Plex + LG Team Up

Plex, my favorite mac multi-media entertainment program, is teaming up with LG according to the latest from tech insiders. Does this mean that Plex is currently beating it's competition [Boxee, Hulu Desktop, Understudy]? I would say so, and when Plex is the main software for watching digital media on flatscreen's, remember OE Technology told you about it first.

LG and Plex announced their Biz Dev plan at this years IFA conference, as Plex software will be running on new LG tv's.




Sources: [Crunch Gear] [Tech Crunch] [Engadget]

Statistics you need to know...

Android Users have less Sex than iPhone and Blackberry Users:

The Internet is surpassing paid TV for the FIRST TIME EVER...

As cable and satellite TV subscriptions are reducing....

And online media content begins to catch-up with Live TV

Sources: [Business Insider] [Silicon Alley Insider] [TechCrunch]

Google TV vs. Apple's New iTV

Four years ago I asked the best web and graphics designer I know to help create a box that only had three external plugs [a power outlet, an ethernet cord, and VGA/DVI out port]. This box, once plugged in, would allow people to access the many movies stored on the Wesleyan University movie hub, as well as some of my personal collection. At the time, while only a freshman in college, I had nor the capital or resources to invest in such a project. Nor were there any legal digital movie files or streaming files that I could use that would not break copyright protection laws.

With the success of Netflix, Google offering pay-per-view movies via YouTube this fall, and the failure of Apple TV have all made the net top box game very interesting. Now most new flatscreen TV's come with ethernet ports for instant access to photos, YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, and many other online items, these TV's do not allow you to play your personal movies [itunes movies, wma, m4a, avi, or mkv].


Google TV

Google TV seems to be a more advanced version of TiVo with close web integration allowing you to record tv programs, watch our favorite tv shows off broadcasting company websites, as well as eventually the option to order clothing, books, and every other item in your favorite tv show right from your screen.

The box also includes integration with MLB.com, NBA.com, and other major sports networks giving you full sports package access and up to date scores.


Apple  -  iTV

Most of the interface and software features of iTV have remained hidden from the public, though iTV is expected to launch this September, 2010. The product will not support 1080p movies, will have a price tag of around $99, and it will not have an internal hard drive.

This device will feature TV based apps that have close integration with iPhones and iPads. So I am assuming if you download the Slingbox app you would be able to watch tv on your iTV. The loss of 1080p and and lack of TiVo like integration makes this item seem like another Apple TV failure, but we will see in the middle of this month.

If you like Apple's interface I would recommend buying a new MacMini [$699+] and downloading the free program called Plex. This will allow you to download most of the NBA.com and MLB.com programs Google TV offers, while allowing you to play any movie file you want with your mac remote [including 1080p mkv files]. The price is 7 times greater, but the iTV seems at first glance like a waste of money. We'll see in a few months.


Source: [Silicon Alley Insider] [Engadget]

Play HD Video Games on your iMac

Kenex XD

Finally, play HD Video Games or hook up your blu-ray player to your iMac. Why did it take so many years to come out with this product. The worst part is, it cost $150 and it doesn't come out until April 2010.

Sources: [Engadget] [Kanex]

Holiday Wish List

As that time of year rolls around, we'd like to unveil the top 5 gadgets on our holiday wish list.

1. JVC Wireless 7.1 Surround Sound Soundbar System

The TS-BA3 ($549.95) is a wireless 280 watt 5.1-channel system which includes an amplifier, center channel soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speaker kit. Inputs include a single analog input, two optical digital inputs and support for Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II surround signals. The TH-BS7 ($599.95) is 180-watt 4.1 channel system designed to mount alongside flat-panel HDTVs, with a 1.4-inch tall, ultrathin soundbar, an even slimmer wall-mountable amplifier / control unit and a wireless subwoofer.

2. Piixl EdgeCenter 3770 Media PC

This 30 mm thick media PC actually mounts to the back of flat panel HD tv's. It's slim profile doesn't skim on power in the slightest, configurable processors include Intel's Core2 Duo (3 GHz base configuration) and Two-Way Core i7.

Website: http://www.piixl.com/discover-the-edgecenter-3770/design.html

Other features include Windows 7, up to 4 TV tuners, high-end graphics cards, and sleek aluminum chassis. The base price is £2,490 ($4,043), but with high end add-ons, the price tag can easily push 5 figures. This is pretty much the ultimate media PC.

3. HDI's 100" Laser-Driven 3D HDTV

California startup HDI is debuting a 100" laser-driven 3D HDTV in May to be priced between $10,000 and $15,000.

The set will measure 10" thick, so it isn't low profile, but considering the specs and modest price tag (for a 100" HDTV) makes it a great purchase if you've got the dough.

4. SlingMobile Player from Slingbox

SlingPlayer Mobile lets you watch and control your home TV and DVR via Slingbox on your BlackBerry through WiFi or 3G cellular network. Functionality is limited to AT&T and T-Mobile, so Verizon customers are out of luck. You'll need a Slingbox ($179.99 standard definition, $299.99 high definition) and the app which will run you $29.99.

http://slingmedia.com/go/spm-requirements

The app is also available for iPhone fanboys and girls but it is limited to your local WiFi, essentially killing the draw of watching tv on your phone. In addition to BlackBerry, the SlingMobile Player also is available for Windows Mobile Smartphones, Palm, and Symbian smartphones.

5. Land Rover LRX Featuring Console iPhone Integration

Land Rover unveiled a concept vehicle with iPhone integration in the center console. Not only is their media integration for audio and phone calls, but there is added functionality including starting the car via iPhone.

Hulu Desktop - TV on your Computer for FREE

Scan Hulu's lineup of TV shows and movies, which you can browse in alphabetical order, by network or studio, or by Hulu channel. Watch a random video anytime by pressing and holding the "play" or "enter" button on your remote. Press and hold the "menu" button (tab or escape on your keyboard) to pull up a video menu to browse other options.

Hulu Desktop is a lean-back viewing experience for your personal computer. It features a sleek new look that's optimized for use with standard Windows Media Center remote controls or Apple remote controls, allowing you to navigate Hulu's entire library with just six buttons. For users without remotes, the application is keyboard and mouse-enabled. Hulu Desktop is a downloadable application and will work on PCs and Macs. It will initially launch as a beta product during which we plan to gather and incorporate user feedback to improve the service.

To Download For FREE [Mac, PC, + Linux] Click Here