Content disputes mar Google TV’s launch, keep things even with Apple TV

Just as the first Google TV devices became available last week, Hulu said that it would block access to its site from Google TV-enabled devices. Now, major TV networks ABC, NBC and CBS are saying they will block access, too, at least to most of their content.

Networks don’t see enough of a payoff and don’t feel that Google is guaranteeing enough content protection. Could these blocks actually level the playing field between Google TV and Apple TV, which has been roundly criticized for its lack of content partnerships?

Apple has the most to gain in this scenario because they can at least say that it has content from ABC and Fox. Some observers of the initial Apple TV revamp announcement found the platform to be limited by a lack of content partnerships, but Google may be even more limited—at least in terms of the traditional TV content it can offer—if it doesn’t resolve these disputes.

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Toshiba 3D TV Ditches Glasses but Demands Tight Seating

Toshiba announced what it claims are the world's first LCD TVs that render three-dimensional (3D) images without the need for glasses.They will be released in Japan by the end of the year. However, viewers must sit within a specific zone in order to get the 3D effect.

They use an integral imaging system and a perpendicular lenticular sheet to display smooth images. Toshiba's image processing technology creates nine parallax images from the original content and renders them in 3D. Both have high-definition LED backlit LCD panels created for 3D capability without glasses.

One of the major drawbacks of Toshiba's glassless 3D technology is that viewers must sit in a specific zone in order to get the 3D effect. There is a viewing zone that can be seen as 3D; however, outside of this zone, images may not be seen in 3D, in whole or in part, according to the company.

"One of the reasons why these Toshiba sets are small is that you need an optimal seating position," Pietro Macchiarella, a research analyst at Parks Associates, pointed out. "Toshiba's probably targeting an audience of one or two viewers at a time."

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Technicolor collaborates with Intel for next generation smart set-top boxes

Technicolor announced that it is collaborating with Intel on its latest system on a chip, the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4200, formerly code-named Groveland.

The strategic collaboration will fuel Technicolor's plan to drive into the market a new generation of integrated broadcast and IP set-top boxes, enabling service providers to create exciting new multi-screen, 3D, games and online video user experiences in the home.

The collaboration agreement with Intel has allowed Technicolor to test early prototype silicon, provide technical recommendations to Intel, and prove new STB designs. Technicolor has developed an early 3D Multiview Coding (MVC) and video transcoding demonstration of the chipset capabilities to illustrate its potential in delivering the next generation TV experience. The first devices from Technicolor are expected to be in production early in 2011.

3D TV Channel coming to Europe

According to Broadband TV News, Europe’s first 3D channel will make its debut on October 1. Sky 3D will offer viewers a line-up of sport, movies, entertainment and the arts.

Consumers can watch 3D through their existing Sky+HD box. Sky 3D is compatible with all of the 3D TVs being introduced by Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic.

Sky 3D is the next revolution in television, enabling you to watch the best of TV in a more immersive way, with an incredible sense of depth that puts you right in the heart of the action. It uses the latest technology to create a full 3D experience in your home.