Amazon is reportedly preparing to bundlestreaming movie content with its Prime subscription service, in an attempt to better take on Netflix in the US. According to the FT‘s sources, the web retailer has been readying the streaming system for some time now; rather than pushing individual rentals, as the current Amazon Video On Demand system offers, it will follow a subscription-based pattern with unlimited access to movies and TV shows.
Amazon Prime currently offers unlimited fast shipping on purchases, for a flat fee of $79 per year. It is currently available in the US, UK, Germany, France and Japan; Amazon recently purchased European rental and streaming company LoveFilm in a $200m deal that will see the retailer gain an instant catalog of licensed titles to distribute.
Whether or not that acquisition heralds the start of an Amazon Prime streaming bundle in Europe as well remains to be seen.
The promised Boxee Netflix app – which the streaming media company had previously said would be released by the end of January – is once again delayed. According to the Boxee blog, the Netflix app works but has “not yet satisfied Netflix’s security requirements.”
Boxee doesn’t have a timeline for the release, but according to marketing lead Andrew Kippen the company is meeting with Netflix on Wednesday and hopes to have “a better idea” at the end of this week about what’s happening. The issue appears to center around DRM, and how secure Netflix believes its feeds are when they reach the Linux-based Boxee Box.
Video games are more like movies than ever before. Studios are spending boatloads of cash to get epic games on store shelves, and along the way, they’re making stories more engaging and dramatic. A key component in a developer’s ability to create a more cinematic experience is the use of cutscenes. Just about every game nowadays starts out with a cutscene to break gamers into the title and ends with a cutscene to close out the story. Most titles also have scenes sprinkled throughout to add a bit more color.
I’ve always been fond of cutscenes. I enjoy the opportunity to learn more about characters than I otherwise would without cutscenes, and I typically find them useful for relaxing my hands or running to the kitchen to get a drink between the action.
But there is a limit to what I’m comfortable sitting through.
As anyone who has played Metal Gear Solid titles knows, cutscenes can be a nightmare. Games in that franchise make you sit for an inordinate chunk of time listening to characters interact on topics you just don’t care about in most cases.
I’m fine with the few seconds, and can even live with a cutscene that lasts a few minutes. But once a game hits the 10-minute threshold, I’ve checked out. And I’m left wondering why I didn’t just watch the shows I had DVR’d rather than sit through the typically boring cutscene.
Realizing that, I wasn’t too happy to hear that Dragon Age 2 might be overrun with cutscenes. In fact, the BBFC in the UK revealed this week that the title will have 103 minutes of cutscenes when it launches.
Maybe it’s just me, but having 103 minutes of cutscenes in a video game sounds excessive.
When I play a game, I’ve made the conscious decision to not watch a movie or television show. I’ve decided I want to do something active while I sit on the couch rather than shovel popcorn into my mouth. I don’t want to think that I’ll have the opportunity to actually play Dragon Age 2 and then get stuck sitting through several cutscenes as the finite amount of time I have each night to play a video game ticks and tocks away.
If Dragon Age 2 had about 30 to 40 minutes of scenes, I’d be happy. But once a title hits over an hour and goes to nearly two hours, I’m annoyed.
Believe it or not, I’m not impatient. I simply feel that nearly two hours of cinematic content over the course of the several hours the game lasts will take me out of the experience of playing the title. Worst of all, so much cutscene content could make the game feel choppy.
So, let’s hope Dragon Age 2 offers the ability to skip scenes. If not, I doubt I’ll complete it.
Want a new, OS X based media center experience but can’t be bothered putting it all together yourself? OWC is pleased to exchange your money for convenience with the OWC Media Center Solution for the 2010 Mac mini, comprising a pre-upgraded Mac mini, up to 12TB of storage in an external RAID 5 enclosure, various digital TV tuner options and Plex preinstalled.
Plex is a free media player app that allows you to use either an Apple remote or an iOS device running the free controller software to record live TV and manage a library of downloaded and ripped content. In fact, with OWC’s setup you can apparently easily rip DVDs to the Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 RAID enclosure.
