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.

Stay tuned by following us on Facebook, Twitter and/or by subscribing to our RSS Feed.

[Source: Bloomberg]

]]> http://mygadgetnews.com/tech/apple-rumored-to-license-airplay-video-streaming-to-hdtv-manufactures/feed 0 http://mygadgetnews.com/tech/netflix-confirms-deal-for-first-original-series-house-of-cards?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=netflix-confirms-deal-for-first-original-series-house-of-cards http://mygadgetnews.com/tech/netflix-confirms-deal-for-first-original-series-house-of-cards#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 05:06:19 +0000 TechHead http://mygadgetnews.com/?p=29719

Netflix is now officially in the original content business. The streaming video and DVD subscription service confirmed earlier reports Friday that it has acquired the rights to be the first home for “House of Cards,” an hour long political drama series starring Kevin Spacey. The company has ordered 26 episodes of the program which will debut on its streaming service in late 20102. Steve Swasey, a spokesman for Netflix mentioned the company might offer multiple episodes at a time for its 20-million plug subscribers to watch on demand, rather than premiering one per week as the traditional networks do. This would fit the common viewing patterns of many Netflix users, who watch several episodes of a TV series in just one sitting.

In the past, Netflix executives have said they were not interested in original production. Swasey insisted that acquiring rights to “House of Cards,” which is based on a 1990 BBC mini-series, was not a shift in strategy. “Netflix is licensing the series, not bearing any of the production costs or creative risks,” he said. The distinction may be a fine one, however, Netflix could still be out of the tens of millions of dollars its investing in “House of Cards” if the show proves unpopular with consumers. With its current practice of buying previously seen movies and TV shows, Netflix has data to estimate the popularity of the content.

“It does help if there is a precedent for content, but this series is a perfect storm of talent and material, so we had a high degree of confidence in it,” Swasey said. Producer Media Rights Capital will have the rights to sell reruns of “House of Cards” to networks after Netflix’s period of exclusivity ends, as well as to distribute it overseas and sell DVDs. Netflix won’t be spending any money to promote the show unlike television networks. It will rely entirely on its recommendation technology to suggest “House of Cards” to people who enjoy political dramas. “You won’t see billboards or TV ads or banner ads,” Swasey said. The decision to invest in a never-seen program that doesn’t even have a pilot suggests that Netflix doesn’t beieve there’s enough other content available at the moment on which to spend its ample budget.

HBO executives are insisting that they are not interested in licensing their rights to movies from Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and 20th Century Fox to Netflix. The biggest challenge for Netflix going forward will be renewing its deal with Starz, which licenses films from Walt Disney Studios and Sony Pictures. That agreement ends in 2012 and analyst Tony Wibble of Janney Capital Partners estimates that the annual cost could increase from $30 million to $300 million.

What do you think of Netflix’s move? Are you interested in watching the new show? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

As usual, stay tuned for more tech news and info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feed.

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?

Stay tuned for all the latest tech news and info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS Feed.

[Source: Arstechnica]

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]

It seems like Best Buy has some plans of its own starting early this year with news of a buy back program aimed at keeping users who constantly upgrade their smartphone off billing cycle, buying from Best Buy Mobile. As of right now, cell phone purchasers can opt into the cleverly named Buy Back program for $59.99 at the time of handset purchase. Between the first six months of handset ownership users can then trade-in their device to Best Buy mobile for 50% of the phones full retail value. Between months 6 and 12 the device can be turned in for 40% of its original value, months 12 to 18 at 40%, and months 19 to 25 at 20%. To provide an example of what was just mentioned, a phone with full retail-value of $599.99 can be exchanged between 32 days and 180 of ownership for $299.999, netting the customer $240 when factoring in the plan’s cost. The offer is likely to resonate well with some frequent upgraders who purchase new smartphones long before their two-year commitments have expired.

