Archive for the 'Video' Category
Toshiba UK is giving away five free high definition (HD) DVDs to anyone who buys one of its new range of laptops that come with built-in HD DVD players. Anyone buying a new Toshiba HD laptop will now be able to kick-off a high definition movie collection with a choice of titles including Children of Men, Full Metal Jacket, Chronicles of Riddick, Hulk and The Prestige.
Toshiba’s HD DVD laptops give you the freedom to experience the next generation in movie viewing whether you’re on the move or at home in the room of your choice. All of Toshiba’s HD laptops come with high definition widescreen displays of up to 17 inches, but can also be used like a standalone HD DVD player and output high definition video to watch on an HD TV.
HD DVD delivers dynamic images that are incredibly real, accurate and vibrant, with up to six times the image resolution of standard DVD, as well as truly immersive audio for a multi-dimensional sonic experience. With a wide range of laptops
Qosmio G40
Satellite X200
Satellite P200
Satellite Pro P200
Satellite A200
Satellite Pro A200
The Toshiba five free HD DVDs offer closes on the 31st January 2008.
Looks like all of us early adopters got the shaft. For all that had to have their iPhone first, well your camping out and waiting in line for hours basically cost you more than time, it cost you money, too. About $200. For those that waited, you’ll be pleased to know that you can pick up the 8 GB iPhone for $399 right now. No waiting needed.
Wanting to fuel its blitz-paced sales for the iPhone that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated that there was, “No chance the iPhone is going to get any significant market share,” Apple showed its desires to punch over the 1 million mark by the end of the month with the $200 discounted price. That gives Apple just as many months since the iPhones release to double the sales amount by Christmas with a much lower cost to the buyer. “We want to put iPhones in a lot of stockings this holiday season,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs told a crowd of reporters at Moscone Center this morning in San Francisco.
Jobs also announced a slew of other incredible news. A new iPod that basically is the iPhone minus the phone, called the iPod Touch. With all the iPod features of the iPhone, the iPod Touch comes in both 4 and 8 GB versions. Equipped with Wi-Fi like it’s bigger brother the iPhone, you will be able to make a purchase and download it immediately to your iPod Touch when logging into the iTunes Wi-Fi Store, available tonight. Wi-Fi purchased songs will find their way onto your computer upon you next syncing. Jobs disclosed that the iPhone will have the same functionality in a few weeks with the next firmware update.
It’s pretty well known that Jobs enjoys Starbucks, so it wasn’t a surprise when he announced a partnership between Apple and Starbucks. With it, you’ll be able to use the iTunes Wi-Fi Store to purchase something you’re looking for or even the song that is currently playing. How? Your iPhone or iPod Touch will display it on the screen for you! “You will know what songs they’re playing in Starbucks, and you can buy it with one tap of your finger. And if you just missed it, you can look at the last 10 songs they’ve played.”
Other goodies include an iPod that finally will hold all my (compressed) music! The iPod video (5.5 G) has been renamed the iPod Classic (remember the Macintosh Classic?) and comes in 80 and 160 GB versions. Finally! 160 GB. Man, my mouth is watering! The Classic gets a new shell as well. Full Metal jacket, in fact. Still just black and white for colors.
Speaking of colors, the shuffle welcomes red into its line. No other changes for the tiniest of iPods, though.
The nano on the other hand, no surprise from the weeks leaks, has been squished and given a 2.5 inch screen that matches the 5.5 G screen resolutions. You’ll be able to watch videos on the third generation nano with amazing clarity for such a small screen.
Oh yes, did I forget ringtones? The iPhone will be able to get custom ringtones that you can edit in the pending updated version of iTunes. Start and stop the song where you want and for whom you want. Steve Jobs made a jab at NBC by playing John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” telling the crowd that it was for when NBC calls him. Apple’s CEO tried to break pricing easy to the audience by reminding them that some ringtones cost as much as $2.49, but truth is, 99 cents for a ringtone is still too much especially when you already own the stinking song! Not all songs in the iTunes store will be available as a ringtone and there was no mention of being able to use current non-iTunes material for ringtones. For the price of 16 iTunes ringtones, iToner is a better alternative.
Verizon Wireless and CBS Mobile today announced full-length episodes of LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN and THE LATE LATE SHOW with CRAIG FERGUSON will be available tomorrow on V CAST Video. CBS becomes the first broadcast network to offer V CAST video subscribers access to full-length on-demand programming. Both late night programs will be commercial-free on V CAST video.
