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Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere


Just as promised, the (still SD only) Blockbuster OnDemand service is now available on a slew of Samsung hardware via firmware update, while the Internet@TV lineup (LCD and Plasma HDTVs Series 650 and above and LED HDTVs Series 7000) has a brand new toy with the Amazon VOD Yahoo! widget (which does support HD.) Both services offer a slew of rental and/or purchase options for the digital delivery fanatic, though we still hunger for the audio and quality of VUDU plus the all you can eat goodness of Netflix Watch Instantly, of the millions of TVs out there, there's surely someone willing to sift through those menus for the ease of viewing Ghosts of Girlfriends Past without resorting to cable VOD -- or getting up from the couch. The "convenience" goes both ways, since they'll also be able to pick up compatible Samsung blu-ray players at Blockbuster stores, right next to the TiVo section -- check for exact model #s supported in the PR after the break.

Panasonic finally gets around to enabling Amazon VOD on 2009 Blu-ray players


Don't let us rush you Panasonic. But we were expecting Amazon VOD streaming capability when the DMP-BD60, BD70V, BD80 and the B15 Blu-ray players launched, then later were told it would be available by May. Now, in early August, comes word that a new firmware update has enabled access on all players (including the over 1000 HD selections on the service.) We know a few of you probably couldn't live without the DMP-BD70V and its Blu-ray / VHS combo, are you finding the new Amazon access included in the VIERA Cast streaming satisfactory for your needs?

Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray player reviewed, are the new features worth it?


Panasonic's DMP-BD60 hits the scene as the successor to the well-received DMP-BD35, packing Viera Cast features on top of BD-Live capability in a slim (& more power efficient) package. CNET's reviewers threw the new boss on their test bench and found a lot to like, while the Internet features weren't flawless with some control issues on YouTube videos, however it lags the competition without wireless Internet capabilities. Picture quality was up to par, but it seems to have fallen off the pace compared to the latest offering from Samsung in terms of speed, taking longer to load some movies from off mode. Check the full review for all the details, but with the price currently at $299 this player might not have enough value unless Amazon VOD and Picasa access is particularly important.

[Via TV Snob]

More proof that Amazon is about to sell high-def TV shows


We've seen sprinkles of hope that have led us to cautiously believe that Amazon was gearing up to start selling high-definition TV shows, and now our hearts are dead set on believing. Here recently, Amazon's Video On Demand service has been expanding onto just about every media playing console / box / etc. out there, but now that Apple has stepped up the game by offering HD movies for sale, it seems that Amazon's about to pop out some new functionality of its own. Long story short, the noodling crew over at NewTeeVee managed to poke around and find some pretty hard evidence that Amazon will soon be selling HD TV shows for $2.99 apiece, and while none of the links they stumbled upon were live, we reckon it's only a matter of time at this point.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Panasonic's 2009 VIERA Cast Blu-ray players priced, shipping in April


We first got a peek at Panasonic's DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and VHS-packing DMP-BD70V at CES, and now they've got official pricetags ahead of their April release. Beyond the VIERA Cast support for Amazon VOD, YouTube and other Internet content, this year's decks also include improvements in power consumption, with the BD60 drawing 16% less juice than last year's DMP-BD35. The DMP-BD60 can be had for a suggested $299, while the BD80 and BD70V are both priced at $399, depending on whether you prefer VHS or 7.1 analog outputs. Check out the CES 2009 hands on for a better look before these show up at a retailer near you.

PlayOn media server upgraded with Amazon VOD & plugin beta


Just in time to ease worries that your Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or other DLNA-capable device was falling behind the Roku video player in video capability, MediaMall has updated its PlayOn software for Amazon Video On Demand access. Version 2.59.3352 went out earlier today and also enables a beta version of its plugin system, that should allow interested providers to put their feeds into the PlayOn browser starting right now with Revision3. What's next? ABC.com on the content side and the Nintendo Wii on the hardware end. Of course, we could've just mentioned the (still working) Hulu to your TV access which is at least enough reason to give it a trial run.

Roku takes Amazon Video On Demand into private beta


We knew good and well that Roku's movie set-top-box would be supporting Amazon Video On Demand in the not-too-terribly-distant future, and apparently the private beta has begun. Over at the Roku forums, an official has made clear that demand was exceptional and the pool of private beta testers has now been chosen. Sadly, there's no mention of when Roku plans on sharing the love with the public at large, but Dave Zatz has appropriately pointed out that YouTube could be following close behind. Still, we have to concur that the most pressing question has yet to be answered: will this Amazon VOD be offered up in glorious high-def? Pretty please?

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

Amazon Video On Demand content comes to Panasonic TVs


Hooking up with digital content distributors is definitely the thing to do here at CES, and you ought to know that Panasonic isn't leaving Vegas without a partner of its own. In between announcing snazzy new HDTVs and a litany of camcorders, the company has proudly announced a partnership with Amazon that will bring Amazon Video on Demand material to VIERA Cast TVs. The service is expected to launch early this year, and quite honestly, we're hoping that this isn't the only release of this kind. For Panasonic's sake.




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