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Ready for the first all-HD Winter Olympics? NBC is

by Richard Lawler posted Nov 5th 2009 at 2:57PM

Forget Torino and its quality issues, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver promises to be a different event, and this time it is coming home shot 100% natively in HD. Watching on TV, viewers can expect a slew of coverage across NBC's networks, plus a continuously updated HD VOD package of the day's highlights, and interactive TV features to pull up medal counts, athlete bios and Team USA reports. Checking in online? NBC is back with a new iteration of Microsoft's Silverlight streaming, promising even more HD footage, with the ability to fast forward and rewind streams, plus save clips to your computer. Behind the online efforts are the encoding skills of iStreamPlanet providing 23 different video feeds, with Akamai's new HD distribution network distributing the adaptive bitrate streams directly to your PC. Remember when we were just happy to get 5.1 surround?

Read - Akamai and iStreamPlanet to Power Live and on-Demand Video for NBC's Coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games

Continue reading Ready for the first all-HD Winter Olympics? NBC is

Comcast denies possible purchase of NBC, claims it can only offer a window

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 1st 2009 at 4:27PM

Surprising absolutely no one who has ever waited for a repair or installation, an internet rumor Wednesday suggested Comcast is in talks to take advantage of an oddly scheduled window of availability to purchase NBC Universal. Whether it shows up on time is still up in the air, but with ownership of the media group divided 80/20 by GE and Vivendi the rumored deal would be worth $35 billion, with around $7 billion due Vivendi during this annual period when it can exercise a put option on the shares it owns. Time Warner and DirecTV owner Liberty Media have also been rumored as suitors, can anyone imagine NBC and Syfy under the same umbrella as Versus?

Comcast, USOC trying to launch new Olympic Sports channel

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 10th 2009 at 8:23PM

Get ready for more curling, archery, judo and other Olympic Sports, if Comcast and the U.S. Olympic Committee get their way and launch a new network after the 2010 Vancouver Games to broadcast Olympic Sports coverage all the time. Of course, the International Olympic Committee and its $2 billion partner NBC are none too pleased about the news, especially given it already has Universal Sports for this very purpose. as proposed, the U.S. Olympic Network would air archived Olympics footage, education and coaching shows and eventually regional and Olympic Trials competitions. There's no specific mention of an HD feed, but if its anything like every other dedicated sports network that's popped up over the last few years, we don't see how it could go on without one. While the USOC and IOC work things out, you think there's any room in the program guide for this channel?

Read - U.S. Olympic Committee plans to launch own cable network
Read - Comcast, USOC Eye Dedicated Olympic Service In 2010

NBCOlympics.com using Silverlight 3, Smooth Streaming for Winter Olympics video

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 20th 2009 at 1:04PM


The Beijing Olympics broadcast benefited greatly from high quality streams available on the NBCOlympics.com website, and it looks like the 2010 Games in Vancouver will be no different. To that end, Microsoft's released server side enhancements like Smooth Streaming technology for adaptive streaming with Silverlight to keep the video streams moving smoothly, and even enable DVR-like features in a live stream without requiring dedicated video servers, all so viewers can get smooth 720p throughout the event. By then Silverlight 3 should be out of beta, which promises support for up to 1080p resolution, native playback of MP4 formats like h.264 and hardware graphics acceleration. Honestly we'd expect nothing less, and while word is CTV, HSN and others will be among the first to take advantage, we're waiting for Netflix to pick up the baton and deliver browser based PQ that rises to the level of Xbox 360 and other players, plus more HD.

MSNBC sets a date for HDTV broadcasts: June 29

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 3rd 2009 at 9:03AM

Already delayed beyond its planned pre-election launch, and following CNBC's first dabble into real HD, MSNBC has chosen Monday, June 29 as the day it becomes self aw....begins broadcasting in high definition. No word specifically which programs will be in HD, but with the network already broadcasting from two HD ready studios since 2007, there should be plenty to go around for Olbermann, Maddow and Scarborough. No word on carriage, but we're thinking it's no coincidence this news came out of the Cable Show, so expect to hear more in the next few months.

