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Panasonic carpet bombs CES with nine new Blu-ray players
It's that time again, folks. Panasonic has (figuratively) taken to the streets of Las Vegas in a ticker tape parade that's full of press releases. As part of the announcement, the company launched three 3D Blu-ray players for home theater systems, four stand-alone 3D models and two traditional Blu-ray units. The home theater group -- which includes the SC-BTT490, SC-BTT195 and SC-BTT190 -- each offer WiFi connectivity and DLNA certification, compatibility with the company's smartphone remote control app, and a new version of VIERA Connect that's replete with more online content. Notably, the SC-BTT490 features two HDMI inputs in addition to the traditional HDMI out. Each of the home theater models will be available in April. Meanwhile, the four remaining 3D Blu-ray players -- the DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320 and DMP-BDT220 -- each support Panasonic's VIERA Connect, while the 2D models, the DMP-BD87 and DMP-BD77, are limited to Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube. Of this group, the 500, 320 and 220 each feature a 192kHz/32bit audio DAC, although the 500 ultimately makes it to the top of the pile with high quality terminals and capacitors. If you're curious to learn more about this heapin' pile of Panasonic wares, be sure to check the PR after the break.
WD TV Live, Live Hub get an official iOS remote app, Vudu streaming and more
Western Digital is making sure its hardware can keep pace in the media streamer arms race, matching recent additions by Microsoft and Roku by issuing updates of its own. New services added to the WD TV Live and WD TV Live Hub boxes are Vudu (with HDX 1080p support, unlike the Xbox 360), SnagFilms, XOS College Sports, SEC Digital, Comedy Time and Watch Mojo. To help users navigate through all the extra content, it also recently rolled out its own official iOS remote app, although like Roku, there have already been a few unofficial options available as well. The WD TV remote is a free app and offers direct access to any of the services on your WD TV box and even multiplayer gaming provided all devices are on the same network. An Android version is said to be in the works, for now owners can check out all the details in the press release after the break or hit iTunes to download the app.
Microsoft rolls out more new Xbox 360 apps including UFC and Vudu
The Xbox 360's most recent dashboard update changed everything around again, but its ultimate effect will continue to be felt over the next few weeks and months as more apps trickle out and add more functionality. A few more selections just went live today, and include highly anticipated options like UFC's PPV app, and access to Vudu (pictured after the break -- also, there's no HDX support yet, just HD) movie streaming. That's not all however as they're also joined by 4 on Demand (UK), ABC iView (Australia), Dailymotion, Demand 5 (UK), plus M6 and MSN Video (France). Also recently announced are plans to bring Orange TV in France to the Xbox 360 in the spring with live streaming of thirty TV channels and VOD access later. For its part, Vudu is trying to entice new customers with a $4.99 credit towards their first rental or purchase, plus a few other promotional pricing incentives. Check the press release after the break for more details, or just power on your console to see the channels that are available in your neck of the woods.
Channel Master TV review
If you prefer your DVR with no strings attached, your choices are pretty limited these days. You can of course roll your own, but admittedly, that isn't for everyone. Channel Master does plan to change that, though, as it's currently accepting pre-orders for its over-the-air DVR with over-the-top features that doesn't require a subscription. The Channel Master TV ($399) should be hitting retailers and homes this week, and since we love DVRs, especially when they're free from commitments, we decided to take it for a spin. Click through to see how it stacks up.
