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ABC iPad app syncs with My Generation via audio cues
The merger of iPad and television took another step forward with the release of ABC's My Generation Sync, which is the first iOS app to synchronize live with a TV show -- specifically, My Generation, coming this fall from the network that's owned by the company with Steve Jobs as its biggest shareholder. If you've ever been a "Nielsen Family," you've had a box installed in your house that sends data on your viewing habits back to the Nielsen corporation. It works by monitoring a program's unique "audio watermark" emitted by your TV; human ears can't detect the sounds. The My Generation Sync app uses the iPad microphone to check for these same audio signals during episodes of My Generation, and syncs the app content to the program segment. This approach lets it work (theoretically) with programs played back in 'timeshifted' DVR mode, as well. Once synchronized, the app will display polls, trivia, games and more in real time, all related to the show, without providing spoilers. It sounds like a lot of fun and we'll have a full review soon. Imagine what this sort of technology could do paired up with Monday Night Football or election returns. The future is now! [via Electronista]
Amazon streaming 99-cent ABC and Fox shows... right now (update: purchases, not rentals!)
Eager to get on the new Apple TV's cheap 99-cent TV show rentals but not so pumped to wait four weeks for it to ship? No worries: Amazon's also now offering 99-cent rentals purchases of various ABC and FOX shows, which means a whole host of Amazon VOD-compatible devices just got some cheaper streaming options as well -- and hey, Roku just cut prices on its entire lineup of Amazon- and Netflix- compatible players, so you can get in the game for as little as $60. Of course, the Apple TV also features day-and-date movie rentals, local streaming, AirPlay, and that slick iPhone / iPod touch Remote app, but only your heart truly knows if those are worth an extra few bucks and a month of fevered desire. Update: As our astute commenters are pointing out, these are actually listed as 99-cent purchases, making this a far better deal entirely. We don't know if that's for real or just an error right now, though -- we're double checking and we'll let you know. Update 2: Yep, we've confirmed that these are 99-cent purchases, making this a much better deal than Apple's rental model -- although only you can decide whether you actually need permanent streaming access to Dollhouse Season 2. [Thanks, Stephen]
Apple reportedly in talks with networks for 99 cent TV show rentals
We've already heard rumors that Apple was working to convince networks to offer 99 cent TV show rentals on iTunes -- and possibly on a forthcoming Apple TV / iTV as well -- and it looks like things might now be starting to firm up a bit. According to Bloomberg, "three people familiar with the plan" say that Apple is now in "advanced talks" with News Corp about offering Fox TV show rentals for 99 cents apiece, and it's reportedly talking with CBS and ABC-parent company Disney as well, although the state of those talks apparently aren't as clear. No mention of streaming-only episodes this time around, but those same people familiar with the matter do say that the episodes would only be viewable for 48 hours.
Lost: The Complete Collection / Season Six Blu-ray review roundup
Compressing six seasons of twists and turns into one $280 set ($195 on Amazon) surely wasn't easy but ABC and Disney have somehow managed to bring Lost home one more time with a 36-disc package for the all-in-one shot, and a Sixth Season standalone for those just looking to complete their set. After checking out a number of reviews, there's no doubt that the picture and audio quality on this release are top notch, if you, like us, were drawn in by the beautiful scenery and surroundings you'll get the best look possible here, a noticeable upgrade over the original broadcasts, along with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. TheHDRoom notes the complete collection also includes D-BOX Motion Code on each disc, while the Complete Collection packaging hides secrets including an episode guide, game of Senet, UV light and more for the fans. One nice extra is Disney's SeasonPlay feature, which Home Theater Forum mentions will keep track of which episodes you've already watched, and make a bookmark where you leave off. The Sixth Season has its own extras, including a new BD-Live connected Masters Program for Lost University attendees, New Man in Charge epilogue, commentaries and half hour featurette on the making of Lost's final season. Whether you found the series fantastic, infuriating or just skipped the whole phenomenon altogether, if you're not already mid-way through a Lost viewing party take a look at some of the reviews to see what you've been missing, or check out a few bonus clips embedded after the break..
