Tag Archives: STB

This 4 input smart remote control + set top box’s interface speaks with each other!

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Long and sweet, short, and cute; curvy and elegant, thin, and broad – remote controls are available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and designs. They usually come paired with a new set of television but are also sold standalone for their charm, convenience, and elegance. Not many remotes really fall in that category but we can spare a thought for Tech4Home’s expertise in the domain. Now the brand has commissioned Pedro Gomes Design to conceive a cutting-edge remote control that offers a state-of-the-art user experience. And boy isn’t what the latter has pulled off worth grabbing instantly?

Tech4Home supplies remote controls to major brands worldwide. Now the idea here is to design a remote control and set-top box that is tailored to overcome the challenges in the content-driven interface. The solution is aesthetically appealing and almost unique in its own way yet apt to meet the evolving needs of worldwide Smart TV providers. This longish remote control has an ergonomic design, soft and welcoming shape that fills within the hand. It features a touchpad, a joystick, and also accepts gestures and voice commands. The accompanied round STB features detailing LEDs around its face and touch control buttons on the top. While the microphone on the remote lets you control the TV via voice, the touchpad allows you to swipe through menus very smoothly. Keeping in line with the present-day aesthetics of having your devices react to your commands, the remote’s interactive LED’s reacts to your voice command, and the action of the voice command is replicated on the set-top box’s LED’s – after all, getting a response to our actions is a basic pillar of our everyday communication.

In addition to offering four discrete ways to interact with the Smart TV – touch, button, voice, and gestures – the wirelessly chargeable remote and STB come meticulously packed to make a mass appeal.

Designer: Pedro Gomes Design for Tech4Home

Verizon FiOS TV rolling out new set-top box Home Page

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Verizon FiOS TV rolling out new settop box Home Page

In the old days, you'd turn your TV on and see video. Typically it would just play whatever channel was on last, but more advanced digital boxes might start at a main menu or specific channel. Verizon's latest twist on that idea is rolling out video hub office by video hub office, and should reach all 5 million customers' set-top boxes within a few weeks. Called FiOS TV Home Page, it welcomes viewers by displaying weather and other basic info next to highlighted VOD or Flex View services, all tailored to each customer's viewing habits. Sure, some might find it useful, but others might be annoyed at seeing the screen for 15 seconds every time they turn on the TV or because there are tiles advertising package upgrades and VOD. Luckily, if simply hitting exit doesn't stop the pain fast enough then there is an option to disable the screen completely if desired.

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Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require set-top box for all content

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Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require settop box for all content

Well, this is quite a blow to basic cable viewers. Up until recently, Comcast has allowed subscribers to access certain channels without adding a set-top box for every TV -- instead, you'd simply connect your TV directly via coax (how quaint!). Now, certain customers have received word that their free ride will soon be coming to an end. The media giant will begin is expanding the area where it encrypts basic cable channels, requiring a single STB for each and every television that you plan to use. A Comcast Q&A document only addresses home users, so it's unclear whether enterprise subscribers would also be affected -- though that wouldn't be out of the question.

We think the move could mean a more complicated (and pricey) installation at hospitals, university dorms and even neighborhood gyms, where TVs installed in cardio equipment often plug directly into wall jacks, not to mention the inconvenience you'll be facing at home. This latest setback, of course, follows an FCC decision to allow companies to encrypt their basic cable channels -- the authorization was reportedly granted to cut back on service theft, among other concerns. Comcast will be issuing up to two adapters to each subscriber at no charge for up to two years, assuming you request your equipment within four months of the date of encryption. That's the good news, but encrypted content is quite a bummer, nonetheless.

Update: Comcast has already implemented encryption in certain areas -- this latest move simply represents a wider rollout. Additionally, Comcast-issued set-top boxes are not required when a CableCard solution is in use. Boxee TV owners can receive a new E-DTA that turns Comcast's encrypted cable channels into IP streams, as specified in an earlier agreement.

