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Verizon Patents a DVR That Watches You[teaser]The device uses a microphone and camera to track your actions for advertising purposes. [/teaser] We've all heard that old conspiracy theory that the government watches us through our TVs but, up until recently, the technology hasn't even been in place to allow that. Verizon's new patent reveals that it's not necessarily the government that wants to spy on our personal habits – it’s the advertisers. Verizon's patented DVR includes both a camera and a microphone so that your activities can be monitored. The DVR is programmed to recognize certain behaviors and target advertising to those participating in them. The patent suggests two such options. The sounds of an argument could prompt ads for marriage counseling while sounds of "cuddling" – the parentheses are theirs – would trigger ads for contraceptives. Verizon isn't the first company to patent this kind of products, but like Comcast and Google before them, they've yet to actually turn it into a real thing. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Dec 11, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Upgrades 1080p Encoding for More Detail at Lower Bitrates[teaser]Some users, however, are reporting a softer picture from the new encoding. [/teaser] If you're a Netflix user, you may have noticed a change to the top-tier of HD streaming. The former top tier, known as X-High, has now been downgraded and another has taken its place. Netflix says that the new encoding allows for "a better picture quality at a lower bitrate," and that you'll find additional detail in things like trees, shadows, skies and faces. The company also says that thanks to the lower bitrate, those with slower internet connections will be able to enjoy HD. Some users, however, have reported that they're seeing a softer picture than they used to. If you've noticed a change, for better or for worse, hit up the forums and let us know. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Dec 11, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Highlights for December 11th, 2012This week's Blu-ray releases bring us an eclectic mix of content, from foul-mouthed teddy bears to deadly spy assassins and adorable prehistoric rodents. Join us in the blog today to tell us which discs you'll spend your money on.Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012 at 06:15 AM PST by: -
'Tyler Perry's Madea Gets a Job' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The crazy old lady with a heart of gold will be back on Blu-ray this February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate says 'Tyler Perry's Madea Gets a Job' is coming to high-definition on February 5. Tyler Perry's new musical stage play stars the infamous Mabel "Madea" Simmons. When a judge orders Madea to do 20 hours of community service at a local retirement home, the residents and staff are not ready for Madea's brand of "the truth", but all is well that ends well when Madea helps the residents of Easy Rest Retirement Home realize the importance of family, love and forgiveness. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Behind the Curtain with the cast of Madea Gets a Job. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Tyler Perry's Madea Gets a Job' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 5.Posted Mon Dec 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Silicon Image is Bringing Wireless HDMI to Tablets and Smartphones[teaser]According to the company, the chip needed will only cost around $10. [/teaser] While we do currently have the ability to send video from our phones to our TVs there isn't yet a truly elegant way to do so. We're limited to either plugging the phone in to the TV or dealing with a sub-par wireless connection that lacks in terms of quality. Silicon Image says that its new UltraGig 6400 WirlessHD transmitter is capable of granting wireless streaming from a phone to a TV at high quality. The chip itself is just 10mm by 7mm and takes up less power than most phone displays when in use. Silicon Image says we can expect 1080p video and a latency of merely 5ms. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Dec 10, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Gangsters, Guns and Zombies' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Another post-apocalyptic battle vs. the undead arrives on Blu-ray this month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, XLrator Media is planning to bring 'Gangsters, Guns and Zombies' starring Vincent Jerome, Huggy Leaver, and Fabrizio Santino to Blu-ray on December 11. In post-zombie England, a botched robbery leads a motley crew of thieves into an apocalyptic battle with a zombie horde. Specs and supplements haven't been confirmed yet, and suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Gangsters, Guns and Zombies' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 11.Posted Mon Dec 10, 2012 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Barbie in the Pink Shoes' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]An all-new animated chick flick adventure has been slated for Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be bringing 'Barbie in the Pink Shoes' to Blu-ray on February 26. Dance your way to a magical adventure with Barbie™ as Kristyn™, a ballerina with big dreams! When she tries on a pair of sparkling pink shoes, she and her best friend, Hailey™, are whisked away to a fantastical ballet world. There, Kristyn™ discovers she must dance in her favorite ballets in order to defeat an evil Snow Queen. With performances to the legendary Giselle and Swan Lake ballets, it’s a wonderful journey where if you dance with your heart, dreams come true! The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and no supplements have been revealed for this release. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Barbie in the Pink Shoes' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 26.Posted Mon Dec 10, 2012 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Day: 'Singin' in the Rain: Ultimate Collector's Edition' Blu-ray is $39.99 at Amazon![teaser]Grab an umbrella! Amazon's second deal for today serves up another classic musical for over fifty percent off today only! [/teaser] The online retailer is selling 'Singin' in the Rain: Ultimate Collector's Edition' for $39.99 (53% off suggested list price). America’s beloved musical gem, starring Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor, celebrates its 60th Anniversary on Blu-ray for the very first time with an all new 3-Disc Blu-ray & DVD Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The sensational limited and numbered 3-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition will feature the film both on Blu-ray and DVD, and includes an all new hi-definition documentary, and special collectible memorabilia. Click here to order this wonderful set today!Posted Sun Dec 9, 2012 at 08:27 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Day: 'The Sound of Music: Limited Edition Collector's Set' Blu-ray Set is $18.99 at Amazon[teaser]Save nearly eighty percent on the limited edition Blu-ray set of the classic musical today only at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer is selling 'The Sound of Music: Limited Edition Collector's Set' for $18.99 (79% off suggested list price). Share the magical, heartwarming true-life story that has become the most popular family film of all time - Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, the spirited young woman who leaves the convent to become governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, an autocratic widower whose strict household rules leave no room for music or entertainment. The 3-disc set (2 Blu-rays and a DVD) features 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and loads of supplements including audio commentaries; Your Favorite Things: An Interactive Celebration — all-new immersive viewing experience with behind-the-scenes images, on-screen lyrics, trivia track and location quiz; Music Machine Sing-Along; Musical Stages: Creating The Sound of Music — all-new interactive "backlot tour" with in-depth featurettes on the songs, the stage show & movie, the film and sound restoration and the real-life von Trapp family; and more! This individually numbered Limited Edition Collector's Set also includes the 45th Anniversary soundtrack; 100-Page "My Favorite Things" scrapbook; Snapshots from Salzburg; Reproduction of the original 1965 Souvenir program; and an exclusive "My Favorite Things" Music Box with letter of authenticity. Click here to order this definitive edition of the 1965 classic today!Posted Sun Dec 9, 2012 at 08:13 AM PST by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Lamest Bonus FeaturesWe have a fun topic of discussion to leave you with over the weekend. As Blu-ray reviewers, most of us on staff are frequently obligated to suffer through some tedious, cheesy, just plain awful bonus features on the discs we review. To find out which ones we consider the worst, and to share some of your own examples, join us for the Weekend Roundtable in the blog today.Posted Fri Dec 7, 2012 at 12:05 PM PST by:
