Netflix finally brings 'Watch Instantly' to Macs via Silverlight

In a move that is likely to cut into iTunes rentals, today Netflix announces they will finally offer streaming content to their Mac using subscribers.

Though, I wouldn’t boot up the old PowerPC just yet, in order to access Netflix streaming content you must be running an Intel-based Mac loaded up with Microsoft's Flash-type browser plug-in, Silverlight. On top of giving us "breakthrough navigation for fast-forward and rewind," Silverlight, will also maintain the content’s DRM via PlayReady, Microsoft’s content access and protection technology.

By now you may be thinking, “who wants all that evil Microsoft code on their Mac,” especially when you consider this feature is in limited release and is only being offered to newer subscribers, for now. Which, for those of us that have been waiting ages for this feature to be worked out for Mac, is mad disappointing.

I just subscribed to Netflix about two month ago and it definitely doesn’t work for me yet. On the other hand, I can hold off on that Netflix compatible Blu-ray deck, at least until my stock portfolio rebounds.

Press release in expanded article.

NETFLIX BEGINS ROLL-OUT OF 2ND GENERATION MEDIA PLAYER FOR INSTANT STREAMING ON WINDOWS PCs AND INTEL MACS

Based on Microsoft Silverlight, New Player Features Enhanced Dynamic Streaming, First-Time Use for Macs and

Breakthrough Navigation for Fast-Forward and Rewind

LOS GATOS, Calif., October 27, 2008 – Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced it has begun the deployment of Microsoft Silverlight to enhance the instant watching component of the Netflix service and to allow subscribers for the first time to watch movies and TV episodes instantly on their Intel-based Apple Macintosh computers. The deployment, which will initially touch a small percentage of new Netflix subscribers, is the first step in an anticipated roll-out of the new platform to all Netflix subscribers by the end of the year.

Silverlight is designed for delivery of cross-platform, cross-browser media experiences inside a Web browser. It is expected that Netflix members who watch movies and TV episodes instantly on their computers will enjoy a faster, easier connection and a more robust viewing experience with Silverlight, due to the quality built directly into the player. Among the viewing enhancements with the new player is a breakthrough in timeline navigation that vastly improves the use of fast-forwarding and rewinding. The new Netflix player takes advantage of Play Ready DRM, which is built into Silverlight, for the playback of protected content on both Windows-based PCs and on Macs. That had not been possible with previous generation technologies.

"Silverlight with Play Ready offers a powerful and secure toolkit for delivery of dynamic streaming, which offers faster start-up, and higher quality video, adapted in real time to users' connection speeds," said Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt. "Members who enjoy watching movies and TV episodes from the growing library of choices that can be instantly streamed at Netflix will be thrilled with this next generation improvement of access and quality, on a broader range of platforms, including Intel Macs and Firefox."
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Samsung Teams up with Netflix on the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550

Today, Samsung announced a firmware update for two of their existing Blu-ray decks that enables streaming media playback.

The web’s most popular streaming content providers, Netflix and Pandora, have teamed up with Korean’s colossal consumer electronics manufacturer to bring streaming net-based media to those among us who desire a full cinematic experience, but loathe digital cable’s price gouging.

The Samsung BD-P2500and BD-P2550both get to take a break from their usual disc spinning duties by connecting via Ethernet to Netflix’s vast library of movies that are available as “watch instantly” titles. These titles can only be watch on a computer if the system is running Windows. So, in addition to giving you access to a richer experience through your home entertainment system, if you own a Mac you can access Netflix streaming movies without installing Windows.

Pandora, an easy way to discover new music and stay up-to-date with our favorite artists, is supported only on the BD-P2550.

If you own one of these decks now, you can update today, free of charge. More info can be found at: www.samsung.com/bluraysupport

Press Release
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Asus Newest Navigator has your Safety in Mind

Asus’ newly announced R710 portable navigation device features an optional Heads-Up Display, or HUD, that helps you keep all eyes where they should be... on the road. The directions, speed and all other pertinent information is projected on the windshield. The device has the tradition touchscreen like most other navigation devices out there, as well as an enhanced Bluetooth 2.0; cementing this device as the it machine for the safety conscious.

