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CBS boss reveals why the company is 'against joining Apple TV' (or Hulu)
There's been a fresh round of "Apple is building a TV" rumors lately, and now comments by CBS CEO Les Moonves during his company's earnings call may reveal more about what Cupertino would like to do. Many of the rumors are based on quotes by Steve Jobs in his biography that he "cracked" a way to make an integrated TV set that was easier to use -- a major jump from the current Apple TV add-on box. While responding to analyst questions about why CBS isn't on Hulu, Moonves mentioned the network did not join in "Apple TV" for the same reason: because it (like Hulu) was an advertiser split. As we've discussed at length on the podcast, any efforts to remake how the TV business works won't get far without content, and so far CBS and its fellow studios have not been interested in playing ball. Why is that? According to Moonves, current deals (with cable and satellite, for example) are worth "hundreds and hundreds of millions" in guaranteed cash payments, and rather than seeking a share of advertising down the road, he thinks a "guaranteed revenue stream is a good way to go." Hit the source link to read the full transcript at Seeking Alpha or check after the break to read his words for yourself. It's a revealing look at why the potential task left to Tim Cook (or his counterparts at Google, Microsoft, and wherever else) of negotiating a new business model for home video may be even harder to crack than designing the perfect UI.
Philips sells HDTV business to Hong Kong-based TPV Technology, will sate itself with royalty payments
Philips has been making teevees for over 80 years, but today its new CEO has announced that this storied history is coming to an end. Unable to generate a profit from its HDTV division -- it lost the company €87 million in the first quarter -- Philips will soon sell the majority stake in it to Hong Kong manufacturer TPV Technology, while retaining a 30 percent ownership share and agreeing guaranteed royalty payments of €50 million per year from 2013 onwards. It's not a bad deal for the Dutch consumer electronics maker, whose bottom line for the first quarter was €137 million in the black, but would have been double that had the new arrangement been in place. All 4,000 Philips employees working under the HDTV umbrella will be transferred over to TPV, though the company says it doesn't want the "market to misread that [it] intend to lay-off a lot of employees." Which is not to say that it won't. A video interview with Philips' chief Frans van Houten discussing the change of direction can be found after the break.
Samsung wants to sell 10 million 3D TVs this year, LG plans on 5 million
Here's one way to solve a chicken-and-egg dilemma: crank out 15 million chickens. That's seem to be the plan for Samsung and LG, anyway -- Samsung plans to sell 10 million 3D TVs this year, up five times from the two million it sold last year, while LG plans to sell some 5 million. Now, it's unclear whether this increase in sales will come as a result of consumer demand for 3D or simply because almost all new TVs will be 3D-capable, but we're hoping that pesky 3D content problem will get a lot better once more people can actually view it -- assuming anyone actually wants to wear the glasses, that is.
JVC shows off prototype 50-inch 21:9 full HD 3D TV, says it could hit US later this year
When the Philips' 56-inch 21:9 3D TV was released in Europe with no US ship date in sight, darkness fell over our home theater world. Then, Vizio announced its own 21:9 3D TV and we knew it was all going to be ok. They say when it rains it pours though, and now it's looking like JVC will release its own 50-inch 21:9 full HD 3D TV in the US sometime in the third quarter of 2011. Other details are scarce, but JVC's talkative CES booth attendant also mentioned the TV might be sold in varying sizes and might feature internet connectivity. The possibility of internet connectivity was also supported by a few screens teasing an integrated information bar, which appeared on the left-hand side of the screen without blocking HD content. Needless to say, we'll be keeping a close eye on this TV as more news emerges, and in the meantime bide our time dreaming of the ultra-wide CinemaScope-style movies we could be viewing in late 2011. Oh and if you're curious that's JVC's newly-announced TH-BC3 soundbar positioned right below it carrying a sweet paper iPhone 4. %Gallery-113369%
Samsung's new 9 Series LED-backlit 3D monitor goes for asymmetric beauty with a Touch of Color
We might already be here at CES in Las Vegas, but that isn't stopping Samsung from doing some very last minute teasing. The Korean maker of everything electronic has released a few teaser images for its new flagship 9 Series LED-backlit 3DTV monitor. This new panel features a striking asymmetric design, with the stand offset to the far right, and a metallic construction accented with a (hopefully tasteful) Touch of Color. No further details or specs are available as of yet, but mysteries like that don't tend to hang around for too long in this city and at this time of the year. Update: Samsung's English-speaking PR got in touch with us to say that this is actually a monitor, not an HDTV.
