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Seagate's GoFlex Satellite HDD invites Android users to its media streaming party
When we took a look at Seagate's GoFlex Satellite back in May, we recommended that non-iOS buyers hold off until the company rolled out an app for different operating systems. Android users take note, the storage company today took the wraps off of an app that lets users wirelessly stream content like HD videos from the external hard drive to devices running their favorite dessert-themed mobile OS. No internet connection is required to stream, you just need to be in range of the drive. The 500GB GoFlex Satellite has a built-in battery that can stream video for up to five hours. The drive will run you $200, but the Android app is decidedly more free. Check the relevant press info below.
Potential Hulu deal with Disney increases ads, value to prospective buyers
Now that Hulu's owners have apparently decided the best thing to do is sell it to someone else, long arrangements for content are needed to bring the highest price. Bloomberg is reporting that after cutting a deal with Fox a few days ago Hulu has now tentatively reached a deal with another of its owners, Disney. While both arrangements could keep the TV shows flowing, they also reportedly include provisions to increase the number of ads shown on the service. That would also put it in position to reach a similar agreement with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, because of the media giant's FCC promise to reach similar agreements as its competitors for online content. A change of ownership and including more ad breaks could turn off viewers, but really what else are they going to do, go back to watching Saturday Night Live on TV?
NBC Universal wins Olympic broadcasts through 2020, promises all events live starting in 2014
We've got some bad news if you're not a fan of how NBC covers the Olympics because the IOC just announced NBC Universal has won the rights to broadcast the Games through 2020 with a $4.38 billion bid, winning over rivals ABC/ESPN and Fox. ESPN and Disney had been very upfront about their desire to broadcast the games and mentioned more than once they would provide all the events live the way we prefer to see them. The good news is that according to NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus, every event will be aired live on TV or over the internet -- starting in 2014. While Comcast and NBC try to turn things around from the 2010 Games that it lost money broadcasting, we'll probably have to suffer through tape delay one more time for the London Games next summer.
Xbox Live launching streaming television service this fall
Xbox! Live TV! This fall, Xbox 360 will be getting content from a variety of US-based and international television providers, all searchable through Microsoft's Bing service, Microsoft announced this morning during its E3 press conference. As indicated in previous reports, the service is will bring a variety of programming to the Xbox 360, though no content providers have been announced thus far. We spotted "Castle," an ABC show, during the sizzle reel, as well as ESPN, but we'll hopefully have more info soon. The service, still unnamed, will launch this fall on Xbox 360.
Vudu adds TV shows to its rental catalog, but only some are in HD
Here we go again with a good news / bad news announcement from Vudu, as it's added a nice catalog of TV shows to its library for rent and/or purchase. The bad news however, is that despite having the 1080p / 5.1 audio HDX technology we've come to know and love, it's currently only offering a small subset of them in anything other than standard definition. Like other online stores, there's an odd situation where some things are a decent value (season one of The Walking Dead is $26.99 on Blu-ray at Amazon, $15.99 on iTunes in HD, and $16.99 on Vudu HDX) and others are not (season six of Weeds is $27.99 on Vudu HDX, $23.99 on Blu-ray at Amazon and $38.87 on iTunes) so shop carefully. Given time the library will probably even out more in quality and price and once Vudu is available on more devices (and hopefully in HD on the PC at some point) there will be more reasons to consider it as a VOD option.
Comcast is first with VOD from all four major networks, still negotiating for early release movies
Starting Thursday, Comcast will add TV shows from ABC and Fox to its video on-demand library, making it the only provider that offers shows from all four broadcast networks (including NBC and CBS) as soon as the day after they air. There's a list of all the TV shows Comcast will be offering in the press release after the break -- no Modern Family or House? weak -- so the next time you forget to DVR Cops, you're covered. Also, now that DirecTV has broken the seal on premium VOD early release movies, Comcast also mentioned it is still in negotiations to provide similar access to flicks. With no specifics to announce it's possible the pricing or windows could differ from what we've seen so far, so we'll just advise Senior Vice President and General Manager of Comcast Video Services Marcien Jenkes to take a long look at our poll results before signing anything.
Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad
Disputes with Fox, Viacom and Discovery caused Time Warner to pull 11 of the 32 original channels from its live TV streaming TWCable TV app yesterday, but as promised it has brought in some new ones to replace them. Among the 17 channels added are several networks from the ABC/Disney group including ABC Family, Disney, Disney XD and ESPNnews, plus NBC Universal selections like MSNBC, Syfy and USA as well as the curious addition of Fox News. We're still not convinced watching TV on our tablet is a more useful development than using it as a remote/couch companion but until those features arrive or the app gets sued out of existence, that's what this one does. Check the full list of new channels after the break or on the TWCable Untangled blog. Update: There's no word from Time Warner, but Multichannel News reports five more new channels have been added this afternoon - Bloomberg TV, PBS Kids Sprout, Hallmark Movie Channel, Current TV and TruTV. Turner also stated TBS will join them once the app supports MLB blackout restrictions, which is also the reason why other ESPN stations aren't included yet.
Wipeout Kinect game coming this summer
No, not that WipEout -- Wipeout ... the ABC game show (and yes, we have to remind you every time). Activision is expanding its licensing deal with the television network and Endemol, the show's producer, to release Wipeout In the Zone for Kinect this summer, following the obstacle course sim's debut on Wii and DS last year. Featuring the "the infamous 'Big Balls,'" Wipeout In the Zone will include more than 30 obstacles that will have Kinect users "running, ducking, dodging and wiping out" within 6 square meters ... or however much space is between their couches and TV sets. "Everyone who watches the show wishes they could try the obstacle course -- and now this is their chance!" hypes Activision's David Oxford. "The show is all about absurd movement and well-timed balance, so it's a perfect fit for a Kinect game." Huh, and here we thought the perfect fit would be sensible movements and a well-thought-out balance between functionality and novelty. Update: First screenshots look a lot like Doritos Crash Course ... %Gallery-119177% [Photo credit: ABC/Patrick Wymore]
Verizon FiOS TV service now offers ESPN channels over the internet
It's always seemed weird to us that given its advanced fiber technology Verizon's FiOS TV service opted to deliver its channels the same way as traditional cable companies, but starting today users can taste the future since it's added access to ESPN Networks online, following Time Warner and Brighthouse. That means you can stream the live ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN Buzzer Beater (and ESPN Goal Line when football season begins again) channels over any broadband connection after heading over to FiOSTVCentral or ESPNnetworks.com to get started. Support for other authenticated devices, like tablets and phones is still in the works per its deal with Disney but for now viewing is strictly a computer-only thing.
Netflix loads up on TV shows and adjusts its website for easier browsing
This morning a slew of new of TV shows -- many from the recent ABC / Disney deal like Scrubs, Reaper and FlashForward, others like The Sarah Connor Chronicles from Fox, along with BBC shows like Men Behaving Badly and kids/family content from Barney to The Wind in the Willows -- became available for Watch Instantly streaming on Netflix. Beyond the new content, there was another recent change as Netflix continues to makeover its website, as many TV series now list all the seasons under one entry, instead of breaking them out separately by season. Eventually, the change should make it easier to browse the multiple seasons of content Netflix has been able to acquire but with things in flux, it could be somewhat disconcerting to find oneself browsing through an uninterrupted 16-disc set of Psych until the new listings are all straightened out.
ABC's Sync iPad app is getting revived for Grey's Anatomy (update)
Reincarnation may not be part of everyone's belief system, but ABC has apparently embraced the concept for its eavesdropping Sync iPad app, which blipped in and out of existence after My Generation failed spectacularly last fall. At least that's what Rick Mandler, vice president of digital media at ABC, shared at Hill Holiday's TVnext conference, stating, "we went back and said, let's try this again with a show that we know is going to be around for a while." Now, the app is being called away from the pearly gates to serve as an iPad companion for Grey's Anatomy and presumably will operate much like the original, by providing synced polls, quizzes, and social media ties-in -- you know, playing into that whole three screens trend. There's also no word on whether the app will receive a makeover befitting of its new McSteamy / Dreamy subject matter, or when this revival will actually take place. If ABC really wants this new media interaction experiment to go differently this time, though, we expect to learn more from an intense voice talking over flashes of frantic gurney races and risque locker room encounters sometime soon. Update: Disney / ABC Television group has now made an official announcement about the application. Apparently, the latest iteration will launch with this Thursday's episode and includes new features such behind-the-scenes extras as well as the ability to "check-in" to special environments shown in the episode. In other words, our dreams of hopping on the same elevator with McDreamy can come true virtually -- and best of all, we can let the world know through Facebook. To see what we mean check out the video after the break.
