HBO Go and WatchESPN require that people already have paid cable subscriptions. The ESPN app includes live video from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line, as well as some original shows.

The lack of HBO and sports content on the Apple TV has hurt the image of the unit.   Those services have been available for some time on the Xbox 360, Roku boxes, and Samsung TVs.

The post Apple TV 5.3 Update Adds HBO Go, Sky News, WatchESPN and More appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The update will supports iTunes Radio and offers a few minor new features. The first beta, which is referred to as iOS 5.4 (notably skipping 5.3 entirely), doesn’t yet make any severe design changes but does add support for the forthcoming iTunes Radio, allowing developers a chance to test the service.

It is not yet clear if Apple will update the Apple TV software to reflect the style of iOS 7 in the near future, but in the current beta both the look and functionality are largely the same, with just a handfull of new features, all of which would be considered fairly minor. Users will also see that iTunes in the Cloud is supported alongside iTunes Match, the latter being a paid service that creates a large “virtual storage locker” for iTunes music.

Interestingly, Apple has not yet merged the “Radio” feature on Apple TV with the new “iTunes Radio” function, though that is expected to happen at some point. The Radio function is largely copied from iTunes.

Another minor change is a renaming of the sometimes-confusing “Photo Stream” to “iCloud photos,” which simply shows a gallery of any photos stored in iCloud.

he update is likely to be issued sometime just before or at the same time as the upgrade to iOS 7 for other Apple mobile devices — currently said to be happening this fall.

The post Apple TV v5.4 Beta Sports iTunes Radio Support appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The weather-resistant K-50 is capable of shooting at six frames per second, with the ISO able to go as high as 51,200, at a shutter speed of up to 1/6000 of a second, and using the SAFOX IXi+ autofocus system. The viewfinder offers 100-percent field of view coverage, and is accompanied by a three-inch LCD display on the rear, and compatibility with the Eye-Fi SD card system. It will also be available in a choice of 120 different color combinations.

The K-500 has relatively similar specifications to the K-50, though lacking the color options and weather-proofing. Suggested as an entry-level DSLR, the K-500 also swaps out the lithium batteries used in the K-50, and instead allows it to run off four AA batteries.

The Q7, weighing 7 ounces, is able to take shots at ISO 12,800 and includes the same SAFOX IXi+ 11 point and 9 cross autofocus system as the two DSLRs. It is able to use 19 smart effects and filters, along with 7 lens effects, and the option to overlay effects on top of each other, Eye-Fi support, shake reduction a three-inch LCD, and the same 120 color options.

The Q7 will be shipping in August for $500 as part of a kit with an “O2″ lens, while the K-50 and K-500 will be shipping with an 18-55mm lens at the end of June for $780 and $600 respectively.

Pentax K-50

Pentax K-500

Pentax Q7

The post Pentax Announces K-50, K-500, Q7 Cameras – 120 Color Combinations appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The NSZ-GS8, named the “Internet Player with Google TV” by Sony’s online store, effectively combines the various features of Smart TVs into a single box, though the voice search is the main headline addition. It provides Internet access through Chrome, various apps for streaming audio, video, and social networking, and is able to use an existing cable or satellite service to provide live TV channels and program searches. Connectivity over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and HDMI, Dolby Digital Plus audio processing, the option to use a  tabletor smatphone as a remote control and second display, and 8GB of local storage are also included.

The post Sony Adds Voice Search to Google TV Set-Top Boxes appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Vizio today announced pricing and availability for its highly anticipated all-new line of M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs.   Featuring an ultra-modern, ultra-thin bezel that virtually vanishes next to the nearly edge-to-edge display, the line will begin rolling out its sleek look this month.

The new, faster Vizio Internet Apps Plus Smart TV platform allows users of all experience levels to quickly and easily breeze through set-up and get connected. The intuitive Smart TV platform offers more apps than ever before, making it convenient to start watching TV or browse apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, Facebook, HuluPlus, Pandora, VUDU and YouTube using the TV’s built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to the Internet. Additionally, the M-Series collection features a backlit Smart remote that is perfect for nighttime viewing. Coming Summer 2013, all M-Series model remotes will be enabled with Wi-Fi and Universal remote features, making it easier to control all home entertainment devices, creating a better user experience

50″ M-Series models and larger, will enjoy a flicker-free, 3D picture through lightweight, battery free glasses thanks to Vizio’s Theater 3D technology.

