Magine’s cloud-based TV service currently allows users to scan TV schedules, surf channels, rewind programs and access archived content via their tablets, smartphones or computers. Starting early next year, European users will be able to do the same with their smart TVs when sets from LG, Panasonic and Philips’ venture with TPV Technology will come preloaded with the Swedish company’s cloud TV software. Magine is demonstrating the system this week at MIPCOM in Cannes, France (October 7-10). Continue reading Leading Smart TVs to Include Magine Cloud Service in Europe

According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the announcement of a next-generation Blu-ray Disc compatible with Ultra HD is imminent, putting to rest concerns of a potential 4K format war. During the IFA conference in Berlin, Marty Gordon, VP for Alliances & Communications at Philips and spokesman for the BDA, said that an announcement regarding an enhanced Blu-ray format involving a traditional-looking disc is expected in the near future. Continue reading IFA 2013: No 4K Format War Expected with Next-Gen Blu-ray

Roku CEO Anthony Wood announced at the Next TV Summit in San Francisco this week that his company’s devices will soon add support for the DIAL protocol. The update will allow Roku to offer functionality similar to that of Google’s Chromecast, which would include expanded second-screen support for Netflix. Devices from Sony, Vizio, LG, Panasonic and TiVo already support DIAL, a multiscreen protocol jointly developed by Netflix and YouTube. Continue reading Roku to Support DIAL, Offer Functionality Found on Chromecast

Sales for compact, point-and-shoot, digital cameras have declined 42 percent in the first five months of 2013, according to the Camera and Imaging Products Association. Most major manufacturers have been affected, such as Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus and others. The declines are primarily due to smartphones that are replacing the need for stand-alone compact digital cameras, driving manufacturers to focus on premium digital camera lines. Continue reading Point-and-Shoot Cameras Face Decline in the Smartphone Era

Sony and Panasonic announced yesterday an agreement to team up on developing standards for a next-generation optical disc that can hold more than 300 gigabytes of data (six times the capacity of Blu-ray discs). The companies are hoping to develop the new storage medium by 2015. Once fierce rivals, the two electronics leaders also recently unveiled plans to work together on mass production technology for organic light-emitting diode displays. Continue reading Sony and Panasonic Join Forces on Optical Discs and OLED

Since the debut of Ultra HD 4K TVs at CES in January, Sony has become the first to offer 4K televisions to consumers with its new line of screens available through its Bravia brand. The first 4K Bravia sets are 55- and 65-inch models priced in the $7,000 range, while an 84-inch unit costs as much as $25,000. As an incentive, Sony is including a set of 10 4K mastered Blu-ray movies, and plans to launch a digital download service with more content. Continue reading Sony Launches 4K Bravia TVs, Other Brands Expected Soon

According to The Verge, the new Philips DesignLine HD LED TV is among the most striking televisions designed of late. Manufacturer TP Vision crafted the impressive, sleek set out of a single sheet of glass, meaning there’s no base stand or ‘chin’ to be seen. Available in 46- and 55-inch configurations, the DesignLine is intended to be simply leaned against a wall, with its weight enough to keep it standing securely. Continue reading Philips Unveils DesignLine HDTV with Sheet of Glass Design

At NAB in Las Vegas, Japanese broadcaster NHK demonstrated its real-time, over-the-air transmission and reception of 8K for the first time outside of Japan. 8K technology is considered Ultra High-Definition — touting resolution 16 times that of HDTV. The U.S. and U.K. are currently exploring the possibilities of 4K technology, which seems more realistically applicable within the market at this point. Continue reading NAB 2013: NHK Demos Super Hi-Vision 8K Technology

The panoramic image has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. People have long pursued 360-degree imagery “in an effort to virtualize the experience of visiting an exotic locale,” according to Technology Review. A new project from Panasonic, called “DIVE into World Heritage 3D,” aims to create panoramic travel destination images seen clearer than ever before. Continue reading Panoramas: Panasonic Simulates Travel with Five 3D Cameras

Panasonic has taken an interesting route for a Windows 8 Pro tablet with its FZ-G1, another entry in its ruggedized Toughpad series. The company promises the 10.1-inch tablet can endure intense heat and sunlight, pouring rain and freezing conditions. Panasonic sees the FZ-G1 as a secure solution for industries in which a tablet may take a beating, such as food services, military, healthcare, public safety, utilities and more. Continue reading CES 2013: Panasonic Windows 8 Toughpad Gets Ruggedized

Unlike last year, Research In Motion was not an official CES booth exhibitor this time around, but BlackBerry devotees got a sneak peek at the company’s new BlackBerry 10 at the Venetian Hotel. The touchscreen-only device does away with the BlackBerry’s iconic QWERTY keyboard and home button. RIM is set to officially unveil its two new BlackBerry units at a press conference January 30 in New York (originally scheduled for the fourth quarter). Continue reading CES 2013: RIM Quietly Shows BlackBerry 10 in Suite Demo

Panasonic demonstrated its interest in 4K through the CES unveiling of a prototype 56-inch 4K OLED display and 20-inch 4K tablet. It is also focusing on production, previewing a proof of concept 4K x 2K camcorder that is aimed at prosumer applications as well as broadcast. The camera will offer a frame rate of 30 fps, but very little additional information was provided. Continue reading CES 2013: Panasonic Shows Proof of Concept 4K Camcorder

Panasonic hosted its CTO Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Fox Filmed Entertainment CTO Hanno Basse and director, writer and actor Danny DeVito Wednesday for a panel on the intersection of technology and entertainment. The two CTOs covered the 4K push, the future of 3D and the relationship between electronic manufacturers and content providers, before making way for DeVito to discuss his view of technology in media production. Continue reading CES 2013: Panasonic and Fox CTOs Discuss the Future of 4K

Despite making no mention of Ultra HD or 4K at its pre-show press conference on Sunday, Panasonic made a big splash at its keynote today announcing an ultra-thin 4K tablet that arguably manages to outshine the heavy 4K promotional push of rivals like Toshiba, LG and Sony. The company also unveiled a 56-inch 4K OLED prototype that it claims is the world’s largest of its kind that makes use of a new electronic printing technology. Continue reading CES 2013: Panasonic Premieres 20-inch Tablet and 4K OLED

Google’s new “send to TV” feature is starting to pop up on a collection of new TVs and devices from companies like Sony, LG, Panasonic and Bang & Olufsen. The feature turns a consumer’s Android device into a YouTube remote for the big screen, and also allows users to push videos from devices to Google-equipped TVs. These YouTube-friendly sets will premiere at CES this week. Continue reading CES 2013: Android Devices Are Now YouTube Remotes for TVs