Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We didn't hear much from Hillcrest Labs' Kylo web browser for TVs after it launched in 2010, but now the company is apparently turning its fate over to the community. A Mozilla-based browser, Kylo will work with any mouse but is designed specifically for its Freespace pointer controls. It's available under the Mozilla Public License which means others can use it for commercial products, but so far web connected products have been slow to take off and even Google TV has had trouble pushing a typical browser experience on HDTVs. Interested devs can snag the code at Kylo.tv or GitHub, we'll see if anyone builds anything with more market impact.

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one

Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's a moderately good day to be an Oklahoman. Wireless subscribers living near Oklahoma City or Tulsa will be among the first to reap the benefits of a new collaboration between Cox Communications and Verizon Wireless that bundles services from both companies, letting customers sign up for packages that include video, internet and voice services from Cox, and wireless service from VZW at a discounted rate. They'll also be eligible to receive debit cards valued at $100-400 if they make the switch to a co-sponsored bundle. You can head over to select retail outlets from either company to sign up, or hit up the source links past the break for more info.

Continue reading Cox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in Oklahoma

Cox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in Oklahoma originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9:00PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9:00PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We got a first hand look at Samsung's stunning 55-inch OLED HDTV prototypes earlier this year during CES, but now it's surprising the world by showing off the first mass produced ES9500 models at the 2012 World's Fair (which is apparently still a thing?) in Korea. Beyond the Smart Interaction voice and gesture control, Smart Content and Smart Evolution upgradeable dual-core CPU features found in its other high-end HDTVs, Samsung has also built in Smart Dual View technology. This lets users watch two different programs (2D) on one screen at the same time using the set's 3D glasses and sound fed through headphones. Since each pixel is individually lit, Samsung says its OLED tech has 20 percent better color reproduction than existing LED-backlit LCD HDTVs. There's still no word on exactly when these will ship and for how much, however with competition on the way from LG, these fresh-off-the-factory-line flat panels are a sign we won't be waiting long. Other than new display tech, Samsung also took the opportunity to officially announce bigger LCD models on the way in sizes from 60- to 75-inches. Check the galleries below for a few pictures straight from the expo, as well as our shots of the CES display.

Update: According to the Associated Press, company officials expect it to go on sale in the second half of the year for over 10 million won, around $9,000 US.

Gallery: Samsung ES9500 55-inch OLED HDTV

Gallery: Samsung 55-inch Super OLED TV eyes-on

Continue reading Samsung shows off production 55-inch OLED HDTVs at the 2012 World's Fair

Samsung shows off production 55-inch OLED HDTVs at the 2012 World's Fair originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 01:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While we're still waiting for Toshiba to deliver its top of the line 55X3 HDTV with 4K resolution and glasses-free 3D technology here in the US, it just announced a step-down model in Japan. The Regza 55XS5 keeps the 3840 x 2160 LCD panel, but switches to edge LED lighting instead of local dimming and drops 3D altogether, autostereoscopic or otherwise. There's a CEVO Duo image processing engine inside the slimmed-down frame upconverting your standard HDTV res inputs to QFHD, as well as support for apps and USB hard drive for recording broadcasts. This model should ship in June on the other side of the Pacific for an "open price" expected to be around 750,000 yen ($9,410 US), slightly lower than the X3's 900,00 yen launch price last December. So, still hanging on for an 8K Super Hi-Vision model, or is this resolution high enough for you?

Toshiba's 55XS5 brings quad HD without the glasses-free 3D tech to Japan in June originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

LG revealed two Google-loaded TVs at CES, but never gave us prices or told us when these LED models might dangle their skinny bezels in stores. In briefings at Google last week, we heard that the 47-incher (47G2) and 55-incher (55G2) would sell for $1699 and $2299 respectively -- although Amazon already has them listed significantly cheaper than that. Now, to complete the jigsaw, Reuters has quoted LG exec Ro Seogho as saying that these Google TVs will ship in the US from May 21st. In the meantime, check out our hands-on from Las Vegas, because that new QWERTY-equipped Magic Motion remote is especially enticing.

