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DARwIn-OP learns to skate, contemplates NHL career (video)
On the list of dangerous humanoid bots DARwIn is easily topped by the bow-happy iCub. Still -- we don't trust this thing one iota. While we haven't seen it pick up any weaponry just yet, our friends to the north are teaching it one of man's most notoriously violent sports: hockey. Researchers at the University of Manitoba have managed to train the former RoboCup star to stay upright while shuffling about on skates. Smacking a puck into a goal, on the other hand, has proven somewhat trickier. Eventually Jennifer, as the autonomous hockey-bot has been dubbed, managed to get the hang of it, but we don't think the Flyers or Rangers will be offering her the big bucks just yet. And, honestly, before this little guy gets too good and turns into a bully on the ice, we'd get it to switch games -- curling suddenly seems like a perfectly acceptable past time. Check out the video after the break.
G-Form pulls a hat-trick with iPhone case hockey video
It wouldn't be a proper G-Form product release without the accompanying outlandish promotional video. So, when the company offered up its new iPhone 4/4S case, it made its way to an empty ice skating rink, grabbed a hockey stick and went to town, showing how the thing holds up to the punishment of an 82 mph slapshot. The case incorporates the company's favorite shock absorbing substance, Poron XRD and comes in two styles: X Protect and Extreme Grid. They'll run you $40 each, when they ship at the end of the month -- the video below, on the other hand, is free.
After legal battle, MSG HD channels finally arrive on Verizon FiOS
When the MSG Network was founded in 1969, the New York Knicks were just a few months away from their first NBA championship. The franchise would go on to win a second crown in 1973, after which it embarked on a gut wrenchingly long title drought that persists to this very day. The MSG Network, on the other hand, has been busy employing Mike Breen and expanding its Ewing-esque regional media reach to new platforms, including (rather begrudgingly) Verizon's FiOS TV. Last week, the carrier announced that both MSG HD and MSG+ HD would be coming to its FiOS TV lineup, with select markets receiving the channels as early as Thursday. The move doesn't come without some grumbling, though, especially on MSG's part. As Verizon puts it, the network had previously "refused" to provide its HD channels, but was ultimately forced to do so when the FCC ruled in Big Red's favor. MSG's ownership tried to stay the decision, but a federal court this week denied its request. As a result, New York subscribers can now spend their evenings watching the Knicks in HD, and trying to remember the good ol' times.
NHL 12 trailer introduces new forms of ice-tackling
There is nothing we don't love about the latest trailer for NHL 12. See, while other trailers for annually iterated sports titles focus on how their new mechanics allow you greater control over the ball/racket/club, NHL 12 is more single-minded: you can now hurt dudes in new, more visceral ways.
NBC Sports Group locks up NHL broadcasts for 10 years, plans to rename Versus
While we enjoy the NHL Playoffs, the NBC Sports Group (which now includes Versus thanks to the whole merger with Comcast) has announced a 10-year TV deal (rumored to be worth around $2 billion) with the league that keeps NBC and Versus as the exclusive broadcast homes for pro hockey. Beyond just broadcast, the deal also covers digital rights across "all platforms and devices" and includes provisions for more special event games, check the press release after the break for more details. Broadcasting & Cable mentions chairman Dick Ebersol said on a conference call Versus is also due for a rebranding now that the merger is completed, so expect a new channel with the letters "NBC" in it -- lets all hope this works out better than "Syfy" -- sometime soon.
Comcast launches its own 24/7 Xfinity 3D channel, crosses 1 million 3D VOD views
After DirecTV, Comcast has been among the most aggressive in pushing 3D programming, so it's no surprise to receive word it's begun scheduling round-the-clock 3D content on the Xfinity 3D channel just days after DirecTV launched 3net alongside ESPN 3D and its own n3D network. While viewers can tune in to see what's playing (mostly some documentaries and varied computer animated content) right now, the official kick off comes this weekend on February 20th when it airs the 2011 Tim Horton's Classic outdoor NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames, followed closely by a Kings of Leon concert in Germany presented from MTV's library. After early 2010 featured a sparse lineup of one-off 3D events it looks like the channel guide is at least starting to fill up -- as to whether or not anyone is watching, Comcast also announced it's served up over 1 million views of 3D shows and movies over video on-demand with more sports, music and movies to come.