The Buy Back program will also be extending beyond mobile devices to cover a variety of other consumer electronics. Customers will also have the option to get a discount on the price of the Buy Back plan if they combine it with Best Buy’s Geek Squad protection offering as well. The program price is said to vary in accordance with the type of product covered. The program will be offering customers up to 50% of the purchase price on their laptops, netbooks, tablets, TVs, and mobile phones for two years. The company is positioning this internally as a way to continually lock in customers. For instance, “for every Buy Back plan sold, a future customer purchase is locked in.” The document also states “customers will come back to Best Buy when they are ready to upgrade,” and “customers tend to spend more than the amount of the gift cards they receive.” You can check out the gallery for full details below:

Best Buy has an equipment condition scale that can affect the price you’re given for your electronic device, and here is the break down for that:

Good: everything is fully functional, and all parts and accessories are included. (minor scratches are OK). No change in Buy Back amount

Poor: damaged device but can be reasonably refurbished, missing parts or accessories, significant wear and tear (deep scratches or dents, missing keyboard keys, missing charger) — 50% less of the guaranteed Buy Back amount.

Substantially Impaired: non-functioning device and can’t be reasonably refurbished, missing most parts and accessories (cracked LCD screen, water damage, won’t turn on — no Buy Back amount issued, though Best Buy will give you free recycling and an environmental disposal.

So do any of you see yourselves using Best Buy’s program? Or do you think its not worth the hassle? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more news and info on the topic by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feed.

[Sources: BGR (1) (2)]

A Windows-based STB is rumored to be in the works from Microsoft with plans on taking on Google TV and Apple TV. According to the Seattle Times, the Microsoft box will be a stripped-down, focused version of the company’s existing Windows 7 embedded OS and will retail for about $200 later this year.

Although details regarding the hardware are scarce right now, rumor has it the Windows TV STBs are going to have a Windows Media Center UI and a streamlined TV program guide that pulls together online and broadcast content simultaneously. Presumably there will also be media streaming and remote-control support while using the home network for streaming content to and from other PCs.

It’s been said that Microsoft is looking into using the Xbox 360 hardware to incorporate the functionality of smart TV into the Xbox LIVE service. These rumors are also stating that trials are already underway, with social media, interactive advertising and motion control technology, all of which will be incorporated using Microsofts’s Kinect. And finally, sources are saying that CEO Steve Ballmer might showcase the Windows TV system during his keynote this week. Do you expect Microsoft to be a big player in the smart TV market or are they making moves too late in the game?

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

[Source: SeattleTimes]

Becoming popular by putting high end features in value-priced HDTVs, Vizio is taking this process into other areas of technology. During the Rose Bowl an ad was run showing an 8-inch Via Tablet and a 4-inch Via phone. Even though CTO Matthew McRae  hasn’t spilled any details regarding OS to the Wall Street Journal, both will be running Android with the combination of confirmed Market access and odd button configuration has most suspecting Honeycomb is in the works when they’re released this summer. Details regarding the Via phone are scarce other than the 5mp rear cameras and for-mentioned screen size, while the tablet boasts features including a “high resolution” screen, WiFi, 3 speakers, HDMI out and front facing camera, but no mention of cellular service.

Vizio is putting TV manufacturers on edge with their claims of bring 3DTVs to the market starting under $300. Via Plus will tie the mobile products into the TV business, sounding a lot like Samsung Apps by users to access Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Android market access and even a New On Demand movie services from Vizio across all its devices. How do you think Vizio’s business model will fare in the Tablet and phone markets?

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

[Source: Gizmodo]

Recently there have been rumors flying back and forth about Google TV and its appearance at CES 2011. The rumors range from as small as Google TV missing CES all the way up to companies freezing their plans for the internet-on-your-TV idea from Google all together. And now the most recent word going around is that Logitech was freezing production of their Revue box while Google would be working on a new version. Well a recent blog post from Ashish Arora puts those rumors to rest and confirms that Google TV will indeed be making a showing at next years CES. According to Arora, Google and Logitech still have a working and collaborative relationship going, and both companies are putting their all into making Google TV a better experience. They’re listening to feedback from owners and making changes based around what users want. He made it clear that Logitech is 100% committed to bringing Google TV to the world.

Arora wrote:

Those familiar with our product know that we don’t need to modify the Logitech Revue box to deliver software enhancements. Each of our customers will receive periodic over-the-air updates whenever Google and Logitech release changes to the Google TV platform. Logitech Revue boxes purchased at launch in October, as a holiday gift in December or to follow basketball in the spring, will all be the same and will all benefit from the same software updates

It’s always good to hear from a company that it’s honestly listening to its customers and actively making changes based on what the customers want. With as much effort as Logitech is claiming to be putting into Google TV, do you think it’ll be a hit or a bust?

Stay tuned for more tech news and info by following us on Twitter and our RSS Feed.

[Source: Logitech]