ABC Online to Air Shows In HD

Lost

Dedicated to expanding its network and channel brands across multiple platforms and connecting viewers with their favorite shows anytime and anywhere, Disney-ABC Television Group announced today that it will begin to stream content in true high definition resolution this summer on its Emmy Award-winning ABC.com broadband video.

“We are excited to be the first in the industry to stream HD video available on the web, providing ABC.com users with an unprecedented online viewing experience,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney-ABC Television Group. “By continuing to listen to our audience and enhancing our digital offerings with the best technology available, we further strengthen their relationship to our brands.”

Launching as a beta test in early July, the full-episode broadband player’s HD channel will feature a limited amount of content in true high-definition 1280 X 720 resolution from such series as “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Ugly Betty.” In conjunction with the launch of the new season in September, a more robust HD programming lineup will be offered.

“This is all about innovating and creating ‘what’s next’ to give consumers the best experience as they watch our content, regardless of viewing platform,” said Albert Cheng, executive vice president, Digital Media, Disney-ABC Television Group. “With the advancements in display devices and the prevalence of hardware with the processing capabilities to handle this technology, offering true HD content online is a natural.”

Additionally, this fall the ABC.com’s full episode player will be expanded further to included national news and local content, in addition to primetime entertainment programming. This new player will be geo-targeted, offering the ability for local ads and content to be more relevant to each individual user.

ABC.com’s broadband player currently offers full-length episodes in high quality, standard definition resolution of over a dozen series, including “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Ugly Betty,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Notes from the Underbelly,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “According to Jim,” free to consumers on ABC’s website the day after their broadcast premieres.

In April the full-episode player began offering full-screen viewing as well as a small “mini” screen that users can position wherever they choose on their desktops, in addition to the two original standard viewing size viewing options. To date, ABC affiliates covering 80% of the country — including all major affiliate groups and the ten ABC owned stations — have launched or have committed to launching the player on their own websites and are taking advantage of the opportunity to incorporate local advertising into the programming.

Mother’s Day Video Games

I hope everyone is celebrating Mother’s Day in one way or another! It’s important to give your mom presents that she will love. Of course it’s also important that these presents retain some value to you as well. After all those are the best kind of presents. We’ve got three video games that your mom and maybe even you will enjoy together.

Tetris Evolution (Xbox 360):
Tetris is back in Tetris Evolution! Stack blocks onto blocks filling in any gaps and you win! Well the game is never ending so technically you’ll never win… That’s partially why this series is so addicting. It never ends! With HD graphics, online play, 4 player split-screen multiplayer and a price tag of $29.99 it’s a pretty sweet deal.

Tetris Evolution

Lumines (PSP, Xbox 360):
Lumines is another block game that puts gameplay and music together. It’s crazy backgrounds will hypnotize you as you try to match the color of your squares together. The controls are very simple so hopefully your mom won’t be confused by all the buttons on the controller. Lumines is priced around $19.99.

Lumines

Cake Mania (PC):
Cake Mania is a resturant ownership game where you have to bake cakes to fit your costumers desires. If your mom has already mastered fast-paced cooking games like Cooking Mama, Cake Mania is the perfect step up in difficulty. With almost 50 levels Cake Mania is a great value at $19.99.

Cake Mania

If you know of any other video games that mothers would enjoy, feel free to tell us about them by writing a comment.

Stripes (-)

Stripes (-)

Have you ever had one of those movies that you really wanted to see for a long time? Well for me Stripes was one of them. I remember seeing the trailer on the Ghostbusters DVD, thinking that the movie would be funny. Well if finally appeared on On-Demand this month and I have to say that it was not worth the wait. There was absolutely nothing funny in this movie! There came a point in the movie that I realized that the quality of the jokes were never going to improve. It was simply a waste of time, except for the women mud wrestling scene.

Soulcaliber Legends

Soulcaliber Legends

The legendary weapon-based fighting game franchise has been reinvented as NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced Soulcalibur Legends exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. Developed specifically for the innovative console, Soulcalibur Legends fully immerses players in a third person action adventure and takes a unique approach to the series by truly utilizing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. An unparalleled experience awaits gamers when Soulcalibur Legends is released this winter. To date the Soul series has sold more than 9 million units worldwide.”Over the past ten years, since the release of the original Soulblade, the team behind the Soulcalibur series has pushed the envelope of technology and innovation with each iteration,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “With Soulcalibur Legends, they saw the opportunity to once again create an immersive experience that is unique to the franchise.”

In Soulcalibur Legends, follow the 16th century exploits of Siegfried and Soulcalibur characters, new and old as they find themselves on a quest for ultimate power in order to save an empire from destruction. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk as their weapons of choice, players perform moves and combos using orchestrated slashes and movements. Sword fighting capabilities are pushed to the limit as gamers unleash special attacks to crush scores of enemies and large bosses. Earn honored titles such as Knight or Soldier as you master special attacks acquired throughout the adventure while battling through diverse stages and environments. With multiple modes of play and the help of familiar faces, the Soulcalibur universe will be viewed in an entirely new light.