Kiss releases LED HDTV, because it's criminal to view Paul's Starchild makeup any other way
Legendary rockers are releasing officially-licensed LED HDTVs, available in 55-, 46-, 42-, and 32-inch (aka "Mini Kiss," to no one else but the Engadget staff) variants, priced between $818.88 and $1,988.88 (and unless we're mistaken by the wording, buying the 55-inch model also nets you a 32-incher) and on sale now online / in-store mid-November. Each set has the Kiss logo emblazoned on each bottom corner, and you'll be rocked -- nay, rawked -- by eight seconds of the band's imagery every time you turn it on. The TVs are produced by Roundtable Concepts and specs include... wait, you've already made up your mind, haven't you? Well, alright, then, our job here is done. One more picture after the break.
Google TV set to launch this year, Samsung considering Android for its TVs
As you're probably well aware, the Wintermute-like intelligence known as Google has designs on your television. Not only is Samsung contemplating Android for its sets, but Eric Schmidt has stated that its Google TV service is on track for launch this autumn (as a beta, undoubtedly). Finally, Maps on your plasma! Unfortunately Samsung's plans are far less certain, with company President Yoon Boo Keun offering little more than a "[w]e will have to see, but we are reviewing," when asked whether the OS will make a suitable platform for couch potatoes the world o'er. According to Yoon, about half of the company's 3-D TVs rock web browsers, a figure that will only increase over the next couple years. We only hope that if they do go with Android, the implementation is better than that of some of their handsets.
Sharp slowing larger LCD panel production, but Sony to feel the squeeze
Reports have surfaced that Sharp will be lowering the production capacity of its new Sakai LCD panel factory by 20 to 30 percent for the next two months, apparently in response to piling inventory in the US and China as production outpaced demand. Sharp however hasn't verified these claims and dutifully reiterated its expectations to meet sales forecasts for the fiscal year of 2010. If true though, the decision is unlikely to affect production of Sharp's own panels anyway, since they're made at the Kameyama plant in Mie Prefecture, which in contrast to 2008, will supposedly maintain its current production rates. Instead, other TV manufacturers like Sony will experience the pinch, as a result of billion dollar joint venture deal inked last year, which moved production of their 40-inch and above panels to the Sakai facility in question. Philosophically though, if a few less Bravia panels roll off the production line, and no recession-burdened consumer is around to mourn them, would we even care?
Report: UK couch potatoes switch to HD in growing numbers
According to Ofcom's latest Communications Market Report, 24 million HDTV sets were sold in the UK over the past 12 months, meaning about 20 percent of the population took home a new box in the past year. Yet despite watching nearly four hours of "telly" a day in 2009, in first 3 months of 2010, nearly a third of all households with internet access used on-demand catch-up services like the BBC's iPlayer, which represents an 8 percent growth over the same period last year. This data isn't all that surprising though considering the how much HD content has been made available in the UK over the last few years through free options such as Freeview HD, or premium services like Sky HD or Virgin Media. It's also still far behind US HDTV penetration, which stood at 33 percent back in 2009 and saw 5.5 million HDTVs sold during the 2008 / 2009 holiday season alone. That fact shouldn't stop electronics manufacturers from diving Scrooge McDuck style into their newly acquired money bags, or prevent newly minted British HD households from marveling at how ugly Jeremy Clarkson is in 1080p.
