News / Media

Google TV to miss Google IO but get Samsung, Vizio

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http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/05/04/google.tv.to.miss.google.io.but.get.samsung.vizio/

Google’s revamped Google TV won’t show until much later in the year but will have some partners in tow, insiders said Wednesday. The new platform would skip next week’s Google I/O conference entirely and would only be unveiled in “coming months.” AllThingsD was, however, told that Samsung and Vizio were signing on to join Logitech and Sony.

Stories that it would hinge on faster processors weren’t ruled out, but the source pointed to the Revue and Sony’s Internet TV hardware being upgradeable.

Google is known to be considering the new, as yet unseen version of Google TV a practical reboot of the platform following a tepid launch late last year. Despite marketing from itself and its early partners, the Android-based TV platform quickly fell out of favor. Logitech reached less than a third of its projected revenue in early 2011. Promised support for third-party apps early in 2011 also never materialized and now won’t arrive until the new revision later this year.

The platform is widely considered Google’s attempt at countering Apple TV but has been criticized for being too web-centric and presumptive about TV providers’ plans. It was designed to show web video and TV results side-by-side but was rendered near-useless for mainstream content after most major providers blocked it. Without a dedicated media store like the Apple TV or support for third-party apps, Google TV devices provided relatively little advantage and were also docked for higher prices and sluggish performance.

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by Jeff Kleist on Apr 19, 2011

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http://www.hometechtell.com/hometechnologytell/comment/powerdvd-11-coming-soon-includes-smartphone-remote/

In several videos, since made private on the official Cyberlink Youtube channel, Cyberlink has demonstrated some of the new capabilities of PowerDVD 11. A new remote control application, confirmed for Android and presumably coming to iOS as well, will let you control every aspect of playback right from your tablet or smartphone, or even use a touchpad area to control your cursor like a standard mouse. Other features coming to PowerDVD 11 include 3D simulation on 2D movies, improvements in Blu-ray playback and compatibility, and supposedly tighter integration with Windows Media Center.

PC Blu-ray playback has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few years. At the beginning, HTPC enthusiasts had to keep a copy of all the major software playback packages on their machines because usually any compatibility problems with a disc wouldn’t affect all three. As the format has become more stable and standardized, including Blu-ray in your HTPC has become more practical and affordable, with BD-ROM drives coming in as low as $50 on sale. Future laptops may include glasses-free 3D features, made practical by the fact they are mostly used head-on with a very limited viewing angle, so computer playback may be on the verge of getting very popular as the price of screens like the one used in the Nintendo 3DS come down.

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by Jeff Kleist on Apr 19, 2011

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http://www.hometechtell.com/hometechnologytell/comment/hbo-debuts-hbo-go-app-for-appletv-ios-and-android/

After giving Netflix a very public cold shoulder, HBO has debuted its new HBO GO app, which works with movile devices and set top boxes like Apple TV and GoogleTV. While still requiring an active HBO subscription (which must be obtained as part of a cable package, no streaming only kids), HBO GO claims to provide every episode of every season of every show they’ve got, as well as a selection of current movies available on the channel. While availability is at the whim of your cable provider/ISP, much like ESPN service on Xbox Live, it’s expected to be up and running on all the majors by the end of next month, including the lagging Time Warner Cable.

The real question is how long this honeymoon period is going to last, where the cable companies can continue to demand fealty from the heavy hitters like HBO, and with young people cutting the cord, how long will it really be before they want to collect that $14 a month direct? I know I’d consider picking up HBO a few months a year if I didn’t have the albatross of a cable subscription hanging onto it when a show or miniseries I want to see is on. It’s just a question of how many subscriptions they have to lose before that happens

