Flat Screen Tvs - Plasma Tvs - LCD Displays and HDTV

EchoStar Communications Corporation today announced that its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service will offer "DishFAMILY," a new "family-friendly" programming package with approximately 40 channels. With the launch of a new tier of programming options, DISH Network gives consumers the most choice among pay TV providers when it comes to designing a TV package that meets the needs of their family and budget.

Available Feb. 1, "DishFAMILY" will offer channel choices for everyone in the family such as sports, news, children's programming, lifestyle, hobbies, shopping and public interest. With DishFAMILY, customers will get valuable, family-sensitive content at the low price of $19.99 per month ($24.99 per month with local channels). This is an approximate $12 savings over the average cable company family tier. This low-priced package further establishes DISH Network as the lowest all-digital TV provider in the nation.

Other pay-TV providers have introduced "family" packages but with fewer channels and with a requirement that customers must purchase the "family" package along with a basic cable package that could be full of "inappropriate" family material. DISH Network offers DishFAMILY as a stand-alone package and with the most robust "family" package lineup. In addition, DishFAMILY is available with a free satellite TV receiver and free professional installation for up to four rooms.

"With the introduction of DishFAMILY, DISH Network becomes the pay-TV provider of choice among parents who want the most parental control and the largest package of family-specific TV channels, all at the lowest cost," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "DishFAMILY is a package our customers have requested, and we are pleased that congressional hearings and the FCC have played a key role in encouraging programmers to agree to give DISH Network the rights to offer a family pack."

"DISH Family" channel lineup will include the following:

DISH Network, an advocate of family values, has been a pioneer in advanced parental controls technology available to customers at no additional cost. DISH Network's extensive parental controls include password protection, lock-by-ratings and extended ratings, system and channel locks, and DISH Network's own Adult Guard and Hide Adult Programming features, which when activated remove adult content and channel descriptions from that specific customer's program guide. Also, for customers who subscribe to DishFAMILY, adult channels and their content descriptions will be unavailable in the program guide.

To learn more about DISH Network's programming offers, visit http://www.buymydish.com?kbid=1007.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit http://www.buymydish.com?kbid=1007

Posted by Nana at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Acer America Corporation, one of the leading worldwide suppliers of IT solutions, announced the new Acer Aspire 5670 notebook series, a new multimedia high end system in Acer's Aspire notebook product line. The Aspire 5670 is the result of a successful combination between latest technological power and contemporary communication tools, making it the ideal instrument to suit the work and entertainment needs of both private users and SOHO professionals.

The Aspire 5670 series offers superior processing power thanks to the latest Intel Centrino Mobile Technology Duo platform, codenamed 'NAPA,' and its advanced components, including: Intel Core processor Duo, the Intel 945PM Express chipset and the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection chipset for full wireless connectivity.

Exceptional performance on the Aspire 5670 is also delivered through a fast SATA hard drive which offers storage capacity of up to 120GB. DDR2 memory provides the Aspire 5670 serious horsepower with standard system memory set at 1024MB which is scalable to 2048MB. The integrated ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400 graphics card delivers better digital video and photo quality on the brilliant 15.4" widescreen CrystalBrite TFT LCD display with 1200 x 800 pixel resolution.

Productivity and Multimedia Enhancements

To meet the growing demand for IP-based communication facilities, the Aspire 5670 features Acer Video Conference with Voice and Video over IP (VVoIP) support via the Acer OrbiCam and the Acer Bluetooth VoIP phone.

Acer OrbiCam, the LCD panel-mounted 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera features:

• 225-degree ergonomic rotation
  
• Acer VisageOn technology (face tracking and centering software)
  
• Acer OptimaLight technology (image improving software)
  

Acer has also equipped the Aspire 5670 with a suite of software utilities -- Acer Empowering Technology -- designed to provide users with rapid access to the most advanced management and setting functions in no more than 3 mouse-clicks. For example, eDataSecurity Management provides superior security and protection of crucial data by creating a folder that automatically encrypts confidential files, while eRecovery management allows secure back-up of Hard Disk, OS and personal files. ePerformance management provides rapid disk and speed optimization along with disk fragmentation functions, while eSettings management allows intelligent system management. Acer Empowering Technology is launched though the Empowering Key and provides a set of smart tools designed to make it easy to fully exploit the system's technological power.

