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RCN ready to ship TiVo Premiere DVRs in D.C.
Washington D.C. residents who want TiVo and their cable company's video on-demand are in luck -- our friends at ZatzNotFunny gave us the heads up they're the first to get access to RCN's Premiere box. Of course, you don't get the slick new HD interface (yet) but all in all that could be a good thing. The pricing breakdown is above with a $5 premium for existing customers to ditch the old Motorola box -- don't hurt your fingers clicking through too fast, please.
Poll: Will 30-day rental windows pull you away from Netflix & Redbox?
Blockbuster and the cable VOD consortium have been busy trumpeting the fact they're getting many of the new releases in HD as soon as they hit shelves for sale... while Netflix and Redbox aren't. But will that matter to customers lulled into an all-you-can-eat & $1 per night stupor by the latest gladiators to dominate the rental arena? Let us know how it looks to you. %Poll-44735% [Image via eHomeUpgrade]
Sezmi launches $20 per month cable/satellite alternative today in L.A.
After a trial period, Sezmi is finally available to those looking for a way out from under overloaded and overpriced cable and satellite TV packages. $299 fetches the Sezmi System, with 1TB HD Media Recorder, OTA antenna and remote, then choose either a $5/month Select Service plan limited to whatever broadcast networks you can pull in plus IPTV sources and VOD (YouTube, CinemaNow, etc.) or the Sezmi Select Plus package at $19.99 which adds familiar premium networks including USA, CNN, MTV, Syfy and more, also delivered over antenna. In case you like what you're hearing, all that traditional TV and internet content gets blended together in the company's unique UI (check out our CES 2010 hands-on for a preview) that can be personalized for each person in the house. Of course the revolution isn't without its downsides, it's currently only available in the L.A. area (Select Service goes nationwide this spring, with Plus expansions planned for the summer) while a lack of ESPN and no HD on any of the premium channels will serve to kill its appeal for some. Don't plan on grabbing one at the Burbank Buy More either since it's a Best Buy exclusive for now, but if your zip code and TV watching needs fit the description then check out the introduction video and press release embedded after the break.
Where there's smoke there's EPIX, cable/online hybrid channel to arrive on Cox in April
Just as rumors indicated, the second provider to pick up EPIX will be Cox Communications, with the channel scheduled to arrive in April. Cox VP Bob Wilson acknowledged helping customers increase their anytime/anyplace access was key to increasing satisfaction, we'll see if the pace of additions is similar to that of FiOS. The service worked great in beta over our cable connection, we'll see if Cox can keep things moving smoothly everywhere. Check out the full press release after the break.
Comcast TV Everywhere launch details: December, free for existing subs, really goes anywhere
Comcast's Amy Banse just hit the stage at NewTeeVee Live and announced key details about the company's new On Demand Online launch. If you can't check out the video (embedded after the break) here's the important stuff: It will be available at no additional cost to existing subscribers and allow the authorization of up to 3 devices per household. Log in once from home to Comcast.net or Fancast.com, download the Move Networks powered player to authorize your PC and proceed to stream from the very healthy library of VOD, whether at home or anywhere else, despite previous rumors to the contrary. The bad news? Yes, this does still count against the 250GB monthly cap if used at home and still no word on HD streaming, but within the concept of making content available to subscribers wherever they want to view it, this seems like a good first step. [Via Media Experiences 2 Go]
Comcast lining up more day-and-date HD VOD this month
Consider another shot fired in the HD VOD wars, now Comcast is claiming "most same day VOD & DVD releases" for the month of November. Angels & Demons, Bruno, The Ugly Truth and others are among those hitting the VOD slate the same day they hit shelves, while movies like the Transformers and Ice Age sequels make their delayed appearance this month as well. Still, while providers slap box over ad campaigns, until the menus get simpler to navigate and prices come down to Redbox-competitive levels, who has more VOD and when just isn't that big of a deal to us.
