Apple Wednesday released a software update permitting the Apple TV device to operate more as a hub for digital content. At the top of the list of enhanced features included in the 2.3 software: AirTunes streaming.

The new ability opens possibilities for Apple TV owners to listen or view content from either another Apple TV or Airport Express speakers.

Additionally, the update expands access to your iTunes playlists, permitting videos, podcasts or music to be accessed via Apple TV.

The update also adds support for third-part remote controls besides Apple’s and music volume control.

Internet providers say they will not shop customers who illegally watch live television on the web without a TV licence.

Chrismakwanzika has come early for anyone remotely interested in Vizio kit, and quite honestly, even for those that aren't. From the top, we've got the 55-inch VF550XVT1A, a 1080p HDTV with 120Hz Smooth Motion Video technology, a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, five HDMI inputs, SRS TruSurround HD and a $1,999 MSRP. Next up is the firm's own soundbar and wireless subwoofer kit (VSB210WS), which has finally escaped rumor purgatory to pop official. The kit sports four 3-inch speakers alongside a single 1-inch tweeter for each channel, and the long throw 6.5-inch subbie makes sure the lows are well addressed, too. Just a single cable is needed to connect the VSB210WS to any flat-panel, and just $349.99 is needed to bring it home. On deck are a trio of smaller LCDs: the 19-inch VA19 ($249.99), 22-inch VA22 ($349.99) and 26-inch VA26 ($449.99), with the middle guy becoming Vizio's smallest 1080p HDTV ever. Closing things out is the 26-inch VMM26, a 25.5-inch "multimedia monitor" with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, HDMI / USB ports, touch-activated menus and a $429.99 sticker. All but the first two products mentioned are on sale now, while the first two will be available just before your '09 Super Bowl bash.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Vizio intros 55-inch 1080p XVT HDTV, soundbar, more goodies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATLANTA----Internap Network Services Corporation , a global provider of end-to-end Internet business solutions, announced today its Performance IP™ network and data center colocation are powering innovative services from ActiveVideo Networks™ to enable the seamless delivery of Web-infused television programming via existing set-top boxes and Web-connected consumer electronics devices.

For all you Apple TV users out there, Apple's now released firmware version 2.3. The patch, downloadable through the media hub's built in updater, now lets users stream music from AirTunes to any speakers connected to an Airport Express or other Apple TVs in the house. You'll also get the ability to use third-party remotes, and make playlists that include a mixture of audio and video formats. [Apple Insider]

Hong Kong actor Lam ...

For home theater junkies who've been having a difficult time taking the Apple TV seriously, you should definitely have a look at what the latest software update brings to the dinner table. First off, we should warn you that any non-Apple TV software (like, you know, Boxee) will be banished should you choose to update, but if you're kosher on that front, we'll continue on. Apple's changelog notes that AirTunes streaming is now enabled, meaning that tunes can be streamed from the STB to AirPort Express speakers or other ATV units nearby. Additionally, the box can now learn other remotes, meaning that you can probably get your universal remote to handle this bugger, too. The last big addition is that Playlists in iTunes can now be seen on Apple TV, and there's also support for volume control in Music. Grab the download from within your box now if you dare, and feel free to chime in with any other noteworthy changes you happen upon.

[Via TUAW]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Apple TV 2.3 update adds AirTunes streaming, support for other IR remotes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple on Wednesday night released version 2.3 of its Apple TV firmware to add AirTunes streaming as well as support for third-party remotes.

Reuters - In nearly every respect, the TV movie 24: Redemption makes perfect sense, a brilliant idea that will extend the life of an important franchise even as it pumps new vigor into the Fox series.

DENVER -- The U.S. Olympic Committee reorganized part of its management team, a move that will allow chief operating officer Norm Bellingham more time to focus on starting an Olympic television network sometime in the next few months.

