (LG) will unveil its new range of Smart TV products at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8205) in Las Vegas. With functions that make it easy to access the full array of premium online content and LG Apps, the selection includes FULL LED 3D TVs, a CINEMA 3DTM TV, and a Plasma 3D TV.

“LG Smart TVs embody the most advanced technology on any internet-linked TVs, providing users with endless entertainment options,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Home Entertainment Company. By listening to our consumers, we’ve made Smart TV so easy and simple to use that every family member can experience the benefits of advanced TV technology today, not in the distant future.”

One of the features that makes LG Smart TV so easy is its simple, uncluttered Home Dashboard. With just four main sections – TV Live, Premium Content, TV Apps and Launcher Bar – the Home Dashboard ensures that viewers are never more than a few clicks from Smart TV’s practically limitless content.

While many remote controls have become as cluttered with buttons as PC keyboards, LG has gone the other route and stripped the remote down to its absolute basics. With the Magic Motion Remote Control, viewers just need to move a cursor onto a desired option and click to activate their choice.

LG’s Smart TV also provides instant access to an outstanding range of content, both from premium global providers such as Netflix and CinemaNow and specially selected regional content companies. In addition, the custom-made LG Apps offer everything from games to educational courses with a range of options that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

LG’s Smart Share function allows users to wirelessly stream content from their PCs and other compatible devices for viewing on their television screen. Through Smart Share, users can also take advantage of N-Screen, which lets them select their preferred viewing environment. Smart Share also includes Media Link, which provides additional information, such as cover art or liner notes, for content being streamed.

Additionally, the platform includes Web Browser so users no longer need to turn on their laptop to access the internet. With this feature, news, reviews and a host of other content can be viewed on the television screen. (Web Browser available on LG Smart TV models and LG Smart TV Upgrader only).

LG Smart TV is available on a range of LG’s new LED, LCD and Plasma HDTVs, including: LK530, LV3700, LV5500, LW5600, LW6500, LW7700, LW9500, LW9700, PZ750 and PZ950.

LG’s Smart TV devices will be showcased for the first time at CES 2011 in Las Vegas, followed by a global roll-out in early 2011.

Stay tuned for more CES 2011 coverage by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS Feed.

[Source: Engadget]

Something that everyone is excited to see at CES 2011 is the glasses-free 3D TV technology that Toshiba will be showing off. The prototype is the 56-inch 4k HDTV that uses a lenticular display, which means that from certain angles, viewers will be able to see a 3D picture without needing to wear specially designed view glasses. The 3D footage to be displayed will be limited due to the prototype on display supports 4K, it was originally designed for 2D content. Toshiba plans on playing loop demos of Final Fantasy which will have 3 available viewing angles for the demo.

The issue currently facing manufacturers when trying to show off 3D displays is that the TVs all require the use of glasses for viewers to experience 3D. The quality of the protoype is suprisingly good considering the stage of development the set is currently in. Toshiba is proud of the progress they’ve made so far but regretfully admits product is still a ways away from sitting in the living rooms of consumers. Do you think having a required viewing position is a good trade off for not having to wear glasses while watching a TV in 3D?

Stay tuned for all your electronics news, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and/or subscribe to our RSS Feed.

[Source: Engadget]

What do you do to stand out of the crowd at show where all your competitors are showing off similar products? You do what JVC did and become one-of-a-kind, thereby putting yourself in a playing field all your own. JVC will be showing up to CES 2011 with the only THX-certified 3D projector at the event and they’re more than happy to show it off.

The Precision Series DLA-X7 and DLA-X9 are able to project in both 2D and 3D, whether it’s a 3D Blu-ray movie or a standard definition TV broadcast. The process is handled by a pair of HDMI ports, and the project can support side-by-side broadcasting. And as mention before, the projector is able to handle Blu-ray movies as well as above-below 3D transmissions. Although, to enjoy the 3D display, you’ll have to sport a pair of Active Shutter 3D glasses. The native contrast ratio of the DLA-X7 is 70,000:1 and will also come with a $7,995 price tag. If the DLA-X7 contrast ratio isn’t enough for you, then just bump your spending limit to $11,995 and pick up the DLA-X9 with its contrast ratio of 100,000:1. Do you think JVC will have success with these projectors even with the hefty price tag?

Stay tuned for all your CES 2011 news by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS Feed.

Press Release

WAYNE, NJ, January 3, 2011 – Visitors to the upcoming 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) looking for a THX® 3D Certified projector demonstration have but one choice – JVC. The company (booth #8226) is demonstrating the world’s first home theater projectors to gain THX 3D Display Certification, and as of CES, the only projectors certified under the program.
CES, the consumer electronics industry’s annual trade show, takes place in Las Vegas from January 6 – 9, and JVC is demonstrating both of its new THX 3D Certified projectors – the Precision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7.

