Amazon Video on Demand

TV
August 17, 2010
by

Panasonic adds Twitter functionality to HDTVs

By on August 17, 2010 at 9:40 PM.

Panasonic adds Twitter functionality to HDTVs

Today, Panasonic announced that they will add Twitter to the list of built-in web entertainment technologies on their VIERA CAST enabled HDTVs and Blu-ray disc players. The company already offers Skype, Netflix, Pandora, Fox Sports, Amazon Video-On-Demand, YouTube, Picasa, Bloomberg, and weather services on VIERA televisions with the IPTV functionality built-in. Panasonic’s VP of corporate development had this to say:

Since we introduced Panasonic VIERA CAST IPTVs three years ago we have added more and more of the top entertainment and social networking sites in the world. The addition of Twitter to VIERA CAST further strengthens the interactive options Panasonic VIERA HDTV owners can now use to communicate with family and friends worldwide.   Consumers with VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVS can now tweet on Twitter, video chat via Skype, share videos on YouTube and digital photos via Google Picasa right from the comfort of their living rooms.”

Maybe the future of HDTV isn’t in 3D and ridiculous refresh rates… maybe it’s applications? We’ve got the full press release for you after the break. Let us know if functionality like this is something that interests you, or if you think it is just something that will get in the way of your television-viewing enjoyment. More →

18 Comments
General
February 6, 2009
by

Roku’s VOD service to include integrated YouTube?

By on February 6, 2009 at 2:57 PM.

Roku’s VOD service to include integrated YouTube?

While there’s nothing more than a rogue screen-shot to go by at the moment, we wouldn’t rule this one out as a possible feature of the upcoming Roku software revision. Currently in private beta, Roku is testing its new Amazon VOD integration into what was previously a one-trick Netflix streaming pony. The integration with Amazon Video was a boon for anyone looking to extend the functionality of their little Roku and if the shot above is to be believed, we might see that value extended even further. Sounds good, right? While it’s still quite a ways off from being a direct competitor to the Apple TV, the price is far more appealing for anyone looking to add a bit of streaming VOD to their home theater setup and it’s becoming more and more viable as a legitimate option for serious movie and video enthusiasts. Now all we need is a little Hulu support and we’ll consider ourselves more than happy. You listening Roku? Mmmmk, thanks.

Read

3 Comments
General
September 4, 2008
by

Amazon Unbox now streams, Gets new name

By on September 4, 2008 at 8:49 AM.

Amazon Unbox now streams, Gets new name

Say Goodbye to Amazon Unbox. Say Hello to Amazon Video On Demand. Launched on Wednesday, this new video streaming service does as it drab name says; it offers streaming, ad-free video on demand. PC owners can stop taunting their OS X  friends as the new Video On Demand service is compatible with Macs (finally!). If you own a Tivo, a Windows Media Center extender box (can we say Xbox360 instead?) or a Sony Bravia Internet Video Link TV, you can join the streaming party, too. While not as slick as Hulu (or free for that matter), the Amazon interface is functional with all the typical controls to control playback and view in fullscreen mode. It offers Amazon’s entire catalog of 40,000 movies and TV show which exceeds Hulu and Netflix in sheer volume of content. Movie rentals are $2.99 to $3.99 while TV rentals are $1.99 and expire 24 hours after purchase. With a free 2 minute preview available for all videos, you can at least try before you buy. Overall, we must say that Video on Demand is a respectable attempt at streaming video. Enjoy the Hoopla while you can, though, as you, Amazon, may be upstaged September 9th.

Read

2 Comments