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By Dana Wollman

We knew Panasonic was going to unleash a slew of new apps for its Viera Connect televisions, and now it looks like they’re finally ready to hit the ground running – for its 2011 models, anyway. Back in January the company released its Viera SDK to developers, and now it has a smattering of games and sports apps to show for it, including the long-promised NBA Game Time, which includes standings and highlights from recent games. In case you’re curious, there’s no sign yet of Asphalt 5 HD, also announced at CES, though Panasonic says the title should be launching in the near future. Also on tap are MLS and NHL applications, each of which let you watch live games – provided you subscribe to these leagues’ live game packages. Panasonic says the NHL app is slated for the middle of this month, and you can expect MLS in early May. What we’re most excited about, though, is an app that syncs with select NordicTrack treadmills (due out “later this year”), pairing your run with a first-person view in Google Earth. We can’t wait to embark on a simulated run through the streets of Paris (versus, you know, actually going there), but alas, Panasonic wasn’t ready to demo the app quite yet.

As always, Viera’s apps are arranged in a grid of large squares, right down to the standings and recorded matches in MLS, all of which makes these sets easy to navigate using a remote control. (We’ll be curious to see what it’s like playing Asphalt 5 with the remote, which you’ll have to do if you don’t want to spring for an optional wireless gaming controller.) The interface adds the occasional visual flourish, too, including a carousel of NHL standings and fly-in news categories in the AP’s news app. The software is generally responsive, although you might find yourself waiting a few extra seconds for news blurbs and other information-heavy tidbits to load.

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http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/panasonic-rolls-out-new-apps-for-its-2011-viera-connect-tvs-we/

Best products in 35 categories unveiled at CES 2011 in Las Vegas.
January 06, 2011 by Steve Crowe

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http://www.electronichouse.com/article/ces_electronic_house_names_product_of_year_awards/

Electronic House has announced the winners of its 2011 Product of the Year Awards during an awards presentation at CES 2011 in Las Vegas.
Covering 35 different categories, the winning entries were chosen by a panel of industry experts, integrators and the editors of Electronic House. Judging criteria included creativity, innovation, incorporated equipment, obstacles overcome, aesthetics, and lifestyle benefits.

A/V Racks & Rack Accessories

Salamander Designs Professional Audio Rack Mounts



Now, for the first time, it is possible to own Pro Audio Rack Mounts that look like furniture. Salamander has added rack mounting capability to its Synergy System line and to all nine decorator styles in its Chameleon Collection of A/V cabinets. The Synergy rack mounts are available for single, twin, and triple-width cabinets in open and full-door configurations in many heights, supporting up to 42 rack space units. Twenty-inch high cabinets, for example, support 10-rack units, 30-inch cabinets support 15 rack units, and 40-inch cabinets support 21-unit racks. The Chameleon Collection rack mounts are available in all nine Chameleon styles (Berlin, Hampton, Sonoma, Geneva, Barcelona, Corsica, Elba, Oslo, and Venice) and in each of four different configurations. Additional features include a strong, extruded aluminum frameworks soft-closing door dampers and lacing bars for managing cables.Using the mounts, it is possible to isolate hot running gear in cabinet segments, which are thermally managed by an automatic active cooling system. All the rack mounts are constructed of premium components with exceptional attention to detail, reliability and durability. And whether someone selects the Ready-to-Assemble Synergy System or fully assembled Chameleon Collection units, he or she can be assured the racks will be rock solid for supporting electronic gear.

Remote Home Monitoring and Management

ADT Security Services, Inc. Pulse Interactive Solutions



ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions is a new smart home solution that goes beyond traditional home security to provide a new level of control, accessibility and connection with the home. As connectivity and interactivity are driving the way people live and manage their homes, ADT Pulse gives you a way to manage your home from wherever life takes you and takes into consideration the needs of today’s always-connected consumer. It includes a flexible, full-featured security system for intrusion and fire detection to meet the needs of virtually any residential security application. But it’s also more than just remote security—it is controlling lights, thermostats and seeing video. ADT Pulse provides you with anywhere, anytime access to your home via smartphones or personal computers. Via secure access from web-enabled devices, you can easily get a quick status of your home, remotely arm and disarm your security system, adjust lighting or thermostat levels, or view real-time video or stored video clips from security cameras covering different areas of your home. Customized schedules for turning the lights on or off can be programmed, event-based text messages can be sent to mobile devices, and so much more.

