Google TV

Google is reportedly joining a growing list of companies who are looking to bring Internet content to users' living rooms. According to the New York Times, the company has lined up some big partners -- including Intel and Sony -- to create an Android-based platform that will make browsing sites or using smartphone-like apps on TV sets as easy as changing the channel.

The new platform is being dubbed Google TV and would be available as a set-top box or as part of a Web-capable television. The company is expected to release a developer tool kit in a few months, hoping to encourage people to create apps for Google TV with the same enthusiasm they have been creating Android smartphone apps.

Until this day TVs remain one of the most relevant screens in people's lives. After years of failed attempts to bring web content to the living room, there are now several decent solutions for streaming online videos, rent premium content and browse the web from your couch. However, nobody's really figured out how to build something that's successful enough to be declared the preferred living room device. While Google no doubt sees this as a great opportunity to sell more ads, it remains to be seen what they can bring to the market that hasn't been done already.

Sources:

1. TechSpot

2. Softpedia Gadget

Cablevision’s: PC to TV Media Relay

A new service called “PC to TV Media Relay” has just been introduced by Cablevision. The service will allow its digital cable subscribers to view computer content on their TV. This might be a great option for less tech savvy folks. PC to TV Media Relay could also appeal to someone interested in reducing clutter, because it doesn't require additional wires or hardware.

To utilize the service, users will have to install a special software on their computer. Content can then be ‘securely’ fed in real-time over Cablevision's network to a dedicated cable TV channel in the home, allowing Cablevision customers to access anything from documents and photos to music and videos on their TVs. This includes Internet media from sites like Hulu -- something that might cause Cablevision trouble down the road.

Trial of PC to TV Media Relay’s service will be launched on June 2010. The service will not initially be available for Apple computers; as the company is still working on Mac-friendly software. Cablevision said, the technology might also be extended to “other consumer devices”.

Sources:

1. TechSpot

2. Cablevision

 

 

3D TV

3DTV was a huge hit during the Consumer Electronics Show 2009, with companies such as Panasonic and LG making big strides with 3DHD (three dimensional high definition) screens of fabulous quality. Industry experts said the picture looks promising with a survey showing around 3.4m 3D TV sets will be sold in the US this year.

"It's a challenging market. We need something to kick us out of this," said Panasonic's Elsuke Tsuyuzaki.
"To me, the thing that's going to get us there is 3D," added the firm's chief technology officer.

Many however believe 2010 really is the breakthrough year for the technology, helped in large party by the growing number of 3D movies at the theatre and the success of James Cameron's sci-fi epic Avatar.

"While 3D has taken a number of years to penetrate in the movie theatres, I believe this is the year it will beginto enter the home," Jeffrey Katzenberg, the head of Dreamworks Animation told BBC News. In 2010 around 20 out of 170 movies will be made in 3D, double the number from last year.


Sources:
1. T3
2. BBC
3. 3D TV (Youtube movie)

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