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Television
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widescreen
tivo
TiVo to Pimp Their Subscribers to Amazon
Bad news for TiVo subscribers—the company is about to reach for new levels of advertising debauchery. If you thought those banners in the TiVo menu system were bad, know that the company is about to take things a big step further and invade actual television programming with Amazon as their partner. From the NY Times: More »
tv dongles
Elgato Shrinks EyeTV Digital TV Dongle, Now MacBook Air-Friendly
Elgato has shrunk the tech in their Mac-friendly USB TV tuner dongles so that the latest EyeTV DTT Deluxe is much smaller. And as a result, it's now compatible with the MacBook Air's low ground-clearance. It's got a digital tuner inside that can do full HD, so it's just for those of you who can get DVB-T or Freeview, and apparently packs better image-processing for a less noisy picture. It also leaves the mini-DVI slot unblocked on an Air, and comes with a choice of aerials to suit the signal strength in your area. Available now for $125 in Europe. [Register Hardware]
solar
Solar-Powered LCD Brings TV to Anywhere the Sun Shines
As part of Sharp's recent efforts to shove itself to the forefront of solar innovation, the company is showcasing a prototype of a 26-inch LCD Aquos TV that can be powered entirely by the sun. Now even the 1.6 billion people on earth without electricity won't have an excuse to miss the next season of Lost. More »
12:00 PM on Sat Jul 5 2008
By Elaine Chow
2,963 views,
8 comments
hdtv
JVC's New LCD HDTVs Claim Title of World's Thinnest (with Tuner)
Right back in January we brought you news that JVC had worked out some magic for making super-slim LCD TVs, and now they're official products. The 42-inch LT-421L89 and the 46-inch LT-46SL89 measure up at just 1.5-inches deep (2.9-inches at the center) and let JVC say they're the "world's thinnest tuner-equipped LCD TVs." The tuner-equipped part distinguishes them from skinnier Aquos TVs, which dump the electronics to a separate box. They're full HD, and will be available July for $1,899.99 for the 42-inch and $2,399.99 for the 46-inch. Press release below. More »
home entertainment
The SMK Television Remote is Funky and Battery Free
Sure it looks weird, but this little prototype remote from SMK operates without the use of battery power. Like similar flashlight-type devices, this remote uses a electromagnetic induction coil to generate electricity when the user pulls the trigger. Pulling the trigger once will change channels, two pulls will turn the TV on or off, and the volume can be controlled by pulling the trigger and pushing a separate button at the same time. Personally, I'm going to need a little more features built into this thing before I decide to make the switch, but eco-friendly types with weak grips may find it to be of some use. [Fareastgizmos]
6:20 PM on Thu Jun 5 2008
By Sean Fallon
2,862 views,
13 comments
Latest by Worf: The first remote control didn't use batteries either - or have we forgotten Giz's retro remote coverage? It used ultrasound to accomplish channel changing, and the buttons just controlled hammers that generated the sound on aluminum tuning forks. more »
television
TBS, I Can Pause My Own TV, Thanks
TBS has opted to not only advertise during television shows through those pesky lower third banners, but to go so far as to pause the show you are watching to do it. A particularly offensive case of interstitial marketing, needless to say, it's not going to do wonders for the network's ratings. Oh, and for the TBS marketing gurus high-fiving right now and claiming that any press is good press, we have two words for you: Michael. Jackson. [kottke via bbGadgets]
television
Westinghouse: Struggling to Keep Up With LCD Tech
I was really excited to check out the 2008 line from Westinghouse today, but I left the showroom very disappointed. After last year's sweet n' cheap 52”, I expected bigger and better tech with the same nice let's-make-a-deal pricing, but lo, I got nothing. No 120Hz, no LED backlighting, and no new TV larger than 52”. While cheapo LCD brands Olevia and Vizio have at least announced their intentions to play ball with the big brands by adopting performance-LCD technologies, Westinghouse seems content to stay at the bottom rung. That said, if you don't mind shopping on the bottom rung, there are some deals to be had. More »
security
A device called FakeTV is intended to deter would-be burglars by making it seem like you are up watching the television when in reality you could be sleeping or out of the house. After all, burglars would rather move on to an easier target than tangle with a dangerous couch potato watching infomercials at 4 in the morning. The unit consists of a small LED lamp that gives off a light output similar to a 27-inch television. It even adds effects like scene changes, fades, swells, flicks, on-screen motion and color changes to enhance the illusion.
More »
TV Simulating Lamp Foils Burglars: Because Couch Potatoes Are Not Easy Targets
A device called FakeTV is intended to deter would-be burglars by making it seem like you are up watching the television when in reality you could be sleeping or out of the house. After all, burglars would rather move on to an easier target than tangle with a dangerous couch potato watching infomercials at 4 in the morning. The unit consists of a small LED lamp that gives off a light output similar to a 27-inch television. It even adds effects like scene changes, fades, swells, flicks, on-screen motion and color changes to enhance the illusion.
