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T-Mobile family plans will include Quibi free for one year
Just yesterday, T-Mobile finally completed its Sprint merger. Today, it has more big news. When Quibi launches on April 6th, T-Mobile customers on the Magenta family plan will get a free year of the mobile-first video service. After a year of both free Netflix and free Quibi, those customers will be able to choose one service or the other.
Sprint is offering $15 unlimited plans for new customers
If you're looking for an inexpensive phone plan and you're willing to switch carriers to get it, Sprint may be the best option right now. The company just announced a new limited-time deal "Kickstart" that will give you unlimited data, talk and text for $15 a month per line, provided it's new service and you sign up to use AutoPay.
T-Mobile says it doesn't 'throttle' YouTube, it 'downgrades'
T-Mobile's Binge On service allows eligible customers to stream videos from select services -- Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu and others -- without eating into their data allowances. The catch? Binge On videos are streamed at 480p by default. YouTube isn't included in Binge On, but recently the company accused T-Mobile of "throttling" its service regardless. This isn't an accurate characterization, a T-Mobile spokesperson told DSLReports in the following statement:"Using the term 'throttle' is misleading. We aren't slowing down YouTube or any other site. In fact, because video is optimized for mobile devices, streaming from these sites should be just as fast, if not faster than before. A better phrase is 'mobile optimized' or a less flattering 'downgraded' is also accurate."
Vudu starts streaming movies to the browser, but only in SD
Vudu's movie service is already available on 300-odd set top boxes and HDTVs including the PS3 and Boxee Box, but now it can add your personal computer to the list since it will start streaming its entire catalog right on the company's website. The Flash-based player will let customers watch movies they've rented or purchased like any other device, but due to licensing issues it's limited to a maximum 480p resolution with stereo sound for now. That's disappointing for a company that pioneered high quality 1080p streaming with its HDX format but it could help attract customers who find a rental packed in with one of their DVDs or Blu-ray discs from Walmart. There's no word yet on plans for mobile devices, but general manager Edward Lichty confirmed to us it plans to make content accessible in "as many places as possible" so we'd expect to hear something on that front soon (but probably after the launch of premium VOD.) Until then, there's a few more screens in the gallery and a press release after the break or you can just check out the 2.0 interface for yourself on Vudu.com once everything goes live. %Gallery-120901%
Is Samsung applying Analog Sunset 480p only rules to its new HDTVs? No.
Over the weekend news popped up at CEPro that industry forums were buzzing about Samsung's new D series LED HDTVs only supporting a maximum 480p resolution through their analog (component) inputs. The author apparently confirmed this with a customer service rep which raised the possibility that Samsung had needlessly extended Analog Sunset rules from its 2011 Blu-ray players (which are limited to 480p out over analog per the new rules) to TVs. In response, Bill Whitaker of Neothings went over to his local Magnolia and confirmed with hands-on testing 1080p via analog worked on the new sets. Just to make sure this applies to all TVs in all situations we checked with Samsung directly and received this official response: Samsung has made no change to its support for HD input via component connection. Our 2011 televisions continue to support up to 1080p signals through component inputs. We hope everyone's feeling a little more at ease now and can concentrate on the important things, like whether that funky dual-sided QWERTY remote is a good idea.
Amazon rolling out Netflix-like unlimited video streaming for Prime subscribers?