VIZIO M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs

• 32″ Razor LED Smart TV (M321i) – $399.99 MSRP
• 40″ Razor LED Smart TV (M401i) – $529.99 MSRP
• 47″ Razor LED Smart TV (M471i) – $729.99 MSRP

VIZIO M-Series Razor LEDTSmart TVs w/Theater 3D

• 50″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M501d) – $799.99 MSRP
• 55″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M551d) – $1,199.99 MSRP
• 60″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M601d) – $1,599.99 MSRP
• 65″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M651d) – $1,999.99 MSRP 
• 70″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M701d) – $2,499.99 MSRP 
• 80″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M801d) – $3,999.99 MSRP

The all-new M-Series models are now shipping to retailers nationwide including Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart. For more information on VIZIO’s M-Series collection, please visit VIZIO.com

The post Vizio Launches New M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The screens will use the Regza Engine CEVO 4K and Cinema 4K image processing system to show 4K images, as well as upscaling standard HD video and images to the higher resolution. An optional external hard disk can be installed into the back of the TV and used as a DVR, allowing for recording of up to six channels simultaneously for up to 80 hours, while the TVs will also be able to connect to Toshiba’s TimeOn cloud service for content sharing.

The 84-inch and 65-inch models will have 40-Watt sound provided from four speakers, while the 58-inch will have 20-Watt sound from two instead. All of the televisions have four HDMI ports along with an SD card reader, Ethernet, a USB port, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Going on sale in Japan from the end of June, the 84-inch model will cost 1.68 million yen ($16,450). Though there is no mention if the Regza Z8X range will make its way into other markets, Toshiba did show off an 84-inch Ultra HD TV at CES earlier this year, suggesting that the company may well do so.

The post Toshiba Regza Z8X UHD TV Line Hitting Japan in Late June appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The two televisions will be able to display 4K images at a resolution of 3,840×2,160, and will use the newly developed Aquos 4K-Master Engine Pro for up-scaling and image processing, according to AV Watch. It is also capable of showing 3D footage using optional active shutter glasses, while sound is provided by a 2.1-channel speaker system with a low-vibration woofer dubbed “DuoBass.”

The 70-inch model will be released on June 15th in Japan priced at 850,000 yen ($8,300), while the 60-inch variant will arrive on August 10th for 650,000 yen ($6,300). A release date for the UHD TVs in other territories has yet to be announced.

The post Sharp to Ship 60, 70-Inch Aquos UD1 UHD TVs in Japan this Summer appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The S9 ships with an imposing large frame, allowing it to stand freely from the floor, but it is not clear if the smaller television sets will have a similar design or have a more conventional form. Just as its larger predecessors, the 55-inch and 65-inch versions will have the same Smart TV functionality and share a number of other features, such as the micro-dimming lighting.

While a price is not currently available, it is likely to cost far less than the $38,000 of the S9. When Sony announced two Ultra HD televisions in the US last month, it priced its 55-inch and 65-inch models at $5,000 and $7,000 respectively, and Samsung’s offering may end up being in the same ballpark.

The post Samsung About to Launch 55, 65-inch UHD TVs in Korea appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Along with the same autofocus found in the OM-D E-M5, the E-P5 uses an in-body 5-axis image  stabilization system and a new IS-AUTO mode, with correction checking while  composing the photograph available in the optional eyepiece, which uses a 2.36  million dot LCD, 1.48x magnification, and eye detection to automatically switch  on the extra display.

The fast 1/8000th of a second shutter speed is  matched by the 1/320th of a second synch speed of the flash and a short release  time lag AF mode that can reduce the time between shots down to 0.044 seconds,  and nine-frame sequential shooting. Aside from the touchscreen, controls are  provided through the 2×2 dial control system, a function lever, function  button,  and a lens release button. Various modes and filters have also been  included, as  well as Wi-Fi, which can be linked to a mobile device running a  free app via QR  code scanning for remote control access.
Available at  the end of May in  the US, the Pen E-P5 will be priced at $1,000 for the body  only, in a choice of  black, white, or silver trim. An option that includes a  black or silver body  with a VF-4 electronic viewfinder and a M.Zuiko digital  17mm f1.8 lens will also  be on sale, at a higher $1,450.