LG's Google TV-enabled sets coming to US end of May originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A new DVR with a never-before-seen feature doesn't come around every day, and if it's the sort of amenity that works in every room of the house, without compromise, then we just have to review it. What would make the list? Try the Dish Hopper whole-home DVR, which can record six shows at once. Of course, there are specs and marketing claims, and then there's real-world performance. Is this set-top box everything we could have dreamed of? There's only one way to find out: you'll have to meet us past the break and take a walk through our full review.

Gallery: Dish Hopper review

Continue reading Dish Hopper whole-home DVR review

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Dish Hopper whole-home DVR review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The numbers for Samsung's first quarter of 2012 are in and as it expected they are up sharply over the same period from 2011. After predicting profits of 5.8 trillion won it managed to top that, notching an operating profit of 5.85 trillion won ($5.16 billion US) for the quarter, a 98 percent gain over a year ago. Phones accounted for 73 percent of the profit, contributing 4.27 trillion won to the bottom line. As the world awaits the debut of what we assume will be the Samsung Galaxy S III May 3rd powered by its Exynos 4 Quad CPU, there's clearly no shortage of demand for the Galaxy S II and Note. Sales of chips and TVs decreased from last quarter, but like its competitor LG, growing sales of high res tablet panels (we wonder which one that might be), 3DTVs and OLEDs increased profitability. Specifically, the high end 7000/8000 series of HDTVs increased sales by 50 percent from last year, while the company plans to focus on "region-specific" LED models for emerging markets, and high end (and high priced) flat-panels for developed markets.

We're listening in to the earnings call at the moment, and we'll let you know if there's any other details that come out of what is mostly boring numbers talk. So far it's all pretty businessy, although in response to a question executives did confirm that they expect the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note to occupy different segments in terms of size. So there you have it -- the Galaxy S III will (shockingly) not have a 5.3-inch screen. Also, it predictably is trying to continue the trend of global launches, although that hardly puts to rest the issue of how long we may end up waiting for carrier-specific versions here in the US. Check out the rest of Samsung's details in a press release and a few slides from the report embedded after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's Q1 2012 profits nearly double year-over-year on higher margins for TVs and phones

Samsung's Q1 2012 profits nearly double year-over-year on higher margins for TVs and phones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

LG has released its Q1 2012 numbers, and there's plenty of good news to go around, with TV profits that nearly doubled and profit from cellphones for the second quarter in a row following six straight quarters of losses. Despite slightly lower sales, more of the units that did sell had higher prices and made more profit. In its press release, the company claimed to have "turned the corner" with a net profit of $215 million, blaming the slower sales of TVs on the European economy and cellphones on declining featurephone sales. We don't have specific numbers, but it called out the popularity of the Optimus LTE and Optimus Vu as part of the reason for increased revenues. Of course, the year is only just getting under way, and the company is expected to introduce its first 55-inch OLED HDTV soon, as well as quad-core smartphones and a new L-style series of phones. Before that however, it will have to deal with the competition from fellow Korean giant Samsung which will report its earnings later this week and has a few high profile releases up its sleeves as well. There's more details in the press release after the break, and PDF linked below.

Continue reading LG's Q1 2012 earnings show greater profits on strong TV, phone sales

LG's Q1 2012 earnings show greater profits on strong TV, phone sales originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 6PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 6PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Truth be told, we haven't been wildly impressed with the glasses-free 3D solutions we've seen to date, be it because of the limited viewing angles, unconvincing picture or lack of availability here in the US. That could soon change, however, if Dolby's version of the three-dimensional experience makes its way to a production-ready television set. Best known for its audio technologies, the company just launched its own 3D standard in cooperation with Philips, called Dolby 3D. The platform-agnostic solution is far from ready to make its way into your living room, but it's conceptually sound, and the prototype 4K 3D TV and mobile versions being demonstrated at Dolby's NAB booth make us hopeful for the future. As with all displays -- especially those that support 3D -- you'll really need to see to believe, but we had an opportunity to do just that, and walked away very impressed.

The 56-inch 4K prototype display is viewable from nearly any angle, with 24 different viewpoints, though you'll really need to be front and center for the greatest 3D effect. Side viewing is certainly possible; you'll just sacrifice some depth in the process. Even from the front, 3D appears slightly muted compared to what we've seen with passive- and active-glasses equivalents, though we can't say that we mind much, considering that the image is still dramatic enough when you need it to be, such as when displaying scenes with significant depth. The company was also demonstrating Dolby 3D on an HTC Evo 3D along with a nondescript tablet, where an on-screen slider lets you dim the three-dimensional intensity just as you would adjust the volume, enabling you to customize the experience to suit your needs. Since Dolby 3D is merely a display standard, we won't be seeing any branded televisions or smartphones, though perhaps we'll see some third-party adaptations come CES 2013. Jump past the break to see it in action.

