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

Samsung Galaxy Tab versus Apple iPad?

In the lead up to release, it’s natural to draw comparisons between Samsung’s Android tablet and Apple’s best selling iPad. At the same time, it may be a bit premature. Specifically, PC World has put together a pair of posts, one each for and against the iPad over the Galaxy Tab. And “Five Reasons to … Read more

Verizon’s Take on the Home Management Market

Apparently we should have all eyes glued to the home management space over the next year. Verizon is the latest to jump on the bandwagon saying it will launch a “connected home service” in the near future for controlling functions like lighting, temperature, and home security automatically. Details are scarce, which makes me wonder if … Read more

Awareness iPhone App INCREASES Ambient Sounds

Awareness ($5) is a new iPhone app that’s currently featured in the App Store and has been making the blogosphere rounds. The software works in conjunction with an iPhone’s mic and headphones to amplify any sounds in your environment that are louder than a specific threshold (which you set). Basically, background noise is ignored while … Read more

Android Home Automation App On Tap (CEDIA)

Blake Krikorian, the guy who invented the Slingbox (a vision we shared for a time), has set his sites on home automation. Basically, what started out as a personal project to consolidate control of all his gear has evolved into a commercial offering. And his Crestron Android app, dubbed R2, will be on display at CEDIA … 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