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Boxee Box survey floats the possibility of premium channels, PPV sports
If you're wondering in which direction the developers over at Boxee may be thinking about heading you can consider the questions in the latest survey mailed out to users. The second round of questions gauges the interest people may have in subscribing to premium channels over the internet, like HBO or Showtime and how much they would be willing to pay, with another question focusing on the possibility of pay-per-view football games. Of course, actually negotiating for access to premium channels (HBO Go works through the browser after the v1.1 update) or anything NFL Sunday Ticket-related is a more complicated issue, but it is a possibility. Previous polls checked the temperature on features we've seen added like Netflix or a $199 price tag for the Boxee Box, and things that haven't shown up so far like CableCARD / OTA support or a version for videogame consoles. Get your opinion counted at the source link and yes, there is a write in portion for you to request updates for the PC version.
Vudu adds TV shows to its rental catalog, but only some are in HD
Here we go again with a good news / bad news announcement from Vudu, as it's added a nice catalog of TV shows to its library for rent and/or purchase. The bad news however, is that despite having the 1080p / 5.1 audio HDX technology we've come to know and love, it's currently only offering a small subset of them in anything other than standard definition. Like other online stores, there's an odd situation where some things are a decent value (season one of The Walking Dead is $26.99 on Blu-ray at Amazon, $15.99 on iTunes in HD, and $16.99 on Vudu HDX) and others are not (season six of Weeds is $27.99 on Vudu HDX, $23.99 on Blu-ray at Amazon and $38.87 on iTunes) so shop carefully. Given time the library will probably even out more in quality and price and once Vudu is available on more devices (and hopefully in HD on the PC at some point) there will be more reasons to consider it as a VOD option.
Netflix suffers temporary website outage today (fixed!), permanent Dexter outage this summer
The bad news is that our bulging tips box reports Netflix's website and Watch Instantly streaming service have been mostly inaccessible for the last couple of hours. Those lucky enough to have the page open from earlier may still have access, and devices based on older UIs are up and running while the newer HTML5 based frontends seem to be down for the count. The worse news is Crain's New York Business reported today that a new licensing deal with Showtime will not renew streaming access to older seasons of currently airing shows like Dexter and Californication when they expire this summer. Instead, their arrangement will cover shows that are off the air like The Tudors and Sleeper Cell. Showtime has decided to hold the fresher stuff back for its TV Everywhere portals accessible by pay-TV subscribers despite Netflix's best efforts to pitch itself as a friend to the premium networks, which could also explain its plan to start offering original content of its own next year. Wide outages like this have been relatively rare and while we'll just keep an eye on @NetflixHelps until it's back up, there's no telling what other blank spaces we might find in our instant streaming queues in the future. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: Things appear to be back to normal as of 10:30 p.m. EST or so, there's no official word via Twitter yet but between the commenters below and the episode of Firefly we're watching, it's all good. Wait -- Not so fast, while PC streaming is a go, devices are still mostly locked out. Per @NetflixHelps UPDATE: Streaming is back on the website. We're still working on getting streaming back to all devices. Thanks for your patience! Update 2: From @NetflixHelps - RESOLVED: The website and devices are back up and running. Thanks again for your patience while we worked to get this fixed!
Comcast adds Showtime to Xfinity TV online
Almost immediately after expanding its Xfinity TV online services by 150,000 titles, Comcast has announced with Showtime that over 400 hours of the channel's series and movies are now also available via the portal for paying Showtime subscribers. If you aren't keeping Dexter-like tabs on the we-offer-more-content-than-you cable playground banter, this partnership is a first for Showtime and a killer feature for Comcast. In fact, combined with their Starz, Encore, and older HBO and Cinemax online streaming deals, Xfinity TV will now also go down in the annals of history with another first as the only online destination to offer all of the major premium content providers under one cozy URL. As much as we're all for establishing records though, we'd still encourage Comcast to brainstorm on additional ways to keep paying customers -- that is, if it wants to avoid earning another title for losing the most subscribers two quarters in a row.
Showtime getting ready to go online?
What's a "premium" movie service these days without access on additional screens? Not much, which is probably why rumors indicate Showtime is about to follow EPIX HD and ESPN 3(no 60) by creating an online service for subscribers to view on their PCs and mobile devices. Don't expect to watch Weeds, Dexter and The Real L Word on your iPad just yet (except for what's already available on Netflix) as a spokeswoman had only a standard "nothing to announce to" offer Bloomberg Businessweek, but their sources indicate it will resemble the HBO GO service we tested out recently when it went live for Verizon FiOS TV customers. Heading online seems like a good followup to turning on interactive HDTV features, but we'll see if that's enough to keep viewers signing up for its service when there are so many alternatives available.
