DivX has announced a new free software package which simplifies watching and sharing high-definition content. The follow-up to DivX 7, DivX has decided to call it DivX Plus Software. The bundle is made up of four separate pieces of DivX software. These are: DivX Plus Player, the DivX Plus Web Player, the DivX Plus Codec Pack, and the DivX Plus Converter. Major step forward DivX has redesigned its interface so if you are playing back DivX footage online or from the desktop it should be a simpler process. There’s also the addition of smoother fast-forwarding and rewinding and if the file you [...]

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The arguments over whether 3D TV will finally catch on are far from over, but the signs are good in the US at least where Panasonic has apparently sold out its entire allocation of 3D television bundles. Despite a price tag of $2899 (£1,897), Panasonic has had no trouble shifting its stock and the bundle of a 3D ready television, a set of 3D glasses and a 3D Blu-ray player has proven to be a big hit. Hitoshi Otsuki, Senior Managing Director for Panasonic’s overseas operations, said, “It’s a great opportunity to turn around our TV business.” Thin on the ground 3D content [...]

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Dolby has unveiled it is using a new audio codec for Pixar’s latest movie Toy Story 3, called Dolby Surround 7.1 Select cinemas will be using the audio track which has been optimised for the current crop of 3D movies. “For 40 years Dolby has not only provided content creators with the tools to create a more realistic audio experience, but has also enabled the exhibitor to deliver audiences the ability to experience the content as the creator intended,” explained Page Haun, Senior Director, Marketing, Cinema Market Segment, Dolby Laboratories about the codec. “The release [...]

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Nvidia is doing the rounds with Panasonic in the US at the moment, showing off its barrage of 3D-enabled kit. On its travels it’s introduced some software which will upgrade a GeForce GPU-enabled PC or notebook to play 3D content through a 3D TV. Called simply 3DTV Play, the software package enables PCs which have a HDMI or DVI connection the ability to pipe Full HD 3D content to 3D Ready TV, bringing Nvidia’s 3D content to the big screen. This content includes the range of 3D games on the market – including Batman: Arkham Asylum and Avatar: The Game – and it will also be compatible [...]

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Although Virgin Media are remaining coy on the details of its forthcoming next-generation TiVo-enabled boxes, there are plenty of assumptions that can be made. With the partnership signed and sealed and development well underway on an interface that brings the Virgin Media hardware and the TiVo user experience together, what can you expect to find on the next-generation cable set-top boxes? 1. Recommendation and automatic record engine Central to everything that has made TiVo such a dominant force in US PVRs is the much-vaunted recommendation engine. Users grade the kind of programmes that [...]

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Sony showcased its latest television range in London today, but told TechRadar that it is not going to start major publicity on 3D until the UK market is ready. Speaking to TechRadar, Christian Brown, Senior Category Marketing Manager Home Entertainment for Sony, explained the company’s stance on 3D noting: “Our big push for 3D will be in June. “We are doing it then because that is when the 3D content will be in the market, so we are not going to do a major push on something that isn’t currently here.” 3D content creation Sony has two ranges of TVs which will be [...]

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Sony revealed more details of its Bravia Internet Video service today, which is available through its latest web-connected Blu-ray players. The service is Sony’s push into bringing web content to your TV, with the company trying to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy internet content from your television set. TechRadar were given a demo of the service and were impressed with what we saw. As it uses Sony’s now-familiar XMB – well, familiar if you are a PS3 user – there’s a sense of simplicity to how you access content. All you need to do is flick to the Video section [...]

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MSN Video Player has been a big enough success through a pilot scheme to be launched as a major new product, and Microsoft is not ruling out offering the service to television manufacturers, on Xbox and through the forthcoming Windows Phone 7 Series. A million people have already used the ad-funded and free MSN Video Player in beta to watch full-length programmes, trailers and clips, enough of an audience to convince the portal that the service has the appeal to become a key asset for Microsoft. With users staying for an average of 25 minutes – far more than major catch-up services like ITV [...]

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Humax believes that it can provide the very best technology within its Project Canvas boxes, after being confirmed as one of the interested manufacturers. Project Canvas’ Richard Halton told the DTG Summit that Humax were among the manufacturers champing at the bit to bring a box to market for the IPTV project being led by the BBC and involving ITV, Channel 4, Five, BT, and Talk Talk. Humax’s Graham North gave his backing for Project Canvas and pointed to his company’s track record with both Freeview and Freesat set top boxes. “Humax is very supportive of Project Canvas, [...]

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Project Canvas’ Richard Halton has revealed a list of manufacturers that are keen to make set-top boxes for the BBC-backed IPTV collaboration – with some major names conspicuous in their absence. Although LG and Humax are numbered among the list given out by Halton, many will point to the names that are not being bandied around as an important factor. The likes of Sony have already criticised the project in the past – believing that the user experience for IPTV connected boxes should be set by the manufacturer and not the consortium – which consists of broadcasters, BT and Talk [...]

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