Lost's bonus episode, New Man in Charge, preview clip (video)
Lost addicts craving a taste before diving back in with the full series and season 6 DVD/Blu-ray boxed sets later this month can check out a clip of the bonus episode, New Man in Charge, embedded after the break. Word is the full length version is already floating around the interwebs, but if you're trying to hold out until August 24, maybe just this little bump of Ben Linus will help you get by.
Bright House Networks and Time Warner Cable might lose ESPN in time for football season
ESPN is the content creator that cable and satellite providers love to hate. On one hand ESPN and, its sister networks, are the only reason some people even subscribe to pay TV, and on the other it is also the most expensive -- those who don't like sports are obviously caught in the middle, paying for some of the most expensive programming, whether they like it or not. Well today we noticed an ad on our site -- no, the contributors of the site have no clue or connection of what ads show up -- by ESPN that notify Bright House Networks and Time Warner Cable customers that the current contract ends on September 2nd (although separate companies, the two negotiate carriage deals together to gain leverage). The banner ad leads customers to I Have Choices.com to tell them the alternative providers they can use to ensure they continue to receive ESPN and displays a short video explaining ESPN's position. Without a new deal this would of course mean the channels could go dark just in time to miss the 2010 college football kickoff on September 4th on ABC (one of the networks involved in the dipute). This is old news to those in the industry, in fact you might even remember the when Time Warner launched its own site Roll Over or Get Tough when it looked like Fox might get pulled from said companies just in time to miss the BCS Bowl Games earlier this year. We feel sorry for all of those who might be affected, but at the same time have no lost love for neither cable company.
The Swan Station's Apple-II Plus and other Lost gadgets on the auction block this month
We don't want to spoil anything, but ABC's Lost is over and done with -- sorry, but it's really time to move on. Still can't let go? Apologize to your pocketbook and book a ticket to Santa Monica for the end of August for the official show auction. Literally hundreds of outfits and props are being sold off, including numerous gadgets from its six-year-run. Naomi's Iridium 9500 satellite phone with a then-futuristic UI? Suggested starting price is between $200 and $300. Brainwashing LED goggles? Also up for grabs -- although not functioning. Our favorite item has to be the Swan Station computer used to type the Numbers every 108 minutes, an Apple-II Plus system with an Apple III monitor, apparently re-used later for scenes in the Pearl Station. That'll set you back at least $1,000, but we'd be surprised if that price didn't skyrocket. We've gone ahead and made a gallery of the gadgets, but feel free to hit up the source if you want to see what else is going on sale. Not in the auction: the identity of those who shot at the canoe in Season 5's "The Little Prince." Seriously, would it have been so hard to tie that in somewhere? Sigh. %Gallery-98181% [Thanks, Michael T. and Walt... my Son]
The Road to Mordor: Old school hobbits
(Screenshot courtesy of Lord of the Rhymes) Over the past couple weeks Lord of the Rings Online players' eyes have turned to the future, and this column with it. After all, with the beta for LotRO F2P edition in full swing and the recent news from E3 about this fall's offerings, it's kind of hard not to be focused on what's ahead. However, I was tickled by a LotRO forum thread this week that looked back, not forward. It's one of those nostalgia threads that tend to pop up in a forum of any game more than a few years old, a place for veterans to reminisce about the olden days (whether good or bad). It's also an excellent chance for newbies to learn a bit more about the history of the game -- and perhaps thank their lucky stars they didn't have to walk uphill through three-foot snow with a Balrog on their tail just to log in to the servers every day. The thread certainly makes for good readin', but I wanted to comment on a few specific examples of how the game's changed, and how it was back when we were in school. Old school, that is. Hit the jump, and we'll travel to the past in our hobbit tub time machine!
Four Disney HD channels go dark on DISH Network
Guess we can forget about ESPN 3D coming to DISH Network any time soon, as the dispute between the satellite company and Disney has escalated to the point that Disney Channel HD, Disney XD HD, ABC Family HD and ESPNews HD have all been removed from the service. They're still available in SD if you really need your The Secret Life of an American Teenager fix, but right now Disney is pointing to a New York State Court ruling from March indicating DISH owes it $65 million, which DISH is appealing. Multichannel News points out there's also a lawsuit between DISH and ESPN still ongoing as well, so we'll have to wait and see if this move helps negotiations along at all.