The Aspire 5670 inspires creativity with the Acer Aspire Arcade, a comprehensive suite for high-quality multimedia home entertainment providing effortless access to photo albums, DVD and video playback, editing & authoring. Acer Arcade is further enhanced by the integrated multimedia features of the Aspire 5670 such as Intel High-Definition audio support, built-in microphones, S/PDIF support for digital speakers, integrated DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive or DVD-Dual double-layer and a 5-in-1 memory card reader.

Connecting Power

The Aspire 5670 offers maximum flexibility for wireless, wired and dial-up connectivity, through the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection chipset with 802.11a, b and g standards, backed up by Acer SignalUp Wireless Technology, in addition to the integrated Bluetooth 2.0 module for easy connection to personal wireless devices. LAN connectivity is provided by the integrated gigabit Ethernet card while traditional dial-up connection is possible thanks to the 56Kbps ITU V.92 fax modem.

The Acer Aspire 5670 is equipped with a comprehensive set of I/O ports, including 4 USB 2.0 ports; DVI-D port, ExpressCard slot; PC Card slot (one Type II); IEEE 1394 port; Fast Infrared port; CIR port; External Display (VGA) port; S-video/Tv-out (NTSC/PAL) port; Headphones/speaker/line-out port with S/PDIF support; Microphone jack; Line-in jack; Ethernet (RJ-45) port; Modem (RJ-11) port; Parallel port; DC-in jack for the AC adapter.

The Aspire 5670 notebook series comes with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition pre-installed. Additional installed software includes Acer Empowering Technology, Adobe Reader, Norton AntiVirus, CyberLink Power Producer, NTI CD-Maker together with Acer GridVista -- a software utility that divides the screen in up to 4 different windows -- each one associated with a different application -- and the Acer Arcade Software Suite featuring Acer CinemaVision(TM) video technology and Acer ClearVision(TM) video optimization technology.

Pricing
The Aspire 5670 is available through Acer Authorized Resellers throughout North America starting at approximately $1499.

Service and Support

The Acer Aspire 5670 notebook comes with a standard one-year parts and labor limited warranty, including concurrent International Traveler's Coverage. Additionally, all Acer notebooks are backed by toll-free service and support. Online support is available at http://www.acersupport.com.

About Acer America Corporation

Established in 1984 as a subsidiary of Acer, Inc., Acer America Corporation designs and markets client and server solutions for professionals who require reliability, enhanced productivity and greater value of ownership. As one of the largest global suppliers of PC's, more than 50 million Acer systems have been purchased throughout the world, solutions for living, learning and working. Acer America's award-winning products include tablet PCs, desktop PCs, notebook computers, servers, displays and peripheral solutions for business, government, education and home users. The pan Acer Group employs 39,000 people supporting dealers and distributors in over 100 countries. For more information about Acer America, please visit the website at http://www.acer.com/us.

Posted by Nana at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New Ultra Slim, DivX(R) Certified 7'' Portable DVD Player Available from Astar Electronics; See the New DivX(R) Certified DVD Player at CES Booth Number 25530

Astar Electronics, a division of KXD Technology of Shenzhen, China, announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the introduction of its new Ultra Slim, DivX(R) Certified 7" Portable DVD Player (Model # PD 8800).

"This portable DVD player is the perfect travel companion for your personal entertainment," said Sid Pickup, Director of Marketing for Astar Electronics, Inc. "It has all of the of the features consumers are looking for and it fits neatly into its custom travel case."

Highlights of the new Astar PD 8800 include its DivX(R) certification, its ultra slim, top loading portable DVD player with built-in speakers and its 7" LCD screen. Additional features include 1440 x 234 resolution, a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, an access time of 12 ms and the ability to connect to a TV via the composite output. The PD 8800 also comes with AC & DC power adapters, AV cables, ear buds, a full function remote control, a rechargeable battery and a travel bag.

DivX(R) has become the new standard for digital video -- dubbed the "MP3 of video" for its remarkable compression and widespread popularity. DivX(R) video enables anyone, anywhere to create and enjoy DVD-quality digital video.

Astar Electronics will begin shipping its new Ultra Slim, DivX(R) Certified 7" Portable DVD Player in Q1 2006 with an MSRP of $149.99.

