HDTV

Google has filed for a patent on a technology that would let users search their program listings with only the sound of their voice.

According to Patently Apple, which obtained the patent request, Google's application describes a method of allowing users to say a voice command through a mobile device. That command is then relayed to a television or set-top box--likely equipped with the company's Google TV platform--that displays the desired information.

According to Patently Apple, the patent describes one implementation in which a user asks, "When is 'Seinfeld' on?" The software on the television then … Read more

Don't get me wrong, I like TiVo. What I don't like is the $19.99/month subscription fee that goes along with it. That's $240 per year, folks.

A much cheaper option over the long haul: Ceton's InfiniTV 4 products, which can turn a Windows 7 PC into one of the best DVRs on the planet.

The original InfiniTV 4 was a PCI card that sold for $399. Now, however, you can get the Ceton InfiniTV 4 PCI or InfiniTV 4 USB for $199 shipped.

That's not a sale price; it's a permanent reduction. … Read more

Samsung might be a leading TV maker, but its LCD business is quickly becoming a thorn in its side.

Speaking to Reuters today, Samsung said that it's considering all options with its LCD flat-panel business, but declined to confirm that it has made any decisions. One rumor suggests Samsung is thinking about spinning off its LCD business, but the company would not comment on that.

"Samsung is looking into various options to improve the competitiveness of LCD business, but no decision has been made yet," a Samsung spokeswoman told CNET in an e-mailed statement.

Samsung's LCD … Read more

Google has delivered a small update for its Google TV YouTube app.

The company yesterday announced that the update, which is available in the Android Market, is designed to surface the videos people are most interested in. To accomplish that goal, the app includes new channel pages, featuring playlists and videos users can subscribe to. In addition, the application now includes a related videos list and the option to see all the clips uploaded by individual users.

The most important addition to Google TV's YouTube app is a feature called Discover. After booting up Discover, users can sift through … Read more

Best Buy said it authorized a survey that discussed the as-yet announced Apple TV, but insisted that fuss over the survey is much ado about nothing.

"The customer survey was a routine offer effectiveness survey conducted by one of Best Buy's research partners," Best Buy told Wired in a statement last night. "Any brand reference was hypothetical. The survey is no longer available."

Apple TV rumors have been swirling over the last several months after co-founder Steve Jobs told his biographer Walter Isaacson that he had "cracked" the code for a revolutionary television. … Read more

Much as I love me a good Roku box, I still think there's value in having a Blu-ray player--especially one that can stream media from all the big-name services, just like a Roku.

Today only, and while supplies last, RedTag has the refurbished Sony BDP-BX58 3D Blu-ray player with Wi-Fi for $79, plus $1.95 for shipping.

That's one of the best prices I've seen on a name-brand player with 3D, Wi-Fi, and Roku-caliber channel support.

Needless to say, a Blu-ray player is great for those times when you want ultra-pristine video and sound. I say that … Read more

I know I've posted a lot of TV deals of late, but, hey, they're a hot category right now. And who knows if the deals will be as good after this Sunday's big game?

For a limited time, and while supplies last, Best Buy has the Sharp LC42SV49U 42-inch LCD HDTV for $329.99, plus sales tax where applicable. You can opt for free site-to-store shipping, which, alas, takes 7-10 days, or pony up around $20 for shipping.

Two factors set this deal apart from some of the others I've shared recently. First, Sharp is a … Read more

Sony was hit hard during the fourth quarter--its fiscal third quarter--and its incoming CEO knows some serious work will be needed to turn things around.

The electronics giant today announced that it generated 1.82 trillion yen (about $23.4 billion) in revenue in the quarter just ended (PDF), dropping 17 percent year over year. The company posted a loss of 159 billion yen ($2.04 billion), representing a steep decline from the 72.3 billion yen profit it posted during the same period last year.

Sony's earnings were weighed down by a dismal quarter for the company's … Read more

Sony, having suffered through years of gaffes under CEO Howard Stringer, badly needed some change.

That change came today when Sony announced that Kazuo Hirai will become the company's new president and chief executive, effective April 1. Stringer put a good face on the change, saying that his company has been working on "succession plans" over the last few years and that Hirai is the ideal choice to take over Sony.

"Kaz is a globally focused executive for whom technology and the cloud are familiar territory, content is highly valued, and digital transformation is second nature,&… Read more