Monday night the Sony press conference was pretty spectacular.  Once the new products and services was talked up, Sony played the MIB3 trailer in 3D and then Will Smith came on stage briefly (cool stuff) and I was on the front row.  A few moments later Kelly Clarkson made a appearance and sang.

Back to the tech after the jump…

Sony highlighted a few new products and services on the eve of CES 2012 like the Sony Entertainment Network, which includes Web Unlimited, Music Unlimited, PlayMemories Online, PlayMemories Home, PlayMemories Mobile and PlayMemories Studio giving consumers a “one-stop-shop” for all their their entertainment, making it accessible through the cloud to all the new Sony devices at home or on he go.

Along with cloud services Sony had new products to show off, like a new split-screen, Tablet P, folding tablet, also revealing the Tablet S and new Tablet P is now PlayStation Certified.

The new PS Vita, handheld game console will be available February 22, 2012.

Once Sony’s acquisition of Sony-Ericsson is complete the new company will be called Sony Mobile Communications.  The new Experia phone were unveiled and are also PlayStation certified. The Xperia S wil be available globally and the new Xperia Ion is the first LTE offering and is exclusive to AT&T.

Sony Internet TV will hit stores as the first HDTVs powered by Google TV.  A new picture engine Sony calls X-Reality recreates and restores the lost clarity from internet streamed video.  A new titanium active shutter 3D glasses revealed.

A new VAIO hybrid notebook/tablet prototypes were shown off as a concept.

The new Handycams look really slick and should perform even better.  Sony has added new stabilization technology to increase stability 13 times and the integrated projector has gotten an overhaul with increased lumens.

The new Bloggie Live hit the stage and now with WiFi you can stream your video live as it’s recording and the Bloggie Sport looks rugged and is waterproof to 5 meters.

The new Walkman Z is Android powered with WiFi and Bluetooth sporting a NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and will be available soon in the US.  A new line of balanced armature ear buds was announced as well.

Sony is really pumping 4K technology and revealed a new 4K home theater projector and cinema camera.

Sony didn’t discus DSLR and point and shoot cameras in any detail, possibly due to the supply shortages and the inability to bring anything new, however, there a plenty of new toys and I’ll do my best to get my hands on as many as possible.

Reed Hastings just stirred the Netflix pot a lot more.  After the recent price increase for streaming and DVD rentals, Hastings apologized in a blog post on the official Netflix blog.  Then, he let loose that the price increase was further cemented by splitting the DVD rental portion of Netflix into a separate company, which will go by the name Qwikster.

The billing will be separate between the two services, but no more price increases.  Hastings also said that Qwikster (crap, that’s a hard word to type) would offer video game rentals.

What sucks about this is that Netflix and the other service will have separate websites with separate logins.  One of the things that I really loved about Netflix was that I could see when stuff in my DVD queue was available as a streaming title and take advantage of that.  If the new, separate sites are not integrated with at least this basic level of functionality, it will add more fuel to the frustration fire that’s been growing with Netflix.

Personally, I’ve been on the fence about cancelling all or a portion of Netflix’s service since they started shipping crippled DVDs and Blu-rays at the behest of studios (as leverage in streaming deals) who want us to buy them instead of renting them.  Then came the big price hike.  Losing integration between my queues could be enough to push me over the edge.

What could save Netflix/Qwikster in a big way for me?  Keep the queue integration (even if they are separate sites).  And, here’s the big one . . . if Qwikster really gets to drive its own train, start renting real DVDs and Blu-rays again . . . and rent them when they are released.

Both of these are probably unlikely to happen because Momma-Netflix is going to use Qwikster as its pawn to continue appeasing studios by keeping new releases out of customers’ hands and shipping retarded “rental” copies so that Netflix-streaming can better leverage deals with studios.

If Netflix were to really let go of DVDs and make it a real-deal independent operation, it would be the best thing that’s happened for its DVD rental business in a long time.

While these rumors have been beating around for years, it seems that rumblings have grown louder lately.  Venture Beat reports that Apple is working on the tech to bring its own branded TV set to market next year.

