Are you reading?

By Chris Scott Barr

You have to give a lot of credit to Netflix. These guys have really re-invented the way we rent movies. First with their idea to let you order movies online and have them mailed to your door. Then they decided to let you stream rentals to your computer. Now they’re offering the same streaming service to other devices like your Xbox 360 and TiVo. Today they announced the latest devices they will be invading, Sony Bravia HDTVs.

Starting this Fall, all of their new internet-enabled sets will be able to stream movies via Netflix. Older models will be able to do the same using the BRAVIA internet link module around the same time. Give it a couple of years and you won’t be able to find a new TV that doesn’t work with Netflix.

VIA [ CrunchGear ]

Related posts

• Netflix considering premium price tiers for additional streaming content? (0)
• Is Netflix PS3-bound, too? (0)
• Xbox 360 HDMI audio fix arrives tomorrow morning (0)
• Xbox 360 PS3 case many Dremel bits = PS360 (0)
• Vizio Announces TVs Packed With Facebook, Twitter and Netflix Apps (0)

Right on cue, Sharp has offered two of its new Blu-ray-equipped AQUOS HDTVs up for pre-order. The 32-inch LC-32BD60U and 37-inch LC-37BD60U both feature 1080p panels, a trio of HDMI inputs, six millisecond response times and a slot-loading Blu-ray player on the side. Best of all, the 32-incher is coming up a dollar under a grand, while the 37-inch sibling will only run you $1,199. Sure, they’re a bit pricey compared to optical drive-less alternatives, but if you’ve been holding off on simultaneously scratching the BD new TV itch, here’s your sign.

[Via GadgetReview]
Source

Related posts

• Sharp debuts Blu-ray HTIB, soundbars and iPod docks (0)
• ViewSonic ships 22-inch VT2230 1080p LCD monitor (0)
• The Dark Knight fan commentary BD-Live feature shown on video (0)
• Sony’s VAIO VGC-JS190J all-in-one PC gets reviewed (0)
• Sony expands connected BRAVIA HDTV line with new W-Series (0)

By Luke Anderson

I’m not yet a parent, but there are a few things that I’ve learned about human behavior that makes me thing that I’ll do alright. One major thing that I’ve observed is that if you tell a child that a specific action will result in a punishment, you’d better keep your word. Otherwise they will eventually learn that you are simply making empty threats, and that they can go on doing whatever they please without consequence. Believe it or not, the same thing applies with adults. If you tell them that their TV will stop working after February 17th unless they get a new TV or a converter, don’t go extending that deadline.

It appears that my words are too late, as those who have either been living under a rock, or just didn’t bother to get with the program are getting a four month reprieve. The senate has decided to postpone the digital TV transition until June 12th. They’ve been talking about this switch for years now, and I’ve been hearing about the coupon program on the very stations that will be lost for months. If you decided to wait until January to pick up a coupon (or let the one you received expire as many people have), then I have little sympathy for you. Sure, if you’ve genuinely been trying to get one for months but have run into issues, then I understand. The word is that there are currently 20 million Americans who are unprepared for the switch. If the number were down to 15 million by June I’d be shocked.

VIA [ Reuters ]

Related posts

• Senate Passes Bill To Delay DTV Transition (Again) (0)
• Senate okays digital TV transition delay to June 12th (0)
• Digital TV transition postponement all but certain (0)
• Digital Transition Back On Track For February 17 (0)
• Stimulus bill seeks plan to ensure all Americans have broadband access (0)

After some demo time with WirelessHD and founder John Marshall, it appears 2009 will finally be the year cable-free TV connections roll out in a big way. Expect products to launch towards the end of Q2, according to the Gefen rep on hand, their adapter will go into production towards the end of Q1 and hit shelves for about $700, while WirelessHD tech could add as much/little as 10% to the cost of a new TV like the demo units from LG and Panasonic. How well does it work for the money? Pretty well, with no untoward effects on the picture, and easily switching from source to source automatically. Walking between the display and source didn’t cause a problem but even millisecond-switching 60Ghz hardware was no match for being picked up and fumbled around by a photo snapping Engadget editor. Check out pics featuring Gefen (fear not, the final models will have RS-232), LG & Panasonic prototypes plus OEM hardware we’re likely to see soon in one form or another.
Gallery: Wireless HD hands-on

Related posts

• Panasonic’s ultrathin TC-P54Z1 VIERA plasma priced at $5,999.95 (0)
• Panasonic set to unveil powerline networking prototypes aplenty at CES (0)
• Panasonic launches new line of of camcorders at CES 2009 (0)
• Latest CE Pro Magazine reveals the ZeeVee ZvPro (0)
• ezGear gets in the Blu-ray game with the BluCobra Blu-ray Disc Player (0)