A light-sensing chip optimizes the HUD’s visibility; making it easier on the eyes. While the microSD card slot supplies media playback that makes everything seem easier.

Asus has not announced release or pricing information, and no specific maps are available for North America, only worldwide. Russia, China and Taiwan navigation support have been mentioned so far.
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Nikon intros web browser, video player, headset combo

Nikon is breaking its self-imposed mold as a producer of professional grade imaging products and venturing into PMP (personal media player) territory. This is definitely not the pocketable gear we’re use to carrying. In fact, this new gear is a totally departure from the conventional forms that PMPs take on.

The ‘Media Port’ UP300x media player is a self-contained headset unit - with a slight twist. Nikon has turned what could have been a run-of-the-mill headset into one-of-a-kind wearable computer.

They’ve achieved this status by... including Wi-Fi connectivity and mounting a retractable display on the headset. This minuscule monitor drops down in front of one eye and supplies the viewer with 640x480 video goodness. The display tucks away for music playback, or for when you’re not into looking like a robot.

The dropdown display allows owners to watch videos while on foot or on public transportation, without being entirely oblivious to their surrounding. Though, maintaining a brisk stroll with the viewer engaged seems like it would take some practice.

Embedded Wi-Fi supports web browsing with Flash and JavaScript, as well as media purchasing directly from an online store.

Another nicety on the highest-end model, which makes for a truly hands free experience, are motion sensors that activate the player’s basic controls and browsing capabilities.

Nikon is keeping this one on the island of origin, for now, launch is set for mid-December and prices are $685 for the 8GB, and $490 for the 4GB.

Supported media formats include: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and WMV for videos, and AAC, MP3, and WMA for audio tracks.
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Pioneer Introduces New GPS Models

Pioneer announced four new in-dash navigation head units; two double-din receivers, the AVIC-HRZ099/88, and two single-din the AVIC-HRV022/11. All of them feature a 40GB HDD, and text-to-speech. The $2495 HRZ099, flaunts an 800x480 pixel count on its 7-inch widescreen, while the others proudly display 480x234 on the same size monitor. To optimize and tailor to each person, the new product line, dubbed carrozzeria for the Japanese market, features “My Set-up” or customizable user preferences. These are stored for quick recall.

Revolutionary networking capabilities have been integrated into Pioneer’s latest latitude and longitude pin pointers. They use... a social network-like “Smart Loop” system; where traffic information can be shared with other device users in a "smart traffic information loop". The high-end model is set-up to provide you with additional information through this network by giving you a “Smart Loop Drive Report”. Information in this report may include which route will be the most fuel efficient, or how safely other drivers are driving.

If that “smart loop” traffic info isn’t cutting it, you can flip on the TV tuner and get a traditional traffic report. TV tuners are present in all but the lowest price model of the line. While on the subject of tuners, every new model uses a signal amplifying radio tuner, for improved reception in those dark, foreboding urban canyons.

The 50W x 4-channel amp provides the top two units with punchy power, while the disc player supports CD, DVD-ROM, DVD-VIDEO, DVD-R/RW, CD-ROM, CD-DA, and CD-R/RW formatted discs. Additional media can be loaded onto the HDD through USB drives (additional equipment maybe required). Supported media file formats are: DVD, WMA, MP3, DivX, WAV, and MPEG-4, units are also iPod ready with video playback.

These are set to drop on the pacific island of their origin by Halloween night. Prices will range for $1795 to $2495. No word on when these beauties will be making landfall in Cali, and consequently blessing the rest of us with possible ownership.

Press Release

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Fuji Real 3D Brings Lenticular Printing Home to Roost

Photokina has been overshadowed this week by T-Mobile/Android/HTC Dream news. Nevertheless, interesting news of advancements in photographic technology is what Photokina is all about, and the event never disappoints us photo dorks. Of the many press announcements floating to the surface, one I ran across really caught my eye.

