If there are lessons to be learned about the need for big companies to create platform-agnostic services, the BBC's iPlayer project may be one of the most shining examples.
Since the launch of the iPlayer, the BBC has been under fire not only from its viewers, but also members of the British Parliament. Parliament members have come down on the broadcasting corporation for its lack of support for open standards, and soaring costs in the development of the Windows-only software whose cost is estimated to be close to £6 million pounds (nearly $11 million dollars).
We've blogged about the service before, although haven't been able to test it because of the application's use of geo-IP tracking to (rightfully) limit viewing to the tax-paying UK citizens who fund it. Many users say the clunky interface and tough DRM make the software anything but user friendly.
The iPlayer software continues to be a Windows-only application, which has led to the controversy of those paying citizens using Mac or Linux who were unable to use the program to catch up on BBC programming without the need for a television. The iPlayer software uses Windows Media Player-based DRM that requires users to have the latest versions of Windows XP or Vista, leaving Mac and Linux users out of the picture.
UK residents can access a variety of BBC programming on the Web via streaming. Windows users can also download the programs to watch while offline.
(Credit: CNET Networks)In mid-December, the BBC responded by releasing a streaming version of the player that runs in Web browsers using Adobe Flash. Already the service has been a runaway success. According to a blog post earlier today from the BBC's director general, Mark Thompson, 90 percent of the users of the streaming service are running Windows, while 9 percent are using mac, and 0.8 percent are using Linux. Despite the 9-to-1 user ratio, Thompson again confirmed that the BBC was still working on a Mac version, scheduled to be released by the end of the year. He also said the initial rush to make the service available had led to the single-platform offerings.
Based on the early success of TV on demand service Hulu.com in the states, and the recent roll out of Apple's timed-DRM, it's worth wondering if a standalone software version of the service is even worth the headache. The trade off of course is that the software users can "stack" episodes of their favorite shows and watch them without having to be tethered to the internet (except to connect to servers for the DRM). Time will tell.
(Credit:
Lumenlab)
If you've lusted after the mysterious "Q" uber-box but choked on the $10,000 price tag, you're in luck: Lumenlab, which makes the all-in-one HDTV-PC, has come up with another model that verges on the affordable.
The "Q42" has just come out of beta, according to the company, and is available for $3,850. The specs aren't quite as ridiculously over-the-top as its "Qmax" predecessor, but it's definitely no slouch either: The Q42 comes with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 processor, 2GB of memory, a 1TB hard drive, and a 42-inch LCD TV in full 1080p high definition.
All of this horsepower is housed in the same 3.5-inch-thick handmade aluminum frame that encases its older sibling. And, as to be expected, upgrades are available on just about everything. In case anyone was looking for a Valentine's Day gift for us, please consider this a screaming hint.
(Credit:
Lumenlab)
Back in October a North Carolina start-up called Lumenlab caused a bit of a stir when photos of its "Q" were making the rounds, depicting an awfully fetching uber-machine that boasted a 42-inch 1080p HDTV and a fully integrated PC with a terabyte of storage. But little else was known about the mystery box.
Now the company has posted some actual specs--including the price: $10,000. So what does ten grand get you? All of the above, plus 4GB of memory, an overclocked Intel Quad Core Qx9650 processor, and an overclocked XLR8 GeForce 8800 Ultra graphics card with "a monstrous 768MB of super fast GDDR3 memory." Oh, and 3 terabytes of storage on the hard drive instead of the 1 previously mentioned.
Housing all this technology is a handmade aluminum frame that measures only 3.5 inches thick. You can also get the "Qmax" with a touch screen for an additional cost of $1,500. It's actually kind of surprising that they didn't just make this a standard feature because, at these price levels, who's counting?
(Credit:
Lumenlab)
As Gateway showed recently, computer makers can still generate considerable buzz with an all-in-one machine. At the same time, more than a few TV makers are dabbling in their own Frankensteinian creations with combo PCs. Lumenlab is trying to do all of the above with an ultimate convergence product it calls simply the "Q" (we like).
The North Carolina start-up is developing a 42-inch 1080p HDTV that's also a self-contained computer with a terabyte of storage, 2GB of memory and an Intel Core Duo chip, Engadget says. That's pretty much all we know about it, other than a rather fetching photo of its aluminum case on the company's Web site. But that'll be enough to keep us coming back for more.
(Credit:
Xtreme Notebooks)
Xtreme Notebooks, the company responsible for sticking a quad-core desktop processor in a laptop case, may have to change its name: This evening the manufacturer announced its first nonlaptop offering, the all-in-one Xtreme XN1 PC/TV hybrid.
Key features include your choice of a 19-inch or 22-inch WSXGA+ LCD display, optional dual TV tuners, high-definition audio and room for two terabyte hard drives. The whole system runs on Core 2 Duo E series or Extreme Edition series processor, with your choice of integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics or a 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7600 graphics card. There's also a rotating Webcam for video chats, a slot-loading LightScribe DVD burner, and optional Bluetooth so you can drive the PC with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
At 4.3 inches thick and 26 pounds, the Xtreme XN1 seems ready to be the centerpiece of a (small) home entertainment setup. To that end the PC carries Intel's Viiv badge, and the launch press release leans heavily on the product's entertainment potential in every room of the home, including the garage. (Which, frankly, we don't understand. But to each his own.)
Pricing for the 19-inch model starts at $1,489; the 22-inch model starts at $1,599. Both are available for order on the company's Web site and will reportedly ship immediately.
(Credit:
ViewSonic)
TVs and PCs may be taking their own sweet time to morph into one appliance, but some designs are starting to betray the romance. Case in point: ViewSonic's new "Diamani DUO" series (dynamic duo?) are meant to be used both as a desktop monitor and an LCD TV, in 19- and 22-inch models with 1,440x900 and 1,680x1050 respective resolutions.
Unlike other PC-TV screens, which are often indistinguishable from desktop monitors, this one actually takes on some of the design characteristics of a plasma or LCD set, such as today's popular piano-black gloss finish, contoured lines for built-in speakers and styled base. They're a little small for our taste now that we have to wear bifocals, but the price is right for a second TV (or third or fourth or fifth) at $350 and $400.
(Credit:
PClaunches)
So you've been bitten by the touch-screen bug, unlike us, and want a combo PC-TV as well? And nothing less than a 70-inch LCD will do? My, what demanding Cravers we are.
Then feast your greedy eyes on this all-in-one beast from GPNC Korea, which supports full HDTV and has wireless Internet access--just switch from TV to PC by way of the remote. It also includes a wireless keyboard that's dwarfed by the size of this monstrous screen (check out the photo from PClaunches for a comparison).
Alas, we have no information on price or availability, but that's probably a good thing because there's no way we could afford it. In the meantime, however, you can commence drooling.
This VGA device is designed to make your life simpler--that is, if your definition of simplicity involves playing console games, using your computer, and watching TV or DVDs all at the same time. The Logic 3 Super VGA Box allows you to do all of the above on your computer screen, complete with a remote control, without changing any plugs. We assume that the manufacturer takes no responsibility for any afflictions resulting from prolonged use of the device.
(Photo: SpectraVideo)
- prev
- 1
- next
