MatrixStream Technologies has an end-to-end Video On Demand solution that works thru a local ISP and involves a set top box. Their technology offers broadcast-quality or better streaming VOD over typical home broadband connections. It even works over WiMAX wireless networks. The content so far includes about 10,000 movies (not necessarily the latest), adult material and sports. MatrixStream also provides access to over 300 IPTV channels, but no network or cable channels. An Australian ISP is currently offering MatrixCast and commercial launches are expected soon in the U.S. and Canada. MyTVPAL.com is a current Matrixstream client. Keep in mind that the higher def video you are attempting to stream, the more likely it may suffer from jerky motion, choppy playback, pixelization, color blocking, or poor sync of image and sound.
Studios Offering Blu-ray + DVD Combos – A report by Video Business magazine says that more movie studios are going to be releasing Blu-ray movies with an included standard DVD. Some Blu-rays have featured a digital copy, allowing the users to copy the movie in lower res to a computer, but a standard DVD will be compatible in more different locations. The T2 Complete Collector’s Set” (6 discs!), Marley & Me and The Princess Bride are getting this treatment. People can now watch their new movie in the car or bedroom, on a plane or wherever they have a DVD player. It is also hoped the packaged combos may make the higher cost of Blu-ray movies more palatable.
A “Third Screen” at Home? – Believe it or not the lowly digital photo frame is emerging as a connected “third screen” in the home. Consumer electronics makers, chip suppliers, and wireless carriers are seeing the financial possibilities of Net-connected digital photo frames. One CEO called the digital frame “a new class of personal consumer device that is neither PC nor mobile phone.”
Sony Intros All-In-One HD Studio – The new VAIO VGC-RT100Y is a high-powered compact video editing and display center for HD video editing, sound mixing and audio dubbing. It has a 26.1-inch 1080p display, the PC portion has an Intel Core 2 Quad processor with 4MB of L2 cache and a Blu-ray recorder/player. You can watch and record live TV on different channels simultaneously with integrated NTSC and ATSC tuners, and it supports Dolby HT technology.
AUDIO NEWS FOR WEEK OF SEPT. 4TH – BY JOHN SUNIER
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