LG parading 31-inch OLED TV among other sets at IFA 2010
We've been tracking LG OLED TV production rumors for nearly as long as Bieber's been alive, and recently got wind that their ultra-thin 7mm LED TV would be appearing at IFA this year, but now more news has materialized. According to OLED-Display, the company plans to show a new 31-inch OLED television prototype in addition to confidence-compensating 72-inch 3D LED TV. Sadly, other critical details like resolution and pricing are nowhere to be found, but considering the company's 15-inch EL9500 OLED -- which we're still waiting for stateside -- is selling for close to $2,400 in the UK, it's fair to assume a model double in size will be a Kanye-level extravagance. Seeing a larger OLED example before 2011 though will be a step in the right direction for LG, and appears to fall in line with the company's own rollout predictions.
LG intros two new 600Hz 3D PDP TVs, as well as streamer boxes
Nipping at the heels of announcements by Panasonic and Samsung, LG has just revealed that its first batch of 600Hz active-shutter 3D Plasmas, the 50" 50PX950 and 60" 60PX950, will soon be available in Korea for the price of $2500 and $4200, respectively. Measuring a svelte 1.2 inches wide, these sets will feature DLNA support, an USB port, and access web content from sources like YouTube and Picasa. Of course for those who can't stomach the agony of needing a physical ethernet or USB cable to access media, the Art Cinema DP1 WiFi multimedia player also announced in tandem by LG should spare you. Likened to a set-top DivX box minus the wires -- though it looks more like a blade in our opinion, the device will stream online content from the usual suspects as well as a laundry list of video files formats stored on your network, even in 1080p. Pricing and release details on this accessory, however, are still anyone's guess, and by the stern look on that model's face, mum's the word. Check out more images of the gear below. %Gallery-98328% %Gallery-98327%
Smartroi Android powered TV is officially headed to Korea
Remember our slight skepticism in April over reports that South Korean manufacturer GPNC would soon be releasing TVs running Android 1.5? Well it seems our clairvoyant powers that day were on the fritz, since the company has now officially announced the launch of an Google-powered TV dubbed Smartroi. Other hard details on the unit are predictably slim, but GPNC has confirmed that the TV will be sold in Korea and sport a 42-inch Full HD LED backlit screen, a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, a 500cd/m² brightness, and USB connectivity. There's no verification on what version of Android will ship with the unit, but support for OS upgrades in the future has been hinted. Not satisfied with those measly tidbits? Neither are we, but considering Google still labels GPNC's site as suspected of malware, we're content to just keep letting updates flow to us.
Panasonic's 85-inch plasma screen is $30,000 worth of decadence
For anyone who can live by the credo that money is no obstacle is the way of getting the very best in your life, Panasonic's unveiled the 85-inch TH-85PF12U plasma HDTV. It outputs 1080p -- but we'd be honestly surprised if it didn't at this point -- and weighs in at 260 pounds, with its main body about 3.9 inches in depth. Price? Well, if you have to ask... it's $30,000 -- honestly not that surprising when you consider the years-old 103-inch model is still teetering around $45,000, give or take five grand.
Blockbuster OnDemand en route to Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and home theater systems
Questionable longevity or no, Blockbuster's taking some strides to get itself firmly into the video on demand business, and this latest announcement will go a long way with that. The company announced that it's integrating its OnDemand service into Samsung HDTVs, home theater systems, and Blu-ray players starting Fall 2009. Better still, those with LED HDTVs series 7000 or above, LCD / Plasmas series 650 or above, and select 2009 Blu-ray players / theater systems can get the service later via firmware update. It's still got a ways to go if it wants to catch up to Netflix, but every little bit helps, right?
Console MMOs: Can they get up off the ground?