This somewhat corroborates my earlier look at an Apple patent for the iTV – not the current Apple TV set-top box – that was submitted to the USPTO earlier this year in March and just published back in June.

[via Techno Buffalo]

Panasonic has introduced their first 3D projector, the PT-AE7000U and judging from an impressive list of specs and initial reports, 3D home theater buffs will soon have, possibly, the most economical choice in the 3D projector pool.

Panasonic claims the AE7000U to be the world’s first 1080p 3D projector based on transmissive LCD panels driven at 480Hz (in 3D mode, each eye is shown 240Hz) using active-shutter glasses with an integrated IR transmitter.  According to reports a higher driving frequency contributes to a significant reduction in crosstalk, a design goal for the AE7000U. Other goals were to increase the brightness and contrast using a higher-power, red-rich lamp; new LCD panels with greater aperture ratio and improved dynamic iris. The proof is in the pudding as they say with 2,000 lumens and a 300,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.  Another impressive tid-bit is the 2x zoom can cast a 120-inch diagonal image from as close as 3.6 meters (about 11 feet) to 7 meters (24 feet) from the screen.

Among the 3D features is a newly developed dual-core video processor that can be adjusted independently for the left and right images in a split-screen mode, along with the ability to adjust the depth of the 3D image, allowing viewing comfort for different screen size.  A real-time 2D to 3D converter with selectable effect modes also keeps things interesting on plain old “flat” movies.

A cool feature brought back from previous models s the Intelligent Lens Memory that lets you store zoom and focus settings for 16:9 and 2.35:1 without the need for an anamorphic lens, and the projector can automatically select the right setting depending on the input signal.  Additionally, SmoothScreen reduces the appearance of boundaries between pixels for sharper images.

The AE7000U is also very “green,” according to Panasonic, with intelligent power management system that reduces the lamp power to the exact required level of brightness depending on the content in display.  More than 3 billion different image patterns are said to be analyzed to find the most efficient power output.

The PT-AE7000U is scheduled for a September release at a list price of $3,499.

Press Release

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the PT-AE7000U, its first Full HD 3D home theater projector with 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution. The PT-AE7000U is also the world’s first*1 3D projector to use transparent LCD panels driven at 480Hz that, combined with Panasonic’s original Overdrive Technology, realize significantly low crosstalk. Thanks to the newly-developed optical engine, which produces an incredible 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness, the PT-AE7000U delivers both stunning 2D images and a comfortable and immersive 3D viewing experience at home.

“When we create our projectors, our goal is to produce images that mirror movie directors’ artistic vision and intent”

“When we create our projectors, our goal is to produce images that mirror movie directors’ artistic vision and intent,” said Art Rankin, director of Projectors and Higher Education Sector at Panasonic Solutions Company. “The PT-AE7000U’s key 3D projection technologies were developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory engineers who are heavily engaged in the authoring and mastering of 3D Blu-ray Discs™. They have taken key roles in establishing the industry standards for 3D and bringing the experience from large screens to homes. Through this joint effort, the PT-AE7000U has been redesigned from the ground up to achieve higher basic 2D performance and is packed with unique 3D features to deliver studio-grade 3D content to the consumer.”

The optical system of the PT-AE7000U features a new 200-Watt Red-Rich Lamp and new LCD panels with larger aperture ratio for increased red luminance and brightness output. The combination of fully-optimized Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris Pro has resulted in a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness. This produces brighter images with excellent coloring and deep blacks with fine shadow details.

The PT-AE7000U uses frame sequential technology for 3D image projection. The Overdrive Technology has been carefully tuned together with the 480Hz LCD Panel that greatly reduces 3D crosstalk, or double images, for comfortable 3D content viewing. The projector is also equipped with a newly-developed dual-core processing engine so that the projector can process 3D signals with all of the benefits of 2D image enhancements. Frame Creation, Detail Clarity Processor and other innovative image processing technologies are optimized for 3D images in the same manner as for 2D images. They bring out fine details and three dimensionality for natural, life-like visuals with excellent clarity, and create sharp, clear images of fast-moving scenes in sports and action movies.

