AOL TV http://www.aoltv.com http://www.aoltv.com/media/feedlogo.gif AOL TV http://www.aoltv.com en-us Copyright 2012 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this headlines and excerpts feed are available for limited commercial distribution. You may repost this feed to your site provided you link back to the original story, do not edit the material, and do not remove this copyright notice. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Three Bad Things About One Great Invention, the Remote Control http://www.aoltv.com/2010/04/12/three-bad-things-about-one-great-invention-the-remote-control/ http://www.aoltv.com/2010/04/12/three-bad-things-about-one-great-invention-the-remote-control/ http://www.aoltv.com/2010/04/12/three-bad-things-about-one-great-invention-the-remote-control/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


remoteRegardless of what I just said in that headline, let me assure you: I love my remote control! It's the device that tells me "you don't have to just sit there and watch what's on. You have options!" It's perfect for someone who watches a lot of television, vital for someone who writes about television, and it really is the can opener of the living room. It's the tool you absolutely need.

Having said all that, there are several problems I see with having something so convenient at your fingertips as you watch the tube.

Continue Reading]]> addcouch potatoesexerciseoverweightreality-freeremote controltelevisionthree bad things about one great inventiontvtv networks Bob Sassone 2010-04-12T17:02:00+00:00 Discovery Channel also going 3D http://www.aoltv.com/2010/01/06/discovery-channel-also-going-3d/ http://www.aoltv.com/2010/01/06/discovery-channel-also-going-3d/ http://www.aoltv.com/2010/01/06/discovery-channel-also-going-3d/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


The only way a 3D version of ESPN could be cooler is if ESPN aired some kind of awesome competition at the X-Games that involved skateboarders and sharks.

So until some stoned extreme sports team organizer invents "sharkboarding," we'll just have to settle with a three-dimensional Discovery Channel.

The network is teaming with Sony and IMAX to launch its own 3D, 24-hour channel by 2011. It doesn't say exactly what the programming will entail, but expect a lot of giant man-eating animals trying to jump out of your TV and claw their way up the food chain.

]]> 3D3d hdtv3dHd3dHdtv3dTvdiscoverydiscovery channeldiscovery communicationsdiscovery hdDiscovery HealthDiscoveryChannelDiscoveryCommunicationsDiscoveryHdDiscoveryHealthESPNespn hdespn2espnhdespnu Danny Gallagher 2010-01-06T10:29:00+00:00 ESPN shooting with 3D TV, but will it score? http://www.aoltv.com/2010/01/05/espn-shooting-with-3d-tv-but-will-it-score/ http://www.aoltv.com/2010/01/05/espn-shooting-with-3d-tv-but-will-it-score/ http://www.aoltv.com/2010/01/05/espn-shooting-with-3d-tv-but-will-it-score/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


If three dimensional television is just a passing fad, then clearly no one told ESPN.

The all sports cable network will implement 3D technology with a new sports channel, set to premiere this year. The first 3D game will be the FIFA World Cup in June.

Would you watch your sports if they were in glorious 3D? If anything, it would make watching soccer tolerable.

]]> 3D3d hdtv3dDisplay3dHd3dHdtv3dRealmsESPNespn 3despn hdespn2Espn3dEspnGameDayespnhdespnuFIFA world cupFIFA worldcupFifaWorldCup Danny Gallagher 2010-01-05T21:00:00+00:00 Saints fan gains a win against the Redskins and loses a HDTV http://www.aoltv.com/2009/12/11/saints-fan-gains-a-win-against-the-redskins-and-loses-a-hdtv/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/12/11/saints-fan-gains-a-win-against-the-redskins-and-loses-a-hdtv/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/12/11/saints-fan-gains-a-win-against-the-redskins-and-loses-a-hdtv/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


In the interest of objectivity and total fairness, I am a New Orleans native and have always been and always will be a hardcore New Orleans Saints fan. So forgive me if I enjoy watching this poor sap's very expensive television get gutted like a dead fish for daring to bet against my beloved boys in gold and black.

As all disappointed non-New Orleans fans know, the Saints are 12-0 this season, the first time in their 42-year history, and one fan Wayne Spring actually bet his Facebook friends that if the Saints beat the Washington Redskins last Sunday, they could come to his house and blow a giant football sized hole through his TV with whatever weapons they had lying around the house.

Not only did the Saints win in an overtime squeaker, but an entire militia of heavily armed, "Who Dat" chanting fans showed up to express their second amendment rights on Spring's high definition television. And yes, beer was present.



