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Netflix and Nu Image Team for First-Run Movies
Thu Sep 09, 2010 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Netflix, Streaming Content, Industry Trends (all tags)
Even more movies will be hitting Netflix during the "pay TV" window.
The traditional flow of movies goes a little something like this. First they go to theaters, finish their run, and get released on DVD a few months later. A few weeks after the DVD release, pay TV channels like HBO get to start showing them, and then finally streaming services like Netflix get access.
The new deal between Netflix and Nu Image/Millenium Films changes that up a bit. Netflix climbs up a rung, and gets to start streaming at the same time pay channels would normally get them.
Nu Image is the company behind 'Brooklyn's Finest,' 'Righteous Kill,' and 'The Expendables.' Netflix says to expect 10 to 15 new streaming films from Nu Image per year.
Source: Market Watch
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- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Brooklyn's Finest (Blu-ray)
- Righteous Kill (Blu-ray)
Showtime is Finally Going Online
Wed May 12, 2010 at 02:00 PM ETTags: Streaming Content (all tags)
"There’s nothing to announce at this time," says spokeswoman, but sources say it's coming soon.
If you're an HBO subscriber, you already know the joy of getting your content anywhere you please. The same goes with Epix, but it's not until recently that Showtime has started talking about taking content online.
The site will offer content in a way similar to that of rival HBO. You'll be able to access shows and movies online, provided you're a Showtime subscriber. It's a little late in coming, but web based Showtime content is on the way.
There's no set date for the launch yet, and exactly what content will be available is a mystery. It'd be great to have shows like 'Weeds' and 'Californication' available on the same day as they air.
Jeff Bewkes of Time Warner, the folks who own HBO, called out HBO's site and wide range of content availability as an attraction for customers. "All the HBO subscribers in the United States are going to have HBO programming on demand across every device," he said, "That is a powerful offering."
Source: Business Week
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- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Weeds: Season Four (Blu-ray)
CES 2010: Hands on with ActiveVideo’s CloudTV
Fri Jan 08, 2010 at 01:34 PM ETTags: CES 2010, ActiveVideo, CloudTV, Streaming Content (all tags)
ActiveVideo isn’t a content provider, and they’re not selling a set-top box. You can think of them more as a distribution network like Boxee. The difference is that with ActiveVideo, you don’t need an external box or HTPC. You just need to access the cloud.
Cloud computing has been around for a while, and has been predicted since long before the internet saw its rise. The concept is simple. Rather than buying a hefty computer to crunch data, you use your computer as a terminal to access a much more powerful machine elsewhere. Many people have used cloud storage to back up files and share data. It’s an exciting concept, but admittedly not the most entertaining application.
It’s only recently that our connection speeds have advanced to the point that the cloud concept can be used for entertainment. Games like Quake Live utilize a bit of the concept, but aren’t entirely cloud based. Netflix is great example of a cloud like video service, but it’s not quite there.
I sat down with ActiveVideo’s Edgar Villalpando for a demonstration of the CloudTV service that’s already active in over five million homes worldwide. The setup they used consisted of the flat screen LCD that comes standard in the suites where we were meeting and a small box to allow the device to connect to the service. While CloudTV was created to work with ‘dumb’ TVs, it does need an internet connection and a small amount of storage space to function, which is what the box provided.
We started by taking a look at some of the content offered by Blockbuster, the newest partner of CloudTV. I was able to browse through menus quickly, with a minimum of latency, and video previews loaded instantly. Even the Blockbuster service itself started in a second or two.
Of course, video streaming isn’t the only possibility. Thanks to a partnership with TAG, gaming is a possibility as well. We rocked out a few rounds of Bejeweled with the slightest of latency, and even attempted Bookworm Adventures, but without a QWERTY remote it proved to be a bit of a challenge.
CloudTV achieves this by using a flat screen display as just that – a display. The Blockbuster program isn’t actually on the television, just the video stream. The only data being sent out is the buttons pressed on the remote, and the only data received is the MPEG video stream.
We did run into a few minor issues with button presses during the games which weren’t noticeable when browsing the video menus. For example, a directional button would every once in a great while move twice for each time it was pressed, or not detect the command.
While this does bring up some questions, it’s important to keep in mind that the demo wasn’t given under optimal conditions. We were using a standard television remote to play games, which is never optimal, and going through the hotel’s internet connection.
We finished up the demo with a bit of YouTube browsing. It was quick to search and load video when we knew what we were looking for, and even trying to find the right version of Apache to load up and laugh at only took a moment. Remember, there’s a nice server somewhere taking care of the search and processing the video, we’re just seeing what it sees.
