HDTV/3D TV News
US-based SyncTV has launched a beta version of an open-standards based, TV download service, which provides unlimited downloads of home-theatre quality TV shows.
The downloads can be played back on Windows PCs, Macs and Linux PCs. The company is developing the service so that it will also work on TVs and portable players.
SyncTV provides a program library organised by channels. Viewers subscribe to a channel for a small monthly fee, and can then download any show from the channel, including full seasons of some shows.
Content from some channels will be available on a pay-per-download basis.
The company plans to add content from major channels and networks, and promises programming with excellent video and audio quality. It aims to provide the highest-quality, best-value and most flexible TV download service available anywhere.
The minimum video quality of all the content is comparable to the same content on DVD. HD content will also be available whenever possible. Programming will also be available in discreet 5.1 Dolby® Digital Plus surround sound.
Downloads can be played back on up to five home devices. At the moment this means PCs and Macs, with other home entertainment devices being introduced in the future.
SyncTV is based on an open platform and the company plans to make its protocols and data formats available to developers, allowing them to create products and applications to support the service.
Expressions of interest in participating in the private beta can be registered through the SyncTV homepage at www.synctv.com . Beta-testers will be able to download the media player free of charge.
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