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National Geographic Channel bringing 4 networks to India
National Geographic has been spreading its wings in foreign nations for some time, but now the outfit is broadening its reach in India by announcing that four new channels will soon be available in the ever-growing country. Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure, Nat Geo Music and Nat Geo HD have all been approved for airing in India, though we aren't told what carriers will be picking 'em up. Suffice it to say, this is all the encouragement you need to start bugging your own operator to pick up the new foursome -- particularly that high-def iteration.[Via PTI News]
Portugal's ZON intros ZON BOX HD DVR
ZON TVCabo, a leading programming provider in Portugal, has introduced an all new HD DVR for its users: the imaginatively titled ZON BOX. The unit boasts a 160GB hard drive, USB 2.0 port, gigabit Ethernet and HDMI / component / S-Video / composite jacks for good measure. We're also informed that the box will come in handy here soon, with National Geographic HD (which recently launched on rival Portugal Telecom), MOV HD and possibly SportTV HD going live. The latter two channels would be dedicated to movies / TV series and sporting events such as Euro 2008, respectively. Unfortunately, we weren't able to solicit pricing information, but feel free to give the carrier a call and see what this gem will run you.
National Geographic HD goes live in Austria and Switzerland
We already knew that National Geographic HD was poised to land in Austria and Switzerland soon, but maybe not this soon. Nevertheless, the channel has indeed launched in both nations on UPV digital cable, putting its content in front of over one million subscribers in these two countries alone. Get down with your bad self, Europe.
National Geographic HD and MHD headed to Germany
After Sat. 1 HD and ProSieben HD went dark in Germany until 2010, things haven't been as dormant as expected. Late last month, we received word that both FOX and TNT would be making their way over (and hopefully in HD), and now we're seeing that both National Geographic HD and MHD (MTV HD) could be arriving on undisclosed cable carriers in the near future. Reportedly, Nat Geo HD -- which is nearly ready in Austria and Switzerland -- could be arriving any moment, while MHD is likely to land on PREMIERE this December. Slowly but surely, it looks as if Europe may actually be moving forward in adopting HDTV programming.[Thanks, Chris]Read - National Geographic HD to GermanyRead - MHD to Germany
Namco reveals National Geographic Panda and Digimon World Championship
Today is a very happy day for us here at DS Fanboy. We had no idea that pandas on see-saws would be making their way to our country. Back when we saw the scans showing the Japanese game, we thought it was much too quirky and original to be released over here. Oh how glad we are to be wrong.So, what is the game, exactly? National Geographic Panda and it will release this fall. The game has you interacting with panda bears at Panda Park. Mistreating the bears will cause them to leave your park, whereas nurturing them and making sure they're having fun means new pandas will come to your park and stay. Sounds great to us!The other game Namco announced in the press release we received is Digimon World Championship. The new game will feature over 200 kinds of Digimon and will feature Wi-Fi support for battling online. Those of you familiar with the Digimon series of games should know what to expect here. No word on a release window for the game.Check out our galleries below for screenshots of both these games.%Gallery-20748%%Gallery-20750%[Via press release]
National Geographic announces new series, wants to "move aggressively" into VOD
For avid fans of National Geographic HD, you've now got quite a few more reasons to keep on watching. Aside from upgrading its website with new videos and behind-the-scenes footage, Nat Geo will soon be launching Locked In -- which "provides a look inside a Georgia prison with some of the country's most hardened criminals" -- and Who Knew? with Marshall Brain. Additionally, the popular Dog Whisperer will be making a return, and a number of specials including Herod's Lost Tomb, Secret Service Files, On Board Air Force One and Drain the Ocean are all slated to appear within a year or so from now. Furthermore, it looks as if the network is aiming to "move aggressively into VOD," as it hopes to have the service in 40 million homes over the next year while delivering content in HD to 20 million domiciles.
National Geographic lines up with Blu-ray
National Geographic is turning away from HD DVD and moving to Blu-ray only distribution, beginning with the release of "Sharkwater" in April. It's not a surprising move, as National Geographic is distributed by Warner; this leaves BBC as the last holdout from the Warner family to declare its love for Blu-ray. As excited as we'd like to get about a flood of National Geographic releases (they do have some great content!), the track record for the golden rectangle brand is pretty poor: the "Arctic Tale" special was in HD DVD and "Relentless Enemies" was available in both HD formats. Plus, April is so far away in format war time! Still, here's to hoping that expert assurances that an end to the format war is at hand will spur National Geographic to make with the HD releases!
Time Warner Cable adds trio of new HD channels in Raleigh area
Time Warner Cable (partly owned by Time Warner, parent company of AOL, which owns Engadget) has historically been a bit slow to add channels in the Raleigh area, but those situated in the Triangle area of North Carolina now have three additional HD options to enjoy over the break. As of now, TWC customers in and around Raleigh have access to National Geographic HD, HGTV HD and Food Network HD, which can be located on channels 279, 277 and 278, respectively. Also of note, the trifecta is broadcasting now to Wilmington customers as well on channels 968, 966 and 967.
Insight cable customers get six new HD channels, NFL Network included
Over a year after Insight Communications launched its InsightDigital 2.0 service and threw in a trio of HD channels to boot, the cable company is now giving its loyal customers five more high-definition options along with the Digital 3.0 upgrade. Reportedly, users can now tune into Discovery, Animal Planet, The Learning Channel (TLC), TBS, National Geographic and yes, even the NFL Network in glorious HD. The Digital 3.0 package will automatically be available to digital subscribers at no extra cost, but it should be noted that Insight will raise prices in January. Additionally, the operator has nearly doubled its on-demand library and includes VOD channels for HOB, Starz, Showtime, Cinemax and The Movie Channel, but we're still left with no word on any HD VOD plans.
