Engadget HD

ASUS O!Play AIR HDP-R3 arrives with WiFi and card reader

Darren Murph — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes

We had a sneak peek at ASUS' BR-HD3 just a week few back, and rather than holding out on us any longer, it looks as if the company has come forward to make things official. The O!Play Air HDP-R3 isn't a tremendous update from the previous edition, though the addition of 802.11n WiFi and a multimedia card reader are certainly appreciated. Reportedly, the media player packs an HDMI 1.3 socket, support for just about every file format known to man and a respectable price tag of around €90 ($133). Too bad the Yanks in attendance are left in the lurch.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

ASUS O!Play AIR HDP-R3 arrives with WiFi and card reader originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon

Darren Murph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, LG, Mitsubishi

And you thought HDTVs were made for watching TV. VUDU has today slung its (admittedly paltry) library of applications over to its television partners, making both Picasa and Flickr access possible through LG and Mitsubishi sets with integrated VUDU software. Of course, all of this was already available to those relying on one of VUDU's dedicated set-top boxes, but it's always nice to have everything wrapped up neatly within the display itself. In related news, Pandora streaming is also available on VUDU-infused Mitsubishi panels, though for whatever reason, LG has "requested that only free TV and games be available on their devices." All bummers aside, the company has asserted that even more internet apps will be released to VUDU customers in the coming months, so make sure hold 'em to their word.

VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream

Richard Lawler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Others

Chalk up a few more for the multiroom crowd, as the RVU Alliance (get familiar) has added some power names from the set-top box market to its roster as "Promoter" members. The new additions appear to set things up for compatible solutions from your cable or satellite provider arriving sooner rather than later, capable of streaming video and interfaces from set-tops to any screen in the house. Names like Motorola, Pace and Thomson have probably already graced your entertainment rack, while lesser known additions include Entropic Communications, maker of hardware for home entertainment networking, JetHead, focused on creating RVU client software, and set-top manufacturer NXP. Is hoping for a big splash at CES too much? We think not.

RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)

Darren Murph — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Fiber

We're hearing that the PC version of this here software still beats out the Mac counterpart, but equality is slowly but surely becoming a reality. The main new feature over on the OS X side, however, is a good one: the ability to stream iPhone and iTunes media directly to your TV via your FiOS TV DVR. Fire up an iTunes playlist and watch the fun roll by on your home TV, and there's even support for photo slideshows and the like. It's available to download right now from the read link, and those still skeptical can catch a demonstration vid just past the break.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Continue reading Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)

Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video) originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow

Richard Lawler — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes

Looks like Apple's "hobby" is finally getting the iTunes Extra & LP features it was initially denied, as the Apple TV 3.0 software has just released, featuring a brand new main menu (above) plus genius Mixes and internet radio access. It took a reboot and a few tries for units around here to start seeing the new software was available, so feel free to give that "check for updates" button a workout, 'til then the official PR is after the break describing what your box is missing.

Continue reading Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow

Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others

Here we are plunged headlong into Q4 and we know what you're thinking: "What's up with ZillionTV?" You know, the company that whetted our appetites with its promise of a "free" (unless you count the one-time $99 setup fee as free, which we don't), ad-based streaming content and whose finely rendered set-top boxes were due out before the end of the year? According to a hot tip sent to Zatz Not Funny!, the company's pilot program is not only in full swing, but expanding -- that's the good news. Unfortunately, it looks like there is quite a bit of turmoil within the company itself that might serve to delay the device beyond even its new estimated 2010 target date, including: a 30 staff reduction, a new CEO, and the fact that the sexy product renders have been superseded by a box that looks, well, about as un-sexy as you can get. We'll keep our ears to the ground on this story -- in the meantime, there are a couple more pics after the break to tide you over.