Rumors of Amazon either purchasing Netflix or launching a competing option have been circling and now one of our readers says he's seeing an unlimited video streaming section to complement the current Amazon VOD options. That's a nice bonus for the $79 / year package that currently adds a few free shipping bonuses and it would be cheaper on a yearly basis than Netflix's Watch Instantly ($95.88.) As seen above and in the gallery, it consists of "unlimited, commercial-free, instant streaming of 5,000 movies and TV shows" with selections that mirror the Watch Instantly catalog closely. Resolution is apparently limited to a "pretty solid" 480p SD, but there's no word on audio or subtitle options. We'll wait to hear if anyone else is seeing a similar page before assuming a wide rollout, but it certainly appears that there could finally be a viable competitor to the Netflix juggernaut. Update: We weren't able to pull up the option on any of our Prime-enabled accounts and from the comments it doesn't appear any of you were either. According to our tipster, the option has disappeared from his page as well. One other interesting note came from commenter vfiz, who found that several variations of the primeinstantvideos.com domain name were registered by Amazon-owned DPReview January 5. %Gallery-115340% [Thanks, Pavel]
PCD's $99 wireless streaming adapter will beam iOS or older-gen iPod nano content onto your TV
In case you've got some fundamental issue with Apple's upcoming AirPlay, or just a fifth-gen iPod nano you're unwilling to part with, here's a handy little adapter for you. Produced by Cywee and likely to be sold for around $99 by PCD in the US, this RF streamer plugs straight into your iDevice's dock connector and then beams video, pictures, games and the like over to its nearby base station, which in turn hooks up to your television by a set of RGB cables. Any app that utilizes Apple's video output API is a candidate for having its visuals sent over, though resolution is unfortunately capped at 480p and you'll need line of sight at a distance of no more than 15 feet for everything to work correctly. Just to make sure we're all appropriately underwhelmed by its current product, Cywee promises an 802.11n WiFi variant that'll handle 1080p and output via HDMI for next year. Great, we'll just wait for that one, why don't we?
PSP to HDMI, all with one giant converter box
Props to Lenkeng for dressing up their otherwise anonymous VGA-to-HDMI converter box with a PSP-related angle -- the LKV8000 comes with the necessary cables to take your PSP-2000 or above's 480p video output and push out a 720p HDMI signal complete with stereo audio. Not a bad idea -- except that we can't think of an HDTV that lacks either component or VGA jacks and that doesn't have a built-in scaler to do the same job. Maybe you're just out of ports? In any event, this guy needs a Stateside distributor before we can tell you pricing or availability, so you're stuck swapping cables for a while, Sparky. [Via Oh Gizmo!]
Touch Ruminations: Progressive necessity
In the latest edition of Touch Ruminations, former DS and Wii Fanboy Lead David Hinkle talks about whatever he feels like. He's a jerk like that. This week, it's 480 lines of progressive scan, and whether or not it should be the standard on Wii. The opinions expressed here belong to the author and don't necessarily reflect those of Joystiq, Weblogs Inc. or its affiliates.I've been so pumped for MadWorld, it's not even funny. Then Monday came around and we found out the game wasn't going to run in 480p and I knew it had to be this week's topic. Some people went bonkers, but, to tell you the truth, I don't think it's such a bad thing.
MadWorld won't run in 480p (consolation: multiplayer footage!)
Being Wii gamers, we're not total graphics snobs, but many feel that 480p support really should be the standard for new games by now. We guess Platinum Games didn't get the memo, as upcoming MadWorld will only run in 480i, IGN reports. Neither Platinum Games nor Sega have made an official statement as to why the game is stuck in 480i, but regardless of interlaces or progressives, you have to admit the game still looks sweet.For those of you who feel the same way, you might want to head past the break for a sneak peek at the game's multiplayer Blood Bath challenges. Still planning to pick up the game, despite 480i? Or is the deal totally off now?%Gallery-22964%Source - MadWorld in 480i Source - First look at multiplayer [Via Go Nintendo]
Strong Bad freezing? Take your Wii out of widescreen display mode
We haven't heard much in the way of problems with Telltale's newest episodic game, Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People. One of our incredibly handsome commenters had some other kind of issue, but it's nothing like what ThatVideoGameBlog is reporting.Apparently, at the same spot in the episode, the whole game would freeze, locking up the console. Others over at the Telltale forums were reporting the same issue, yet they found a fix: take the console out of widescreen display mode and set it to standard (also suggested is turning off 480p and setting the system to 480i). This seems to correct the issue, yet means gamers will have to put up with some black bars on outside of the screen and none of that delicious progressive scan all the kids are crazy about. Until Telltale can patch the game, it looks like this is the only fix for those suffering from freezing. [Via ThatVideoGameBlog]%Gallery-29377% Strong Bad's Game for Attractive People isn't the only notable WiiWare title. Capcom's upcoming Mega Man 9 has managed to turn a few heads (and might have even gotten other companies to think about retro revivals). There's also the upcoming Tetris Party and Alien Crush Returns, both from Hudson. Oh, and let's not forget Space Invaders Get Even!
