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Google Fiber announces 180 qualified fiberhoods, sets approximate rollout schedule

As promised, the complete list of 180 (no more, no less) fiberhoods which qualified for Google Fiber service has been announced. With it, the approximate construction schedule has also been posted online, confirming Hanover Heights in Kansas (October) and Crown Center in Missouri (Spring 2013) will lead off the deployment for their respective areas. If you live in a qualifying area and have not signed up yet, you will be able to sign up or change plans when installations actually begin, which will be October 2nd in Hanover Heights. All of the info about Google's gigabit internet service and how to get it is at the blog and if you're still waffling, remember -- it has ESPN now.

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Nintendo TVii supported by 'all' major US and Canadian cable companies, dish services

Nintendo TVii will support "all" cable and dish carriers in the US and Canada, Nintendo director of strategic partnership Zach Fountain told Engadget this afternoon. He said that no major carriers are excluded, and the only requirement for signing up is inputting your cable company's account information to the Wii U. DVR and TiVO functionality are plugged in similarly, where users input information via web, and services resultantly pop up on the Wii U. Nintendo TVii launches with the Wii U on November 18 in the US and Canada for free, and remains exclusive to North America for the time being.

Nintendo unveils 'Nintendo TVii' for Wii U (video)

Nintendo unveils 'Nintendo TVii' for Wii U

Nintendo showed off some of the Wii U's new television functionality during its New York City press event -- first unveiled during E3 2012 -- including DVR and TiVO, and search across several content providers (Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, and cable television, to name a few). It's unclear whether the DVR functionality is built into the console or not, but we'll be sure to find out as soon as possible*. Nintendo's director of strategic partnership Zach Fountain's calling the service a "personalized program guide" and he showed off how you'll be able to interact with content -- movies and television shows can be searched via text entry, or explored in a general category sense (movies, tv, sports, etc.). If QWERTY text isn't your kind of thing, a rotary entry in the lower right corner offers another way to seek out content.

The service is only for US and Canadian Wii U owners for now, but Fils-Aime said the company's exploring an expansion into other parts of the Americas. Nintendo TVii is free with the purchase of a console this November. Click on past the break for the company's brief video demo.

Update*: DVR/TiVO functionality is not built into the hardware, we confirmed.

Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.

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World's oldest color film footage discovered in museum archive (video)

oldest color film footage

Cached away for over a century, the world's first color moving pictures have been shown for the first time yesterday, according to the National Media Museum in the UK. The celluloid, shot by inventor Edward Raymond Turner in 1899, was actually in black and white and it was only through a curator's research that its colorful significance was also unearthed.

When the footage was first shot, each frame was run consecutively through red, green or blue gels, and the process needed to be reversed during projection to reveal the color. Fortunately, a blueprint by the inventor of how to do just that was also found, allowing the institution's team to replicate the process digitally to produce the final footage.

This type of color gel processing didn't take off in the early 20th century due to the mechanical complexity, and it would have been inferior to a chemical process since each frame carried only one-third of the full color information. Still, it required a clever mind to dream it up, with an equally big brain to uncover it and finally give Turner his due. See the video below the break for the stunning un-retouched, non-hand-colored results.

[Image Credit: National Media Museum]

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Panasonic PT-AE8000U projector touts brighter, smoother 3D for king-of-the-hill home theaters

Panasonic PTAE8000U projector touts brighter, smoother 3D for kingofthehill home theaters

Panasonic wasn't one of the quickest out of the gate with a 3D projector, having only unveiled the PT-AE7000 in the middle of last year, but it's making up for lost time with a follow-up. The PT-AE8000 puts most of the focus on that extra dimension through both a 20 percent brighter 3D picture and motion interpolation for the stereoscopic image. Fine-tuning is equally new through picture balance and monitor tools that help perfect the color and parallax effects before any 3D movie gets started. Traditionalists in love with 2D get their fill, too: a new 220W lamp produces deeper reds, a more visible 2,400 lumens of brightness and (with the help of plates and filters) an even higher 500,000:1 contrast ratio. We've confirmed with Panasonic that the AE8000U should cost the same $3,499 as the AE7000 when it reaches stores between late September and early October, which makes the new projector a tempting prospect if you've been holding off until now.

