"Golly, them-there Blu-ray players with Internet apps sure are neat!" But what if your web-enabled Blu-ray player didn't offer online video streaming from de rigueur sources such as Netflix, Hulu/HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, Comedy Central or YouTube when you bought it, and no appropriate firmware update is being offered?
Orb Networks claims to have the solution, with their Orb BR Software. The idea is simple enough: We insert the Orb BR Software CD into the slot/tray of our Internet-connected Blu-ray player or Sony PlayStation 3, and via now-common BD-Live technology (BD Profile 2.0), our current console now supports a host of online entertainment services.
The software will be priced at $19.99 when it arrives late next month, offering a cost-effective way to upgrade to some of the most buzzed-about new ways to access premium content around the clock, without ever getting off the sofa. (Once you've inserted the disc and sat back down, that is.)
To gain the full Orb BR experience, users need to download the free Orb Caster app to their host PC or Mac, and the equally free Orb Controller app to their smartphone (iPhone or Android) or similar device (iPad or iPod touch). The Orb Controller app features a comprehensive index of TV programs, allowing consumers to type in the name of a show before Orb locates it across any available online source, even if we don't specify ABC.com, CBS.com, etc. I should point out that I have not personally tried the Orb BR software, but my recent experience with Google TV makes me a little skeptical. However, since the PC is actually the client here, with the software relaying streamed content over your home network to your player, this may avoid the content blocking problems of Google TV. Paid rentals are also available via the premium services mentioned above.
Although Orb is currently mum on specific Blu-ray hardware that will be compatible with their BR software, the company's plan is to support all players that offer BD Live functionality, wired or wireless. They have allegedly lab-tested an extensive list of players and will continue to do so as more are released.
Orb BR supports high-definition video output at 720p and 1080p resolution.
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