Availability is pegged for the end of January, with OWC planning to announce pricing at the same time. Options will range from 4TB – up to 2,045hrs of DVD-quality footage – to 12TB – 6,145hrs – and OWC will also offer Blu-ray too.
Press Release:
OWC Unveils Industry’s First Plug And Play Three Screen Home Theater Media Center Solution For 2010 Mac mini At Macworld Expo 2011
Pre-configures 2010 Mac mini as home entertainment media server with first three screen (PC, TV, mobile) interface that simplifies and improves how content is viewed and managed across multiple devices
Options include enough capacity to hold up to 6,145 hours of DVD quality movies with Mercury Pro Qx2 RAID storage solutions up to 12TB – – and the ability to make copies of purchased CD/DVD/Blu-ray media with OWC’s Slim portable bus-powered drive
Complete bundled solution includes RAM upgrade to 4GB, HDMI A/V cables, Elgato EyeTV tuner or DVR recorder, and Apple Remote
January 27, 2011 San Francisco, CA — Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions Mac® and PC technology company, announced today its new OWC Media Center Solution for the 2010 Mac mini to address the growing need of consumers wanting to search, navigate, consume, store/backup, and sync digital content from multiple content sources and devices with one easy to use solution. The OWC Media Center Solution includes installing the Plex digital media management platform onto a customer’s 2010 Mac mini, upgrading the mini with 4GB of OWC RAM, and bundling all the necessary hardware – including an OWC Mercury Pro™ Qx2 storage solution, OWC Slim portable CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc burner, Elgato EyeTV Hybrid tuner or HD DVR, and Apple Remote – to deliver a complete and hassle-free Plug and Play Mac mini based home theatre/entertainment solution. OWC will be demonstrating the new OWC Media Center Solution and other first-to-market products, like the OWC Mercury Aura Pro SSDs for MacBook Air models, in booth #513 at the Macworld Expo, which begins today in San Francisco, California.
Access And Manage Content Anywhere With Any iOS Device
At the heart of the OWC Media Center Solution is Plex, the first open three screen (PC, TV, mobile) media platform designed to simplify and improve the way people view and manage personal, commercial and streaming content sources across a variety of connected devices. With Plex installed, Mac mini owners can watch videos, access their music library, and control their Plex media manager at home with the included Apple Remote or while mobile with any iOS Device with the Plex iOS application installed.
Plug And Play Media Organization And Storage
The OWC Media Center Solution offers pre-configured Plug and Play organization and high performance storage of all your digital media, whether from local drives, network shares, optical media, and/or the Internet in one, easy to use application without having to install any additional third party plug-ins or programs. Because it requires virtually no hardware, networking, or home theater knowledge, the OWC Media Center Solution ensures even the most novice Mac mini user will able to access their favorite TV programs, movies, photos, and more with the intuitive, yet visually striking interface that compliments the home theatre experience.
Streams Free Media For Greater Viewing Options
Obtaining new content from free online sources with the OWC Media Center Solution is easy too. With the Plex App Store, a built-in library of free third-party plug ins, users can expand their media viewing choices by streaming content from websites like Apple Trailers, Hulu™, Joost™, Netflix®, Pitchfork™, Vimeo®, and YouTube™.
Backup And Save Content
With the included OWC Mercury Pro Qx2 storage solution, users can save up to 12TB of content – enough space for up to 6,145 hours of DVD quality movies – backed up by the safety of RAID 5. And with the optional OWC Slim portable, bus-powered CD/DVD/Blu-ray optical drive and the included MakeMKV application, users can make backups of purchased DVD and Blu-ray media and convert the files for use on any iOS and Android based device.
Watch And Record TV In High Def
Watching and recording TV with a Mac mini has never been easier than it is with Elgato EyeTV products. The OWC Media Center Solution offers a choice of either an EyeTV Hybrid to watch and record cable and broadcast TV channels broadcast in standard definition and unencrypted HD; or an EyeTV HD DVR for capturing up to 1080i HD from a cable or satellite receiver with component video connections. Once a program is recorded, it can be exported to the OWC Mercury Pro Qx2 for permanent storage and later viewing.
