hdpostmini
Latest
CBS launches full episode streaming TV apps for Android and Windows 8
Fans of CBS shows no longer have to use iOS to watch full, HD-quality TV episodes while on the road: the broadcaster has just released Android and Windows 8 versions of its namesake video app. As on Apple's platform, viewers can watch already-aired programming for free. Delays for show access range from 24 hours for off-peak shows to as many as eight days for primetime material. Neither client syncs with the CBS Connect second screen app, although the network promises Android integration in the fall. BlackBerry users also won't be left out -- CBS plans to launch a native BlackBerry 10 client before the end of 2013. If you're ready to watch NCIS on a Nexus 7 or a Surface, you can grab either of the just-released apps at the source links.
Engadget HD Podcast 369 - 10.02.13
CEDIA is a wrap, but Richard still has lots to recap about the show. Plus, he's got time to kill until Grand Theft Auto Online's connectivity issues get sorted. And Ben? Well, he's frustrated with his Fantasy Football picks, because they aren't operating at peak performance. Get to streaming this week's Engadget HD Podcast below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast:
British Film Institute to launch streaming video service on October 9th
The British Film Institute promised that it would put 10,000 movies online as part of the Film Forever initiative, and it's now making good on its word -- if slowly. The Institute will launch the first phase of its BFI Player streaming service on October 9th with a library of more than 1,000 videos, including movies, behind-the-scenes clips and archival footage. About 60 percent of the content will be free, with the rest available as pay-per-view. As for those remaining 9,000 videos? The BFI expects those to appear in the months ahead, and it's launching BFI Player's second phase in early 2014.
Sky+ receiver upgrade brings as-you-type TV search with unified results
Sky+ viewers have had advanced search through the TV service's mobile app for a while. Starting today, they'll get that experience through their set-top boxes. Sky is rolling out an update to Sky+HD receivers that introduces as-you-type search, with unified results that include both live and on-demand shows. The upgrade will take a few months to reach all subscribers, but the days of slow searches may soon be at an end.
Engadget HD Podcast 368 - 09.26.13
Ben spent the last week getting used to the iPhone 5s' Touch ID, while Richard advanced his career in GTA V. Fret not, however, because they still managed to keep tabs on all the latest HD news. Set aside an hour and get caught up yourself by streaming episode 368 below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 367 - 09.18.13
Yes, there was notable news in HD this week, but nothing gets Richard as fired up as Fantasy Football and GTA V. Thankfully, we were able pull him away from his Xbox for an hour of recording with Ben. The Engadget HD podcast is ready for a listen below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast
Roku 2700X set-top box surfaces at the FCC with basic specs
The Roku 3 might not be the only Roku set-top box arriving this year: an unannounced 2700X has just passed through the FCC for approval. The filing shows a streaming hub that's curvy like the Roku 3, but is limited to single-band, 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi. Combine this spec with the low model number (the Roku 3 is the 4200X) and it's not hard to figure out what we're looking at -- this is an entry-level device based on Roku's newer design language. When the company's confidentiality request to the FCC will expire in less than 90 days, we'd expect the 2700X to launch relatively soon. Check out a second image of the hardware after the break.
Singulus tests 100GB, 4K-ready Blu-ray discs
The Blu-ray Disc Association has teased that a 4K-friendly disc format is coming, but Singulus isn't willing to wait to make some announcements of its own. The German company just finished production tests of a Blu-ray disc that squeezes 100GB into three layers, making it "ideal" for 4K movies. Sounds good, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the company hasn't said much more about the technology -- we don't know if the discs have the BDA's support, whether they're compatible with existing players, or when they enter mass production. We've reached out for more details; in the meantime, we'd advise saving up for the exotic TV you'll need to watch 4K movies in any format. [Image credit: Diego Correa, Flickr]
Engadget HD Podcast 366 - 09.11.13
Are you as bummed out as Ben and Richard that no Apple TV news came out of Monday's iPhone event? No worries, because ready to fill that void are all the UHD an OLED TVs from IFA, the PS Vita TV set top box and a recap of our fantasy football league's first week in play. This week's edition of the Engadget HD podcast is ready for your ears below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast
TiVo Network PVR puts Roamio recording technology in the cloud
However good TiVo's new Roamio DVRs may be, not everyone can justify purchasing them -- especially not TV providers that would have to buy in bulk. TiVo could make that experience more accessible with its just-unveiled Network PVR. The service (not yet pictured) puts the Roamio interface in the cloud, letting operators offer similar recording and streaming features though cheaper set-top boxes and mobile devices. Network PVR should also let providers offer perks that aren't possible with locally-stored shows, such as sharing a recording with friends who missed the big season finale. There's no estimated launch time frame for Network PVR, although that's more likely to be dictated by the providers; don't be surprised if it takes a while for the technology to reach viewers.
Vimeo On Demand now allows pre-orders, offers separate purchase and rental prices
Video producers that sell through Vimeo On Demand now have much more flexibility in marketing their wares. Starting today, Vimeo Pro members can offer both purchases and rentals at separate prices. They can also supply pre-orders and promo codes, while stat hounds will see more advanced viewership data, such as trailer play counts. It's up to content creators to use the new features, but we've already spotted at least a few titles that take advantage of the upgrades; head over to Vimeo if you'd like to give them a try.
