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Qualcomm Atheros' Skifta app brings DLNA media streaming to iOS
Android users have been using Skifta, the mobile media streaming platform, for a couple years now, shooting media to and from their phones and tablets wirelessly. Today, Apple users can get on the action, as Qualcomm Atheros has quietly released a version that brings the power of DLNA to iOS. That means that iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads running iOS 5 or later can now stream content directly to and from a host of devices, including stereos, TVs and the PS3. Sound good? You'll find a gallery of screenshots of the Skifta's UI below, and should that sufficiently pique your interest, hit the source to grab the app for yourself.
Intel demos 'headless' 6-tuner cable gateway for Comcast
Pre-CES rumors suggested Intel would announce a "virtual cable" service (before being stamped out) but the partnership with Comcast it actually revealed turned out to be far more conventional. Very similar to the tru2way multiroom box Intel demonstrated back at IDF in 2009, the Multi-Screen Video Gateway by Arris capitalizes on DLNA standards -- touted by the alliance earlier today -- to bring video to virtually any device in your home. It's "headless", because it's not built to connect directly to any TV, just shoved somewhere out of sight while you tune in on your various screens. Of course, these demos have been here before and the DTCP-IP technology behind it isn't particularly new either, so why could 2013 finally be the year we see these features roll out from major providers? As cited in the earlier press release, DirecTV has released Genie DVRs loaded with RVU that pushes video directly to TVs and even the PS3 in the past year, providing one example of the tech in action. The updated FCC IP interface requirements and continued work on the DLNA Premium Content guidelines are also forcing progress forward, albeit slowly. Finally, there's some hope that the CE and cable industry can actually work together, as seen in Comcast's RDK program that's pushing the development of this box and others (like that Humax box we spotted floating through the FCC) with similar capabilities. The box was running Comcast's new X1 cloud-based guide which has seen a limited rollout so far, but because of how it works is more easily accessed and updated on connected devices. Of course even with all that, we've been down this road before (again and again and again and again) so despite a slick demo we'll withhold excitement until hardware is actually released.
DLNA already in use by TV providers, but not exactly what we had in mind
Comcast, Cox, DirecTV, Orange and Time Warner Cable are already using DLNA to deliver premium content around your house, but perhaps not exactly the way you had in mind. The dream that DLNA promises has never really lived up to expectations, but we still can't help but hold on to the dream of accessing our favorite shows on every device in the home. The DLNA premium content guidelines announced last year at CES seemed to be the most promising yet, but a year has passed and evidently we didn't notice. According to the press release issued by the DLNA, the aforementioned TV providers have already deployed products implementing the guidelines. Unfortunately, those implementations haven't made the content universally accessible in our home -- yet. There is hope however, in the FCC IP interface requirement intended to facilitate such access. For example, Steve Necessary, VP of Cox Communications expects "more than 500,000 subscribers (will) have DLNA premium content functionality" through its Trio guide within the next year. How useful that access will really be, though, remains to be seen.
Klipsch details Stadium and KMC3 wireless speakers, hopes to be at the Center of your listening experience
Sound and time: two things that fly by pretty fast -- and many an Engadget editor has been known to make time zip by faster with Klipsch headphones. While the company showed us its latest ear-gear in the fall of 2011, it's kicking off 2013 at CES with a focus on speakers. It was a year ago when we checked out a mockup of Klipsch's Stadium AirPlay speaker, and it's finally poised to hit shelves in the coming months. Part of its Music Center lineup, the visually striking, wireless 2.1 system (pictured right) hasn't changed aesthetically, but the company does have more to share when it comes to specs and availability. In addition to AirPlay, it's now loaded with DLNA and Bluetooth, with compatibility for aptX. The Stadium is loaded with a duo of 5.25-inch subwoofers, a pair of three-inch woofers for mids and a pair of 1-inch "horn-loaded" tweeters to handle the highs. Now word on price just yet, but north of $1,500 (yes, you read that right, audiophiles) wouldn't be a bad guess when it arrives this summer. For those looking solely for Bluetooth connectivity in a semi-portable package, Klipsch's KMC3 (pictured left) might be the ticket. This 130-watt system features a 5.25-inch subwoofer and a pair of two-inch full-range drivers. Naturally, an 3.5mm input lets you plug your devices in the old fashioned way, while an integrated USB port can be used for charging your devices. Sadly, there's also no word on price for the KMC3, but it should arrive a bit sooner in the spring. Klipsch says it has more planned for the Music Center line this year as well, so we'll keep you posted when we hear more. More details in the press release after the break.
