Netflix Watch Instantly coming to TiVo

The TiVo Series 3 and TiVo HD join the ranks of the Xbox 360, Roku and various Blu-ray players, with Netflix Watch Instantly streaming movies coming to several thousand households today in beta testing, followed by a wide release scheduled for "early December." There won't be any additional fees (other than you TiVo and Netflix subs, of course) leaving the only questions when does high definition video arrive and how do we get in the early tests? Check out the full press release after the break.
TIVO AND NETFLIX ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
TO INSTANTLY STREAM MOVIES AND TV EPISODES
FROM NETFLIX DIRECTLY TO THE TV THROUGH TIVO DVRs

Deal Provides Netflix with New Content Distribution Channel, Solidifies TiVo's Leading Position as One-Box Solution for Simple Navigation and Delivery
Of the Best Entertainment Content to the TV


ALVISO, Calif. and LOS GATOS, Calif., October 30, 2008 - TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs) and Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced that they are teaming up to provide Netflix and TiVo® Series3, TiVo HD, and TiVo HD XL subscribers with the ability to have thousands of movies and TV episodes instantly streamed from Netflix directly to their TVs.

The two companies said they are initiating a test of the new capability today in several thousand U.S. households and expect it to be broadly available in early December, in time for the holidays. The ability to instantly watch content from Netflix on the TV via TiVo DVRs will be offered at no additional charge to customers who subscribe to both services.

The agreement provides Netflix with an important new technology partner to instantly stream a growing library of more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes directly from Netflix to the TV. It also solidifies TiVo's leading position for simple navigation and delivery of the best entertainment content to the TV.

"For Netflix and TiVo subscribers, this collaboration offers a fabulously easy way to enhance the enjoyment of watching movies in the comfort of their living rooms," said Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix. "Subscribers to Netflix and TiVo are avid movie watchers and this combination gives them immediate access to all of the great content available through TiVo and the thousands of additional choices available to be streamed instantly from Netflix."

"Joining forces with Netflix creates the ultimate video on demand service and solidifies TiVo's leading position as the one-box solution for aggregating, searching, and delivering the best content available anywhere right to the TV," said Tom Rogers, president and CEO of TiVo Inc. "Adding Netflix to our already vast library of content differentiates TiVo even further from any other offering in the market today."

Integrating the Netflix streaming functionality into the TiVo experience will result in quick and easy access to a growing list of movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly at Netflix. Movies streamed from Netflix via specified TiVo DVRs is done through a wired or wireless broadband connection and a Netflix Queue-based user interface. Members visit the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Those choices will automatically be displayed on subscribers' TVs and available to watch instantly through the TiVo service. With the TiVo remote control, users will be able to browse their instant Queue, make selections right on the TV screen, and also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they will have the option of pausing, fast-forwarding, rewinding and re-starting whenever they wish.

For more information on how to have movies instantly streamed from Netflix via your TiVo DVR visit www.tivo.com/netflix.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: breaking news, BreakingNews, netflix, rentals, series 3, Series3, streaming, tivo, tivo hd, tivo hd xl, TivoHd, TivoHdXl, watch instantly, watch now, WatchInstantly, WatchNow ]

Sanyo introduces WiFi-enabled R227 tabletop radio

Internet radios aren't anything new, but Sanyo's putting its own spin on things with the WiFi-packin' R227. Aside from offering standard FM reception, this tabletop device also tunes into thousands of internet stations / podcasts, and it enables listeners to search by country or genre. You'll also find a pair of stereo speakers, one-button on / off, a bundled remote, an Ethernet jack, auxiliary input for DAPs and an audio output for connecting to larger, more robust sound systems. For now, it seems the unit will be exclusive to Canada where it will be offered in a black wood gloss finish for $219.99.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: FM, internet radio, Internet Radio R227, InternetRadio, InternetRadioR227, R227, radio, Sanyo, wifi radio, WifiRadio ]

Mitsubishi's $6,999 65-inch LaserVue HDTV now hitting retailers

Just in time for your holiday wish list, Mitsubishi has announced that its stunning 65-inch LaserVue HDTV is now on sale at select specialty retailers nationwide. From what we've personally seen and from what we've gathered from those lucky enough to critique it in detail, this here set is a real winner. Of course, coming up with the $6,999 in order to bring one home is another matter entirely, but those who feel like stimulating the economy and their retinas can absolutely do so starting today.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: 65-inch, hdtv, L65-A90, laser, laser tv, LaserTv, laservue, Mitsubishi, now available, now shipping, NowAvailable, NowShipping, on sale, OnSale, ship, shipping, ships ]