Continue reading ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch

ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popcorn Hour C-200 hands-on

Richard Lawler — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others

Popcorn Hour's latest all-accessing all-playing media device has finally made its way into our hands, and while we haven't had nearly enough time to put the C-200 completely through its paces, we did spare a moment to take some pictures and play a movie or two. Other than using RF (no line of sight needed here) the remote is mostly unchanged from the earlier A-110, though we have had some issues with the box not responding to inputs, tightening the antenna seems to have made things better for now. Slipping a SATA hard drive in requires only the lightest tug on the drive bay door, it really couldn't be easier -- we'll have to see how a Blu-ray drive fits soon. With the exception of slight noise from the HDD we put in, the C-200 is nearly silent in operation, and home theater nuts will be glad to know that bright blue display up front can be dimmed all the way to off. An extra USB port front and back hasn't hurt usability either, though it would have been nice if it recognized a keyboard when we were setting up new RSS feeds. Thanks to DLNA support, Windows 7 Play To functionality worked sufficiently playing media, but we couldn't get the titles to display properly on the C-200 whether initiated from the PC or on the box itself. So far it's played everything we've thrown at it, from legitimately downloaded trailers to less MPAA-authorized material. Anything you want to see tested as part of our full review? Leave ideas in the comments while you check out the pictures.

Popcorn Hour C-200 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel announces Atom CE4100 for insanely powerful cable boxes and Blu-ray players

Nilay Patel — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Blu-ray, Other hardware, Set-top boxes

Intel's CE3100 media chip has been behind some of the cooler demos they've done here at IDF, and it's just gotten a big brother, the Atom CE4100. As you'd expect, the big change is the replacement of the CE3100's Pentium M core with an Atom core, but this thing is actually kind of a monster -- it can decode two 1080p video streams with various high-end audio codecs, it adds MPEG-4 support and 3D graphics capability, and it can even capture uncompressed 1080p video. Of course, it's up to manufacturers and cable companies to actually put all this power to use, but Intel's promised us some hardware demos from partners -- stay tuned.

Continue reading Intel announces Atom CE4100 for insanely powerful cable boxes and Blu-ray players

Intel announces Atom CE4100 for insanely powerful cable boxes and Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV adds an app store, but compelling reasons to visit remain elusive

Richard Lawler — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:08:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Satellite

Confirming the theory that "everything must have an app store" DirecTV has followed the lead of Verizon and launched a central, online-accessible location for subscribers to choose TV Apps which are then downloaded onto their set-top boxes. Currently holding apps including ScoreGuide, weather forecast, Starz On Demand Feature and more the only question remaining -- judging by the cool reaction to the technology so far -- is why? Our friend Dave Zatz points to a subscriber's YouTube video demoing the Flickr browsing experience that has the same performance problems we observed while reviewing Samsung's latest HDTV. From here you can hit the read link to check out what's available, queue up downloads plus view demos from DirecTV or check the user video after the break. While there is surely an effective way to combine TV and the internet, it looks like this implementation isn't it, yet.

[Via Dave Zatz, thanks Longhairbilly]

Continue reading DirecTV adds an app store, but compelling reasons to visit remain elusive

DirecTV adds an app store, but compelling reasons to visit remain elusive originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple CFO says DVR, CableCARD not coming to Apple TV

Nilay Patel — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes

Although Apple has always referred to the Apple TV as a "hobby," there's been a lot of speculation regarding the future of the box recently -- it was first introduced nearly three years ago, and although the interface has since been upgraded, it's still essentially the same product, leading to whispers that Apple was working on a new DVR-enabled model with CableCARD tuners that would replace your cable box. Awesome, right? Not so fast -- according to analysts at Caris and Company, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer "pretty much killed" that idea when they asked him about it, saying it didn't mesh with Apple's business. Yeah, it's sad, but it makes a lot of sense -- Apple probably doesn't want you to record for free what you can buy from the iTunes Store, and we can't imagine anyone at Apple looking back at their experience with AT&T and deciding that partnering up with Comcast or Time Warner Cable was the next logical move. Still -- doesn't it seem like it's time for something to happen with the Apple TV? Who know, maybe we'll find out tomorrow.

[Via iLounge]

Apple CFO says DVR, CableCARD not coming to Apple TV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS EeeBox EB1012 teases home theaters with dual-core Atom and Ion graphics

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:41:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes

Looks like our dreams of a discrete, low cost home theater PC are about to be realized. ASUS has a new EeeBox PC EB1012 touting a dual-core Atom N330 (just as rumored), NVIDIA MCP7A ION graphics, a 250GB SATA hard disk, 2GB of DDR2-800 memory expandable to 4GB, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n WiFi, S/PDIF 5.1 audio jack, and HDMI out. As such, this little 222 x 178 x 26.9mm box should handle your hardware accelerated 1080p content just as readily as it does full-screen Flash video from Hulu and beyond -- a place where single-core Atom-based Ion nettops fail. It also features an eSATA jack, 4x USB ports, and an SDHC card reader for plugging in more media. No word on price or ship date but we'll keep an eye out.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