[via TVTattle]

]]> Danny Gallagher 2009-12-11T21:02:00+00:00 Do you still watch a black and white TV? http://www.aoltv.com/2009/11/13/do-you-still-watch-a-black-and-white-tv/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/11/13/do-you-still-watch-a-black-and-white-tv/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/11/13/do-you-still-watch-a-black-and-white-tv/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Philco TVI haven't owned a black and white television in 20 years, but a lot of people in the UK still do. In fact, 30,000 of them, according to the story at BBC News.

That seems like a lot to me, but I figured I'd ask TV Squad readers if they still watch one or not. Sometimes I'll watch a color movie in black and white (by turning off the color), to see how it looks and see if it gets any better (note: does not work with Pauly Shore movies).

View Poll



]]> black and white televisionblack and white tvcolor televisioncolor tvhdtvuk Bob Sassone 2009-11-13T16:01:00+00:00 Do more 3D movies mean 3D at home? http://www.aoltv.com/2009/10/27/do-more-3d-movies-mean-3d-at-home/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/10/27/do-more-3d-movies-mean-3d-at-home/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/10/27/do-more-3d-movies-mean-3d-at-home/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


A 3D movie crowdAll this talk of 3-D television has really puzzled me. It seems the companies are pushing more for the technology than the customers actually want it. It's the debut of the Toyota Prius all over again.

Television manufacturers are hoping the onslaught of 3-D movies, such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, will increase the whisper-level clamors for 3-D televisions. The TVs should be in stores next year.

To me, the two experiences are almost completely different. 3-D films work in the theaters because the audience is forced to look at the screen, whereas TV is a completely voluntary viewing experience. If there is a way to utilize the technology to enhance the experience on more than just a visual level, like Comedy Central's first-person junk-joke-fest Secret Girlfriend, then maybe you've got gold.

]]> 3D channels3d movies3d television3d television sets3dChannels3dMovies3dTelevision3dTelevisionSetscloudy with a chance of meatballscloudy with a chance of meetballsCloudyWithAChanceOfMeatballsCloudyWithAChanceOfMeetballs Danny Gallagher 2009-10-27T10:02:00+00:00 Is Apple looking to take a bite out of TV next? http://www.aoltv.com/2009/08/25/is-apple-looking-to-take-a-bite-out-of-tv-next/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/08/25/is-apple-looking-to-take-a-bite-out-of-tv-next/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/08/25/is-apple-looking-to-take-a-bite-out-of-tv-next/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Apple logoApple has left some fairly noticeable heel marks on the free throw lines of the computer, digital music and the cell phone industry.

So what technology business does Steve Jobs have next on his "To Dominate" list? Why TV, of course. What did you think I was going to say? Toasters? Did you not read the name of this blog?

A financial analyst with the Piper Jaffray investment banking firm speculated that the company is eying at taking a stab at TV technology by releasing its own high definition television by 2011.

Continue Reading]]> appleapple iphoneapple storeapple tvAppleIphoneapplestoreappletvhdhdmihdtviphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone os 3.0iphone3giphone3gsIphoneOs3.0ipodipod dockipod nanoipod touchIpodDockIpodNanoIpodTouch Danny Gallagher 2009-08-25T14:33:00+00:00 Is Best Buy right in not honoring $9.99 big-screen TV offer? http://www.aoltv.com/2009/08/13/is-best-buy-right-in-not-honoring-9-99-big-screen-tv-offer/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/08/13/is-best-buy-right-in-not-honoring-9-99-big-screen-tv-offer/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/08/13/is-best-buy-right-in-not-honoring-9-99-big-screen-tv-offer/#comments Filed under: , ,


Best BuyIs Best Buy just using good business sense or are they being mean?

Yesterday their web site listed a 52-inch Samsung HDTV for only $9.99. That's three dollars off of the regular $12.99 price! Well, no, it's actually $1600.00 off of the regular price. It was a typo, obviously, but several people did order the TV at that price (some even ordered two) before it was taken down. But Best Buy says it's not going to let those orders stand.