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Google Fiber announces qualified areas tomorrow, snags ABC channels including ESPN, Disney

Google Fiber announces qualified areas tomorrow, snags ABC channels including ESPN, Disney

The official list of the first "fiberhoods" Google's Gigabit internet + TV service will be available in doesn't come out until tomorrow, but it's already looking like an even more attractive option thanks to a few newly announced channel additions. The team's blog post lists several ABC channels that will be available on the HDTV service, not the least of which is sports giant ESPN, along with ESPN2, Classic, Goal Line, Buzzer Beater, Deportes, ESPNews, Longhorn Network and ESPNU. We've confirmed ESPN3 is also included, while WatchESPN and WatchDisney mobile access is planned for the "near future." Overall it appears that ABC has squeezed its entire bundle including the Disney channels into the lineup (check the list after the break). That may not curry favor with those hoping for some revolutionary a la carte options, but should make switching to the $120 bundle easier for sports fans and families. Check the original launch announcement for more details on the Nexus 7-controlled service that blends standard TV and streaming options if you're pondering a move to Kansas City.

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LoveFilm / Aardman deal brings cheese-loving stop motion animation to Amazon-owned UK site

Lovefilm  Aardman deal brings cheeseloving stop motion animation to Amazonowned UK site

Great news for UK movie lovers who just can't get enough of eccentric inventors and clever sheep: Amazon-owned LoveFilm has struck a deal to bring Aardman content to its service. The agreement adds properties like Wallace & Gromit, Morph, Creature Comforts, Shaun the Sheep and Rex the Runt to LoveFilm's offerings, letting users stream content on their computers, PS3s, Xbox 360s, iPads and more. For more information, please consult the press release after the break.

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Sharp further cuts bonuses and salaries to stay above water, save $180 million

Sharp HQSharp is already in full-on belt-tightening mode, and it's not just cutting jobs to keep its staffing costs in line with shrinking finances. The sinking tech giant is doubling the size of executives' salary cuts to 10 percent for a year-long period, all the while slashing planned 2013 bonuses to half of what they were in June. Sadly, everyday workers will have to take some of the same medicine. They're facing similar bonus cuts and will have to take a 7 percent drop in salary for the same year. Between these steps and cuts to extras like travel allowances, Sharp hopes to save ¥14 billion in the current fiscal year, or about $180 million -- a small amount next to the $2 billion in credit the company just recently obtained, but also a sign of just how much penny-pinching is involved in keeping the corporate ship afloat. Let's hope the sacrifice pays off.

Engadget HD Podcast 315 - 09.11.2012

Engadget HD Podcast 296 - 04.25.2012This week's news includes the rare Common File Format for UltraViolet resurfacing, as well as a new DHD initiative from Fox that could push downloadable movies forward faster than ever before. That's before we even dive into all the news from CEDIA 2012 and take a peek at the just-released Ceton Companion mobile app for Windows Media Center. Also included: where our NFL Pick 'em selections went horribly, horribly wrong and more 84-inch 4K displays than you can shake a stick at.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

09:00 - Fox to sell Digital HD movies three weeks ahead of discs or VOD, Prometheus is first
17:22 - Revamped Flixster.com gives one-stop digital movie access for both UltraViolet and non-UV stores
21:38 - UltraViolet movie format to use Dolby Digital Plus encoding, keep sound thumping across platforms
27:23 - Kaleidescape teases movie download store; brings Rotten Tomatoes, Leonard Maltin to its servers
29:15 - Ceton Companion apps for iOS and Android are available, bring WMC mobile control for $5
33:27 - NextGuide for iPad intends to get you to stop using the grid guide
39:26 - Epson leaves well enough alone with its new Home Cinema projector lineup
40:30 - JVC reveals e-Shift2 4K scaling projectors, promises true 4K LCDs for under $20k
42:15 - SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters
43:37 - NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC
44:55 - LG's 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale in the US next month for $19,999
45:15 - Sony's 84-inch 4K Bravia XBR-84X900 goes up for pre-order tomorrow for $25,000
47:42 - Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499
48:22 - Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without
50:26 - Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers
52:22 - Proficient Audio launches MaxTV MT2 speaker box, soundbars start job hunt
53:29 - Motorola launches 10 new set-top boxes at IBC 2012
56:18 - Must See HDTV (September 10th - 16th)

Hear the podcast

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Steam Big Picture beta hands-on

Steam Big Picture beta hands-on

Been keeping up with Steam's Big Picture interface? Then you probably know it's already in beta. The 10-foot UI hopes to help Valve's content distribution portal get comfortable in front of your couch, offering gamers access to their favorite PC titles from a gamepad-friendly interface. We piped the beta out to our own living room to take a look, and weren't surprised to find a sleek attractive UI with a heap of polish. That said, we were glad we didn't leave our mouse and keyboard at the office.

