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Watch Wimbledon tennis live on YouTube beginning Monday (video)
It may not be the NBA Finals or Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the world's oldest tennis tournament has a solid following as well, particularly abroad. A new Wimbledon partnership with YouTube could help boost the competition's appeal stateside; for the first time, you'll be able to access video feeds from the two-week London event, live on Google's prized streaming site. Beginning this Monday, you can catch all the action on Wimbledon's YouTube channel, with Rolex footing the bill. You'll also find interviews, behind-the-scenes segments and press conference streams on the video site, along with past match highlights and other featured content. There's a teaser clip waiting for you just past the break.
Samsung reportedly shipping 55-inch OLED TV to South Korea next week
Samsung told us to expect its 55-inch OLED TV sometime in July, but there's now a chance that South Koreans will get an early look. Yonhap News Agency hears through tipsters that the premium set could ship to Samsung's homeland next week, with a price somewhere north of 10 million won ($8,840). It might not be alone, either -- those same sources also claim that the company's curved OLED TV may arrive at the same time. Samsung hasn't confirmed anything, but such moves would line up with the firm's tendency to debut products in its home country. Besides, Samsung rarely lets any of LG's salvos go unanswered.
Engadget HD Podcast 354 - 06.18.13
The E3 and WWDC news surges have finally calmed, so now we're back into the normal weekly groove. This week, Ben details his time using an Oculus Rift to watch recorded video and Richard attempts to ride out E3 as long as possible with our roundup. All that and more is ready to stream straight to your ears below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast
Engadget HD Podcast 353 - 06.12.13
Looking to get away from all the Apple news? Well, as Ben puts it in this episode, "you've come to right podcast" -- if you're all about E3, that is. We're really excited to talk about how the big announcements from this year's gaming show will pertain to our HD wants and wishes. Ben hasn't decided whether to order the PS4 or Xbox, but Richard is considering ordering as many as he can get his mitts on. Of course, that and all the HD news from the rest of the week is ready for streaming below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast
CRTC to ask Canadians for help in adapting TV regulations to the internet era
The CRTC is eager to shake the cobwebs from Canada's TV regulations, many of which got their start before cable arrived, let alone Netflix or YouTube. Accordingly, it's planning a round of consultations in the fall that will ask both the public and the industry what rules they want to change. Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais expects the discussion to center around the CRTC's approach to internet content -- some of the old licensing restrictions might not apply when it's easier to both publish and watch online video. The agency isn't likely to create a utopia full of cord cutting and à la carte TV subscriptions, but its recent attempts at fixing a broken cellular market give us hope that at least a few broadcasting policies could change for the better.
Time Warner Cable launching TWC TV app for Samsung Smart TVs (video)
As commonplace as Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app might be, it's surprisingly tricky to find on actual TVs -- Roku boxes don't quite count. The provider is addressing that gap today with plans to release a version for Samsung's Smart TVs. The new app (not yet pictured here) offers authentication-based access to about 5,000 on-demand shows without any extra hardware. This isn't a true replacement for a cable box, however -- along with the usual subscription requirement, there's no mention of the live TV that we've seen elsewhere. Those who aren't deterred by the restrictions can load TWC TV on their 2012-era Smart TVs soon, and 2013 sets sometime after that.
TiVo brings its mobile apps to cable providers, TiVo hardware not required
TiVo's mobile apps have so far been limited to those who use the company's DVRs, but that audience is about to get much larger. The company has just launched a "powered by TiVo" program that will bring the apps' Live Guide and content searching to cable TV providers, whether or not there's a TiVo box attached. While those with generic hardware will miss a large chunk of the original experience, the features are the same underneath -- recording and remote control are still around for the TiVo faithful. Atlantic Broadband will be the first to deploy a customized app in tandem with TiVo hardware in the fall, and we wouldn't be surprised if others follow suit.
Engadget HD Podcast 352 - 06.04.13
Hulu being up for sale and the weekly Engadget HD Podcast: two things you can likely count on to continue for the forseeable future. Ben's still hopped up from viewing Star Wars movies and Richard, well, he's been watching so many films he can't even remember the ones he has seen. Catch all our banter about the notable HD stories from the last few days by streaming this week's episode below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast
CBS acquires all of TV Guide Digital
TV Guide Digital has fared well between its web portal and mobile apps, but part-owner CBS thinks there's a lot of potential locked away. Enough so, in fact, that CBS is taking over TV Guide Digital by acquiring Lionsgate's remaining 50 percent stake in the venture. The media giant now has full control of both TVGuide.com and the TV Guide Mobile apps, both of which are folding into CBS Interactive's Technology, Games and Lifestyle division. CBS mostly hopes that the deal will make it a font of wisdom for channel surfers -- it sees TV Guide Digital's rapidly growing audience and programming knowledge as complements to TV.com. We don't yet know how the acquisition will affect the TV Guide properties themselves, but we'd expect more than just the status quo.
Engadget HD Podcast 351 - 05.28.13
It was a holiday weekend, but news takes no vacations, and so the HD Podcast soldiered on. Aside from following up on the Xbox One, Ben recalls his time in the import racing scene, while Richard analyzes the totally believable fake physics in Tokyo Drift. All that and the top HD stories from the past week are ready for your listening pleasure below. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast
Blockbuster 2.0 for iOS arrives, manages the disc rentals we no longer use
Blockbuster started the month by launching an On Demand app for iOS and embracing the streaming video era. For the end of the month, it's going retro: following a quiet App Store launch earlier in May, the company has formally announced a free Blockbuster 2.0 iOS app that covers everything but streaming. The release is built almost exclusively for traditionalists, letting them manage their Blockbuster By Mail rental queues, scan membership cards and check the stock at those stores that remain open. About the only concessions to modernity are the built-in movie trailers. While the app does give some needed love to disc-based viewers, it's an acute reminder that much of Blockbuster's original audience has moved on.
