Now Best Buy has a streaming media service, too

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Chris Morris

When Wal-Mart purchased Vudu in February, it was really just a matter of time before other big box stores launched their own streaming media services. Now Best Buy is joining the race.

The retailer will launch CinemaNow later this month, letting owners of LG’s Blu-Ray players rent (and buy) downloadable video. Rentals will run $3-$4 each – roughly the same as Vudu. They’ll be available the same day as film and TV DVD releases, which gives the service a slight let up on Netflix, which remains the top dog in the streaming video category.

Appeals court takes wind out of Tivo’s sails

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Chris Morris

Tivo’s March court victory over EchoStar may be short-lived.

A U.S. Appeals Court has granted the parent company of Dish Network a rehearing on the battle over the long patent dispute between the companies. Tivo says it has a patent on the “time-warping” technology in DVRs, allowing viewers to watch one show while recording another.

3D expands its broadcast footprint

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Chris Morris

Another broadcast outlet is adding a 3D channel – and this one’s big.

Comcast has announced it will have ESPN 3D up and on the air in time for this year’s World Cup. It’s the first true cable company to carry the channel, although DirecTV will do so as well.

The Africa Channel goes high def

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Chris Morris

The Africa Channel, a five-year old cable channel that showcases Africa-centric and originated programming, is expanding its footprint.

The cabler has announced plans to launch a high definition version of the network on Aug. 1 that will be carried in “select” markets. It’s a big step for a small channel – but one that could expand its audience.

eReaders: And then there were three… or is that four?

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Chris Morris

Amazon has one. Barnes & Noble has one. Now it’s Borders’ turn.

The Kobo eReader, which has the full backing of the Borders book chain, has set a release date. The device will go on sale June 17, entering a market that was already crowded before Apple put itself in the ring a month ago.

Analyst: No iPhone for Verizon this year

Posted on May 6, 2010 by Chris Morris

There were a lot of surprised gasps this year when Apple announced the iPad’s 3G service would be provided by AT&T. Then there were a few more when the low monthly cost of the service was unveiled.

Turns out, that deal might have bought the phone company a bit more exclusivity time with the iPhone.

So much for Microsoft’s tablet – and maybe HP’s, too

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Chris Morris

Want a sign of how strong the iPad is? The device, which releases its 3G version Friday, has caused Microsoft to blink – and cancel its plans for a tablet device of its own.

Gizmodo, which broke the news about Courier – a folding, two screen tablet that seemed to show a lot of promise, now has discovered that the Redmond, WA-based company has decided to halt development on the project.

The movies meet Foursquare

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Chris Morris

Foursquare, a location-based application that rewards points and badges to users, is one of the fastest growing iPhone apps on the market. Now, another company is taking the framework of that technology and blending in films.

Miso focuses on the films you’re watching on your iPhone/iPod/iPad, awarding avid users who check in and share their favorite shows badges tied to genres and sub-genres of film and television.

Windows Media Center coming to the set-top box?

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft is looking to expand the footprint of its Windows 7 Media Center – and that could have folks at Tivo real nervous.

The company today announced that it was releasing what amounts to an embedded version of Windows 7 to OEM manufacturers for use in systems other than PCs. The Media Center is front and center among the elements Microsoft trumpets in its announcement, noting that it can be used in set-top boxes, connected media devices and consumer TVs.

Now Redbox will delay new DVD releases

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Chris Morris

Netflix isn’t the only movie rental service that has agreed to delay giving its customers new releases. Redbox has struck a deal with Twentieth Century Fox and Universal to wait 28 days before offering movies in its machines.

The agreement might cost Redbox some customers, but it will ultimately save it money. The studios have agreed to sell the company DVDs at a lower price. The agreement is pretty much instantaneous and will begin with Universal’s “It’s Complicated,” and Fox’s “Avatar”.

Chris Morris: Journalist

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