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Dish's TV streaming app is now available for newer Kindle Fire tablets
Dish subscribers are no longer stuck if they want to catch up on TV shows from one of Amazon's tablets -- the satellite provider has released a version of Dish Anywhere for Kindle Fire HDX devices. As with the regular Android app, HDX owners using Sling-equipped Dish DVRs (such as the Hopper with Sling) can watch live, on-demand and recorded TV from any reasonably fast internet connection. There's no word yet on support for the lower-cost Kindle Fire HD, but those who own Amazon's latest and greatest hardware can grab Dish Anywhere today.
Engadget HD Podcast 387 - 2.27.14
The HD news heap has reached a toppling point, so Ben and Richard get to work sifting through all the insanity from the past week. One of the major talking points is the streaming bottleneck of Netflix's content on various service providers. This prompts Ben to provide an overview of the labyrinthine inner workings of the internet, a tall task for anyone to attempt. In another bold move, Disney Movies Anywhere service launched recently with iTunes on board to help deliver some of its content. There's definitely some twists and turns, so head to the streaming links below for a bit of navigational assistance on this week's episode of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Dish Explorer for iPad can now recommend shows and turn on your TV
If you own one of Dish's Hopper DVRs and have ever been stumped as to what to watch next, you'll want to grab the latest version of Dish Explorer for the iPad. The new app now recommends shows based on your viewing habits; watch a lot of crime dramas and Dish may suggest the others you've missed. The update also introduces direct control over the TV's power and volume, so you won't have to go hunting for that lost remote. Head to the App Store for an upgrade if either new Explorer feature sounds appealing.
Engadget HD Podcast 386 - 2.19.14
Updates, apps and mergers are piling up as we head deeper into 2014, leaving little room for idle chatter as Ben and Richard get down to business. The Comcast and Time Warner Cable deal is still reverberating through the news and it's dovetailing with yet another Apple TV rumor. Google's giving Chromecast apps the green light following a period of Android device updates and AllCast has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Mountain View's dongle. Showtime hits Roku, Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show gets companion apps and Netflix adds new seasons to its stable of shows. The Engadget HD Podcast is dropping some science this week, so be sure to tune in at the streaming links below. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 385 - 2.12.14
Olympic fever is gripping the nation, but Ben seems immune. Perhaps he hasn't discovered short track speed skating, a sport that Richard enjoys for its Michael Bay-like pace and frequent wipeouts. Comcast is even delivering its online coverage of the action in Sochi to its Xfinity TV subscribers, and the wintry sport is dominating prime time slots across the board, leaving Must See TV content a bit sparse. The one thing that is burgeoning, though, is the Xbox One's upcoming content projects. With Bonnaroo concert access from your couch and an exclusive Nas biography series in the works, things are looking up for Microsoft's new console. All this and more is packed into this week's edition of the Engadget HD Podcast, so settle in and head to the streaming links for a piece of the action. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
You can now relive the Beatles' US invasion on your Apple TV
Are you nostalgic for the hysteria when the Beatles first set foot in the US, or just wonder what all the fuss was about? If either is true, you'll be glad to hear that you now have a chance to recreate that commotion on your Apple TV. Apple has quietly launched a Beatles channel on its media hub that will let you stream the British band's entire Ed Sullivan Show performance from 1964, complete with shrieking fans. Naturally, Apple is also using the channel to plug the recently digitized US versions of the group's albums. The concert footage will only stick around for a "limited time," so you'll want to hurry if you'd like to see the Beatles' big moment on a big screen.