Live Product Demos Presented At Macworld Expo
The OWC Media Center Solution for 2010 Mac mini will be demonstrated live at the Macworld Expo in OWC’s booth #513. Pricing and ordering information for the custom configured bundle for 2010 Mac mini, which will include a 48 business hours or less installation turnaround, various shipping options, and OWC’s renowned warranty coverage; will be announced by the end of January. For additional OWC Media Center Solution details and answers to commonly asked set-up and usage questions, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/turnkey/Mac_Mini_Media_Center/AV
For more information on the OWC catalog of over 2,900 performance upgrades and accessories, or for reseller inquires, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/.
“By creating a comprehensive, yet option rich bundle and configuration service, we eliminated all the hassle of incorporating a 2010 Mac mini into a home theatre system,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing. “This is the ideal solution for managing and viewing personal and public content whether it be a single user or an entire family with multiple devices.”
The OWC Media Center Solution Includes:
OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 storage solution in choice of 4TB, 8TB, and 12TB models pre-set with folders linked to Plex Media Server.
Optional OWC Slim portable, bus-powered CD/DVD/Blu-ray optical drive
HDMI audio and video connection cables
Apple remote control
Quick Start guide
Choice of:
o Elgato EyeTV Hybrid TV tuner stick for watching and recording cable and broadcast TV channels broadcast in standard definition and unencrypted HD.
o Elgato EyeTV HD digital video recorder (DVR) for connecting directly to a cable or satellite receiver to capture premium programming in full HD.
Hulu is reportedly facing a cull on its free content, with Fox and ABC both considering pulling some of their shows in an attempt to make more money through paid subscriptions. According to the WSJ‘s sources, Hulu’s management may reposition the service as an “online cable operator” which would use IPTV to deliver live TV and video-on-demand, similar to channel bundles currently offered by cable and other operators.
Meanwhile, ABC has reportedly been covertly building a Hulu-style content delivery service for which it could control any subscription element. While it’s unconfirmed whether the system will commercially launch, it’s expected to mirror the shows Hulu offers, potentially undermining Hulu’s position in the market.
Should Hulu go ahead with the virtual cable proposal, some element of free-to-view service is expected to remain, but it’s not clear whether it would be to the same extent as is currently offered. Hulu Plus, the subscription-based side of Hulu – which offers broader access to back-catalogs of shows – might be folded into the new proposal as well.
Microsoft’s plans for IPTV and set-top boxes continue to trickle out, with the latest batch of rumors suggesting it’s Mediaroom which will be at the heart of the system. Mediaroom is Microsoft’s IPTV platform, licensed out to various carriers and TV/video service providers, and part of the company’s Interactive Entertainment Business division; according to ZDNet‘s sources, not only is Microsoft working on a Windows Phone Mediaroom client, the company is also believed to be developing a Silverlight build for Mediaroom (codenamed “Taos”), a tie-in between Mediaroom and Windows Media Center (codenamed “Monaco”) and maybe even a “Santa Fe” Mediaroom/Silverlight STB.
Meanwhile there’s an ongoing project to develop a Silverlight system-on-a-chip (SoC) implementation, which could potentially form the basis of a STB like Santa Fe, or indeed a Blu-ray player or HDTV. Microsoft has confirmed that “the Silverlight team is still actively working with a variety of key partners on SOCs” but will only say that it has “no new information to share at this time.”
Meanwhile, a new job advert for a Software Development Engineer on the Silverlight for Devices team calls for someone interested in taking “the great product that Silverlight has become and take it to a new space of TVs, Autos, Tablets, iPhones, Set Top Boxes, XBOX, and a host of other devices”:
“Internet TV is taking over the traditional TV steadily. One of the Microsoft mission goals is to provide a TV solution. Consumer media device (CMD) is one of the exciting products we are currently working on and we are looking for strong SDET to come in and help us deliver this product. The project vision is ‘Windows Embedded Powers TV worldwide’ and our mission is to provide both broadcast & internet content to meet future demands of consumer media devices.” Microsoft job advert
It’s unclear at this stage whether Microsoft envisages a STB running a Silverlight-powered Mediaroom, a version of the platform which runs on the SoC powering the Xbox 360, or OEM STBs and A/V devices hooked into an overall ecosystem of IPTV that can be accessed on PCs, Windows Phone devices and more.
