Mobile DTV gains national mobile content service, broadcast group support

If there’s one thing a fledgling technology needs, it’s good marketing. That aside, the next most vital thing is industry support. Today, an even dozen broadcast groups have banded together in order to back the soon-to-launch Mobile DTV format (ATSC-M/H), with Belo, Cox, E.W. Scripps, Fox, Gannett, Hearst, ION, Media General, Meredith, NBC, Post-Newsweek and Raycom forming a joint venture to develop a “new national mobile content service.” The service will utilize the broadcast spectrum already set aside in order to allow member companies to “provide content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming.” That’s pretty big news for a tech that’s been struggling to gain acceptance in America, and if all goes to plan, Washington, DCers will get a chance to indulge first when it goes live in the nation’s capitol on May 3rd. A showcase on that date will demonstration a Mobile DTV-capable Samsung Moment and Dell Mini 10 (amongst others), though we’re still having a tough time digging up firm pricing for any of those. Get ready, folks — Pimp My Ride is about to get a huge second wind.

Mobile DTV gains national mobile content service, broadcast group support originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba crams Core i3, i5 and i7 options into business-like Tecra M11

There’s no mistaking the fact that this understated machine is aimed primarily at those rocking suits more often than pajamas, but just because the all-new Tecra M11′s outfit ain’t flashy, that doesn’t mean there’s not a party raging on the inside. In an effort to keep with the times, Toshiba has equipped its newest spreadsheet warrior with Intel’s Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, and just in case your company has yet to evolve its operating system, a copy of WinXP is thrown in alongside Windows 7. Other specs include up to 3GB of DDR3 RAM, integrated Intel HD graphics (or an NVIDIA NVS 2100M on the $1,229 model), a 320GB hard drive (7,200rpm), dual-layer DVD writer and a 14-inch LED backlit panel (1,366 x 768). You’ll also get a webcam, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi, audio in / out, an ExpressCard slot and a three-year warranty, all for the low, low starting price of $899. Oh, and it’s available today, junior!

Continue reading Toshiba crams Core i3, i5 and i7 options into business-like Tecra M11

Toshiba crams Core i3, i5 and i7 options into business-like Tecra M11 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barnes & Noble Nook now up for order at Best Buy’s website

Our watches may be off by a few hours or so, but April 18th it ain’t. Evidently that matters not, as Barnes & Noble’s Nook is now up for order on Best Buy’s website, a full five days earlier than we were expecting it. ‘Course, in-store pickup still isn’t available, but those who plunk down the plastic online should see it ship out within a day or so. If you’re still fond of these e-reader things, and you’re kosher with a few quirks, the big yellow sticker would be happy to craft a shipping label with your name on it for $259.99.

[Thanks, Absolution]

Barnes & Noble Nook now up for order at Best Buy’s website originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple teases Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (update)

Wait a second, can it be true? Is Apple really caving to the pressures of supporting a socket that’s used by pretty much every home entertainment owner ever? In the Tech Specs section that went up with this morning’s MacBook Pro refresh, there’s a fourth video output listed: “HDMI output using Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (optional).” That’s the first mention we’ve seen of such a cable from Apple itself; to date, users have had to rely on third-party solutions in order to get an HDMI connector from the Mini DisplayPort. Of course, we’re guessing those alternatives sold at Monoprice will best Apple’s in terms of price, but as of now, the company has yet to even reserve a product portal within its store. Let’s just go ahead and call it: $29.99, shipping in May. Feel better?

[Thanks, Arnav]

Update: Ars Technica has it that Apple actually won’t be making its own adapter; instead, these new machines will simply support audio pass-through with the aforesaid third-party dongles. Glad that’s cleared up!

Apple teases Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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