Jimmy Kimmel films show with MacBook, next stop Chatroulette
Ever hear of a television studio losing power for the cameras only, but still having enough juice to run the lights, audio, and seemingly everything else in the studio? Neither have we, which is why we're a bit skeptical that what happened on Jimmy Kimmel earlier this week wasn't some sort of publicity stunt -- but it's an interesting one nevertheless. The supposed mystery power outage for the control room left Kimmel with nothing to do but cancel the show or flip open his trusty MacBook, and it's the latter he chose to do, recording the entire episode in what looks to be VGA. (It aired last night, but there's a clip at the source link if you missed it.) Quick-thinking by a former Man Show host, or contrived PR grab? Either way, it's mission accomplished.
Jimmy Kimmel films entire show with iSight, conspiracy theorists raise an eyebrow
I hate to be the one to point this out... but Jimmy's network, ABC, is a Disney division. Disney, in turn, owns Pixar; naturally, Pixar's chairman sits on Disney's board and happens to be the largest single shareholder in the entertainment mega-conglomerate. Yes, folks, both Mickey Mouse and Jimmy Kimmel work for Steve Jobs, in a manner of speaking. We already know that Mac plugs and Apple references are business as usual for Pixar (in fact, there's a flat panel iMac prominently featured in Toy Story 3)... could a Mac-saves-the-show stunt be extra publicity for a teensy Apple product launch this week? [See below -- looks like "no, it isn't."] Not that the iPhone 4 particularly needs the help. We'll try to get an answer out of ABC's press relations team in the morning to determine whether this is a true story of comic ingenuity. or a very elaborate Apple ad. Update: True/Slant had a reporter at the show, and they did in fact start quite late after power problems; Kimmel was apparently in no mood for these shenanigans. The New York Times posted a brief interview with Kimmel where he said the stunt was not an Apple promotion; in fact, he was concerned Apple might take the whole thing the wrong way.
ABC's subscription video plans leaked in consumer survey?
At Engadget HQ, we take great care not to trumpet the claims of a web survey, as it's always difficult to tell who's actually doing the surveying -- and even if we could, consumer surveys are all about a "what if" that may never actually come to pass. That said, it looks like maybe ABC is conducting a study asking folks whether they'd be interested in a subscription to an ABC.com streaming video service, and maybe that service might have a wide variety ABC shows, past and present, fully on-demand. Sound familiar? Interestingly, the subscription would seem to be offered alongside the existing free service, and both paid and free would have advertising, though reduced by 20 percent for those coughing up the fee. You can find a list of potentially potential shows included in the gallery below, forwarded to us by an anonymous tipster; we tried to take the survey ourselves, but were promptly rejected for our love of FlashForward. %Gallery-93824%
Poll: Lost ends this weekend, are you ready?
It's been a long, strange road, but we're finally nearing the end. The series finale of Lost airs at 9 p.m. tomorrow (there's a "newly enhanced" version of the pilot airing tonight at 8, and a two hour event before the finale tomorrow at 7 p.m.) and we just want to know who is still on board. There's been Easter Eggs, time travel, more plot twists than we can count and ultimately many differing opinions on the quality of recent episodes, but we'll be in front of the TV tomorrow night (seriously, DVRing beyond a few minutes isn't really an option given the inevitability of spoilers.) Will you? Musical treat embedded after the break for true fans. %Poll-46931%
Series finale of Lost is headed overseas faster than usual
Good news for anyone watching Lost outside the US who doesn't already chase down new episodes on torrents, newsgroups, Rapidshare or wherever else, for the final episode several countries will see it aired at the same time as the West Coast broadcast here, while a total of 59 countries will watch within 24-48 hours. Disney Media Networks is crediting the shortened window to the show's great appeal (and the fact people may be killed over revealing spoilers before it airs locally) which will bring it to UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Israel, and Turkey in the (no subtitles) simulcast. Check after the break for the other broadcasters on an accelerated schedule.