The post Olympus Shipping Retro Looking Pen E-P5 this Month appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Both PBS and PBS KIDS are available immediately for all Roku 3, Roku 2, Roku LT, Roku HD players, plus and the Roku Streaming Stick. The channels are located in the Movies & TV section of the Roku Channel Store.

The post Roku Adds PBS and PBS KIDS appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The top of the range AVR-X4000 ($1300) offers 7.2 channels with that also features 7 discrete output stages with each channel rated at 125 watts. The AVR-X4000 also incorporates 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs with two for the main room and one for another room. Sound processing includes Audyssey DSX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz and a DTS Neo:X decoders. Video processing includes conversion of SD content to HD, while 1080p videos can also be upscaled to 4K Ultra HD.

Three other models sit under the AVR-X4000 and include the AVR-X3000 ($900), AVR-2000 ($650) and the AVR-1000 ($450). Naturally, with the lower prices, each incorporates progressively fewer features. The AVR-X3000 retains similar audio and video decoding capabilities of the high-end model, but reduces power output to 105 watts though still supports 7.2 channels. The AVR-X2000 drops its channels down to 7.1, while also reducing output to 95 watts. The low-end AVR-X1000 supports 5.1 surround, drops output to 80 watts and loses any 4K support.

The post Denon Debuts New AV Receiver Lineup appeared first on Takes On Tech.

LG is putting curved OLED televisions on sale earlier than predicted. The electronics producer is opening up its 55-inch EA9800 to pre-orders in Korea today, with shipments in the country expected in June. The HDTV’s release outside of Korea will apparently be announced in the coming months, along with regional pricing.

Weighing in at 37.5 pounds and at 4.3mm (0.17-inches) thick, not taking into account the curvature itself, the EA9800 provides what is described as an “IMAX-like viewing experience,” with the curved screen allowing for the entire display’s surface to be equidistant from the viewer’s eyes, reducing distortion at the edges and loss of detail. Using a four-color pixel system, it uses an extra white sub-pixel to fine-tune colors, and the OLED display is also capable of an “infinite contrast ratio.” Thin transparent speakers are incorporated into the clear stand, in order to avoid spoiling the appearance of the curved screen.

More than 1,400 LG retail stores in South Korea will be taking orders for the curved TV, which is priced at 15 million wong ($13,500). A release in other territories is likely to be at a much higher price.

The post LG Now Taking Pre-Orders for 55-inch Curved OLED TV in Korea appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Measuring at 18.9mm (0.74-inch) thick, the JZ700 includes a 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD screen on the rear, sensitivity up to 3200 ISO, an 8fps burst shooting mode, and a number of built-in filters and effects. Video can be recorded at full 1080p at 30fps via the dedicated movie recording button, while a high-speed mode at lower resolutions can capture video at up to 200fps.

The FinePix JZ700 is expected to ship to the US in the near future, but is already listed on UK shopping sites for around £130 ($200).

The post Fujifilm Launches FinePix JZ700 – CMOS Sensor, 200 FPS Video appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control are universal and are compatible with over 225,000 home-entertainment devices from over 5,000 brands. The Harmony Ultimate includes a 2.4-inch color touchscreen that enables users to control all of the key functions directly from their remote without having to to look up at their TV. It also features blacklit keys and produces vibration feedback to let users know that their commands have been recognized, while it can also control up to 15 devices. Buttons can also be programmed for short or long presses, doubling the number of assignable functions.

The Harmony Smart Control is a bundles package that includes a much more simplifed remote control, but comes with a complete Logitech smartphone app that turns a smartphone into a full function universal remote control. It is limited to controlling up to 8 devices over a user’s smartphone or the bundled remote. The combination allows users to execute most of the functions of the more expensive Harmony Ultimate, but stop short on features like Philips Hue control.

The Logtitech Harmony Ultimate ($350) and Smart Control ($130) are available for pre-order now, and will ship in late April through early May.