EpixHD celebrates today's FiOS launch with weekend movie streaming passes for all
Right on schedule, the linear version of the three-screen focused EpixHD service will go live for FiOS TV subscribers starting at 8 p.m. Already VOD and internet accessible, launch weekend (and subsequent weekends) will spread high definition streaming cheer beyond just the fiber-connected as anyone can grab a 72 hour access pass to stream some movies (we don't recommend Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, but pretty much everything else mentioned in the launch lineup or the official PR after the break seems good.) Chief Digital Officer Emil Rensing let us know what the trip from beta to reality has been like, and while there won't be many tweaks in the experience from our largely positive preview experience, expect additional features like movie extras, behind the scenes peeks and more to roll out across the site over time. EpixHD.com/invite has the 72 hour passes, while we hear the company Twitter isn't a bad spot to check for extended access while waiting for its "movies anywhere" strategy to become officially available in your neck of the woods.
MPAA still trying to close the analog hole: Now with new, more inane arguments
The MPAA can't stop, won't stop trying to cut out that pesky analog loophole, and it has returned to the FCC's gates once again requesting permission for selective output control: the ability to disable consumers unprotected (read: HDCP-less) video outputs at its discretion. According to Ars Technica the new argument is that the Consumer Electronics Association and everyone else who hates this idea are simply holding back technology, which the studios would love to use to provide a glorious utopia of early release films available via video on-demand. The request has been smacked down more than once before, but this is the first time it's come up with the new administration so it's anyone's guess what will happen, but we'd keep those petition signing fingers at the ready, just in case. [Warning: PDF read link][Via Ars Technica]
Ask Engadget HD: Who has the best HD video on-demand?
Now that we're living in a post Project Infinity and 1080p VOD world, there may be a bit more to consider when choosing a provider than simply linear channel lineup. Fiber, satellite and cable companies are all fighting to be called the king of video on-demand, but which one actually is? We'll let our friend Michael ask the question: "I have been hearing about all these different kinds of Video On Demand services from Cable, sat, and telco companies. I was wondering if you guys could do a rundown of the descriptions of the different VOD services and their pros and cons. " So, when was the last time you perused the VOD catalog of your pay-TV provider, and was it worth the effort? We're sure at least some have already gone all online only for their video libraries, while some may stick to discs, DVR and standard channel browsing. Over here we're checking every ten minutes for that episode of The Closer we forgot to DVR this week, but until it shows up let us know how your VOD experience has worked out.
Comcast adds HBO to its HD video on demand lineup
We're honestly surprised it took this long, but Comcast has gleefully announced it is the first to offer the "full" HBO On Demand lineup in high definition. True Blood, Entourage, The Wire* plus the network's movie selection are all available now, so the only questions left are when is this coming to your local provider, or why are you still reading this instead of watching Snoop and Chris? Don't end up in a vacant.Update: Except, of course, as sideshowRaheem points out in the coments, The Wire wasn't filmed in high definition, so you'll probably be watching something else.
Poll: Will you ever use On Demand Online?
Comcast , Time Warner and assorted partners are throwing a big push behind the upcoming On Demand Online / TV Anywhere trial, clearly attempting to preserve their business model and keep customers signed up for cable. You've heard our thoughts so far in video, audio and text, now it's your turn to speak up. So, are you just not that impressed by watching TV on your computer, or do you think on demand place shifting could be the next big thing and a big reason to keep / switch to cable? Pick a response and let us know in the comments below.%Poll-31984%
Starz jumps on Comcast's On Demand Online trial, promises HD on the way
We're still not sure if the On Demand Online / TV Everywhere project will end up being a good proposition for viewers, but now Starz has announced plans to join in. Comcast Starz subcribers will be able to stream series like Party Down and Head case, along with the usual suite of Starz flicks, with new content coming online as soon as it is available on the standard VOD service, before they show up on the linear channels via Comcast.com and Fancast.com. The best news? While it's SD only to start, HD versions are promised "in the coming months." Starz president Bill Myers says its goal is to allow customers access to their content whenever and wherever they want, and with deals like this and Netflix, the company is living up to it. Check the full press release after the break.
IFC in Theaters begins day-and-date HD video on-demand screening this month
IFC in Theaters has been offering day-and-date premieres of independent theatrical flicks through video on-demand for a couple of years, but now comes word that this month it will begin offering them in high definition on Cablevision and Comcast. Starting June 17, $7.99 (a buck premium over SD) will be the price for avoiding a trip to the local art house theater, which sounds more than worth it if you don't have one nearby, or just really want to avoid (other) hipsters.
