Roku will release its anticipated flash drive-sized Streaming Stick for $99 next month.
“Priced the same as as the Roku 2 XS set-top box, it brings the same feature set but in a smaller package designed to work directly with your HDTV, thanks to power, remote control and data signals fed through an MHL-compatible HDMI port,” explains Engadget.
“If you pick up an otherwise dumb flat-panel with the stick bundled along with it the price is set by that manufacturer, but the standalone plan means buyers’ savings are focused on the two cables they won’t be needing, and simplified remote capability since their TV remote can talk to the Stick directly. Like the Roku 2 XS, the Streaming Stick also includes the motion control capable game remote.”
In more good news for Roku customers, the Walmart-owned Vudu service launched on the platform yesterday.
“You will need a Roku HD (2500), LT or Roku 2 box (or the Streaming Stick, once it launches) to take advantage of the Vudu app and its streams that bring quality of up to 1080p and 7.1 surround sound,” notes the post.
“Can a media platform really survive without flooding its audience with advertising?” asks The Atlantic.
Vimeo has long attempted to take this route, even while its competition at Facebook and YouTube have relied heavily on advertising.
But Vimeo has marketed itself differently. “With its clean interface and cuddly community vibe, Vimeo has carved out a niche as the videomaker’s video platform,” explains the article.
On Thursday, the video sharing site announced two new tools that will further enhance its ad-less business model. The tools will allow videomakers to generate their own revenue.
Videomakers can utilize the new “tip jar” and keep 85 percent of profits earned. “The second and more exciting feature is a ‘pay-to-view’ setup, which will allow users to charge viewers for access to content, customizing the parameters to suit their needs,” details The Atlantic.
Vimeo will roll out its pay-to-view this fall, with a full launch in early 2013.
“It goes back to the core of Vimeo as a platform,” says Vimeo CEO Kerry Trainor of the new tools. “Vimeo has been quite successful in terms of distinguishing itself as the quality platform for creative people. Enabling those people to start to build businesses and generate revenue around their work really feels like the next logical step.”
“Olive” has already made history as the first feature-length film shot exclusively on a smartphone. Now co-directors Hooman Khalili and Pat Gilles hope to “democratize distribution” as they aim to rethink methods for distributing independent films.
“The movie probably has the connections to make that happen — after all, one of its executive producers, Chris Kelly, is also involved in the ‘indie Netflix’ site Fandor and movie distribution start-up GoDigital,” reports TechCrunch. “Kelly was formerly Facebook’s chief privacy officer, and he isn’t [the film’s] only link to Facebook — Randi Zuckerberg also has a small part.”
The movie — shot on a Nokia N8 fitted with a special 35mm lens, and featuring Gena Rowlands — has completed production, but is being recut with four new Dolly Parton songs.
Although the directors are considering a limited theatrical release, their focus is elsewhere. “Khalili suggests that a a low budget, independently-produced movie with a sincere message just isn’t a good fit for Hollywood executives, but it does play well with the elderly, soccer moms, children, and people of faith,” explains the post.
The new version will debut this month at Stream, “the annual ‘unconference’ organized by advertising conglomerate WPP and hosted by WPP CEO Martin Sorrell and investor Yossi Vardi,” reports TechCrunch.
Khalili hopes to screen the film at the Dubai Film Festival, and then target video/digital distribution — bypassing theatrical, the importance of which he argues is overstated. “Khalili’s more excited about figuring out the right way to release ‘Olive’ with a big push through video on demand — hopefully before the holiday season, which is really the perfect time to watch the film.”
The post includes a one-minute trailer of the film.
In a taped interview recorded for the 3D Entertainment Summit this week in Hollywood, DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg said producers need to offset consumers’ doubt in 3D by creating “exceptional” 3D movies that are worth the more expensive ticket.
Katzenberg described 2012 as a “spectacular year” for worldwide box office, “after a phase in which auds seemed to doubt 3D’s legitimacy and consistency,” reports Variety.
