Loewe Reference ID TV hits the UK in July with full customization and a 1TB DVR

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Loewe Reference ID TV hits the UK in July with full customization and a 1TB DVR" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/loewe-reference-id-ifa-2012-1367507626.jpg" /></div>Loewe has staked its success in the TV market on personalized designs, and it's taking that concept to its logical extreme with the upcoming Reference ID. First shown at IFA last year, the LCD set is now due to reach the UK in July with progressively wilder customization options. Owners will only have a choice of covers for the built-in 160W speaker at first, they'll get frame selections later in the summer, and full customization of materials and patterns this fall -- if they want a set housed in leather and gold, it can happen. Conformists might still be happy with the Reference ID between its 3D-ready 400Hz panel, media streaming and a dual-channel DVR with 1TB of space. Loewe's adaptable design won't be cheap for discerning Brits, however: 40-, 46- and 55-inch variants will respectively cost £4,500, £5,500 and £6,500 ($7,007, $8,564 and $10,121), and that's before applying a personal touch.<br /> </div></div>

Loewe Reference ID TV hits the UK in July with full customization and a 1TB DVR

Loewe has staked its success in the TV market on personalized designs, and it's taking that concept to its logical extreme with the up...

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LG Cloud rolling out in over 40 more countries by late May

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="LG Cloud rolling out in over 40 more countries by late May" data-src-height="369" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/lg-cloud-619.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Although LG jumped into the deep end of the online services pool when it launched LG Cloud last year, it didn't have much to brag about when access was limited to South Korea, Russia and the US. The company is about to broaden its horizons considerably -- it now plans to deploy LG Cloud to more than 40 additional countries before the end of May. While the electronics giant hasn't outlined its plans on a nation-by-nation basis, it's planning a truly worldwide expansion that should include Asia, Europe and Latin America. If your Optimus G Pro and brand new TV aren't already syncing their media in perfect harmony, there's a good chance that they will within a month's time.</div></div>

LG Cloud rolling out in over 40 more countries by late May

Although LG jumped into the deep end of the online services pool when it launched LG Cloud last year, it didn't have much to brag abo...

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Seiki officially prices its 50-inch 4K TV at $1,500 with a late April launch

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Seiki 50-inch 4K set" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/s874-5004vcall01kaggl7674736.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> When Seiki's 4K TV set popped up on retail listings with a price that's just a fraction of what we've seen from its more expensive rivals, we were almost convinced it was a site glitch -- that couldn't be real, could it? The company would like to reassure us that it's quite serious. The 50-inch Ultra HD set is officially shipping to the US later in April, and it will still carry that regular $1,500 price tag when sales expand from TigerDirect (which claims to have stock today) to include Amazon and QVC, among others. We'd remain cautious about leaping in when Seiki is trying to skip a year or three of the usual commoditization process, but those who insist on their 4K bragging rights won't have long to wait before they can start boasting.</div></div>

Seiki officially prices its 50-inch 4K TV at $1,500 with a late April launch

When Seiki's 4K TV set popped up on retail listings with a price that's just a fraction of what we've seen from its more expen...

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Panasonic buries rumors of plasma TV's death

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Panasonic plasma TV at CES 2013" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/pannytvs132md.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> A certain demographic of home theater connoisseurs has fretted for a few weeks over talk that Panasonic might end plasma TV production and research -- would viewers have to resort to anything so vulgar as... an LCD? No, Panasonic says. Despite earlier claims of frozen development, the company's merchandising VP Henry Hauser is emphatic that there remains "room for further improvement" in the plasma realm, and that Panasonic fully intends to develop upgrades. The Viera ZT series we saw at CES will be a launchpad for future work, according to the executive. Hauser's full statement awaits after the break if there are any lingering doubts; for now, it appears that Panasonic values plasma's distinct qualities as much as the next basement movie maven.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>"Reports that<span> </span><span>Panasonic</span><span> </span>will no longer develop and manufacture Plasma HDTVs are not correct.<span> </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>"This week in New York City,<span> </span><span>Panasonic</span><span> </span>demonstrated the latest development of our gapless Plasma panel technology in our 2013 Smart VIERA ZT Series Plasma HDTV. The technology incorporated into our ZT Series Studio Master Panel will be the basis for continued plasma display panel development and production. While the Smart VIERA ZT Series introduces a new level of Plasma picture quality, we believe there is still room for further improvement and intend to continue to research ways to take our Plasma technology to even higher levels where it also has the potential to be applied in our other Plasma series in the future. <span> </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span>"VIERA Plasma HDTVs continue to set the standard for picture quality and black level excellence and the ZT Series is another example of the continued ability of Plasma to evolve and continue to deliver a best-in-class HDTV."</span></div></div>