National Geographic grabs up more HD content
National Geographic's Digital Motion unit, which is essentially the digital media distribution arm of National Geographic, has just given its HD materials a boost of more than 170 hours of content. The bump comes from a combination of acquisition and licensing deals. Amongst the HD footage are: sky footage from Bernd Pröschol; 70 hours of underwater footage from Pawel Achtel; 12 hours taken from "more than 10,0000 scenes around the world" from BlackLight Films; more than 60 hours of natural vistas and time-lapse images from Glusic; and 13 hours of nature and cultural film from J Michael Media. No word on when we can expect to see the new goodies showing up in National Geographic content, though.
Rugged Magellan Triton 2000 boasts National Geographic maps
For those looking for navigational insight whilst trekking, Magellan's Triton 2000 should certainly fit the bill. Boasting a rugged, water submersible exterior, a two-megapixel camera, 2.7-inch QVGA touchscreen, digital compass, a barometer, built-in LED flashlight, and an SD expansion slot, this handheld GPS device even touts the ability to record and attach audio to waypoint files -- you know, so you can keep track of exactly how frantic you're getting as you venture off course. Furthermore, this gizmo is reportedly the first to offer "full, on-screen compatibility, usage, and display of National Geographic's maps," including its 28 TOPO! outdoor recreation mapping software titles that cover all 50 states. The Triton 2000 is slated to launch in North America next month and in Europe this October, and will retail for a stiff $499, but if you won't be needing all the niceties already mentioned, there's a full line of lesser-spec'd Triton devices on the horizon that are far more budget friendly.[Via GPSReview, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
National Geographic's Talk Abroad phone now on sale
So it looks like that so-boring-we-want-to-cry National Geographic Talk Abroad phone we came across a few months back is finally shipping. The specifics are actually pretty complicated -- we recommend going over the pricing with a fine-tooth comb if you think this thing is for you -- but the idea is to offer relatively inexpensive, prepaid world roaming. You can rent the handset (because let's be honest, you don't want a phone this basic in your possession for more than a couple weeks at a time) starting at $70 a week, which includes 30 minutes of talk time in 50 countries, unlimited incoming minutes in 65, and a bunch of adapters for the silly-looking sockets you may encounter in foreign lands. Then again, if you simply must make the Talk Abroad your own, you can scoop it up for $199 and recharge the plan at your leisure, or just buy the SIM (our favorite option) for $79.
Cablevision adds Discovery HD Theater and National Geographic HD
Finally. We had no idea that any HD provider nationwide didn't offer Discovery HD Theater as part of their high-def lineup. Simply amazing. This was that station HD was created for. High definition and Discovery goes together like Steve Job and black turtlenecks. Anyways, the station along with National Geographic HD is now available on Cablevision's nationwide network. They say that the channels have been added with no additional cos so check 'em out on channel 727 for Discovery and 726 for National Geo HD if you happen to have Cablevision.
National Geographic HD showing up on DirecTV ch 77?
It has been quite a drought for HD fans who subscribe to DirecTV and while DirecTV has made big promises for 2007, it would be nice if they added a new HD channel before the new birds go up later this year. It appears that it just might be happening, a few DirecTV subscribers are reporting a new channel in the lineup: channel 77 shows as NGHC which we assume is the National Geographic HD Channel. This has been reported by users of both MPEG2 and MPEG4 equipment and considering current DirecTV satellites aren't setup for national MPEG4 channels, we can assume no upgrade is required to enjoy this channel, if the guide data and channel actually show up.
National Geographic's Relentless Enemies strikes DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD in March
National Geographic has announced it's releasing its first HD title, Relentless Enemies on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD formats, distributed by Warner Home Video on March 27. The 90 minute film, originally shot in HD, is National Geographic's highest-rated special to date. The network was pushed to release on high definition formats after surveys showed its content as what viewers would most like to see. We like watching lions and buffalo battling for survival as much as anyone, but with a $34.99 MSRP compared to the $19.99 DVD we hope they also start including some HD extras in future releases.
National Geographic's Talk Abroad global phone
This phone looks so boring, we can't actually look straight at it -- we kinda have to aim our eyes just right or left of it and take it in with our peripheral vision. Then again, gearheads don't appear to be the target demo sought out by Cellular Abroad with its new National Geographic-branded Talk Abroad candybar; the upshot here is keeping global roaming relatively cheap and simple (as in, prepaid simple) on an equally simple, no-frills handset. For your hard-earned $199, you get the phone (a quadband GSM piece -- we'd expect no less when they're playing up the global angle here), a set of plug adapters for whatever countries the average National Geographic reader might visit, a UK-based phone number, and thirty minutes of outgoing talk time. Best of all, incoming calls are allegedly free of charge in 65 countries, though the countries aren't spelled out. Look for the Talk Abroad handset to ship next month; if you've got it in your heart to accept an exceptionally uninteresting cellphone, that is.[Via Mobilewhack]
National Geographic: Tips for iPod-toting travelers
The National Geographic website has posted nine great tips for travelers with iPods. Some of their tips are pretty obvious, like creating playlists and purchasing audio books that reflect your destination. Others are more clever, like downloading audio travel guides from the likes of iJourneys.com, and podcasting your adventure by making on-the-spot audio recordings of those exotic locales (provided you don't have a 5G iPod). Finally, they suggest tossing paper maps for digital versions you can get from places like ipodsubwaymaps.com and PodQuest. Sounds great...so where are we going?[Via Micro Persuasion]