CBS.com tests out 480p "HD" video
CBS.com is jumping into the online HD race...sort of. An "HD" flash player has been spotted in the labs area of its site, although all that's available at the moment is 480p. A quick check of the competition shows Hulu is still only demoing HD with movie trailers, ABC.com's streaming player has plenty of HD but is still technically in beta, Fox claims HD in its player but seems to be similarly low-rezzed, while NBC lags behind. In the race to pump pixels through our browser windows, CBS hasn't made it quite to the front yet, but keep trying. Of course a DRM-free download or two certainly wouldn't hurt, but we're not holding our collective breath.[Via CNet]Read - CBS Testing HD StreamingRead - CBS Labs
Okami Wii shines with new widescreen, progressive scan support
Contrary to what has previously been stated, the Nintendo Wii port of Okami will have some extra frills. A listing on Capcom's website reveals that Clover Studio's masterpiece will now support widescreen (16:9) and 480p progressive scan support. That should give you more than enough reason to finally splurge on some Wii component cables. Developer Ready at Dawn, who is responsible for the port, had previously said the game would be an "exact port" with only Wii remote support added during brush stroke moments. While this isn't new content, the technical improvement is a welcome addition to this visually stunning title. Okam-Wii (not an official title) is due out March 25.
Revolutionary: New Year's Res
Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities. It is the year 2008 and we've all got jet packs to carry us from our front door to the flying car in our driveway. Our friends can leave us telepathic thoughtmails when we're summering in seclusion on the dark side of the moon. Skynet fought back and the treacherous Decepticons have conquered the Autobots' home planet of Cybertron. Everyone is basking in the realer-than-reality goodness of their HD television sets. Wait a minute ... scratch that last bit. Not everyone's got an HDTV or even a DTV, so that broadcast switchover to digital transmission that the FCC mandated for the years leading up to 2007 wound up getting postponed until 2009. Nintendo engineers are patting themselves on the back (no doubt with fat stacks of cash) for predicting the relatively slow transition to HD, which allowed them to keep production costs down on the little white wonder. It's a point of contention to some, but seniors, girlfriends, your parents, and most Wii fanboys aren't giving it a lot of thought. Many people aren't even aware that it's not an HD console, so this edition of Revolutionary is intended to clear up any misunderstandings about the Wii's resolution ... -ary.
Dojo update: Talking display preferences
Today's dojo update focuses on the display options for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The game will support both standard, 4:3 display and widescreen, 16:9 display. And, should you not be all up to snuff on your knowledge of widescreen vs. normal display options, the game will let you know which display option is best for you based on the TV your Wii is playing the game on. Oh, and there's also a nice musical track you can give a listen to.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Resident Evil Wii will be seen in 480p, 16:9 glory
Speaking to IGN, Capcom's senior director of strategic planning and research Christian Svensson has confirmed that Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles for Nintendo Wii will be presented in Expanded Definition 480p progressive scan and 16:9 widescreen.The revelation shouldn't be too surprising, considering the previous iteration Resident Evil 4 was letterbox widescreen on the GameCube (and given the option for true widescreen on the PS2 version). However, true to Nintendo's focus elsewhere, the list of games that use 480p / 16:9 widescreen is currently pretty small. Though the Wii, as Nintendo presents it, is a system that prioritizes interaction over graphical proficiency, the system is at least as powerful as two GameCubes duct taped together (we kid, we kid). We expect the graphics of the games to reflect the console's ability and would like to see those visuals in as crisp an image as possible, whether the game in question is realistic or comical in presentation. We hope Capcom's decision is just part of a larger trend of future Wii releases. It is unknown if Umbrella Chronicles, currently scheduled for a late 2007 release, will be present at Capcom's Gamers Day event April 12.