ASUS EeeBox EB1012 teases home theaters with dual-core Atom and Ion graphics originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1080p Android demo'd, set-top boxes prepare for a new master

Richard Lawler — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Misc, Set-top boxes

It is done. MIPS Technologies has demonstrated its enhanced implementation of Android running in 1080p via extended libraries to support hardware graphics acceleration and decoding on Sigma Designs hardware, a portent of set-top boxes yet to come. Of course, without any video or pictures or video of the blessed event (ISB Corp's previous OMAP based effort is pictured above) it's hard to tell why Android coming to TV is such a great idea, if its cousin widgets are any indication, there's a chance of being high on pre-release hype but low on desirability once it reaches the market. Still, the Open Embedded Software Foundation pledges to continue on shoehorning Android into devices beyond the mobile handset, but if it's shut down by a band of torch wielding villagers demanding the monster be put down, don't say we didn't warn you.

[Via SlashGear & LinuxforDevices]

1080p Android demo'd, set-top boxes prepare for a new master originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Satellite

The feature we all know and love as dual live buffers has finally comes to DirecTV's HR21/HR20 with the snazzy name of Doubleplay. Not a moment too soon either as there's no better time to be able to pause and rewind live TV on two different channels at once than when watching football -- never did understand why all the NFL games were on at the same time. The other sports related feature, called Live Extension, to make it out of beta this week gives users the ability to easily extend a recording. The default is an extra 30 minutes, which is usually enough to grab a game that goes a little long, but if the game goes into overtime you can extend it up to three hours.

DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way?

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Cable

It seems like forever that we've been waiting to see a tru2way TV at the local big box store and honestly we're starting to think it's all vapor ware. Our gut started telling us things weren't going well at CES in January when we actually saw less tru2way on display than the year before. Then there was the supposedly insignificant missed deadline this pass July, but what's worse is that even after a year, Panasonic and Comcast have only worked together to offer tru2way TVs in three markets (Chicago, Denver and Atlanta). A new report from Light Reading Cable Industry Insider confirms our fears, stating that the tru2way retail forecast is "cloudy." At least one member of the industry believes that the cable companies want to perfect it on their own boxes before opening it up to 3rd party retail devices, which makes sense, but how long exactly do they expect this to take? The bottom line is that consumer want tru2way because they want to have access to the same experience on their new HDTV, but without the two remotes and the ugly set-top-box under their TV with the wires dangling down. We asked CableLabs what the hold up was and although they were proud to tell us about all the tru2way developers enjoying their conferences, they said we'd have to ask the TV manufactures or the cable company what the specific hold up was. We do wonder though, if it's possible for the window for tru2way to close. What we mean is that with more and more TVs coming with network capabilities, maybe we'll just go back to vanilla CableCARD TVs and get our guide data and VOD from the internet instead -- now if only everyone had a network connection behind their TV.

Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WD TV-2 spruces up Western Digital's already attractive media player offering

Paul Miller — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:30:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes

Western Digital really hit a sweet spot last year with its $130 WD TV HD Media Player. The thing pumped out 1080p over HDMI at an attractive price, and that's all most people really needed. The newly leaked WD TV-2 revisits the formula, but adds in network playback over the new Ethernet jack, DTS audio decoding, and a component video plug for folks caught in the technological no man's land between composite and HDMI. Outside of that there's a just plain silly amount of codec support, which is hard not to love. No word on price or a release date, but the leaked photos and detailed specs seem to imply this thing is ready for prime time.

WD TV-2 spruces up Western Digital's already attractive media player offering originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TViX 6600N HD media streamer exposed early (w/ video)

Richard Lawler — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes

DViCO is back with yet another media streaming box, this time the TViX 6600N, spied by HomeTheater.co.il. What we can find of the specs indicates a worthy followup to the earlier 6500, with dual tuner DVR, HD video decoding, UPnP access, BitTorrent and claimed fast boot time. It's powered by the Realtek 1283 chipset and includes Wireless-N support. Check the video (it's in English) for a quick demo of the box itself and menus, the only bad news to report is a distinct lack of a price tag and any hope we'll ever see this in the U.S.

