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Advertisers, broadcasters fight over who owns the HD sidebars during 4x3 commercials
Surprisingly, even in 2010 not every commercial on high definition channels is actually in HD, and for channels like TBS that fill in the sides of 4x3 content with their own branded bars, advertisers are suddenly finding issue with competing for screen space. Things reached a head when TBS used its bars to promote the new late night Conan show, and now the Association of National Advertisers has come out with a statement indicating the sidebars belong to the advertiser, not the network, while the ad is running unless otherwise agreed. Of course, simply making commercials in HD (if they're going to be on, they should at least look good) would fix this, but until then well see who has the upper hand in this battle of wills.
Roku 'disallows' PlayOn, cites 'possibility of legal exposure'
Bummer. Just a few short days after PlayOn support was apparently added to Roku's stable of set-top boxes, it looks as if the fun has come to an abrupt halt. Based on quotes from both PlayOn and Roku staff members, it sounds like the PlayOn channel will no longer work on those who try to get it installed, but those who managed to slip in early may be in the clear. Jim, a PlayOn staffer, stated that his company was "contacted today by Roku and told that they were going to disallow this channel," and because neither the Roku channel developer nor Roku "are affiliated with PlayOn, [they] have no control over the situation." On the Roku side, one Patrick has confirmed that "while... many of you are excited about a PlayOn-compatible Channel and may be using it, it unfortunately presents the possibility of legal exposure for us; as a result, the current PlayOn channels have been removed and are no longer available to add to your Roku player." If your bubble has just been popped in the worst possible way, we'd probably start looking into that 30-day return policy -- for you early birds, is PlayOn still working on your Roku box? Hit us up in comments below. [Thanks, Brian]
PlayOn now available on Roku: more content for a price
We knew that Hulu Plus was making a beeline for Roku's stable of media streaming boxes, but now owners have yet another avenue to grab online content: PlayOn. For those unaware, PlayOn delivers online material from Hulu, PBS, TBS, ESPN, CNN, MLB.tv and YouTube (among other places), but the catch is that there's an annual fee for having access ($34.99 for the first year; $19.99 each year thereafter). Furthermore, you'll need a PC on the same network as the Roku in order to fetch the content and send it over, but if you're already setup, you can hit the source link for download and pricing details.
FiOS TV Online gains three more On-Demand channels courtesy of Time Warner
After picking up content from TNT and TBS back in March, Verizon has reached additional agreements with Time Warner Inc. to bring Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and TruTV on-demand channels to its FiOS TV Online service lineup. As per usual, each will offer a free selection of programming from their respective channel as soon as 24 hours after it has aired live, which in the case of Adult Swim shows like The Boondocks, The Venture Bros., Delocated, Childrens Hospital, and Metalocalypse should have already started to happen. Content from the Cartoon Network and TruTV however is currently slated to appear within the next month thanks to the deal. So for now waiting a few weeks to get your Hardcore Pawn fix on FiOS TV Online is both the reality and actuality of the situation folks. Can't stand it? Then bide your time by reading the PR below.
Time Warner and Verizon bring TBS, TNT content to FiOS TV Online
Verizon gave some FiOS subscribers access to on-demand content from TBS and TNT in its FiOS TV Online trials way back in August of last year, but the company has just now announced that it'll finally be launching the service for all FiOS TV customers sometime next month. That will thankfully be a free service, and will give you on-demand access to shows like The Closer, Southland, and Lopez Tonight in "HD video quality" within 24 hours after they air on television. As before, Verizon is also saying that it is working with other networks including CBS, MTV and Fox News to bring additional on-demand content to FiOS TV Online, but it's not going any further than to say that content is coming "soon." Full press release is after the break.
