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Panasonic rolls out new apps for its 2011 Viera Connect TVs, we go hands-on (video)
We knew Panasonic was going to unleash a slew of new apps for its Viera Connect televisions, and now it looks like they're finally ready to hit the ground running -- for its 2011 models, anyway. Back in January the company released its Viera SDK to developers, and now it has a smattering of games and sports apps to show for it, including the long-promised NBA Game Time, which includes standings and highlights from recent games. In case you're curious, there's no sign yet of Asphalt 5 HD, also announced at CES, though Panasonic says the title should be launching in the near future. Also on tap are MLS and NHL applications, each of which let you watch live games -- provided you subscribe to these leagues' live game packages. Panasonic says the NHL app is slated for the middle of this month, and you can expect MLS in early May. What we're most excited about, though, is an app that syncs with select NordicTrack treadmills (due out "later this year"), pairing your run with a first-person view in Google Earth. We can't wait to embark on a simulated run through the streets of Paris (versus, you know, actually going there), but alas, Panasonic wasn't ready to demo the app quite yet. As always, Viera's apps are arranged in a grid of large squares, right down to the standings and recorded matches in MLS, all of which makes these sets easy to navigate using a remote control. (We'll be curious to see what it's like playing Asphalt 5 with the remote, which you'll have to do if you don't want to spring for an optional wireless gaming controller.) The interface adds the occasional visual flourish, too, including a carousel of NHL standings and fly-in news categories in the AP's news app. The software is generally responsive, although you might find yourself waiting a few extra seconds for news blurbs and other information-heavy tidbits to load. Want a sneak peak at these apps before they roll out this spring? Hit the link and check out the gallery and hands-on video. %Gallery-120464%
YouTube says it's in talks to stream NHL, NBA games, NHL says it isn't
Currently, sports is one of the main things that's tough to stay connected to if you choose not to subscribe to traditional linear pay-TV service like cable or satellite, so it's no surprise there was much ado over Gautam Anand, Google Director of Content Partnerships for Asia Pacific, saying the company is negotiating to broadcast NHL and NBA games on YouTube. However, the key words in Bloomberg's report of the statement are "for Asia Pacific," and while the NHL flat out denied any discussions, the NBA merely noted it was "pleased that YouTube recognizes the value of live sports." YouTube already airs games from the Indian Cricket Premier League, and PaidContent's Staci Kramer has learned talks centered around the possibility of airing NBA games -- but only in Asia. It's doubtful, if not ludicrous, to think TNT or ABC/ESPN would let hoop games escape from cable to the internet like free agents to South Beach and while leagues could see potential in new international broadcast models, don't expect to see things changing in the US anytime 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%
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.
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]
Ryan Kesler is the NHL 2K11 cover athlete
First he won a silver medal at the Winter Olympics, and now he'll be on the cover of the Wii-exclusive NHL 2K11. Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler sounds genuinely excited about the opportunity, telling The Canadian Press that the only way he thought he'd ever end up on a game cover was "if I put my own picture on there." "It's a dream come true for me," Kesler, ever the good spokesplayer, said. "I grew up playing, and to be on the cover of 2K is unbelievable." Kesler confirmed that he got in his motion capture time for the game last year with 2K10 cover athlete Alexander Ovechkin. "I'm not a flashy scorer like Ovechkin, by any means, but I think I'm exciting in my own right," Kesler observed, suggesting that his Olympic performance was what attracted publisher Take-Two to his game ... face. Hopefully, for Kesler's sake, there's no equivalent "Madden Curse" for NHL games. Hockey players are already doomed to lose all their teeth anyway. NHL 2K11 will be out this fall.
NHL 2K11 skips Xbox 360 and PS3, only coming to Wii [update]
During the recent Take-Two fiscal earnings report, we noticed something a bit off. See, back in December when we got our last update from the company, NHL 2K11 was missing entirely from the report. This suggested that there wouldn't be another game in the series. Well, today Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick revealed that another iteration in the series is in the works -- and it's exclusively for the Wii. "As far as NHL, we're taking a year off on PS3 and Xbox 360 to refine, redesign and re-think," Zelnick remarked during the earnings report. So while Canadians* will have fewer options when it comes to platform, knowing the series hasn't been retired is a good thing, right? Update: We reached out to Take-Two for a more comprehensive explanation of the choice to ditch PS3 and Xbox 360 this year. Here's what the spoksperson said: "We have decided to reevaluate our NHL strategy and will only be releasing NHL 2K11 for the Wii in fiscal year 2010. We want to become a stronger competitor in this category and taking a year off on PS3 and Xbox 360, while focusing on making the best possible game for Wii, should allow us to accomplish that goal." *Come on, we all know Canadians are the only ones playing these games
The best HD sports on TV this week
NFL Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Network Thurs 8:20 PM Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints NFL Network Sat 8:20 PM Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers FOX Sun 4:15 NCAA Basketball Michigan at Kansas ESPN Sat Noon Gonzaga vs. Duke CBS Sat 4:00 PM NBA Orlando Magic at Miami Heat TNT Thurs 8:00 PM Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns NBATV Sun 9:00 PM NHL Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs VS. Mon 7:00 PM
EA creating bite-sized Madden arcade title (think '3-on-3 NHL Arcade')
EA's 3-on-3 NHL Arcade, a smaller and more focused downloadable hockey title, seems to have been a successful experiment for the publisher. In a recent investor call, EA's Peter Moore confirmed that a similar title, this time with the Madden franchise as basis, is currently in development. Though little other information was divulged, we're told to expect title sometime "this holiday."
New NHL 2K10 trailer totally fakes us out
Other than the ghastly image of Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin gracing the cover of September's NHL 2K10, we've seen almost nothing of the game thus far. Unfortunately for us -- and worse for you, weekend readers -- the game's first trailer does little in the way of showing off what the game has to offer. The one thing we do know after watching that trailer? Alex Ovechkin is quite a tricky fella.
Mark Cuban promises the first 1080 NHL & NBA arena next season
It should be no wonder Mark Cuban (got some Jerry Jones envy?) is promising the first NHL & NBA arena with 1080-line digital scoreboards. While 1080p has been well entrenched in scoreboards for the outdoor sports (like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees) it appears the winter brethren has been slacking, but with the Mavericks and Stars not competing in tonight's finals action, plans to upgrade American Airlines Center ahead of the 2009-10 seasons are already underway, with four 18- by 30-foot video scoreboards coming to the center display and two 24- by 72-foot video walls at the north and south ends. If that's not enough, the sounds are getting a makeover too, with a "state-of-the-art concert quality sound system" bring a digital six speaker linear system to next years attendees, though we should all get a (3D?) look during the 2010 NBA All-Star Game next February.[Via Dallas Observer & Mark Cuban]