Comfortable 3D viewing can also be adjusted with the 3D Viewing Monitor and the 3D Picture Balance features. Because the 3D effect changes with varying screen sizes, the 3D Viewing Monitor ensures that the viewer’s stereoscopic effect is within the safety zone set forth by the 3D Consortium Committee. The left and right eye images can be displayed side by side on the PT-AE7000U with the individual Waveform Monitor to adjust 3D picture balance.

Other 3D features include 2D-3D Conversion, which converts 2D content into 3D images for 3D projection with five different 3D effect modes.

The projector is equipped with a built-in 3D IR transmitter that lets the user enjoy large-screen 3D images with optional eyewear, which is sold separately. The models, TY-EW3D10U, TY-EW3D2LU, TY-EW3D2MU and TY-EW3D2SU, also used for the Panasonic VIERA 3DTV, are convenient for those looking to enjoy 3D content on both their Panasonic TVs and projectors. An optional IR transmitter (ET-TRM110) is available for extended transmission distance.

The PT-AE7000U comes rich with features for those looking to customize their home theaters. Many Blu-ray Discs and DVDs come in aspect ratios that are even wider than the projector’s 16:9 aspect ratio to match the image size (2.35:1) seen in movie theaters. The projector’s Intelligent Lens Memory feature makes it possible for the user to easily program up to six different zoom/focus positions. Automatic switching between 16:9 and 2.35:1 video content is also possible thanks to the signal aspect detection capability on the PT-AE7000U.

More theater automation, such as lighting and a motorized screen, is possible with the PT-AE7000U because it comes equipped with two programmable 12-volt trigger terminals and VIERA Link®. VIERA Link® provides seamless operation of multiple VIERA Link® compatible Panasonic devices by using the PT-AE7000U remote control with backlit buttons.

The PT-AE7000U is also equipped with three HDMI™ inputs (supporting x.v.Color™ and Deep Color), so multiple HD sources can be connected without an HDMI switcher. Initial setup and installation are quick and easy, because the 2x zoom can cast a 120-inch diagonal image from as close as 3.6 meters (about 11 feet) to 7 meters (24 feet) from the screen. The projector’s lens shift capability enables 100 percent vertical adjustment and 26 percent horizontal adjustment, so the user can suspend the projector either close to the ceiling or mount it to a wall.

In addition to its outstanding features, the new PT-AE7000U is also an eco-conscious product. Its intelligent power management system reduces the lamp power to the exact required level of brightness depending on the content being displayed. Advanced Panasonic digital circuitry intelligently determines the necessary power output by analyzing more than 3 billion different image patterns. This advanced analysis process reduces the main power consumption by as much as 10 percent when the Dynamic Iris function is operating, thus saving energy.

Other ecological considerations include an off-timer that reduces wasteful power consumption, an extremely low standby power consumption of 0.08 watts, and a 4,000 hour (normal mode)/5,000 hour (eco mode) lamp life.

The Panasonic PT-AE7000U Full HD 3D home theater projector is made in Japan and will be available in September 2011, through authorized Panasonic resellers, at an MSRP of $3,499.00.

In an official blog post today, Michael Spiegelman, Director of Product Management at Netflix said they were fixing some of the scrolling jitters in the horizontal scrolling functionality and that they’ll be bringing back sortable lists.

That’s one step in the right direction; however, I miss the old version of the website that worked like, you know, a website.  This set-top box design has no place in my browser.

While I’m at it, can we get the ability to create and manage our own lists back? That was a lame move taking those away Netflix.

Apple’s getting serious with this iTV stuff.  A recently published patent application reveals that Apple is developing technology using widgets that know what you are watching on TV and give you access to complementary content.