Hulu looking to become more like cable, at risk of losing some ABC and Fox content?
We're still waiting to see just what the fallout for Hulu is going to be from the recent Comcast acquisition of NBC, and while many have feared that the cable company would try to kneecap Hulu to protect its market, a Wall Street Journal article has us wondering if maybe things could go a rather different way. The article, coming hot on the heels of Netflix posting promising Q4 results, suggests that Hulu management is considering transforming the purely on-demand service into more of a traditional cable network, offering "live" TV content in addition to the current archive of episodes. That could certainly give Comcast new life. Meanwhile, NBC, Disney, and News Corp., three companies that recently teamed up to speak out against FCC stipulations to the Comcast buyout, are apparently at odds regarding how much of what Hulu offers should be available to non-subscribers. There's talk that Disney may pull some ABC content and News Corp. may pull some Fox content from Hulu's free offerings, offering it instead on Netflix and other premium competitors. It all sounds a bit speculative at this point but, with cable subscriptions declining for the first time in years and online content viewership skyrocketing, it's obvious that some changes are afoot.
Netflix/ABC/Disney streaming deal will bring TV all-you-can-eat to Apple TV
If the cheap $99 price tag of the Apple TV hasn't persuaded you to buy one of the tiny media centers yet, perhaps this news of a new deal between Netflix and The Walt Disney Company will make you reconsider. Netflix is one of the content providers for the Apple TV, streaming a growing library of old and new movies and TV shows to subscribers who are paying a minimum of US$7.99 per month for instant access. Now the LA Times is reporting that ABC's parent, The Walt Disney Company, has reached a one-year agreement with Netflix to stream shows from ABC, The Disney Channel, and ABC Family to Netflix customers. The deal, which is worth an estimated $150 - $200 million to Disney, will give Netflix subscribers access to previous seasons of shows such as Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, and Lost. In addition, subscribers will be able to view some shows that have aired only 15 days before. As noted in the LA Times blog post, the deal is sure to upset traditional cable TV, satellite TV, and telecom operators, all of whom see Netflix and Hulu as encroaching on their turf. The Disney deal comes after earlier Netflix arrangements with NBC and Warner Bros. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the largest single shareholder in The Walt Disney Company, and serves on the company's board of directors. [via Fast Company]
Netflix licenses even more TV for streaming from ABC/Disney
We're not sure if Netflix ended up paying the $100,000 per episode it was rumored to be offering to put new TV shows on Watch Instantly, but it has reached a new deal with Disney-ABC Television Group that keeps episodes of shows like Lost on the streaming service while also adding new ones. The delay time for adding new episodes is at least 15 days for new programming so keep that ABC.com / Hulu bookmark handy if streaming video is your viewing method of choice, but with every single episode of older favorites like Scrubs, Ugly Betty and Reaper due up in 2011, plus expanded offerings from Disney Channel and ABC Family including Greek and the High School Musical / Camp Rock series of movies we're sure everyone can find something to watch in the meantime. ABC/Disney has been down with Netflix streaming since early on, not to mention 99-cent TV sales/rentals, whether the rumored popularity of cord cutting is true or not, it seems both companies have found a balance they can agree upon for now, check the press release after the break for more details on what's available and when.
Time Warner launches Primetime HD On Demand tomorrow
Beyond launching its Look Back network DVR service in several new markets, Time Warner is giving its traditional video on-demand setup a boost with a few hundred hours of new content. The same deal that's brought live streaming ESPN to PCs means 300 hours of content from the sports network, ABC and Disney, while a new Primetime HD On Demand slot launching November 10 will pull together shows from ABC, NBC and CBS. While we doubt that will be enough to get Josh's DVR working, at least it's all at no extra cost, check the press release after the break for all the channels included.