SiliconDust announces two new HDHomeRun network tuners with transcoding, DLNA DMP beta firmware available soon
SiliconDust let us know that it would be the first to certify a live TV tuner as a DLNA Digital Media Server, easily enabling premium cable TV to more devices with its existing HDHomeRun Prime network CableCARD tuner. A beta firmware of that software will be available next week for existing customers. The rub, though, is that you'll need a DLNA Digital Media Player (or Rederer) that supports MPEG2, and that just isn't as common as you might think -- as well as DTCP-IP support for copy protected content. In comes two new network tuners, the HDHR4-US and the HDHR4-CC. Both offer hardware transcoding for "digital-to-digital conversion of high-bandwidth MPEG2 streams to bandwidth-friendly H.264." The primary difference between the two new models is one has a CableCARD slot for recording four HD premium channels at once, and the other has dual clear QAM or ATSC tuners -- there is also a third unit, HDHR4-DT2, for Europe and Australia. The number of DLNA Digital Media Players (DMP) that support H.264 is far more vast and the codec is far more efficient. This basically means you'll have access to your favorite live content on more devices and in more places, and use less bandwidth while enjoying it. These new ones should be available starting in "mid-2013" with no mention of price in the releases below. But with the HDHR3-CC retailing for $199, we'd suspect the new quad tuner versions with transcode, will come just a bit above that. %Gallery-175391%
Seagate's Central debuts at CES, accesses your digital wares inside your home and out (video)
Seagate's Wireless Plus portable streaming hard drive isn't the only device the company is pulling the wraps off of at CES. The outfit has also announced Central: a robust shared storage / consumer NAS solution for your home that allows streaming to DLNA compatible devices and Samsung Smart TVs as well as computers and mobile devices. The same Seagate Media app that sorts your files on-the-go is at work here on iOS, Android and Kindle Fire to push content to your living display or view while you're on the road -- and to multiple users, too. Central also allows for automatic and continuous backup of connected computers with 2TB, 3TB and 4TB options that range in price from $189 to $259. If you're looking snag one for your casa, you'll have to wait until March. But don't fret, a closer look and a quick demo reside on the other side of the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
GameStick topples Kickstarter goal in 30 hours, adds XBMC and DLNA post-launch
Now that PlayJam's Kickstarter project, "GameStick," is funded -- reaching and crossing its $100K goal in around 30 hours with over 1,000 backers -- the team's turning to other news, like adding XBMC and DLNA support. That support will arrive via an "optional firmware update in September," says PlayJam CMO Anthony Johnson. That other Android-based, Kickstarter-funded game console, the Ouya, also added XBMC functionality to the console's feature list late last summer, though it's unclear if GameStick's support includes the Android app XBMC is porting to Ouya. But just because the GameStick is funded doesn't mean you can't still pledge dough for one yourself. The $70 tier is sold out, but backing the project for $79 or more will still get you one of the first GameSticks on the market. The project is slated to launch this April.