Umbrella Chronicles to support 480p, 16:9
According to reports on the Capcom forums, by way of Capcom employee Christian Svensson (he's the Senior Director of Strategy), we receive confirmation that Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles will indeed support progressive scan and 16:9, something a lot of Wii owners want from their games. Personally, we're glad ourselves, because when we totally geek out with this game, we want it to look as good as possible. Svensson couldn't confirm if the game would feature Dolby Pro Logic II or not at this time, but history has taught us that Capcom usually employs DLPII in their games (at least during the GameCube era they did).[Via Go Nintendo]
Wii Warm Up: is 480p a problem with your GameCube games?
We've encountered a problem recently. See, we finished Twilight Princess a couple of weeks ago and we've declared it our favorite Legend of Zelda adventure of all time. But, just to be sure, we had to go back and play through Wind Waker again, which was our favorite before playing through Twilight Princess. We noticed something horrible, however, when we hit the high seas.The problem is that our component cables don't display blues all that well. We get these funky, off-blue vertical lines that are about a quarter-inch thick and spaced about a half-inch apart. We couldn't believe our eyes and immediately checked the cable connection on the back of our Wii and TV. No dice. So we unplugged each cable and replugged them back into our TV. Still, no dice. We then thought it could be the brand of cable we purchased, which were the Mad Catz variety (we're cheap, but not that cheap). Of course, our next idea was to try another game with a lot of blues to see if the problem persisted there. So, we popped in Super Mario Sunshine, turned on Progressive Scan mode and found the game to look fine. No problem with the water or any of the other blues in the game. Again, no dice.What would we do? Well, we thought there would be no better place to ask than here. Have any of you out there encountered this problem with any of your GameCube games, namely Wind Waker? Have you purchased the Mad Catz cables? Have you purchased Nintendo's official cables and run into the same problem we did with Wind Waker? Are we insane? Bueller?
Wii having problems with 480p output?
A thread over at the Nintendo of America forums has highlighted a potential problem with the Nintendo Wii's output of 480p signals using component cables. Over a dozen members have reported blank and flickering screens on a range of televisions from 30" Toshiba CRTs right up to 65" Sony XBR LCD TVs. The type of cable isn't limited to third party solutions from the likes of Mad Catz, Psyclone, and Joytech either: several reports indicate that the standard Nintendo component cable also exhibits the problem (no word on whether DIY will save you). Strangely, the problem -- which Tharealfofo states is "like nothing is connected" -- occurs in similar sections of certain games and applications: several forum members have mentioned that the screen goes blank during specific sections of Zelda, the Wii Channel, and in the Opera browser. Switching to 480i output in nearly all cases fixes the problem. The broad mix of configurations that are affected suggests that the problem is the Wii itself, so hopefully Nintendo will issue some form of update in the not too distant future. In the meantime, feel free to sound off in the comments about how being forced to view your games with interlacing is a breach of your fundamental human rights.[Thanks, Galls]
PS3 scaling functionality unearthed
Warning: a truly awful pun awaits you at the end of this post.In updating the software development kit for PS3 developers, Sony has enabled scaling functionality that was previously thought to be non-existent in the base hardware. An interesting and rather technical article at Beyond3D explains how Sony has enabled developers to combat the image downscaling issues that has been known to affect owners of certain HD televisions. If you recall, the PS3 had previously been unable to upscale resolutions (like the Xbox 360's Ana chip) from 720p to display on 1080i-only televisions, instead downscaling images to a less impressive 480p.Though Sony's solution is far from complete, Beyond3D notes that the latest SDK implements hardware accelerated horizontal scaling. It's still up to developers to take the feature all the way, but the enhancement already decreases the memory footprint left by less elegant upscaling techniques. It might appear that a secret piece of hardware is slowly being "unlocked" here, but a more likely explanation is simply that Sony is slowly but surely tweaking their development software (and the way it utilizes the existing PS3 hardware) to enable proper scaling functionality in lieu of an obvious and dedicated scaler chip. It will likely become mandatory for upcoming games to support this new hardware scaling solution; older games like Resistance may eventually see a patch implementing better scaling. More information will surface as tech sites analyze and contribute to this report, but it's nonetheless reassuring to see Sony being mindful of the problem and taking action to brush off that chip on their solder.[Thanks, Jonah.]
