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LG BD690 is the first Blu-ray player certified for Wi-Fi Direct, keeps Bluetooth paranoid
The possibilities teased in 2009 by Wi-Fi Direct have probably kept Bluetooth up at night, and we're sure the commencement of device certification last month hasn't helped, either. Now the LG BD960 has emerged as the first Blu-ray player on the Wi-Fi Direct certification list, hinting direct P2P communication in our home theaters among WiFi devices (without the need for a routing middleman) could soon go from fiction to fact. Unfortunately, mum's still the word on shipping and pricing. The mere chance however that the player could stream content to any other WiFi-equipped device -- Direct certified or not -- is a big enough deal to give our dedicated media streamers Defarge-like glances already. Particularly, if the BD960 comes packed with features similar its suspected predecessor the LG-BD390, which can stream both Netflix, Vudu, and DLNA network content, as well as play DivX HD 1080p content. Until more details surface though, we'll simply have to keep reminding our poor Galaxy S that it isn't destined to be alone in this cold, cruel world forever.
Sonic acquires DivX to expand online movie delivery options, share of Kazaa downloads
Just because Sonic shifted its CinemaNow name into the care of Best Buy, don't think it's taking a break from working digital movie delivery options into every device it can. To that end it's purchased DivX, formerly a name you knew only as an illegal download enabling codec, but is now a legitimate enterprise that has agreements with major movie studios and more than 150 consumer electronics manufacturers. The cash and stock transaction should cause the two to get together and make the whole world believe them, with RoxioNow ending up in the millions of devices currently ready for DivX while increasing possibilities for DivX encoded movies going on sale in the United States. The DivX TV internet video frontend for set-top boxes and connected televisions should also get a boost from the deal, we'll see how it competes with widgets, TiVo and Google. There's a DivX TV trailer after the break for those interested plus the press release while related financial details, projections and promises can be found in the linked PDF.
Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX
Over the last few years we've witnessed a slew of DivX Certified devices including HDTVs, DVD & Blu-ray player, set-top boxes, game consoles and even cell phones, but until now, despite several content agreements, in the U.S. there hasn't been any content available in the format from the major studios. That changes today now that online store FilmFresh.com, has signed up Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures to offer new release and archive movies for purchase as DivX formatted downloads. The bad news? For now at least, they'll be standard definition (stereo audio) only. Rick Bolton, CEO of Film Fresh as well as Eric Grab and John Greene of DivX filled us in on the details, and from what we've learned -- if you'll stand for lower res video -- the combination of compatibility and portability could make this download service a competitor against the likes of iTunes, CinemaNow and Zune.
LG's WiFi-enabled, DivX-friendly BD390 Blu-ray player now shipping
LG continues to up its game in the Blu-ray department, first shipping the planet's first Netflix-enabled BD deck and now shipping the planet's first DivX HD 1080p certified player. Yep, the BD390 -- which was originally unveiled back at CES this year -- is now making its way out to eager consumers, boasting an 802.11n WiFi module and support for DivX streaming from a DLNA server. The pain? $399.95, but at least that includes BD-Live support, 7.1-channel audio output, 1GB of inbuilt memory and a USB 2.0 socket.
DivX 7 for Mac now available
Coming a scant few months after the PC version, DivX 7 for Mac is now available, putting all the h.264 enabled power into your hands, whether it's for good or evil is your choice. That reminds us, we're still looking around for those DivX Plus HD Certified devices (beyond the DivX Connected beta) featuring MKV and many other forms of compatibility, but for now, this will have to do.[Via 123MacMini]
H.264-based DivX 7 makes landfall
We were told point blank that it'd be arriving in January, and lo and behold, arrive it has. Version 7 of DivX for Windows is now available for download, and with it comes an H.264-based player that supports 1080p and even DivX video creation if you opt for DivX Pro. Additionally, the company has just launched its DivX Plus HD Certification program in order to stamp forthcoming devices with seals of high-def approval. Anyone had a chance to grab the new player? Likes / dislikes?Read - DivX 7 launchesRead - DivX Plus HD Certification program
New Samsung TVs to support every codec we've heard of?
This would be an interesting turn of events, but looking back at that AVForum post from earlier this week we noticed -- thanks Megazone -- that the new Samsung HDTVs featuring Internet@Tv Widgets will also include support for just about every video codec we've heard of (full list after the jump). So while some people might be clamoring for widgets on their TV -- we're not -- others just want an easy to playback 1080p MKV files with h.264 inside. Of course this isn't official or anything, but we'll be waiting -- with our hopes up -- until the Samsung press event tomorrow at 5PM EST.[Via GizmoLovers]
Samsung Omnia becomes first DivX Certified handset in USA
Samsung's Omnia is far from being the first handset in its stable to grab the coveted DivX Certified badge, but it is the first with said badge to ship in the United States of America. What's it all mean? Pretty simple, really -- those lured in by the Omnia's boyish good looks and seductive touchpanel will have no issues playing back DivX video files on the 3.2-inch screen, regardless of whether those files are stored on the 8GB of internal space or on a microSD card. We probably speak for DivX fans across the web when we say that this is hopefully just the beginning of a long list of DivX-friendly phones to come stateside.