Panasonic buries rumors of plasma TV's death

A certain demographic of home theater connoisseurs has fretted for a few weeks over talk that Panasonic might end plasma TV production and...

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Aereo wins a crucial court battle, opens up partnership talks with ISPs and pay-TV providers

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Aereo wins a crucial court battle, opens up partnership talks with ISPs and payTV providers" data-src-height="348" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/aereo-watching.jpg" /></div>Something tells us the US Court of Appeals for the Second District has no intentions to kid around with its latest decision, despite it coming down on the 1st of April. In what can only be viewed as a monumental victory for Aereo, the aforesaid court has just rejected an appeal from a smattering of TV networks that are hellbent on stopping the web-streaming company from treading on their territory. For those unaware, Aereo allows users to stream OTA television networks over the web, but this here court found that the system did not infringe on the broadcasters' copyrights. Of course, a battle at the Supreme Court level is a practical certainty, so it's definitely not out of the proverbial woods just yet.<br /> That said, a separate <i>Wall Street Journal</i> report sheds light on ongoing discussions between the startup and some very established players in the industry -- if you can't beat 'em, join' em... right? As the story goes, AT&T, Dish Network and DirecTV have all spoken with Aereo as the company hopes to expand its footprint beyond New York City and the surrounding areas. On one hand, a mega-corp swallowing Aereo could lead to near-instant demise for its technologies, but given the right owner, it could provide the disruption the pay-TV sector so badly needs.<br /> </div></div>

Aereo wins a crucial court battle, opens up partnership talks with ISPs and pay-TV providers

Something tells us the US Court of Appeals for the Second District has no intentions to kid around with its latest decision, despite it c...

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Panasonic 2013 Smart TVs wield Nuance Dragon TV for voice control, text-to-speech

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Panasonic 2013 LCD TV" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/pannytvs131md.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Panasonic and Nuance have been close partners on TV voice recognition in the past; we now know that they're getting a bit cozier for Panasonic's 2013 Smart TVs. The company's newer LCDs and plasmas with voice recognition use Nuance's Dragon TV for voice-only control of basics like volume as well as content and web searches. The engine will also speak out content and menus if you need more than just visual confirmation of where you're going. Panasonic's refreshed TV line is gradually rolling out over the spring, so those who see a plastic remote control as so very 2010 won't have long to wait.</div><div class="open" dir="ltr" id="pr_box" style="text-align: left;"> <div id="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div id="pr_text"> <strong>Panasonic's New Smart TVs Now Listen and Speak with Nuance's Dragon TV</strong><br /> Panasonic's New SMART VIERA HDTVs Voice Interaction Lets People Find TV Content, Search the Web, Get Access to Apps and More with the Power of Dragon<br /> BURLINGTON, Mass. – March 21, 2013 – Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) today announced that Panasonic's new lineup of SMART VIERA® HDTVs announced at CES 2013 feature voice capabilities powered by Nuance's Dragon TV. Now people can simply sit back and speak to find content, search the web, control volume and more – creating a more interactive and intelligent television experience. And with Dragon TV's text-to-speech, television content and options on the screen can be read aloud.<br /> "Smart TVs provide an amazing digital living room experience, but traditional remotes and program guides make it challenging to find and access all that exists for content and entertainment. Voice eliminates those barriers, allowing our consumers to not only control but also interact with Panasonic's Smart TVs," said Hiroyuki Iwaki, group manager of TV product planning, Panasonic.<br /> Dragon TV is Nuance's unique voice and natural language understanding platform designed specifically for smart TV, device and set-top box OEMs and service operators. Dragon TV brings the personal assistant experience to the living room, where consumers are able to speak to their TV and it responds, whether changing the channel, finding favorite movies and content by program name or actor, or staying connected with social media or the web – and much more.<br /> "Consumers need a simple way to navigate and search the overwhelming amount of TV content," said Michael Thompson, executive vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. "Dragon TV enables Smart TV manufacturers like Panasonic to deliver a differentiated and compelling experience in one of the most intuitive ways people communicate – through voice."<br /> Availability<br /> Panasonic SMART VIERA TVs featuring Dragon TV will be available worldwide beginning in the Spring of 2013. For more details visit http://www.panasonic.net/avc/viera/.<br /> Dragon TV is a part of Nuance's portfolio of voice, touch and natural language understanding innovations that are defining a new generation of intelligent systems and personal assistant technologies, which also includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Dragon Dictate for Mac, Dragon Assistant for Intel-inspired Ultrabooks, Dragon Dictation, Dragon Go!, Dragon Drive!, Dragon ID, Dragon Voicemail to Text, and Swype. With Nuance technology, people experience more humanized interactions with the world's best phones, tablets, computers, cars, TVs, apps and services from leading manufacturers and operators. To learn more visit www.nuancemobilelife.com.<br /> </div></div></div>