MvixBOX media server: 2TB of web-enabled, media streaming goodness

It looks like Mvix USA, a company known for their media streamers, has really pulled out all the stops with their new NAS. The MvixBOX has two drive bays (1.5TB SATA HDDs not included), Windows file sharing, an RSS client, a Bit Torrent client, telnet and secure SMTP. If that isn't enough, it's also an FTP server, an Apache web server (with MySQL, SQlife and PHP pre-installed) and features Mvix's RapidBox functionality (their version of RapidShare file hosting). This all might be a bit much for the typical consumer, but for the small business (or hardcore torrent-head) the device could replace an entire server. Just expect a sharp decline in productivity when your SQL programmer realizes he can watch Battlestar Galactica on the thing.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: bittorrent, media pc, media server, media streamer, MediaPc, MediaServer, MediaStreamer, mvix, MvixBOX, mvixusa, nas ]

Standalone VCR party finally ends, JVC shuts the door as it leaves

We were fully prepared to start harshing on VHS as a dead-end technology that never went anywhere during its time in retail (as a joke, of course), and out of nowhere, a bona fide tear slowly ran down our left cheek. Today, friends, is a day worth remembering. Today truly marks the end of an era, as so far as we can tell, JVC really was the only company still producing standalone VCRs. Of course, the outfit will continue to serve customers with a need to play back VHS tapes by offering up DVD / VHS combo units, but those looking for a shiny new slice of retro in 2008 will be out of luck after remaining inventories dry up. All told, over 900 million VCRs were produced worldwide, with 50 million of those boasting a JVC label. We simply couldn't think of a more fitting way to put the iconic VCR (which just turned 30 in 2005) to bed than by hosting up a poll and soliciting your input -- here's hoping the videocassette lives on in your domicile in one form or another, even if it's just the resident dust collector.
[Via: Impress ] [Tag: dead, JVC, killed, rip, standalone, VCR, VHS, video tape, videocassette, VideoTape ]

Dealzmodo: Sharp AQUOS 32" 1080p LCD for $699 Shipped [Dealzmodo]

6th Avenue Electronics has the Sharp AQUOS 32" 1080p HDTV for $699, including shipping, with a coupon. It's the lowest price we've seen for this LCD by about $100, and it's a pretty well-reviewed line. This one features a 6ms response time and dual HDMI inputs.
[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ] [Tag: ]

Scitech's VLP-100 Portable Projector Only Does QVGA Resolution for $350 [Micro Projector]

          News that Scitech Japan is to release the VLP100, it's first portable microprojector may interest until you learn of two snags: firstly it projects at a mere 320 x 240 pixels, and secondly it'll cost you around $350...roughly a dollar per vertical pixel column. Sure it's pretty tiny at 7.1 x 4.3 x 2.2-inches, weighs a mere 2.2-pounds, fits in 2W stereo speakers and Osram-made 4-LED lighting system at 350 lumens brightness. But it's designed to throw images up to 50-inches, meaning pixels around a tenth of an inch across. Call me picky, but that seems a lot of money for not much display...I'll hang on for the picoprojectors we've heard so much about. Due late this month in Japan. [Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ] [Tag: ]

Samsung partners with Netflix: P2500 and P2550 Blu-ray players updated for free

And so the Netflix partnerships roll on. Netflix just reached a deal to stream Internet movies and TV over a pair of Samsung Blu-ray players. The first Sammy players to go Netflix are the $400 BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 with "a range of home entertainment products" expected to follow suit. Good news for those of you who already own these players as the Netflix update is a free download through Samsung support (link below). Videos added to Netflix members' instant queues from a PC are automatically displayed on Samsung's players and available to watch instantly -- the players' remote control allows you to fast-forward and rewind video and browse and rate movies directly from the TV... exactly like LG's Netflix-enabled BD300. Come now, you didn't think Samsung would let hometown rival, LG, have all the fun did you?
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: bd-p2500, bd-p2550, blu-ray, netflix, samsung ]

SlingCatcher unboxing and hands-on

We knew the SlingCatcher was sneaking out into the wild, and hey -- we just snagged one at retail in Chicago. We're busy tearing into all the projector, Sling streaming, and media streaming features, but we figured we'd throw up the unboxing photos right away so you can get a feel for Sling's latest, long-awaited box.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: features, media streamer, MediaStreamer, sling, sling catcher, sling media, SlingCatcher, SlingMedia, streamer ]