Continue Reading]]> 9.99best buybest buy mistakebest buys web sitehdtvsamsungtv set Bob Sassone 2009-08-13T14:27:00+00:00 Comcast changes ending to FIOS commercial (but it's easy to understand why) http://www.aoltv.com/2009/06/25/comcast-changes-ending-to-fios-commercial-but-its-easy-to-unde/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/06/25/comcast-changes-ending-to-fios-commercial-but-its-easy-to-unde/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/06/25/comcast-changes-ending-to-fios-commercial-but-its-easy-to-unde/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


You've seen the commercial below. It's a Comcast ad that takes on Verizon FIOS by saying that FIOS costs more, doesn't have as much HD as Comcast, and is filled with too many lame videos.

Last night I watched the commercial again (for the 4000th time) and I noticed that they've changed the ending. The FIOS guy used to say "I'm going to write down your credit card number which I memorized when I was looking..." I always thought that was an odd line, pretty much insinuating that a Verizon rep would take someone's credit card number like that. But they've now taken that line out and replaced it with something else (though the new line escapes me at the moment - anyone?). I wonder if Verizon complained?



]]> cable tvcomcastcomcast commercialcommericalsfioshdverizon Bob Sassone 2009-06-25T15:43:00+00:00 A TV that could kick your TV's ass, depending on the warranty options http://www.aoltv.com/2009/05/25/a-tv-that-could-kick-your-tvs-ass-depending-on-the-warranty-op/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/05/25/a-tv-that-could-kick-your-tvs-ass-depending-on-the-warranty-op/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/05/25/a-tv-that-could-kick-your-tvs-ass-depending-on-the-warranty-op/#comments Filed under: , ,


Bang & Olufsen's $110,000 TV setI've been thinking about buying a high definition or big screen plasma television for awhile. I don't really need one. I'm not even sure I can write it off. I just want to finally be on the same level as my friends and family members who constantly show off their big screen-HD-TV-snootiness as clear as the last episode of Yo Gabba Gabba.

Lately, I've given up the pursuit. I realized it was a wasteful, greedy, and (worst of all) selfish reason to want anything, just to look better than someone on a material level. I also realized that someone else out there would have a TV that would be 200 times better than mine would ever be.

That realization came to me when I found this 103-inch plasma TV set that runs for $110,000.

Continue Reading]]> bang and olufsenbang and olufsonBangAndOlufsenBangAndOlufsonpanasonicplasma tvplasma tvsPlasmaTvPlasmaTvstelevision sets that no one needsTelevisionSetsThatNoOneNeeds Danny Gallagher 2009-05-25T13:10:00+00:00 Jimmy Kimmel dives face first into HD - VIDEO http://www.aoltv.com/2009/04/16/jimmy-kimmel-dives-face-first-into-hd-video/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/04/16/jimmy-kimmel-dives-face-first-into-hd-video/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/04/16/jimmy-kimmel-dives-face-first-into-hd-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,


talk show host Jimmy KimmelDoes the thought of this face in 720 lines of crystal clear resolution make the soup you had for lunch a week ago rise in your gullet?

If so (you extremely shallow human being who will spend life alone until you die), then you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Jimmy Kimmel's first foray into high definition television was quite an improvement.

He even showed his viewers just how beautiful the difference was by making the switch live on the air during Tuesday night's episode.

Continue Reading]]> abchdhdtvhigh definitionhigh definition tvhigh definition videoHighDefinitionHighDefinitionTvHighDefinitionVideojimmy kimmel liveJimmyKimmelLivejohn stamosJohnStamoslate nightlate night talk showsLateNightLateNightTalkShowspeople who look gayer in high defPeopleWhoLookGayerInHighDef Danny Gallagher 2009-04-16T12:06:00+00:00 New 3-D channel coming at ya http://www.aoltv.com/2009/04/15/new-3-d-channel-coming-at-ya/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/04/15/new-3-d-channel-coming-at-ya/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/04/15/new-3-d-channel-coming-at-ya/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


3d glassesHave you been clamoring for an all 3-D television network? Have you been hoping and praying that the god of your choice would listen to your prayers and deliver unto you a fully three dimensional network? Have you been unable to sleep for months on end as your very sanity teeters on the precipice of your grasp on reality?

Me neither.

Nevertheless, a publicly traded company hopes to turn a humble syndicated network into the world's first fully three-dimensional channel.

