Video

Roku Refreshes Hardware Lineup (XD)

As expected, Roku’s unveiling a slightly refreshed media streaming hardware lineup this fall. The new XD and XD|S join the original HD model, while the SD and HD-XR are put to pasture. But instead of spelling it out in paragraph form, take a gander at this handy comparison chart (click to enlarge):

Basically, the higher-end XD and XDS models improve upon the HD unit with 802.11n and 1080p playback and display capabilities – how ya like them 720p Apples now? Kidding aside, not many streaming services utilize 1080p. Yet? Additionally, the XD|S features component output via an optional accessory cable, optical audio, dual band wireless connectivity for greater range, and a USB port of still limited value. I’m told the XD and XDS guts are quite similar to the also USB-equipped HD-XR from the prior lineup. But the exterior looks somewhat different…

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A Canadian’s Perspective on Netflix Streaming

This week, Netflix launched its long awaited and much coveted Netflix Canada service. Unfortunately, the content selection cupboard is mostly bare. The limited offerings (and lack of DVD service) explains the $7.99 Cdn per month price. The minimum monthly fee that Americans pay for their Netflix service is $9.95 US. For that they get a DVD-by-mail … Read more

Netflix in Canada: Launches This Week, Streaming Only

Interesting. Reuters reports that the Canadian Netflix service is set to launch later this week. And will solely offer video streaming. If I’d read my email a little closer a week ago, I might  have caught this tidbit earlier (see above). The decision to forgo physical media does seem to make good sense on a … Read more

Hands on the VLC iPad App (Pretty Good)

I got word that VLC officially hit the iPad and I was psyched. I had previously tested out the Xvid-playing app CineXPlayer to lousy results and recommended that you stick to Apple-approved formats for your iPad. Then an app calling itself “VLC” appeared. If you watch video on your computer, you probably know about VLC — it … Read more

New Windows Phone 7 Apps Demo-ed (Netflix!)

Microsoft isn’t expected to officially release its new Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system to consumers, via new handsets, until October. But the developer tools for WP7 went final this week, and they’ve been showing off apps built for the new mobile platform left and right. The folks behind the Seesmic social networking client for Facebook and … Read more

NY Times Rips Vulkano A New Caldera

The New York Times took a look at the multifunction Vulkano digital media device … and the results are not pretty. Some of the review lowlights: “it’s a train wreck” “head-banging limitations” “so many problems” “recruited as a paying beta tester” Basically, “the Vulkano box is nowhere near ready for prime time” Devastating!

Of course, I’m not entirely surprised having had a unit in my possession a few weeks. I’ve held off formally evaluating the loaner Vulkano while awaiting some significant software improvements. One update was pushed out last week and I’m told “radically” improved firmware should be available soon. As it currently stands, when I last looked, folks merely looking to placeshift their home TV programming to various desktop and mobile platforms probably won’t be disappointed. But those interested in the Vulkano’s additional features (recording, apps, etc) will want to wait on making a purchase until Monsoon improves the situation.

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Justin.tv Adds Live iPhone Video Broadcasting

Justin.tv has launched a new version of its iPhone app with support for broadcasting live video from an iPhone. Up until now you could only use the company’s iOS app to watch live streams broadcast by other Justin.tv users. The company launched an Android app for broadcasting live video a few weeks ago, and the iPhone version … Read more

Bitbop Now Streaming TV to Android ($10/mo)

Bitbop is a service that lets you stream TV shows and movies to a mobile device. The company launched a BlackBerry app earlier this year, and today Bitbop unveiled software that will let you access the service on a Google Android device. The company offers commercial free content from a variety of networks including CBS, … Read more