Continue reading TViX 6600N HD media streamer exposed early (w/ video)

TViX 6600N HD media streamer exposed early (w/ video) originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walls are no longer a limitation for U-verse with new RF Point Anywhere remote

Richard Lawler — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:52:00 EST

Filed under: Remotes, Set-top boxes, Internet

For those who have far too often felt confined by having to point remotes at the devices being controlled, news of AT&T's new Point Anywhere RF remote for its U-Verse customers should be a sweet siren song. The relatively simple remote is backlit for your convenience, letting home theater owners hide their set-tops away in a closet without having to go all aftermarket for a control solution. Changing channels from previously impossible areas like the bathroom, kitchen or outside comes at a cost of $49 for the remote and USB dongle, available from AT&T's online store beyond the read link.

[Thanks, Anthony]

Walls are no longer a limitation for U-verse with new RF Point Anywhere remote originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo turns on custom RSS video feed support

Richard Lawler — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others, Internet

More than a year after dropping video podcast support into TiVo Desktop 2.6, the company will let users download them directly to their Series3, TiVo HD and HD XL set-top boxes. This allows expansion beyond its own directory of web videos, allowing users to stream instantly, download a single episode, or setup a Season Pass (subscription) and download them automatically. As Dave Zatz points out the press release mentions supporting h.264, but offers no specifics on resolution or bitrate. Check out TiVo's site for more info on setting it up either through the box or creating a compatible feed, and let us know if your preferred web series are working yet.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

TiVo turns on custom RSS video feed support originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated FiOS Twitter and Facebook widgets add onscreen keyboard, not friends or followers

Richard Lawler — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Fiber, Internet

Just a few weeks after debuting its Twitter and Facebook widgets, Verizon is refreshing them by giving viewers an onscreen cellphone-style keyboard to mash out their own tweets and Facebook status updates from the remote. Though we wonder if it wouldn't be easier to just use ones actual cellphone to spread your inane viewing habits amongst those unlucky enough to count you as a friend, the services have apparently been quite popular so far, with millions of Tweets and Facebook photos viewed since it was released. As usual, the free apps can be found in the Widget Bazaar, where Verizon CIO Shaygan Kheradpir will be looking for more tools that "engage viewers" once the SDK is released later this year. Not close to your TV (or an area with FiOS TV service?) check out a few screens of the new functionality below.

Gallery: FiOS TV updated Facebook & Twitter widgets

Updated FiOS Twitter and Facebook widgets add onscreen keyboard, not friends or followers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes

All the Moxi owners out there should be happy to learn that Digeo intends to keep its promise by continually releasing updates to Moxi HD DVR on a regular basis. The latest Summer update should hit your Moxi in the next few days and brings some of the more anticipated features -- no still no TiVoToGo like functionality -- like the grid guide pictured above, support for the Moxi Mate and Switched Digital Video (SDV).

First up is SDV support, but while adding the ability to tune channels delivered via SDV is appreciated, it really falls under the "about time" category. Next is the new Moxi Mate, which holds more promise but just because it starts shipping tomorrow for $399, doesn't mean it will deliver. As it stands now, the Mate requires that you bring your own network connection to your second TV -- so no MoCA support like FiOS and other cable operator DVRs work -- and it doesn't completely replace the STB in your bedroom because it doesn't do Live TV and you can't schedule recordings with it. You can at least pick up where you left off watching a record without transfering it first, but the included remote can't control your TV's channel or input, so you're going to need a universal remote or you're going to make life in the bedroom as complicated as some living rooms. Our last gripe about the Mate (yes there's more) is the fact that Digeo only recommends running one Mate at a time with a hard limit of three concurrent streams. The good news though is that existing Moxi HD DVR customers can pick up a Mate for $199, and there're even package deals and payment plans to lesson the blow. The breath of fresh air coming with this update is the fact that up to 6TB of external storage is now supported and DLNA support is improved with added codec and containers like H.264 in MKV files -- although obviously MKV can support all kinds of codecs that may or may not also be supported.

The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIPS Technologies showing off Android with an HD facelift August 27

Richard Lawler — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Others

Sure, Google may see ChromeOS as its operating system of the future on PCs, but we just can't help ourselves every time Android makes a special appearance in an off-the-cellphone production, with its next performance scheduled for August 27 when MIPS Technologies will demo a version made for high definition displays. EE Times sees Sigma Designs as a hardware partner, mentioning it has already shown a Blu-ray player prototype running the OS. Of course, there's already options like the BLOBbox (in Europe) if an open software platform set-top is your desire -- and according to our poll results, it just might be -- but we'll see if an upgraded mobile OS has the chops to go in the living room later this month.