“While we continue to provide short clips of our shows, we’re seeing a growing demand for the availability of full length, network quality shows on video on demand mobile video,” said Cyriac Roeding, executive vice president, CBS Mobile, CBS Interactive. “The ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ and the ‘Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’ have become some of the most demanded shows in mobile and on the internet so it only makes sense that we fulfill the consumer request and help grow the popularity of these franchises. We are committed to innovation and are happy to help launch Verizon Wireless’ first full-length video on demand programming on its V CAST service.”
Starting Tuesday, each night’s full program of LATE SHOW and LATE LATE SHOW will be presented in a series of video shorts so that customers can catch their favorite late night hosts – even if they are on-the-go with just a few minutes to spare. Broadcasts are available to V CAST subscribers following their nightly CBS broadcasts and will remain accessible until the following night’s broadcasts replace them.
“CBS continues to be a great, innovative partner and we’re looking forward to the success of these full-length programs on V CAST,” said Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media programming for Verizon. “By offering hit programs in their entirety through a series of shorter segments, we’re meeting our customers’ expectations about staying entertained and informed while on-the-go.”
Customers will be able to find the full-length programs from LATE SHOW and LATE LATE SHOW in the CBS Mobile channel in the entertainment section on V CAST phones. In addition to the full-length broadcasts, LATE SHOW and LATE LATE SHOW content will continue to be available in the highlight short video format.
To get V CAST, customers can sign up for the $15.00 V CAST VPak monthly subscription, which also includes access to ESPN MVP and Mobile Web 2.0SM; V CAST VPak subscribers do not incur airtime charges when using V CAST Video or Music, Mobile Web 2.0 or Get It Now® applications. Alternatively, customers with select V CAST-enabled phones can check out V CAST whenever they want for just $3.00 for 24-hour use. With either subscription, customers get unlimited basic video – including full-length programming from CBS – but application download fees apply for 3D games and premium video. There are no airtime charges to download, stream or watch V CAST content.
DXG USA, one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers, announced today the new DXG-572V digital camcorder that records full motion MPEG-4 video in near DVD-quality and captures 5 Megapixel photos with full clarity and color. The DXG-572V camcorder features a compact and portable camcorder design with a 5 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 4X digital zoom, 2-inch flip-out LCD screen, built-in digital voice recorder, and mass storage capability. With a suggested retail price of $149.99, the DXG-572V gives you more bang for your buck.
Movies at the Speed of Life – Never Miss a Special Moment
Made for movies at the speed of life, the DXG-572V is targeted towards a more budget-conscious consumer that is looking for a digital camcorder that offers advanced features at a price they can afford. The DXG-572V records high-quality digital video with sound so you never have to worry about missing those special moments. Compact, lightweight and easy to carry along, the DXG-572V is perfect for vacations, road trips and just about any occasion that you want to capture.
True 5 Megapixel Camera - Not Interpolated
The DXG-572V is also a true 5 Megapixel digital camera (not interpolated). That means you get clear, vibrant photos that are detail rich. The camera has a built-in flash and self timer, as well as a white balance adjustment to control color/lighting for any weather or lighting situation, even if it’s cloudy or sunny. The A/V-out allows you to show pictures or videos on you television to instantly share with friends and family. With the USB port and the included USB cable, you can upload your photos/video into your computer, where you can store them, make a copy onto a CD, or email them to friends and family.
DXG-572V Digital Camcorder Features: Read the rest of this entry »
Would you like to watch NBC’s “The Office” at your office? Or do you just need a TV escape on your lunch break? Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, today announced Axcess TV on Demand, an application that provides more than 200 on-demand video clips for customers to view whenever they want and wherever they are.
Customers who subscribe to the basic package, for $3.99 per month, will receive content from NBC News, NBC Entertainment, FOXSports.com, Discovery Mobile, and MTV Networks’ MTV, VH1, and COMEDY CENTRAL. Axcess TV on Demand programs include clips from “The Tonight Show,” “The Office,” “Last Comic Standing,” “My Super Sweet 16,” “Best Week Ever,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “FOX Wire,” “FOX Rewind, ” “Dirty Jobs” and much more.
In addition to the basic package, Alltel Wireless offers a premium version of Axcess TV on Demand for an added $5.99 per month. Premium customers will receive extra content clips from the channels available in the basic package plus programming from NBC Sports, “Access Hollywood,” IGN Entertainment, BravoToGo, USA Mobile, SCI FI Channel, Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, MTV Networks’ CMT, Spike, Nickelodeon and more. Axcess TV on Demand is available on select video-capable handsets.