During the THX 3D certification process, more than 400 laboratory tests are conducted, evaluating color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing to ensure the high quality 3D and 2D display performance that home theater enthusiasts demand. The JVC projectors have simple, one button solutions for optimized playback of 3D and 2D movies – THX Cinema Mode to ensure that color reproduction, luminance, blacks, gamma and video processing matches what the filmmaker intended, and THX 3D Cinema Mode, which extends this same level of accuracy for 3D broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs. THX 3D Cinema Mode is designed to deliver highly accurate color in 3D, while minimizing sources of cross-talk and flicker. For further fine-tuning, all THX Modes on JVC projectors can be accessed by THX Professional Calibrators.
For 3D content, each projector includes two HDMI 1.4a ports and supports side-by-side (broadcast), frame packing (Blu-ray Disc), and above-below 3D transmissions. An external 3D Signal Emitter (PK-EM1) syncs the projected image with JVC’s Active Shutter 3D Glasses (PK-AG1). The external 3D signal emitter ensures solid signal transmission to the 3D glasses for a superior 3D experience, no matter what type of screen is used or how the home theater has been configured.
The new flagship Precision projector, the DLA-X9, is built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and provides a 100,000:1 native contrast ratio. For 3D display, it comes with two pairs of 3D glasses along with a PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter. Both projectors also have a three-year warranty. The DLA-X7 offers 70,000:1 native contrast ratio, comes with a two-year warranty and is compatible with JVC’s PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D Glasses and the PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter (sold separately) for 3D presentations.
Both projectors feature three 0.7” 1920 x 1080 D-ILA devices and are designed around JVC’s third generation D-ILA High Dynamic Range optical engine that is optimized to provide exceptional native contrast ratios without a dynamic iris to artificially enhance contrast specifications.
The new JVC D-ILA projectors are available now at the following prices:
DLA-RS60/DLA-X9 $11,995
DLA-RS50/DLA-X7 $7,995
JVC’s PK-AG1 3D glasses ($179) and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter ($79) will also be available in late November.
Besides the four THX Certified models, JVC offers a third 3D-enabled Procision projector, the DLA-X3, available now at $4,495. It offers 50,000:1 native contrast ratio, comes with a two-year warranty and is compatible with JVC’s PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D Glasses and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter (sold separately).
About JVC U.S.A.
JVC U.S.A., headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment, including high definition displays, camcorders, home and portable audio and video equipment, and mobile entertainment products. For further product information, visit JVC’s website at or call 1-800-526-5308

[Source: Slashgear]

As you already probably know, Apple recently launched the A4 chip powered second generation of Apple TV which you can hold in the palm of your hand. With the all new and refreshed Apple TV model, you can now rent and instantly watch the latest Hollywood movies and TV shows in stunning HD. Stream HD videos, Netflix, and YouTube – play music, videos, and photo slideshows from your computer over your Wi-Fi wireless network. In order to set up Apple TV with your high definition TV, just follow the steps below:

NVIDIA has just announced a new twist to their 3D bow, in the shape of NVIDIA 3DTV Play, a way to hook up GeForce-based notebooks and PCs to HDTVs for full 3D video and gaming.  A new software app – that works with any GeForce GPU-using machine with either DVI or HDMI connectivity – 3DTV Play supports 1080p24, 720p60 and 720p50 3D formats and will work both with active-shutter TV glasses and passive polarized glasses.

As well as full HD Blu-ray 3D playback, the system offers streaming 3D video support and the ability to convert over 400 games titles from 2D into 3D, in real-time, with no patches or extra software.

The graphics company has linked up with Panasonic, who will be demonstrating the system on their upcoming line of Sony and Panasonic’s 3D-capable HDTVs around the US in hopes of coercing a few sales out of wowed viewers.

NVIDIA is all about raising the bar of PC gaming, and gamers are going to love playing in 3D on one of the new Panasonic VIERA 50-inch full HD 3D TVs,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision technology at NVIDIA. “This is truly one of those ‘must experience to believe it’ moments, and we are ecstatic that consumers will have the chance to try it for themselves on any of our 15 stops across the US.

NVIDIA 3DTV Play will go on sale later in the spring, priced at $39.99.  Meanwhile those already using NVIDIA 3D Vision will be offered a free copy.

Facts about NVIDIA 3DTV Play:

• Can be run on GeForce GPU-based desktop or notebook PCs equipped with an HDMI or DVI connector.
• Full support for all HDMI 1.4-compatible 3D TVs, including Panasonic VIERA Plasma full HD 3D TVs. Enables 1080p24, 720p60, and 720p50 3D formats.
• Supports any type of 3D TV including active-shutter TV glasses or passive polarized glasses
• Advanced NVIDIA software and graphics drivers automatically convert more than 400 games to stereoscopic 3D in real time, without the need for special patches.
• Enjoy full HD Blu-ray 3D playback with real-time GPU accelerated decoding and playback on GeForce GPUs(1)
• Watch streaming 3D movies,view 3D photographs directly on the 3D TV