Bell intros Fibe TV Wireless Receiver, takes Canadians multi-room for $199
Some Canadians can get multi-room TV through their providers, but a truly wire-free option has never been on the table -- no doubt a disappointment for backyard viewing parties. Bell is filling that void today with what it says is the first carrier-supplied wireless TV package in Canada. Fibe TV subscribers can now pick up as many as five Wireless Receivers (really, Motorola VIP2502 boxes) to extend their HD viewing and DVR control to the whole home without cables. It sounds easy; the real challenge, we figure, will be getting a Wireless Receiver in the first place. Customers have to live in Montreal, Quebec City or Toronto for Fibe TV to even be an option, while each Wireless Receiver costs either $7 per month or $199 up front.
Vizio's 42-inch 5.1 soundbar setup available now, costs $330
Vizio trotted out a new line of soundbars back at CES, and true to its word, they're starting to materialize out in the real world. It's the middle-child, 42-inch unit we're seeing become available today. As a refresher, the 5.1 system comes with a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, Bluetooth, and a pair of rear satellite speakers. If that gap under your TV was calling out for this, then you can expect to see it at Amazon, Costco, and Walmart online, or Best Buy on both sides of the digital / physical realm (although it won't be in stores until May 27th). Wherever you get it from, expect to lay down $330 for the honor.
Engadget HD Podcast 350 - 05.21.13
Need a break from all that Xbox chatter? You've come to the right place -- well, after about 14 minutes into this episode of the HD Podcast, that is (we were speculating about what the news would be). With that One bit out the way, it's a good time to catch up with us on the general HD side of things. Ben can't believe he's been around long enough to see 25 years of Madden NFL, while Richard contemplates tuning into the CW more often. You know the drill: Stream the banter below or download and subscribe after the break. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast
Acetrax movie service to close, lights go dim on June 21st
It's just as likely that you'll know Acetrax from the video services it's behind, as from its own branded offerings. Regardless of how you might use the service, its owner Sky is pulling the plug on June 21st. Impact to pay-per-view customers should mean nothing more than looking elsewhere, but those who bought titles outright will need to download them before the cutoff (there are a bunch of caveats though). The same goes for account credit -- either use it, or face the hassle of claiming it back after the fact. There's an FAQ on the website outlining the best course of action depending on your situation, so we'd suggest you head there first before working your way through your rental library.
Amazon lands Prime Instant Video exclusives for five NBCUniversal shows
Amazon is still determined to snag every TV exclusive possible, and it just scored one of its better deals -- or at least, one of the more forward-thinking. It now has the sole unlimited subscription streaming rights to the previous seasons of five NBCUniversal shows. The highlight could be Hannibal, which will reach the service later this year; gamers may also like the crossover SyFy series Defiance, which should be ready in early 2014. Those who just can't wait to stream something will get their fill through exclusives for Covert Affairs, Grimm and Suits, all of which are in the catalog today. Amazon isn't completely shutting out rivals like Netflix, however: its expanded NBCU deal includes regular deals for Alphas, Eureka, Smash, Warehouse 13 and a collection of children's shows destined for Kindle FreeTime Unlimited. While we'd prefer that there be as few exclusives as possible, there's no question that some Prime members will feel better about springing for that $79 yearly fee. [Thanks, John]
Sony announces pricing for 55- and 65-inch 4K TVs in the UK, pre-order now, in-stores June
Fancy some of the 4K magic from Sony, but are living over in the UK? Well you can get one step closer by pre-ordering today. The Bravia X9 -- as it's known over there -- comes in two sizes (55- and 65-inch) both of which will land in bricks and mortar stores in mid-June. The price? Well, £4,000 and £6,000 respectively. That outlay will get you upscaling on all your media, and Sony's 4K X-Reality PRO engine handling the full-resolution stuff. Still not convinced? Well there is NFC and plus a TV SlideView app for Android and iOS if that sweetens the deal?
Engadget HD Podcast 349 - 05.14.13
This may be a slower part of the year for HD news, but we still managed to round up an hour's worth of goodies. It's an onslaught of mostly minor happenings from all the usual major players, along with your two favorite hosts. Stream it below or catch a download after the break. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast
ESPN and Twitter widen their deal for in-tweet video highlights
Twitter would really, really like to make ad-driven TV experiences central parts of its service, and it just confirmed that laser-like focus through an expanded deal with ESPN. The sports broadcaster will soon show in-tweet video highlights of football, soccer and the X Games; Twitter, in turn, gets a guaranteed volume of promoted tweets to parallel ads inside the videos themselves. While we're not looking forward to the new marketing pitches when they surface in the year ahead, we'll be happy if we can catch more replays without losing our place in the social stream.
Netflix updates Player on PS3 with faster scanning and streamlined audio management
Look, we're well aware that you're already fantasizing about the PlayStation 4, but how do you think that makes your existing PS3 feel? (Hint: Not awesome.) For those still focused on remaining in the here and now, Netflix has issued an update for its PS3 Player that "is more consistent with the Netflix player on the web as well as [its] mobile and tablet applications." The key feature in this update is the ability to easily manage your audio and subtitle selections; before, you had to hop out of whatever you were watching in order to tweak those elements, but now you can make said changes while the content is still on screen. There have also been improvements made in the "trickplay" mode mode when scanning forward or reverse in play mode -- essentially, these images now load a lot faster, which ought to keep your blood pressure at a safe level. The update is out now for PS3 users, and should be hitting select Smart TVs and Blu-ray Disc players soon.