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Sony reveals HMZ-T2 head-mounted display pricing, launch date and features in Japan

Sony rolled out its first head-mounted 3D visor last fall, and announced the HMZ-T2 followup recently at IFA 2012. Now in Japan it has revealed few more details about the changes it's made this time around as well as a release date and pricing. Scheduled to hit shelves on October 13th, the HMZ-T2 features all the upgrades we'd heard about: lighter total weight, redesigned head strap for improved comfort, ear buds instead of headphones plus 24p cinema support and a "Clear" panel drive mode for fast moving content. While we still don't have a US price the Japanese damage is 70,000 yen ($894), a 10,000 yen ($127) boost over last year's model which cost $799 in the US. Sony Japan has also put together an "Institute for Immersive Pleasure" Facebook page , and plans to show it off again at the Tokyo Game Show. Check out our hands-on impressions from IFA here, we'll let you know when there's more release information for other regions.

Hulu's PlayStation 3 app upgraded, is the first for the living room to deliver the 'new experience'

Hulu's PlayStation 3 app upgraded, is the first for the living room to deliver its 'new experience'

The folks over at Hulu have been focused on cleaning up content discovery and playback for a while, and now they've turned their collective eye to the PlayStation 3 Hulu Plus app. An update rolling out this evening brings a number of tweaks we saw hit its redesigned website in August, including the "tray-style" layout of shows, larger artwork, improved search with results that appear in the dropdown and simplified player controls. Take a peek in the gallery for a few screenshots of the new UI or after the break for an intro trailer. Although other platforms weren't mentioned specifically Hulu said the PS3 is the first living room device to show off its new experience, which leads us to believe other devices should get a similar look eventually. Subscribers can take a look on the PlayStation Network to see if they find any improvements, non-subscribers can, as usual, jump in on a free seven day trial.

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Must See HDTV (September 10th - 16th)

Must See HDTV September 10th  16th

With football and new TV series premieres, we're ready to call it officially fall. Keep an eye out for brand news shows like NBC's Go On and The New Normal, as well as returning favorites like Glee on Fox and the various talent show competitions. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Monday Night Football
Football is back, and it's Monday night, so you know what that means. Hank Williams Jr. is no longer a part of the festivities but the action hasn't changes. We've got a doubleheader lined up with Bengals/Ravens followed by Raiders/Chargers, so wrap up those bedtime stories and get in front of the TV.

Sons of Anarchy
It may not rise to the level of Breaking Bad or Justified but Sons of Anarchy is one of our other favorite cable TV series, and its new season gets started this week. SAMCRO is dealing with conflict from within and, judging from the previews, out side the club as well. We'll see how the addition of Jimmy Smits to the cast affects this show.
(September 11th, FX, 10PM)

Weeds
At long last, the Showtime series comes to an end this weekend. Some might say it should've wrapped up a couple of seasons ago, but if you're still following the Botwin clan and their assortment of friends, enemies and drug-dealing associates it's time to say goodbye.
(September 16th, Showtime, 10PM)

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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 6PM ET

It's Monday, which means it is time for you to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 6PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat too.

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UltraViolet movie format to use Dolby Digital Plus encoding, keep sound thumping across platforms

UltraViolet movie format to use Dolby Digital Plus encoding, keep sound thumping across platformsMovies encoded in UltraViolet's Common File Format represent just one of multiple takes on paid internet video -- what's to make them stand out? The answer might just be Dolby Digital Plus audio encoding, which should be a staple feature of CFF from now on. A newly ready development kit lets producers feed the multichannel sound to hardware and apps that can recognize it, including web-based avenues like Apple's HTTP Live Streaming, Microsoft's Smooth Streaming and MPEG's DASH. Just in case a few devices fall through the cracks, Dolby is talking directly with digital production firms like castLabs, Digital Rapids and Elemental Technologies to make sure the audio codec's implementation truly spans platforms. We don't know how soon movies will take advantage of the upgrade, but the Dolby addition lends weight to a fledgling format that might have as fierce a battle in home theaters as it does on PCs and tablets.

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Engadget Giveaway: win one of three Nexus 7 units, courtesy of Poweramp!

Engadget Giveaway win one of three Nexus 7 units, courtesy of Poweramp!