A wire to your woofer is something best avoided if at all possible, at least that’s what Atlantic Technology believes, hence their WA-50 Wireless Audio System. Intended to make subwoofer setup – or indeed multi-room audio installations – more straightforward, the WA-50 can squirt an RCA output wirelessly up to 150 feet (or double that with line of sight) or hook up to your computer and transmit your digital music collection to nearby speakers.
Thanks to three transmission frequencies up to three zones can be supported, and the number of receivers is only limited by your wallet. If you’ve got an A/V receiver which supports multiple simultaneous outputs, but you’ve been put off a multi-room setup because of the hassle of stringing cables around, this could be a pretty straightforward way of doing it.
A starter pack with transmitter, receiver, UDB Cable, and RCA input and output cables is available now, priced at $199; additional WA-50 receivers (with the necessary cables) are $89 each.
Press Release:
Atlantic Technology Debuts Wireless Audio Solutions for Subwoofers and Remote Zones
NORWOOD, MA, Jan 25, 2011 — Atlantic Technology, one of America’s most respected manufacturers of loudspeakers and custom installation solutions, has introduced its WA-50 Wireless Audio System, which can transmit a full-range stereo signal wirelessly up to 150 feet, or 300 feet line-of-sight, and with no time delay or interference. The WA-50 system can accommodate three zones and eliminates the need for long runs of RCA cable for powered subwoofers or remote amplified speaker systems.
“We think custom installers are really going to appreciate the WA-50 wireless audio system,” said Steve Feinstein, Director of Marketing and Product Development, Atlantic Technology. “Installers and end users alike are always looking for a way to eliminate those unsightly long runs of RCA cables. Now they have a quality solution. The WA-50 also has applications for rear surround channels, remote Zones, and outdoor speakers.”
The Atlantic Technology WA-50 wireless audio system is incredibly easy to set up and use. Up to three WA-50 transmitters and an unlimited number of receivers can be used in a system. Simply connect the WA-50 transmitter to the desired RCA audio outputs, and the WA-50 receiver to the RCA line inputs of a powered subwoofer or powered speaker system. Both the transmitter and receiver have a three-position switch that assigns each pairing to either Zone 1, Zone 2, or Zone 3.
The WA-50 can also be connected to your PC or Macintosh using a supplied USB cable interface. This allows the WA-50 to transmit music from the computer to your high-end audio system or to a portable audio system by the pool for parties.
The Atlantic Technology WA-50 Wireless Audio System, consisting of a transmitter, receiver, UDB Cable, and RCA input and output cables, is now available for a suggested retail price of $199, with additional WA-50 receivers and output cables available for $89 each.
From its inception in 1989, Atlantic Technology’s mission has been to produce home entertainment products that exemplify the very best in both performance and value. The company specializes in complete high-performance multi-channel speaker systems, state-of-the-art home theater electronics components, and products for custom audio/video installation. For more information on Atlantic Technology and its many fine products for home theater and custom audio/video installation, visit www.atlantictechnology.com or call 781-762-6300.
Gaming download store Direct2Drive has begun offering game rentals, though the system isn’t quite so advanced as OnLive. Rather than the games playing remotely on a server and you simply streaming the play to your PC, Direct2Drive’s titles download in full each time, and then DRM causes them to expire at the end of 5hrs gameplay. It’s not the only drawback with the service, either.
As well as being a little on the expensive side – $5 for 5hrs – the service only currently offers a catalog of three titles: Grid, Divinity 2, and Silent Hill: Homecoming. Still, if you later decide you want to keep the game, Direct2Drive will knock the $5 off the purchase price. We’d recommend shopping around first, but if you simply have to try a title – and assuming Direct2Drive bulk up the catalog – this could be a straightforward way of doing it.
