SyncTV
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HTC partners with Intertrust, buys 20 percent of SyncTV
It's been a while since we've heard the name SyncTV 'round these parts, but perhaps we'll be seeing a bit more of it now that HTC has a stake in the streaming video company. As part of a deal with Intertrust, HTC has purchased 20 percent of its new partner's subsidiary. In addition, the Taiwanese manufacturer has licensed a broad portfolio of patents from the Sunnyvale firm, primarily dealing with DRM. Unfortunately we have no specifics about how HTC plans to leverage its new media property, but hopefully they're working on some fun surprises even as we speak. (Though, most likely, we're just looking at one more piece of manufacturer-installed bloatware.) Check out the brief, and ultimately not very informative, PR after the break.
SyncTV demoing proof-of-concept device for 1080p playback of downloads
We know, these things are seriously starting to run together at this point, but apparently SyncTV is all set to demonstrate a "proof-of-concept device that will play downloads, including 1080p HD video content on a television set at this year's CES show." Additionally, it seems that the product could eventually be integrated into TVs, in-car video setups, portable media players, etc. Of course, whether or not such a system -- HD-capable or not -- will take off remains to be seen, but hopefully we'll be able to snag a closer look here in Vegas.
Pioneer's SyncTV YAOTVS (yet another online TV service)
Pioneer just announced their SyncTV on-line television download service. The ad-supported, subscription-based service costs between $2 to $4 per channel per month or $2 for any show you wish to download outside of your subscription -- there's no mention of streaming capability (though it's not excluded, either). While details are soft, downloaded video is said to offer DVD-like, "home-theater quality" with surround-sound capabilities and in some cases, hi-def resolution. They will be PC and Mac compatible wrapped in a Sony, Philips, Samsung, and Panasonic (note: not Microsoft or Apple) supported "Marlin" DRM wrapper. As such, expect to see portable players, television, and set top boxes from at least one of these manufactures sometime early next year in support of the nascent service. A private test begins today with a public beta set to launch in January. Unfortunately, the channels and shows available over SyncTV were not revealed today so we'll just have to wait to see how this develops.%Gallery-10566%Update: The SyncTV site is now up with more information and beta pre-registration.