Time Warner's TV Everywhere to pipe internet TV to Comcast subscribers
Just as we heard back in February, Time Warner and Comcast have joined hands in order to regain control on some of the content that is slipping right out from under 'em. In the olden days, the only portal for catching content was the 'tube; today, a vast array of television shows are available gratis on the web, and that's downright frightening for pay-TV operators. Today, both firms are detailing TV Everywhere in the most general way possible, only telling us that paying Comcast subscribers will soon have access to "premium long-form content" via a web portal. TNT and TBS are the only networks specifically named thus far, but considering that both of those already offer their best programming online to everyone, we're not terribly impressed. The agreement also includes a trial with around 5,000 Comcast users, which will be used to heavily test a newfangled authentication technology that will be necessary to allow paying Comcast users to access the material from any internet-connected PC. NewTeeVee has also assembled a clean, easy-to-digest FAQ that explains what exactly all this is. To be frank, it seems like a solution in search of a problem from the consumer viewpoint. After all, with portals like Hulu and individual network websites already providing in-demand content online, why is there even a need for some "special portal" for Comcast users? We've heard that paying subs will have access to even more material, possibly movies or other premium shows. But we won't front: we certainly don't want TV Everywhere to convert some of the content that's already free into pay-only content in order to accomplish the aforesaid "even more" goal. At any rate, the public at large probably won't hear more about this until the trial sessions end at an undisclosed time, but you can bet we'll be keeping a cautious eye on any developments.Read - TV Everywhere press releaseRead - NewTeeVee FAQ
Comcast adds TBS HD in West Lafayette, IN
We can only hope that this has happened in more locales than one, but at least in West Lafayette, Indiana, Comcast has flipped on TBS HD just in time for the MLB playoffs to get going. For those of you there in Purdue-land, it's on slot 926. For everyone else, be sure and let us know if your carrier has also green lit the station in time for baseball's most riveting month.[Thanks, Jason]
Charter trying to nab TBS HD prior to MLB playoffs
While Verizon already secured TBS HD for its FiOS TV customers prior to the start of the MLB playoffs, Charter Communications subscribers may or may not be so fortunate. Particularly for Brewers fans in Wisconsin, the desire need to land this station in short order is crucial to their well being, and according to corporate spokeswoman Anita Lamont, the carrier is working hard to make it happen. Currently, the station isn't slated to go live until October 14th, but that's obviously far beyond the date baseball fans are hoping for. In somewhat related news, Charter Wisconsin is also scheduled to launch Animal Planet HD, Movie Channel HD and Smithsonian HD in mid-October, so even if the whole TBS thing doesn't happen on time, not all joy is lost.[Image courtesy of DiamondHoggers]
Canadians to have no issues watching MLB playoffs this year
Apparently Canucks had some serious issues catching 100% of the MLB playoffs last year, but that shouldn't be an issue this go 'round. A new report from The Globe and Mail asserts that there is only a sliver of a chance that MLB playoff games will conflict with hockey tilts on Rogers Sportsnet. For any potential clashes in time slots, it seems the baseball game in question will be available on FOX. Granted, we have all ideas that most Canadians would actually prefer to catch the on-ice action versus America's pastime, but for those who disagree, this should be music to your ears.[Image courtesy of DayLife]
Poll: What's the most annoying form of advertising?
We spotted something this week that really got our heads spinning: a fairly fail proof method to keep ad skipping (at least partially) at bay. During a re-run of Family Guy on TBS, Bill Engvall casually walked onto the bottom of the screen, paused Family Guy and proceeded to pimp his own show for a solid 15 seconds. Yeah, TBS is known for self-promotion, but this just feels downright slimy. It prompted us to fire up this poll, however, which beckons you readers to cast your vote for the most annoying form of advertisement. Feel free to chime in below with specific experiences if you feel led, and make sure to use the heck out of that DVR while you still can -- clearly, these guys are all too ready to institute workarounds to hinder ad skipping. The Bill Engvall violation video is waiting after the break. %Poll-15224%
TBS HD shedding its stretchy skin, showing more true HD?
Watching baseball in high-def on TBS HD is a beautiful thing, but witnessing nearly everything else in unflattering stretch-o-vision isn't exactly enthralling. Thankfully, it seems as if the channel notorious for abusing its "HD" suffix may be coming back over from the dark side, as more and more content of late has shown up in actual 1080i. For instance, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle was aired over the weekend in true HD, and more recently, episodes of The Office have been broadcast sans the stretch. Heck, even the TBS watermark and on-screen graphics have been tweaked to signify the apparent coming out party. Surely we aren't the only one noticing an influx in actual HD content on TBS HD, right?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nintendo's O'Leary enjoys talking about Advance Wars
Chris Kohler barely needed to ask any questions in this interview with Tim O'Leary, part of Nintendo's Treehouse localization team. It just took the faintest hint of a question about Advance Wars: Days of Ruin to set O'Leary off on a longform discussion of the game's new style and the new gameplay changes (such as new units) that are currently being overshadowed by that style.According to O'Leary, the change in tone (from the bouncier, happier style of the games to a more Linkin Park kind of thing) had less to do with reflecting the harsh reality of war and more to do with players just wanting something different. So, indirectly, you guys sent a meteor to the game's world because you were bored. The change in display, now featuring the map on the bottom screen and info on the top, was a streamlining effort to allow "all of the action (to take) place on a single screen." It's, again, part of refreshing the whole series. Read the full interview for tons more info gleaned from O'Leary's conversations with the game's Japanese developers. We got the feeling that O'Leary may just like Advance Wars.