NHL Winter Classic game will be in 3D New Year's Day, find out where to watch
Whether or not you've been keeping up with HBO's 24/7 episodes, most hockey fans know that the yearly outdoor Winter Classic is scheduled for tomorrow between the Penguins and Capitals, but you may not know it will also be broadcast in 3D (the second one this season.) According to the NHL's page it will be available "worldwide" and we've confirmed Comcast, Cox, DirecTV, Cablevision Shaw and Telus are on the list. They're likely not the only ones, with Versus broadcasting if your provider has a dedicated 3D event channel and the sports network (especially if they broadcast the Oregon/Cal football game earlier this fall) it's a good bet it will be on but we'd check with them first. Here's hoping that next time around (the Heritage Classic game in February will be in 3D too) there's a slightly more coordinated effort to let those who might be interested in watching know where and how to tune in.
ESRB enlists hockey players to attempt punny PSA
Listen here, Entertainment Software Ratings Board, if you're going to create a public service announcement for parents of young gamers starring Chicago Blackhawks players Patrick Sharp and Brian Campbell, you really can't use puns so halfheartedly. This commercial might be a noble attempt, but there are a lot of untapped hockey references you guys left hanging, like: "If you don't do a box check, you could find yourself in a stick-y situation." "Don't skate around your responsibilities as a parent, or you might end up in the penalty box." "Don't puck around with ratings, or else your kid might play an age-inappropriate shoot-er." "The icing on the cake? Something about Zambonis."
NHL GameCenter streaming coming to Roku, PS3
In addition to an updated app for Boxee, the NHL just announced its GameCenter streaming app is coming to the PlayStation 3 and Roku players. Free to PlayStation Plus members ($9.99 for all others, free on Roku) gamers get access to the app with its highlights, stats and information, while subscribers to the $169 GameCenter Live service get the full package including streaming out-of-market games and some playoff matchups. It's pretty similar to the MLB app that's also available on PS3, but similarly the lack of locally blacked out games makes it more of an alternate way to catch more sports than a cord-cutters best friend. Additional details are in the press release after the break, or check for the app under the video section of the PlayStation Network store.
NHL GameCenter Live brings streaming hockey games to PS3 starting today
NHL fans will want to check the PlayStation Store right now. Sony and the NHL have just announced an exclusive partnership that enables PS3 owners to watch live hockey games through the NHL GameCenter Live app on the PlayStation Network. The app, which will exist under the Video section of the XMB, will be available for $10 or for free to PlayStation Plus members. The interface of the app should be familiar to anyone that's tried MLB.tv, released earlier this year on PS3. With the app installed, PS3 owners will be able to access features like post-game highlights, team schedules, standings, player stats and profiles, and the full NHL scoreboard. Fans that subscribe to the GameCenter Live service ($169 annually) will get additional features, most notably the ability to stream live out-of-market games and "select" playoff broadcasts. In addition to the live streams, subscribers will get access to full-length and condensed replays of games 48 hours after they air (no blackouts). Included with membership is access to the NHL Vault, which gives you instant access to full replays of classic NHL games, going as far back as the 1960s. NHL's Senior Director of Digital Business Development Alexandre G. Simon told us that the decision to partner with Sony exclusively was an easy one, after a successful experience selling content on the PlayStation Network's video service. According to Simon, the GameCenter app is a huge opportunity for the league to expand its reach to gamers who may be familiar with the NHL games, but haven't had the ability to regularly follow live games. With no ISP restrictions, and with "about half" of fans following out-of-market teams, the GameCenter app might just lure in some new followers -- especially for those who don't subscribe or have access to the Versus cable channel, where the NHL currently resides. %Gallery-107134%
