Amazon introduces Fire TV Streaming device

Amazon Fire TV is a tiny box you connect to your HDTV. It's the easiest way to enjoy Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, low-cost movie rentals, and much more

AEREO TV Is Now Available In Utah! A first look at AEREO in Utah.

 UPDATE: AEREO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AFTER SUPREME COURT RULING.

Aereo has now opened the doors to its "over the top" video service to all Utah residents. It is offering a free month of service to new customers through this link: http://aereo.com/i/bq211F

For those that don't know about AEREO, it is a service that uses individual antennas and tuners assigned to each subscriber to deliver local OTA broadcast TV channels over the internet. It also provides a program guide (1 week into the future) as well as a cloud-based DVR service that allows you to store 20 or 60 hours of content, depending on your plan. The cost is $8 a month for the 20 hour plan, and $12 for the 60 hour plan that allows watching or recording 2 programs at once.

From Wikipedia:

Aereo is a technology company based in New York City that allows subscribers to view live as well as time-shifted streams of over-the-air television on Internet-connected devices. Immediately following Aereo's launch in New York City the company was sued by a consortium of major broadcasters, including CBS, Comcast's NBC, Disney's ABC and Newscorp's Fox for copyright infringement. On April 1, 2013, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court's ruling, finding that Aereo’s streams to subscribers were not "public performances", and thus did not constitute copyright infringement.

Aereo's technology allows subscribers to view live broadcast content and to record it for later viewing. As of October 2012, Aereo can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs  with a compatible browser or iOS devices including the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Apple TV (2nd & 3rd Gen) via AirPlay. A Roku video player can be used also. Monthly plans start at $8 for 20 hours of DVR storage. Aereo provides this service by leasing to each user an individual remote antenna. This distinguishes Aereo from purely internet-based streaming services

I've had AEREO for just 3 days now, and while I'm not an expert on AEREO by any means, here's my first impression.

New Interface Update for Roku 2 Devices

Over the past 2 weeks Roku has been silently and randomly rolling out a new firmware release to Roku 2 series players. As of the 14th of May, you can force this update by going to:

• Settings
• Software update
• Check now

This new update gives older "2" series Roku players the same interface as the new Roku 3.
 From the Official Roku Blog:

PBS and PBS KIDS channels come to the Roku Channel Store!

Since I got my first Roku player, I've wondered why PBS doesn't have their own Roku channel - and I'm not the only one who has wondered that. I've been asked by several people where to watch PBS on Roku, and the only answer I could give them is Hulu - which, as we all know, is a paid service when using a Roku. I couldn't understand it myself, since PBS has always been an early adopter of technologies that can spread their programming to a wider audience.

But now at last, PBS and PBS KIDS have their own Roku channels!

Roku Releases Roku 3

Roku, Inc. has released the new Roku 3 streaming player. The Roku 3 replaced the Roku XS, and adds new features like an improved user interface and headphone jack in the remote for private listening in addition to a much faster processor. Reports indicate the the unit loads content faster and responds to input quicker than Roku 2 and LT units.
What else is new?

Instant Watch Browser for Netflix

One thing that users of Netflix on smart TVs, Roku box, and other devices find annoying is that it's impossible to browse the whole Neflix catalog from the Netflix app for these devices. The official Netflix apps for these devices limit you to a few categories and Netflix's  "suggestions". For myself, this had always meant hopping on the laptop and adding movies to my queue from a browser to find new movies.

But now I've found a solution that allows me to find everything in the Netflix catalog without putting down the Roku Remote.

Weather Channel LIVE on YouTube

The weather Channel is currently broadcasting LIVE on their YouTube channel. I'm not sure if this will continue, but I suspect that it is just temporary and related to tropical storm Sandy coverage, and the live feed will end after the storm passes.

Even if it is only temporary, it does bode well for the future. Perhaps future major weather events will receive similar live coverage.

Here is the live channel embedded for your convenience:

   

 For Roku users, you can use PlayOn to stream the video from your computer to your television. YouTube is included in the free version of PlayOn. 

You can download PlayOn FREE here.