Sony details PS3 firmware 2.50 upgrades: DivX VOD support, AV tweaks
Sony didn't want to make a big deal about this (so humble, that Sony) but the PlayStation 3's recent 2.50 firmware update has a few extra additions aimed straight at home theater buffs. First up is a place to enter your DivX VOD Registration code -- necessary if you want to get any of that Sony Pictures or Warner Bros. DivX-encoded video that's on the way -- along with new Sequential Playback and 50Hz video output settings, plus support for chroma upsampling & Mosquito Noise Reduction video enhancement on homemade Blu-ray discs and DVDs. On a more minor note, the BD/DVD settings section has been renamed just Video Settings, while the Cinema Conversion and Upscale options are getting all their mail delivered to BD/DVD Cinema Conversion and BD/DVD Upscaler, respectively. Peep the PlayStation site for the rest of the exciting details (there's a German keyboard layout change that is not to be missed), and then go back to watching Hulu in a tiny box with a poor framerate in your newly Flash-enabled browser.[Via PS3 Blog]
Warner Bros. gives green light for DivX distribution
Remember when DivX was a format only understood by the hardcore BitTorrent users and P2P mavens who shared low-quality videos online? No more. DivX is stamping its name on all manners of devices these days, and now it's getting in with the always-guarded content providers. Today, DivX and Warner Bros. have announced that the studio's material will soon be available for distribution in the DivX format, meaning that any DivX Certified consumer electronics device could play it back. The pact is similar to the one signed with Sony Pictures Television and Sony Pictures Television International, though not everything is particularly peachy. Content will be available in SD DivX as of this month, but HD DivX won't be streaming until September of 2009. Ah well, at least we've a date to hold 'em to.
DivX finds a way into new LG, JVC & Vestel players
Another tradeshow, another chance for DivX to add juice to its symphony of new consumer hardware. Listen closely so your attention's undivided as the first DivX HD-compatible DVD player from a major manufacturer, the LG DVS450H, stands ready to play back full length HD flicks from disc or USB flash drive. Turkish manufacturer Vestel is back to straighten the facts, introducing the first DivX-capable STB for Europe in the t5000. It's still undergoing DivX certification, but promises a firmware update should be the only thing needed to ensure complete compatibility. JVC steps up to make the people unite with its first Blu-ray player, the NX-BD3, carrying DLNA and DivX certs to acquire content via wired or wireless networks, and play back DivX files from DVD or CD after it goes on sale in September.Read - LGRead - VestelRead - JVC
Sony Pictures Television International jumps on the DivX bandwagon
Never afraid to hedge its bets on high definition content distribution, Sony Pictures Television International has joined its counterpart in the U.S. by enabling online retailers to sell its feature films and TV shows in DivX format. With even more DivX Certified hardware in homes and hitting the shelves soon, we just want to see who will put this content on the market, and how.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
DivX support finds its way into HP, LG HDTVs
There's no other way to say it, DivX is on a roll in 2008 (that small Stage6 stumble is already a fading memory). If support from Blu-ray players and videogame consoles wasn't enough, DivX Certification has snaked its long arm directly into HDTVs, with "over 80 models" from HP and LG slapping on a sticker indicating users can simply plug a USB drive in and play their entirely-legitimately-owned content. Expect that number to grow, since DivX is also working with AMD, Chips and Media, Broadcom and Trident to include support in other chipsets powering digital TVs near you. Now how about we see some of that content?
Denon DVD-3800BDCI Blu-ray player nabs DivX certification
Just in case you were worried that not every flavor of Denon's upcoming premium priced Blu-ray player would play your DVD rips totally legit content, the DVD-3800BDCI is the latest to add DivX certification. Why Blu-ray manufacturers are in such a hurry to put allow DivX playback on their preciously-DRM'd devices is still unclear, but the Certified seal keeps spreading.
Blu-ray players from Panasonic, Philips, and Denon get DivX Certified
Apparently, 100 million certified DivX video devices simply isn't enough, as a half dozen new standalone players have just had the coveted "DivX Certified" seal bestowed upon them. Joining the DivX-friendly PlayStation 3 is the Panasonic DMP-BD30 (no surprise here), Philips' BDP7200 and Denon's own DVD-2500BTC1B, DVD-3800BDC1B, DVD-3800BDSP and DVD-2500BTSP. According to In-Stat, worldwide shipments of BD players is "expected to reach 23 million in 2011," so we're betting that quite a few more units receive this badge of honor in the not-too-distant future.
Hauppauge has a DivX Connected box on the way
Hauppauge has a rep for mixing up the PC and TV, so its no surprise the company is the latest to hook with DivX by announcing its plans for a DivX Connected box due in the second half of this year. HD from a local hard drive or streaming internet services should be no problem, since it shares the open platform of D-Link's DSM-330 but we'll have to wait 'til there's some hardware in our hands to know the fruits of this partnership, and if it's advanced over the original Gejbox.
Philips and DivX get down like two flat tires
DivX seems to be recovering nicely from the fall of Stage6, inking a deal with Philips to make sure a "wide variety" of its consumer electronics devices will be compatible with the format. The two year license agreement applies to DVD players, TVs and Blu-ray players -- the upcoming Bonus View-enabled BDP7200 is not mentioned -- and in light of a similar agreement with Panasonic should continue to increase the amount of DivX Certified equipment available in the near future.
Euro spec Panasonic DMP-BD30: Now with DivX
Already available (and firmware updated) in the U.S., it looks like Panasonic's DMP-BD30EG/EE has a present for European and Russian buyers because when it launches this month, it will be the first DivX Certified Blu-ray player. With no indication of a firmware update to add DivX compatibility to U.S. players, that leaves U.S. buyers the option of the DivX compatible (but not yet certified) PS3, or waiting for Panasonic's DMP-BD50. Even in the post Stage6 world, DivX is a nice bonus to throw on top of Blu-ray playback while we wait for BD Live.