Xbox 360's new video services won't all launch right away; Comcast, Verizon, and HBO Go delayed
Microsoft's new dashboard for the Xbox 360 is close at hand (read our full review for the details) but not all of the video partners that were announced for the new Kinect-centric experience will be launching alongside it. As of launch December 6th the list will look basically the same as it does now, with Lovefilm and Epix joining options like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Sky Go. Later on in the month more new providers like Crackle, Dailymotion, Rogers On Demand, Vudu, and Verizon FiOS TV will filter in, while the UFC app is timed to launch December 20th. Finally, a few highly anticipated additions including MLB.tv, HBO Go and Comcast's Xfinity On Demand are among those slated for arrival in "early 2012". Check after the break for the complete list (update: and a video trailer), we'll let you know about more specific launch dates as they become available. %Gallery-141022%
Xbox Companion app for WP7 shown off at Nokia World, leaks Vudu integration (video)
Even if you're not planning on picking up one of Espoo's latest handsets, Microsoft is also on the scene at Nokia World 2011 giving live demos of the upcoming Xbox Companion remote app for Windows Phone 7. It allows for simple remote control of video playback on one's console, plus content browsing / search with Bing and other metadata display, as seen in two demo videos from the show floor embedded after the break. Also seen in both of the demo videos? An orange tile suspiciously labeled Vudu Movies, despite the lack of any official announcement that the (currently PS3 exclusive) Wal-mart owned service is coming to Xbox Live. A third demo shows off gaming integration with Kinectimals that lets animals jump back and forth from console to phone. Now that the Xbox 360 will integrate search and playback from more video services than ever after the fall update, we'll see if the remote app draws Xbox fans to Microsoft's phone platform. [Thanks, @AttilaG]
Sharp's biggest LCD HDTVs get even bigger with a new 80-inch model
When is big not big enough? Apparently when it's Sharp's "spectacularge" 70-inch AQUOS LCD HDTVs that were introduced earlier this year, and have now been surpassed by a new 80-inch model the company showed off today. The LC-80LE632U isn't an Elite branded model, but it brings all the features of its smaller brethren including full LED backlighting, 120Hz motion processing, built-in WiFi and access to services like Netflix and Vudu. All that is nice, but it's standout feature is that extra viewing area, which can be yours for $5,499 (MSRP) when it starts shipping in early October. Preorders are already popping up for sub-$5k prices, if you need a big screen and can't go the projection route (front or rear) this might be a good value -- check out the details in the press release after the break.
PS3 firmware update v3.70 adds auto-save cloud storage for subscribers, updates XMB and 3D support
As if saving your PS3 games to the cloud wasn't convenient enough, Sony's gone and automated the process for PlayStation Plus subscribers. The v3.70 software update offers an automatic sync option for trophies and game save states, giving members exclusive access to their gaming goods wherever they go. The firmware also packs a few additional features for non-paid users, adding a recommendation function to items in the PlayStation store, and a new "TV / Video Services" XMB category for Netflix, Hulu PLUS and VUDU apps. Sony's also thrown in a few 3D tweaks, with MPO format compatibility for photos, and support for Java-based special features and DTS-HD MA and DTS-HD HR audio output for 3D Bluray movie playback. Although the gaming giant hasn't announced an official date for the release, expect it to hit your home console soon. Update: Joystiq's reporting that the update has just gone live.
Vudu launches web app to skirt App Store
Wal-Mart owned VUDU will now let you stream movies to your iPad. Rather than a native application, the service will deliver its content via a web app. Users can point Mobile Safari to Vudu.com and browse the service's 20,000 movies. Because it uses a web interface, VUDU can only serve up SD quality content and cannot offer Disney films due to a licensing restriction. Similar to Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader, the VUDU app circumvents Apple's App Store to deliver its content to iOS devices. The web app currently works on the iPad and the iPhone, though the iPhone interface is not yet optimized for the smaller screen. [Via Engadget] Show full PR text Walmart Brings VUDU's Movie Streaming Service to iPad More than 20,000 blockbusters, Hollywood classics and independent films can be instantly streamed through VUDU.com on iPad SANTA CLARA, Calif. and BENTONVILLE, Ark. – (Aug. 10, 2011) – Walmart announced today the launch of VUDU for the iPad. VUDU, a leading subscription-free, video-on-demand movie service and wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart stores, has optimized the navigation experience of VUDU.com to enable millions of iPad owners to rent or buy entertainment content and then stream it easily through any iPad browser. Beginning today, iPad users can go to VUDU.com and browse through VUDU's entertainment content library, which includes more than 20,000 blockbusters, Hollywood