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BBC America going social with The Stig via branded 'Top Gear' Twitter video
Remember that whole Twitter-sanctioned "in-Tweet branded video" BBC America hinted at back in April? Well, we've got some more info -- and it's coming a few hours ahead of the partnership's debut. Tonight's BBC America premier of Top Gear will feature supplementary Twitter video synced to the show, including the "Stig Cam," which offers "a new perspective" from the masked and anonymous driver. Also on the docket is an "Action Replay," featuring a highlight from the evening's festivities and a "sneak peak" involving a hovercraft, as well as a dirt bike jumping off a building. All in a day's work. You can get in on the action tonight at 8:30 / 7:30 central.
UK appeals court dismisses Tesla libel suit against Top Gear
Have a knack for getting wrapped up in libel lawsuits? You best avoid crossing Elon Musk -- as the Tesla CEO has regularly proven, he won't be keeping quiet if you call foul on his company's electric car range predictions, especially if your forum of choice happens to be the New York Times, or BBC's Top Gear. That latter program was the target of a UK libel suit, following the airing of an episode which referenced a Tesla Roadster running out of power after driving just 55 miles -- a far cry from the projected 200-mile range. The company claimed that Top Gear "faked" the scene in question, ultimately resulting in $171,000 of lost sales. Of course, that's chump change for billionaire Musk, but no matter -- a lawsuit ensued. Now, some five years after the failed test in question, a UK appeals court dismissed the suit, ruling that the segment was not misleading. Hit up the pair of source links for a bit more detail from London.
Must See HDTV (February 4th - 10th)
It's finally over -- pro football is done for the year. In its absence we have a number of big returning shows to look forward to, including favorites like Community and The Walking Dead. Also of note, Syfy will air Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome this weekend, a show that already premiered months ago on YouTube (click here to watch it now), while Dead Space 3 arrives on your gaming system of choice. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. Community October 19th is Thursday night. Correct your calendars as necessary. (See video after the break if you require an explanation) (February 7th/October 19th, NBC, 8PM The Walking Dead Season three of AMC's juggernaut has been rolling along well so far, we'll join our favorite group of zombie apocalypse survivors for the second half of the story Sunday night -- see the trailer after the break. Also worth remembering for fans is that the Talking Dead recap show has been extended to an hour and will air immediately after the episode at 10PM. (February 10th, AMC, 9PM) Top Gear The best part about season 19? BBC and BBC America have narrowed the window between when episodes air in the UK and the US, so we'll finally get to enjoy content while it's still fresh. Check out BBC America tonight for the season premiere. (February 4th, BBC America, 9PM)
BBC Worldwide announces first four Blu-ray / DVDs with UltraViolet digital copies
Coming nearly on the anniversary of its US launch, the UltraViolet digital locker system is getting a boost in the UK from BBC Worldwide. The BBC's commercial wing is releasing four Blu-ray / DVD titles that are UltraViolet-enabled and is partnering with Warner-owned Flixster to allow users to redeem their copies. The digital versions are available via streaming and downloading for viewing on or offline, and the first four titles queued up consist of Doctor Who Series 7 Part One, Rollercoaster, a new Top Gear special and Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild. UltraViolet was already live in the UK, and recently announced it's spreading to cover Canada, Ireland and Australia. We'll see how users like the signup process with its multiple logins, but a quick check of previous Blu-ray releases didn't show any iTunes or Windows Media digital copies at all so at least they'll appreciate the option.
BBC now allowing iPlayer downloads to tablets, phones
The Guardian reports that the BBC is now allowing free mobile iPlayer downloads, which means the latest episodes of series such as Doctor Who and Top Gear can be downloaded to tablets and mobile phones. Unlike other streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, BBC iPlayer users will be able to download episodes for offline viewing. The downloading capability will be rolled out to the iOS version of iPlayer first and should happen today. The BBC said an Android update will follow. The episodes can be kept on the device for 30 days. If an episode is watched, it'll remain on the device for seven days. The download will be available to be watched abroad, so you can load up your iPad or iPhone with TV to watch while on holiday, even if you venture to another country.
English Court: Top Gear didn't libel Tesla
BBC's Top Gear (it's like The Engadget Show, but for cars) did not libel Tesla Motors when it reviewed the Tesla Roadster way back in 2008. Jeremy Clarkson's review showed the super-EV conking out after 55 miles of driving (a quarter of its expected range), suffering brake failures and an engine overheat that Elon Musk's company flatly denies ever happening. In the High Court, however, Mr Justice Tugendhat said that people could tell the difference between Clarkson's torturous, heavy-footed "powerrrrrrrrr" driving that goes on at Dunsfold Aerodrome, and the staid manner in which people drive on motorways. Tesla still maintains that the review has damaged its image, which is why it's also pursuing a claim for malicious falsehood, yet to be decided -- and on that bombshell, here's the original, legally non-libelous review for your enjoyment... goodnight!