Comcast extending VOD window to two days on Warner, Lionsgate & Disney flicks
Looks like the studios are finally beginning to loosen their digital distribution grip, now that Warner Bros. and Lionsgate are allowing Comcast to offer extended two day viewing windows this month, with Disney and Summit productions following next month. That coincides with a slew od day and date with the DVD HD VOD postings including He's Just Not That Into You, Gran Torino, Friday the 13th and more. Check the PR for the full list, any ideas how long it is before we see 48 hour replay windows on other cable providers and movie delivery services?
Yahoo Japan fires up video delivery service for Sharp AQUOS TVs
With Akihabara, mobile TV that works and games like this, does Japan really need another nicety to remind us of how awesome it is? Starting this week, Yahoo Japan has started to deliver free video services to loads of Sharp AQUOS HDTVs. The so-called Douga Channel currently offers some 3,000 videos gratis, and absolutely no member registration is required to tap in. At least initially, the service will target Sharp's AQUOS DS6 family of products, which are equipped with a revised Sharp GUI and an 'Ex System' for handling the video processing. Better still, the material coming through can be viewed in SD or HD, which has to make local cable companies cringe. At any rate, the company is still trying to hammer out a business model before delving into pay-TV, and it's hoping to service at least one million TV sets in the not-too-distant future. So... any news for North America?
Survey screens reveal potential new FiOS guide, 1080p VOD, HD purchases on the way?
We hope you weren't too attached to the old FiOS TV guide and video on-demand setup, as these screens would indicate an upgrade is on its way. Our tipster let us know these screens were a part of a survey that focused on which version of the guide was best (Verizon - we've got plenty of suggestions for you right here.) We like the widescreen layout they're indicating, and that 1080p notation underneath the Quantum of Solace box shown above isn't too shabby either. The price of $29.99 to buy an HD copy? Not so sweet. Check out the rest of the screens in the gallery and let us know if they pass the test.[Thanks, Matt!]
iPlayer HD content on HDTVs through Virgin Media
Right on the heels of BBC launching iPlayer HD, now UK residents can watch the same content directly on their HDMI-connected telly on Virgin Media's V+ service. Check one off the list, now we're just waiting for iPlayer HD on Macs, PS3 and what else?
DirecTV claims largest 1080p library, including all new HD VOD on the way
"HD Supremacy" was claimed by DISH Network, but DirecTV is heading down the Comcast path, touting its VOD offerings with the biggest selection of 1080p movies. With "more than 30" movies available it doesn't quite match Blu-ray and falls short of HDX, but DirecTV Plus HD DVR receiver owners can look forward to new flicks like Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler and Quantum of Solace being available in the highest res as soon as they launch on the DirecTV on Demand platform. According to VP Eric Shanks, even customers without 1080p HDTVs are seeing the benefit. A year after we first heard 1080p HD VOD was on the way, are you taking advantage?
More proof that Amazon is about to sell high-def TV shows
We've seen sprinkles of hope that have led us to cautiously believe that Amazon was gearing up to start selling high-definition TV shows, and now our hearts are dead set on believing. Here recently, Amazon's Video On Demand service has been expanding onto just about every media playing console / box / etc. out there, but now that Apple has stepped up the game by offering HD movies for sale, it seems that Amazon's about to pop out some new functionality of its own. Long story short, the noodling crew over at NewTeeVee managed to poke around and find some pretty hard evidence that Amazon will soon be selling HD TV shows for $2.99 apiece, and while none of the links they stumbled upon were live, we reckon it's only a matter of time at this point.[Via Boy Genius Report]
U2 music video & concert collection hitting Comcast HD VOD
While we wait for someone to figure out how to squeeze the U2 3D experience down a coax wire, Comcast has gone ahead and put a few dozen of the band's concerts and videos on video on-demand and in high definition. The new album doesn't hit until next week but the video for the newest single Get On Your Boots is one of the available selections. Comcast claims users already watch 50-60 million music videos per month on VOD, and the prospect of pulling out an Irish flag and reliving the Vertigo tour's Chicago stop one more time is probably enough for us to join them.