[Via Android Community]

MIPS Technologies showing off Android with an HD facelift August 27 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCN making cobranded TiVo boxes its 'primary DVR platform' in 2010

Richard Lawler — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Set-top boxes, Cable

Remember that "lots of other providers" TiVo could be coming to? Looks like RCN is one of them and best of all, this isn't some stripped down Comcast TiVo overlay, the cabler plans to go all in with support for Amazon VOD, TiVoToGo, DVR Expander hard drives, multiroom and RCN's own VOD programming, and the ability to search across all of them at once. Expect this sometime in early 2010, when the cobranded TiVo DVRs will become RCN's primary DVR platform, the first offering of its kind. Of course we'd prefer a tru2way box we could take to the provider of our choice, but until the Series4 drops, this might be the best option. Maybe now that the DVR company has cracked the cable market they can get to work on that new interface we've been waiting for.

Update: Multichannel News notes these could be available as early as January 1, for a premium of $3 - $5 per month, and new HD DVR subscribers will receive a CableCard-enabled HD TiVo, with "limited migrations" available for existing customers.

[Thanks, Jason]

RCN making cobranded TiVo boxes its 'primary DVR platform' in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes

Richard Lawler — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others, Cable

Even though some cable giants are already trying their hand at placeshifting with TV Anywhere, Echostar may be ready to leverage its technology by licensing the SlingLoaded feature to other set-top box manufacturers like Motorola, Cisco or Pace, according to Cable Digital News. With its tru2way cable box still notable lacking a distribution deal, this could be a way for Sling fans that don't want any additional hardware to get it in the home, but speaking of that T2200S (still not coming to retail channels according to Senior Product Manager P. Margit Tritt) the company's presence at The Independent Show also gave it an opportunity to feel out the needs of smaller cable operators. Either way, there's plenty of time before its planned Q4 2009 launch - go on, admit you're excited, we don't judge here.

Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FiOS TV Media Manager streaming hands on w/ video

Richard Lawler — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Fiber

We've seen plenty of pics of the new social aspects that kicked off Verizon's Widget Bazaar plans, but our friends at Zatz Not Funny have had a little seat time with the other major addition, video streaming via Home Media Manager. Pulling video from the internet or a PC it all looks to work pretty easily, although they noted the software did crash a few times when they tried it. Otherwise, we've heard some complaints about the codec support and a lack of video controls, but if you don't have one of those FiOS TV Motorola boxes in your living room, click on through for more pics and video to see what it's like.

FiOS TV Media Manager streaming hands on w/ video originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Macrovision re-invents itself as Rovi, kicks off with new guide "Liquid"

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:17:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Set-top boxes, Tuners

Hold on to your hats folks because the company that we love to hate is turning over a new leaf by kicking off its old DRM shoes and leveraging its acquisition of Gemstar in a big way. What we mean is that this is the first time in the history of Macrovision that we can remember being excited about an announcement; and boy does it make perfect sense that it comes with a new company name. Rovi's first consumer product should be available in various HDTVs next year, and among the new jazzed up looking guide you can expect a full DLNA client that is designed to be a single access point for all of your content. This includes internet sourced content like Slacker radio, YouTube XL, BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand, and CinemaNow; as well as anything you might have on your PC like pictures, music and even videos. Add in a little social networking from sites such as Flixster and we might have ourselves a new way to watch TV. No word yet on what new TVs will feature Liquid, but we'd expect to hear more at CES '10. The full release is after the jump.

Gallery: Rovi's Liquid guide

Continue reading Macrovision re-invents itself as Rovi, kicks off with new guide "Liquid"

Macrovision re-invents itself as Rovi, kicks off with new guide "Liquid" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon gives FiOS TV some app store, social media flavor

Richard Lawler — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Fiber, Internet

Confirming the theory that one day soon everything will have an app store of some kind, Verizon has launched its Widget Bazaar for FiOS TV, dedicated to bringing new interactive experiences to FiOS TV subscribers, starting with Facebook, Twitter, and ESPN Fantasy Football. Don't expect to tap out 140 character missives via remote for now, at launch viewers can only view tweets, not post them or log in to their own accounts, although updating Facebook status and personalized ESPN Fantasy Football info is available. Verizon has promised to publish its SDK to enable "open development" (limited to a select group of developers of course) which should bring many free & for-pay apps to join the current (free) offerings by year-end. Also made official is the addition of searching and viewing video from blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh, plus the long awaited ability to stream personal videos from a connected PC, available free of charge to Home Media DVR customers. ~~No word yet on what codecs~~ the updated Home Media Manager software will support for transcoding to MPEG-2 and streaming to the set-top box so keep those MKVs holstered for now and check a few screens of the apps in action in our gallery or a quick video walkthrough embedded after the break.