Engadget HD Podcast 384 - 2.5.14
While the Northeast is suffering through some heavy weather, Ben is getting ready to enjoy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 on Blu-ray, from a significantly sunnier locale. Regardless of your local forecast though, there's definitely a deluge of HD news and content to catch up on. After all, the recent Superbowl pulled in a live streaming record and was a testbed for NFL content services, which didn't necessarily make the grade for cord-cutting football fans. There's plenty in store this week, so don't miss out. Just head on down to the streaming links below for this week's episode of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 383 - 1.30.14
The rumor mill has been grinding away this week, providing juicy bits of Apple and Amazon news for Ben and Richard to chew on. Netflix also announces its new 'post-play' feature, which prompts the crew to request a sleep detection feature. While a Kinect-type solution may seem invasive, it would be great for knowing when you konk out so it could stop episode playback. You won't be catching any Zs during this show, however, with Q4 updates on major manufacturers, discussion about the upcoming Super Bowl and the Fantasy Football league results. So hop on down to the streaming links below to catch the latest episode of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 382 - 1.22.14
It's that time of year again, CES is fading from memory, football season is wrapping up and Ben is tempted to cut the cable cord with less of his favorite sports programming on the air. The lull in pigskin-based TV probably doesn't have much to do with reports of declining subscribers for premium channels, but with content like Netflix's oscar-nominated documentary The Square, streaming services are proving to be tough competition. All this and more is packed into this week's episode; simply head to the streaming links below for another edition of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Paramount now releases movies only in digital form
While it's no secret that film-based movie distribution won't last much longer in the US, the big Hollywood studios haven't officially completed their transition to digital. However, one of them may have quietly made that leap -- sources for the LA Times claim that Paramount is the first large studio to send its major movies (not just smaller flicks) to American theaters solely in digital form. Anchorman 2 was reportedly the company's last high-profile analog release, while The Wolf of Wall Street was the first to go all-digital. Paramount hasn't commented on the apparent leak. If the report is accurate, though, the 8 percent of US theaters without digital equipment now have little choice but to upgrade if they want to offer the same selection as most of their peers.
Engadget HD Podcast 381 - 1.16.14
As the dust settles on the Las Vegas Convention Center, Richard and Ben regroup to take a brief look at the highlights from CES, but for the most part, there's still fresh HD news to discuss. There's been a storm brewing over at DirectTV and if you're a subscriber, you'll have to hear about it on a brand new channel, assuming you get your weather updates on TV. Netflix's Lilyhammer nabs a third season and Ben has finally come around to John Fusco's latest creation -- let's just hope it has more staying power than Young Guns II. We've got a great episode here, so find some time and dig into another informative episode of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Michael Bay's 'Black Sails' hits iTunes, Amazon and YouTube a week before TV premiere
It's no longer strange to see a TV series premiere online before it reaches traditional broadcasters, but Starz is planning a truly special internet debut for its latest project, Black Sails. The first episode of the Michael Bay-produced pirate drama will be available for free through a wide range of online portals on January 18th, a week before it reaches conventional TV. Starz will both host the free show itself as well as offer it through Amazon, iTunes, Machinima's YouTube channel (a first for Starz) and Xbox Video. Charter, Comcast, Cox, Dish and Time Warner Cable will let you watch through their platforms, too. There's no guarantee that the digital screening will help Black Sails build an audience, but Starz has a second season in the pipeline -- the show is already off to a promising start.
EU wants to know if US studios' TV deals restrict pan-European viewing
Many European TV aficionados are all too familiar with US content exclusives; you can't watch that hit American movie unless you're with the right provider. However, the European Commission is concerned that these deals go one step too far. It's now investigating whether or not some exclusives violate antitrust rules by preventing access beyond a single EU country, effectively carving up the continent's TV market along national borders. Would-be viewers beyond a carrier's home market shouldn't have to suffer, the EU argues. There's no deadline for the investigation, and there are no guarantees that it will lead to action against broadcasters. However, the move is still good news for Europeans who want more choice as to how (and when) they watch US shows. [Image credit: European Union - European Parliament, Flickr]
Samsung: cheap OLED TVs won't be ready for three to four years
We hope you weren't counting on OLED TV prices coming down any time soon. Samsung's HS Kim warns USA Today that affordable OLED sets likely won't be available for another three to four years -- a year or two later than he first expected. Manufacturing troubles are keeping prices high, he says. If it's any consolation, though, Kim believes that 4K TV will reach the mainstream faster than 1080p. A number of broadcasters plan to jump to the higher resolution this year, and Samsung has a slew of content deals that could encourage some early Ultra HD upgrades.