Fujifilm has announced it’s proposed 3D digital camera system; the Finepix Real 3D system...
It's all a concept at the moment. So, I’ll try to restrain my excitement over this tech until I see it in action.
Real 3D is an inventive blend of old tech with new, it’s a stereographic twin lens camera, nothing too new about that, other than using a digital sensor instead of film. The real advancement with ‘Fuji Real 3D’ is in the camera’s LCD screen, corresponding digital frames, and the actual photos printed with the system’s lenticular printer.

No View-Master or Dorky Glasses Required

The camera’s LCD and the system’s digital photo frames have filters that effectively combine the images creating 3D illusions, without the glasses. So if you’re hoping you’ll look like the McFly hating goon from Back to the Future, Sorry.

Best of all is the printer, which uses a super fine pitch for lenticular printing, producing a 3D effect that will have more in-between images making the effect smoother and more seamless.

This whole system reminds me of these disposable 3D cameras that I used to sell. The prints from them were cool, but expensive (about $25 for 12 prints, in 1999). I’m very interested to see what price this system lands on, wherever it lands it won’t be cheap. And hey, you can always view the images on a new Panasonic 3D HDTV.

from dpreview
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Memorex intros $269 MVBD-2510 Blu-ray Player

High priced Blu-ray technology may have just bought the farm. Finally, Blu-ray players are beginning to drop to a reasonable price. Memorex has just announced their entry into the Blu-ray arena, the Memorex MVBD-2510.

Sporting a price tag of $269.95, this new offering falls in the very sparsely populated category of players under $300. Not quite the bleeding edge tech you get with a profile 2.0 player, but of those who can enjoy a movie without watching every possible extra, this will totally work out just fine.

Product Features

• Progressive scan Blu-ray Disc player 1080p capability for higher definition video content
• Full HD 1080p, DVD up-conversion up to 1080p (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p), 24p, 60p video frame rate
• Multi-channel audio content (supports more advanced Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD)
• BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL, CD-ROM, CD, CD-R/-RW
• 16:9 / 4:3 picture select
• On-screen graphical user interface
• Slow motion function (2x - 4x - 8x)
• RW/FF play function (2x - 4x - 8x - 16x)
• VFD display

Connectivity

• HDMI v1.3 digital output
• Component video output
• S-video output
• Composite video output
• Optical audio output
• Analog 5.1 channel audio output
• USB 2.0 input

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Interesting New Looks for Sony iPod Docks

iPod-mania hasn’t eased up much since Tuesday’s “Let’s Rock” event got everyone all worked up. Sony is riding this wave of excitement, hopefully all the way to the bank (they’ve been in a bit of a slump, fiscally). But, if they keep pumping out sweet iPod accessories, like these two shiny new jewels, their stockholders should see a tidy sum on their next dividend check.

First up is the latest entry into the Dream Machine line. Donning an interesting circular façade, the ICF-CD3iP will accommodate CDs, iPods, and iPhones of all descriptions. Along with an iPod dock, which charges the device, this dream of a machine will allow other MP3 player to jack in through the line in. Maybe, Sony had their line of player in mind. Other niceties included alarm time exchange between the iPods alarm and the clocks alarm, comprehensive remote, and 30 presets for your AM/FM channel surfing needs. Price is rumored to be hovering around $100, with availability reported to be some time in October.
More iPod alarm clocks

Next, from Sony, is the ZS-S4iP...

This is a Boom-box dock that completely integrates you iPod into the design of the boomer, making for a seamless look that is quite striking after always seeing iPods set apart in their companion devices. The mechanism works much like a cassette deck with an eject button giving you access to the dock. Two 2W speakers provide the aural experience, and the box takes a myriad of CD formats, in addition to the radio tuner. Look for this to be available around October as well with a selling price around $140.
More iPod Boom boxes
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Nikon D90 has Arrived to Advance your Artistic Tendencies

With the newly announced D90, Nikon is finally blazing new trails in digital photography (after playing catch-up for years). Recently, Nikon has been: developing their own sensors that push the limits of low-light sensitivity while producing less noise, improving their Vibration Reduction (VR) lenses to the allow sharp handheld shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/15 of a sec, and, the biggie, integrating HD video recording w/sound (720p @ 24fps) into the D90, a DSLR first.