Hockey Night in Canada will go 3D for two games this winter
Considering how well MSG's 3D broadcast of the Rangers / Islanders game was received, CBC Sports' decision to air two Hockey Night In Canada games in 3D this winter is splendiferous news for fans in Mountie land. The first-ever 3D Canadian hockey game broadcast is set for December 11th, when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens, while the second will come later during the 2010-11 NHL season on February 20th, when the Calgary Flames host the Canadiens in the Heritage Classic. To pull it all off HNIC has partnered with Panasonic -- who conveniently will be the official 3D and HD sponsor for the series when it premiers this season on October 7th, too. In terms of potential audience, Scott Moore, executive director of CBC Sports shared they "don't even know how many 3D TVs are out there", but it's not a coincidence the games are scheduled around Christmas when many of our neighbors to the north will be looking to upgrade. Moore was also clear that these games don't guarantee 3D HNIC is here to stay given its costs over standard HD. But if you and your puck-loving friends can put more than $55 million worth of 3D equipment under the tree, we bet that tune could change.
NHL uses BD-Live to connect Blackhawks fans via championship Blu-ray discs
One of this week's Blu-ray releases was the NHL Stanley Cup Champions 2009-2010 disc from Warner, and it's surprisingly packing a few BD-Live extras courtesy of Imagion AG and Giant Interactive. As one of the discs released with their BD-Connect features, fans (or bandwagon jumpers -- c'mon, no one was rooting for the Blackhawks when they were losing) can expect downloadable content including dynamically updated news from Blackhawks TV and league sources every time they pop the disc in to relive the glory of last season. That's an ambitious start for the NHL's first Blu-ray release, we guess hockey has realized how important its high-def fans are.
Go from Peewee to Pro with the NHL Slapshot producer
In the video overview after the break, NHL Slapshot producer Joe Nickolls introduces features of EA's Wii-exclusive hockey game, including the new "Peewee to Pro" mode that allows you to play as Wayne Gretzky from childhood through the NHL. There's also plenty of in-game footage.
NHL Slapshot trailer takes The Great One from peewee to pro
We haven't seen Gretzky hit the virtual ice since Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey on the N64, so suffice it to say we're happy he's back in NHL Slapshot. If you have no idea who Gretzky is, then you've got impeccable timing. This latest trailer (available past the break) gives us a quick rundown of Gretzky's development throughout his life, from peewee puck-handler to mature mastermind of the ice rink. In case you still don't get it: the guy's kind of a big deal in the ice hockey world. What else would you expect from somebody nicknamed "The Great One?"
Could 3D bring the NHL back to ESPN?
Stop us if you've heard this one before (with HDTV as savior), but an editorial on Home Theater Review suggests an interesting theory -- that a need for 3D content could drive ESPN to once again open its arms to the NHL. Currently relegated to limited airings on NBC and Versus, post-lockout professional hockey has had a tough time regaining its former status, but a partnership with the sports leader (and its immense subscriber base) could turn that around. On its end, ESPN could potentially have a source for plenty of programming to fill its ESPN 3D schedule, and a partner willing to bend over backwards to accommodate the new technology and its need for closer, lower camera angles to increase the 3D effect. We're not huge hockey fans but we're sure a few of you are, even if you plan on sticking to 2D HDTV viewing of the on-ice action, are you ready for National Hockey Night to make a return?