26% of Web video is ready for the iPad
Here's an interesting stat -- 26% of the video on the Web is iPad-ready, according to Mefeedia, a firm that supposedly monitors online video around the Internet. You may think that's low (that means 74% of the web can't be seen on the iPad), but that number actually represents a good amount of growth, as just a scant few months ago, only 10% of Web video was iPad-accessible, or encoded in H.264 or HTML 5, not Flash. Mefeedia also says that most new video is available in HTML 5 -- it's more or less the archives that haven't been converted over yet. The survey itself encompasses over 30,000 different sources, from partnered sites like Hulu, CBS, and ABC, as well as popular video sites like YouTube and DailyMotion. Mefeedia says it expects to "see a new level of engagement" with online video, and that when that surge of interest comes, it'll be supported by HTML 5. Adobe probably won't like hearing that, but then again, they've still got a big majority of the video, so we guess it's up to them to lose it. [via Fortune]
CBS will roll out HTML5 compliant portal for iPad
Watching TV on an iPad is a joy. Prop it up, plug in some speakers, turn it on its side and sit back. You can carry it with you as you move about and the epic battery life permits episode after episode. The only drawback right now is the lack of content (I'm looking at you, Hulu). Fortunately, networks like CBS are keen to get on board. This week, CBS VP Anthony Soohoo described his company's plans to create an iPad-compatible portal in an interview with NewTeeVee (video after the break). For now, Soohoo explains, full episodes of Survivor and clips from selected shows are available in HTML5. The network are taking what they learn in getting those shows out to bring their other titles to the HTML5 standard, and expect to achieve full content parity in time for the fall premieres. While ABC is using an app to distribute shows to the iPad, Soohoo confirms that the network does not have plans for a dedicated app just now, and will focus on a HTML5 portal instead. For me, the money quote comes at the beginning of the interview, when Soohoo says, "At the end of the day it doesn't matter if you watch content on television, on your mobile device or on your PC." That's exactly right. Who cares if I buy a record vs. a CD vs. a digital file? I'm still consuming the content. Soohoo even notes that the iPad's multi-touch capabilities offer unique advertising options. It's nice to see a "suit" who gets it. [Via MacRumors]
ABC Player for iPad updated, 3G streaming is a go
Well that was fast. That ABC Player for iPad update we heard about this morning has already made its way through Apple's approval process and is now available for download. Orientation lock is now, erm, on lock controls are more responsive, but most importantly, (lower bitrate) 3G streaming is now a go. With that settled, now no bus ride will ever get between you and an island chockfull of confusion and smoke monsters. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
ABC said to have 3G-compatible iPad app on the way
We had a pretty clear indication that a 3G-compatible ABC iPad app could just be a matter of a relatively simple fix, and it looks like that is indeed the case -- Silicon Alley Insider is reporting that ABC has already submitted an updated app that adds 3G streaming to Apple for approval. Barring some unforeseen issues, that seems to be all but assured, and it will presumably function much like the Netflix app by knocking things down to a lower bitrate when you leave your WiFi comfort zone. Still no official word from ABC on this, but we'd suggest keeping a close eye on the app store if you've been craving some Dancing with the Stars on the go.
iPad 3G denies ABC player, downsamples iTunes store video previews over AT&T
Well ain't that a kick in the pants. Reports are coming in from newly-minted iPad 3G videophiles that iTunes store previews and Netflix streams are getting downsampled over AT&T's network. The folks at iLounge have been tinkering enough to confirm the iTunes issue (we're still waiting for FedEx to drop off our 3G tablets so we can corroborate ourselves) and, lo and behold, ABC player flat out refuses to work over AT&T's 3G network, instead displaying an oddly familiar message: "Please connect to a Wi-Fi network to use this application. Cellular networks are not supported at this time." Perhaps an update will ensue to fix such limits, but in the meantime, we're sure at least someone at Sling HQ is having an awkward chuckle.
ABC reveals iPad app statistics, says it's 'pleased' with results
There's no question that ABC's free iPad app was one of the highest-profile apps to launch with the device, and ABC has now finally revealed some hard numbers to give an indication of just how successful it has been. According to The Wall Street Journal, ABC says the app has been downloaded 205,000 times in the ten days following the iPad's debut, and that is has been used to watch at least part of 605,000 TV shows. Perhaps the best news for ABC, however, is that the app has served up "several million" ad impressions, although the exact number is apparently still being calculated, with ABC only adding that it is "pleased with the results." Also, the most popular single show watched with the app? Why the episode of Modern Family where Phil Dumnphy gets an iPad, of course.