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Via: GigaOM

Source: Comcast

Intel confirms new internet-based television streaming product, ‘working with entire industry’ to launch this year

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Intel confirms new internetbased television streaming product, 'working with entire industry' to launch this year

Welp, the rumors are true. Erik Huggers, Corporate VP & GM for Intel Media, just sat down here at D:Dive Into Media 2013 in order to confirm that Intel's getting into the set-top / TV provider business, and everything will be delivered to your home using your existing broadband internet connection. Straight from the man's mouth:

"We have been working for around a year now to setup Intel Media -- it's a new division that includes a lot of people from outside of the company. We've hired people from Apple, Netflix, Google, BBC, etc. We're aiming to develop an internet television platform. My opinion is that not many of those rivals have cracked it -- have truly delivered.

For the first time, we'll deliver a few things to consumers. We'll deliver a new consumer electronics product under a new brand. It's associated with Intel, but you'll have to wait to hear what exactly that is. It'll be an Intel-powered device with beautiful industrial design. Where it really gets interesting is here -- we're working with the entire industry. It's an over-the-top service, delivering network channels, pay-TV channels, catch-up television, on-demand, and a host of applications."

He also affirmed that the box (and service) would launch "this year," and while the box won't provide Intel's "entire vision" at launch, a fair amount will be. That should include live television, on-demand, and catch-up. We're guessing it's the app ecosystem that'll take some time to truly develop.

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Philips uWand motion-sensing STB remote hands-on (video)

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Philips uWand motionsensing STB remote handson video

Philips brought its uWand motion-sensing set-top-box back to CES this year, and as we hadn't shown you the unit in action, we'd take a look and see what it promises. The company has just signed deals with Broadcom, Marvell and Intel to integrate its Wiimote-style controller into the trio's home-entertainment hardware. Playing with it for a few minutes, we were impressed by its accuracy, although gestures did take a little time to get used to. If you'd like to catch your humble narrator looking out of touch with a TV, watch the footage after the break.

Continue reading Philips uWand motion-sensing STB remote hands-on (video)

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GigaOM: Intel Media TV service won’t launch at CES, but it is coming soon

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GigaOM Intel Media TV service won't launch at CES, but it is coming soon

We've seen several reports over the last week about Intel's set-top box efforts, and an impending CES launch. According to GigaOM, some of those rumors simply aren't true. The site has confirmed with several sources at Intel that a set-top box (and a whole lot more) is in the works, but a CES announcement has not been planned. Instead, Media, the mysterious Intel division, which is run like a startup with staffers hired from other Silicon Valley companies rather than shifted from different departments, could be unveiled in March, or perhaps even at the AllThingsD Dive Into Media conference in February.

A detailed GigaOM report outlines the company's plans, which do include a STB manufactured by Intel that would compete with Apple TV, but also solutions for other platforms, including computers, tablets and smartphones. According to GigaOM sources, the company has spent more than $100 million on Intel Media, so it's clearly taking the effort seriously. Still, until Intel Media has been exposed to the market, it's too soon to judge its success. Hit up our source link for the full scoop.

Update: Now the Wall Street Journal has chimed in, with its own reports from usual unnamed sources indicating that a launch could be pushed as far as Q4. The reason for the wide launch window? Trouble negotiating content agreements for those unbundled packages (at much higher rates than the channels currently receive) it reportedly wants to offer, although the rumors say Intel has reached at least one content deal -- we're guessing it wasn't with ESPN. Whether this will ever appear or simply remain vapor like so many other rumored Intel software products remains to be seen, but just like the often hinted at Apple television, the licensing issues will probably be much harder to work out than any software or hardware.

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Source: GigaOM, Wall Street Journal

Korean IPTV service LG Uplus launches a Google TV-powered set-top box

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Korean IPTV service LG Uplus launches a Google TVpowered settop box

While we've seen the Google TV platform spread to additional manufacturers and some new lower-priced form factors, LG Uplus (not the same as LG Electronics) is the first we've seen offering a set-top box for its IPTV service based on it. new and existing customers alike can opt for the U+TV G, which will blend live TV streams, video on-demand and Google TV apps. Rapper Psy will be playing a large part in a national campaign to promote the offering, and after making Korea the tenth country Google TV is available in, Google says it will continue to work with providers around the world. Jumping inside the cable box is a notable move for the project, however at home hasn't significantly improved integration beyond that originally offered by Dish Network, and it's not even built into the Google Fiber set-top box. Check out a few (oddly silent?) demo videos embedded after the break.