TiVo and Charter Communications have announced plans for a next-gen TV system, which will bundle traditional cable and IPTV services. On offer later in 2011, the system will begin with the TiVo Premiere DVR – including the companion iPad app – and then be followed with multi-room playback and non-DVR receivers.
From the off, Charter will offer the TiVo Premiere for regular DVR recording together with access to the cable company’s on-demand TV catalog. The Premier UI will incorporate both the traditional system and any IPTV on offer from the new partnership, as well as online streaming video in a similar manner to Google TV.
After that will come “new devices, features, and third party applications” all using TiVo’s search/navigation/discovery engine, in an ecosystem which Charter is hoping will be somewhat easier to use than having dozens of different STBs. No word at this stage on what the Charter TiVo Premiere will cost.
Press Release:
Charter Announces Next Generation TV Strategy With TiVo
Charter and TiVo Enter Into Strategic Relationship to Deliver Innovative IP Enabled Video Platform
ST. LOUIS, MO and ALVISO, CA, Jan 24, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) and TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), today announced that Charter is setting its strategy for the next generation of television into motion with TiVo Inc. Charter and TiVo have finalized a multi-year agreement that will leverage the TiVo user interface to bring a new and enhanced entertainment experience to customers using a hybrid platform that leverages traditional cable and next generation IP technologies. Through this agreement, Charter is making a significant commitment to deploy the TiVo service to enable an enhanced television experience for consumers.
The initial phase, which is expected to launch in Charter markets later this year, will utilize TiVo’s latest generation high definition user interface and TiVo(R) Premiere set top box, as well as upcoming multi-room and non-DVR platforms. Beyond the initial phase, the strategy will encompass next generation platforms that will expand the service with new devices, features, and third party applications — all enhanced by TiVo’s highly regarded discovery, search, navigation and recommendation features which allow Charter customers to experience the best of traditional and next generation television, including linear TV, video on demand, vast libraries of Internet-delivered video and IP applications.
Consumer electronics research indicates rapidly increasing numbers of Internet-connected devices in the home, and Charter is developing the strategic means to become the advanced television solutions provider for customers, bringing simplicity to the increasing complexity of home communications and entertainment. This new generation of television service will complement Charter Internet and wireless home networking services.
“We’re integrating formerly disparate worlds of traditional television and online content, and making it simple for customers to quickly find the content they’re looking for, as well as greatly expand their entertainment choices,” said Mike Lovett, Charter’s President and CEO. “Our strategic relationship with TiVo is a significant step in Charter’s multi-year effort to become the solutions provider for home entertainment and consumer information technology. With our superior IP infrastructure, we’re leading the way with TiVo to create a user-friendly entertainment experience that leverages an open standards platform to enable IP content and bring a whole new world of applications to the television.”
Tom Rogers, President and CEO of TiVo Inc., added, “We are thrilled to have been selected by Charter for its next generation video platform, which builds on the distribution momentum we saw throughout 2010 for our products. Charter’s strategic direction is highly aligned with the way we see consumer entertainment demands evolving. We believe Charter is uniquely positioned to offer consumers a ground breaking video service combining the best of traditional cable television with the dynamic world of Internet delivered video. We are pleased to offer a solution that seamlessly delivers DVR based video on demand, traditional network based video on demand, and the newest in broadband to the TV video on demand. While numerous consumer electronic players point to so called connected experiences on various platforms, our relationship with Charter underscores our mutual recognition of the importance of a fully integrated user experience in building a video platform that truly unifies all available content in a world of rapidly expanding choices for the consumer.”