More »
sdv on tivo
At long last, the SDV dongles that TiVo promised would arrive this year from Motorola and Cisco have been submitted to CableLabs for formal testing. For those unfamiliar, these little devices allow for two way communication between CableCard boxes and Cable Companies, so that only the needed programming data is sent, and bandwidth is conserved. Dave Zatz says its a good start to fixing the whole CableCard HD Programming debacle, even if its widely unsupported and a bit clunky. A shot of the Cisco box below. [Zatz Not Funny]
More »
TiVo Switched Video Tuning Adapters Appear at CableLabs
At long last, the SDV dongles that TiVo promised would arrive this year from Motorola and Cisco have been submitted to CableLabs for formal testing. For those unfamiliar, these little devices allow for two way communication between CableCard boxes and Cable Companies, so that only the needed programming data is sent, and bandwidth is conserved. Dave Zatz says its a good start to fixing the whole CableCard HD Programming debacle, even if its widely unsupported and a bit clunky. A shot of the Cisco box below. [Zatz Not Funny]
More »
hbo on itunes
According to Portfolio, Apple and HBO will team up to offer HBO original programming on iTunes in the next couple of weeks, and HBO may receive variable pricing and/or a higher profit percentage for its shows than other content providers. This is huge, not only because it marks HBO's first big move into the online media market, but also because they've managed to strong-arm a notoriously stingy Apple into their own financial terms.
More »
HBO Bringing Shows to iTunes!?
According to Portfolio, Apple and HBO will team up to offer HBO original programming on iTunes in the next couple of weeks, and HBO may receive variable pricing and/or a higher profit percentage for its shows than other content providers. This is huge, not only because it marks HBO's first big move into the online media market, but also because they've managed to strong-arm a notoriously stingy Apple into their own financial terms.
More »
cry me a river
Justin Timberlake Presents New MTV Reality Show Called "The Phone"
Hey, Justin Timberlake here. Just checking to see if you senoritas are n*sync with my plans to bring sexy back to reality television. Next season, MTV's going to rock your body with a new reality game show called "The Phone," to be executive-produced by yours truly. Here's the premise: More »
9:00 PM on Sat May 10 2008
By Elaine Chow
18,171 views,
61 comments
cctv britain
UK Band Make Themselves Stars of Surveillance Cam TV
Though it's not such a familiar phenomenon in the US, the UK is now awash with closed-circuit TV cameras, one for every 14 or so people— hell, even the Lollipop Lady crossing guards are getting them. You could choose to see this as good for public safety, or as an Orwellian invasion of privacy...or even an opportunity to get your music video filmed for free. Which is exactly what unsigned Manchester-based band The Get Out Clause did, by performing their single in public in 80 locations in front of CCTV cameras. How did they get the footage, though? More »
television
TiVo Tries To Predict The Future, Fails
TiVo probably has enough data on users' pause, rewind and fast forward habits to automate the entire process for them completely (FF commercial, RW for potential nip slip, Pause 2 minutes, FF just wonky pixel). So they took this data and began reporting American Idol fast forwarding practices to see which contestant's songs were least listened to. And for 4 weeks in a row, they used the data to call the loser early. More »
question of the day
There is no question that having a bunch of separate remotes is downright annoying, but it seems to be the norm in most households. In fact, I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of Americans have at least 2 or 3 remotes lying on their coffee table at this very moment. But let's open this question up a bit and expand it to the entire house. Not including game controllers, how many remotes to you have in your home?
More »
Question of the Day: How Many Remotes Do You Have?
There is no question that having a bunch of separate remotes is downright annoying, but it seems to be the norm in most households. In fact, I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of Americans have at least 2 or 3 remotes lying on their coffee table at this very moment. But let's open this question up a bit and expand it to the entire house. Not including game controllers, how many remotes to you have in your home?
More »
design
When I was in kindergarten I had a beach blanket, a cot and a bitch named Rose that would circle around us slapping a meter stick in her hand. Where was my NapTV chair with a built-in television? Perhaps my experience wouldn't have been nearly as scarring had I been able to watch TV while lying on my back instead of listening to the Sound of Music album on a continuous loop. I blame that class for everything that is wrong with me today. Too bad the NapTV is only a concept. [Coroflot via BornRich via Uberreview]
NapTV: Where the Hell Was This in Kindergarten?
When I was in kindergarten I had a beach blanket, a cot and a bitch named Rose that would circle around us slapping a meter stick in her hand. Where was my NapTV chair with a built-in television? Perhaps my experience wouldn't have been nearly as scarring had I been able to watch TV while lying on my back instead of listening to the Sound of Music album on a continuous loop. I blame that class for everything that is wrong with me today. Too bad the NapTV is only a concept. [Coroflot via BornRich via Uberreview]
television
First Entirely Green Screen Show Coming to TV
Sci Fi has announced that they'll be producing Sanctuary, television's first entirely green screen show. Its plot explores the possible existence of shadow-hidden mutants living among us (which doesn't sound like the worst fodder for CGI overload, though a weather drama might have required a lower budget). With the ever-dropping price and simultaneous growing capabilities of computer graphics and compositing software/hardware, it's almost surprising that someone (outside of Hollywood) didn't beat Sci Fi to the punch. But one thing's for sure: this trend is far from over. And there's a strong possibility of rain, too. [tvfodder]
basketball
It's that time of year again, when basketball, beer and betting join forces to create the most exciting month of sports known to man. You already called in sick, filled out your brackets and took a seat at the bar, but the following Elite Eight (plus one bonus!) are things you'll definitely need to prepare for the Big Dance.
More »
Gizmodo's March Madness Fantasy Gear Guide
It's that time of year again, when basketball, beer and betting join forces to create the most exciting month of sports known to man. You already called in sick, filled out your brackets and took a seat at the bar, but the following Elite Eight (plus one bonus!) are things you'll definitely need to prepare for the Big Dance.
More »