classics, independent films and TV episodes, then rent or purchase and watch them instantly. For one touch access to VUDU, customers can add a VUDU icon to their iPad desktops by clicking the "Add to Home Screen" button when on VUDU.com. "At Walmart, one of our key priorities is to provide one continuous experience for our customers to interact with our brand - whether that is in stores, online or from their mobile devices," said Edward Lichty, general manager, VUDU. "VUDU's launch on the iPad plays into that vision as we're committed to offering the VUDU experience on as many devices as possible so customers can shop for and access their favorite movies and TV shows however they want, whenever they want." Movies purchased and/or rented on the iPad can also be viewed on Walmart.com/VUDU, VUDU.com or on any VUDU-enabled consumer electronics device. VUDU is currently available on more than 300 consumer electronics devices including Internet-capable HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and the PlayStation 3 - more than any other pay-per-view service. . About VUDU A leader in HD streaming, VUDU offers the world's largest online selection of HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU is available on Internet-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players from FUNAI Electronics (Magnavox, Sylvania), LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba and VIZIO, and on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.vudu.com/. About Walmart Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,200 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
Vudu starts streaming movies to the iPad, chooses the web app route
Now that Vudu has started streaming movies to PCs over the web, we're not surprised that starting today, it's moving to the iPad as well but what is surprising is the decision to stream over the web and forego a dedicated app. This approach lets the Wal-mart-owned (and fully integrated) video delivery company avoid the restrictions of Apple's app store and any additional fees, but unfortunately still means that like the PC, it's restricted to standard definition resolution and due to licensing issues is missing any flicks from Disney. The company plans to keep expanding onto other platforms like Android soon (if you must, the site does work on the iPhone right now but the UI isn't optimized for it yet) but it appears accessibility is replacing high quality HDX streaming as the service's most notable trait, for better or worse.
Walmart brings Vudu into the fold, still can't stream you tube socks
Roughly 18 months after plunking down the cash for Vudu, Walmart has finally made the streaming media service an integrated part of its web store. Fans of digital video can now stop by the discount retailer's site and rent flicks for between $1 and $5.99 or purchase them $4.99 and up. The service compliments Walmart's sizable physical media library with over 20,000 titles that can be played directly from the website, as well as on Vudu-enabled devices like connected TVs, Blu-ray players, and steaming media boxes such as the Boxee Box. If you're a fan of companies tooting their own horn, check out the PR after the break.
Vudu movie purchases get physical, starting with Battle: Los Angeles movie cards
How do you combine a purely online service (Vudu) with a primarily brick-and-mortar retailer (Walmart)? Apparently the answer is cards, like Xbox Live and many other services before them, Vudu will have redeemable digital movie cards available for purchase at the store. Action flick Battle: Los Angeles is first up, with $14.96 cards hanging up in Walmart entertainment sections everywhere starting today. Unfortunately, it's for a standard definition stream only. It does save a couple of bucks off of the $16.96 DVD price, but with no hope of trade or even lending to a friend it's tough to justify as a bargain over the PS3-demo packing Blu-ray. While reaching out to retail customers with cards and PC streaming is fine, these standard-def limitations won't play well with an existing (albeit niche) audience that has come to expect high quality 1080p streams and surround sound.
Roku streamers officially available at Walmart, no Vudu channel in sight
Though it had already been spotted online, Roku confirmed today that its media streamers are available at physical Walmart stores nationwide. Pitching it as an option for Father's Day gifts, the press release and accompanying blog post highlight the value at $78 for a Roku XD, but we're pretty sure for some all you need to say is MLB.tv. There's no word of any tie-ins with Walmart's Vudu service, but its hard to imagine the retailer being excited to move a box that won't eventually include access to its own offerings.
Roku streamers pop up at Walmart, could a Vudu channel be on the way?
Zatz Not Funny points out the Roku XDS and XD streaming video players have popped up for sale on Walmart.com. Following the usual Walmart pricing they're a buck under the usual MSRPs, but the more interesting question is whether this portends the arrival of the (Walmart-owned) Vudu as a channel on Roku devices. It only makes sense Walmart would want to get its service included before these boxes make their way onto physical shelves, but we'd be more surprised if we didn't hear something before the Walmart star appears on Roku's official retail partners page.