The post Logitech Reveals Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control Systems appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Affected customers with non-Comcast boxes will have to order a digital TV adapter from the cable provider. Comcast will contact customers in advance, offering two small digital TV adapter for up to two years at no charge, reports GigaOM. The adapters will connect to a TV through a coaxial connection, and have their own remote controls in order to function. Pay-per-view content, premium channels, Xfinity On Demand, and the on-screen channel guide will not be usable on the digital TV adapters, but will continue to do so on the Comcast set-top box.

The move to encrypt the channels stems from the FCC B1 Encryption Order, enacted last year. By encrypting even the basic channels, Comcast hopes it will be a deterrent, stopping people from committing cable theft, as well as making device management easier for the company.

The post Comcast Encrypting Basic Cable Channels – Will Offer Free Adapter appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The VSX-43 provides additional setup flexibility and can be configured either for a true 7.1-channel setup or for 5.1-channel, with the two extra channels powering a pair of speakers in a second room, with the ability to simultaneously send two different sources to each zone. A movie can be viewed in the main zone while music from a CD is played in the second zone.  The VSX-43 is controllable from a mobile device with Pioneer’s ControlApp.

The VSX-70 offers simultaneous entertainment in up to three zones — a main zone, two speakers in a second room, and a third “HDZone” with an additional HDMI source to the third room. The HDZone can also be controlled through Pioneer’s iControlAV2013 App.

With eight HDMI inputs and highly configurable 7.1-channels, the VSX-70 is ideal for consumers and custom installers who want maximum connection flexibility, eliminating the need to set up separate receivers in each room. Additionally, the VSX-70 includes full two-way RS-232-over-IP control, and is certified for use with custom remote control systems from Crestron and Control4. The VSX-70 works with the new iControlAV2013 App.

Both receivers offer playback of WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, AIFF, ALAC, and FLAC files, all with gapless playback support where applicable from a networked computer or plugged-in drive via the front USB port. Both receivers are Pandora music service compatible, have Windows 8 certification, and feature DLNA 1.5 connectivity for music content playback from a networked DLNA server running on a Windows PC, Macintosh, or smartphone connected on a home network. Both receivers have an Ethernet connection, with Wi-Fi available by way of an optional adapter.

Elite model receivers allow iOS users to enjoy playback of audio content stored on their devices as well as the display of album art and metadata when connected to a television monitor. Users can take advantage of the convenience of Apple’s AirPlay, allowing users to stream their iTunes music whether from Mac or PC, as well as music stored on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Additionally, Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) connectivity has been built into each receiver. The front HDMI input doubles as an MHL 2.0 input for connection of a suitably equipped Android smartphone or tablet for media playback. Android users with compatible HTC smartphones (including the new HTC One phone) are able to use HTC Connect, which enables direct music streaming to both the VSX-43 and the VSX-70.

The Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and VSX-70 receivers are now available at authorized Pioneer retailers, with suggested retail prices of $525 and $750 respectively.

The post Pioneer Expands Elite Line with VSX-43, VSX-70 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The updated sensor will also allow for 5K video at up to 120fps and over 15 stops of dynamic range, and is said to provide a cleaner image at ISO 2000 than the M-X sensor at ISO 800.

The company will be allowing early adopters to pre-order the upgrade now for $8,500, with the price rising to $9,500 on Thursday, writes Engadget. Owners of the Scarlet camera will be given the option of upgrading to the Epic M-X or directly to the 6K Dragon sensor in the future, though the price has yet to be disclosed. New pre-orders of the Epic-M Dragon will begin tomorrow for $29,000, and will ship after existing Epic-M owners have had the chance to upgrade.

Red will be processing a number of Dragon sensor upgrades at its booth at the NAB show in Las Vegas.

The post RED Now Offering Epic-M, Epic-X Owners 6K Dragon Upgrade appeared first on Takes On Tech.

A notice on Sony’s professional video camera site, found by The Verge, states that Sony believes the RED One, Epic, and Scarlet Cameras, “various digital still and motion camera modules, and various accessories such as the Redmote” infringes their patents, but does not mention which patents are being infringed. Red’s own lawsuit, filed in February, claims Sony infringes on two Red patents with three cameras, with Red seeking not only a sales injunction and compensation, but also the destruction of the F65, F5, and F55 cameras.