If you read Engadget frequently, you're certainly no stranger to Google's Nexus 7 tablet that has captured our attention -- and our hearts. Poweramp, one of the highest-rated music players (and one of the most downloaded, from what we can tell) on the Android Play Store, is launching an update that offers Jelly Bean compatibility, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than to give away a trio of Jelly Bean-running Nexus tablets? Also, Poweramp offers a 15 day free trial, so it's definitely worth taking a look-see. Enjoy, and good luck!

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Blackmagic launches Cinema Camera MFT with Micro Four Thirds mount, sans autofocus, for $3K

Blackmagic MFT

Blackmagic Design has thrown its Cinema Camera MFT into the Micro Four Thirds arena, but it will only work with lenses that have manual iris and focus capability. The shooter is otherwise identical to the original Cinema Camera, with a 2.5k, sub-MFT sensor; CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes and DNxHD capture formats; built-in SSD; capacitive touchscreen; and an included copy of DaVinci Resolve color correction software. That means cineasts already on board that format will have another mount for their glass, and MFT's mirrorless aspect will also permit other lens formats, like PL or Nikon, to be added with third party adapters. So, if the relatively low price, claimed 13 stop dynamic range, higher-than-HD resolution and new mount is enough to push your "start" button, check the PR for the entire skinny.

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Kaleidescape teases movie download store; brings Rotten Tomatoes, Leonard Maltin to its servers

Kaleidescape teases movie download store brings Rotten Tomatoes, Leonard Maltin to its servers

Last year at CEDIA we were introduced to Kaleidescape's iPad control app, and this year its back and enhanced with the addition of movie ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, and content rating info from Common Sense Media. Rotten Tomatoes can help viewers tell if a particular flick in their collection is any good, while Common Sense Media is built around detailed breakdowns of what potentially objectionable content is in each title so parents can decide what their children are ready to see. Both should reach end users with the free app by the end of this year. Another tweak it's adding to its movie servers is the Leonard Maltin Recommends Collection. It's a pack of movies updated quarterly (the 17-disc Blu-ray collection is available for the low, low price of $445) that the respected film critic feels are unappreciated greats, to which he adds his own thoughts, anecdotes and behind the scenes info.

A more ambitious development however, is the Kaleidescape Download Store the company was giving an "early sneak preview" of behind closed doors. While its claim to fame has always been disc servers that store user's movies, making them accessible with as little physical media interaction as possible (and antagonizing the MPAA) its next step is a full digital media distribution service, potentially tied into UltraViolet. There's not a lot in the way of specifics, but it will be interesting to see how Kaleidescape and Hollywood get along when it comes to selling downloadable content compared to the old wars of the past, whenever the new service actually arrives for its high-end customers.

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NFL Network, a la carte NFL RedZone Channel are coming to Google Fiber subscribers

NFL Network logo

It isn't quite ESPN, but sports fans who also happen to love technology -- yes, they exist -- will be happy to know that choosing Google Fiber doesn't mean going without NFL Network and NFL RedZone. All Google Fiber subscribers will get NFL Network, while NFL RedZone will run you $10 a month, but for only four months of the year. Not exactly just in time, though, as you won't be able to subscribe to NFL RedZone until one day after the first Sunday of football on September 10th. Either way, this is huge news if you're a fan of the most popular sport in the US -- but not so much for Timer Warner Cable which is the single biggest cable provider who doesn't carry it, and happens to compete against Google for subscribers in Kansas City.

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Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers

Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Rokuready receivers

Onkyo's CEDIA booth served as a way for it to show off all manner of new audio technology including this funky iLunar dock (above), which uses tech developed by Swiss audio company Sonic Emotion to create a "3D sound field" from stereo sources. We couldn't get much of a feel for it on the show floor with the wide open spaces and noise, but according to Onkyo, its six full-range drivers and downward-firing subwoofer combine to send sound in all directions, resulting in a stereo experience no matter where the listener is seated in smaller rooms. There's more details on that, as well as a few other mini audio systems and a new amp in the gallery and press releases after the break. One other development we noted was the Roku Streaming Stick-ready branding popping up on Onkyo receivers since its partnership was officially revealed, and there was even a dongle conspicuously front mounted right there in the booth. We're still for a release date and pricing, but it looks like hardware partners are ready to go.

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NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC (video)

NHK 8K Super HiVision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyeson at IBC video

We've seen plenty of 4K cameras, and we've even heard a whisper or two about 8K, but the quality of a viewing experience isn't tied only to resolution -- frame rate also comes into play, especially with fast-moving subjects. NHK's prototype Super Hi-Vision camera doubles the capture rate from the standard 60Hz to a much speedier 120Hz, yielding sharper motion. While the difference isn't noticeable with static or slow-moving scenes, it certainly comes into play when filming rapid-motion sporting events or panning the camera. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation's latest model was on hand at IBC in Amsterdam, and the advantages of a 120Hz cam were immediately crystal clear.

