Recently, the Hub highlighted the Broadband Device Pavilion at the Streaming Media East conference. Over twenty different streaming blu-ray players, video game consoles and streaming boxes were in one place for hands-on comparisons. Streaming Media has posted a comparative matrix of the technical specs and content providers available on all of the devices presented. Some...
Some months ago, the Hub compared the Roku and TiVo Amazon Instant Video players. The two devices interacted with the Amazon service in a fundamentally different way (streaming vs. download). As the Amazon Instant service becomes available on more devices, it typically has been implemented as a streaming player. TiVo has stated that they...
I had the privilege of drinking from the firehose at Streaming Media East last week in New York. One of the highlights of the conference was the Broadband Device Pavilion, where you could compare more than twenty connected Blu-ray, video game and stand-alone streaming boxes. Device Pavilion at Streaming Media East In the past,...
It’s time for round two of the Netflix player shootout and review. In this round, the Hub is going to focus on the new crop of Blu-ray players. Tech of the Hub has looked at the 2011 models from LG, Panasonic and Samsung. At minimum, each model had to have built-in wireless capability. In...
VUDU took a step towards challenging other streaming services as it expands its line up of TV shows. Up to this point, the lack of TV series has been the biggest content hole for VUDU. When we recently looked at streaming services, the Hub liked VUDU since it offered the best audio and video...
With the Playstation network being down, you’re robbed of the best audio and video experience Netflix can offer: 1080P and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. What devices offer the best alternatives? Unfortunately, only the Playstation 3 offers a 1080P Netflix video stream. There’s apparently an exclusive arrangement between Sony and Netflix. All of the...
There’s a lot of speculation out there about Apple releasing an HDTV this year. Marco Arment offered a strong case why Apple will not enter the space, while MG Sielger responded with a well thought out counterpoint. There’s one reason not covered in either analysis: Apple will release an HDTV because it has to....
On the playground the other day, parents were swapping stories about movies they recently saw on Netflix and Amazon Instant. We all enjoy watching movies through our Rokus, Apple TVs or other streaming boxes. During the conversation, one parent stated how a friend had challenges enabling parental controls with one of the streaming services....
For a little while, it appeared that Netflix was on the ropes. First, there was the the loss of Showtime first-run series such as Dexter and Weeds. Then Starz announced they were adding a 90-day window to their shows after the first broadcast date. In addition, there was also speculation that Starz would renegotiate...
Given the recent announcements from Netflix and Amazon, there’s been a lot written about video streaming services lately. One thing not thoroughly covered is the audio and video quality of streaming services. It’s ironic that you’ve invested all of this money in your home theater system–large HD screen, receiver and speakers–and you end up...
Last week, a major update was quietly released for Apple TV (sans Steve Jobs keynote). After the update was done, Apple TV started up and the Hub immediately started enjoying some of the new functionality. Tonight, I power cycled the unit and the following appeared on the screen: Summary of new Apple TV features...
2012 CES Coverage