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Hulu to PlayStation 3 browsers: "This video is not available on your platform"

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 27th 2009 at 6:59AM Breaking News


The PlayStation 3 has kept access to Hulu even without PlayOn or other workaround while others were blocked -- with the exception of its own remote friendly desktop software -- thanks to its browser's Flash support, but this morning multiple users have reported the above message indicating "Unfortunately, this video is not available on your platform. We apologize for any inconvenience." Some odd glitch related to the recent 2.80 firmware update or other temporary problem, or is this the latest platform to get the Boxee treatment when trying to bring streaming video to TV screens? We've reached out to Hulu for an explanation but so far, haven't heard a response. Interestingly, the Hulu TOS was just updated as of June 26, and although we haven't found any PS3-specific passages, changing a browser's user-string to match the console reveals it is definitely being specifically blocked.

[Thanks Sev, and to Tyler from FormatWarCentral.com for the picture]

Joost testing PlayStation 3 specific browser interface

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 18th 2009 at 11:39AM


Apparently a casual mention on the Engadget HD podcast is enough to bring anyone out of hiding, as Joost follows Managed Copy out of the shadows, showing off a test of a new interface for the video streaming website that is optimized for the PlayStation 3 web browser. Simply pull up http://labs.joost.com/tv/ from the console, and then the controller buttons will easily control all the video playback from there. Joost went in the reverse of Hulu, YouTube XL and others, from desktop app to browser only, but it seems finally ready to offer new ways, through this 10-foot style interface, to get on the TV.

[Via Evil Avatar]

VuNow's internet video-to-TV streamer finds a home in Sherwood receivers

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 16th 2009 at 5:02PM


The VuNow platform is sitting a lot prettier, as it has grabbed an OEM deal to be included in Sherwood's upcoming line of receivers. Already making an appearance as the Netgear ITV2000 standalone unit, now high end amps and surround sound systems will have access to a variety of internet video sources without additional hardware. Verismo's said it will be pursuing many different opportunities for its technology, we'll wait and see where the YouTube / CNN / ESPN and more streaming hardware shows up next, though your cable box would appear to be a safe bet.

Continue reading VuNow's internet video-to-TV streamer finds a home in Sherwood receivers

Epix HD 720p movie streaming service eyes-on

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 8th 2009 at 12:30PM Featured Story


After making sure there was a domain name locked down for Epix, the new premium movie network formed by Studio 3 Networks (Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM) it was all about taking advantage of an early peek at the 720p Flash powered site to see what a new generation of home movie distribution has to offer. The tech end (opening up to invited users this week for beta testing) is powered by Akamai's variable bitrate streaming streaming technology, delivering up to 3mbps HD video with stereo audio all the way down (6 different levels) to 500kbps encodes. Where it surpasses current online offerings from the competition is the ability, thanks to the aforementioned studio backers, to provide many of the recent movies you want to see. Our impressions of the service and a few more pictures of the interface are after the break.

Continue reading Epix HD 720p movie streaming service eyes-on

Poll: 1080p streaming video vs. Blu-ray

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 7th 2009 at 3:45PM


Real simple question. Internet video delivery has been promising to kill disc for about as long as this site has been around, and Microsoft's E3 announcement of 1080p instant streaming with surround sound and even social watching features is merely the latest shot across the bow. So tell us, when it launches this fall will that be enough for you to consider internet video as an alternative to Blu-ray when deciding how to watch a new movie?

Is 1080p streaming a viable alternative to Blu-ray for you?

ZeeVee releases Zinc TV browser for Macs

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 4th 2009 at 4:37PM


ZeeVee has announced a Mac version of its Zinc video browser. Aimed ata TV-compatible interface to any streaming website Zinc should run on any Intel Mac running OS X 10.5. Specifically pointing out boxee, Zinc says users can create access to new sites just by adding an rss feed to their favorites tab. Give it a shot and let us know if its as easy as they make it sound, Mac owners.Speaking of remote-focused interfaces for streaming sites, ZeeVee has announced a Mac version of its Zinc video browser. Aimed at the suddenly crowded field of giving a TV-compatible interface to any streaming website Zinc should run on any Intel Mac running OS X 10.5. Specifically pointing out boxee, Zinc says users can create access to new sites just by adding an rss feed to their favorites tab. Give it a shot and let us know if its as easy as they make it sound, Mac owners.

YouTube rebrands TV web portal "YouTube XL"

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 3rd 2009 at 7:09AM


Whether you call it ten-foot or lean back like Hulu Desktop, putting a TV-ready front end on your website is all the rage nowadays, and after six months of beta, YouTube is relaunching its Wii and PlayStation 3-aimed site as YouTube XL. Now accessible by any browser at www.youtube.com/xl, it's been stripped down to the basics (at the moment, that means no HD, or even HQ viewing option) to make YouTube work on the big screen, plus tweaks allowing control via Bluetooth remotes or some cellphones, like Android devices running Gmote. The HTPC crowd, those living without widgets and other direct access will surely find plenty to love, why not hit up the site right now to try it out?