Cox adds four new HD channels in Kansas
The deal was done some time ago, but apparently, Cox is still getting around to doling out a few new HD additions to various markets. According to tipster Kevin, the cable provider has just now activated CNN HD, TBS HD, Discovery HD and TLC HD in Kansas, but Science Channel HD and Animal Planet HD were sadly missing from the bunch. Anyone else in the surrounding area also notice the newcomers?[Thanks, Kevin]
Comcast gives Twin Cities 11 new HD options
It is the season to give, you know, and while we've heard that Comcast will be on the receiving end of things when it hikes rates in 2008, at least users across the nation are receiving a boost in their HD lineup before having the family over this holiday season. Up next on Comcast's list is St. Paul / Minneapolis, Minnesota (and western Wisconsin), which is receiving 11 new channels to complement the 22 already available. Among the newcomers are CNN HD, Animal Planet HD, Discovery HD, Food HD, Sci-Fi HD, TLC HD, Universal HD, USA HD, TBS HD, History HD and FSN North HD. Reportedly, customers in the area are already able to view USA, Sci-Fi, Universal and Food, and the rest of the gang is slated to go live on or before December 17th.[Thanks, Ed]
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.
Confirmed: Advance Wars: Dark Conflict laying siege to Europe on January 25
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/nintendo/Confirmed_Advance_Wars_2_dated_for_Europe_boxart_revealed'; Following yesterday's speculation, we've just received confirmation from Nintendo of Europe that Advance Wars: Dark Conflict will be hitting European stores on January 25, just four days ahead of the game's U.S. release.Also confirmed to us was the name change, though judging by the leaked boxart that materialized on NeoGAF recently (and which seems to fit in with the game's new, oh-so-serious approach), this will only apply to Europe. Looks like the title will still carry the Days of Ruin suffix when it launches stateside.%Gallery-8563%
Promotional Consideration: Black Hole Advertising
Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.Considering that you've put up with the dozens of posts we've published for Advance Wars: Days of Ruin so far, we're sure you'll forgive us for revisiting War Worlds again so soon with this column. This week, Promotional Consideration examines the print ad Nintendo rolled out in 2003 for Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising. Position your units, end your turn, and peek past the break for more text.
Panzer Tactics goes commando
Aside from its support for online multiplayer matches, one of the features that really make Panzer Tactics stand out to us when comparing it to other turn-based strategy titles (e.g. Advance Wars) is its employment of Commandos and Officers. Commandos essentially act as stealth operatives, sneaking into enemy territory and acting as an unseen nuisance to your opponent, whereas Officers improve the attributes of the troop they're assigned to and increase morale for surrounding allies.The above three-and-a-half minute video, Panzer Tactics' third episode in its "Producer in a Box" video series, further explains the capabilities of these Commando and Officer units. Move your army to the hex cell after the post break to watch the two previous "Producer in a Box" movies. You can also study the fifteen new screenshots we've added to our Panzer Tactics image gallery.%Gallery-6027%
Our day is anything but ruined by this new Advance Wars 2 trailer
As with all JeuxFrance videos, you might have to put up with some longer-than-usual load times and buffering issues, so keep that in mind. The video has some of the screens from our gallery below, so portions of it may be familiar, but for the most part it is brand new. Deliciously brand new. And with all of the other videos available, we're finding it to be incredibly difficult to keep our jaw off the ground.%Gallery-8563%
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin to support online, voice chat, and Map Center
Previews for Advance Wars: Days of Ruin reveal that the game's cheerful tone isn't the only thing Intelligent Systems stripped from the turn-based strategy title; fans of the series can expect to find a lot of the "distractions and unnecessary elements" that plagued previous games to be missing. Dual-screen battles and "many advanced units" were cut, and unbalancing CO powers have been softened in favor of more strategic maneuvering.Gamers waiting for online support's inevitable addition can rejoice, however, as Wi-Fi battles and voice chat made the list of new features planned for Days of Ruin's January 21st, 2008 release. A Map Center system of sharing, rating, and downloading online maps will also come included with the 170 scenarios on the cart.New troops like the Motorbike (lightly-armed vehicles that can capture territories), Flare (infantry capable of clearing fog-of-war from a distance), and Duster (air units equipped to fight off aerial and ground opponents) promise to add creative angles to past tactics. Check past the post break for more off-screen videos of those units in action.Read - 1UP's Advance Wars: DoR hands-on impressionsRead - GameSpot's Advance Wars: DoR hands-on impressionsRead - Kotaku's Advance Wars: DoR hands-on impressionsRead - IGN's Advance Wars: DoR off-screen videos
