Orb Software for PS3 and Blu-Ray Players
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, January 7, 2011 · 
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The ability to watch television shows from the Internet and Internet-based sources is going to get easier. Orb Networks announced at the 2011 CES that it would begin selling software that can be loaded onto an Internet connected Blu-Ray player or a PlayStation 3 (PS3). This software will expand the capability of the device allowing access to sites such as Hulu, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube and Comedy Central, just to name a few.
No new or additonal harwdware will be required to access the Internet TV sites or access video on demand (VoD) from sources including Netflix. Additional online options make this an extremely affordable option for watching “connected” TV. Called Orb BR, the combined cost of a Blu-Ray Player and the software will be less than one could expect to pay for other Internet programming access solutions.
Orb BR will support HD output resolutions of 720p and 1080p. The Orb controller app utilizes the consumer’s smartphone and provides an easy-to-use guide of available TV shows to watch. Viewers can even enter the name of what they want to watch without having to specify a source location.
Orb BR will be available to order online in late February. In addition to PS3, the software will work with a list of Blu-Ray players.
PS3 Adds HBO on Demand
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 · ·
The Sony Corporation has agreed to provide access to HBO on Demand content via the Playstation 3 game system. Combined with access to programming including Major League Baseball, network television episodes, NetFlix and movies, this creates a formidable alternative for some television viewers looking for content sources.
Initially, HBO will allow PS3 owners to pay for access to at least 11 of its original series. Priced at $2.99 per episode, PS3 owners will be able to watch programming like True Blood, Entourage, Big Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm when they become available for sale via DVD. The access window is roughly 11 months after the show’s original run on the network. HBO will introduce additional titles once each month to build the library of content.
The availability of programming via game platforms like Sony’s Playstation 3 and the Microsoft X Box creates just one more venue for program producers to develop revenue generation. It will be interesting to see if other “premium” program services join HBO and Major League Baseball in providing access to their content via game systems.
Major League Baseball Coming to PS3
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, April 23, 2010 · ·
The Sony PlayStation 3 just added another choice for its owners. Sony and Major League Baseball Advanced Media have reached an agreement that will bring MLB.tv service to the PlayStation 3 console.
The agreement will allow PS3 owners to subscribe to the MLB.tv service through their console. MLB.tv service provides out-of-market games, home and away announcer access and interactive features including DVR functionality. Subscribers will be able to watch the games in high definition on their home television sets. Local blackout restrictions will apply and an Internet connection to the console is required. Read more