If you don't like chocobos, then you're a little out of luck when it comes to the console MMO market. With Final Fantasy XI and the only choice console users have, the market looks ripe for the addition of a few new games -- or does it?IGN has put together a nice article on the fail whale history of console MMOs, starting with True Fantasy Live Online and progressing all the way to shaky in-development titles like Age of Conan, and the solid upcoming titles like The Agency, DC Universe, and Champions Online.The article also covers the many problems of making a console MMO, from poor TV resolution, to UI issues, to just general production issues in making such a complex game.But who knows what the console MMO market may hold? Perhaps one of these days those chocobos will be chased off by men and women in spandex.Update: It appears that we forgot to mention EverQuest Online Adventures for the PlayStation 2 in our quick rundown of console MMOs. Our apologies! Thanks, Joshua!
A big bag of Blu-Ray hurt for Apple
Just the other day I was wondering on this very site just where Blu-Ray has been on Macs, and yesterday's big Apple event gave us the answer: Blu-Ray, according to Steve Jobs, is just "a big bag of hurt." Apple says they haven't settled on an HD format yet because no one else has either: "the licensing of the tech is so complex, we're waiting until things settle down and Blu-Ray takes off in the marketplace," said Jobs. He might as well have added an "if it does" on the end of there -- Sony, spurned by the Betamax loss, wants to make sure they get credit when Blu-ray gets popular, and for that very reason it may never be.In fact, if Apple has their way, there may not be a physical media of choice for high-definition content -- Phil Schiller pointed out that iTunes has plenty of HD TV and movie options without ever tying Apple down to licensing a specific format.Which is exactly everything we said last week. And I'm drinking the kool-aid, actually -- a while back, I was one who would have said that people need their physical media, but nowadays, I'm not so sure. I haven't bought a DVD, HD or otherwise, in months and months, and yet I've purchased and seen plenty of HD content in iTunes and over my Xbox and cable connection. Blu-Ray may have won the HD disc format wars and claimed the country, but maybe there's nobody living there any more.
Rumor: iTunes 8 to include Genius recommender, grid view, new visualizer
Kevin Rose is at it again, with a brand new round of rumors about iTunes 8, supposedly premiered next week at the big Apple iPod event. Did I miss the meeting where we all declared him king of iPod rumors? King or not, he's got what he claims is inside information, including a writeup about something called the "Genius" sidebar, which creates recommended playlists for you, a new grid view (like Delicious Library?), and a new music visualizer.Additionally, Rose's tipster mentions HD TV shows in the iTMS, and reiterates the previous rumors of new IPod nanos and Touches. None of these things are a huge surprise -- while the Genuis system will certainly be interesting to see (and make fun of) if real, HDTV and the new iPods are old news in Rumorville by now.Is it OK if we hope for some faster and easier iPhone syncing with a new version of iTunes as well? Whatever is coming next week, we'll find out all about it then.
Nintendo sells out of Wii component cables
It turns out that desire for higher-definition visuals is much higher than Nintendo expected. Those Wii component cables that showed up on Nintendo's official online store have completely sold out. In addition, GameStop's online listing has been pushed back from December 5 to the 15th. If you're impatient, however, you can purportedly still purchase MadCatz's "HD Premium" component cables for $60 as of December 1.Has Nintendo underestimated the expedience at which consumers have adopted HD (or, at least, ED)? A 480p screen isn't a head-turner, but it certainly beats standard definition. Looks like the House that Mario Built might have to add more detail into the plumber's mustache sooner than they expected.
LG declares flat-panel war
"To arms, to arms!" is what the CEO of LG Electronics is calling for. S.S. Kim recently stated his intent for LG to be the top dog in global market share for displays and we're ready to hunker down in the trenches. So what's the battle strategy? We weren't in with all of the generals but our clandestine operative indicates the following: Increased promotion of the first-in-Korea LCoS set Integrated PVRs in all sets 37-inches or larger Further development of the Large Display line (like the 71-incher) Favor LCoS sets to replace DLP sets Read