“Axcess TV on Demand provides our customers with an easy way to watch videos at a great value,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product management for Alltel. “Wherever our customers may be, they will be able to tune into their favorite shows at a price that everyone can afford.”
Alltel Wireless offers exclusive features including “My Circle,” allowing customers to choose who they call for free – any 10 numbers, any network; Anytime Plan Changes, giving customers the flexibility to change their rate plan any time, without extending their contract; and Celltop, a patent-pending technology offering customers an easier way to access, manage and organize a wide range of information already available on their phones.
Connectivity solutions provider Gefen is helping lay some of the key, foundational digital connections the Entertainment Technology Center’s Anytime/Anywhere Content Lab (AACL).
The Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California (ETC@USC) is an industry-facing organization that is part of the University’s School of Cinematic Arts; ETC’s AACL tackles the opportunities and challenges presented by digital convergence to advance digital entertainment creation, distribution and consumption.
Gefen is supplying the AACL with a selection of high definition digital video switchers supplemented by digital cables. These solutions are enabling the Lab to set up a seamless, plug and play integration of key audio/video and computer systems, adding flexibility and functionality to its consumer-focused investigations.
Gefen’s 4×4 DVI Matrix connects any four digital video sources to any four digital displays, allowing the integration of all eight components without networking. High definition digital video is assigned from a source to a display using the IR remote that comes with the unit.
The manufacturer’s HDMI and DVI Switchers enable multiple digital video sources to be connected to the same high definition display, allowing users to “switch” to whatever source they wish to view using an IR remote while retaining the signal’s pure digital integrity. Switching takes place instantly, enabling an always-on viewing environment with greater choices and instant audio/video delivery.
”Thanks to the Gefen equipment, we can streamline the AACL’s infrastructure to more easily examine consumer behavior,” said ETC executive director David Wertheimer. “With each new addition to our arsenal, we enhance our efforts towards understanding and solving the issues raised by digital distribution and consumption.”
Verizon Wireless today announced an exclusive and multi-tiered relationship with classic rock legends AC/DC, as the company’s V CAST Music service becomes the first digital music service to deliver AC/DC’s entire back catalog digitally. Respecting the band’s reputation for delivering a full-album experience, Verizon Wireless is making AC/DC’s music available in full-album downloads. AC/DC’s catalog consists of 18 classic albums, and for many music enthusiasts, the AC/DC catalog has been one of the most highly-anticipated digital releases to date. The multi-tiered relationship includes AC/DC’s entire back catalog – of which Verizon Wireless is the exclusive mobile music provider through March 2008 – plus exclusive performance footage on V CAST Video and a special V CAST Mobile TV program.
Formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young (still the most formidable electric guitar team in rock), AC/DC released its first album, “High Voltage,” in 1975. The group has gone on to sell more than 63 million albums in the U.S., making AC/DC one of the five best-selling bands in American music history. The “Back In Black” album has achieved RIAA “Double Diamond” status, for sales in excess of 21 million copies in the U.S., and is the U.S.’s fifth largest-selling album ever. AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
“Verizon Wireless and V CAST offer a fantastic new high-tech platform for the long-awaited digital release of AC/DC’s music and video catalogs,” said Steve Barnett, chairman, Columbia Records. “Through Verizon’s cellular phone and mobile television technology, new and established generations of AC/DC fans will find fresh and innovative ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of the world’s most electrifying rock and roll band.”
“AC/DC’s back catalog is hot and fans nationwide have been filling chatrooms and bulletin boards for years speculating about the digital release of their albums. We are proud that Verizon Wireless customers will be the first to load up on their fill of classic AC/DC,” said John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media for Verizon. “By respecting and preserving the full AC/DC album experience through full-album digital downloads and mobile video, we will ensure that the group’s classic rock is understood, embraced and here to stay.”
AC/DC “Shakes Up” Mobile Music with Full-Album Downloads on V CAST Music
This new relationship will encourage new digital behaviors as Verizon Wireless customers will have the ability to purchase music as full-album downloads of AC/DC’s entire back catalog. By visiting the V CAST Music online store at www.verizonwireless.com/music fans will be able to download any of AC/DC’s full albums to their PCs and then sync them to their phones with V CAST Music Manager. “You Shook Me All Night Long” will be the only single available as an individual full-song download over-the-air, and will be used to promote full-album downloads of AC/DC’s catalog in ongoing marketing campaigns. Fans can also get the sounds of their favorite classic rock band with AC/DC Ringtones and Ringback tones from Verizon Wireless.