EA's 'NHL Slapshot' packs Gretzky-approved Wiimote hockey stick
Believe it or not, this isn't the first hockey stick accessory for the Wiimote -- the folks from CTA naturally have you covered there as well -- but it is the first to be bundled with a game, and garner the glowing recommendation of Wayne Gretzky himself. The game in question here is EA's forthcoming NHL Slapshot, which comes with the pint-sized hockey stick pictured above (just one, it seems) that holds both the Wiimote and nunchuck -- it also thankfully has a foam blade that should prevent any TV disasters. Just a gimmick, you say? Not according to Gretzky, who says that it's actually "very realistic" and "almost like playing in the NHL" -- yes, really. Interestingly, the game's creator also seems to have hinted at future versions for Natal and PlayStation Move, saying that the Wii version is "going to be a really good test." Look for it to be available on September 7th.
EA's 'NHL Slapshot' for Wii includes hockey stick peripheral, grinning Gretzky
Canoe.ca, the web home of Canadian newspaper publisher QMI Agency, has revealed a new Wii hockey game on the way from EA, called NHL Slapshot. This new game has two distinguishing features: first, it is controlled with a scaled-down hockey stick peripheral, into which the Wiimote and Nunchuk are placed; second, it features the likeness of Wayne Gretzky, the retired NHL star so famous that even non-Canadians have heard of him. "The stick peripheral will detect slap shots, wrist shots, body checks (done with a cross-check motion) and poke checks," the article explains, "with the Wiimote's trigger used as a modifier to perform passes, dekes and other moves." Though the game will ship with the hockey stick, it can also be played with a bare Wiimote and Nunchuk or Wiimote alone. NHL Slapshot will be officially announced by EA on Monday, according to Canoe. However, the blog already spilled pretty much all the details, including the September 7 release date.
EA and Canadian Hockey League ink 4-year partnership
A recent EA Sports press release has announced that the developer's upcoming hockey title, NHL 11, will be the first game to feature the teams and players of all three divisions in the Canadian Hockey League. The CHL is a "development" league, featuring players between the ages of 16 and 20, many of which go on to play for major teams in the NHL. We might go so far as to call it NHL Jr., if we didn't think every one of its players could beat us within an inch of our lives with little to no effort. The two parties penned a four-year agreement to include CHL teams in the NHL game franchise, meaning we can expect to see minor league players in EA Sports' hockey franchise until NHL 14. We might even see a few CHL players move on to the big leagues between games. Won't that be nice?
New Boxee beta pulls in video from Facebook, Twitter links, adds NHL GameCenter and more
Sure the Boxee Box isn't here yet, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to enjoy some of the features we saw first during CES 2010. The most recent beta version include the Facebook / Twitter integration that automatically pulls in videos linked by your friend on either service and displays them right on your homepage. There's also a new option for NHL GameCenter LIVE subscribers to pull live and archived games in over the internet, plus improved RSS feed support and a ton of other fixes. Check forum mod GregMS' blog for more breakdowns on all the new tweaks or just hit the download page directly to get the latest & greatest.
Cablevision bumps Comcast to the back, 3D sports at home starts next week
Just as Comcast leapfrogged DirecTV's 3D plans, its claim to the first live HD 3D event has been stolen away by Cablevision, which will broadcast a Rangers/Islanders NHL matchup Wednesday, shown both in a special viewing party in the Theater at Madison Square Garden and on iO TV channel 1300 (if you already have a 3DTV but not Cablevision then keep an eye on your channel guide as, like the Masters broadcast, it may be shared with other networks.) While this is probably just the beginning of another FCC battle over who it will have to share the broadcasts with, MSG is just focusing on keeping a trend going since it was one of the first to jump on HDTV production of NBA and NHL games way back in 1998 and plans to keep 3D broadcasts coming over the next year with more games and concerts. Production is being handled by 3ality Digital, previously responsible for the BCS game that turned some of our preconceived notions about 3D with its BCS National Championship broadcast a little over a year ago, which plans to use 5 cameras from a lower angle than usual to resemble the perspective of the actual players -- minus concussion-inducing blindside hits to the head. Anyone willing to host a viewing party? We're totally down to bring snacks... if you'll cover our 3D glasses. [Thanks, William & Vinny]