Astar Electronics is fully supported by KXD's new state-of-the-art 1.3 million square foot manufacturing facility in Shenzhen China, which is ISO 9001 certified, employs more than 3,000 people, has more than 30 production lines with TQM (total quality management) systems, and is currently capable of producing more than 16 million units annually. KXD Technology is one of the fastest growing manufacturers of CE Digital Entertainment products in China with 2004 revenues exceeding $239 Million (USD).

About Astar Electronics

Astar Electronics, a division of KXD Technology of Shenzhen China, offers a variety of innovative and high quality digital entertainment devices to the consumer electronics marketplace throughout North America. Current product offerings include LCD Widescreen HDTVs, DVD Players and Recorders, Portable DVD players and Home Theater (HTIB) Systems. The Company is headquartered in Baldwin Park, California. For more information, please call 626-851-2528 or visit http://www.astarelectronics.com.

Posted by Nana at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DishHD, Featuring Local HD Channels and New VOOM HD Channels. Most National Content plus World's First MPEG4 HD DVR Establishes DISH Network as Industry Leader for HDTV

EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH Network satellite TV service announced today from the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show the rollout of its new high-definition television package, DishHD. By offering the most HD channels in the pay-TV industry and with the introduction of a new line of advanced satellite receivers, DishHD gives its customers more than 1,700 hours a week of HD content from the nation's top programmers.

DISH Network is expanding its HD channel lineup in 2006 by adding five new original VOOM channels -- bringing the total to 15 -- as well as other new HD networks including ESPN2 HD and Universal HD. In addition, DISH Network will launch high-definition local channels through its satellite service in up to 50 markets in 2006, starting with Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York in February, and reaching more than 50 percent of U.S. TV households with local HD channels. The remainder of the country's local HD channels will be offered to DISH Network customers via an off-air antenna solution.

DishHD offers 25 national HD channels plus local broadcast channels where available, providing more than 200 hours of HD programming every day. Cable companies, with a national average of just 10 HD channels, cannot come close to the robust lineup of DishHD.

With up to four different programming packages to choose from, DishHD customers can find an option that best fits their viewing needs. For as little as $54.99 a month, customers can access the entire 25-channel DishHD lineup, and get more than 70 all-digital standard definition channels plus their local channels in standard and high definition.

Current DishHD channels include:

On Feb. 1, DISH Network will begin transmitting newly added HD channels in MPEG4, a signal compression standard developed by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). MPEG4 allows DISH Network to maximize the bandwidth available on its satellites and offer the most robust lineup of HD channels in the nation.

New DishHD channels available only in MPEG4 include:

DISH Network is also introducing at CES a new series of satellite receivers that combine MPEG4 and MPEG2 signal capability. The cutting-edge ViP Series combines state-of-the-art imaging technology with life-like Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 surround sound for the best picture and sound quality available. Existing customers with MPEG2 equipment, such as the DISH Player DVR 942, will continue to receive all their current content and will need to upgrade to a ViP Series receiver to receive the new HD channels. DISH Network will offer a convenient upgrade package for existing customers who want to expand their HD lineup to include the new channels.

The ViP211(TM) HD satellite receiver, the first model in the ViP series that supports both MPEG4 and MPEG2, is available through DISH Network for only $49.99 for new lease customers.

Also included in the ViP series is the ViP622(TM) DVR, the world's first MPEG4 multi-room high definition and digital video recorder satellite TV receiver with the ability to view independent programs -- one in high definition and one in standard definition programming -- on two televisions at once. No other pay-TV company offers this innovative combination. It features a massive hard drive with a recording capacity of up to 25 hours of high-definition and up to 180 hours of standard-definition content.

The cutting-edge ViP622 DVR also features reverse, fast-forward, and pause as well as a picture-in-picture feature on any TV and the ability to record Dolby Digital(R) when available. The ViP622 DVR will be available in the first quarter of 2006 for a one-time upgrade price of $299 for new lease customers, which includes a dish antenna and free standard professional installation (monthly DVR fee applies).

The ViP622 DVR also features:

• Digital/analog off-air tuner

• Up to 9-day, Picture-In-Guide, Widescreen Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

• High-Definition Resolutions: 480p, 720p, 1080i (480i is up-converted)

• Records two programs simultaneously in high definition, but programs can be viewed in standard definition on other TVs in the home.
  