The present inventors recognized a limitation of existing widget technology as applied to TV environment in that conventional widgets, while often useful resources standing alone, nevertheless are unaware of the media content that the TV set was currently presenting. For example, such conventional TV widgets are unaware of what particular television program the user is presently watching on the TV. Accordingly, the present inventors envisioned and developed an enhanced TV widget paradigm in which widgets are capable of being content-aware and thus capable, among other things, of automatically (i.e., without intervening user input) providing the user with access to information or other resources that are complementary or otherwise relevant to the media content currently being presented by the TV set to the user.

You think we’re in information overload now.  Just wait until Apple gets a stronghold in our livingroom.

Check out the full patent application PDF and more images below.

Apple Enhancing Media Content with Content-Aware Resources Patent App.

A recently published US patent application from apple reveals a media device, along with its menu and content systems.  What’s interesting though is that the application features several menu diagrams and even screenshots that utilize the name “iTV” as opposed to Apple TV (the current product).

Notably, the patent was filed in March of this year, so it looks like Apple is working with an entirely new product rather than just dealing with an old patent where they haven’t decided on a name for the current Apple TV yet.  With the heavy rumors and predictions that we’ll see an actual TV from Apple later this year, it could be that Apple has been saving the iTV name just for that purpose.

Check out the patent for yourself in the PDF file, as well as additional shots of the interface, below.

Apple Media Interface iTV Patent

Like Sony, Pioneer has dropped their 2011 home A/V receiver lineup.  The new line includes models VSX-521, VSX-821, VSX-921 and VSX-1021 and boast new features like Apple’s AirPlay, Made for iPad, DLNA 1.5, Internet Radio and custom apps such as iControlAV21 app and Air Jam1 app. from Pioneer.

This new A/V receiver line is very Apple iDevice integrated.  Pioneer even includes a connection cable, so an optional dock is not needed.  Each new Pioneer model is HDMI 1.4a compliant, so passing 3D content shouldn’t be an issue and supports the HDMI 1.4a audio return channel, which send the audio signal back to the receiver from the compatible TV turner.  All models also support the HDMI standby pass through feature, which lets the HDMI signal pass through to the TV when the receiver is turned off.  Also on board is Pioneer’s Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) the analyzes the room acoustics and adjusts sound output to each speaker accordingly to create the best listening experience.  All new Pioneer receivers are equipped to decode HD audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and the new Dolby ProLogic IIz height channel.

Pioneers flagship VSX-1021 brings all the best Pioneer has to offer into one unit.  It contains all the Apple iDevice goodies, DLNA 1.5, Bluetooth audio streaming, vTurner internet radio and enhanced MCACC.

For Bluetooth the $99 AS-BT200 additional device is required.

The Pioneer VSX-521 and VSX-821 are available for order and the VSX-921 and VSX-1021 are available for preorder at Amazon.

Check B&H for availability.

Press Release

Pioneer Introduces Four New Audio Video Receivers

Industry’s First AV Receivers Designed for iPad

LONG BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With today’s living room now a haven for advanced home theater entertainment, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is bringing more excitement into the home with the introduction of four new Pioneer branded 5.1 and 7.1-channel audio video receivers. The 2011 line of Pioneer receivers which include models VSX-521 ($249), VSX-821 ($349), VSX-921 ($449) and VSX-1021 ($549) offer unparalleled performance, advanced technologies, and exciting new features with Apple’s AirPlay®, Made for iPad, DLNA® 1.5, Internet Radio and custom apps made for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch such as the exclusive iControlAV21 App and the Air Jam1 App, both developed by Pioneer.

“Pioneer receivers are made to deliver the highest level of audio and video performance consumers expect no matter of the source it comes from.”

“Our newest receivers make it extremely easy for consumers to connect their iPhones, iPads and iPods, enabling them to access their music and video content as well as share them with others in one room or the home,” said Chris Walker, director AV marketing and product planning for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Pioneer receivers are made to deliver the highest level of audio and video performance consumers expect no matter of the source it comes from.”

Designed for Today’s Consumer Lifestyle

Pioneer’s 2011 receiver models deliver an elevated audio experience that enthusiasts expect from an entertainment device. Everything from the user interface, to the setup process, to the product functionality, each receiver delivers an intuitive user experience that anyone in the home can easily enjoy.

Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod – Pioneer receivers come with a free USB/video cable for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that enable fast “plug and play” capability with no optional dock required. This allows users to enjoy playback of audio, video and photos stored on their device(s).

AirPlay – With the VSX-1021 receiver and AirPlay which requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 4.2, music lovers can easily listen to their music library wirelessly through their home theater system. Album art and song information can also be displayed on a connected monitor/TV as well. An optional wireless LAN adapter from Pioneer (AS-WL300) is available to simplify the connection process.

Air Jam – Pioneer is revolutionizing social entertainment with its free Air Jam App, available from the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Used in conjunction with the VSX-1021 receiver (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required), up to four devices can be paired via Bluetooth. Once connected, each user can cue songs from their music libraries to create a collective playlist to play back on their A/V Receiver. Each connected device will display the list of songs added by all users and the device each song will play from. The Air Jam App will also keep the list of songs from each session on each device for future purchase through the iTunes Store.

iControlAV2 – The next generation Pioneer iControlAV2 App, also available in the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch gives users even more control of their home theater settings when used with the VSX-1021. The app enables control of volume, bass, balance and room settings and is further enhanced when used with an iPad, integrating all four app controls into an intuitive single screen. Additional features include detailed graphic representations of before and after MCACC room calibration, and sound adjustments that enable users to create their own equalizer settings with a simple “touch and draw” on the screen. The iControlAV2 App also includes Blu-ray player control when connected to a compatible Pioneer Blu-ray player.

Both the Air Jam App and the iControlAV2 App require iOS 4.2 with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G, iPad, iPod touch (2nd generation), iPod touch (3rd generation), and iPod touch (4th generation).

There’s Music in the Air with Bluetooth and DLNA® 1.5

With the connected lifestyle in mind, Pioneer receivers utilize the various wireless and network technologies that are available today to quickly access audio contents from personal mobile devices and bring them into the living room environment where they can be shared by everyone. Streaming content to the new Pioneer receivers can be done with ease via Bluetooth and/or DLNA.

DLNA 1.5 – Further expanding on its wireless and networked capabilities, the VSX-1021 also offers DLNA 1.5 support, allowing connection to devices with the same feature. Via Ethernet or optional AS-WL300 wireless WiFi adapter (sold separately), the receiver can access and play high resolution music (up to 192kHz/24-Bit) from a compatible networked or portable device. Audio can also be streamed and controlled through the Pioneer receiver with a smartphone that supports UPnP / DLNA media servers and renderers, giving users an entirely new way to share and play their music collection.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming – With the optional Bluetooth adaptor, the entire lineup of receivers feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content from any A2DP Bluetooth-enabled mobile device or personal computer. The Pioneer branded AS-BT200 ($99) Bluetooth Adaptor allows listeners to keep their phone close to them while they enjoy music through their home theater system. And, with Pioneer’s exclusive Sound Retriever AIR technology, specifically designed to enhance Bluetooth audio transmissions, music delivered through Bluetooth is near-CD sound quality.

vTuner – Pioneer adds vTuner Internet radio to the VSX-1021 for endless music entertainment. With vTuner, users have access to thousands of Internet radio stations around the world. From the on-screen display, users can choose from different music formats, station locations or simply search for specific stations and receive the broadcasts with great reception every time.

Ready to Create the Most Advanced Home Theater

Pioneer’s newest receivers are ready for the latest display technologies. Each model features HDMI 1.4a support and is ready to pass 3D content from a Blu-ray 3D player or 3D cable or satellite broadcast to any compatible display. All models also support the HDMI 1.4a audio return channel (ARC) that send audio signals to the receiver from compatible TV tuners and online services built into televisions, such as Netflix. For the consumer who intends to periodically use the built-in speakers of their televisions, the Pioneer line-up includes a new HDMI Standby Through feature to pass audio and video from a set top box through the receivers without the need to turn on the component.