Continue Reading]]> 3-d camera3-d glasses3-dCamera3-dGlasses3d3d tv3dTvamg tvAmgTvsignet international holdingsSignetInternationalHoldings Danny Gallagher 2009-04-15T09:05:00+00:00 The Simpsons gets a new opening ... and it doesn't totally suck - VIDEO http://www.aoltv.com/2009/02/15/the-simpsons-gets-a-new-opening-and-it-doesnt-totally-suck/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/02/15/the-simpsons-gets-a-new-opening-and-it-doesnt-totally-suck/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/02/15/the-simpsons-gets-a-new-opening-and-it-doesnt-totally-suck/#comments Filed under: , , ,


One of television's most beloved and historic television shows is undergoing a major change tonight.

Oh and it's also going to be in high definition too.

Tonight's episode of The Simpsons will update their iconic opening sequence for the second time in its 20-year history.

Continue Reading]]> 20th century fox20thCenturyFoxfoxhigh definitionHighDefinitionthe simpsonsTheSimpsons Danny Gallagher 2009-02-15T09:06:00+00:00 Will more time make the digital TV transition any easier? http://www.aoltv.com/2009/01/27/will-more-time-make-the-digital-tv-transition-any-easier/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/01/27/will-more-time-make-the-digital-tv-transition-any-easier/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/01/27/will-more-time-make-the-digital-tv-transition-any-easier/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,


DTV.gov logoYesterday, the U.S. Senate followed President Obama's recommendation and approved a delay in the digital TV transition date from February 17 to to June 12. If a similar measure passes in the House, then we all know what that means: four more months of DTV transition ads! Woo hoo!

Seriously, though, will it matter if the transition date is February, June, or sometime in Obama's second administration? At this point, even the most casual observer has figured out that the transition hasn't been communicated very well to the American public. People who have cable or satellite still think that they need to buy a new HDTV or upgrade to digital cable in order to be compliant with the conversion, people who got discount coupons for converters early on have found that the coupons have expired and they can't get more, and the people who have converted are being surprised that some weak stations won't come in due to the "digital cliff effect."

Continue Reading]]> barack obamaBarackObamabest buyBestBuycircuit cityCircuitCitydigital televisionDigitalTelevisionDTVfebruary 17February17june 12June12president barack obamapresident obamaPresidentBarackObamaPresidentObamatransitionus senateUsSenatevote Joel Keller 2009-01-27T19:02:00+00:00 From HD...to 3-D? http://www.aoltv.com/2009/01/12/from-hd-to-3-d/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/01/12/from-hd-to-3-d/ http://www.aoltv.com/2009/01/12/from-hd-to-3-d/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


So you've got that new high definition television in the living room, your 120 gig TiVo recording all of your favorite shows and a cable box with more channels than a Roman aqueduct.

Think you've reached the pinnacle of home entertainment? The Consumer Electronics Show would beg to differ.

Some 3-D TV's popped up on the convention floor and the advent of the burgeoning technology is starting to create a bit of buzz that it could become the next step over HD TV.

Continue Reading]]> 3dblu-raycesces 2009ces2009consumer electronicsconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsConsumerElectronicsShowhd dvdHdDvdhdtvpanasonicsamsung Danny Gallagher 2009-01-12T14:08:00+00:00 Could you go without cable TV? http://www.aoltv.com/2008/12/30/could-you-go-without-cable-tv/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/12/30/could-you-go-without-cable-tv/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/12/30/could-you-go-without-cable-tv/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Just say no to TV.When I'm not pumping out my latest TV rant for the ol' Squad here, I write pretty infrequently for another blog with some old college roomies called The Suite Spot. It's really nothing more than a bunch of disgruntled twentysomething males talking about whatever we want.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, my buddy Keith wrote something that astounded me: he's canceled his cable TV service. And not just cable - I mean everything. Basic service too. The man is TV-less.

Wha?!? Just how the heck can a red-blooded American male say no more to cable TV? Good-bye ESPN? So long crappy late night soft-core porn? Farewell Desperate Hou... wait, nevermind. That one sounds great, but you get my point.

Is Keith still watching TV? Sure, tons of it. But he's doing something that many of us only use as a supplement to our normal TV viewing. He's watching everything online.



Continue Reading]]> ABC.comCBS.comESPNHuluNetflixNFL.comonline TVTV Jonathan Toomey 2008-12-30T12:02:00+00:00 Yule Log 2008: A review http://www.aoltv.com/2008/12/09/yule-log-2008-a-review/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/12/09/yule-log-2008-a-review/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/12/09/yule-log-2008-a-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


It's approaching midnight, it's in the single digits outside, and I really don't feel like watching regular TV right now. I feel like having something on while I get under the covers and read. Time for the Yule Log!