With all the available providers – Netflix, Vudu, Blockbuster, and Amazon just to name a few – and the massive amount of streaming devices that have hit the market in the last year, you might think that CloudTV was simply another one of those. Another video service, another streaming device, another set top that doesn’t quite do everything.
ActiveVideo doesn’t see devices like the Boxee Box as competition, but as opportunities. “If Boxee wants to offload the processing on their end to us, that’s great,” explained Edgar. “We’re not trying to compete with them.”
The advantage to the consumer is obvious. CloudTV’s interface takes up around 200k worth of space on your device’s hard drive, and only needs a standard broadband connection. Offloading the processing to a server means that you don’t need to buy a hugely powerful television to get streaming content, just a TV that’s net capable.
Content providers have an easier time in the cloud as well. Netflix, for example, has to create a new application each time their service is added to a device. With CloudTV, they can simply create one service that anyone can use.
The possibilities of CloudTV are astounding, but it’s got to get to the public to mean anything at all. ActiveVideo is currently in talks with consumer electronics manufacturers and cable companies alike. They plan to be in ten million homes by the end of the year.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
CES 2010: Hands on with ActiveVideo’s CloudTV
Fri Jan 08, 2010 at 01:34 PM ETTags: CES 2010, ActiveVideo, CloudTV, Streaming Content (all tags)
ActiveVideo isn’t a content provider, and they’re not selling a set-top box. You can think of them more as a distribution network like Boxee. The difference is that with ActiveVideo, you don’t need an external box or HTPC. You just need to access the cloud.
Cloud computing has been around for a while, and has been predicted since long before the internet saw its rise. The concept is simple. Rather than buying a hefty computer to crunch data, you use your computer as a terminal to access a much more powerful machine elsewhere. Many people have used cloud storage to back up files and share data. It’s an exciting concept, but admittedly not the most entertaining application.
It’s only recently that our connection speeds have advanced to the point that the cloud concept can be used for entertainment. Games like Quake Live utilize a bit of the concept, but aren’t entirely cloud based. Netflix is great example of a cloud like video service, but it’s not quite there.
I sat down with ActiveVideo’s Edgar Villalpando for a demonstration of the CloudTV service that’s already active in over five million homes worldwide. The setup they used consisted of the flat screen LCD that comes standard in the suites where we were meeting and a small box to allow the device to connect to the service. While CloudTV was created to work with ‘dumb’ TVs, it does need an internet connection and a small amount of storage space to function, which is what the box provided.
We started by taking a look at some of the content offered by Blockbuster, the newest partner of CloudTV. I was able to browse through menus quickly, with a minimum of latency, and video previews loaded instantly. Even the Blockbuster service itself started in a second or two.
Of course, video streaming isn’t the only possibility. Thanks to a partnership with TAG, gaming is a possibility as well. We rocked out a few rounds of Bejeweled with the slightest of latency, and even attempted Bookworm Adventures, but without a QWERTY remote it proved to be a bit of a challenge.
CloudTV achieves this by using a flat screen display as just that – a display. The Blockbuster program isn’t actually on the television, just the video stream. The only data being sent out is the buttons pressed on the remote, and the only data received is the MPEG video stream.
We did run into a few minor issues with button presses during the games which weren’t noticeable when browsing the video menus. For example, a directional button would every once in a great while move twice for each time it was pressed, or not detect the command.
While this does bring up some questions, it’s important to keep in mind that the demo wasn’t given under optimal conditions. We were using a standard television remote to play games, which is never optimal, and going through the hotel’s internet connection.
We finished up the demo with a bit of YouTube browsing. It was quick to search and load video when we knew what we were looking for, and even trying to find the right version of Apache to load up and laugh at only took a moment. Remember, there’s a nice server somewhere taking care of the search and processing the video, we’re just seeing what it sees.
With all the available providers – Netflix, Vudu, Blockbuster, and Amazon just to name a few – and the massive amount of streaming devices that have hit the market in the last year, you might think that CloudTV was simply another one of those. Another video service, another streaming device, another set top that doesn’t quite do everything.
ActiveVideo doesn’t see devices like the Boxee Box as competition, but as opportunities. “If Boxee wants to offload the processing on their end to us, that’s great,” explained Edgar. “We’re not trying to compete with them.”
The advantage to the consumer is obvious. CloudTV’s interface takes up around 200k worth of space on your device’s hard drive, and only needs a standard broadband connection. Offloading the processing to a server means that you don’t need to buy a hugely powerful television to get streaming content, just a TV that’s net capable.