DirecTV Genie whole-home DVR review
We're very happy that 2012 ended up being the year of whole-home DVRs. We reviewed Dish Network's Hopper earlier this year and now we've spent some quality time with DirecTV's Genie -- can't say we expected the cute names. Capable of serving up to eight rooms in your house (but only four at once), the Genie system works with a variety of setups, including being built into some newer Samsung TVs. Only available as part of DirecTV service, the Genie can be had for free by some new DirecTV customers who are willing to sign a term agreement and select the right package, and available to existing customers as an upgrade for $300 depending on the circumstances. If DirecTV didn't already have you at five tuners, 1TB and up to eight rooms, then click through for a full rundown on the latest the original direct satellite broadcast TV provider has to offer.%Gallery-173956%
Samsung AllShare SDK could bring better connected apps to your Galaxy
Samsung's AllShare apps are the only implementations of the company's DLNA-based platform to date, but now it wants external developers to help realize the tech's potential. The AllShare Framework SDK has been released, meaning its APIs can be integrated into third-party software for the creation of "AllShare-enabled" apps. Developers will be given access to AllShare features including media streaming, screen sharing with compatible devices (or an AllShare Cast dongle), and remote control functions. Now devs can start using these tools, expect to see more AllShare-enabled apps boosting the functionality of your Galaxy device in the near future.
FCC clarifies set-top box IP interface requirement and extends deadline to 2014
You may have not noticed, but your cable box at home has a Firewire port on it, designed to serve up content to other devices in your home. This almost useless port -- thanks DRM -- is a result of an FCC mandate that has been enforced for almost ten years. Due to the lack of use, the cable industry asked that the rules be updated to require an IP interface instead. That request was granted in the fall of 2010 and was supposed to go into effect this very month. Evidently two years wasn't long enough to find an acceptable industry standard stack to deliver video over IP, so TiVo and the cable industry requested an extension. The FCC let it be known last week in a Memorandum Opinion and Order that a single standard wasn't actually required, as long as the IP interface on the cable box used an industry standard -- the Commission did bless the DLNA Premium Video Profile as a suitable example. We'll have to wait and see if any other standards are in the mix, but regardless, TiVo and the rest of the cable industry now have until June of 2014 before every one of their boxes has to be able to deliver HD content to 3rd party devices like TVs, Blu-ray players and tablets via IP. In this particular context, TiVo is being treated as a cable company box supplier, although we're not sure how this will apply to its retail devices. Only time will tell if this mandate will bear fruit, but with any luck, the second time will be a charm.
HDHomeRun Prime is the first CableCARD tuner to deliver live TV to DLNA Devices
Our favorite shows, anywhere, that's all we really want. Of course that is asking too much but we'll be closer to the dream now that Silicondust has announced its three tuner HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD is a certified DLNA Digital Media Server (DMS). While the options this opens are seemingly limitless, one specific use case is watching premium cable on a PS3. CableCARD tuners aren't exactly known for their ease of setup, but once you do get this working with your cable company and on your network, it'll show up like any other DLNA source to your PS3. From there you can browse the list of channels and watch any you happen to subscribe to. The PS3 isn't the only DLNA Digital Media Player (DMP) or Digital Media Renderer (DMR) that works with a DLNA DMS, and plays MPEG2 video. However, at this point it's the only one we know of that also supports DTCP-IP, which is the DRM required to play premium content. A representative of Silicondust told us he's confident more compatible devices are on the way, while even more devices will support the unprotected content. Keep an eye out for an official list of compatible hardware on its site some time after this update starts rolling out later this month. Finally, yes, you will be able to use your DLNA Digital Media Controller (DMC) to record content to your other Digital Media Servers -- is that enough acronyms for you? If this interests you, then stay tuned for CES where Silicondust plans to announce phase 2, which is where we think things could really get interesting.
Firmware updates for Pioneer AV receivers add HTC Connect music streaming compatibility
Pioneer flirted with HTC Connect earlier in the year, and now the relationship is getting more serious with firmware upgrades to Pioneer's AV receivers adding compatibility for the DLNA streaming tech. Fresh firmware is available now for the majority of 2012-model standard and Elite receivers, so if you've got a One series handset, an EVO 4G LTE, a Droid Incredible 4G LTE or a brand new Droid DNA, wireless streaming is just an update away. To see if your receiver has been granted HTC Connect-certification, head to the source below, where you'll also find links to download the relevant firmware.