Mitsubishi officially prices 2011 HDTVs including a 92-inch DLP and 75-inch LaserVue
Other manufacturers may say they're living large with their latest HDTVs, but Mitsubishi's "Go Big" slogan is supported by the biggest displays available for 2011. It's finally revealed details on the models, with new features including a clearer screen and 16 speaker soundbar with support for a wireless subwoofer on its top of the line 840-series that includes the 92-inch model (pictured above) we saw at CES. The other big addition for 2011 is support for Mitsubishi's iOS remote control app in the LaserVue TV as well as the 740 and 840 series DLPs. If you don't need those features, a built in IR emitter for 3D glasses or Stream TV Vudu Apps then look at the lower end 640-series rear projection sets. Still, no matter what the trim level, the new Mitsubishi is strictly a 73-inch and over TV manufacturer so it's definitely going to be big, whether it's the 840 series that ships in July or any of the other models that will be available this month. Specs and MSRPs are in the press release after the break, from the 73-inch 640 series for $1,599 all the way up to the $5,999 92-inch.
Vudu has a one touch button too, on some Vizio remotes
If you picked up one of Vizio's new HDTVs or Blu-ray players lately you may already know this but for those who haven't, Vudu is proud to announce it's scored its own one-touch button on the remote as seen above. It's sitting right next to the Netflix button we'd heard about last year that's popping up on more and more models, and if you like the company's HDX style, should make it even easier to get to. Of course, this will be much more interesting if Walmart ever decides to take Vudu the subscription route and competes directly with Netflix, but we'll take it one step at a time. Check after the break to see the list of models with the button. Update: Just in case you were wondering, the third one touch button on the other side is for Amazon VOD. [Thanks, Kingfriday]
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.
Poll: What's the most important feature for a Netflix competitor?
The rumor mill indicates we can expect serious competition for Netflix's Watch Instantly service sometime soon, so we're wondering what features anyone else diving into the game may want to focus on in order to get your attention. Given the service's wide reach we figure you're probably a subscriber or at least gave it a shot whether by word of mouth or through one of those annoying pop under ads (why do they still run those?) and have seen some room for improvement. We've put a few of our ideas as options in the poll below, let us know what you'd like to see most in the comments below. %Poll-63017%
L.A. Times sees possible competition for Netflix coming from Walmart, Best Buy, Vutopia and more
Until Amazon launched its Prime Instant Video service earlier this year Netflix was almost completely alone on the subscription video streaming mountaintop, but an article this weekend in the Los Angeles Times suggests there could be competition on the way. There's plenty of rumoring from analysts and the typical "people familiar with the matter, but their sources have been on the money in the past and indicate retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are seriously considering angling their Vudu and CinemaNow efforts in the subscription direction instead of VOD like they've done so far. Meanwhile Hulu Plus is reportedly considering expanding its movie selection, and Amazon is likely to puff up its offerings while iN Demand, the PPV baby of the cable companies, is considering expanding its 200~ title Vutopia service. Still, according to the article no one's signed any of the big checks necessary to take on the 20-million subscribers strong behemoth yet, but don't be surprised if serious competition arrives shortly.
Vudu starts streaming movies to the browser, but only in SD
Vudu's movie service is already available on 300-odd set top boxes and HDTVs including the PS3 and Boxee Box, but now it can add your personal computer to the list since it will start streaming its entire catalog right on the company's website. The Flash-based player will let customers watch movies they've rented or purchased like any other device, but due to licensing issues it's limited to a maximum 480p resolution with stereo sound for now. That's disappointing for a company that pioneered high quality 1080p streaming with its HDX format but it could help attract customers who find a rental packed in with one of their DVDs or Blu-ray discs from Walmart. There's no word yet on plans for mobile devices, but general manager Edward Lichty confirmed to us it plans to make content accessible in "as many places as possible" so we'd expect to hear something on that front soon (but probably after the launch of premium VOD.) Until then, there's a few more screens in the gallery and a press release after the break or you can just check out the 2.0 interface for yourself on Vudu.com once everything goes live. %Gallery-120901%
