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CES 2010: Axar Multiple HDTV Streaming Technology

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Screen shot 2010-01-04 at 6.54.40 AM

With CES 2010 just a few days away, manufacturers are already prepping up their latest wares for display during the said event. One of these latest wares that caught my interest was Provision Communications’ AXAR Technology that allows streaming of video content from one source to multiple HDTVs wirelessly.

AXAR Technology currently supports two separate HD streams at the same time, although Provision says it can handle more. Unfortunately, Provision has no plans yet of making this new technology available to consumer level. But it is already negotiating with various major players in the TV and network router markets to incorporate Axar technology into their products and services. And if we are lucky, AXAR will find its way to home TVs, set-top boxes and network devices just in time for Christmas 2010.

Pocket-Lint was given a demo by Provision of the AXAR technology. What it does is to stream HD video content from any HD source to AXAR enabled TVs or Wi-Fi connected PC and other mobile devices including your mobile phone. Or if luck comes our way, perhaps the new Apple iSlate or the rumored Google Tablet, without lag time. The video source can be anything from a Blu-ray player, PVR or HD set top box.

So, how good is this new technology really?  Pocket-Lint has this to say:

Picture quality was very good with the green hues of the grass of Centre Court at Wimbledon recaptured perfectly even though the signal was being fired over the air from a ground floor living room to first floor bedroom.

With new technology as good as the AXAR, I really envy those folks who will make it to CES 2010. If you’re going to be at the gig, be sure to look for Provision Communications booth and check out the AXAR.

Via Engadget

Originally posted on January 3, 2010 @ 7:00 pm

Skype Supports HD Video Calls on PC and HDTV

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As if awakening from a deep slumber, Skype suddenly comes back to life and announced just in time for CES 2010 their latest offering – 720p HD video calls on Windows PC as well as Skype enabled-HDTVs.  Oh wait, are you still using Skype? If yes, then read to find out what these announcements are all about. If you’ve stopped using Skype a long time ago, this might be the right time to start using it again.

New Skype HD Video Calling

Although not really a full 1080p, Skype’s new 720p HD-quality video calling feature at 1280×720 resolution and up to 30 fps is enough to give you smoother and richer video calls.  To use this feature, you need a new HD webcam, PC with at least 1.8GHz dual-core processor, high-speed broadband connection and of course Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows. In case you’re wondering what HD webcams to get, be sure to check out announcement from faceVision and InStore Solution during the CES 2010. These two manufacturers are said to be coming out with new HD webcams that will work fine with Skype. These webcams will set you back for around $99 to $140.

Skype Video Calls on HDTVs

Now this one made me feel bad since I just bought a 32-inch Samsung HDTV. I should have waited for LG and Panasonic’s new HDTV models that will have an embedded Skype Software. Anyway, Skype’s video calling on HDTV will let you do the following:

  • Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
  • Calls to landline or mobile phones at Skype’s low rates
  • Receive inbound calls via user’s online Skype number
  • Skype voicemail
  • Voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
  • Support for 720p HD video calls

Are we all excited about this now? I do hope so that this new features will revive the sparkle that Skype once had.

Originally posted on January 5, 2010 @ 4:36 am