Whole Home Control

Savant Systems Savant TrueControl iPad App



Savant’s latest TrueContol Automation App transforms the iPad into the ultimate remote for your Savant Automation, Control and Entertainment System. Savant’s TrueControl App provides a truly comfortable and lead-edge way for controlling your audio and video systems, lighting, security, climate and any other subsystem or technology. Savant’s TrueControl incorporates a number of innovative core features including: Category and Services Docks, Navigation Bar and Active Content, User Customization including backgrounds, categories & channel favorites, Supports TrueImage Control™, Multi-Room Control, Push-to-Talk (PTT) Intercom Communication, Guest Access and Remote Access, Internet Music and Subscription Services (Rhapsody, Pandora, last.fm, etc.) and Screensaver mode including slideshows.

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Promo and demo video for the Mobile PRO G.

The new Samsung UN65C8000 is on of the largest Full HD 3D LED back-lit HDTVs available for the home today. It features Samsung’s built-in 3D processor, Real 240 Hz refresh rate technology, dynamic 8,000,000:1 contrast ration, Samsung Apps, and proprietary Precision Dimming technology. It also supports Skype via Samsung Apps. This means that users can make calls right from their HDTV, turning it into a huge video screen and bringing an almost life-like quality to video calls.

From Widescreen Review Magazine, Nov 2010

The world’s first and only HDTV powered by Google TV (NSX-40GT1) gives you easy access to more entertainment than ever. Search the entire web, TV listings and apps to find exactly what you’re looking for. Watch TV, browse the internet, or do both at the same time on the same screen.

Watch TV while surfing the web
Navigate between websites and TV or enjoy both at the same time, on the same screen, with Dual View.

Your world, in the palm of your hands
Finding your favorite content is a breeze thanks to the intuitive handheld keypad with full QWERTY keyboard and optical mouse. Easily navigate the internet, search for TV shows, apps1 movies and more.

Appsolutely Amazing
Personalize your TV experience with downloadable applications that can add new content and capabilities to your already amazing Sony Internet TV. Some apps include:

Twitter
Keep in touch with people and get real-time updates.

Pandora
Free, personalized internet radio playing only the music you love.

Android Market
Coming in 2011, you will have access to thousands of applications from the library of Android Apps.

Napster
MP3 downloads and unlimited on-demand music streaming.

Netflix
Instantly watch Hollywood movies and thousands of TV episodes.

NBA
Check stats while you watch the game. See standings, video highlights and more.

Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player

Introducing Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc™ player (NSZ-GT1), the world’s first and only Blu-ray Disc player powered by Google TV.

Access more entertainment than ever. Presenting Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player, powered by Google TV. Search the entire web, TV listings and apps1 to find exactly what you’re looking for. Watch TV, browse the internet2, or do both at the same time on the same screen. Plus, finding your favorite content is a breeze thanks to the included, intuitive handheld keypad with mouse. Now you can watch the game while tracking your fantasy team, tweet about the TV show you’re watching, or update your Facebook® status while viewing TV.

Samsung Smart TV, Apps Built for Your TV

Discover a new dimension in TV with Samsung Smart TVs and the Samsung Apps platform. Samsung Apps are a growing collection of web-connected apps specifically built for your TV that connects you to your favorite digital content like videos, sports, games, social networking and much more.

With web-connected apps on your Samsung Smart TV, you can stream movies from Netflix or Blockbuster, TV shows from Hulu, videos from YouTube, Next Level sports information from ESPN, music from Pandora and view updates on your Facebook or Twitter accounts. It’s the apps that matter to you, now available on your TV.

Movie and Music Apps
Movie apps like Vudu and Netflix take “on demand” content to a whole new level. These apps let you download and or stream content in real-time from movie and TV libraries with thousands of options. Miss your favorite Thursday night TV show? With Hulu Plus™ you can watch recently aired TV shows from networks like ABC, Fox, and NBC—on your own time. And, music lovers can appreciate streaming music on their TVs as well as personalize their own TV radio “station” with the app from Pandora.

