TechFodder

Well, you may have to wait a bit, but you don't have to wonder. Disney just announced its first 3D Blu-ray release. Despite the studio's many 3D theatrical releases, Engadget says they are launching the good stuff with A Christmas Carol -- the Jim Carrey version.

Whether or not you're excited, you still have to wait; it won't come until towards the end of 2010.

Hey Genius, need to add RF capabilities to your remote? You could try to pull it apart and tweak until you singe off a fingerprint -- or you can get the NextGen Remote Extender Genius.

The unit takes any ordinary remote and adds in RF features. Just replace one of your remote's AA or AAA batteries with the NextGen battery transmitter and you can run around the house turning components on and off like a mental patient. It works up to 100 feet away, all without the need for line of sight. Also, it can control more than one remote with additional battery transmitters.

NextGen's Remote Extender Genius is shipping now for $69.95.

Next time an athlete high-fives, you don't want to leave them hanging -- well, if you have ESPN 3D. The sports empire just announced plans for a network, which will showcase at least 85 live events each year.

The network plans to kick off on June 11, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South Africa versus Mexico.

I was thinking about switching to FiOS, but here's some news that makes me think otherwise: DirecTV is planning an all-HD 3D channel. Wow wee.

Gary Merson, the HD Guru, says that the channel will include movies, sports and other programming, all in HD. Expect to wear those goofy 3D glasses. We'd also recommend a cold compress in case your cornea tries to explode.

DirecTV will show off some of the content at CES next month. DirecTV's current HDTV subscribers will get a firmware update to get the channel, which is expected to launch early 2010. The content will also be compatible with new 3D HDTVs from Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG, as well as Mitsubishi's current DLP models.

After the whole HD DVD/Blu-ray fiasco, Toshiba was adamant about not adopting the winning technology. Millions of dollars into a failed investment will do that to someone. Over a year later, the wounds have apparently healed -- enough for Toshiba to start cashing in on the high-def format.

PC World says that the company has announced plans to finally produce a Blu-ray player. However, just because they are producing, does that mean anyone's buying?

We'll soon see. If all goes well, Toshiba should have something ready for shoppers by the end of the year. -- Rachel Cericola

Not content with just streaming Netflix, Samsung is tapping into Blockbuster for additional digital content.

Twice says that the two have just sealed a deal that will see the rental chain providing downloads to select HDTVs, home-theater systems and Blu-ray players. Users will be able to search for movie titles on-screen as well as check out ratings, trailers and other info.

Also expect to see some of the compatible Blu-ray players on sale at your local Blockbuster, as well as on the Blockbuster.com.

Blockbuster should be coming to Samsung devices near you starting this fall. -- Rachel Cericola

[Photo courtesy of Flickr user oooh.oooh. Used via Creative Commons.]

Still stockpiling episodes of Jericho and Life on Mars on your DVR? Soon those cancelled treasures could translate into bigger ratings.

The widespread use of digital video recorders has helped users multitask when it comes to their viewing pleasure. However, it's also killed a few shows because those digital followings don't always count. To help keep a few favorites off the chopping block, TiVo has announced a larger stats sampling, via Stop||Watch Local Markets.

This system should give studios and its advertisers a bigger, second-by-second sampling of the nation's TV viewing audience. That means you won't have to rely on Nielsen's crew to determine the fate of your favorite shows. It should also help advertisers develop better campaigns -- for you to fast forward through.

TiVo first launched the Stop||Watch service on a larger, national scale in February 2007. The new incarnation could save a few fall shows; the company expects to get the local services started this summer. -- Rachel Cericola

If your floor is like mine, there is too much clutter for new A/V components. For those smaller, messier spaces, Bell'O has created the BWS-101.

This piece of furniture allows you to showcase all of your A/V equipment, without the worry of someone resting a drink on anything. Choose between one or two shelves; then stuff them with up to 50 pounds of electronic goodness. The unit even has a cable management system to keep any new clutter to a minimum.

The BWS-101 will run a very respectable $300. Come and get it (from your local dealer) starting this July. -- Rachel Cericola

Via Bell'O

Need a large picture for your small space? With Epson's PowerLite 410W, you're a winner, even if your kitchen doubles as a dining room.

Now, of course, Epson is billing the 410W as a learning tool for children everywhere. However, we're guessing if you had the $1,299, you could be teaching them about the magic of home theater right in your very own living room. This projector can throw a mean 60-inch image from only two feet away.