TomTom Go Live Top Gear edition brings Clarkson onboard as navigator, Stig speechless
We'd assume a sizable share of fans may consider themselves God's gift to road navigation, but that hasn't stopped TomTom launching a special edition Top Gear flavor of its GPS device. Navigation is narrated by the voice of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, directing clueless drivers "with the aid of 32 satellites... and me." The in-car navigation unit is priced at $269.95, including a one-year subscription to traffic updates and incident reports from TomTom. Alongside Clarkson's familiar tones are some extra Top Gear car icons and Stig mode, where the GPS will remain entirely silent. It'll also point out race tracks featured in the show, plus any nearby speed cameras. With its main man behind you, how could you possibly lose your way?
Tesla sues Top Gear for libel, New Stig unavailable for comment (update: BBC responds)
Fans of a particular show featuring three middle-aged men with an unhealthy penchant for cars, plus a fourth individual whose interests are rather more elusive, probably remember a 2008 episode in which the Top Gear crew lambasted the Tesla Roadster. (If not, a particularly low-quality recording is embedded below.) On that show, Jeremy Clarkson could be seen flogging one around the track, complaining about a range of only 55 miles before showing that car being pushed into the garage, supposedly out of charge. Not true, says Tesla, who has filed a lawsuit against the BBC for libel and malicious falsehood. Tesla claims that, among other things, two cars were provided and at all times at least one of them was ready and willing. Beyond that, Tesla knows that neither car ever dropped below 25 percent charge, meaning the whole pushing into the garage thing was, well, staged. It's hard to look at this as much more than a PR move, Tesla waiting over two years to file, but that doesn't mean the complaint isn't legit. Now it's time for the Beeb to roll out its crew of tame racing lawyers. Some say their suits are made of wool, and that their briefcases contain actual briefs. All we know is they're very well compensated. Update: Well, the hornets' nest has been kicked, and it didn't take long for the swarm to arise. The BBC has dropped a bombshell, saying that it "stands by the programme and will be vigorously defending this claim."
Top Gear Season 14 & 15 coming to Blu-ray January 15th
Top Gear UK fans in the US can mark their calendars, the last two seasons of the show were filmed in HD and will make their debut on Blu-ray next year. Season 14 is on three discs and includes the South America Special for its $29.99 MSRP while season 15 is on two discs and promises plenty of outtakes and special features with a $24.99 MSRP. They're scheduled for release on January 15, 2011, until then we'll have to get by with the US version on History Channel and whatever episodes we can wrangle out of the PlayStation Network.
Racespresso racing helmet / espresso machine might've been Top Gear's The Stig, after all
Turns out he survived driving off the HMS Invincible -- and didn't spill a single drop. The suped-up Jaguar? Still not so lucky.
Top Gear team builds EV, shows how complex car production really is
The presenters of Top Gear, among the finer specimens of British television talent (Dr. Gregory House being another), were this past week engaged in designing and building an electric vehicle purportedly intended to compete with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Set a time limit of a mere 18 hours, they produced the marvel of rushed engineering and shoddy workmanship you see above. The Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust (believe us, you'll have no reason to remember the name) was even put through its paces by Autocar magazine, whose video "review" can be found after the break. We won't spoil the details for you, but if you want a conclusion, this one's pretty unequivocal: "there's a really good chance you could kill yourself" riding in this car.
BBC confirms Top Gear is filming this season in HD
We've been wondering for some time when the regular edition of Top Gear (the Polar Special was a glorious, yet singular, event) would make its debut in high definition, and today the BBC Internet Blog confirmed this is the year. Set to debut November 15th, we'll finally be able to see the Stig -- whoever he is -- put some of the world's most exclusive cars through their paces in great quality. Whether that news has you checking the channel lineup for BBC America HD or bookmarking a torrent site we can all agree this is a fine day indeed.[Via Digital Spy]
BBC America HD launch July 20 brings plenty of science fiction starting with Torchwood & Dr. Who
After (in our opinion) a too long delay, BBC America is ready to launch its HD simulcast July 20, getting things kicked off with a load of science fiction programming for the summer. Torchwood: Children of Earth is scheduled as the first HD offering, with five consecutive nights of the new season to get things going before the season finale of Primeval shows its stuff in high definition along with the U.S. premiere of Being Human. That's all just a tease until the Sunday, July 26 U.S. premiere of Dr. Who: Planet of the Dead. Of course, in this day and age more than a few may have turned to the internet to catch quality UK television long before the programmes air here, but until iPlayer HD comes across the pond everyone else can look forward to getting their BBC re-airs in the quality they were intended - here's hoping for Top Gear HD next.Full press release and details are after the break.