Plex Media Server update brings web client for all, new PlexPass-only feature teased (update: PlexSync)
When Plex rolled out its PlexPass subscription that offered paying customers access to some new features as they were being developed, a new web client was first in line. Now an update to its Media Server is available that brings it to all users, along with a slew of other fixes and tweaks including improved photo access, transcoder management and increased subtitle support over DLNA. If you are on PlexPass however, now that the Plex/Web feature has escaped over the paywall the blog post teases a "mystery feature" set to debut tomorrow. Hit the source link for the full changelog and instructions on how to access everything. Update: The new PlexPass-exclusive feature is "PlexSync", that lets users flag content in their library to be automatically reformatted and loaded on their iOS (or Android, soon) device. There's several filters included to manage what content gets sideloaded plus APIs for developers, check the new blog post for more details.
Hisense T770 takes thin-bezel 3D TVs to the masses from $800
We've seen a few TVs with thin bezels in our time -- some affordable, some not so much -- but they usually sell at prices that have many of us turning to less than elegant screens. If Hisense has its way, the lines between higher style and lower budget will blur with the unveiling of its T770 series. The 42- and 52-inch sets in the range both have extra-narrow 7mm bezels yet cost an entirely reasonable $800 and $1,200 respectively, according to a spokesperson. For the cash outlay, the two TVs share the common foundation of a 1080p LCD with edge LED lighting, active shutter 3D and 120Hz refresh rates. They likewise share a quartet of HDMI ports, WiFi and the seemingly obligatory local media support through DLNA sharing and USB. Although Hisense might not lure some viewers away from bigger or simply more elaborate screens once the T770 is in stores sometime in the undefined near future, it may have given us a friendly reminder that interesting design and sane prices don't have to be mutually exclusive.
DLNA doubles its certification of audio-video hardware in two years
Shopping for a new home AV setup with DLNA support? You've got twice as many options as you might have had just a few years ago. The Digital Living Network Alliance says that it has certified over 500 AV systems, handily doubling the number of devices it has certified since 2010. The organization issued a press release lambasting the dark ages of pre-DLNA AV setups and the "bulky tapes, memory cards, discs and CDs" that media lovers once had to contend with. "Consumers are demanding more from their digital content and looking for ways to access media from multiple devices on their home network," explains DLNA chairman and president Nidhish Parikh. "Certified AV systems are able to communicate with other consumer electronics... ...effectively expanding the boundaries of the digital home through easy interoperability." More connected devices for folks outside of the Apple ecosystem? Sounds good to us -- even if most devices pack in compatibility for both.
Parrot Zikmu Solo reaches US in November, makes a tower of wireless sound yours for $999
Parrot has taken some time trotting out the Zikmu Solo speaker since we first saw it at CES, but those enamored with very vertical audio can rest easy now that the unit has a North American release schedule. Both Canada and the US can buy the Philippe Starck-crafted speaker in November, when it will cost $999 for Americans in its black and white guises (sorry, no red for now). While that's a lot to pay for a 100W speaker, Parrot is counting on the unique acoustic design, a conventional iOS dock and a mix of Bluetooth, NFC and WiFi to tempt people away from the land of horizontal sound. It's undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to make a speaker dock the focus of a room -- and that's part of the point, isn't it?
ARIS 100-watt wireless speaker shipping for $499 with DLNA and Windows 8 certification
If you're on the look-out for a decently boombastic wireless speaker but can't quite stump up three grand for the latest B&O, then perhaps the ARIS from Aperion Audio is worth a gander. Having finally emerged from pre-order status, it's available from Amazon and other retailers priced at $499, which gets you a 100-watt (RMS) output from six internal speakers housed in a 15-inch wide single-piece aluminum enclosure held up on a red wire frame. The ARIS handles regular DLNA and is also certified to with work with Windows 7 and 8 sources over your home WiFi network -- just in case you should happen to have any cash left after that pricey Surface Pro.
