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Motorola Televation turns cable TV into IPTV streams for the whole home
Motorola's latest wares are on display at the 2011 Cable Show (we suspect the sluggish cable boxes actually in service right now are rarely mentioned) including this "Live Streaming Device" aka Televation. Functioning as a cable company provided, in-home-only Slingbox, it transcodes the MPEG-2 TV broadcasts into MPEG-4 IP streams for viewing on other devices (Android or iOS tablets, IP-connected TVs, etc) that are on the same local network at whatever bitrate or resolution they can handle. Motorola figures this cuts out legal disputes like those encircling Time Warner's TWCable TV iPad app since it uses existing TV broadcasts. Collaborating on the project were engineers from Comcast, which could make for an existing branch on its existing plans for new boxes, IPTV, and mobile apps. Sling / Echostar has been trying to crack the cable box market with its more flexible solution for years and is expected to announce the new Aria platform tomorrow, so may the best platform -- and not just the one with the cheapest / sweetest deal for the cable company -- win.
ESPN's MPEG-4 switch provides a path to 1080p60 broadcasts
A side effect of ESPN's transition to MPEG-4 exclusivity is that the new Motorola equipment it's relying on (and passing out to affiliates) supports distribution of 3D signals and 1080p60 broadcasts. Executive VP of Technology for ESPN and friend to Engadget Chuck Pagano says this allows the network to future proof, extending on work already done when it built its latest studio in Los Angeles for 1080p60 from the ground up two years ago. Of course, we're still waiting for someone to go all BBC and flip the switch that brings those extra pixels home, but for now we just have to wait for each piece of the chain to be ready for that to happen.
ESPN will go all MPEG-4 in July
For better or worse, ESPN is planning to pull its MPEG-2 feeds at the end of June and transmit to affiliates solely in MPEG-4. Like HBO, ESPN already transmits all of its channels in MPEG-4 via satellite and will save money by cutting out the older backups, but since most cable companies are still sending streams to customers in MPEG-2 (although some are following DirecTV's lead) they'll need to transcode the signal an extra time which could affect the picture quality. Multichannel News mentions ESPN is supplying the necessary Motorola decoders to affiliates that need them, at this point all we can do is wait until July and see if there's any notable difference in sports quality on our end of the pipe. [Thanks, Chevelleman]
MPEG-LA makes H.264 video royalty-free forever, as long as it's freely distributed
The H.264 codec that makes a good deal of digital video possible has actually been free to use (under certain conditions) for many years, but following recent controversies over the future of web video, rightholders have agreed to extend that freedom in perpetuity. Whereas originally standards organization MPEG-LA had said it wouldn't collect royalties from those freely distributing AVC/H.264 video until 2016, the limitless new timeframe may mean that content providers banking on WebM and HTML5 video won't have an expensive surprise in the years to come. Then again, patent licensing is complicated stuff and we'd hate to get your hopes up -- just know that if you're an end-user uploading H.264 content you own and intend to freely share with the world, you shouldn't expect a collection agency to come knocking on your door. PR after the break.
VLC 1.1 released, adds hardware acceleration and new codec support
VLC 1.1 was just released, adding hardware acceleration on Windows Vista, 7, and Linux (no mention of the Mac just yet), along with a general 40 percent speed boost from a massive code cleanup. A new add-on and script framework now enables extensions, which should lead to some interesting additions, and the VP8 and MEPG-4 lossless codecs have been added, along with container support for MKV HD and Google's open-source WebM format. We just gave it a quick try and things certainly do seem to perform as advertised -- hit the source link for the download.
Looking for ESPN 3D on Comcast? Get an MPEG-4 cable box first
We're just minutes away from the first match of the 2010 World Cup, and the first match broadcast on ESPN 3D. If you're on Comcast and not yet seeing the channel on your guide, it will probably be helpful to know where to look. A few posters on AVSForum have pointed out where to find the guide number for your area, and also that this broadcast is different from the previous Masters 3D event in several ways. First, not everyone will get the channel automatically, while it's provided at no additional charge, it will require a call to add the package to your service, and in some cases, a new cable box -- TiVos won't work this time. Give the FAQ a once over to make sure you're ready to go, then slip on those 3D glasses and enjoy the kickoff match between South Africa and Mexico. Want to know how things are going? Check @bjdraw on Twitter for live updates on the 3D broadcast straight from ESPN's headquarters in Bristol. Update: We've confirmed with Comcast that the suddenly restrictive cable box requirements are because ESPN 3D (and future 3D content) is being transmitted in the MPEG-4 format, instead of older MPEG-2 compression. That should ease up any bandwidth concerns, but unfortunately means most people will need to swap their cable box to get the new channel. Is living in the future fun yet?