The ViP622 DVR offers DISH Network's convenience and features that customers have grown to depend on, including parental controls, electronic program guide, picture in guide and name-based recording.

Consumers visit www.buymydish.com for more information.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit www.buymydish.com for more information.

Posted by Nana at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New Hard-Drive Personal Multimedia Recorder Features High-Speed Secure DIRECTV Transfers

At the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show, Thomson introduced the LYRA X3000 Personal Multimedia Recorder, a stunning handheld multipurpose device that will soon feature secure high-speed video transfers from select DIRECTV digital video recorders. Along with this DIRECTV2Go capability, the pocket-sized LYRA X3000 by RCA allows for the direct recording of up to 40 feature-length films from multiple video sources without using a computer and is ideal for digital subscription music content - all in the palm of your hand.

"The LYRA X3000 morphs into a virtual VCR, utilizing MPEG4 technology, with the capability for both real-time recording from any analog source or high-speed transfer of digitized content, plus the advantage of DVD quality picture performance when outputting to a TV," said Thomson's Dan Collishaw, Chief Operating Officer of Thomson's Americas Audio/Video and Accessory businesses. "These features, along with remote control operation and programmability, make the LYRA X3000 an ideal entertainment complement for the next-generation DIRECTV digital video recorders (DVRs), scheduled for deployment in 2006. A convenient software upgrade, at no cost to the consumer, is all that is required for this remarkable DIRECTV compatibility," Collishaw added.

Although compact in size, the LYRA X3000 by RCA boasts a 3.6-inch TFT ultra-bright color LCD screen with 320 x 240 resolution. The lightweight portable entertainment device weighs under eight ounces and is only 3/4 of an inch thick. The LYRA X3000 features a replaceable lithium ion battery providing for at least four hours of constant video playback on one charge.

While the X3000 is a great portable solution, it also features a Home Theater Docking Base that can be connected to a home entertainment system. The Docking Base enables easy time-shift recording of TV programs from a tuning source such as the video output of a television or cable/satellite set-top receiver. With a composite video output the X3000 is capable of displaying high-resolution photos as well as video with DVD picture quality. The X3000 is ideal for watching video content transferred from a PC, or any other source, on a television.

The DIRECTV2GO compatibility further expands the LYRA X3000's capability for entertainment on the go. Digital quality content securely downloaded from compatible DIRECTV DVRs to the X3000 can be easily viewed on televisions located in other rooms. The device displays TV programs and program information in a format familiar to customers with these compatible DIRECTV DVRs. This will make it simple to navigate through the dozens of hours of DIRECTV programming that can be stored on the X3000's 20GB hard drive. A free software download is all that is required for DIRECTV2GO compatibility with the X3000.

Music To Go

Compatible with both pay-per-song and subscription services, the LYRA X3000 can store hundreds of hours of mp3, Windows Media Audio, and Audible audio files - including those from popular PC-based subscription music and video services. ID3 tag song data with artist, album, song title and genre is displayed on the viewing screen. Music buffs can listen to their collection of mp3 files using one of nine playback modes, including normal play, shuffle and repeat, or by programming their own playlists. The X3000 comes bundled with earbud headphones, and also features a built-in speaker.

Photo Capability

Additionally, this versatile jukebox offers the capability to create slide shows with zoom and photo rotation, and users can add their own music for further enhancement. The X3000 can easily transfer digital photos from an SD memory card or compatible camera without needing a computer, or the consumer can move audio, video, and photos from a PC to the device with the built-in high-speed USB connection.

Other Key Features

An impressive package of convenience and performance enhancements optimize enjoyment of the LYRA X3000 including:

• Voice Labeling: enables recording of audio commentary to go with photos or images stored on the device's hard drive
  
• Auto Resume: remembers the track location and volume setting when the power is shut off and automatically returns to the location when the device is turned on
  
• Universal 3-Device IR Remote Control: allows user to operate the X3000 and other devices from a distance
  

The LYRA X3000 by RCA is available in January with a suggested retail price of $399.