Sony details PS3 firmware 2.50 upgrades: DivX VOD support, AV tweaks

Sony didn't want to make a big deal about this (so humble, that Sony) but the PlayStation 3's recent 2.50 firmware update has a few extra additions aimed straight at home theater buffs. First up is a place to enter your DivX VOD Registration code -- necessary if you want to get any of that Sony Pictures or Warner Bros. DivX-encoded video that's on the way -- along with new Sequential Playback and 50Hz video output settings, plus support for chroma upsampling & Mosquito Noise Reduction video enhancement on homemade Blu-ray discs and DVDs. On a more minor note, the BD/DVD settings section has been renamed just Video Settings, while the Cinema Conversion and Upscale options are getting all their mail delivered to BD/DVD Cinema Conversion and BD/DVD Upscaler, respectively. Peep the PlayStation site for the rest of the exciting details (there's a German keyboard layout change that is not to be missed), and then go back to watching Hulu in a tiny box with a poor framerate in your newly Flash-enabled browser.
[Via: PS3 Blog ] [Tag: 2.50, 50hz, blu-ray, chroma upsampling, ChromaUpsampling, divx, divx certified, divx vod, DivxCertified, DivxVod, firmware, firmware update, FirmwareUpdate, playstation, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, sony ]

DViCO's TViX-HD 6500 eats Blu-ray rips for breakfast, spits 'em out via HDMI

Nearly two full years after DViCO introduced its TiVX 5010-P HDTV recorder, along comes a new duo in the line to finally up the ante. But it's not the infantile TViX R-2230 ($399; pictured) that we're really interested in -- though it can play back ripped VOB / ISO files. Rather, it's the $599 TViX-HD 6500, which also includes support for playing back Blu-ray backups via HDMI. We'll spare you the legal spill, but for those too frightened to potentially scratch their precious Blu-ray Discs, this looks to be the unit for you. So far as specs go, you'll find HDMI 1.3, component, S-Video and composite jacks, support for a smorgasbord of file formats, a USB port for loading up media from flash drives / external HDDs and an optional digital TV tuner to boot. Why do we get the feeling both of these things will be next to impossible to locate in the US?
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: bd, blu-ray, DViCO, hd media server, HdMediaServer, media server, MediaServer, R-2230, TViX, TViX R-2230, TViX-HD 6500, Tvix-hd6500, TvixR-2230 ]

DISH Network's 1080p VOD service gets inspected, looks impressive

A couple of months back, we saw what was to come with DISH Network's 1080p video-on-demand service. Now, the cats and kittens over at Sound & Vision have a definitive writeup explaining the value of the aforementioned offering. At the time of review, Speed Racer was DISH's 1080p VOD movie of the month, so critics fired it up via the satcaster's set-top-box while comparing it to the version on Blu-ray. Obviously, DISH's 1080p isn't the same quality 1080p as what you'll find on a BD-50, but the results were pretty astounding, regardless. In fact, critics had a tough time deciphering between the two from a normal viewing distance, and while they were fully expecting to be underwhelmed by DISH Network's 1080p material, they were actually stunned by just how impressive it looked. Of course, the dearth of titles available at any given time means that this won't sway potential customers in and of itself, but you can rest assured DISH is looking to beef up its 1080p HD VOD lineup as quickly as possible.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: 1080p, DISH, DISH Network, DishNetwork, HD VOD, HdVod, review, reviewed, video on demand, video-on-demand, VideoOnDemand, VOD ]

AT&T to push U-verse services at Circuit City and Walmart

AT&T's not messing around with spreading the good word on its U-verse services, as it has just nailed down an agreement to sell the aforementioned products in two of America's largest retail outlets. Beginning this month, U-verse kiosks will emerge in over 600 Circuit City and Walmart locations, which will give unsuspecting consumers the chance to ditch their current cable / satellite / fiber provider and sign up for AT&T's own programming / high-speed internet / digital phone suite. The move comes in the midst of its nationwide Total Home DVR rollout, which enables any connected TV in the crib to watch a recorded SD or HD show. Of course, U-verse still serves a comparatively small amount of the country at present time, but with an initiative like this, we feel pretty good about future expansion.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: att, business, Circuit City, CircuitCity, fiber, industry, retail, u-verse, uverse, wal-mart, walmart ]

DirecTV confirms HD DVR / receiver glitch, apologizes profusely

So it's true -- hordes of DirecTV users weren't just dreaming about a glitch that required a painstaking reboot to start the week off. DirecTV has sent out e-mails to loads of affected users which were unexpectedly forced to mash the red "Reset" button located within a door on the front panel of their HD DVR / receiver in order to get things going again. Of course, even the mighty satcaster can't replace any missed recordings that were scheduled, but it is "sincerely" sorry for the inconvenience. You'll still be paying your full bill, though, so it's not that sorry.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: DirecTV, dvr, hd dvr, HdDvr, HR20, HR20-700, HR21, HR21-100, HR21-200, HR22, set-top-box, software, software update, SoftwareUpdate, stb, update, upgrade ]