Panasonic 2013 Smart TVs wield Nuance Dragon TV for voice control, text-to-speech

Panasonic and Nuance have been close partners on TV voice recognition in the past; we now know that they're getting a bit cozier for...

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Panasonic brings out a Miracast adapter for Japanese TV viewers

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Panasonic brings out a Miracast adapter for Japanese TV viewers" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/panasonic-miracast-adapter.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">It's easy to snag a Miracast-capable device if you're willing to shop for a brand new TV or a set-top box. but it's much tougher if Miracast is the only thing you're looking for. Minimalists will be happy, then, that Panasonic just released a dedicated adapter for the job. Plug the very utilitarian-looking brick into an HDMI jack and you can wirelessly stream HD-grade video from any supporting device on the same WiFi network; Panasonic would naturally prefer that it's the company's new Eluga X smartphone. The adapter is so far only available in Japan for an estimated and rather steep ¥8,980 ($95), although we're hoping that it eventually crosses the Pacific at a price that befits the narrow focus.</div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TffbUYwJMVo?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>

Panasonic brings out a Miracast adapter for Japanese TV viewers

It's easy to snag a Miracast-capable device if you're willing to shop for a brand new TV or a set-top box. but it's much toughe...

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Verizon in talks to charge for TV channels based on real viewing time

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Verizon in talks to charge for TV channels based on real viewing time" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/44ni620.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Few of us like paying for TV we don't use, and there's been attempts to fix a broken model that makes TV providers pay for channels in blocks, no matter the viewer interest. Verizon's lead programming negotiator, <span>Terry Denson, has told the </span><span><em>Wall Street Journal </em>that</span><span> a more logical usage-based approach may come to </span>FiOS TV<span>. The telecom firm is in talks with mid-size and smaller content companies to </span>pay for channels only based on how long we watch: Verizon would pay whenever a subscriber tunes in for at least five minutes. In theory, it's a win-win strategy that lowers Verizon's overhead (and hopefully ours) while rewarding the more successful smaller channels. Of course, there's no guarantee that a deal will go through -- and while Verizon will ask about a similar model when renewing major contracts, Cablevision's battle shows how much media giants will resist disruption of a steady revenue stream.</div></div>

Verizon in talks to charge for TV channels based on real viewing time

  Few of us like paying for TV we don't use, and there's been attempts to fix a broken model that makes TV providers pay for channe...