Roku Announces 3M Streaming Projector

Roku Announces 3M Streaming Projector, Powered By Roku Streaming Stick

From the Official Roku Blog:

Earlier this year we announced the Roku Streaming Stick™, a tiny wireless Roku player the size of a USB drive. The Roku Streaming Stick plugs into an MHL port (looks like HDMI but actually powers and commands the Streaming Stick) on Roku Ready® consumer electronics devices, bringing Roku to a range of new products.

Today, I’m pleased to unveil the first product of its kind–the 3M Streaming Projector powered by the Roku Streaming Stick.

The 3M Streaming Projector uses the Roku Streaming Stick to provide access to the more than 600 channels on the Roku platform. Small enough to fit in one hand, yet able to project an image up to 120 inches, the 3M Streaming Projector is perfect for family movie nights, sleepovers and backyard parties.With up to a two-hour 45 minute battery life, the 3M Streaming Projector can project almost anywhere a Wi-Fi connection can be accessed – onto a basement wall, a bedroom ceiling or even a backyard fence.

The 3M Streaming Projector is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com for $299, and will begin shipping on Oct. 22.

For more information, visit 3M Camcorder and Mobile Projectors: United States.

Happy Streaming!™

Note: You can get $20 Amazon Instant Video Credit with Purchase of the 3M Streaming Projector Powered by Roku, now through October 31.

I checked this out, and it's an interesting product, but... For $299, it falls a bit short. Here's my take:

• First, it's wide screen, but SD, 854 × 480.
• Battery life is only 2½ hours. Yes, battery powered with ac adaptor.
• LED light source, only 60 lumens.
• Inputs? One, HDMI. HDMI input is via the same MHL port that the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into.

My suggestion? Use the Roku you have already, and buy a FAVI RioHD-LED-2 Mini Projector (LED, 400 lumens, $179 @ Amazon) or a Digital Galaxy DG-737 (150 watt bulb, >1000 lumens, $209 @ Amazon). Both have better specs and support a multitude of inputs, including HDMI. Truck on down to your local thrift store or cruise Craig's List and garage sales or even Grandpa's attic for a real projection screen instead of an old bed sheet. Your total cost, assuming you have a Roku already, is under $200.

 

 Have a little more to spend? An Acer X1161P 3D-DLP Projector (2500 lumens, 800x600, DLP 3D ready, $299), but you'll need an HDMI to VGA cable adapter for HDMI input, since it has no HDMI port. Just plug in your computer, DVD, Roku, VCR, Converter box, your stereo... Pop some popcorn,  add mosquitoes... and INSTANT DRIVE-IN!. 

Vudu Comes to Roku

You Can Do VUDU On Roku.

Roku just keeps getting better... 
As first announced on the Roku Blog on September 20, 2012, WalMart's VUDU subscription-free video streaming service is now available on Roku.

VUDU brings thousands of new releases, Hollywood classics, independent films and TV shows to the Roku platform in vibrant HD. The VUDU channel is free to Roku users, and you’ll even score a free $5.99 video credit when you link your player

With the VUDU channel on Roku, you can:

• Browse and filter titles by name, genre, release date, most watched, top picks, video quality, MPAA rating, studio, purchase option or Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer rating.
• Search for either titles or people
• Check out video extras, cast and crew filmographies, critics’ reviews and a list of similar titles for movies
• View free trailers for many movies
• Preview the first two minutes of a title and test your Internet connection speed to make sure you rent/buy the best resolution video for your network
• Add a movie, TV show or TV episode to your VUDU Wishlist for later viewing
• Enjoy HD titles in Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound (pass-through only)

Available now on all Roku 2 models, the current-generation Roku HD (model #2500) and Roku LT players in the USA. (VUDU is not available on older first generation Roku  players.) VUDU will be coming to the NEW Roku Streaming Stick in October. You can add the VUDU channel here or find it in the Movies & TV section of the Roku Channel Store, and go HERE to link your player and get $5.99 credit.

I'll be updating with a review next week.

Guide to Internet Streaming Devices - The Pros and Cons of Internet Streaming Devices

The Pros and Cons of Internet Streaming Devices
by EscapeVelocity (originally published March 6, 2011 on DTVUSAforum)

Internet streaming of video has gone mainstream, and you want to get in on the action, but with so many devices out there to choose from which one is right for you? This guide seeks to bring you information to help make good decisions.