The HD video files are formatted in AVI; these are easily imported in most video editing software. 5 minutes per video clip is all you get, and the camera can’t adjust the focus automatically while recording, because the mirror is up, but that doesn’t stop you from manually adjusting the focus through live view, if you're up to it.

Other cool new features include the an HDMI port, simulated Fisheye Effect, Straighten, Distortion Control, and up to five faces can be detected with the face detection software. Once the faces are identified the photographer can then press the zoom key to quickly verify that the focus was accurate; something portrait photographers will love.

The D90, the top model of the DX format cameras in Nikon's line, is set to drop in a matter of weeks. The body will be sold for at or around $1000, while the kit, with the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-105 f/3.5-5.6, will sell for around $1300. I think I've found my new backup cam to the D300.

A Video of Chase Jarvis and his lucky crew that got a sneak preview, playing with the new Nikon D90 after the break.


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Sony's S-AIRPLAY Helps You Play Harder

Sony knows where there’s a party - there’s an iPod, and their latest product announcement just made large soirees a little easier to throw (at least in the music department). With the new S-AIRPLAY system, Sony has made multi-room audio practical, inexpensive, and a cinch to setup.

Using their own S-air wireless technology, which has garnished user praise for...


its high bitrates and resistance to outside interface, iPod tunes or radio transmissions, can be transmitted from the main docking station to the satellites speaker/receivers situated in other rooms; up to 10 at once.

The main docking unit also sports RCA interfaces for connecting up to a television, helping you get the most out of those downloaded videos. Each satellite speaker has a source select. Using the S-AIRPLAY system’s dual source feature, any unit can bypass the iPod audio, in favor of radio transmissions, while other satellites continue playing iPod audio.

Satellites also handle remote control over the iPod track selection, and even incorporate the standard clock radio functions of a sleep timer and alarm; making them a great addition to your nightstand. The AIR-SA20PK will arrive in warehouses next month; MSRP is set at $400. We can do better than that… check the main site for a great deal on this and more Sony products.
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Sony Leaks New Line of Budget-minded Walkman

Sony inadvertently, or not, announced a new slew of inexpensive portable media players (PMPs), through their New Zealand site (which has already been squelched). The NWZ-E430 series Walkman will take its place under the NWZ-S610 line to become Sony’s newest entry-level PMP.

With the earlier 2GB NWZ-S615coming in just under $90, you can guess the 2” screen sporting NWZ-E435, NWZ-E436, and NWZ-E438 will be more than reasonably priced, when released. Other advantages are increased compatibility with drag and drop supported by OS file managers or sync software, as well as Windows Media player and iTunes support.

As with most non-apple PMPs, there is an FM tuner and incredible battery life. However, the 45 hours of music and 9.5 hours of video that this player is purported to be capable of... is unheard of in today’s market. More info as it becomes available.

via Sony Insider
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Lumix DMC-FX37 Slim Digicam

The latest slim cam from Panasonic's Lumix line features everything one should expect from the brand that many professional photographers carry, as their compact. The FX37's 10.1 Megapixel performance is coupled with an 5x zoom ultra wide-angle 25mm lens. This is unique. I sold cameras for six years and never saw any compact, film or digital, that went beyond 28mm. The panny almost has a fisheye lens compared to other point and shoots.

Lens range is the real selling point here, but there are many reasons to love the FX37. This all inclusive panny will also give you 2.5 fps, auto image leveling and full HD video.
Panasonic DMC-FX37
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Google Phone to Launch on T-Mobile

October 1st is the alleged launch date of T-Mobile’s own 3G network. Coinciding with TMo’s 3G launch is the first Google phone, the HTC’s Dream, which has been running Android for months. Dream is a top contender to dethrone the iPhone.

When TMo's network goes live, it will be the only competing network to AT&T’s HSPA network, but the high might be short lived - as many other Google partners have similar phones and launch dates in mind.