Gallery: Dolby 3D on prototype 4K display and HTC Evo 3D hands-on

Continue reading Dolby 3D on prototype 4K display and HTC Evo 3D hands-on (video)

Dolby 3D on prototype 4K display and HTC Evo 3D hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

What we're about to show you is decidedly low-tech -- it's essentially a projection screen with a sharp curve at the bottom -- but the resulting effect conveys a more realistic 3D image, for certain applications, at least. The Communications Research Centre of Canada was on hand at NAB to demonstrate a small variety of lab projects, with agency representatives hoping to make an impression on attendees, who will theoretically apply these concepts to actual products, with no licensing fee making its way back to the True North. This particular project employs an off-the-shelf Optoma 3D projector, active glasses and a white screen positioned with a dramatic curve, that essentially works to provide a platform for 3D subjects to stand on.

Believe it or not, the config really does make a difference, enabling a more immersive experience that makes 3D objects appear more realistic, assuming they're positioned in such a way that they're standing on the near-horizontal portion of the screen. Research Technologist Ron Renaud says that such a configuration would be ideal for video conferencing -- it's still no match for an in-person meeting, but it's certainly an improvement over the traditional approach. The demonstration projector wasn't configured to compensate for the curve, which theoretically makes it subject to warping, though we didn't notice any issues at the show. Like all 3D displays, you'll really need to see it for yourself to get an accurate impression of the experience, but jump past the break for an overview with Renaud, and a closer look at the screen.

Gallery: Curved 3D panel hands-on

Continue reading Curved panel gives more depth to 3D projections, we take a look at NAB (video)

Curved panel gives more depth to 3D projections, we take a look at NAB (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Philips transfers TV business to a joint venture with TPV Technology, TPV takes the controlling stake

Philips transfers TV business to a joint venture with TPV Technology, TPV takes the controlling stake originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Flat-panel TV shipments to fall for the first time ever in 2012?

Flat-panel TV shipments to fall for the first time ever in 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Sharp's bigger and better HDTVs for 2012 start hitting store shelves

Sharp's bigger and better HDTVs for 2012 start hitting store shelves originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Panasonic details US availability for 25 of its 2012 HDTVs

Panasonic details US availability for 25 of its 2012 HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple TV update takes Digital Copy to the iCloud originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Apple TV vs. the new Apple TV (2012): what's changed?

Apple TV vs. the new Apple TV (2012): what's changed? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Samsung Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard

Continue reading Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go eyes-on (video)

Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype videoconferencing app and add-on camera come to Vizio Internet Apps HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Have you been shoring up funds since you first heard about the Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 12-65 last month? We sure hope so. The company has announced that its 65-inch full HD and 3D compatible plasma TV will hit showrooms in the Canada, Mexico and the US in a matter of days. Featuring an integrated center speaker and a NeoPDP panel, the BeoVision display will carry a hefty price tag of $11,350. If money really is no object, you can spring for the $19,749 package that includes the B&O's BeoSystem 3 'stage manager' for your living room. The 12-65 arrives stateside in March, so you've got a short time to finish getting your finances in order. But for now, hit the eyes-on gallery below for another look before committing.

Gallery: Bang & Olufsen debuts BeoVision 12-65 plasma TV, BeoLab 12 speakers (eyes-on)

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 12-65 hits North America in March for $11,350

Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 12-65 hits North America in March for $11,350 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

GTVHacker tool brings Sony Google TVs root access, full Flash streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Sky Go finally available on a few Android devices, brings some new channels

Sky Go finally available on a few Android devices, brings some new channels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Samsung spinning off LCD business

Samsung spinning off LCD business originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading HBO Go rolls out to most Samsung Smart HDTVs -- but not through all providers

HBO Go rolls out to most Samsung Smart HDTVs -- but not through all providers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

2012 HDTV pricing leaks out for Panasonic, Sony, Sharp and Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Panasonic prices, dates some of its 2012 HDTVs (VT, GT, ET) and accessories in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.