Continue reading Korean IPTV service LG Uplus launches a Google TV-powered set-top box

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Korean IPTV service LG Uplus launches a Google TV-powered set-top box originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn

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DLink outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn

D-Link has refreshed its MovieNite Apple TV / Roku competitor to enable the media streamer to add a wide variety of apps -- including Hulu Plus (soon). The 1080p video pusher is nearly unmistakable for the original edition, which was available for as little as $48 online, except that it won't be exclusive to Walmart anymore -- oh, and this time out it'll set you back $80.

Continue reading D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn

D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WD TV adds streaming options, tunes televisions near and far to your Slingbox

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A raft of goodies has been tacked on to Western Digital's TV Live and TV Live Hub media players including new streams and Vudu movie downloading, but the addition of SlingPlayer might be the most intriguing. Depending on your region, you'll see new channels on the WD set-tops, including The AOL On Network, Red Bull TV, ABC iview (Australia), Acetrax Movies, Maxdome and BILD TV-App. Walmart's Vudu service will also be added, letting domestic and some foreign users buy or rent from a library of 70,000 downloadable films and TV shows. Finally, if you're a frequent traveler, you can pack your WD box and fire up the new SlingPlayer on your hotel TV to watch hometown broadcasts wherever you may be. Provided you've got a Slingbox back home, of course. To find out more and see what's available in your country, check the source or PR below.

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New International and Domestic Entertainment Options Complement WD TV(R) Live[TM] and WD TV(R) Live Hub[TM]'s 'Play Anything' Popularity

IRVINE, Calif., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Digital(R) (NASDAQ: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions and maker of the popular WD TV(R) media player family, today introduced a variety of new entertainment options for the WD TV Live[TM] and WD TV Live Hub[TM] media players. Current and new users can now enjoy Red Bull TV[TM], ABC iview (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), Acetrax[TM], Maxdome, the BILD TV-App, and the AOL On Network. They can also watch live and recorded TV with the new SlingPlayer(R) app and save their premium HD movies to the WD TV Live Hub's internal storage with VUDU.

WD's new entertainment choices add to the WD TV media player family's prodigious ability to play personal content such as videos, photos and music by supporting a wide range of media formats. Users can watch content located on any networked PC or Mac(R) computer in the home, from a network drive such as WD's My Book(R) Live[TM] personal cloud storage, and from any directly connected digital camcorder, camera, or USB drive. WD TV Live Hub owners can also save and share pictures and videos from outside the home, using the WD Photos[TM] app for iPhone(R), iPad(R) and Android[TM] mobile devices.

"WD continuously listens to its customers, and adds the content options they want," said Scott Vouri, vice president and general manager, WD connected home solutions. "With today's addition of hot international and domestic channels, live TV through SlingPlayer, and HD movie rentals, purchases and downloads through VUDU, the WD TV media players truly provide the most entertainment."

The WD TV Live Hub is the only media player to offer direct HD movie download service for today's hottest new movie releases purchased from VUDU's large library of movies and TV shows. VUDU is a subscription-free, HD video streaming service, which offers more than 70,000 blockbuster titles including new releases, Hollywood classics, independent films, and TV shows. Because it has an integrated 1TB hard drive, the WD TV Live Hub can save and play back purchased digital content from VUDU, including the high-quality HDX[TM] video format that features 1080p Full HD and rich Dolby Digital Plus[TM] 7.1 audio. "By centralizing their entertainment on the WD TV Live Hub, our customers get high-performance full-HD movie playback without overloading their home network or cluttering up the hard drives of other PCs in the house," added Vouri. From "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" to "The Muppets" WD brings today's top movies to the WD TV Live Hub for a cinema-like experience at home through the available VUDU service.