Showtime Sports Interactive debuts EBIF tags on HDTV tonight
We got out first taste of Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) interactivity during these Winter Olympic games, but Showtime plans to turn things up by using it on the MPEG-4 HDTV feed during tonight's Strikeforce Challengers MMA event. Available only on Verizon's FiOS TV for now, it will let viewers pull up stats, trivia and respond to polls by pressing the "OK" button on their remotes. already have social plans for this evening? No problem, the next event with this tech is coming April 24 during the Super Six World Boxing Championship, leaving just enough time for you to recover from those wild Earth Day celebrations.
New Dexter trailer pushes iPhone's visual (and moral) boundaries
We use our iPhones for a wide variety of purposes: Keeping our enthralled Twitter audience informed, playing Home Run Derby MMOs, dueling with virtual lightsabers -- those sorts of things. We've never used it to play mobile murder simulators -- but by the look of the above trailer for Icarus Studios' Dexter, we'll be doing just that when the first episode of the game hits the App Store later this summer.Though it still seems to contain the scattershot gameplay that we saw earlier this year at GDC, it looks amazing for an iPhone game. If you're a fan of the show (and by all means, you should be), it might just be worth checking out.
PSA: 'Penn & Teller: Bullshit!' episode on video games airs this week, features Jack Thompson
The time has come, folks. This is the week that Jack Thompson compares violent video games to polio on broadcast television! Are you ready? We've known this episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! was on the way since way back in February but had no idea of when it would air until just today (this Thursday at 10 PM EST -- set your DVR!). If you're looking for some lunacy before the show lands on Showtime later this week, hit the break for a preview featuring the "fire triangle" you see above. Seriously.
Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners
Tucked in between the "worst kept secret" PSP Go and motion control demos at its E3 press conference, Sony also revealed new content for the PlayStation Network video service, and the ability to download video directly to the PSP, no PS3 or PC intermediary needed. No word on when to expect the new content exactly, but it will include video from Showtime Networks, Starz, G4 & E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDNet & Magnolia Pictures, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media's Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media, WEP, UFC, TNA and Video Action Sports. Looks like Sony will have easy on the go access to video store content up and running before Microsoft gets its Zune integration act together, but whether that compares to 1080p instant streaming promises remains to be seen (Hint: first one with direct Hulu access wins, we're just saying, guys.) Check out Sony's trailer embedded after the break.
The Tudors coming to a 'casual adventure/hidden object game' near you
In collaboration with Merscom, Showtime's The Tudors will be the channel's second property to get the video game treatment in the form of a "casual adventure/hidden object game," IGN reports. Joystiq asks: Why?Seriously, the game is going to parallel the events of the show, and how does that make for a good casual game? Henry VIII was one of the most scandalous men in history, and the show features plenty of adult themes (including naked adults), so how can the show be made into a mass-appeal casual game? Lloyd Melnick, CCO of Merscom, says The Tudors' story not only appeals to the casual gamer, but that "the rich and beautiful graphical environment lends itself to an adventure game." We guess that environment won't include the king's chambers ...No platforms have been announced yet, but we're placing our bets on at least the iPhone and PC.
Dexter: The Game: The Trailer for: The iPhone
Even though Dexter's iPhone -- and eventual PC release -- game debut has been put on hold until the summer his game trailer debut is happening right now. The trailer (found after the break) showcases ... well, nothing really. It's a few shots of Dex swinging a knife around wildly -- and quite out of character, might we add -- with a final shot of Showtime's lovable serial killer decked out in full Dark Passenger garb, requesting our silence and attention.Wait. Is he talking to us? Oh crap, he is. Listen, we didn't do that thing you think we did. Seriously, you can let us go now. Ow! That knife is sharp. Is that blood? We're not too good with the sight of ... uh oh ... passing out now.
Showtime's United States of Tara hitting Netflix Watch Instantly first
Boy, these content guardians sure are getting brave. First was Friday Night Lights debuting on DirecTV's The 101 weeks before network TV, and now Showtime's United States of Tara is scheduled to be available first via Netflix's Watch Instantly service. The series premiere will be made available on January 8th to Netflix subscribers, while it won't be aired on Showtime until Sunday, January 18th at 10:00PM. Also of note, it appears that the show will air on DirecTV's The 101 channel on January 9th, possibly indicating that Showtime is keenly interested in gauging interest in exclusive pre-launches. Finally, we're told that season premiers of The L Word and Secret Diary of a Call Girl will hit Netflix customers day-and-date (January 18th) with the network debuts. We're beginning to wonder if Netflix can do any wrong.[Thanks, Vanbrothers]
Pacquiao vs. de la Hoya bout marks the launch of Event TV HD
While you and your crew kick in a few bucks to catch the Pacquiao / de la Hoya fight tonight, keep in mind you're witnessing the launch of a new network, Event TV HD. The new high definition version of TVN's linear Pay-Per-View net promises to bring boxing, MMA and wrestling action in crisp 1080i and 5.1 surround. That usually includes All Day Event tickets if you want to see a replay, or themed programs during the week. TVN sells its package to cable, satellite and other providers who then pass the PPV on to you, so when Pacman takes this, remember who was responsible for bringing it to you.[Via Multichannel News]
FiOS HD video on-demand library tops 1,000 title mark
Make room Comcast, Verizon's barged in on Project Infinity territory, staking its own claim of 1,000 high definition video on-demand titles available, two months earlier than it had previously planned. That puts it well ahead in the choices/channels debate, with the latest additions courtesy of Starz, Showtime and Sundance Channel. If you're willing to accept something less than HD for your VOD, there's a total of 11,000 items available every month (8,500 without an additional charge), but we're just settling in as the race to 3,000 high definition watch-anytime choices begins.