Update: Verizon let us know it will support FLV, WMV, MPEG-1, AVI, MPG, PM4/M4V, 3GP/3G2

Gallery: Verizon FiOS TV social widgets

Continue reading Verizon gives FiOS TV some app store, social media flavor

Verizon gives FiOS TV some app store, social media flavor originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo and Best Buy alliance to yield co-branded DVR, TiVo software on Insignia and Dynex TVs

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:17:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Internet

It's all pending an official announcement later this morning but both the New York Times and San Jose Mercury News are reporting that Best Buy and TiVo are forming a "broad partnership." Under the multi-year alliance, Best Buy will "heavily" promote TiVo products at its 1,100 stores across the US. TiVo, for its part, will develop a special flavor of its set-top box that will be sold in Best Buy stores and lets the retailer advertise its products and services directly to TiVo subscribers -- items can then be purchased via the TiVo remote. The alliance goes even deeper as it will see TiVo's software and search tools added to Best Buy's own-branded consumer electronics (like Insignia and Dynex HDTVs) and Best Buy's Napster music service will become available to TiVo subscribers on their TVs. While this all sounds like a win-win for the two corporations, TiVo CEO Tom Rogers says that the Best Buy-customized TiVo with Napster won't likely arrive until "early next year" while the inclusion of TiVo's interface on Best Buy's Insignia or Dynex TVs is even "further out." Until then the benefits for us, the consumers, are less clear.

P.S. That's our mock-up above of what we imagine the Best Buy TiVo will look like.

Update: Aaaand, it's official.

[Via ITVT]

Read -- San Jose Mercury news
Read -- New York Times

TiVo and Best Buy alliance to yield co-branded DVR, TiVo software on Insignia and Dynex TVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD's recession antidote: win an Moxi HD DVR!

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Announcements, DVRs, Set-top boxes, Cable, Fiber

This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget HD didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. Today we've got an Moxi HD DVR on offer, and just because this is the latest HD DVR with 14-days of guide data doesn't mean it's like winning a puppy. Unlike other DVRs, the Moxi is the gift that keeps on giving because it doesn't require a monthly service to function. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! Sadly only one can win, but for everyone else you might take advantage of one of the interest free payment plans available via Moxi.com, and there is even a 30-day return policy if things don't work out.

Big thanks to Digeo for providing the gear!

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Moxi HD DVR. Approximate value is $799.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
Entries can be submitted until fill in day and date, July, 8th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here.

Engadget HD's recession antidote: win an Moxi HD DVR! originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to relocate a HD set-top-box and still have it work with an HDTV

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Set-top boxes

We know how it goes, you pick up a nice big HDTV and a wall-mount only to get it all setup then realize you still need a place to put your HD set-top-box. Or maybe you have a nice piece of furniture nearby to hide the box in, but since it is out of sight you need to get the IR remote working. Or you could even be like us and refuse to have any equipment with a loud fan in your home theater -- yes we're talking about you Mr. Xbox 360. Luckily there is a workable solution and with a little money and some elbow grease, you can hide that box in a place that will be out of sight and out of mind.

Continue reading How to relocate a HD set-top-box and still have it work with an HDTV

How to relocate a HD set-top-box and still have it work with an HDTV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo HD upgrade program helps you save as much as $100

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Set-top boxes

No doubt TiVo has long since released its proverbial ATRAC codec, but it is so bad now that every time we hear about a TiVo offer, we click on through to find the super lame catch. Of course this time is no different as TiVo is offering up to $100 off a TiVo HD to existing Series 1 or 2 owners. So you probably figured out the catch by now, which is that if you have lifetime on your existing TiVo, you can't transfer it. If you log in and try the site actually suggests you give away your older TiVo or recycle it. It seems that TiVo knows there aren't any alternatives so what are you going to do if you're treated like crap? It's not like there are any comparable acceptable alternatives.

