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Roku set-top boxes coming to the UK

US tellybox giant Roku is bringing its set-top boxes to the UK early next year, with region-specific channels and maybe even Angry Birds. Couch potatoes rejoice.

It didn't give a specific date when the boxes would be available, just "early 2012" for the UK and Canada, CNET News reports. And going on its success across the pond, it should prove a worthy competitor for Virgin Media's recently refreshed TiVo box. Continue reading...

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TiVo update adds iPlayer search, proper typing and iPad app

TiVo is teeing up a tasty update. Virgin Media is automatically updating TiVo boxes tonight and over the next week to bring you a raft of new features.

The update to Virgin Media's clever set-top telly recorder lets you search iPlayer, type more easily and record programmes with your iPad through a new TiVo iPad app. Continue reading...

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Amazon hints new Apple TV is imminent

A nifty bit of detective work suggests that a new Apple TV could be about to touch down.

In the US, Amazon has dropped the price of the current model by $10, but not only that, it's started referring to it as the 2010 version, hinting that a new model is on the way,  reports 9to5mac.
Continue reading...

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SlingPlayer for Facebook shown off in video demo

Slingbox is about to go social. Users will soon be able to stream live television through Facebook, as a new video demonstration shows.

While the service looks broadly similar to the old-fashioned version available at Slingbox.com, maker Sling Media has tossed in a handful of social features -- just as you'd expect from a Facebook app. Continue reading...

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LG super slim TV and cube iPod dock emerge

Right. Don't tell anyone, but we've got the lowdown on some new LG gear not set to go on show until January. So keep it to yourself.

The 2012 CES Innovation Awards have been handed out, bringing us news on a couple of rather tasty products, reports The Verge. Not only is there are insanely thin TV, there's also an iPod dock that looks quite a lot like a Rubik's Cube. We like. A lot. Continue reading...

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Netflix movies on demand coming to UK next year

Rejoice, movie addicts: US online movie service Netflix is coming to the UK. Hopefully, this means LoveFilm, Film4oD and the rest will raise their game.

In early 2012 you'll be able to watch films on demand on your computer, just like our colonial cousins. For a "low monthly price" you simply choose a movie or TV show and start watching straight away on your computer, tablet, games console or phone. Continue reading...

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ESPlus Seeser pico projector has Android

Pico projectors may be ten a penny, but this one has something separating it from the pack. It runs Android -- yes, Android -- which is pretty awesome for a projector.

The ESPlus Seeser appears to have touch-sensitive controls, though not a fully-fledged touchscreen, so apps from Android Market are out we're afraid, reports Engadget. No Angry Birds for you -- at least, not on this tiny screen. Continue reading...

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CNET How To

Need to know how to do something? You've come to the right place. This page contains a collection of all the walk-through how-to articles we've written to help you get more out of the technology you own. Bookmark it and come back regularly to see what's new.

Brits think 3D is a 'gimmick', survey says

British cinemagoers reckon 3D film is a "gimmick" and makes little difference to the quality of a movie, according to a new survey.

Fewer than one in five (19 per cent) of those polled by market research organisation YouGov said that 3D improves the cinema experience, with over double this amount (41 per cent) stating it's just a gimmick -- which might shed light on the slump in 3D cinema sales.  Continue reading...

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Sharp Aquos LC-80LE632U: an 'affordable' 80-inch TV

Look this way, bargain hunters! Okay, so this 80-inch Sharp TV isn't exactly Argos fodder, but it is a hell of a lot more affordable than any TVs this ginormous.

The Sharp Aquos LC-80LE632U isn't a 'premium' TV, according to Sharp, lacking as it does local dimming and 3D, Crave US reporst. Without those features it's one for the spare room, we reckon. Continue reading...

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Star Wars now bestselling Blu-ray of all time

The movies have been around for decades, but it seems we still can't get enough of Star Wars. Launched on Blu-ray last week, the collection of all six movies in the series has already sold over 1 million copies. Even Jar Jar Binks couldn't stop it becoming the bestselling Blu-ray of all time.

More than 515,000 of those sales are in the US, CNET News reports. Those sales have generated $38m (£25m) of the boxset's total $84m (£54m) cash. But, as ever with Star Wars fans, the success isn't without controversy. Continue reading...

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Win a Samsung Smart Blu-ray player in our competition!

You could win a Samsung BD-D8900 Blu-ray player, worth £400, in our incredible new competition! Click here to enter and be in with a chance of winning.