PS3's Torne digital TV tuner / DVR adapter gets 2.00 software update next month
Japan hasn't had a lot of time to get used to the PlayStation 3's Torne digital TV tuner since it launched in March, but it's already getting an update which will add a few more DVR features to improve the experience. Coming in June, v2.00 will enable MPEG-4 AVC compression to squeeze HDTV recordings by as much as 3x their original size as opposed to just copying the original MPEG-2 stream even while playing a game, plus the ability to start watching a program and fast forward/reverse while it's still recording and update the user's PSN status. The free update will be issued in June, until then Torne fans can argue with European and Australian PlayTV owners about whether or not their new features are better than Facebook integration while the U.S. sits out like the ginger kid of a previous marriage it is. %Gallery-93375%
Sanyo bungs 23x optical zoom into Xacti DMX-SH11, Full HD into DMX-CG110
Ever tried operating a handheld cam at 20x optical zoom? Without a tripod, your recordings tend to look like they were taken in the middle of an earthquake, so quite frankly, we ain't so wildly impressed with Sanyo's 23x-rated SH11 camcorder -- okay, we are, but we thought we'd inform you that that silly large number comes with limited use scenarios. Freshly announced, carrying 16GB of internal storage, and coming to Japan in late April, this is part of Sanyo's Dual Camera series, as its CMOS sensor is capable of 4 megapixel stills as well as 1080i / 30fps video in MPEG-4 format. It'll be joined there by the pistol grip-shaped CG110, which improves on the previous CGs by moving up to Full HD recording, adding 16GB of built-in storage, and even supporting SDXC cards. Check the source links for more.%Gallery-83987%
Sony DSC-TX5 waterproof camera sprung from a leak
Think Sony would be happy with just making its latest shooter waterproof and calling it a day? Not a chance. Early information on this as yet unannounced compact indicates a 10fps burst mode, 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, an intriguing image stacking mode for reduced noise in high ISO shots, and full 1080p MPEG-4 movie recording. 1080i / 60fps AVCHD video is also possible, apparently, and if recent trends are continued the DSC-TX5 will also be able to store media on SD cards. Hallelujah. You'll find a couple more water-soaked images after the break, and the official launch is expected to take place at PMA 2010.
Samsung NX10 made official -- APS-C sensor and AMOLED screen crammed into hybrid DSLR body
Samsung has just announced its NX10 "hybrid DSLR," which aims to give you all the uncompromising image quality of a full digital SLR within a somewhat more pocketable body. A 14.6 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is a good start on that road, while "fast and decisive" contrast AF and a snazzy 3-inch AMOLED display keep the momentum going. There's 720p H.264-encoded video recording as well, but naturally you do have to make some tradeoffs for the reduced size. The mirror box is gone -- leaving you with only an electronic viewfinder -- and the brand new NX lens mounting system means you'll have to purchase your favorite lenses all over again. We'll wait and see whether the NX10 shows any appreciable advantages (such as price!) over the slightly smaller Micro Four Thirds shooters out there, but with a spring 2010 release date and a CES appearance on the cards, that wait shouldn't be too long. Go past the break for the full PR and spec sheet. Update: DPReview has an in-depth breakdown and a hands-on preview of the new shooter with a few sample shots posted from a pre-production unit. %Gallery-81296%
Sanyo Xacti CG11 is the perfect cam for 'beginners and women'
Sanyo's range of Xacti camcorders may be as wide as the Sargasso Sea, but nowadays even its entry-level shooters pimp some pretty advanced features. The CG11 is a case in point, coming with a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor capable of 720p recording, integrated EyeFi and mini-HDMI connectivity options, and the usual gunslinger aesthetic. Storage of the H.264-encoded MPEG-4 output is handled by SDHC media, and there's also 5x optical zoom, anti-shake and a stereo mic for getting things just right. Folks in Japan, whether they be beginners, pros, women or men (no matter what the mangled machine translation tells us), will be able to buy one from September 11 for ¥30,000 ($318). [Via Impress]
Waiting for HD syndication on your local affiliates? CBS, Warner and Ascent Media can fix that
We've seen your complaints about many of the syndicated shows that have switched to HDTV broadcasts lately, wondering why they don't show up like that in your area. The fact is, many local affiliates can't / haven't spent the cash on equipment capable of handling all the syndicated programming out there in HD, but Ascent Media, Warner Bros. and CBS are creating a joint venture to fix that, ensuring their hard work creating all that HD (& HD ads, lets not forget) doesn't go to waste. We spoke to Senior VP of Ascent Media Rich Fickle and he broke down the plan where the joint venture will pay for and distribute the equipment to more than 800 affiliates (Which ones? Expect major network affiliates, top 100 markets and many others with a list out before the service launches) that will allow them to receive one MPEG-4 HDTV formatted copy via satellite -- instead of the dual SD and HD feeds distributed currently -- that can then be downconverted for SD broadcasts at their location as well as broadcast the way they were meant to be seen. The equipment will start shipping out in the coming months but it's likely the service will launch around the beginning of the fourth quarter of this year. Who's ready for some remastered Star Trek: TOS, Jeopardy & Seinfeld?