B&O Play's BeoPlay A9 wireless speaker gets your classy party jumping for a cool $2,699 (eyes-on)
B&O Play is at it again for the younger crowd with money to burn. With a TV, a hybrid iPad dock, an iPad friendly speaker system and a portable speaker already under its belt, Bang & Olufsen's spin-off brand is ready to really get the festivities going with its new BeoPlay A9. Starting at cool $2,799, this satellite dish circular eye-catcher also doubles as a full-on 2.1 speaker system. Simply put, we'd describe its looks as a super-sized half of the BeoPlay A8 speaker dock. We'd guess the A9 stands at roughly three feet tall (legs mounted) and three feet wide based on our quick in-person look. Behind its fabric grill you'll find a duo of three-quarter-inch tweeters and a pair of three-inch mid-range drivers, all of which get their power from independent 80-watt digital amps. Of course, the A9 brings the rumble as well, featuring an 8-inch "bass unit" that gets double the wattage of its drivers. Notably, AirPlay & DLNA are baked right in, ensuring you'll have access to WiFi streaming across whichever platforms you prefer. You won't find any physical controls, but on the top-edge of its backside you'll notice a status light and a power button, both separated by a long touch-sensitive strip that lets you adjusts the volume, or mute it completely. Below that, a pop-off cap hides a USB port for docking and charging devices and a 3.5mm jack if wireless isn't an option, but it's also where an admittedly unsightly power cord plugs in as well. As you can see in the photo, the A9 can be supported by a trio of wooden legs, however, it can also be wall-mounted or hung from a ceiling like the BeoPlay V1 TV -- thankfully, it features three DSP presets to cope with however you'd decide to place it. As you might imagine, it's also incredibly loud -- just a duo of A9s were being used as the sound system at the large Penthouse party we were in. As such, it wasn't an ideal environment to comment much further on its audio performance. If it's up your alley, expect the system to hit B&O and select Apple stores near the end of November, with your choice of a black, red, silver, green or white grill, and wooden legs in beech, oak or teak -- all of which can be purchased separately. For now, you can get your own eyes-on with it in the gallery below. Update: Check out the video past the break to catch a video of how it's made.
Verizon FiOS TV Media Server due in the coming months, delivers content to 3rd party devices
Fall is officially here and we're closing in on the final quarter of 2012, a time when products usually get real or fade into the vapor forever. One that we've been waiting to hear about just got a little more real as the Verizon Media Server (VMS), which Big Red teased last December and promised in 2012, got a little mention in the company's latest comments to the FCC. While attempting to persuade the FCC to standardize an IP content interface and delay the December 2012 deadline, Verizon revealed that the rollout of its new product will begin in the coming months. The full feature set of this server is still unknown, but one interesting feature is its ability to stream multiple high-def stream simultaneously to 3rd party devices connected to your home network. Of course without a industry wide streaming standard -- again, like Verizon is requesting the FCC to ratify -- who knows exactly what devices could be in the mix.
Synology launches DiskStation DS413j NAS server for your own private cloud
If you like your data local, but crave remote access, you've now got options like Synology's new DiskStation DS413j -- a network-attached storage (NAS) server for your own private cloud. The feature-packed box has four drive bays for a total of 16TB storage, and you can mix and match HDDs of different sizes without losing the comfort of RAID. Along with what you'd expect from NAS, its media server will stream content to your console or TV via DLNA or UPnP and push tunes to your stereo, with iOS and Android apps for couch DJing. The server will sync your files across computers if you wish, and give you access to all that data on the move via the internet or mobile apps. And, if you need more files, you can download directly using your favorite protocols -- it'll even automate them if you trust RSS feeds to make recommendations. All this can be yours for around $380, depending on the retailer, but don't forget to budget for drives to fill those empty bays. %Gallery-164329%