CNBC HD is actually HD for the first time tonight

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 24th 2009 at 8:50PM


Looking for something watch once the President Obama press conference is over? If CNBC HD+ is in the channel lineup, click over to check out the channel's first true high definition production Cruise Inc: Big Money On The High Seas at 9 p.m. It's the first of several documentaries apparently planned in HD, and not a moment too soon. Taking advantage of the addition space HDTVs can provide (as pictured above) has been nice, but it's good to know we didn't have to go all Jon Stewart on them to get some real HD.

[Via Media Bistro]

Sci Fi Channel being rebranded as Syfy

by Darren Murph posted Mar 18th 2009 at 4:20AM


You've got to love those marketing folks, right? In an effort to grab an "ownable trademark" that will be more easily recognized on EPGs and online video portals such as iTunes and Hulu, NBC Universal has decided it best to rebrand Sci Fi Channel as 'Syfy.' Phonetically, everything remains the same, but it's the visual difference that counts. The change is expected to take place on July 7th here in the US, with other regions following suit in Q3. We're still not sure we're hot on the whole MHD-to-Palladia thing, but we kind of dig this change -- agree / disagree?

NBC Universal content now available on PlayStation Network

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 10th 2009 at 2:47PM Breaking News


Good news for Playstation 3 owners -- NBC and Sony have just announced that NBC Universal content is now available on the PlayStation Network. In addition to NBC shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and Heroes, new movie releases like Milk and Role Models will hit PSN day and date with the DVD release, and back-catalog titles like The 40-Year Old Virgin and The Big Lebowski should already be up. Pricing is ballpark with the competition: $2.99 to $5.99 for SD and HD rentals, and $9.99 to $14.99 for SD and HD purchases. Not bad, but we won't be happy until these fools drop the shenanigans and give us what we really want: Hulu. Make it happen, guys.

Cable companies work to bring new online content to pay-TV subscribers

by Darren Murph posted Feb 20th 2009 at 10:04AM


In an effort to maintain relevancy during a time when online TV viewing is on the rise, a number of big name cable companies are looking to throw in online companion packages to sweeten the pay-TV equation. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that top cable providers (namely Comcast and TWC) and TV networks are looking to assemble a large swath of online programming -- some of which has been previously unavailable -- and deliver it only to subscribers. As it stands, loads of shows are available right now for free via Hulu and broadcast websites, but some channels without online portals can only be caught via cable. From what we're gathering, it seems that these operators could be working to bring some of that content to the web, essentially providing a means to tune into a Comcast or TWC lineup without having to be in front of the set-top-box.

Update: Due to some quotes taken out of context, we have revamped our story above to show a clearer picture of the cable companies' intentions.

NBC Direct download service relaunches, again

by Richard Lawler posted Feb 18th 2009 at 8:52PM


NBC Direct is back with a new version of its download video player, sure to please all those anxious for a 2D version of the post-Super Bowl Chuck episode, but probably less endearing to others. NBC's solution lets viewers download shows rather than stream (you can start watching before the download finishes) in standard or high definition, however even in its third iteration is still Windows only and DRM-laden. Hulu still doesn't have much in the way of HD so it's a better option there, but we'll have to wait and see how it stacks up to the competition from ABC, Fox and CBS.

[Via Download Squad & Newteevee]

Did NBC's promotional shove help or hurt 3D?

by Richard Lawler posted Feb 3rd 2009 at 9:44AM


Love it or hate it, 3D has been on a tear in 2009, and it enjoyed the biggest audience yet over the last two nights with a quick Super Bowl ad and follow up hour long 3D episode of Chuck, both on NBC. However, given the mixed opinions, and the questionable tech used to bring 3D to homes that aren't really equipped to deal with it, we're not sure if the movement went forward or backwards last night. Our friends at Cinematical and TV Squad have chipped in opinions on the Monsters vs. Aliens promo (embedded after the break) and special TV event, but what about you? As a glasses-only affair it required an audience a bit more prepared than usual than usual for TV, and there were plenty of chances for problems and misunderstanding. PR reps for theater 3D companies were quick to point out their stereoscopic technology provides much higher quality (we agree) than you saw on NBC, and while that begs the question why bother at all, it seems like the chance to seed the potential of 3D -- even with a subpar anaglyph display -- was too big of an opportunity to ignore.