Posted by Nana at 12:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seamless integration of Windows Media Player 11 and URGE delivers complete music experience and redefines music discovery for fans

Microsoft Corp. and MTV Networks, a division of Viacom Inc., today unveiled the new Windows Media® Player 11 and offered an early look at the URGE digital music service during the kickoff keynote address for the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates was joined onstage by MTV Networks’ Music Group President Van Toffler and music superstar Justin Timberlake to preview the seamless integration of Microsoft® Windows Media Player 11 and MTV Networks’ URGE, which is designed to bring the emotional connection of music to the forefront of the digital entertainment experience.

Gates and Toffler highlighted the fresh, streamlined design for Windows Media Player 11 with optimized device support and incredibly fast search capabilities that provide consumers with instant access to the entire URGE catalog of more than 2 million songs. Set to debut this year, URGE will offer a deep well of programming and editorial to guide the consumer’s digital music experience, including exclusive content from MTV Networks’ MTV, VH1 and CMT brands.

“Microsoft and MTV Networks have combined their strengths to dramatically redefine how Windows® users discover and enjoy music,” Gates said. “The result is a seamless melding of software and entertainment expertise that makes it easy for people to discover new music and listen to old favorites.”

“Our audience has come to expect us to deliver the world’s best music programming on MTV, VH1 and CMT,” Toffler said. “URGE will be a major new way for artists across all genres — from alt-country to zydeco — to connect with their fans and find new audiences through multiplatform exposure from MTV Networks and on one of the world’s most popular digital media players, Windows Media Player.”

The Best All-in-One Media Player From Microsoft

As their digital music collections continue to grow, consumers increasingly need software to help them find and organize their music. Windows Media Player 11 addresses this head-on with core advancements that include a simplified user experience and unprecedented performance. Windows Media Player 11 makes it easy to manage all media through innovative design improvements from Windows Vista™, including visual navigation of entire media libraries, and simplified, high-performance device synchronization. Additional performance enhancements let consumers easily scroll through and access music faster than any other media player, whether the library contains 50 or 50,000 tracks. The powerful Windows Media Player 11 wordwheel search brings an entire catalog of music to consumers’ fingertips, providing lightning-fast search results that instantly narrow with each keystroke. Windows Media Player 11 with URGE will be available in Windows Vista, and is also scheduled to be available for Windows XP in the first half of 2006.

Extensive Entertainment Programming From MTV Networks

MTV Networks’ URGE will be the first and only digital music service designed by music veterans for music fans. Whether consumers want to take a few minutes to purchase a specific song or spend hours immersed in the service’s extensive music programming, URGE will provide an experience equally enjoyable for all audiences, from intense fans to aficionados. With robust search capabilities, extensive music charts, and countless programmed playlists, URGE will offer constantly updated music feature stories, exclusive interviews, music videos, and other multimedia editorial across all music genres and styles that provide context and direction for music lovers. URGE will be a one-stop digital music experience for consumers to hear, discover, purchase and enjoy music.

With URGE, music fans will get a choice in how they want to consume digital music to best fit their lifestyle, whether through permanent a la carte download purchases, music subscriptions or fully portable subscriptions. URGE also will feature one of the most robust radio offerings available on the Internet, with more than 100 free and premium stations, all programmed by passionate music professionals. URGE will incorporate MusicNet’s library of more than 2 million tracks, the largest available music library in the industry today. The library includes licensed content from all of the major record labels and thousands of independents. MusicNet is the world’s leading business-to-business digital music service provider.

URGE will be promoted across a broad range of MTV Networks platforms, including the MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1, VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and CMT channels, as well as being fully integrated throughout MTV Networks Web sites MTV.com, VH1.com, CMT.com and the new URGE.com. Promotion for URGE will be woven throughout MTV Networks’ on-air and online programming, communicating the consumer benefits and explaining the how-to’s of digital music, while providing an easy and intuitive way for audiences to extend their MTV, VH1 and CMT music experiences.

Seamless Integration Between Music Service and Media Player

Microsoft and MTV Networks have collaborated to enhance the URGE experience with innovations that make using a digital music service as straightforward as accessing a user’s local library. Consumers will enjoy exceptionally fast access to URGE content with enhanced wordwheel search capabilities. With integrated hard-drive and music service browsing, consumers will see all tracks related to their searches, including those from the massive URGE catalog but not stored on their PC. In addition, with drag-and-drop playlist creation, consumers can simply move individual songs or entire stacks of albums into the URGE playlist pane for syncing to a device or burning to a CD. More than 100 portable devices and home network media devices compatible with Windows Media, including the Xbox 360™ video game system, will work with URGE.