TiVo HD upgrade program helps you save as much as $100 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dish Network DTVPal DVR review

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Features, DVRs, Set-top boxes, OTA

For some reason almost all DVRs are like cell phones, they have lots of strings attached. You either need to pay a monthly subscription or you need to get a CableCARD from your provider and give up access to other features your provider offers that you pay for. There are a few exceptions and the newest one is from Dish Network in the way of the DTVPal DVR. It doesn't require a monthly subscription, or even a cable or satellite provider because it works with free over-the-air TV. It does HD, has two tuners, and a 250GB hard drive; all for the reasonable price of $250. If this all sounds good so far, then keep reading because like all things there's a catch.

Gallery: DTVPal DVR

Continue reading Dish Network DTVPal DVR review

Dish Network DTVPal DVR review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canal+ live & on-demand TV comes to French Xbox 360s

Richard Lawler — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Others, Internet

The U.S. has Netflix, the UK has Sky TV and now France is getting Canal+ added to the Xbox 360, in a similar deal to the one bringing live and on-demand Sky TV in England, the French will be free to party up and watch more than 3,000 movies and TV shows, catch-up TV, French Ligue 1 soccer games, and headbutt flopping, filthy-mouthed Italians in the chest. No word if sports hooliganism will be supported in this iteration, but judging from the screens the avatar support should also mirror its UK counterpart. This is likely not the end of tie-ups between the two either, with the partnership planned to eventually encompass other Canal Plus & Microsoft products. Check out one additional pic of the updated dashboard after the break.

[Via Reuters]

Continue reading Canal+ live & on-demand TV comes to French Xbox 360s

Canal+ live & on-demand TV comes to French Xbox 360s originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mvix Ultio "It Plays All" HD media streamer debuts in the U.S. July 6 for $179

Richard Lawler — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes

We'd heard rumors Mvix USA would be rolling out an upgraded 1080p capable media box to rival the earlier MvixPVR and here it is. Dubbed the Ultio, it has a list of supported codecs and containers that rivals the new Popcorn Hour C-200 in its thoroughness -- DivX(R) (3/4/5/6), Xvid, AVC-HD, MPEG 1/2/4, WMV-9, ASF(WMV9), MKV, DVD(IFO, VOB), ISO, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, FLAC, AC3 -- it's all here, with a slightly awkward Swiss Army knife-themed tagline to boot. The $169 price tag is sans-3.5-inch SATA HDD, though you can add one for $79 (500GB) $90 (1TB) or $139 (1.5TB). Of course network streaming is a part of the package, with Mvix's usual suite of Samba / UPnP / BitTorrent (mentioning compatibility with PlayOn and Tversity specifically to get all your Netflix, YouTube and other streaming sources to TV) via Ethernet or optional Wireless-N dongle. It's up for pre-orders now, take a close look at the specs and pics then get in line before they start shipping July 6.

Gallery: Mvix Ultio

Mvix Ultio "It Plays All" HD media streamer debuts in the U.S. July 6 for $179 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TV.com adds Record to TiVo scheduling

Richard Lawler — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:52:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others, Internet

In a move that hopefully goes over better than the jittery mess that was 1080p Flash streaming, TV.com will now allow users to schedule recordings directly to their TiVo. They're not the first or only third party site with support, Zap2it.com is another but combined with the existing community features and streaming video this might be a better option. It should work with any Series2, Series3 or TiVo HD box, just look for the Record to TiVo button on TV.com show pages.

TV.com adds Record to TiVo scheduling originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popcorn Hour prices C-200 media streamer at $299, launches next month

Richard Lawler — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:13:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others

Looking for a more official announcement than a forum post? Beyond the read link awaits Popcorn Hour's official press release for the C-200 containing some of the details we so desperately wanted, like a July release window and price of $299. Otherwise the details remain the same with support for nearly every codec we could ask for and a front mounted drive bay ready for HDD or optical drives of your choosing. We sent over a query about the Blu-ray and Blu-ray live support mentioned, but were unable to nail down any new details -- we'd bet on being able to play back your de-AACS'd rips & backups but that's about it. Any other questions that need answering once we score some hands on time with this do it all media box?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Popcorn Hour prices C-200 media streamer at $299, launches next month originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Total Home DVR, remote scheduling & guide features coming to U-verse

Richard Lawler — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Set-top boxes, Internet

C'mon now, you knew as well as we did that AT&T couldn't just...stop after rolling out Total Home DVR to its entire U-verse service area, today it's announced a few new tweaks that it plans to roll out over the next few weeks and months. Look forward to the ability to schedule and manage recordings from any U-verse receiver, not just the DVR itself, a newly enhanced remote scheduling website and an On Demand top picks app to find movies viewers might like based on their past recommendations. If that's not enough, Starz is free for July, plus a speed bump to 12 Mbps for Internet Max subs and a slightly streamlined program guide that should make the Enter button a bit more useful while browsing or watching TV. Check out the PR for the full details as most of these will be rolling out in different markets over the next few weeks, or check out the video embedded after the break.

