FCC Looking for Alternatives to CableCARD

FCC finally admits that the CableCARD is a failure.  It is now listening to the CEA and is asking for comments on how to replace the CableCARD with something that would actually make the video cable network open. The CableCARD is a plug-in card approximately the size of a credit card that allows viewers in the US to watch and record digital cable TV channels on DVRs, personal computers and TV sets without the use of other equipment such as a set top box (STB). The card, is provided by the local cable company for a nominal monthly fee.  The US Congress mandated that cable TV had to be open with the passing of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, but the open network objective did not happen.  FCC is now seeking comments on how to move past the failure of the CableCARD system and replace it with something that will democratize how and where you can access cable video streams.

Experience the Actions in 2010 FIFA World Cup Thru 3D TV

This will be another first in history.  The 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be held in South Africa next year, will be broadcast using 3D TV technology. FIFA announced that it had signed a media rights agreement with Sony to deliver 3D images from up to 25 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This means viewers watching the matches on Sony’s 3D products will for the first time experience the visual clarity of the action as if they were on the stadiums themselves. “This propels the football fan into a whole new viewing dimension and marks the dawning of a new era in the broadcasting of sport,” said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke. Sony Pictures Entertainment will produce and distribute the official 3D film of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa after the event.

DirecTV Increasing its HD Line-up with Launch of DirecTV 12 Satellite

DirecTV, the leading direct to home (DTH) satellite TV provider in the US, is expanding its HD content offering with the launch of the DirecTV 12 satellite.   Boeing announced that the new satellite was shipped November 25 to the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch facility in Kazakhstan. DirecTV 12 features both national and spot-beam Ka-band transmitters that will increase DirecTV’s HD offerings by 50 percent.  When combined with DirecTV 10 and 11, DirecTV 12 will allow DirecTV to offer a total of 200 national HD channels and 1,500 HD locals to its viewers.  If the launch would be successful, the deployment of DirecTV 12 will bring the best in HD television programming to DirecTV’s more than 18.4 million customers across the United States.

LG is Coming Out with World’s First Full HD 3D TV Display

LG has just announced that it is coming out with the world’s first mass produced Full HD 3D-capable display, measuring 23 inches diagonal.  This is in support of Korea’s plans to conduct a Full HD 3D TV terrestrial broadcasts, as well as satellite 3D broadcasting trials set to take place very soon.  Similar tests are also to be conducted in other countries like Japan and the UK.  The new Full HD 3D TV LCD display is perfect for PC gamers but can also be used for 2D viewing at the flip of a switch.  The 3D revolution, whether you like it or not, is gathering momentum.  From the increasing number of movies with 3D versions, to the planned 3D terrestrial and satellite broadcast trials, it looks like 3D is here to stay, this time around.

Korean Television is Going 3D in Full HD

Korean broadcasters will soon begin trial transmission of Full HD 3D TV. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the country’s regulator for broadcasting and telecommunications, is spearheading the 3D television drive, which objective is for television stations to beam terrestrial 3D TV broadcasts sometime next year.  The KCC will issue a license in January to start the trial services for land-based 3D broadcasting, which is to be delivered in full high-definition (HD) quality.  Leading South Korean TV manufacturers LG and Samsung are actively supporting the drive.  Korea’s pay-TV providers are not to be left behind, with CJ Hello Vision set to offer 3D content through its VOD offerings.  TU Media, the mobile TV unit of the country’s biggest mobile telephony operator SK Telecom, is also planning to release a 3D TV-capable handset by the end of the year.  They are considering to establish a trial channel on its satellite network to test 3D broadcasting services for about an hour per day.  If the TV manufacturers find a way to lower the prices for the required 3D TV devices and if there will be adequate 3D content, 3D TV will have chance to become a consumer standard.  Remember that 3D movies fizzled out decades ago due to lack of interest from viewers and popular support.

Google Tapping TiVo to Sell TV Ads

Google will partner with TiVo to sell ads and analyze viewer data.  TiVo is a brand of digital video recorder (DVR) that was introduced in the United States and is now also available in the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Taiwan.  It provides an electronic programming guide or EPG and other features such as Season Pass recordings, which ensure viewers not to miss any episode of their favorite TV programs.  TiVo also features WishList searches that allow the viewer to find and record programs that match their interests.  The data-sharing partnership will allow Google to access TiVo’s second-by-second viewing data. This will provide assurance to advertisers, who buy their TV ads through Google, that they will only pay for the ads that customers actually watch.  This scheme makes total sense considering Google’s pay-per-impression online advertising model.

Turn your Mac into a HDTV cum DVR with the EyeTV

You can turn your Mac into a HDTV or a DVR with the Elgato EyeTV 3.0.  It is the award-winning TV software for Mac computers, which is bundled with all Elgato EyeTV tuners.  It is also sold separately as a software solution and its main function is to display received TV programs on the computer screen.  You can watch, pause, and rewind live television on your Mac at the comfort of your home or while on the go.  Work on other applications while taking a peek of your favorite TV programs.  Use the built-in electronic program guide or EPG to search for program schedules and record your favorite shows into your computer’s hard disk.  The recorded material can then be edited and re-encoded to fit other device formats such as the iPhone, iPod, Apple TV and other compatible devices.  Turn your Mac into a cool HDTV to watch live TV or record your favorite TV shows for later viewing.  Watch and enjoy!

Stay Web Connected with HP Dream Screen 100

Life will never be the same again after getting your own HP Dream Screen 100. Where in the world will you be able to view images, watch videos, access to various Pandora Internet TV and radio, check your Facebook account or get the latest weather forecast or breaking news in one wireless and stylish screen?

HP just made our digital lives easier. Nothing beats to have a web-connected screen wherever you are in your home or office. There is no need to keep on switching devices because everything can be access through HP Dream Screen 100. It has a touch screen feature, which makes it even more convenient to users.

Place it beside your bed so you can wake up with your favorite music setting it up as an alarm clock and then get informed on the day’s weather or easily get connected to your own PC.

and Bluetooth connectivity for a total weight of around 6 pounds.

Netflix is coming to your Sony BRAVIA HDTV Set

Netflix is now available to internet-capable Sony BRAVIA HDTV sets.  All it takes is applying the latest software update to your BRAVIA and you can now enjoy viewing your favorite movie titles from Netflix directly on your HDTV set.  Netflix is an online Blu-ray disc and DVD rental service that also streams its movies at flat rates to customers in the US.  It currently has a collection of more than 100,000 titles and its subscribers number to more or less 10 million.  This development is definitely a good news for BRAVIA owners who have been waiting for this option for many months now.

Wireless HDTV form Philips

I can’t help falling in love with digital TV boxes. All those features and that incredible image when combined with a proper plasma display… and when they come from big companies like Philips, things are sure to be even better.
Since the US is HDTV’s country, Philips’ Wireless HDTV Link will most certainly be a success. First, it provides 1080p HDTV picture quality, while still managing to look fantastic. It will replace all the annoying cables you had connected to the HD cable box, the DVD or Blu-Ray player and your PlayStation or Xbox (up to 4 devices can be connected) and has lots of ports (the HDMI is of the essence here, anyway). Everything for $ 799.