The following features are planned for the initial product:
– TiVo’s high-definition user interface including integrated search:
Instantly scans across all channels and sources, including TV, VOD,
and available online content, to help find what customers want to
watch
– Web applications: Allows customers to access local news, sports and
weather, as well as Facebook and Twitter(TM) updates, right from the
TV
– OnDemand: Offers access to thousands of hours of video from Charter’s
OnDemand library, including 900+ high-definition titles
– Online: Internet video from top destinations
– iPad app: Serves as command central, with an ability to browse the
program guide and recorded shows, schedule recordings, post on
Facebook or Twitter, schedule, search and browse for shows from
anywhere, and much more
– Control live TV: Allows pause, rewind, slow-motion, and instant replay
functions during live TV
– Multiroom DVR: View a common list of recordings and playback recorded
content throughout the home, pause a recorded program in one room and
resume playback in another, use trick-play functions on recorded
content and delete recordings from any room*
– Remote Management: Search and schedule recordings from the Web or from
a mobile phone
– TiVoToGo(TM) transfers: Transfer photos and movies from a personal
computer to the TiVo Premiere, for viewing on the TV set; or from the
TiVo Premiere to a laptop, media device, or smart phone, for viewing
outside the home*
– Automatic recordings: Records favorite shows each week with Season
Pass(R) recordings on the TiVo Premiere. In addition,
WishList(R) searches will find and record suggested programs based
on customer interests
– Content storage: Records up to 45 hours of high-definition (HD)
programming or up to 400 hours of standard-definition programming –
equivalent to more than 16 days of content
– Full HD support: Offers full support for 1080p and 1080i HD formats
*Only video programming without copy restrictions may be transferred using multi-room viewing or TiVoToGo.
I’m a firm believer in Google TV. I think the platform has more promise than any other software running on set-top boxes today. With the right vision and some fulfilment on promises Google has made in the past, I think it’s quite possible for the company’s platform to entirely change the way we enjoy entertainment in the living room.
But in its current form, Google TV isn’t there. Content providers aren’t playing nice with Google and running the platform in tandem with your cable provider’s DVR won’t deliver the same appeal that DISH customers enjoy. I view the software more as a proof-of-concept than a nicely thought-out implementation.
Realizing that, I just can’t see why Logitech continues to sell its Revue set-top box for a whopping $300. Yes, I know that it’s running Google TV, and the platform can do more than, say, the software running on the $99 Apple TV, but it’s clear now that the excitement everyone had about Google TV has died down. And it’s being viewed as what it really is: an under-performing entertainment platform.
As far as I’m concerned, the Logitech Revue should be selling for $150 at most. At that price, the company will be able to drum up some demand for the device, hopefully get most of its investment back, and at least have an installed base in place for when Google gets serious about its platform.
But the need for a price cut goes beyond demand.
Earlier this month, Vizio, currently the second-largest TV maker in the U.S., announced that it will offer Google TV in some of its sets going forward. In addition, reports surfaced last week claiming ARM-based Google TV devices are scheduled to launch “soon.” With the help of ARM, vendors should be able to offer lower-cost technology, pushing down the average price of Google TV products.
Logitech continues to feel pressure outside of the Google TV market, as well.
Apple announced in December that it hit 1 million unit sales of its Apple TV. The figure isn’t staggering, but it effectively highlights that the platform is catching on. And let’s face it: Logitech doesn’t enjoy the same brand recognition that Apple does.
Moreover, Roku’s set-top boxes, which can be purchased for as little as $60, continue to sell well.
So, I’m a little confused by Logitech’s insistence on maintaining its $300 price tag on the Revue. I understand that it wants to get every last dime out of its investment and I think it believes that the device will offer more value when Google updates its platform, but by then will it be too late? At least right now, the Revue is somewhat new and relevant. In a few months, it could be just another forgotten toy that failed to catch on with the mainstream.
Say what you will about Logitech and the future of home entertainment, but unless the company starts realizing that it’s not as well-positioned as it could be, and it understands that the competition is offering cheaper and more compelling alternatives, it simply won’t see success in the set-top box space.
Amazon is reportedly preparing to bundlestreaming movie content with its Prime subscription service, in an attempt to better take on Netflix in the US. According to the FT‘s sources, the web retailer has been readying the streaming system for some time now; rather than pushing individual rentals, as the current Amazon Video On Demand system offers, it will follow a subscription-based pattern with unlimited access to movies and TV shows.
