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Thomson PoMMeS IPTV tablet hits the FCC
A tablet with the name "pommes" turning up courtesy of the FCC a day before a certain, possibly tablet-related event? Yeah, it's not even close to what you think, but it is something: Thomson's new PoMMeS tablet. Somewhat uniquely, this device is apparently designed primarily for IPTV streaming, although you'll also get a front-mounted webcam for video calls, and at least some basic web browsing capabilities (it's still not clear what this thing runs on). Complete specs are also a bit light at the moment, but this one does apparently pack an 8-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen display, and includes a dock that will also conveniently prop up the device for easy viewing. No indication of a price or release date, of course, but there's plenty more pictures (including a look inside) at the link below.
Dreamer's BIDDLE could actually make BD-Live useful
Imagine this -- utilizing your Blu-ray player for playing back BDs, DVDs and practically anything else available via the internet. A marvelous idea, right? Dreamer has every intention of making that web-to-TV STB you've got totally obsolete with its BIDDLE thin-client, which will theoretically enable any internet-connected Profile 2.0 BD deck to tap into the limitless world of online content. Here at CES, the outfit has announced a partnership with Technicolor that sadly doesn't pinpoint any specific players, though the concept is more than intriguing. Essentially, it would add a whole new world of functionality to BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray players, which is just about exactly what the doctor ordered for the flagging format. Only time will tell if this stuff has a shot at catching on, but we certainly dig the sound of it. [Warning: PDF read link]
NFL in 3D: Good technology overcomes bad entertainment
Simmer down athletic supports, we didn't just call your beloved NFL boring. But Thursday night's matchup between the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers wasn't going to generate this much interest on its own. As described by the LA Times who attended the 3D broadcast of Thursday night's "football" game at Burbank's 3ality Digital cinema, "The experience wasn't jaw-dropping, but it was noticeably better than a conventional broadcast. The game was drama-free, yet the novelty of 3D made it hard for me to take my eyes off the screen... The effect was subtle at times, but just as compelling as in "U2 3D," 3ality's concert film of the Irish rockers. The most striking thing in both cases was how much more you could see in three dimensions than in two."The event wasn't glitch free, however. Two hiccups caused the satellite feeds to go black in Boston, New York, and LA. and a few quick camera pans and poorly executed transitions had viewers convulsing behind their polarized glasses. As a proof of concept though, viewers generally seemed impressed which means more of this in the future.[Via Yahoo]
Live NFL broadcast to air in 3D as "proof of concept"
As the NFL gobbles up even more market share in the United States, it follows logic to see the next big in-home entertainment push side with it in order to garner attention. With every company and its third subsidiary twice removed trying to shove 3D into the home, we'd say starting with the NFL is a brilliant move. In a closed-to-the-public "proof of concept" demonstration, next week's matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders will air live in 3D to select theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Boston. Third-dimension mainstays 3ality Digital and RealD will play critical roles in the delivery, though it remains unclear what exactly the NFL and 3D backers in general plan to do afterwards. If you'll recall, this isn't the first pro sporting event this year that was beamed in 3D to nearby theaters, but we can't think of anything more appealing than 300-pound gentleman crushing each other just inches from your retinas. [Thanks, Jesse]
Technicolor establishes first BDA-approved Blu-ray Disc testing facility in US
We haven't seen too many BD fiascoes of late, and Thomson's Technicolor is out to make sure it stays that way. As of this week, it has established the very first BDA-approved Blu-ray Disc testing facility in the United States, which promises to provide a place for advanced BD-Live / BD-Java testing before titles are publicly released. There's no specific word as to what studios it'll be stamping seals of approval / disapproval for, so we'll just assume anyone who feels like ponying up for its services can apply.
Technicolor, CinemaNow team up to sell online movie stores
Looking to get into the online movie business? Well sit down because CinemaNow and Technicolor have a deal for you, since they've hooked up and are offering a "better way to deliver the digital content consumers are demanding". Basically the plan is to take the internet movie store CinemaNow has developed franchise, and allow other companies to introduce their own marketplace without having to develop their own encoding, encryption, DRM, hosting or other necessary technology -- and it sounds like a good one to us. Technicolor brings not only its infrastructure, but also plans to collab with CinemaNow on projects like adding additional HD movies to its 10,000+ database of titles. Of course CinemaNow's compatibility with the Xbox 360 and other devices is part of the package (though we wonder if those DVD burning issues have been resolved) -- potentially turning competition like Netflix, Blockbuster or Wal-Mart into partners.[Via Reuters]