Showtime lands 7-year content deal with The Weinstein Company
A hot, hot summer isn't keeping The Weinstein Company from staying busy, as just weeks after announcing its intentions to finally join the herd and go Blu-ray exclusive comes word that it has inked a long-term deal with Showtime Networks. The two have entered into an "exclusive seven-year film distribution arrangement" which will be effective with Weinstein's 2009 release schedule. Showtime viewers can expect to see Nine, Inglorious Bastards and other highly acclaimed pictures from the outfit, and for those interested, you may be stoked to find that the output deal "also includes releases from Dimension Films." So, is this enough incentive to keep this premium around?
Inside the NFL switching to HD on Showtime
For years, we've wondered why Inside the NFL, with its sweet NFL Films footage and in depth coverage of one of the best sports to watch in high definition, was stuck in SD; but the show's move to Showtime has remedied that. TV Week reveals the upcoming season will be produced for your HDTV, the only proper format considering we get the games live in HD and daily highlights on ESPN-HD, why should a weekly magazine show be any different? If you miss an episode Wednesday night at 9 p.m. (starting September 10), expect plenty of opportunities to see it again with about 10 replays per week, hosted by Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and James Brown plus a series of guest hosts. Thanks Showtime, for letting HBO know how things should be done -- seriously, Bill Maher going HD first should have been a crime.
Burnout Paradise getting motorcycles, night driving this August
The Burnout franchise, visceral as it is, has always shied away from real carnage by removing the human element altogether, what with cars driving and mangling each other as if channeling Herbie. That looks to be changing, however, with Criterion announcing a planned update to the game this August codenamed "Davis" that will introduce motorcycles -- complete with human drivers -- to the crash-centric streets of Paradise City. According to the developer, the bikes will get their own modes and challenges, as well as new locations designed to suit their two-wheeled shenanigans, though we hope against hope for the ragdoll hilarity that would be the game's Showtime mode for those riding a bike. In addition, the update will also see the sun setting on Paradise City for the first time with night time racing, no doubt increasing the number of head-on collisions as motorcycle enthusiasts skid along the pavement at record distances.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Showtime's not worried about the new premium movie channel competition
Don't worry about Showtime, the network insists the threat of a Viacom-MGM-Paramount-Lionsgate premium movie channel is not going to hurt it, and in fact it's "in a better position as a free agent", according to VP Stu Zakim. Multichannel News has word from the corporate PR exec that only two movies ranked among the 20 top rated programs on the network in 2007, and considering the license fees the studios asked, it was better served investing in series development and marketing. We can expect fresh movies on Showtime through 2010-11, but after that it'll be up to remaining partner CBS Films to keep serving up the flicks, but for lovers of Weeds, Californication and Dexter there should be plenty more where that came from.
Serial killer killing killer Dexter getting game
IGN reports that a game based on Dexter will be announced tomorrow by Showtime Networks and Marc Ecko Entertainment. Showtime's Dexter, currently airing (and not-so-badly edited) Sundays on CBS, follows the life of Dexter Morgan, a serial killer who keeps his desires in check by killing other serial killers. There is currently no information on the game's plot, developer, genre, platforms, etc.Just like our favorite serial killing protagonist, we can't help but feel conflicted about this announcement. With any luck, Dexter's video game hunt will find inspiration from games like Hitman or Assassin's Creed without losing the show's sinister personality. Yes, completely unlikely, but we can dream darkly.[Via X3F]
Showtime's Dexter slices his way into gaming
It's expected that tomorrow, Showtime Networks will be announcing that its hit television series Dexter will be headed into the gaming world with the announcement of Dexter the video game. Showtime and Marc Ecko Entertainment are said to be developing Dexter very closely to keep the game's feeling, content and writing as close to the television series as possible. A release date, how fare in development or which platforms have yet to be announced, but it's safe to say that we could be seeing our complicated friend Dexter on the 360 within the next year. Chop chop!