Real-time Gaming, Twitter and News
Looking for real-time interaction? Why not let your TV screen double as a virtual playground for games like Texas Hold’em and QuizzMaster. Or download popular entertainment and useful informational apps like AccuWeather, USA Today or Google Maps. And, if you really want to connect, Samsung’s suite of TV apps also include popular social networking apps like Facebook and Twitter.

Connect Your TV to the Internet
To start using the Samsung Apps platform on your Samsung TV you must first connect your TV to the internet, which is an easier process than it may sound. You can do this wirelessly with a wireless adapter like the LinkStick or by using an Ethernet cable. With Samsung’s web-connected TV apps, TV becomes more than just something to watch—it becomes an interactive entertainment system.

Adding Apps to Your TV
The first thing you should do is check out the Samsung App Store. This is where you can learn how to register your Samsung TV, Blu-ray player or Home Theater component, and activate your account. After that downloading an app is as easy as going to the Samsung Apps menu on your TV, selecting the app you want to purchase (there are a number of free apps), and clicking “Buy now”. You can purchase as many apps as you want at once and new apps are adding to our catalog on a weekly basis so be sure to check back often.

Samsung introduces prescription glasses for 3D TVs

Samsung has announced that it will soon offer 3D glasses customized for users who typically wear corrective lenses. The company is working with optometrists to build 3G glasses with prescription lenses, eliminating the need to wear two pairs or frames or contacts.

The prescription glasses will be available with a one-week wait for custom manufacturing. The company has yet to disclose pricing, but the prescription offerings will likely command a premium price well above typical 3D glasses.

Crestron automation app on Android-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab during CEDIA Expo.

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http://www.electronichouse.com/article/sling_founder_brings_android_to_home_control/cedia

September 22, 2010 | by Julie Jacobson

Over the past three years, Apple and its iOS have completely disrupted the home automation business, bringing affordable, multipurpose machines to an industry built on higher-priced, single-purpose touchscreens.At CEDIA Expo 2010, the big event for custom electronics professionals, home systems integrators will be scouring the show floor for new iOS controls apps; iPad mounts, docks and smart sleeves; competitive products that stack up to the iPad in terms of price, performance and aesthetics; and business models for this enigmatic platform.And, quietly, the relatively new Android platform from Google will make its mark on the home-control industry.

Sling Founder Brings Android to Automation
For the past 18 months, Blake Krikorian, founder of Sling Media, has been working on an Android-centric home-control interface as part of an extensive home remodel project, he told CE Pro in an exclusive interview.Specifically, Krikorian has developed an Android app for Crestron, the home control system that powers his own house. Codenamed R2, the solution will be demonstrated at the Crestron booth at CEDIA Expo.

Already the Krikorian household has numerous iPads and iPod touches for remote control of lights, shades, security, audio/video, thermostats and other Crestron-enabled smart systems.But that’s not enough for the perpetual tinkerer and problem solver who always wants more – like the ability to watch the San Francisco Giants while traveling, which was the genesis of the Slingbox.

For example, he says, “I just wanted the iPad to let me bypass the slide-to-unlock bar so I could immediately control things with one button. Apple doesn’t give you the flexibility to do that.”

An Open Platform
Krikorian thinks the iPad and iPhone are “fantastic mass market products,” but the locked-down iOS limits their use as home-control devices. Ideally, a home-automation screen should always be at the ready – in “supervisory” mode, as we say – so it can respond automatically to various triggers such as the press of a doorbell or the tripping of security sensor. In either case, you might want the screen to light up automatically with images from one or multiple surveillance cameras. You can do that with an Android device. “If someone rings the doorbell, I want all of these displays to pop up,” Krikorian says. “I couldn’t do that unless I had an app running in the background all the time.” Which you can do with Android…

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