Additional URGE features, functionality, and related partnerships will be announced in coming months as URGE is introduced with Windows Media Player 11.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services — MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 80 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft, Windows Media, Windows, Windows Vista and Xbox 360 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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Continuing its unwavering support for the Blu-ray format, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today the first wave of feature films to be released by the studio on the much-anticipated new Blu-ray Disc (BD) platform. The broad range of titles chosen will optimally demonstrate the next generation format's superior high-definition audio and visual elements. The initial titles in development include such action-packed blockbusters as FANTASTIC FOUR, THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, BEHIND ENEMY LINES and KISS OF THE DRAGON, the CGI-animated comedy ICE AGE along with many others that will bring Fox's total number of first wave releases to 20 titles. The company plans to debut its initial line-up of BD titles to coincide with the Blu-ray hardware launches in North America, Japan and Europe in 2006. Twentieth Century Fox will also plan simultaneous releases of its films on BD and DVD as the format takes hold and household penetration grows.

"Blu-ray is the superior high definition technology that fully delivers on the promise of a next generation format and represents the bright future of home entertainment," noted Mike Dunn, President Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "The release of our films on Blu-ray will provide consumers with in-home entertainment beyond anything they have imagined."

Fox's commitment to emerging technologies is dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience of its products and providing for backward compatibility with their existing home entertainment libraries while also aggressively protecting its intellectual property from piracy. The Blu-ray member companies fully embrace the Studio's steadfast commitment to the fight against piracy and the preservation of the integrity of its properties. Twentieth Century Fox joined the Board of Directors of the Blu-ray Disc Association in 2004 and remains an active contributor to the formats continuing development.

About the Blu-ray Disc Association:

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for establishing format standards and promoting and further developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc -- the next-generation optical disc for storing high-definition movies, photos and other digital content. The BDA has more than 160 members. Its Board of Directors consists of Apple Computer, Inc.; Dell Inc.; Hewlett Packard Company; Hitachi, Ltd.; LG Electronics Inc.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Panasonic (Matsushita Electric); Pioneer Corporation; Royal Philips Electronics; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Sharp Corporation; Sony Corporation; TDK Corporation; Thomson; Twentieth Century Fox; and Walt Disney Pictures and Television.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC:

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS and DVD as well as video acquisitions and original productions. Each year the Company introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce -- throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

Posted by Nana at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Starz Entertainment Group Ignites Portable Internet Video Market With the Launch of Vongo Innovative Content Application Will Drive New Era in Portable Video

Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) today announced the premiere of VONGO -- a new video download application and service for broadband that delivers movies and other video content over the Internet for playback on Windows-based PCs, laptops, and select portable media devices, as well as on a TV.

"Vongo will provide the key content application that will drive a new era in portable video delivered over the Internet," said Robert B. Clasen, president and CEO of SEG. "By combining the wide array of programming choices on Vongo with a host of new portable media devices being announced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, consumers will be able to seize control of their video and watch whatever, wherever and whenever they want."

Vongo subscribers will have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and video selections, as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel, for a monthly cost of $9.99. Members may download movie and video selections to three eligible devices of their choice per account, allowing for multiple viewing options and family enjoyment. Additionally, select popular pay-per-view titles are available for $3.99 per movie. Vongo is currently available for broadband subscribers in the United States at http://www.vongo.com/.

Starz also announced the first in a series of planned agreements that will extend Vongo's reach as the premier broadband entertainment service for consumers. Initial partners include Sony CONNECT and Microsoft. Sony CONNECT will make Vongo a cornerstone of its new CONNECT Video service, to be launched later this year. SEG worked with Microsoft to ensure that subscription video content from Vongo provides the highest-quality viewing experience on Windows-based PCs, laptops, and select portable media devices, as well as on a TV.

"Based on the evolution of the digital entertainment space, we believe that Vongo will be the critical component in a new entertainment ecosystem; combining services, Vongo's advanced user interface (UI) and a new generation of devices to offer consumers a truly unique offering," said Bob Greene, senior vice president, advanced services for SEG.