This season (Jay reviewed one a couple of years ago), Comcast, Cox, Time-Warner, and Bright House all have the Yule Log on their On Demand service (via iN Demand). It's that scene of a crackling fireplace to get you in the Christmas mood. It's especially good if you don't have a fireplace of your own (duh), and it's in HD! I have Comcast digital, and to access it, go to your On Demand menu, then scroll down to HD On Demand, then go to TV Entertainment. You'll see a "Yule Log & More" category (not sure how to get to the section on other cable systems - maybe it's the same?).

But wait, there's more...

Continue Reading]]> christmascomcastcoxfireplacehdholidayon demandsnowmantime-warnerwinter green hdyule log Bob Sassone 2008-12-09T10:09:00+00:00 Free HD episodes on iTunes http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/11/free-hd-episodes-on-itunes/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/11/free-hd-episodes-on-itunes/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/11/free-hd-episodes-on-itunes/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


Eureka in iTunesIf you were wondering just what that extra dollar buys you when you upgrade to HD in the iTunes store, you can get a free look. Our pals over at TUAW made note of a number of shows that have free episodes available, in HD. The files are large, with the HD versions clocking in at right around 1.5GB, so it will take a bit to download. Something that isn't helped by the fact that iTunes downloads the SD version as well.

I've been taking a look at them and I grabbed screenshots from Heroes, Life, and Battlestar Galactica to give you an idea of the difference in the picture. It's fairly dramatic. Those captures, and the full list of free episodes, with the iTunes links, are after the jump.



Continue Reading]]> appleBattlestar Galacticadamian lewisEurekaHeroesIn Plain Sightitunesmasi okanbcPsychsci fiscreenshotsThe Office Brett Love 2008-09-11T12:04:00+00:00 NBC returns to iTunes, in HD http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/10/nbc-returns-to-itunes-in-hd/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/10/nbc-returns-to-itunes-in-hd/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/09/10/nbc-returns-to-itunes-in-hd/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Heroes in HD on iTunesIf you have been playing along with the home game, you'll no doubt remember last August when Apple and NBC had a little squabble over pricing. That led to NBC content being removed from the iTunes store, and lots of he said/she said over who was at fault. It would appear that time, and potential revenue, really does heal all wounds. NBC is returning to iTunes, and an HD option is being added.

The new deal was announced at the "Let's Rock" event, where Apple unveiled updated iPods. You'll also find shows from ABC, Showtime, USA, and Sci Fi in the HD mix. The shows are already available and have returned at the $1.99 per episode price for SD. The new HD option comes in at $2.99 per episode. Prices for seasons are a little less consistent. Upgrading to HD for season two of Heroes will cost you an extra $10. $12 more for season four of Lost. And apparently, medical shows are really awesome in HD, as Grey's Anatomy adds $15 to the season four price, and season four of House jumps $16 to $47.84.



Continue Reading]]> applefalltvitunesnbcsci fishowtimeusa Brett Love 2008-09-10T09:03:00+00:00 Microsoft adds Netflix, NBC, Universal videos to Xbox Live Marketplace http://www.aoltv.com/2008/07/14/microsoft-adds-netflix-nbc-universal-videos-to-xbox-live-marke/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/07/14/microsoft-adds-netflix-nbc-universal-videos-to-xbox-live-marke/ http://www.aoltv.com/2008/07/14/microsoft-adds-netflix-nbc-universal-videos-to-xbox-live-marke/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Engadget
Microsoft has announced plans to expand the internet video content available to Xbox Live users. Probably the most exciting new feature (although also the most predictable) is a partnership with Netflix that will let Netflix customers stream video using an Xbox 360 starting this fall.

Netflix currently lets users stream selected content using a web browser or a dedicated set top box developed by Roku. You won't need to pay any additional fees to watch Netflix videos. But you will need a Netflix subscription. Microsoft says the Xbox 360 will be the only video game console to support Netflix videos, but I wouldn't be surprised if what Microsoft is really saying is that the Xbox 360 will be the first video game console with Netflix support.

Microsoft has also announced that customers will be able to purchase and download videos from NBC and Universal. Titles will include Battlestar Galactica, The Office, Monk, The Mummy, and the Bourne Supremacy. The videos will be available in high definition. Microsoft says there are now over 10,000 movies and TV shows available through the Xbox Live marketplace.

]]> microsoftnetflixxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-marketplace Brad Linder 2008-07-14T15:27:00+00:00