Web TV Scoop
Discover latest web TV news
Netflix streaming rights may cost $2 billion through 2011
Oct 29th
Online DVD rental and streaming service could pay up to $2 billion for rights to stream movies and TV episodes from major stuidos and networks.
So far they have reported paying $1.2 billion which includes a five-year deal with nascent Expix Pay-Tv channel. It will be interesting to see how big of a profit Netflix will be able to generate.
Who’s leading the buzz in Web TV?
Oct 15th
We are so use to Apple stealing the spotlight to every new product they release. Well something new just happened, Google has stolen the spotlight under Apple. I can assure you that Mr. Jobs is not happy about this at all. Check out all the buzz about web TV going around the web.
Limera1n iOS 4.1 Jailbreak Works on Apple TV
Oct 12th
Limera1n IOS 4.1 was just released over the weekend by Geohot. Geohot confirms that Limer1n jailbreaks the Apple TV using their tool. Currently a jailbroken Apple TV can’t do much yet, but as time goes on we will have to see what kind of features the developers/hackers will be able to unleash.
Difference of Netflix on Google TV, and Apple TV
Oct 11th
Netflix has been probably one of the biggest selling point for connect devices like Google TV and Apple TV. However they both interact quite differently on each box. Apple completely redesigned the interface where as Google is still relying on the first generation look and feel. Check out the video below which compares Netflix on Apple TV, Google TV and Roku set-top box.
Logitech Revue vs. Apple TV
Oct 8th
The Logitech is set to release in a few weeks. Here we will describe how the products differ. You can be the judge which one will remain king of the TV.
Let’s first start with what both units can do. They both offer wireless networking featuring a 802.11 a/b/g/n. Each unit also has HDMI, SPDIF, and 10/100 Base-T Ethernet.
As far as accessories Apple TV offers a remote, a power cable and installation instructions.
The Logitech Revue you get a power supply, keyboard, infrared “mini blaster” to control IR devices, a HDMI cable, and installation instructions.
As for the Android Market vs The Itunes Store, currently apple allows you to buy videos and music. Google TV will probably not have Android Marketplace pre-loaded when it launches. Google TV has already lined up Netflix, Amazon Video, HBO GO, TBS, NBA, Cartoon Network, Pandora, Twitter, Napster, Blip.Tv, and Youtube. Currently they are in negotiation with Hulu for their content as well. The biggest difference is that Google TV won’t be charging per show but will actually offer a subscription cost.
As for the price difference your looking at $200 more for the Logitech Revue. Depending on how the subscription base for the Android Market will determine which unit is a better value. Each song and video purchased from the Apple store can add up very quickly. Stay tuned for the final verdict once we learn more about the Logitech Revue when it releases.
Google TV vs Apple TV, Roku & Boxee Box
Oct 6th
Intro
There’s a lot of hype going around with Google TV but is it really worth it when there’s cheap alternatives? Sure, it has really cool features like searching tv content, a slick home screen that allows you to bookmark your favorites, video recording capability, and access to apps from android market but how much better is it than the already available Apple TV, Roku or Boxee Box?
Hardware Breakdown
- Google TV There are two premiere devices that runs on Google TV platform, Sony Internet TV and Logitech Revue set-top box. Sony Internet TV is not yet available and Logitech Revue is available for pre-order. Sony has not reveal hardware specs on their Internet TV. Logitech Revue set-top box is powered by Intel Atom Z515 1.2Ghz processsor, has 4GB memory, an HDMI connector, usb for external storage and comes with a cool wireless keyboard but for a pricey $299
- Apple TV is powered by their flagship A4 chip that iPhone and iPad runs on. It also has a WiFi, ethernet, HDMI and a micro-usb. Unfortunately the micro-usb is used for debugging but hackers has already allow it to be attached to an external USB storage. Another limitation of Apple TV is their lack of 1080p support.
- Roku XD|S is more powerful than Apple TV with the addition of 1080p support and external usb storage without the need of a software hack. The high end Roku XD|S also has a dual-band wireless for better LAN streaming and component video so it can be used with older TVs.
- Boxee Box Like Logitech Revue, boxee box is powered by Intel Atom processor for smooth 1080p streaming and unfortunately its only avaiable for pre-order. Unlike the others mentioned, it does not come with internal memory hence it lacks the ability to recod media.
Software Breakdown
- Google TV’s user interface is by far the slickest. It offers user the ability to search both online, offline, and TV channels. It also offers access to Android market and comes pre-loaded with apps like netflix, Twitter, CNBC, Pandora, Napster, NBA, Amazon Video on Demand and more. Google TV has a friendly home page screen so you can easily navigate to your favorite online sites or TV channels.
- Apple TV is a close contender to Google TV. It also has a smooth user interface but unfortunately lacks the ability to tap into the app market. It also restricts users to purchasing HD streams from iTunes or Netflix while others have access to Amazon on Demand. A cool feature is the ability to sync with your iTunes library from your Mac, iPod, iPad, or iPhone.
- Roku XD|S Roku’s software is not as slick as Google TV or Apple TV but it gets it offers many online streaming channels such as Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, UFC, MLB.TV, Kung Fu Theater and many more. It’s open platform device with a freely available SDK enables websites to easily create a new channel.
- Boxee Box’s software is focus on social network features designed for your living-room tv. It allows users to view, rate and recommend content to their friends through many social network services. It offers online content channels such as Netflix, Shoutcast, MySpaceTV, Youtube, nad others. It also comes with a built in BitTorrent client and through its plugin system its possible for users to enable Torrent downloads.
Conclusion
If you have the cash to burn and don’t mind waiting, we recommend Logitech Revue that runs on Google TV platform. However, for half the price, Apple TV is a great contender. Boxee Box is great for social experience if your friend is also playing with it. Roku XD|S has very capable hardware and is great for its price but unfortunately, along with Boxee Box & Logitech Revue, its on the waiting list. So why not try out the available Apple TV?
NETGEAR Satellite TV for PC
Oct 6th
Universal Wifi adapter allows you to connect tv to the Internet. Works with any gadget or network.
iSuppli’s AppleTV Teardown- It cost $61.98!
Oct 6th
The new Apple TV has just been broken down by Isuppli to give you the total bill of materials and manufacturing cost. Yes folks it only cost $63.95 to make the Apple TV. See the snap shot below of the break down of the components and cost.
IOS 4 Apps Installed But Don’t Launch
Oct 5th
iOS Developer Steven Troughton-Smith just discovered that he is able to install apps on the new Apple Tv.
He has successfully installed the applications, the only problem is there is no way to currently run them. He states that since the Apple TV is already jailbreaked it’s just a matter of time before applications will be fully functional.
This just made the Apple TV much more attractive now that you can play games and stream it over Airplay, with your Iphone controller. What else will the Apple TV allow us to do?
Iphone Plays Movies to your TV Thanks to Netflix
Oct 5th
Do you want to stream Netflix from the convenience of your living room TV? In order to currently stream you need to drop $100 or more on an Apple TV, Roku Box, or Google TV- unless you own an Iphone 4 or fourth generation Ipod touch. All you have to do is plug the Iphone or Ipod into your TV and watch via Netflix application.
Netflix updated its application for the Iphone and Ipod touch today to include a new feature called “TV Out”. You can use an adapter to connect your device via USB port to an external display with either component or VGA connections.
Using a cellphone or Ipod to stream TV from home is pretty cool. This will be a sure win when your on a hot date and you don’t want to leave the convenience of your home. Simply plug in your Iphone and let the magic begin.