I got this article in my Google alerts today, and well I started to think about this idea. This is not the first time I have run across this idea, but I’m on vacation so I have more time to ponder it. While I don’t put this outside the realm of possibility, I don’t see it happening for a few reasons.  Continue Reading »

Over at Engadget they are reporting that LG’s new BD3000 will be able to stream Netflix instant watch. You will be able get HD movies on Blu ray and some SD content via netflix for under 500 bucks. It’s becoming more and more apparent people are embracing the idea of downloadable content for entertainment, and that’s a good thing for Apple TV fans. I hope with more companies jumping on streaming and DL content Apple might take the ATv more serious than a “hobby”. Let’s hope the product transitions coming in September have something special in store for all of us Apple TV fans, or Apple might be on the outside looking in.

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I came across an article on reuters uk asking this very question. As a subscriber to dish network, and as someone who has watched his bill slowly increase over the years it’s a good question. Like the article I would love ala cart pricing for cable and satellite and believe this is the future and we need it now. As I looked over my channels on dish I found 10 that I watch enough I would want to keep. Add in my wife and son we might have 25 total; keep in mind this does not count the networks that I get free over the air. Continue Reading »

Here we have it, a comparison of two HD download services, with Blu-ray being the standard to shoot for. As you know by now Sony updated the Playstation Store with video rentals. Not the first console maker to do so as Microsoft has the Live video store up and running, for some time now. First impressions. The PSN store is easy to navigate but the UI feels old and dated, yet a big improvement over its first iteration. The rental process was easy. Find movie, hit button, confirm and you’re on your way. The issues I have so far are the DL speed. The movie took 5 hours for 100% download and I average 7mb down. Yes you can start watching after a few minutes but still. File size is also an issue; Sony is using an H.264 AVC codec and it was over 7gb. (Side note: This is a good reason for the entertainment companies to get behind no bandwidth caps, along with video DLs, online gaming, and demos to name a few things this would push your allotted bits.) Before I get to the “results” I have to say a few things; my screen caps are done with a point and click Fuji digital camera, my display has not been professional calibrated, nor do I think I’m a know it all videophile. I’m just a guy who likes HD and loves his AV toys. That being said, on to contest. Continue Reading »

UPDATE #1 - Around 11:30pm EST the store was live. I played around with it a bit, the user interface is good not the best UI, but it works. From what I saw there are approximately  52 titles in HD to rent. There are a handful of TV shows nothing in HD that I saw. I have rented Spiderman from Apple TV, I will rent it from the PS3 store tonight, and compire them both to my Blu Ray copy. Stay tuned for that Apple V Sony showdown.

According to Kotaku Sony today, at their E3 press conference, announced the PS3 video store. SD rentals will be 2.99, and HD 5.99, with SD purchases setting you back 14.99 no mention was given to HD purchases. TV shows will be available for 1.99 no mention if they will be in HD or not. Sony stated that the store would go live tonight, but as of 9:30 EST nothing is showing up on the Playstation store. Rentals and purchases will be transferable to the PSP and can be placed on multiple devices. They have strong studio support with titles from MGM, FOX, Disney, Warner, and Lion’s Gate.

So what does it all mean for all of us Apple TV lovers? For one the rental download market it here and legitimate (all of us knew it, but it seems to be going mainstream) and competition is heating up. As I said the other day Apple needs to start treating the ATV less like a hobby. I hope that we hear of some new features coming out of Cupertnio.

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Microsoft, at there pre E3 news conference, announced that Netfilx streaming will be coming with the next dashboard due in the fall.  It was also announced today that NBC / Universal tiles will be available on the Xbox live market place in HD. This includes NBC TV shows and some universal catalog movie titles. While this is good news for Xbox 360 owners (like me) I hope Apple has some news regarding the Apple TV soon.  Competition is a good thing, but it’s heating up lets get some new fetures and maybe a lower price?

Full run down at Engadget

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