Filming a rotating image that paired ordinary objects and cityscapes with letters and numbers, you could see the difference instantly, with the 120Hz image on the right side yielding far shaper details, while the left side was often a blurry mess. There's no software smoothing on hand here -- because the higher frequency comes directly from the source, it appears perfectly natural, and much more pleasant. We captured a video demonstrating the expo floor rig, but because our camera doesn't sport the same spec, you won't notice a difference in the hands-on clip after the break. You can see the difference in our stills gallery below, however, and you can take us on our word -- the improvement is quite dramatic.

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Red introduces $42K Epic-M Monochrome cinema cam, on sale October 1st

Red introduces $42K EpicM Monochrome cinema cam, on sale October 1st

Red Camera promised to stop hyping products that weren't ready to ship, and true to its word, just announced the Epic-M Monochrome, surprising even its rabid user base. Packing an all-new black and white-only Mysterium-X sensor, the new cinema cam follows in the footsteps of the Leica M Monochrom still shooter, right down to a similar moniker. Red claims the dedicated CMOS sensor means no color debayering, yielding a one-to-one pixel count and 15-20 percent bump in effective resolution compared to its chromatic cousin. It also touted a sensitivity gain as another advantage, asserting that the Monochrome will have a native ISO of 2,000 (while using the retro-sounding "ASA" term), more than double that of the Epic-M or X. The camera will have a new low pass filter to account for the higher resolution, and buyers who plop down $42,000 to get one on October 1st will be upgraded, gratis, to a new Dragon Monochrome Sensor next year. Like the Leica, if you have to ask why you'd pay such a sum for a camera that doesn't speak color, it may not be for you -- but it is for David Fincher, says Red, who's already shooting his next feature on one.

SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters

SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters

Even in the land of the outrageous home theater equipment that is CEDIA, SIM2's new CinemaQuattro projector sticks out. The company's first model capable of 4K (4,096 x 2,160) resolution, it's nearly as large as the Italian scooter that also resided in its booth and comes with a price tag of $158,000 -- the old 1080p $58K Grand Cinema seems almost cheap in comparison. While that may be mild overkill for most, if you're Will Smith and need something to screen flicks on for your personal home theater (emphasis on theater), we'd imagine this fits the bill. SIM2 licensed TI's technology from cinema projector maker Christie in order to develop the three chip 4K DLP monster capable of 20,000 ANSI lumens. According to President and CEO Maurizio Cini this gives its dealers access to "the best" technology, and at that price, it just ought to.

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Marvel Cinematic Universe 10-disc Blu-ray set delayed, that sweet Tesseract case is to blame

Remember that $139 Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled Blu-ray boxed set and its S.H.I.E.L.D. case (pictured above, video after the break) with the sweet glowing Tesseract cube? Good - now forget it, at least until spring 2013. Blu-ray.com has an official statement from Disney that sadly informs us it will not make its predicted September 25th ship date, and has been pushed back. The statement does go on however, noting that buyers will receive a new briefcase with even more (unspecified -- may we suggest Tony Stark's Iron Man briefcase?) special features. It doesn't go into precisely why all this happened, but an earlier report from TheHDRoom noted a legal squabble between Marvel and Rimowa, the company that apparently created the metallic briefcase it was based on, and subsequently sued Marvel and Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment for trademark infringement and the like. Whatever the cause, the set is on ice for now -- we'll let you know when it's safe to preorder again.

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Motorola launches 10 new set-top boxes at IBC 2012

Motorola launches 10 new set-top boxes at IBC 2012

Motorola may have held a fancy event for the launch of its 2012 RAZR line up, but it's saved the unveiling of its new raft of set-top boxes for the IBC show floor. No fewer than 10 models running Moto's KreaTV OS are on display at the event, possibly putting a dampener on rumors of Google selling the business off. Four of the set-tops are earmarked for IPTV services, with the different options accounting for variations in storage capacity and processing power. An additional four bear the Microsoft Mediaroom branding, and are distinguished by their differences in HDD capacity, wireless performance and feature set. Two cable boxes round out the selection, offering cost-effective simplicity and DVR capability, respectively. If you'd like more info on the ins and outs of each model, check out the PR below for the family newsletter.

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