Another thing Epson is crowing about: They say it's the "industry's first short throw, widescreen 3LCD projector." We'll give them a point for that. Other specs include a 1280 x 800 resolution and 2,000 lumens (white or color light output).

Epson's PowerLite 410W will be available in April. -- Rachel Cericola

You say Netflix, I say Blockbuster. Tomato, tomahto.

With so many boxes adding Netflix access, TiVo wanted to give a little love to Blockbuster's OnDemand service. The company that's synonymous with DVR has announced that they will add Blockbuster's content to its Series 2, Series 3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL products later this year.

TiVo currently streams Netflix content to some of its boxes. However, Blockbuster is offering something a little extra in return -- shelf space. Once the deal goes down, you should be able to walk into a Blockbuster store (assuming that you ever do that), and find TiVo DVRs.

Appropriate TiVo users will be able to buy and rent titles from Blockbuster's offering. There's no word on exactly when the partnership will kick in, but TiVo says the service should start sometime in the second half of 2009. -- Rachel Cericola

There are plenty of ways to stream your Netflix account. The Wii, however, ain't one of them -- at least not yet.

Joystiq is showing off a survey asking consumers whether or not they'd be interested in that type of offering. If they have Netflix and the Wii, the answer is both obvious and drool-inducing.

If the match-up does happen, you'll need a "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc," which sounds like someone's attempt at added revenue. We bought into the Wii Fit though, and sitting on our asses to watch movies sounds like a much better investment.

Of course, it's just a survey at this point, and we're not even sure who was doing the asking. Get excited at your own risk. -- Rachel Cericola

VUDU is the set-top that will not die. Good for them. In the latest effort to keep up with the countless other streaming services, they have announced support for Pandora web radio.

Nothing says fun like using your TV for music. Seriously though, it's a nice little freebie. VUDU has added other free services, such as YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, and others to its feature set. That way you won't always feel like the box is bleeding you dry.

One nifty thing about the app is that it offers multiple accounts, so you won't be subjective to some of the family's "favorites." The software update is available now. -- Rachel Cericola

Roku's little Digital Video Player is a true bargain. This compact box streams your Netflix subscription right to your TV. The only downside: It only offers 12,000 of those Netflix titles.

Well, the manufacturer just added another 40,000 selections to that lineup. It's not courtesy of Netflix, but Amazon Video On Demand. Of course, you'll have to rent or purchase those titles, but considering that the Roku player is only $99, you probably have a few extra bucks kicking around for rentals.

The box hooks to your TV via HDMI, composite or component cabling. For the broadband, you can use a hardwired setup, but it also has built-in Wi-Fi for those without an Ethernet jack nearby. Register the player, and you're ready to rent -- or buy. Both movie and TV selections are available, with purchases starting around $5. The rentals start at 99 cents, but there are also plenty of freebies to spend your time on.

Existing Roku users should receive the Amazon update sometime over the nex week. -- Rachel Cericola

There are a slew of media devices available for your streaming pleasure. [Digital Trends has a nice little roundup if you're in the market.] However, few of these devices can store all of your DVDs. For that kind of action, you need something like the Kaleidescape A/V server.

Of course, bragging rights don't come cheap. Kaleidescape is notorious for its pricey hardware and the new Mini System is really no exception. However, if I had the means, I would love to blow $7,995 for the privilege of not having to get off my ass to load a DVD.

Still, that kind of cash won't get you the typical Kaleidescape experience. The Mini does take out the endless DVD cases. However, it will only store 75 DVDs or 825 CDs -- and it doesn't stream any of them. Out of the box, the unit has one zone for movies, two for music. If you want to get the movie experience streaming around the house, you'll need to add on, which can get insanely expensive.

If you're just looking for more storage, optional Disk Cartridges will hold up to 225 DVDs or 2,500 CDs. -- Rachel Cericola

We've done all of the lengths. Apparently all that's left when it comes to cabling is skins and swivels. Panasonic recently gave its HDMIs the bends; now Sony wants to get bent as well.

The manufacturer just announced its super, new, swively HDMI cables. The bendable connectors make it a lot easier to shove cables into a tight spot, such as when you wall-mount the TV. The plug on these will give you a full 90 degrees worth of leeway. You can also lock them into a 45-degree angle, if needed.