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Philips DesignLine TV is a seamless square pane of glass (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Philips DesignLine TV is a seamless square pane of glass (video)" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/philips-designline.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Folks with an eye for unusual design likely had their interest piqued by Samsung's "Timeless Gallery" TV stand, but now a new Philips television is stepping into the living room limelight. Dubbed the Philips DesignLine, the rig hides an LCD display behind a seamless glass pane with a black to transparent gradient that supports itself by leaning against a wall. The TV operates at 1,400 Hz and packs a dual-core processor, WiFi and support for 3D (in 1080p, naturally) and MiraCast. In addition, the DesignLine boasts the firm's Ambilight tech on three sides, which beams out lights matching the color of what's displayed on screen. It'll be available in in 46- and 55-inch flavors in Europe and Russia by way of TP Vision during Q2, but there's no word on price or when it might travel overseas. Hit the jump to catch a video of it in action and watch its creators talk shop.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Philips DesignLine TV is a seamless square pane of glass video" data-src-height="677" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/philips-specs.jpg" /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bDL0xwe1IRg?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>

Philips DesignLine TV is a seamless square pane of glass (video)

  Folks with an eye for unusual design likely had their interest piqued by Samsung's "Timeless Gallery" TV stand, but now a n...

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Sony NSZ-GS7 update brings Google TV's

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sony NSZGS7 update brings Google TV's newer voice search and YouTube perks" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/sony-nsz-gs7-620.jpg" /></div>Someone must have declared it Google TV Update Week without telling us: just days after a Vizio Co-Star upgrade, Sony's NSZ-GS7 Internet Player is getting its own tune-up. The Sony update parallels its Vizio counterpart in focusing mostly on the features from the fall 2012 Google TV revamp, including PrimeTime and the updated YouTube app. Viewers pining for Amazon VOD access can also grab its app through Google Play. Sony mostly claims an edge over Vizio through its support for the equally new voice search feature: owners just have to chat with Sony's remote to get things done, instead of leaning on phone or tablet control. However GS7 owners plan to steer their TVs, they'll just need to check for a software update in the days ahead to rejuvenate their set-top boxes.<br /> </div></div>

Sony NSZ-GS7 update brings Google TV's

Someone must have declared it Google TV Update Week without telling us: just days after a Vizio Co-Star...

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Netflix and DreamWorks to launch original show for kids in December

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Netflix and DreamWorks launch original show for kids" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/netflix-turbo-fast.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> While Netflix is trying to lure in the grown-ups with the launch of <em>House of Cards</em>, it's not leaving kids without their own choice of original material. DreamWorks plans to follow up the July release of its animated movie <em>Turbo</em> with a Netflix-only series, <em>Turbo FAST</em>, in December. The episodes will arrive on the service roughly in line with DreamWorks' 2013 slate of movies, including <em>Turbo</em>. Young viewers may well be happy, but <em>Turbo FAST</em> and the larger DreamWorks deal could be that much more satisfying for Netflix itself -- they're potential foils to Amazon's multi-show plans that could keep some subscribing families from jumping ship.</div></div>

Netflix and DreamWorks to launch original show for kids in December

While Netflix is trying to lure in the grown-ups with the launch of House of Cards , it's not le...

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Japan plans to broadcast 2014 World Cup in 4K

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr /> <div class="copy post-body"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Japan plans to broadcast 2014 World Cup in 4K" data-src-height="425" data-src-width="341" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/2014-world-cup-4k.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> While NHK's Super Hi-Vision 8K TV is still some distance away from becoming an everyday presence in our living rooms, we may get the next best thing soon. Japan's Ministry of <span>Internal Affairs and Communications</span> expects to broadcast the 2014 World Cup next July in 4K, using free capacity on its communications satellites rather than the usual delivery methods -- the bandwidth required is reportedly too much for conventional sources. The 4K airing is still coming two years earlier than originally planned, however, and should eventually spread to broadcast satellites and terrestrial networks. The fortunate ones who can tune in to the ultra-sharp <em>futebol</em> will need an exorbitantly-priced 4K TV set to watch, but it's safe to presume that they'll have some of the best viewing parties around.</div></div></div>

Japan plans to broadcast 2014 World Cup in 4K

While NHK's Super Hi-Vision 8K TV is still some distance away from becoming an everyday presence ...

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