Considering the apparent consumer appetite for new phone technology seems even this slight edge on the competition could translate into huge numbers for T-Mobile. I couldn’t tell you if they’ll be a run on these phones, Apple fans are a special breed, but I think there are many more people anticipating a Google phone then had anticipated the iPhone release. How willing they will be to go for a relatively unknown brand, HTC, remains to be seen.

Latest Demo Vid after the break...



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Garmin Says: Get Out There

Some of us fight it - but let’s face it - summertime is best spent outdoors, not mouse clicking. Garmin wants to help us get out there this summer. Their new Oregon series of handheld GPS receiver is specifically designed for some serious trekking and adventurous fun.

Designed to suit the demanding needs of outdoor, marine, and fitness enthusiasts the new Oregon series handhelds retain the rugged engineering of their predecessors, the Colorado series, while adding simplicity of use via a bright responsive touchscreen.

Maybe your buddy has some data on his Colorado or new Oregon you like to grab? Good thing these directionally enlightened devices wirelesses exchange tracks, waypoints, and geocaches between other Oregon units and Colorado models.

The new series has five distinct models to choose from –this way you only pay for the maps and info you’ll use. All model sport an SD card slot for having their mapping data updated. Model breakdown after the break…

“The Oregon 400t gives hikers preloaded U.S. topographic maps in state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective. The Oregon 400i offers anglers shoreline details, depth contours and boat ramps for U.S. inland lakes and navigable rivers. The Oregon 400c is a saltwater specialist, providing chart coverage for the coastal U.S. and Bahamas. The Oregon 300 features a worldwide basemap with shaded relief. The Oregon 200 provides a basemap that can be easily supplemented with additional mapping or charts for your adventures on land or at sea.”
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Nikon D700 is Offically Announced!

It’s finally happened. Nikon has released us professionals and photographic enthusiasts from DX format hell with their announcement of a full frame digital SLR, the Nikon D700 - although it may be a little late.

Many photographers that couldn’t or wouldn’t lay down five grand for a Nikon D3 still desired a full frame sensor. Thus, Nikon unwittingly forced many photographers to switch, albeit reluctantly in many cases, to a Canon. Even after decades of Nikon use the Washington D.C. bureau of the Associated Press outfitted their staff photographers on Capital Hill with Canon gear a few years back.

The Nikon D700 is still a bit pricey for your average shooter, at $2995, but what you get for all that scratch is a supped up, rugged, speed demon with a taste for action.

Making the case for Nikon

For starters, the Nikon D700 rips off 5 frames per second (up to 8 fps with the battery pack grip), has a measly shutter-lag of 0.4 milliseconds, a blazing start up time of .12 seconds, and a give me more card write speed of 35MB a second.

Improved noise reduction and a wider dynamic range coupled with an ISO range that can be stretched from it's native 200-6400 ISO sensitivity to an ISO range of 100- 25,600 means that whether you're shooting in intense light or low light, you'll cope with ease when you pack the D700.

Believe it or not, there are those of us that contract a case of “butterfingers” every now and again. Luckily for us, Nikons in the D700’s range don’t seem to mind the occasional tumble; in fact, their ruggedness is legendary among photojournalist.

Did I mention action... Nikons have the superior auto focus system, the 51 AF points, 3D tracking (to lock on to moving subjects), and 46 sensors the photographer can activate (which define a focus area) will make sure - whatever it is that your aspiring to capture, it will be in focus.

Freeing us from the viewfinder is Nikon Live View, which allows photographers to compose the subject on the LCD, something even point and shoots have always done. Sony Alpha A350 was the first DSLR with this feature. Another first, for Nikon at least, is the D700's self-cleaning sensor.

With a little extra software you can control the camera functions remotely via PC, but as for composing a shot from New York that is being photographed in Beijing, you're gonna need all little more than just software. Some assistants and superior communication skills wouldn't hurt.

these should be ready to ship at the end of the month.
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iPhone Gets Video Projection

So while we portable gadget addicts wait for cell phones that include tiny embedded projectors. A Johnny-on-the-spot Taiwanese manufacturer, Honlai, has been reducing the size of today’s available projection technology, and making it into a form suitable to befriend iPhone aficionados.