Read - I don't care what NBC is saying... 3D on TV still doesn't work
Read - Poll: Did You Like The 3D Superbowl Movie Commercials?

Continue reading Did NBC's promotional shove help or hurt 3D?

VIZIO does it big time with own Super Bowl ad

by Darren Murph posted Jan 30th 2009 at 6:01PM


We've always respected those who practiced what they preached, and we've got to give it to VIZIO here -- it's definitely standing by its word of switching marketing gears from discount to high-quality. The company famous for delivering HDTVs at rock bottom prices has just announced that it will air a commercial in this year's Super Bowl, and at around $3 million per slot, you know it'll be worth watching. Of course, you probably shouldn't expect scantily clad females or overdone explosions, as the company's co-founder and VP of sales and marketing Laynie Newsome has stated that the spot is one that's "simple and speaks directly to its customers." Low-key and Super Bowl? Those don't mix, do they?

GE lets loose premium details about premium HDTV line

by Darren Murph posted Jan 21st 2009 at 11:59PM


When we heard last September that General Electric was aiming to enter the "premium" HDTV market, we all had a brief laugh and continued on about our day. Apparently, our doubts are completely unfounded. According to an interview with numerous GE executives tied in with the initiative, the GE-branded sets will be serious contenders. In fact, bigwigs are hoping to make their sets "a top-tier brand that rivals the likes of Sony, Samsung, and Sharp." The secret sauce is the differentiation, as GE is looking to stuff internet connectivity, wireless audio and many other "advanced features" onto its sets in order to show up rivals. Among the early prototypes shown at CES earlier this month was a 46-inch HDTV with a GLT edgelight that utilized white Luminus LEDs and GLT's lightguide blades. It's also looking to expand into wireless video boxes with 1080i support, which means the sky really could be the limit here. Obviously, we're keeping our skeptic hats on until a commercial device hits the market, but you can definitely color us intrigued.

[Image courtesy of DecoRadios]

Monsters vs. Aliens 3D promo gets detailed

by Darren Murph posted Jan 4th 2009 at 9:25PM


For those searching for a few more details on how exactly the Monsters vs. Aliens 3D trailer will be seen on Super Bowl Sunday, you've arrived at the right place. According to a new AP report on the topic, around 150 million 3D glasses will be given away for free at Pepsi / SoBe Life Water displays at 28,000 locations including grocery, drug and electronics stores and big-box retailers -- in other words, you shouldn't have to look hard to find 'em. The three minute promo will utilize Intel's InTru 3D and ColorCode 3-D technologies, which are said to be far superior to the old red-blue Anaglyph system. In fact, those without 3D glasses will still be able to make out what's going on. Oh, and if you were even the slightest bit curious as to how serious DreamWorks Animation is about pulling this off, get a load of this: the outfit's CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg is calling the stunt "perhaps the biggest media-advertising event in history," noting that it will involve "tens of millions of dollars." Gulp.

[Image courtesy of AP Photo/Matt Sayles]

Monsters vs. Aliens trailer, Chuck to air in 3D in February on NBC

by Darren Murph posted Jan 3rd 2009 at 11:27PM


This won't come as any surprise to folks watching the absolutely thrilling Chargers vs. Colts matchup on NBC, but 3D has officially hit the mainstream. NBC has been feverishly pushing a 3D airing of a Monsters vs. Aliens trailer on Super Bowl Sunday, and a 3D episode of Chuck will follow later in February. We were even blasted with a shot of Jerome Bettis rockin' some super ugly 3D glasses, of which you'll be able to procure yourself for free in the coming weeks at select Pepsi and Sobe kiosks. Obviously, since the ads were shown to all watching tonight's tilt, no special television will be needed to enjoy the eye-popping content; now, let's just wait and see if any 3D clips are snuck into the actual Super Bowl.

[Via TVByTheNumbers]




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