Vongo Leverages Starz Exclusive Movie Rights

As one of the largest content aggregators in Hollywood, Starz has access to thousands of theatrical films including first-run hits ("Hitch," "The Aviator," "The Incredibles," "National Treasure," "Kill Bill Vol. 2," "Finding Neverland") and classics ("Pulp Fiction," "Boyz N' The Hood," "Night of the Living Dead," "Good Will Hunting," "Hoosiers," "Dances With Wolves," "Annie Hall") for Vongo upon launch from many of Hollywood's biggest studios.

Greg Maffei, CEO-elect of SEG parent company Liberty Media Corporation dded "Liberty is excited about this new service from Starz, not only because of its potential revenue stream, but because it positions us as the content leaders in this new era of portable video and personal consumer choice. This re-defines what it means to 'go to the movies,' because with Vongo, the movies go with you. The lessons learned in developing and launching Vongo can apply to other segments of our company and to our sister enterprises both in the US and overseas."

Clasen added, "Critical to this service are the Internet distribution rights we have acquired from our studio partners. We share with them a concern about the piracy over the Internet and so have built in a robust digital rights management system to ensure that only those who are authorized to use this service will do so. We also believe that by providing a convenient, affordable and legal way to access the best of Hollywood we will ensure that consumers will be much less likely to try to engage in video piracy."

Starz Entertainment Group is the exclusive subscription provider of first-run, classic and favorite films from leading Hollywood studios including Walt Disney Pictures, Miramax Films, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Films, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Tri-Star, Screen Gems, Revolution Studios and more. Select recent films are available exclusively from Universal Pictures and New Line Cinema and library and classic titles are provided by a wide array of Hollywood studios. Clasen concluded, "Vongo subscribers have full access to the very best content from Hollywood's biggest studios. Our breadth of subscription movie content is unmatched anywhere on the Internet."

In addition to the movies available as part of the subscription service, Vongo will offer subscribers and non-subscribers alike access to pay per view movies for $3.99 per film. Offering PPV titles in the earlier release VOD window will broaden the range of movies offered on the service and give consumers greater selection and choice.

"Exclusive -- and virtually unlimited -- access to 800-1000 movies per month is the programming foundation of the Vongo service," said Greene. "Adding a PPV option will bring consumers even more movies and will do so sooner as a result of the earlier window from Hollywood. With concerts, extreme sports, and in time, TV series, we see an opportunity to bring additional value and enjoyment to Vongo members, but subscription movies will remain the driver of the service. Vongo will expand significantly its non-movie content in time as we listen to feedback from our members and the content community."

Additional programming available to Vongo subscribers includes full-length music concerts ("INXS: Live Baby Live," "The Hives: Live in Las Vegas," "Prince - Sign 'o' the Times," "The Who: Live in Boston," "Brian Wilson: On Tour"), and Extreme Sports ("Warren Miller's Cold Fusion," "Real Action Sports," "Ride Guide"). At launch, Vongo will offer a live, East Coast feed of the Starz TV channel in its "Watch Live Now" category, with an eye towards adding other television-based content, including series in the future.

"Movies, sports and news are the main drivers for Internet content. So far, sports and news have found an opportunity to distribute content via the Internet, but due to the Hollywood rights issues, subscription movie content has been slower to come to market -- until now," said Greene. An important strategy in the development of Vongo is to engage in a number of strategic alliances with technology, media and device companies in order to extend the reach of Vongo as far as possible. "When we started working on this product 18 months ago, we reached out to industry leaders to engage them in the development of the service," said Greene. "By providing the critical content element, we are helping to create an entire ecosystem of products and services that will provide consumers with unmatched convenience and flexibility. These systems will be easy to use in multiple different settings."

Vongo Looks to Microsoft for Security and Portability -- Where Do You Vongo?

Starz is using Windows Media technologies to power the Vongo service for their ability to provide subscribers with the highest-quality playback experience, whether enjoyed at home on a Windows-based PC or on the go using eligible portable media devices or laptops.

"This is a significant development in the enjoyment of Internet-delivered video content," said Greene. "We believe the ability to easily, securely and legally move Vongo content to the TV and portable devices will be key drivers for Vongo's 'video on the go' consumers -- particularly as those important segments of the marketplace develop."