AC/DC on V CAST Mobile TV Coming Soon
In an effort to educate new generations of music fans on the breadth of their enormous body of work, AC/DC will soon deliver AC/DC TV on the new V CAST Mobile TV. AC/DC will present footage from the infamous Live at Donnington extravaganza and other performances so fans can access and watch, directly on their Verizon Wireless mobile phones.
Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, and NBC Universal (NBCU), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies, today announced a partnership that will bring network content to Alltel Wireless customers. The agreement includes distribution of NBCU’s eleven video on-demand channels, mobile Web sites, ringtones, ringbacks and wallpapers. The content will be available via Alltel’s Axcess data services.
All of NBCU’s short-form video channels including NBC News, Access Hollywood, Telemundo, mun2, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Bravo, SCI FI Channel, USA Network and digital originals from dotcomedy.com will be available to Alltel Wireless customers. Full episodes of NBC’s critically acclaimed “Friday Night Lights” will also be available on demand.
Alltel Wireless customers will also have access to NBCU’s suite of mobile Web sites. The sites include NBC Network, NBC Sports, “Heroes,” “The Office,” Bravo, MSNBC, The SCI-FI Channel and USA Network. Alltel and NBCU plan on making additional sites and content available in the future.
“NBC Universal is committed to offering its programming on a variety of platforms,” said Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette, president, NBC Universal Digital Distribution. “This agreement with Alltel provides their customers with a robust line-up of NBC Universal content, easily available to watch and view in a way that’s convenient to them.”
“The relationship with NBCU provides an amazing array of entertainment and information, right to our customers’ phones,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product management for Alltel Wireless. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with NBCU over the coming months and to offering customers even more content and choice in their wireless experience.”
Universal Remote Control, Inc., the leader in control system design and manufacturing for home and professional entertainment systems, introduces the MX-810 Pro Wizard Remote Control, bringing a new level of programming sophistication to the operation of Home Theaters.
MX-810 Pro Wizard Remote Control
Stylish and state-of-the-art, the MX-810 provides Home Theater owners and professional installers with dedicated, custom control over single-room Home Theaters or AV entertainment systems. It’s an ideal remote for single-room Home Theater systems, as well as homes with multiple AV systems and more than one remote control, as each MX-810 remains dedicated to a single room’s equipment, complete with a user-changeable label identifying the room.
The MX-810 is also pragmatic — as easy for owners to use as it is quick for installers to program, achieving a unique synergy of power and flexibility that automates and simplifies the operation of even the most complex Home Theaters.
Featuring Radio Frequency (RF) addressability and a bright, color LCD display, the MX-810’s readiness for programming allows custom installers to put any command on any LCD page, and fully personalize the screen’s iconography for any and every user. The RF capability also eliminates the need to point the remote at whatever it’s activating, or even remain in the line of sight of any equipment. It can control components up to 100 feet away from locations throughout a home, even components concealed in cabinets or behind doors.
Power Plus Compatibility
Equally important, the MX-810 is fully compatible with URC’s pioneering MSC-400 Master System Controller. The MSC-400 seamlessly harnesses the power of sophisticated home entertainment systems, providing installers with options and advantages not otherwise available. It offers triggered macros, RS-232 and relay control, video and voltage sensors, rock-solid Narrow Band RF and many more features — taming systems’ complexity, while delivering unmatched flexibility, automation power, installation speed, and diagnostic capabilities.
The remote’s addressability feature lets it communicate with a specific location or device, like the Master Controller, and comfortably co-exist with other RF remotes in a home, and AV systems in other rooms. Read the rest of this entry »
Number two video destination on the web for low quality entertainment (and we mean both visually and in content), MySpace, announced some new deals today. MySpace is upgrading its video content and has signed big names on board to make sure it has a fighting chance against Google’s number one video site, YouTube. With the upgrade, viewers will now be able to enjoy Sony Minisodes which features five-minute versions of classic television shows. Perfect for the ADD MySpace-generation of today. User-generated content and more “polished” Internet video, such as Prom Queen, from Michael Eisner’s Vuguru company, will also find its way on the MySpace video area.
We kept this short so MySpace readers wouldn’t become fatigued reading this post. We apologize for the easy-to-read format and lack of blinding colors.