MPEG group working on AVC replacement for Ultra High Definition video of the future
The tech around Super Hi-Vision technology may not be completely worked out yet, but with that on the way, plus HD for mobile devices and even more streaming, the 88th meeting of the MPEG/ISO standards group in Maui was apparently a busy one as attendees voted to work on a new, better form of compression to replace MPEG-4 AVC. "High Performance Video Coding" (HVC) is just a dream at the moment, but be sure to pencil that in as one more spec to look out for in the future. Of course, they didn't mention a delivery system for 22.2 channel audio, but we'll just assume that's being handled as well.[Via EE Times UK]
JVC XV-PB1 Blu-ray player surprises with 1080p MPEG-4 MKV support
The first Blu-ray player to come to the U.S. from JVC, the XV-PB1, hasn't received a lot of hype since its CES reveal, but that might change now that it appears to be one of the first supporting MKV playback, following the Oppo BDP-83 and LG BD390. EHD reader Bill picked one up on the humble and lets us know he's had no problems playing 1080p video with DTS audio from a burned DVD. The manual on JVC's website indicates official MKV and AVCHD support, but surprisingly, not DivX although the spec sheet on the same website says it does. We're reached out to JVC to confirm what buyers can expect from the XV-PB1, but with MKV on top of BD-Live, network streaming from PCs and reportedly extremely fast load times this $299 player might reshuffle the list of most desired Blu-ray hardware.
NXP & Roku reup deal on streaming player hardware
We don't know if you ever gave any thought to the hardware behind Roku's digital video player, but the company announced it is continuing a partnership with NXP to use the PNX8935 decoder to bring all that sweet Netflix, Amazon and more to your TV. Anyway you cut it, many have found the h.264 and VC-1 decoding capabilities worthy of paying the Roku's $99 price tag, we suppose it's not up to NXP when Amazon will let us get at any HD content or Netflix adds to its high definition library, so we'll just say job well done and look forward to what these two have planned in the future.
DivX 7 gets January 2009 release date
There's not much to on besides a teaser page right now (okay, so there's only a teaser page right now), but here's the important part: DivX 7 is coming, and it's due next month. The next-generation of the software promises "true HD video" with H.264 video and AAC audio, and apparently it'll present something akin to "a cinematic experience" on your computer. Pretty bold claims there -- thank goodness we've but a matter of weeks to determine if it lives up to 'em or not.
KBRO opens up the HD window for Taiwan cable viewers
Maybe we're off base here, but it seems to us Taiwan could use a serious high-def infusion. Thankfully, KBRO -- a top cable operator in the country -- has looked to Thomson in order to deliver HD content via MPEG-4 to its loyal customers. There's no mention of exactly how many high-definition stations will be delivered, but we don't suspect that it made this kind of investment without some pretty lofty goals. Now, all we can hope is that everyone else vying for business nearby follows suit.
ViP211 DVR upgrade now available on DISH Network
It's been a long time coming, but only a week after being made official, a tipster lets us know DISH Network subscribers with a ViP 211 receiver are now able to plug in USB hard drives and DVR it up to their heart's content. The $39.99 activation fee is still in full effect, but why let that get in between you and a new world of time-shifted goodness with your existing single-tuner hardware and no additional DVR charge?[Thanks, Bill]
DISH Network (finally) offers ViP211 DVR Upgrade option
Just because things aren't all roses for DISH Network lately doesn't mean there's no good news, the long awaited ability to turn ViP211/ViP211k model (no word yet when or if the ViP222 will get the same treatment) MPEG-4 receivers into DVRs by adding an external hard drive is finally coming. For the same one-time $39.99 activation fee that allows users to add space to ViP622 model DVRs, they can hook up 50GB - 750GB of HDD space via USB 2.0 and have a typical single tuner DVR experience, apparently without additional monthly service charges. While not exactly a game changing feature, it could be just what's needed to keep the DISH faithful hanging around a while longer when it's available by the end of the month.
Four French national channels going HD over-the-air this month
Apparently all that's necessary to get a lagging country to hop on the high-def bandwagon is to talk bad about 'em, or at least that's the case here with France. After we heard that the nation wasn't exactly rushing out to adopt HD, in comes word that four major French channels will soon be available in high-definition on digital terrestrial TV (DTT). TF1 HD, France 2 HD, M6 HD and Arte HD will all begin broadcasting OTA in HD on October 30th, and while all of these are already available on other platforms, we can only imagine that beaming 'em out gratis will greatly increase HD awareness. Any other nations want to follow suit? Oh, and France, way to be a role model out there.