Content providers have an easier time in the cloud as well. Netflix, for example, has to create a new application each time their service is added to a device. With CloudTV, they can simply create one service that anyone can use.
The possibilities of CloudTV are astounding, but it’s got to get to the public to mean anything at all. ActiveVideo is currently in talks with consumer electronics manufacturers and cable companies alike. They plan to be in ten million homes by the end of the year.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
Sony Adds Netflix Streaming To PlayStation 3
Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 02:00 PM ETTags: PlayStation 3, Netflix, Streaming Content (all tags)
Sony has announced that PS3 users will soon have access to the popular Netflix streaming service through the use of BD-Live.
Fans of the PlayStation 3 just got another bragging point, as Sony has announced that Netflix will be available as soon as next month. There’s a bit of a catch though. Rather than being able to access the service through the systems menu thanks to a system update like the rival Xbox 360, PlayStation owners will need to access the service through BD-Live.
Netflix will provide Blu-ray discs free to subscribers who can reserve the discs now at Netflix.com/PS3. Streaming will be available at the standard $8.99 price. Netflix is hoping to echo the surge in memberships seen after the addition of the service to the Xbox, but with a few extra dollars tacked on to each one for Blu-ray rentals.
Sony’s press release states “Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members.” This wording may indicate that a firmware update or installation disc may be in the works and that the BD Live streaming may only be a temporary solution.
Source: Press ReleaseSee what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
Sony Adds Netflix Streaming To PlayStation 3
Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 02:00 PM ETTags: PlayStation 3, Netflix, Streaming Content (all tags)
Sony has announced that PS3 users will soon have access to the popular Netflix streaming service through the use of BD-Live.
Fans of the PlayStation 3 just got another bragging point, as Sony has announced that Netflix will be available as soon as next month. There’s a bit of a catch though. Rather than being able to access the service through the systems menu thanks to a system update like the rival Xbox 360, PlayStation owners will need to access the service through BD-Live.
Netflix will provide Blu-ray discs free to subscribers who can reserve the discs now at Netflix.com/PS3. Streaming will be available at the standard $8.99 price. Netflix is hoping to echo the surge in memberships seen after the addition of the service to the Xbox, but with a few extra dollars tacked on to each one for Blu-ray rentals.
Sony’s press release states “Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members.” This wording may indicate that a firmware update or installation disc may be in the works and that the BD Live streaming may only be a temporary solution.
Source: Press ReleaseSee what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
Samsung Adds Amazon and Blockbuster Support
Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 12:00 PM ETTags: Samsung, Amazon, Blockbuster, Streaming Content (all tags)
Samsung has officially released the new firmware for their TVs, HTiBs, and Blu-ray players, which will enable access to Blockbuster and Amazon’s digital delivery services.
Getting added value out of already purchased products feels so nice. Samsung’s definitely upped the ante by adding the pair of services to a fairly wide range of devices.
Owners of Samsung Plasma Series 650 and above, as well as those having LEDs Series 7000 and above will now have access to Amazon’s Video on Demand service through an Internet@TV widget. This addition gives customers access to over 50,000 movies and television shows available for on demand rental or purchase. Over 2,000 of the titles are in high definition, and all can be viewed not only from the TV, but from computers and other compatible devices.
Blockbuster On Demand has been added to the same line of TVs as Amazon’s service, but also to Samsung BD -P1600, BD-P3600 and BD-P4600 Blu-ray players and Samsung Blu-ray integrated Home Theater Systems HT-BD1250, HT-BD3252, HT-BD7200 and HT-BD8200. In a case of “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” Blockbuster will begin carrying Samsung’s capable Blu-ray players in their stores.
Source: Press Release (Amazon, Blockbuster)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
Streaming Video Featured on Sharp’s Aquos Blu-ray Player
Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:00 PM ETTags: Sharp, Streaming Content, Product Announcements (all tags)
Retailing at $379, Sharp’s BD-HP52U features Deep Color, BD-Live, and a streaming video service yet to be announced.
There’s a bit of mystery around the details of Sharp’s BD-HP52U. The latest Blu-ray player announced by the company, the HP52U is touted as having a great many features including premium streaming video. However, the “premium streaming video provider” is yet to be announced.
The BD-HP52U isn’t a bad BD player on its own, featuring 1080/24p output and x.v. color. The player also supports Deep Color for a superior color quality.
From an audio standpoint the BD-HP52U is fairly capable as well, featuring HQ Audio Circuits that deliver 7.1 channel sound through HDMI. The player supports HD audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio as well as Dolby Digital Plus.
The player launches in October and has, as of now, no announced streaming service. Sharp is quick to mention that they will be naming a service by the end of the month.
Source: Press Release
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
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