The crew over at Engadget HD was part of a tour of the Microsoft eHome lab and was lucky enough to catch the un-announced DirecTV HDPC-20 in testing. Unfortunately Microsoft wasn't ready to announce any new products and even reminded everyone that things in the lab don't always make it to market. But despite this, we still have our hopes up that we'll one day soon be able to watch DirecTV HD on Windows Media Center.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Engadget HD catches the Media Center DirecTV HDPC-20 in action originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bailout duo Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke took to the Hill again yesterday to talk TARP, while the CEOs of the Big Three car companies tried to get in on the action. In today's episode of TPMtv, we bring you the highlights, the lowlights and Ron Paul's quest for gold...

Full-size video at TPMtv.com.

For many of you, the release of “Twilight” is the biggest event of the year. That was certainly the case with our MTV News colleague Nicole, who was among the select few to attend an early screening of the film last night here in New York City.

A die-hard Twilighter, she raced home afterwards and went straight to her webcam, recording her post-OME reaction on video. This isn’t a review (that’ll come later), but check out her general excitement below. And remember, as soon as YOU see “Twilight,” head on over to YouRHere.mtv.com to record your own thoughts on the film. We’ll share the best of them with all of you.

By Adam Browning

If you watch TV, then you know that the country will switch to High-Definition TV sometime in February. Those with old-school cathode ray tubes may be tempted to use this milestone to "upgrade" to a flat-screen. If that describes you or someone you know, then this Greentip from the Union of Concerned Scientists may be helpful:

Energy consumption varies widely between HDTVs, even between models of similar size. There are ways to ensure your new TV is as efficient as possible:

• Choose the most efficient technology. There are three HDTV technologies on the market today: plasma, LCD, and rear-projection microdisplay (commonly known as DLP, or digital light processing). A study by technology reviewer CNET found that, on average, plasma TVs are the least efficient, consuming 0.33 watt of electricity per square inch of screen, while LCD TVs are slightly better at 0.28 watt per inch. Your best choice to save energy is DLP, which consumes only 0.13 watt per inch.


• Choose Energy Star-rated models. On November 1, 2008, the EPA released new Energy Star specifications that now set maximum energy consumption limits for TVs in both standby and active modes (previous specifications applied only to standby mode). TVs that meet these new requirements (see the Related Resources) will be up to 30 percent more efficient than non-qualified models.

Even if you're not in the market for a new TV, there are ways to reduce the energy being consumed by your current TV:

• Unplug the TV when it is not in use. TVs that have a standby mode continue to draw power even when turned "off."


• Turn off the "quick start" option (if applicable). Just by waiting a few more seconds for the TV to warm up, you can significantly reduce standby power consumption.


• Turn down the brightness settings. Many LCD TVs also have a backlight setting that is often set in stores to be brighter than necessary for most home environments.


• Buy an Energy Star-rated digital-to-analog (DTA) converter box if you own an analog TV and do not plan to upgrade to digital by February 2009. According to the EPA, if all analog TV owners used Energy Star converter boxes, global warming pollution would be lowered by an amount equivalent to taking a million cars off the road.

Also, recycle your old set. If you can't find a local place, I suggest mailing it to Bill O'Reilly with a few choice words about programming standards ...

AP - In a ho-hum TV season in which most new shows have been greeted with a collective shrug and a click of the remote control, CBS' freshman The Mentalist has managed to deduce what viewers want.

E! Online - Is Miley Cyrus looking for a career change?

Sony offers BRAVIA buyers a new delivery option that includes recycling old TVs.

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If you happened to miss the premiere of our new movie show “Spoilers,” don’t fret! You can catch it today when it re-airs at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

Taped at an MTV-held “Twilight” premiere, the show features the entire cast of “Twilight” answering questions from our reporters and fans, and features an exclusive clip from the film. But that’s not all, it’s all jam-packed with exclusive footage from the biggest upcoming blockbusters including “Watchmen,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” Anne Hathaway’s “Bride Wars,” “The Spirit” and so much more. So tune in tonight at 6:30 p.m. to check it all out.

AP - The prostitute at the center of the salacious scandal that brought down former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and generated national headlines is going to dish on her life as a pricey escort.