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Toshiba to integrate Media Center Extender technology into HDTVs
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: CES, CES 2009, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Internet, Microsoft,
Hey, it’s CES time, and that means we are getting slammed with news from all ends. Toshiba, happy to get in on that party, has just announced that they’ll be integrating Media Center Extender technology directly into their REGZA line of HDTVs, and that they are even working on a standalone device that you can integrate into your home theater setup as well to get the same functionality. I guess this is the most we can expect from the company whose HD DVD technology lost out to Blu-ray in a major way. We’ve got the full release for you after the break.
Click to continue reading Toshiba to integrate Media Center Extender technology into HDTVs
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China Limits Internet Usage, Cites Porn and Obscene Content
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Editorial, Google, Internet,
China has decided to cut back on their country’s Internet access to porn and obscene content by blacklisting 19 portals and sites. Included in that list are Netease, Baidu and Google. The deputy director of the State Council Information Office, Cai Mingzhao, said “Immediate action is needed to purify the Internet environment.”
Supposedly the Chinese Google has links to porn sites and although China’s Internet Illegal Information Reporting Center asked them to take them off, nothing was done. A spokesperson there said, “Google is neither the owner of those Web sites and porn nor does it spread (that) information intentionally.” We figure if someone wants to find that sort of content, there is always a way.
Read More 
| CNN
Samsung HDTV With Internet@TV
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Internet, USB,
Samsung has announced that many of its HDTVs released this year will feature Internet@TV service. The 5th generation Yahoo Widget Engine allows users to check news headlines, stocks, and search Internet based photos and videos on such sites as Flickr, and Yahoo News and Finance. Social interaction will also be available as well as access to YouTube, eBay and other sites. Connection is by Ethernet or optional wireless USB dongle.
Read More | electronista
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SlingPlayer for Mac HD to appear at MacWorld 2009
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Internet, PC / Laptop,
In addition to SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone making an appearance at MacWorld 2009, Sling Media has also made it known that we can expect a first look at high definition SlingPlayer content on OS X. Oddly, though, the HD streaming won’t be through the actual SlingPlayer application installed on your Mac - instead, it will be through the browser version at Sling.com. While we’d prefer to see it in the native app (and one would think that functionality has to be coming,) we will take whatever we can get as it pertains to SlingBox streaming in OS X. Oh, and since its housed on Sling.com, the HD streaming will be free.
Live Autographs Get a Celeb to Do You a Favor
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Internet,
A new start-up is promoting personalized video messages from your fave celeb. At Live Autographs you tell him/her what you would like to ask or say to another as a gift. You receive a video, autographed memorabilia verified by a security-encrypted barcode and a free video download. Prices start at $149 from participants like William Shatner, Dave Navarro, Hulk Hogan, Tricia Helfer and many of the cast of “Lost.” You had better be quick about it though, as they reach a certain limit and sell out. We think Captain Kirk is the first casualty as we tested the system and were denied his services.
Read More | LiveAutographs
Apex DT502 Converter Box Only a Penny
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Hot Deals, Internet,
Comp USA is offering a digital converter for only a penny. The DT502 features a smart antenna jack, RCA audio out, and coax, composite and S-video out. The Apex Converter comes with a remote control. The device retails for $59.99 and has an instant $19.98 savings. Put in your coupon code in the ADD TO CART space and that leaves you with only a cent to pay. And don’t try to cheat with an expired card as they will catch it.
Read More | Comp USA
Some Digital Photo Frames Carry Viruses
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Internet, Misc. Tech,
It turns out that digital photo frames are more susceptible than ever to viruses. If you bought or received a Mercury 1.5-inch keychain from Walmart or other retail stores, you could be at risk. Amazon emailed a warning to owners about Samsung’s SPF-85H 8-inch frame which was infected as well on its installation disc. Last year, the trojan Mocmex was found in some items from retailers like Best Buy, Costco and Target. If you are worried that you may have one, contact the store your frame came from or the manufacturer.
Read More | ars technia
A report from PEW says that the Internet is second in use as a source for news. About 40% reported that they get their news there. That’s up from 24% in September 2007. The survey also stated that 70% still get their news from TV while only 35% read newspapers. (Yes, we know that is more than 100%, but some had multiple responses.) This diagram certainly reflects a change in those 18 to 29. We expect that the figure will keep going up. A couple of weeks ago both the Detroit Free Press and News were the first to end daily home delivery.
Read More | PEW
Pure AVANTI Flow Audio System
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Pure has released a new tabletop digital audio system, the AVANTI Flow. It accesses DAB and FM radio, Internet stations and podcasts, and other streamed audio. You can also listen to tunes from your computer in hi-fi quality through its iPod dock that will work with most models. The Flow features Clearsound that utilizes class D amps and digital audio shaping technology. The system also has a subwoofer, an OLED display, 30 DAB and 10 FM presets, and is available now for £279.99 (~$404.00.)
Read More | Pure
Take a look at Zumbox, a startup that is a nationwide paperless postal service. They have one virtual mailbox for every street address which they estimate at 150MM+. To use the service, after signup you type in your street address and view your mail as an envelope. Use it to send mail to any other address, including your bills, statements and personal mail. It costs nothing to receive mail and you can send free a “small amount.” Businesses will pay an introductory price of $.02 per address for large mailings.
Read More | Zumbox