“Some people tried to capitalize on the gimmick of 3D rather than giving a quality experience and trying to deliver something exceptional to audiences, and the audience really snapped back on us,” he said. “But I think the trend is growing and we’re starting to earn back trust and respect from the audience.”
Katzenberg said the rate of ticket sales strongly reflects how critical responses to a 3D film influence moviegoer’s choices.
As for 3D in the home: “There still isn’t much to watch,” he said. “Making that incremental investment, people want to know that there’s use and value in that. Sports has been pretty good, but it’s still pretty limited in 3D product you can get on a TV set.”
“International markets are fueling the growth of theatrical 3D, while consumers and programmers seem to be awaiting the arrival of glasses-free TV to fully embrace the format at home,” reports Variety.
During a presentation at this week’s 3D Entertainment Summit, IHS Screen Digest senior analyst Richard Cooper explained that approximately 60 percent of screens worldwide have made the digital conversion, largely driven by 3D.
“In North America, 3D exhibition is maturing,” notes the article. “About 44 percent of digital screens in North America are 3D-capable, below the world average, but that’s because much of the world is still converting and will install 2D-only screens after its 3D capacity is in place.”
Outside the U.S. the number of 3D screens increased 51 percent year-on-year to reach 27,000. China remains a strong driver of 3D expansion and while international adoption remains high, content remains low.
“Cooper said that while 3D feature production is down from its 2011 peak, films in an expanding number of genres are being produced in 3D, and the mix of 3D films is coming to resemble the mix of the entire market — an indication that the format is maturing,” Variety writes.
In terms of home entertainment, 3D TV is slightly ahead of HDTV over time, but more content is needed. “3D will remain a niche market in all markets in which it touches,” Cooper said. “One of the biggest barriers to 3D adoption is it remains very event-based viewing. Consumers and programmers are waiting for that revolution: autostereo 3D.”
Networks are reluctant to pay for 3D, but electronics makers such as Samsung and LG are paying for 3D content for their VOD promotional channels.
Canon will ship its new EOS 6D in December for $2,099 (body only) — the company’s first DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
The compact 1.7-pound camera will also be offered with a zoom lens for an additional $800. Although lighter than the 5D, there’s no fold-out arm for the viewfinder and no built-in flash. Users will need to rely on the SD card since there’s also no Compact Flash.
“Like the 5D Mark III (and its predecessor, the popular Mark II), the EOS 6 is a full-frame camera (meaning the CMOS image sensor is as large as a frame of 35mm film),” explains Mashable.
“The megapixel count is slightly less (20.2 MP instead of 22.3), though it’ll be tough to tell the difference,” adds the post. “The 6D also packs the relatively recent DIGIC 5+ image processor, which gives it a speedy continuous shooting rate, at 4.5 frames per second.”
The DSLR records 1080p video at 30 frames per second and 720p at 60 fps.
“For still pics, the 6D has an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which captures three different exposures of the same shot and combines them for better detail and color,” notes Mashable. “There’s also a Multiple Exposure mode that lets you merge up to nine different pics into the same image, no Photoshop required.”
Director and Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Vincent Laforet has published an extensive review of the new Black Magic Cinema Camera.
The Pros: beautiful images, great detail, sensor that provides filmic look, overall design, price (under $3,000).
The Cons: sensor size, ergonomics, awkward position of start/top button, lack of interchangeable battery and hot shoe.
In an update to his review, Laforet notes that Black Magic Design has announced an MFT version to launch in December.
“That camera will sport a Passive Micro Four Thirds mount that can be adapted to use with PL Lenses,” he writes. “This new mount means that a much larger series of lenses will now work with this camera and in effect changes my opinion on the lens limitations.”
“The MFT version of this camera will likely make a lot more sense for most users than the EF in my opinion,” he adds.
The Associated Press Video Hub is now out of beta, offering 24/7 news videos. Content is curated from the Internet and supplemented by the AP’s archives.
AP is hoping the service will help recruit publishing clients. The UK’s Daily Telegraph has signed on with a significant investment in production equipment.