Pioneer A/V receivers are packed with proprietary audio enhancement and room calibration technologies that elevate the sound quality experience:

Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) – Featured in each receiver is Pioneer’s proprietary MCACC system thats analyzes the room’s speaker configuration and then optimizes level and equalization for each one to compensate for any room-induced acoustic inaccuracies, providing an optimal, customized audio experience in any home theater room.

Pioneer takes audio calibration further on the VSX-1021 with Advanced MCACC, adding 3D time alignment for the most precise tuning capability. When utilizing the iControlAV2 app for room calibration, the control screen graphically displays the results of the acoustics of the room with fine detail and allows the user to make further adjustments manually.

Dolby ProLogic IIz Decoding – All new Pioneer receivers are equipped to decode HD audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD® and DTS-HD Master Audio®, and now the new Dolby ProLogic IIz height channel. Dolby ProLogic IIz distinguishes background sounds and adds them to additional front height speakers for an enhanced front surround sound experience. Creating the depth and dimension of a lifelike soundstage, this speaker configuration is ideal for gamers, and can also complement a 3D video experience. The new technology provides new speaker placement options for consumers as well as easier installation solutions. Additionally, Pioneer’s proprietary Front Wide Mode adds versatility and dimension to a 7.1 speaker arrangement.

Advanced Sound Retriever – Available in all 2011 models, ASR enhances compressed audio files by restoring critical data from portable media players as well as internet radio and satellite radio, delivering a robust music experience that is near-CD quality.

Auto Level Control – ALC technology ensures consistent listening from all entertainment sources by compensating for fluctuating volume levels across digital audio tracks, television channels and commercials that can cause unexpected disruptions to the entertainment experience.

Receivers that Make Set Up Easy

The VSX-1021 is the first AV receiver to feature its new AVNavigator setup software application. Designed to simplify the physical and software setup of the receiver, AVNavigator is a suite of PC applications, consisting of two key applications, Wiring Navi and the Interactive Manual.

Wiring Navi – Users simply answer a series of questions about the hardware connected to the system and the application will automatically update the receiver with all of the correct settings.

Interactive Manual – Once the receiver is connected using the Wiring Navi set up, the Interactive Manual application provides a linked two-way interactive manual giving users a way to quickly learn about all of the new features of the AV receiver (i.e. a push of the ALC button on the front of the receiver will take the user directly to the portion of the manual that explains the Automatic Level Control feature). Alternately, users can click on a section of the owner’s manual and the feature of the receiver will automatically activate (i.e. when the user clicks on the FL Dimmer section of the owner’s manual, the Front Panel Display of the receiver will dim).

All models are finished in a premium glossy black and will be available at national and regional retailers in March, 2011.

It all began with a passion for music that Pioneer founder Nozomu Matsumoto hoped to share with the world. He started Pioneer in 1938 as a specialty speaker company, building products out of his garage. Today, Pioneer’s Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group continues Matsumoto’s enthusiasm, developing award-winning audio and video home theater products including A/V receivers, Blu-ray Disc® and DVD players, and speakers. Long-standing partnerships and collaborations with the creative community have provided Pioneer unique insight in its quest to capture the purity of a movie or musical artist’s original vision into its broad range of home entertainment products. The company’s brands include Pioneer® and Elite®. More details can be found at.

1Compatible with iOS 4.2. May not be compatible with future iOS versions.

PIONEER, the PIONEER logo and the ELITE logo are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.

Apple, iPhone, iPad and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

DLNA® is a trademark of the Digital Living Network Alliance.

DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

DOLBY and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Amazon has flipped the switch to make over 5,000 movies and TV shows available for free instant streaming to paying Amazon Prime subscribers, which runs $79.99 per year (and will remain the same price).  The titles are rather duplicitous over what existing Netflix subscribers get; however, if you are a paying Amazon Prime subscriber, you can’t argue with free.

I emphasize the word “paying” when describing Amazon Prime subscribers who can receive this benefit because there are ways to get a free Amazon Prime account – such as the new Amazon Mom subscription program.  If you are one of these Prime members, you will have to upgrade to the full $80/year account in order to watch free streaming.