Your movies deserve hi-def gorgeousness. Heck, you deserve hi-def gorgeousness! And that's exactly what the Samsung BD-D9800 delivers, pumping high-resolution imagery from Blu-ray discs, Freeview HD and its 1TB hard drive directly into your brainbox.

Your movies will appear so sharp you'll swear your eyes have been magically switched with those of a hawk. But picture quality isn't the only weapon in the BD-9800's arsenal. Oh no sir, this sultry black box of tricks is a bona fide entertainment powerhouse. Continue reading...

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Star Trek The Next Generation coming on Blu-ray

The wait is nearly over for fans of Star Trek The Next Generation: a Blu-ray release is imminent, according to various sources, and it'll come complete with new special effects, just like the remastered Star Wars special editions. Let's just hope there's no Greedo shot first nonsense introduced.

Rumours have been raging since 2006, when the original series was remastered, according to fan site Trek Core. No announcements were forthcoming, however, and while it's still not official, there's more proof online than it'd be sensible to ignore. So get ready to enjoy Captain Picard's slaphead in the glory of high definition. Continue reading...

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Virgin Media's TiVo iPad app announced

TiVo is taking over the iPad. Virgin Media's TiVo companion app will let you control your intelligent set-top box from your Apple tablet.

The app basically turns your iPad into a giant remote control. You can browse the TiVo interface on your iPad's big screen, searching for something to watch from the TV guide or on-demand library, and all without interrupting what you're watching on your actual television. Continue reading...

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Bonkers Sony HMZ-T1 3D headset to enter production

Those mental prototype 3D glasses we brought you back at CES in January? You know, the ones that were straight out of a sci-fi flick? The ones that had everyone saying, "Sure, they look great, but get real"? Well it looks like you could be using them to watch movies in the next few months, as Sony has unveiled a production model of the head mounted-display at IFA.

There's no UK official launch date or price, but Sony yesterday announced the HMZ-T1 would hit Japan in November for ¥59,800 (£480). And the product's first European outing says to us you'd better clear some funds come Christmas. Continue reading...

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IFA 2011

Europe's biggest show dedicated to consumer technology kicks off in Berlin this week. From the latest tablets and mobiles from HTC and Samsung to the most sumptuous TVs made by the likes of Sony and LG, we'll be on the ground getting our hands-on the gadgets companies hope you'll spend your hard-earned cash on this Christmas. Bookmark this page and return to see what's new every day.

FA Cup to kick off live on Facebook

The FA Cup will kick off on Facebook this Friday. Non-League Ascot United and, appropriately enough, Wembley FC are just 12 games away from lifting the world's most prestigious trophy, and their qualifying match will be the first streamed live on Facebook.

The match is an 'extra-preliminary' qualifying round. There are six qualifying rounds before League 1 and 2 teams join for the first round, and Premier League sides are added in the third round. More than 760 teams have a crack at the cup. Continue reading...

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Doctor Who returns in Let's Kill Hitler on 27 August -- and we've seen it

"You've got a time machine. I've got a gun. Let's kill Hitler!" With those words, Doctor Who blasts back on to UK TV screens on Saturday 27 August on BBC1 -- and Crave got a sneak preview.

Let's Kill Hitler is the rip-roaring opener to the second half of series 6, featuring the return of Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill as the Doctor, Amy and Rory. Alex Kingston is back as River Song, who makes not one but two personal best entrances. Continue reading...

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Movie makers defend 3D, as ticket sales slump

Despite disappointing 3D ticket sales for a slew of recent blockbusters, the wheels haven't fallen off the stereoscopic bandwagon just yet. At least, that was the message coming from movie makers at the recent Big Screen film festival in London.

"It's still early days; give 3D a chance," assorted film makers moaned. But patience appears to be growing thin. Box-office returns continue to indicate that an ever-increasing number of us, tiring of 3D and the associated high ticket prices, are seeking out 2D showings of 3D movies instead. Continue reading...

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Star Wars Blu-ray box set free with Panasonic Blu-ray players

The force is strong with Panasonic Blu-ray players. When you buy an item of the company's new Blu-ray home cinema kit, you'll be rewarded with the original Star Wars movie saga on Blu-ray.

The original trilogy is available with Panasonic Blu-ray players, recorders and home cinema systems. To bag a classic cosmic carve-up, simply buy a BDT110, 210, 310 or PWT500 player; a BWT700 or BWT800 recorder; or a BTT270, BTT262, BTT370, BTT362, BTT775 or BFT800 home cinema system. Continue reading...

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