“TMG’s existing three-camera studio will now be able to stream directly to the Web as a story breaks,” reports TheNextWeb. “Used in conjunction with a series of new content deals, this will give the Telegraph’s digital subscribers access to key live events as they unfold.”
In 2003, AP became one of the first to launch a live news service. “Today, around 200 broadcasters use it as a live video source, tapping AP’s coverage to bring news and analysis to their own viewers,” notes the post.
“AP Video Hub is already proving itself as an indispensable tool for online news providers,” says Sue Brooks, AP director of video transformation. “The addition of live content will enable our customers to create even richer storytelling experiences for their customers.”
Many successful tech innovators are putting their earned money into new start-ups.
“Jeff Bezos has Blue Origin, a company that builds spaceships. Elon Musk has Tesla, an electric-car company, and SpaceX, another rocket-ship company. Bill Gates took on big challenges in the developing world — combating malaria, HIV, and poverty,” according to Technology Review.
Nathan Myhrvold, former CTO of Microsoft, explains why he’s involved with TerraPower — a company built to “commercialize a promising new kind of nuclear reactor.”
He writes that “in the next few decades, we need more technology leaders to reach for some very big advances. If 20 of us were to try to solve energy problems — with carbon capture and storage, or perhaps some other crazy idea — maybe one or two of us would actually succeed. If nobody tries, we’ll all certainly fail.”
He sees a focus on nuclear energy as imperative to the future.
“In the U.S., more than 700,000 metric tons of depleted uranium — the by-product of enrichment — sits in storage. TerraPower’s technology is designed to use that depleted uranium as fuel, turning the cheap by-product of today’s reactors into enough electricity to power every home in America for 1,000 years,” Myhrvold explains.
Those with established money can likely help the cause. “Our challenge now, especially for those of us whose financial success is the greatest, is to think big,” he writes.
“Move over, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Valve Software today revealed a new television-friendly version of its massive Steam digital video game distribution service,” CNET reported last week. “Aptly named Big Picture, the new view transforms Steam into a more polished experience for the big screen.”
The new interface allows users to purchase and play 2,000-plus games on big-screen TVs. The interface also has its own browser for playing Web-based games.
“The browser features reticle-based navigation (meaning players move a scope around to zoom or scroll); cloud-saved favorites; and tabbed browsing,” explains CNET. “For those wanting to ditch keys completely, Big Picture offers Daisywheel, a directional-based keyboard that supposedly makes it easier to type with a controller.”
“PC gaming continues to be the leading edge of entertainment, whether it’s social gaming, MMOs, graphics hardware, free-to-play, or competitive gaming,” notes Gabe Newell, president of Valve. “With Big Picture for Steam, we are trying to do our part to give customers and developers what they want — their games, everywhere, optimized for the environment in which they are playing.”
According to Valve, the PC version is available in beta, with a Mac version coming soon. The CNET post includes a Steam promo video.
“Sesame Street” has been on the air for 42 seasons — and the brand remains relevant as its creative forces come up with new ways to entertain and educate.
“Sesame Workshop has teamed up with Microsoft to create ‘Kinect Sesame Street TV’ — one of the most innovative children’s video games we’ve seen in a while,” reports Mashable. “With the help of the Microsoft Kinect sensor, it puts kids (and adults) into the game, letting them engage and interact with their favorite characters.”
Included are eight interactive games that take kids through activities and competitions, while interacting with favorite characters.
The focus will be on both physical activity and cognitive learning. “The characters introduce words; concepts like over and under, numbers, letters, and free play. But this play gets kids up and off the couch,” details the post.
“Kinect Sesame Street TV” is currently available on Xbox 360. The post includes a video demo.
Mobile payments have yet to see major traction. In fact, only one percent of mobile consumers in the UK have ever used a mobile handset to pay at a retail store, according to a new report from Deloitte.
However, mobile devices are still being used in stores and have increased retail sales.