New Services[1] Now Available:

SlingPlayer (worldwide) - With a Slingbox(R) connected in your home, the SlingPlayer app brings your living room TV experience to your connected device in any room - around the home or around the world.
The AOL On Network (US) - The AOL HD app, part of The AOL On Network, features high-definition technology, lifestyle, celebrity and entertainment content updated daily from The AOL On Network, which features video from brands like Engadget, TechCrunch, The Huffington Post and Moviefone.
Red Bull TV (worldwide) - A unique online portal offering exclusive high quality programs from the World of Red Bull in HD. Available to nearly all devices - Red Bull TV offers worldwide live webcasts and a thematic catalogue of VODs complementing exclusive shows of the multimedia content of redbull.com.
ABC iview (Australia) - ABC iview is Australia's most popular catch-up TV service and is run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). It features 14-day catch-up from channels ABC1, ABC2, ABC3, ABC4Kids and ABC News 24.
Acetrax movies (UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy and Austria) - Available on the WD TV Live only, this service offers blockbuster new release and library movies from the major Hollywood studios.
maxdome (Germany) - Available on the WD TV Live only, the most popular German video-on-demand service maxdome delivers over 45,000 major film and TV titles.
BILD TV-App (Germany) - With the BILD TV-App users navigate easily and comfortably with the remote control through Germany's largest news and entertainment portal. The application offers the latest news and videos from politics, lifestyle, entertainment and sports, as well as the pictures of the day.

Availability

The WD TV Live and WD TV Live Hub can be purchased at select retailers and online at wdstore.com.

About WD

WD, a storage industry pioneer and long-time leader, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its storage technologies serve a wide range of host applications including client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own storage systems. Its home entertainment products enable rich engagement with stored digital content.

WD was founded in 1970. The company's products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital(R), WD(R) and HGST[TM] brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

Western Digital, WD, the WD logo, WD TV, and My Book are registered trademarks in the U.S. and other countries; WD TV Live and My Book Live are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies. Pictures shown may vary from actual products. Not all products may be available in all regions of the world. All product and packaging specifications subject to change without notice. As used for storage capacity, one terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1dpR0)

WD TV adds streaming options, tunes televisions near and far to your Slingbox originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AverMedia rolls out AverTV box PVR, likely targeting budget-minded ad-skippers

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AverMedia generally doesn't boggle us with cutting edge products, but they have their niche with those for whom money is an object. Though pricing hasn't been announced, the AverTV Box PVR announced at Computex seems to fit that mold, offering set-top recording and time-shifting, but foregoing niceties like network connectivity, HDMI output or even HD for that matter. The box can record to separate USB devices and output with analog VGA or RCA composite to a monitor or TV. While it appears to be SD-only, if your 20-year old Zenith wants to get in on some PVR time-shifting, it might have found a new best friend. Check the PR for more info.

Show full PR text

AVerMedia Announced the Standalone TV Recording Box Used with TV Set or PC Monitor

Taipei, Taiwan-June 4 ,2012
AVerMedia Technologies, Inc., the preeminent name in digital multimedia technology, today announced the availability of the AVerTV Box PVR, a standalone TV recording box used with TV set or PC monitor. The AVerTV Box PVR features direct file recording to USB hard drives directly, scheduled recording and TimeShift, which provide consumers the most convenient way to enjoy TV programs at any time. What's more, it is equipped with 3D Y/C separation technology that ensures the superior video quality. Besides TV recording, it can also be used to preserve your favorite video from various external source devices. With the advantages of ease of operations, high video quality and multi-use capability, the AVerTV Box PVR is the ideal and cost-effective solution for TV and video enthusiasts.

The hardware and function design of the AVerTV Box PVR satisfies all the demands for live TV recording. Its inputs of TV antenna and composite video allow users to capture analog cable TV, as well as TV content from satellite/cable TV set-up-box. Due to its compatibility of both TV set and PC monitor, the product stands out from general TV boxes for PCTV to bring this delightful TV experiences to the living room. With only one press, the AVerTV Box PVR records your favorite variety shows, drama series, football games, and sitcoms to an external USB hard drive. Moreover, the device provides multiple recording options to ensure your ultimate TV entertainment. Besides real-time recording while watching TV programs, it is capable of cyclic scheduled recording with auto power on and off, which means capturing the whole TV series with one-time setting to save your trouble and electricity expense when you are away from home. Even better, its TimeShift function enables pause, fast-forward and rewind live TV clips so that no prime moments will be missed because of any sudden interruption, and those breath-taken moments can be re-played. What's more valued, the AVerTV Box PVR adopts the NEC chipset with advanced 3D Y/C separation technology, which helps to present higher video quality from analog TV signal due to the powerful noise reduction and color separation capabilities.

AverMedia rolls out AverTV box PVR, likely targeting budget-minded ad-skippers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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