Logitech quietly launches $99 Harmony 510 universal remote

We know, January wasn't that long ago, but in consumer electronics years, it's been forever since a new Harmony was revealed. For those of you already on the hunt for a sub-$100 gizmo to give to your favorite person this holiday season, Logitech is jonesing for your business with its entry-level Harmony 510 universal remote. You should know, however, that the IR remote operates just five devices (remember the "entry-level" bit we mentioned?), though it does boast an inbuilt LCD and a fair amount of buttons. Harmony freaks have already pointed out that this one looks almost like a repackaged 550, though your technology-challenged sibling / parent / colleague probably won't take the time to notice. Get those stockings stuffed early for $99.99 (MSRP) a pop.

[Via: CNET ] [Tag: harmony, Harmony 510, Harmony510, Logitech, remote, universal remote, UniversalRemote ]

Botched DirecTV software update requiring HR2X STBs to be restarted?

Generally, we'd pass something like this off as just coincidence, but when over 95% of 1,000+ respondents confess to sharing the same issue, we simply can't turn the other cheek. It's assumed that DirecTV botched up a software update early this morning that affected a number of HR2X set-tops. Over at DBSTalk, the vast majority of readers who voluntarily took part in a poll affirmed that at least one of their HR2X units required a restart / reboot this morning. We know there's no real point in asking if you too were affected, but that aside, what was DirecTV attempting to send down? The world may never know.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: DirecTV, dvr, hd dvr, HdDvr, HR20, HR20-700, HR21, HR21-100, HR21-200, HR22, set-top-box, software, software update, SoftwareUpdate, stb, update, upgrade ]

SlingCatcher gets unboxed, our hearts beat ever faster

After seemingly endless delays, it looks like the SlingCatcher is finally making its way into the world, as evidenced by this grainy unboxing at the SlingCommunity forums. Sure, it looks exactly the same as the prepro boxes we've toyed with, but we won't lie -- we've been waiting for this box with breathless anticipation ever since it was announced at CES 2007, and combined with the recent launch of the Sling 2.0 software, the Slingbox PRO-HD, and the seemingly-imminent launch of the the Sling.com video portal, Sling's ending the year strong. Click on for a few more pics, and don't worry -- we'll be blowing this thing out as soon as we get our hands on one.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: media streamer, MediaStreamer, sling, sling catcher, sling media, SlingCatcher, SlingMedia, streamer ]

Mitsubishi unveils beastly FL6900U 1080p projector

There's nothing lightweight about Mitsubishi's latest beamer, as the burly FL6900U checks in with a man-sized 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 4,000 ANSI lumens, an RS-232 control port, automated zoom / focus and digital keystone correction, and a built-in motion-sensitive anti-theft alarm. It also packs a man-sized price, but hopefully that corporate card can handle another $9,995 when this thing lands later in the month.
[Via: AboutProjectors ] [Tag: 1080p, 1080p projector, 1080pProjector, FL6900U, Mitsubishi, pj, projector ]

LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck ships on October 10 for $349

Contrary to what LG coerced us into believing at CEDIA, its Netflix / Blu-ray-lovin' BD300 will actually be sold a full $50 cheaper than the previously quoted $399.95. Circuit City has the deck up for pre-order right this very moment for $349.99 (okay, so maybe that's not a full $50, but c'mon), and better still, the retailer is listing an October 10th release date. Now that Netflix has inked deals with CBS, ABC and Starz, there's just one question left: are you in for three fifty?
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: available, BD300, blu-ray player, Blu-rayPlayer, circuit city, CircuitCity, LG, netflix, pre-order, release date, ReleaseDate, ship date, ShipDate ]

Philips reveals 56-inch Quad Full 3D HDTV in Hollywood

On the slim chance that a 52-inch, no-glasses-needed 3D HDTV wasn't swank enough for you, Philips is one-upping itself at the Biz-Ex conference in Hollywood. This 56-inch monstrosity is hailed as a Quad Full Autostereoscopic 3D HDTV, which means that it packs a slightly absurd (in a good way, of course) 3,840 x 2,160 resolution and can churn through data at an alarming rate. Additionally, Philips is promising that this one can produce up to 46 views at once, which should go a long way in making the third-dimension a lot more believable on TV. There's no definitive release date just yet, but it'll probably run upwards of $25,000 whenever it's ready for prime time.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: 3d, Autosteroscopic, hdtv, philips, Quad Full TV, QuadFullTv, stereoscopic ]