For existing Amazon Prime subscribers, this is an easy win.  Additionally, if you were on the fence about whether sign up for Amazon Prime, this should push you over the edge.  However, for non-subscribers or those getting the shipping benefits of a free Amazon Prime subscription, it’s a tougher call.

Since I use Netflix, I don’t really see a need to use this.  However, if Amazon were to pick up more titles – particularly newer titles that Netflix doesn’t have, then I would definitely be tempted to shell out $80 for Amazon Prime – perhaps instead of Netflix’s $9 a month for DVD + streaming.

[via Amazon]

Netflix and CBS just announced a two-year licensing deal for CBS’s library content to be made available on Netflix’s Instant Streaming.  The CBS titles will be added in April and include episodes of ”Medium” and “Flashpoint” as well as full seasons of classics such as “Frasier,” and “Cheers.”

Episodes from the original “Hawaii Five-0″ are included in the package, as are episodes from all generations of the definitive sci-fi series, “Star Trek,” and the cult favorite, “Twin Peaks.”  Installments of ’60s classics, “The Twilight Zone” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” will be available as well.

Full press release below.

CBS and Netflix Announce Two-Year Licensing Agreement For Library Content

NEW YORK and BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – February 22, 2011 — CBS Corporation [NYSE: CBS.A and CBS] and Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced a two-year, non-exclusive licensing agreement that will allow select TV shows from CBS’s library, including episodes of ”Medium” and “Flashpoint” as well as full seasons of classics such as “Frasier,” and “Cheers,” to be streamed instantly from Netflix. CBS retains an option to extend the agreement for up to two additional years.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Beginning in early April, dozens of hit shows from CBS will join the extensive library of television shows and movies available to watch instantly from Netflix for only $7.99 a month.

Content covered under the new deal includes the long-running drama, “Medium” and the summer season favorite, “Flashpoint.”  Also covered under the agreement are episodes from some of television’s most iconic franchises.  Full seasons of sitcom greats “Frasier,” “Family Ties” and “Cheers” will be streaming instantly from Netflix.  Episodes from the original “Hawaii Five-0″ are included in the package, as are episodes from all generations of the definitive sci-fi series, “Star Trek,” and the cult favorite, “Twin Peaks.”  Installments of ’60s classics, “The Twilight Zone” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” will be available as well.

“This deal recognizes the increasing value of our content in today’s marketplace,” said Scott Koondel, President of Distribution, CBS Television Distribution.  “More and more, people want to be able to access our programming on a wide variety of platforms.  We are very pleased that the titles offered through this deal will now also be made available to a whole new community through the terrific and convenient service that Netflix offers.  We will continue to pursue additional non-exclusive distribution partners that are additive to our overall business.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing CBS shows to Netflix and are looking forward to growing our relationship over time,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix. ”Netflix is now the only online premium subscription service with shows featured on all four broadcast networks and dozens of cable TV’s biggest brands.”

About CBS Corporation

CBS Corporation is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry.  The Company, through its many and varied operations, combines broad reach with well-positioned local businesses, all of which provide it with an extensive distribution network by which it serves audiences and advertisers in all 50 states and key international markets.  It has operations in virtually every field of media and entertainment, including broadcast television (CBS and The CW – a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), cable television (Showtime Networks, Smithsonian Networks and CBS College Sports Network), local television (CBS Television Stations), television production and syndication (CBS Television Studios, CBS Studios International and CBS Television Distribution), radio (CBS Radio), advertising on out-of-home media (CBS Outdoor), publishing (Simon & Schuster), interactive media (CBS Interactive), music (CBS Records), licensing and merchandising (CBS Consumer Products), video/DVD (CBS Home Entertainment), motion pictures (CBS Films) and sustainable media (EcoMedia). For more information, please visit www.cbscorporation.com.

About Netflix, Inc.

With more than 20 million members in the United States and Canada, Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] is the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows.  For $7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streaming over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs.  Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV.  In all, more than 200 devices that stream from Netflix are available in the U.S. and a growing number are available in Canada.  For more information, visit www.netflix.com.