Hulu Plus dropping to $4.95 per month? That's what she said.
It's only rumor for now, but Peter Kafka over at All Things D has sources telling him that the ABC/NBC/FOX-owned Hulu Plus video site is looking to cut its $9.95 per month subscription fee in halfish to $4.95, perhaps in a bid to increase subscriber count. If so that would drop it well below the $8.95 per month fee paid by Netflix subscribers. A price drop certainly wouldn't surprise us knowing that content owners are still experimenting with pricing in the brave new world we call the internet.
Television networks block Google TV from accessing web-based content (update)
You may be able to watch The Office on your Google TV, but perhaps not on demand -- ABC, CBS and NBC are barring Sony and Logitech's web-infused TVs and set-top-boxes from accessing full episodes of streaming video content. The Wall Street Journal reports that all three networks have confirmed the ban, and that Fox hasn't yet reached a decision on whether it will ban Google TV as well. For its part, Google says that it's "ultimately the content owners' choice to restrict their fans from accessing their content on the platform," so don't expect the search company to pitch in, unless it can work out some premium arrangements for all parties involved. This is the part where we'd normally direct you to the simple browser tweak that made Hulu accessible when it pulled the very same stunt, but alas, we're finding Hulu too is once again blocked. Update: Reuters reports that Google is "actively negotiating" with the three networks after all.
Verizon, Disney deal means ESPN on tablets, ESPN 3D and Goal Line channel for FiOS
Verizon FiOS subscribers can expect a few new channels in the lineup now that it's reached an agreement with Disney for ESPN content across a variety of channels and even devices. While ESPN 3D isn't scheduled for launch until 2011 (maybe in time for the BCS National Championship game, but too late to catch LeBron, Dwyane, Chris and those other guys take on the Knicks) ESPN Goal Line will go live on the 9th for Extreme HD and Ultimate HD package subscribers (except for D.C. and Harrisburg, PA) giving live look ins at all the college football games on Saturday. Playing further into Verizon's tablet plans, the agreement also means customers can watch ESPN live channels directly on PCs or other authenticated devices, mirroring an earlier agreement between ESPN and Time Warner. Beyond that there's a new Disney Junior channel on the way in 2010 plus Disney XD and ABC Family content coming to V Cast but we pretty much tuned out once we got past the sports part. Check the entire press release out after the break.
ABC app eavesdrops on your TV to synchronize interactive content using Nielsen tech (video)
Fine purveyor of TV ratings Nielsen has just found another way to monitor your home -- an official ABC app that uses the iPad's microphone to figure out exactly what you're watching (whether live or recorded) and offer interactive content on the fly. Pop-Up Video, anyone? Nielsen says the app uses the same audio watermarks embedded in most every US television show to do its thing (and thus doesn't, say, record your household conversations) so there's some serious potential for the concept to spread beyond My Generation, the single show it's been announced for so far. We'll just kick back and wait for the responsible parties to figure out we'd rather play interactive Jeopardy than figure out the size of that salacious margarita. Because, like, OMG, right? Video and press release after the break, app available free at our source link.
Video demo of ABC's My Generation synchronized app
As Dave reported earlier, ABC and Nielsen have teamed up to develop an iPad app that supports the new series My Generation. Users run the app while watching the show -- either live or recorded -- and it will stay synced with the section of the episode you're watching by "listening" to the audio from your television, using the built-in microphone. From there the app will present you with polls and quizzes related to what you're watching, along with other interactive elements. You can get a sense of how this new form of interactivity will play out by watching the video above. [Yes, it's Flash; sorry, but ABC's hosting it and that's the only way to get at it. –Ed.] While you're watching TV, the iPad is actually watching you, in a manner of speaking; the app serves as a tool for Nielsen to understand viewing habits, as they will use digital watermarking to track user behavior. With such a small percentage of viewers likely to be using the app during the show, it's hard to tell just what kind of data they'll get. But it is an interesting experiment. My Generation doesn't premiere until September 23. I tried it out on the screener (preview copies available to media and reviewers) of the pilot, and it wasn't able to sync, so hopefully that just means the app's just not ready to go live yet; either that, or the Nielsen audio encoding wasn't embedded on the screener but has been added to the broadcast version.