Sony will offer its swivel cables in a horizontal or vertical format. The DLC-HD10H and DLC-HD10V will give you 3 feet and 3 inches' worth of bending HDMI for about $50. The DLC-HD20H and DLC-HD20V runs 6 feet, 6 inches for $10 more. -- Rachel Cericola

Not everyone has an installer on speed dial and a fat checkbook. Shawn Lyman didn't need those things. Armed with a dream, this DIYer built a pretty snazzy home theater for under $2,300.

Without a doubt, my favorite part of the room is the homemade removable risers. "I don't plan on living in this house forever and if the next owner doesn't want to purchase the theater with the house, I wanted an easy way to remove everything about the theater in the shortest time possible," Shawn says. Not sure what kind of person wouldn't want this awesome room, but that's awfully thoughtful of him. "I estimate a single weekend room restore with zero impact on flooring or the riser."

Click on over to ElectronicHouse.com for the full story on Shawn's theater, as well as additional photos.

Nothing says love like a free TV. Newegg.com must love its customers very much, because they are giving away a TV each and every day for the entire month of March.

This isn't one of those teeny black-and-white models that you stuff on the kitchen counter, either. They are giving away 52-inch Samsung HDTVs -- 31 sets in total. All you have to do is visit the site, enter your name, address and some other info. Then you can come back every day, clicking like a mental patient to see if you've won.

As an added bonus, each winner also gets a Rosewill wall mount and a Belkin HDMI cable. On April 1, the site will choose one grand prize winner that can laugh in the face of the other winners -- because they will score a $10,000 home theater system, which includes a 63-inch Samsung plasma and a surround system with Polk and Onkyo goodies.

Newegg's free HDTV giveaway runs from March 1 through March 31, 2009. Get your entry in while the getting's good. -- Rachel Cericola

Panasonic just announced that some of its VIERA models are now DivX certified. Hooray? There are two reasons why this announcement doesn't exactly thrill me.

First of all, we have DivX. I get it, but I am not sure I'd want it enough to buy a new TV. According to Panasonic, the tech will allow viewers to "create and watch content on the PC, living room and on the go." Create? That sounds kind of interesting. However, it doesn't seem like the company plans to supply a software upgrade for consumers that have already purchased one of their pricey, pretty TVs. Lame.

Second, the whole thing is going down in Europe. Apparently, that's where DivX has its own flag or something.

Couple those two reasons with the fact that I don't have money for a new TV now. However, I like to look... and I love to look at Panasonic. They've got good stuff, even when it's not doing the DivX thing.

The new feature will be available on nine models spread out over the VIERA Z1, V10 and G15 series. Panasonic will also start offering VIERA CAST overseas, which offers some nifty web content. That is available now in the U.S.

Do you consider DivX to be a decent selling point? Sound off in the comments section below. -- Rachel Cericola

When HD DVD bombed, a lot of consumers refused to jump to the Blu-ray bandwagon. Why? Well, aside from the possibility of investing in another upscaling DVD player/doorstop, many movie lovers were holding out for the day when streaming media would provide endless entertainment.

Apparently, that day might come sooner than expected. It's true, Netflix, VUDU, Apple TV, and others have actually had products delivering the digital goods for a while now. However, Netflix says it could soon offer a streaming-only subscription to its subscriber pool.

It makes sense. After all, why would they want to lose any cash just because people don't like getting discs through the mail? If anything, it should make the people at Netflix happy -- well, not anyone whose job might involve stuffing those little red envelopes.

The company hasn't announced anything official yet, but the web is buzzing with the news that the streaming-only plan could come by the end of this year. If you want to start streaming today, I've put together a list of all of the compatible devices over at Obsessable.com. -- Rachel Cericola

Plenty of people were clicking away on computers during the Oscars Sunday night. However, many weren't discussing dresses, whether host Hugh Jackman should have his "sexiest" title revoked or those Brangelina giggles during Jennifer Aniston's presentation. Hard to believe, right?

Well, apparently, everyone else was too busy adding to their Netflix queues. Hacking Netflix says that the company is crowing about it. Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said that 2 million movies were adding to various queues during the lengthy broadcast.

In other words, good luck scoring Slumdog Millionaire for a while. However, over 56,000 other titles were also added. Did that quickie glimpse of Space Chimps entice anyone? -- Rachel Cericola