Shortly after the Sony comment, Red CEO Jim Jannard wrote on the Red forums “Seems like someone is nervous… it just ain’t me,” later revealing that Red pays “many companies royalties to use patented technology.”

The post Sony Files Counterclaim on RED – Claims Seven Patents Infringed appeared first on Takes On Tech.

“CBS made high-definition sports broadcasts a reality with the Final Four in HDTV over a decade ago, and now we’re leading the way into the 4K era,” said Ken Aagaard, executive vice president, operations, engineering and broadcast services, CBS Sports. “March Madness is always filled with big moments, and this demonstration shows how Ultra HD TV can ultimately become the future of sports broadcasting and enhance the viewer’s experience.”

“The NCAA Men’s Final Four is one of the most captivating events of the year, and we want to continue exploring ways to enhance the experience for our fans. Thanks to LG, Turner Sports and CBS Sports, we’re seeing how Ultra HD has the potential to transform and elevate the television viewing experience for college sports fans,” said Keith Martin, managing director of championships marketing and broadcast alliances, NCAA.

The demonstration builds on LG’s role as the first company to commercialize Ultra HD flat-panel TV technology, launching the first model in the United States last fall. The 84-inch class (84.04 inch diagonal) model, as well as the upcoming 55- and 65-inch class (54.6- and 64.7inch diagonal respectively) models boast exceptional picture technology that creates astonishingly vivid images with 3840 x 2160 resolution — more than 8 million pixels. LG’s 84-inch Ultra HD features 3D and Smart TV capability.  LG’s Magic Remote allows the user to navigate the Ultra HD TV’s smart onscreen interface using gestures and even voice recognition for natural speech. The LG Smart TV ecosystem now includes approximately 1,400 apps and access to a growing collection of premium content services.

LG’s Ultra HD TV also features a 2.2 Sound System. Consisting of two 10W speakers and two 15W woofers, the sound system produces a lush audio experience that perfectly complements the extraordinary onscreen visuals; creating a theater-like experience in the home. The LG 84-inch Ultra HD TV is available now at selected retailers coast-to-coast, at a suggested price of $19,999.

The post NCAA Final Four Captured in 4K Video for the First Time appeared first on Takes On Tech.

“With the sale of Mediaroom, Microsoft is dedicating all TV resources to Xbox in a continued mission to make it the premium entertainment service that delivers all the games and entertainment consumers want – whether on a console, phone, PC or tablet,” Microsoft Vice President Yusuf Mehdi writes in a blog post.

Mehdi writes that Microsoft will partner with a range of content creators, studios, networks, labels and distributors for the next generation of TV, made “more simple, tailored and intelligent.” Mediaroom is the tech behind AT&T’s U-Verse, Telefonica and Swisscom, among other services, and powers 22 million set top boxes worldwide.

The post Microsoft Sells Mediaroom to Ericsson – MS to Focus on Xbox TV appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Users can power BrightLink Pro on and present, annotate and capture with no technical expertise needed to drive a collaborative instant meeting. With a 100-inch, widescreen display area, users can display presentations and a live meeting at the same time with the split screen option. In addition, users can connect up to four BrightLink Pro units that all reside on the same network, regardless of location, for remote collaboration.

The BrightLink Pro comes with a control pad, which acts as a convenient USB hub, an extension to USB ports or as a remote control unit. Meeting participants can use the control pad to connect to USB thumb drive, a PC or printer. To further streamline meetings, it also offers buttons to power the BrightLink Pro on and off, and to select major functions, including Whiteboard Mode, Source Search, Capture, Print, or Save.

The Epson BrightLink 1410Wi projector will be available in April through resellers starting at $2,999. Epson’s projectors come with a two-year limited warranty that includes Epson PrivateLine phone support and a two-year projector replacement program.

The post Epson Debuts BrightLink Pro 1410Wi Collaboration Projector appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The ONE incorporates the same exclusive A3-S full-range crossover-less driver as every Audience ClairAudient loudspeaker, along with a tailored passive radiator. The A3-S is a full-range high-power, 12mm excursion, ultra-low distortion transducer. The custom design eliminates the need for a separate woofer, midrange driver, tweeter and crossover network. The ONE is optimized for 50Hz to 20kHz in-room response when placed on a desk or near a wall; a subwoofer is required for full-frequency response when the units are positioned away from a wall.

