In our weekly wrap-up for news related to high-definition television, products and gaming, here are some noteworthy stories you may have missed.
FCC releases new rules for the DTV transition
New guidelines released Friday from the FCC will require broadcasters to provide viewers with more information about antennas and converter boxes. More importantly, the rules will allow broadcasters to pull the analog plug starting March 17 if they can claim financial hardship resulting from the continuation of analog until June 12. Multichannel Full Story
New Panasonic Blu-ray players get connected
Panasonic unveiled a new line of Web-enabled (BD Live) Blu-ray players that include links to Amazon’s video-on-demand movies, consume less energy and “argghh” play video tapes. Home Media Magazine Full Story
DISH added more HD channels
Dish Network added HD channels including Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD, The Movie Channel HD and BET J. The satellite television provider says it now offers 128 HD channels nationwide. Full Story
Cablevision will stop selling analog TV
Cablevision will take one big step into the future of cable broadcasting by ending analog TV services by the end of the year. The company says it has already started the transition (in anticipation of the new June 12 DTV date) in parts of New York City including the Bronx and Brooklyn. Reuters Full Story
FiOS TV added more HD VOD titles
Verizon’s FiOS TV added more HD movies to its VOD (Video on Demand) library thanks to new agreements with Turner Networks and Sony. New content from Turner will come from Adult Swim, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, TNT, TruTV and Turner Classic Movies. Full Story
California to reduce TV emissions
The California Energy Commission has proposed reducing the amount of energy televisions use by 33% in 2011, and 49% in 2013. TV viewers can expect to save $18 to $30 a year from the new regulations according to the Energy Commission. GreenTechMedia Full Story
‘KILLZONE 2′ got its first patch
Guerrilla Games released the first KILLZONE 2 patch. The company points out that the version 1.20 patch is only meant to fix bugs and stability issues within the online experience and not change the current game play or controller functionality. Full Story