Gran Turismo TV goes live
The latest update to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has turned the game into a video download platform rivaling the console you play it on, with episodes of Top Gear and other auto shows, plus exclusive HD content filmed just for the game. Also packed in the update are some gameplay fixes, although we're still waiting for Sony to put real collision damage in our Real Driving Simulator. One step beyond watching HD video of others playing the game, all the content that costs is available for $.99 for the first two weeks, if you're still not sure check out the PlayStation Blog's video embedded below, or hit the read link to download 720p video of the Japanese version's video marketplace in action.
Top Gear HD, NBC editions stuck in park
Remember how excited we were to hear that the next season of Top Gear might be delivered from across the pond in HD glory, and that NBC was considering producing an American edition? How we danced in the streets, partook of libations, and slaughtered the fatted calf? Scratch all that, as it appears neither is coming to fruition, at least anytime soon. Autoblog has word that NBC couldn't find a cast for Top Gear (although they've had no problem scratching together a group for that abomination of a Knight Rider remake), while the BBC edition is without a debut date for a new (& shortened) season, and has only word of "specific production challenges" when questioned about HD. While we've been blessed with a bevy of horsepower in HD this year, it's just not the same without Jeremy, Richard and The Stig.Read - We've been lied to: New episodes of Top Gear actually not coming June 15Read - NBC passes on U.S. Top Gear for now
Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson spied chatting on his cell while driving, tut tut
Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson may have gotten himself into a bit of a pickle -- no, not the car -- when a fellow motorist snapped a pic of him driving and chatting. Talking on your cellphone while driving in England is illegal and the poor television star could now be faced with a £60 (roughly $120) fine. Hey Jeremy, a little word of advice, think Bluetooth headset if you need to chatter while on the run, or, better yet, just pull over.[Via AutoBlog]
NBC orders pilot for Top Gear -- will it be in HD?
Just in case a remake of Knight Rider wasn't enough, NBC has now ordered up a pilot for a US edition of Top Gear. For those unfamiliar, the show has proven to be quite the success across the pond, but apparently, the network feels that it'll do quite alright here in America, too. Reportedly, casting is currently underway for hosts, and it's also noted that the pilot will be filmed around Los Angeles, California in front of an audience. One detail that isn't mentioned, however, is whether or not it'll air in high-definition. 'Course, it's easy to assume the answer to be "yes," but considering that some hits (Survivor, for instance) are still inexplicably stuck in SD, we suppose we should still cross our fingers just in case.[Via Autoblog]
Top Gear builds, launches Space Shuttle car
As if the folks at Top Gear didn't already have the best job in the world, they recently went and completely outdid themselves, building their own Space Shuttle out of a Reliant Robin, roughly the British equivalent of a Pinto or a Gremlin (minus a wheel). As you can see, it all came together quite nicely, complete with an external fuel tank, solid rocket boosters, and a spot-on paint job, although there doesn't seem to have been any room left for passengers, with the whole lot remotely-controlled instead. That proved to have been for the best, however, with the impressive launch followed by a less-than-successful landing, though that was still more than enough to claim the title of the largest rocket flown in the U.K. While it's unclear if they'll ever have another go at it, you can check out the complete rise and fall of this attempt in the video after the break.[Via Tech E Blog, thanks Grant B]
Top Gear: Downforce announced for DS
Tantalus (you may remember them for Spongebob Squarepants: Yellow Avenger) and Kemco (you may remember them for, um, Batman: Dark Tomorrow) sent me a politely worded press release informing me of their intention to release Top Gear: Downforce for the Nintendo DS. Following the original Top Gear (N64) and the rally-themed GBA sequel (which was rather good), the game is set for release late in 2006 and will presumably involve fast cars going around a track. In other words, something completely different!"This time around we’re attempting something completely different," says Tantalus CEO Tom Crago. "We want to create a racing game that feels perfectly at home on the DS platform, something built from the ground up to exploit the cool features of the hardware." One of the features touted for this top-down, 3D racer is the ability to lay down road hazards via the touch screen, sure to annoy the people you're wirelessly playing against. The press release doesn't say anything about Nintendo Wi-Fi, but we'd expect no less from something exploiting the cool features of the hardware. The DS could definitely use some more racing games in its online garage.
Putting virtual driving skills to the test
Jeremy Clarkson from the BBC's Top Gear programme recently put his hard-won Gran Turismo 4 driving skills to the test in California on "the most fearsome track in North America", Laguna Seca. Driving the same car in-game and for real -- a Honda NSX -- Jeremy tried to match his GT4 time on the real raceway, with surprising results.This video clip catalogues his adventures, and is sobering viewing for anyone who thinks that excelling at PGR3 or GT makes you a top-notch race driver. The Top Gear episode is repeated on BBC2 at 7pm on New Year's Day for UK viewers.Choice quote: "That's not a corner on the PlayStation!" [Thanks, dutchhenk]