"With Vongo, Starz brings a wealth of premium and exclusive television and feature film content to hundreds of millions of Windows users," said Blair Westlake, corporate vice president of the Media, Content & Partner Strategy Group. "Powering Vongo with our Windows Media technologies not only gives consumers the best-quality video, but also gives them the flexibility to enjoy their content when and where they want, at home or on the go."

"The combination of Vongo's programming and Microsoft's digital rights management system and media player software has produced the catalyst for this new era of personal video," said John Pollard, senior director in the Mobile & Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "With this new service consumers have greater freedom to choose what they want to watch from anywhere at anytime."

Sony CONNECT with Vongo for Distribution

"We are very pleased to be working with Sony CONNECT," said Greene. "Our visions about video delivery over broadband are very much aligned, and we are excited about the marketing opportunities that Sony CONNECT will bring to the table."

In addition, Starz has partnered with a host of other providers in the development of Vongo. "We have built Vongo from scratch in partnership with 'best of breed' vendors and partners," Greene noted. "With Sony CONNECT, Microsoft, and other key alliances to be announced soon, we present the first examples of the broadband-delivered video ecosystem we have built around Vongo to catalyze the development of this marketplace."

Complements and Expands Core Business

Greene concluded that research conducted by SEG over the past year demonstrates that an Internet service will not cannibalize existing distribution systems including cable, satellite, and telco services. "Vongo expands the pie, as approximately 70% of Starz Ticket customers were not subscribers to Starz and approximately 50% were non-premium subscribers altogether. We developed Vongo so that we could provide our existing affiliates the ability to offer great movies directly to their broadband customers. We will work with them to find ways to offer Vongo, including packaging high-speed broadband connections with Vongo to attract even more consumers to this new way of accessing and enjoying content."

He also noted that Starz Ticket, launched in 2004 with RealNetworks Inc., will continue as a service, but that the focus for Starz will be on Vongo. "Starz Ticket on Real Movies provided us with a great chance to see how the market would react to broadband delivery of video. We learned an enormous amount in a real world environment and have incorporated all those lessons into the new Vongo service."

Vongo is available in the United States in beta form beginning today at http://www.vongo.com/. The product will be showcased for interested media at CES in partner booths as well as at the Digital Media Experience at the Bellagio hotel on Jan. 4th from 7 - 10 p.m.

Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States. SEG offers 13 digital movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® channels with approximately 14 million and 25 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more than 750 movies per month across its pay TV channels and is a forerunner in offering its subscribers advanced services such as Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand® and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, http://www.starz.com/.

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EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) announced that its DISH Network(TM) has passed the 12 million customer milestone during late December 2005, maintaining DISH Network's status as the fastest-growing pay television provider in the nation since 2000. In the last five years, DISH Network added more than 6.74 million net new customers, more than all other satellite TV and cable companies during the same period.

"DISH Network continues to raise the bar for the way people watch TV, having added 1 million subscribers in 2005," said Charles Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. "With cutting-edge technology, top-rated customer service and an extensive channel lineup, DISH Network is able to provide its 12 million customers a world-class television viewing experience for the best value in the pay TV industry."

DISH Network reached 1 million subscribers in December 1997 and passed the 11 million customer milestone in January 2005. Today the company offers customers more than 500 channel choices, including more than 120 international channels in more than 25 languages, the most popular sports packages, the most national HD programming, and local channels delivered to 164 markets. In 2005, DISH Network ranked above all cable and satellite companies in the 2005 American Customer Satisfaction Index as rated by the Michigan Business School. DISH Network's accelerated growth has made it the third largest pay TV service in the nation.

In 2005, DISH Network introduced several new channels, including NFL Network, College Sports Television (CSTV), ESPNU, Fox Reality TV, high-definition VOOM channels and DISH Home, an interactive mosaic featuring six TV networks on one screen.

DISH Network has also established a reputation as the innovator in the pay-TV industry, recently introducing the PocketDISH, a new line of portable media companions. The PocketDISH is one of the industry's first portable video players that can download and play your favorite TV shows and thousands of MP3s, as well as store and display photos. DISH Network was also the first to offer satellite receivers with digital video recording technology, the first to offer a DVR that lets consumers record and watch two different shows simultaneously, and the first to offer a high-definition DVR.

For more information on DISH Network and any of its products or services visit www.buymydish.com.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest-growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.buymydish.com

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