[Via TechCrunch]

Gallery: YouTube XL

Yahoo Japan fires up video delivery service for Sharp AQUOS TVs

by Darren Murph, posted May 28th 2009 at 10:59AM


With Akihabara, mobile TV that works and games like this, does Japan really need another nicety to remind us of how awesome it is? Starting this week, Yahoo Japan has started to deliver free video services to loads of Sharp AQUOS HDTVs. The so-called Douga Channel currently offers some 3,000 videos gratis, and absolutely no member registration is required to tap in. At least initially, the service will target Sharp's AQUOS DS6 family of products, which are equipped with a revised Sharp GUI and an 'Ex System' for handling the video processing. Better still, the material coming through can be viewed in SD or HD, which has to make local cable companies cringe. At any rate, the company is still trying to hammer out a business model before delving into pay-TV, and it's hoping to service at least one million TV sets in the not-too-distant future. So... any news for North America?

CBS.com ups the HD streaming ante, offers 1080p HD gallery of full episodes and clips

by Richard Lawler, posted May 14th 2009 at 1:24PM


CBS is kicking up the competition in online streaming, now offering some full episodes in up to 1080p resolution in its HD gallery on CBS.com and TV.com. There's no doubt that's a major shot across the bow at Hulu, which offers only 720p in its limited HD Gallery, but when we tried it out though the picture remained sharp even blown up to full screen, the jittery framerate of the Flash video made it clear we weren't watching a Blu-ray disc or even broadcast HDTV. Check it out yourself and see how it runs, all the CSI's, How I Met Your Mother and more are up in "full high definition."

[Via Video Business]

Hulu getting ready for international viewers, starts by blocking them

by Richard Lawler, posted May 8th 2009 at 9:22AM


Fresh off adding Disney as a content partner and part owner, Hulu is about to make an even bigger leap, signing up a few agreements for international programming from sources like Endemol and Digital Rights Group of the UK and Bollywood distributor Saavn. Financial Times learned that while these deals should first bring additional programming for U.S. viewers, it is "laying the groundwork" for a global launch in the top six to eight markets. Unfortunately for global viewers, word on the internets is that anonymous proxies like those so conveniently suggested in our Ask EHD for Canadian streaming options are now blocked, so until those deals are signed and the switch is flipped in your neck of the woods, no Hulu for you.

SecondRun.tv updated with direct play Media Center Extender support

by Richard Lawler, posted May 7th 2009 at 1:18PM


Media Center Extender users now have a reason to check out the SecondRun.tv plugin, with the latest build supporting direct play mode on any providers that support it (read: not Hulu, at the moment.) Right now Revision3 and the unfortunately overcompressed GameTrailers.com are the big names but users will know which ones work by a green arrow in the corner. Otherwise the latest revision has other tweaks including fixed display sizing problems and movie covers, but you'll have to load it up on your display to let us know how well it's working.

[Thanks, Nathan]

VuNow 3.0 update: Now with AC-3, NTFS, PAL & more

by Richard Lawler, posted May 6th 2009 at 10:39AM


Found the Verismo VuNow's previous iterations lacking? Take another look, because the company says it's gotten all more and better on us, with even more live TV channels, websites, and now Shoutcast Internet radio bringing additional content to the box. On the hardware side it can finally read NTFS formatted drives, not just FAT-32, plus 802.11n support with WPA2 and WPS security, Dolby AC-3 audio, PAL and other tweaks. Check out the full press release after the break and see how $149 for a VN1000HD Hi-Def POD strikes you now that its added even more services (though unfortunately not Hulu, from what we can tell.)

Continue reading VuNow 3.0 update: Now with AC-3, NTFS, PAL & more

Videociety VOD service uses Blu-ray players with BD-Live

by Richard Lawler, posted May 1st 2009 at 11:03AM


German production house Enteractive is readying its Blu-ray Java disc powered service Videociety that turns any BD-Live enabled Blu-ray player into an Internet delivered VOD box. Still unknown is what resolution movies will be offered in and which ones, although h.264 compression (with Dolby Digital 2.0 or 5.1 soundtracks) is confirmed, and the company has access to 400 films from sister companies Splendid Film, Polyband and WVG Media and negotiations with other major and independent studios are ongoing. Just like Netflix's Watch Instantly, movies are queued from a PC or iPhone, then streamed to the Blu-ray player once the disc is inserted. Anyone else hoping that if this works well it gets picked up outside of Germany after the official launch at IFA in September?

[Via Blu-ray.com]

GridNetworks & Global Media Services merger to bring GridCast TV to the big time, hopefully

by Richard Lawler, posted Apr 20th 2009 at 2:33AM

HD streaming mavens GridNetworks have merged with Global Media Services to create what they term as the "first comprehensive streaming and media services platform." We know GridNetworks is all about peer-to-peer GridCasting delivery tech that would let many view lag-free high definition streams over the Internet, and it seems that GMS is all about putting on live streaming events, so this should let them keep doing that, but in even higher quality. The first media company/brand/event to take advantage of this pairing? We're still waiting to hear that.

Best Buy prepping an entry into the digital distribution game

by Richard Lawler, posted Apr 17th 2009 at 6:31AM


Apparently Blu-ray sales aren't increasing fast enough for everyone, in its ongoing plan to not pull a Circuit City, Best Buy is reportedly in talks with CinemaNow and other, unnamed, movie services about launching a digital delivery arm as early as this summer. CinemaNow is well prepared to set up online video stores for others, with Blockbuster (bad example) and Dell already on board. Variety suggests Best Buy could market and sell Internet-connected TVs and set-top boxes that include CinemaNow access, with a shared revenue stream between the two, but nothing is final. Netflix has a hit on its hands with Watch Instantly so think it over, would you give an Insignia Blu-ray player or HDTV a second look if it could download movies?




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