This Week in Engineering

I’ve been off working on other people’s blogs, so here are some of this weeks interesting engineering stories:

• Sony Sets its Sights On News Automation Biz
• CBS: No 3D Broadcasts Without Sponsor
• Mobile DTV: In search of a business model

Sony Googles TVs

Sony has announced four new TVs plus a Blu-ray player with built-in Google TV. The models will come with built-in Wi-Fi and a RF QWERTY keypad remote.

The models will be able to download content from the Android Market early in 2011. Sony also says that the Intel® Atom® powered models will “also feature Dual View, allowing users to watch television while tweeting about what they’re watching, checking their fantasy football scores, or finding related content on the web.”

(Engadget has a hands-on review.)

The Sony models join the previously announced Logitech “Revue” Google TV box.

IFA: 3D Adds Depth to TV Landscape

Chris Nuttall of the Financial Times filed this report from the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. Nuttall said that the rumored Toshiba eyeglass-less 3D TV was not demoed. The report also had a list of what Nuttall considered to be the “best gadgets” at the show, including Apple’s “Apple TV”.

Graeme Wearden of The Guardian also highlighted Panasonic and Sony’s 3D announcements including a 3D projector by Sony. Panasonic announced a 3D IPTV service that would allow stereo movies to be downloaded to it’s TVs and Blu-ray players.

And for a more pessimistic view, see Harry McCracken’s blog post.