Continue reading New Total Home DVR, remote scheduling & guide features coming to U-verse

New Total Home DVR, remote scheduling & guide features coming to U-verse originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG LH-series wireless HDTVs hit the FCC

Nilay Patel — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Set-top boxes, LG, LCD

LG's LH-series wireless HDTVs just made their debut in South Korea last month, and it looks like they're on their way to a Stateside launch soon -- there's the 55LH85, sitting pretty in Uncle Sam's FCC workshop. Of course, the real noise with these sets is the ASW1000 Media Box, which has three HDMI jacks, a pair of component inputs, antenna in, and VGA, all of which it can wirelessly send to your set from 10 meters (32.8 feet) away at 60GHz. Sadly, you can't just tuck it away, since it needs line of sight or close to it to work -- it'll bounce the signal off walls, but placing it right next to the TV won't work so great, according to the manual. Still, it's definitely cool tech -- let's hope ol' Sammy gets through with it soon so we can try it ourselves.

LG LH-series wireless HDTVs hit the FCC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaCie's LaCinema Classic Bridge media player: just add storage

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:51:00 EST

Filed under: Players, Set-top boxes, Others

LaCie's back with another addition to its steadily growing LaCinema family. The Classic Bridge ships for $99, including an HDMI cable and that iconic blue light, yet forgoes the hard drive -- perfect for all you crazy kids who already have plenty in the way of storage, but still need a way to get your media files onto the TV screen. Either install your 3.5-inch SATA HDD (FAT32 only, folks) or plug in an external USB drive, and you'll be watching re-runs of B. J. and the Bear in no time. Supports "flawless" 1080p HD resolution and all of the formats you depend on for your pop-culture fix, including: MPEG4, MP3, JPEG, and HD-JPEG. Not yet available for purchase, but in the meantime feel free to check this bad boy out in the gallery below.

LaCie's LaCinema Classic Bridge media player: just add storage originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Do you actually want to watch TV via your game console?

Richard Lawler — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, Other hardware, Set-top boxes

We've just about gotten our head around game consoles being HD video delivery boxes, whether its downloads from the Xbox Live Video (or should we call it Zune) Marketplace or PSN, or Blu-ray discs slipping into our IR receiver-less PlayStation 3, but is anyone really ready to make the jump to watching live HDTV through a console? That's not necessarily possible yet even through the current PlayTV implementation in the UK or the yet to launch BSkyB / Xbox 360 tie-up, but one has to wonder if the desire for such products is out there, so we're putting the question to you.

View Poll

Poll: Do you actually want to watch TV via your game console? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 30 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget HD: What's the best digital TV converter box?

Richard Lawler — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Ask Engadget HD, Set-top boxes, Tuners, OTA

As we can tell, not everyone is the type of person that gets ready for things ahead of time, there's always one guy waiting until the very end of the deadline to get things done and for once, it's not us. Enter Sam, owner of an older analog HDTV that isn't currently hooked up to satellite or cable. With a DTV converter coupon burning through his pocket, his question is simple, what's the best DTV tuner out there?

"I bought a brand new HDTV before the holidays and moved my old Toshiba down to the basement, right now there's just an antenna and an old DVD player connected to it. I figure a second Blu-ray player wouldn't hurt, and at least until I get another satellite receiver hooked up I'll just use an antenna to watch the game on Sunday. Of course, I didn't think of picking up a digital TV tuner until now and I'm already missing a few local stations, but there's so many to pick from, any suggestions?"

Alright, we know a few of you are still kicking it old school with strictly antenna setups and have been ready for the analog shutoff for quite some time, so you probably have plenty of experience with different digital TV converter boxes by now. Give Sam (and everyone else) the benefit of your knowledge before it's too late.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best digital TV converter box? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 27 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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