Sony offers pro 4K camcorder for $6,500: the PXW-Z100 with 10-bit, 600Mbps video
Other than a smallish 1/2.3-inch sensor, Sony's new PXW-Z100 4K camcorder should push all the right buttons for pro shooters. Though it shares a sensor (and body) with the newly launched FDR-AX1 prosumer model, everything is upmarket from there. It'll record 4:2:2 10-bit (billions of colors) 4K video at up to 500/600Mbps at 50p/60p using its new XAVC format and high-speed XQD memory cards. By contrast, the FDR-AX1 uses XAVC-S, capturing 60fps 4K at 150Mbps in 4:2:0 8-bit color. HD is also recorded at 10-bit at a healthy 233Mbps for 50 or 60 fps video, compared to 50Mbps for its prosumer cousin. You'll be able to output 4K video at up to 60fps via HDMI to a compatible BRAVIA monitor, and a remote control WiFi adaptor is included. All that's missing is the shallow depth of field you'd get with a larger sensor -- but a lot of shooters are so over that.
Simple.TV reveals second-gen streaming DVR and Version 2.0 interface
Simple.TV's first streaming DVR had its rough edges, but the company is clearly willing to make improvements -- it just announced the second generation of its set-top box. The redesign is more flexible, sporting both a second tuner and compatibility with international broadcast standards like DVB-C, DVB-S2, DVB-T2 and ISDB-T. Both first- and second-generation owners will also get a revamped Version 2.0 interface that offers personalized content, faster updates and new streaming clients for Android, iOS, Roku players and the web. Simple.TV doesn't yet have pricing for the new DVR, but it tells us that both the device and the Version 2.0 upgrade will reach the US by mid-to-late November; Europeans will get the hardware next spring.
Engadget HD Podcast 365 - 09.04.13
This week Ben explains why he can't get enough of Sterling Archer's commercial cameos, and Richard details the laborious process that is making his weekly Must See HDTV feature. And as always, your hosts also go over all the current and exciting HD news. Stream the Engadget HD Podcast below. To join this year's NFL Pick 'Em League click right here. The Group # is 20040, and the password is 2013. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast
Must See HDTV (September 3rd - 8th)
This week, viewers can take their pick of big events coming to TV screens: the NFL is back, Futurama is going away for good, The League and Always Sunny are launching on a new cable network, Diablo III is arriving on consoles and Ace Ventura is out on Blu-ray. There's also the Blu-ray release of Sharknado and Luther's entire third series is airing on BBC America this week. Fans of Matt Groening's animated series will want to check out the Comedy Central website for a half hour before and after Futurama airs Wednesday to chat with the people who made it all possible. Need help finding out where FXX is on your cable or satellite TV lineup? This is the place to go, and check after the break for our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.
Sky becomes first UK TV network to broadcast live 4K video
Remember how we'd heard that a British broadcaster is trialing 4K TV? We have a hunch as to which company that is: Sky now claims that it's the first UK TV network to have conducted a live 4K broadcast. The firm captured a weekend Premier League match in ultra high resolution using the same infrastructure it normally requires for a live show, with satellites delivering a feed to the company's Isleworth broadcast center. Commercial service remains distant, mind you -- Sky requires both more research and wider adoption of 4K TVs to justify an upgrade. If everything falls into place, though, Sky could have an advantage over rival providers that have yet to venture beyond HD.
ESPN Deportes and ESPNews now streaming on WatchESPN
If you've ever wished that WatchESPN would offer more Spanish-language sports and non-stop news, today's your lucky day. The streaming service now includes access to ESPN Deportes and ESPNews, both of which are available to TV subscribers through Apple TV boxes, mobile apps and the web. Xbox Live viewers will get the channels soon, the broadcaster says. Only some will appreciate the new WatchESPN content, but it's hard to disagree with getting some extra fútbol coverage at no extra charge.
Engadget HD Podcast 364 - 08.27.13
The season for televised football is just days away, and Richard and Ben couldn't be more elated. Tune in as they keep their excitement in check while discussing all the latest HD news. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast
Time Warner Cable handing out free TV antennas and store credit during CBS blackout
Time Warner Cable may not be in a rush to end the CBS blackout, but it's not leaving subscribers out in the cold. The TV provider is now giving away a "limited quantity" of basic TV antennas in the Dallas, Green Bay, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and New York City regions. For those who don't snag a free antenna, the company is also offering $20 in credit toward buying a unit at certain Best Buy stores in those same cities. These sorts of stopgap measures aren't new, but they may provide some comfort to TWC viewers who aren't likely to watch CBS channels through cable anytime soon. [Image credit: Adrian Clark, Flickr]
Engadget HD Podcast 363 - 08.21.13
Excited about the new Tivo Roamio DVRs? Ben is, mainly because they're screamingly speedy and deliver out-of-home streaming. Aside from recapping his Roamio review, we also discuss the week's hottest HD stories -- including Richard's unabashed excitement for Saint's Row IV. This is the Engadget HD Podcast, and its aural delights await you below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler Producer: Joe Pollicino Hear the podcast