“In the U.S. Deloitte says that using apps and mobile websites while shopping accounted for a 5 percent bump in retail sales, equating to $159 billion in in-store sales,” TechCrunch writes, noting this percentage increase was also seen in the UK but for lower dollar value.
“Fueled by the rise in apps and mobile websites catering to shoppers, as well as smartphone ubiquity, Deloitte forecasts that the impact of smartphones on retail in the U.S. will rise to 17-21 percent — working out to $628 million – $782 million in sales by 2016,” the article continues.
The report found that 46 percent of smartphone owners used their devices to research products before visiting the store or while they were shopping.
This research influences purchases and, “as Deloitte points out, this is a call to retailers to sort out better mobile experiences for their users, even if they are not directly linked to making purchases, and only to carry more information about the products,” TechCrunch reports.
Electronics purchases are most affected by mobile usage, while mobile has little effect on convenience stores and supermarkets.
As for mobile payments, Deloitte says, “until more contactless technology gets adopted at the retail end, this is bound to remain on the sidelines.”
Entertainment veteran Michael Green started The Collective in 2005, a media company that represents YouTube talent.
“The company aims to capitalize on the shifting landscape in the entertainment business, in part, says Green, by partnering with artists… who he believes are well positioned to take advantage of the continued decentralization of media consumption,” writes Businessweek.
Noticing the trend, YouTube executives have gone out to recruit established brands to set up content channels. Media companies like the Onion, Pitchfork and Vice are producing content that competes with YouTube’s homegrown talent.
In order to compete and stay relevant, many of these self-funded artists and entertainers are signing on with agencies like The Collective.
“Green says that partnering with The Collective frees up artists to focus on creative challenges while his team concentrates on the business side,” notes the article. “In general, The Collective tries to retain ownership rights to their client’s material while maximizing licensing deals with third parties.”
This is a growing area of entertainment business, notes Businessweek: “Brand spending in the digital video world has ballooned in recent years, growing from $324 million in 2007 to $1.8 billion in 2011, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau.”
The Google Fiber IPTV project in the Kansas City area will offer channels from Disney and Turner Broadcasting as part of its new service.
“Google Fiber TV service already includes almost two hundred channels, but we’ll continue to add more over time,” notes Larry Yang, senior product manager, Google Fiber. “And since our TV service runs on a gigabit network, we can offer access to all our HD channels for no extra charge.”
According to Advanced Television, the new channel offerings include: ABC Family, ABC News Now, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Longhorn Network, Ovation, SOAPnet, TBN, TBN Enlace and Velocity.
As previously reported, Starz and Showtime are already offered as optional add-on packages.
“Customers taking the Gigabit + package can add on 17 Starz channels for an additional $10 per month,” notes the post. “They can also add on 11 Showtime channels for an additional $10 per month. Popular Hispanic channels will also be available for an additional $5 per month, including Univision Telenovelas, Bandamax, and Telehit.”
Time Warner has redesigned Flixster to focus less on its native UltraViolet digital locker and more on helping users find the films they want on any movie rental service.
Flixster’s redesign “now highlights purchase and rental options from Vudu, Amazon, and iTunes. And it even shows users when movies are available through subscription services like Netflix,” explains TechCrunch. “That means that pretty much any movie available online can be found on the app — which is big news for movie lovers.”
Since Time Warner also owns Rotten Tomatoes, the new Flixster site allows people to filter search results based on Tomatometer rankings. Users can also filter based on year, popularity, genre and other factors.
The site redesign also allows one-click UltraViolet registration with Facebook connectivity. Users can earn rewards for tasks like creating a “want-to-see” list or downloading related apps.
“Of course, Flixster isn’t the only video discovery engine out there focused on premium content,” notes the post. “There’s Fanhattan, which also hooks into multiple video services, and is available for the iPhone and iPad. In addition to getting the website redesign out of beta, Flixster is working on a relaunch of its mobile apps, which will bring a lot of the same functionality to those devices.”
Roku will release its anticipated flash drive-sized Streaming Stick for $99 next month.