The Audience ClairAudient The ONE loudspeaker is now available for $995 per pair in black and blue finishes; white and red finishes will be available soon. Available accessories include desktop stands at $75 per pair and Audience Ohno speaker cables at $199 per 3-foot pair or $249 for a 5-foot pair.

The post ClairAudient Debuts ‘The ONE’ Desktop Speaker Set appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The company has written an extensive white paper on the subject — in describing how the device works, it says that “the CD 1 reads a CD multiple times before committing data to an enormous memory buffer stored in RAM. Every data sector is initially read twice and the two reads are compared. When the two reads match it is because no bit errors were detected and that is accumulated in the buffer memory. When the two reads do not match, it is because an error has been detected. That sector is then read repeatedly until good data is obtained. If the maximum repeat read threshold is reached and the 30 seconds buffer is about to run out, the system switches to its pre-interpolation analysis mode. Data reading is then moved forward by only one sample at a time until the bad fragment is isolated.”

The device has one coaxial BNC S/PDIF output connector, a set of  RCA connectors, and a TOSLINK optical output. The manufacturer recommends the coaxial BNC S/PDIF output, with the TOSLINK as a secondary, as the RCA jack “might cause some signal reflections in the  digital cable and more jitter than a BNC connection.”

Frequency response from the unit is reported as 20-20,000Hz, with THD distortion of less than 0.06 percent at 1kHz. The signal-to-noise ratio is advertised as greater than 108dB, with a crosstalk of greater than 77dB at 20kHz.

The player is available in silver or black. Retail price of the device is $4,500.

The post Parasound Launches Linux-Powered CD Player – Halo CD 1 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The FinePix XP200′s protective casing allows it to be waterproof to a depth of 50 feet, resistant to drops from 6.6-feet, and able to survive temperatures as low as -10C (14F). Inside, a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 28-140mm lens and 5x optical zoom can record full HD video, take continuous shots at 10fps, and can connect to other devices over Wi-Fi.

Using a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, the FinePix S8400W offers a 24-1,056mm lens with a 44x zoom and an aperture of F2.9 to F6.5, which also has a Super Macro mode for shots that are as close as 0.39-inches away from a subject. With an ISO range as high as 12800 and an autofocus time of a third of a second, the camera can shoot at up to 60fps for images with a resolution of 1280×960, or 120fps for 640×480 shots. The S8400W is also capable of full-HD video capture at 1080i at 60fps, slow-motion capture at 480fps, Wi-Fi connectivity and a 3-inch LCD display.

The FinePix S8400W will be on sale in May for $350, while the rugged FinePix XP200 will cost $300 and also ship in May.

FinePix XP200

FinePix XP200

FinePix S8400W

FinePix S8400W

The post Fujifilm Announce the FinePix XP200, S8400W Cameras – On Sale in May appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Playback has received some minor streamlining. Clicking Play on a show will now automatically start the latest episode, and while a video is active, holding down Select will bring up a Subtitles and Audio menu where captions can be turned on mid-stream.

To get the new app people must have an Apple TV running the latest firmware. Forcing an update is possible by going to the General menu under Settings.

The post Hulu Updates Apple TV app with New UI, Features appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The SC-HTB770 is a 300-Watt 3.1-channel system that can be changed from being separate speakers into a single long soundbar, accompanied by a down-firing, wireless subwoofer. Using Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, Dolby Virtual Speaker, and DTS, the system also offers Bluetooth connectivity, can accept three HDMI inputs, and two optical inputs. The 240-Watt SC-HTB370 loses the HDMI inputs and Bluetooth, but the 2.1-channel system retains the soundbar functionality.

The SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 models are sound bars designed to allow for multiple wall-mounting or TV-stand setups. Both 2.1-channel systems can detect if its speakers are vertical or horizontal, adjusting its directional characteristics automatically. The 90-Watt SC-HTB65 offers two such positions, while the 120-Watt SC-HTB70 boosts the number of orientations up to four.

All four systems will be on sale in March, with the SC-HTB770 and SC-HTB370 costing $400 and $300 respectively, while the SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 sound bars will cost $200 and $180.