This projector represents some of the newest iPhone accessory tech being reviled at Computex Taipei 2008. It boasts screen sizes between 15”~ 27”, which is perfect for a medium sized room. It’s far from HD, but youtube works in a pinch; so a resolution of 640x480 should be enough to satiate you ravenous media appetite. The paltry contrast ratio of 200: 1 is a bit of a bummer, but hopefully a nice price upon release will allow us gloss over this.

Judging from the test runs published online...

the picture quality isn’t bad. There's no doubt, these units give you instant access to room filling visuals that would otherwise remain handheld; however, as far as the sound goes, the speakers pump out all of two watts. Which will be sufficient to get the point across, though some audio is bound to get lost.

Whether this iPhone projector will be used to display the buyer’s vast array of legally purchased iTunes movies, or whether it will become an impromptu presentation tool, allowing enterprising business folks to sell their ideas on the fly, has yet to be determined. Price will most likely decide this.

But, however they take off, I predict they definitely will. Our digital lives are turning away from being solely sedentary. More and more people are realizing the benefits of mobile computing; in turn computers are getting smaller and are conforming to us more. I can’t wait until we are truly freed from the desk, and wearable computers are commonplace.

If this all seems a little far fetched too you, you can always plug your iPod into any analog AV system using cords from Apple.
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Nüvifone Set to Topple Apple's iPhone

Garmin’s latest announcement introduces us to the nüvifone, the company’s ambitious first foray into the mobile phone market. Obviously, any phone carrying the Garmin brand will be heavily skewed towards navigation and geo-tagging functions, and the nüvifone delivers, in theory. Success in this realm, for Garmin, will depend on how well they pull off the integration of the GPS enabled functions with the rest of the phone’s capabilities. On paper, the nüvifone meshes internet browsing, navigating, photographing, messaging and actually carrying on a conversation with style and functionality.

The phone is reportedly 3.5G capable, this basically means with the right network support the nüvifone would have the fastest download speeds ever experienced on a phone. At first glance the 3.5” touch screen and similar overall size makes the nüvifone look like a bootleg iPhone. Looks can be deceiving and in this instance they are. As fundamental to the phone’s operation as music playback on the iPhone, the nüvifone takes navigation seriously, while still remembering it’s mostly a toy at heart.

Some geo-tagging options are all fun and games like the automatic picture position tagging. A photo taken with the built-in camera will be appropriately geo-tagged; you could then send the photo to a friend just to let them know where you’re at. If they happen to have a nüvifone as well, they could then navigate directly to the photo’s position. Presumably you’d stay there to meet up with them. This isn't any better than just telling your mates were you’re at, but loads more fun.

Another, more plausible, example of the seamless navigation integration would be going from walking and talking; to driving, navigating, and conversing hands-free. As soon as the phone snaps into the car mount cradle the audio transfers to the speaker phone and the navigation function automatically activates.

Nüvifone also tags your position as soon as you take the phone off the car mount. This promises to make locating that out of the way parking place much easier. Plus, it took you an hour to find an open spot, you don’t want it take that long or longer to find your way back to it.

Garmin has built a huge database of points of interest, but they also realize that many folks use and trust Google to search points of interest. Using Google, the Garmin accesses all the resources of the web, including user generated ratings, to sort points of interest search results. They’ve also geo-positioned landmarks within the POIs database and linked them with sightseeing photographs from Google’s Panoramio, thereby enhancing those travels to unfamiliar destinations.

Added as more of a side note, the phone also plays movies and music, but I wouldn't throw out your iPod just yet.

If Garmin successfully completes this ambitious undertaking, the big question then becomes which carrier would offer this phone? AT&T would do well to keep their bid in front of the Garmin decision makers; having the two most feature-rich phone offerings would certainly boast profits, and maybe bring plan costs down. Well, one can dream, can't one?

<..via press release..

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