Engadget HD Podcast 379 - CES Special #1 - 1.7.14
This year's CES show floor has been inundated with 4K sets, giving Richard, Michael and some surprise guests plenty to talk about. Content is a hot topic and there's plenty of 4K sources being announced, but until they arrive on the market, we're going to have to stick with Blu-rays to get the most out of all those pixels. Ultra HD is also deviating from the straight and narrow this year, with a series of curving sets, some even transitioning from flat at the touch of a button. Join us at the streaming links below as your hosts discuss the ins and outs of all this fresh tech in the first special HD Podcast of the 2014 CES. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Michael Gorman Guests: Tim Stevens, Darren Murph Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Tablo streaming DVR now available for pre-order, ships in February for $219
Nuvyyo promised that its internet-savvy Tablo DVR would arrive early in the new year, and it's making good on its word by launching pre-orders. You can now buy two- and four-tuner versions of the streaming video hub at respective prices of $219 and $250; the lower-end model ships in February, while the more advanced edition ships in the spring. Either set-top box will let you record over-the-air TV to your choice of USB storage without having to pay extra fees, although dedicated viewers will want to shell out for a programming guide subscription at $5 per month, $50 per year or $150 for life. Tablo may not be the cheapest way to wean yourself off of cable or satellite, then, but it's potentially a big bargain if you don't want to give up timely access to TV shows just because you've cut the cord.
Netgear's NeoMediacast is an Android-powered TV set-top on a stick
Most of the equipment we get from our telecom providers is nothing to get excited about, but we might make an exception for Netgear's NeoMediacast. The Android-based HDMI dongle lets providers both offer their own services and support third-party apps without having to build their own set-top boxes or go the traditional TV route. Your cable company could let you stream your favorite shows on a bedroom TV, for instance, while making it easy to check social networks or play your local media library. The NeoMediacast is also relatively futureproof with 802.11ac WiFi, Miracast media sharing and support for both microSD and USB storage. Carriers and service operators can start using Netgear's device in the first half of this year, although they'll likely need to customize its software before it reaches your home.
Pure delves deeper into multi-room audio with higher-end Jongo and Evoke systems
Pure first set foot into the multi-room audio space at last year's CES with its frugal Jongo line; in 2014, it's targeting slightly more affluent listeners who would otherwise go for Sonos gear. Its $299 Jongo T4 speaker (above) is reaching the US for the first time, and carries enough oomph at 50W to fill a living room. The $229 Evoke F4 (below), meanwhile, is the company's first internet-savvy radio with Jongo support built-in. There's also a pair of big software upgrades on the way, including SiriusXM streaming (for subscribers) and a developer kit for third-party app support. Both the T4 and F4 reach the US this later this month, while the software should arrive during the first quarter of the year.
Engadget HD Podcast 378 - 12.11.13
While Ben digs into his holiday movie archive and Richard warms himself by a virtual yuletide fire, HD news continues to pour forth. The Xbox One received some post-launch updates, Dolby demoed some tech you might not have thought you needed, Google's Chromecast added more apps to its streaming quiver and Netflix announced a director for its Daredevil series. Add to that, an extensive review of Must See HDTV and some disappointing fantasy football stats, and you've got another informative episode of the HD Podcast, patiently waiting for you at the streaming links below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 377 - 12.3.13
It's been a relatively slow week for news due to the holiday, but there's still plenty for your hosts Ben Drawbaugh and Richard Lawler to chat about. While Sony is bragging about it's November PS4 sales, Microsoft is keeping quiet and dealing with a few compatibility issues on the UK front. Looking forward to the next round of holidays, Ben is predicting a rush on the affordable Chromecast device and Netflix is offering up a new animated series to bulk up its Christmas programming -- which it's definitely lacking. There's still plenty of football going on -- both real and imaginary -- and Richard takes a moment to lament both his fantasy picks and Michigan's ability on the field. All this and more is waiting for you at the streaming links below, so head on down for another edition of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