SC-HTB70

SC-HTB770

SC-HTB65

SC-HTB370

The post Panasonic Gives Prices and Dates on 2013 Home Theater Range appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Effectively offering the same functionality as a normal TiVo box, users can set shows to record, as well as browsing through online offerings from Hulu Plus, Pandora, Spotify, and others. While it connects over wired Ethernet or MoCA, there currently is not the option for the TiVo Mini to connect over Wi-Fi, something that a number of other competing devices manages to accomplish.

The TiVo Mini is on sale for $100 and requires a $6 monthly charge to operate, but there is an option for a “Lifetime Service” at $150.

The post TiVo Mini Extends Reach of Premiere 4/XL4 TiVo DVRs appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Roku is launching its fastest media streamer to date. Benchmarked by the company at over five times faster than previous players, the new Roku 3 streamer boasts wide connectivity, a new user interface, a remote with a headphone jack for private listening, and an updated Roku Channel store.

The Roku 3 enhanced remote features a built-in headphone jack for private listening with the included in-ear headphones. Volume buttons on the remote control audio while private listening mode is in use. Additionally, the remote doubles as a motion-sensing game controller for gameplay.

Roku’s free app for iOS and Android allow mobile devices to be used as a controller for the streaming box.

Roku 3 comes pre-loaded with more than 750 channels of entertainment, 1080p HD support, dual-band 802.11n wireless, 10/100 Ethernet, USB ports, and a microSD slot. Recently launched channels on the Roku platform include TWC TV, BlockBuster On Demand and iHeartRadio.

Other channels launching soon include FOX NOW, PBS and PBS KIDS.

Available Now

The Roku 3 is available today for $99.99 from Amazon and Roku’s online store, and it’s coming to retail stores in April.

The post Introducing Roku 3 – New UI, Faster Chip, and Private-Listening appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Housing a DX-format 16.2-megapixel sensor, the Coolpix A uses an all-glass 18.5mm prime lens that is a 28mm equivalent, with an aperature of f/2.8 for shallow depth-of-field shots. It can use multiple scene modes, the usual PSAM manual exposure controls, a manual focus ring, and a 4fps burst mode. It can also shoot RAW/NEF files, and while it is capable of shooting at an ISO range of between 100 and 25,600, it does not come with the optional viewfinder.

The Coolpix P330 uses a larger 1/1.7-inch, 12.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor instead of the 1 /2.3-inch used in the P310. Using an f/1.8 24mm-120mm lens, the P330 can now capture NRW/RAW images, while the PSAM controls are joined by an Easy Auto Mode, various scene modes, and full HD video recording with stereo sound triggered by a dedicated button. It also has a built-in GPS for geotagging.

The S3500 includes a new 20.1-megapixel sensor with a wide-angle 7x optical zoom Nikkor lens, as well as the vibration reduction technology, into the budget camera. The rear LCD has a 320×240 resolution, and it is capaoble of shooting 720p video.

All three cameras will be going on sale later this month. The S3500 will cost $140 and the P330 at $380. On its own, the Coolpix A will have a pricetag of $1,100, while the optional viewfinder will cost an additional $450.

Nikon Coolpix S3500

Nikon Coolpix S3500

Nikon Coolpix A

Nikon Coolpix A

Nikon Coolpix P330

Nikon Coolpix P330

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Housing a 1-terabyte drive, the HomeSync can store content, such as movies and TV shows, which can then be transferred or streamed to mobile devices on demand. Supporting up to eight accounts, the storage offers private encrypted areas for individuals, separate from the main shared storage, with files able to be transferred over its dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, twin USB 3.0, or microUSB ports, as well as its Gigabit Ethernet connection.

Games and apps can be downloaded from the Google Play store, which can then be played on a HDTV at a 1080p resolution through its HDMI 1.4 connection, alongside the systems own media player for stored content. Processing is provided by a dual-core 1.7GHz chip supported by 1GB of DDR3 RAM, while a separate 8GB eMMC provides basic storage for system software.

The HomeSync will go on sale from April 2013 in the US, and Samsung plans to offer it in other regions shortly afterwards. Pricing for the HomeSync is currently unavailable.

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