Dave Zatz

Blogging Software Updated

After backing everything up multiple times and to various locations, I’ve upgraded WordPress from v1.5.2 to 2.0.2. Drop me a line if you notice anything out of whack.

Interesting News Dave Hasn’t Covered

Never enough time… Download your TV; the current options. (TechCrunch) ABC.com users watch more than two million streams. (PVRBlog) TV networks blissfully ignore TiVo problem. (CNN Money) Windows Vista requires analog tuner. (jkOnTheRun) Paramount embraces blogosphere. (Technorati)

Harman Kardon Unveils Branded Harmony Remote

Harman Kardon has unveiled the Take Control (TC) 30, a custom branded Logitech Harmony remote. So what features does the $299 TC 30 offer over the similarly designed $99 Harmony 520? A color screen, rechargeable battery with cradle, and four more activity buttons. However… If you’re in the market for a remote with those features … Read more

More Details On TiVo’s Guru Guides Emerge

Remember that Guru Guides feature TiVo inadvertently announced with their updated privacy policy? Well, TiVo just put out a release with the details. Because Guru Guides uses the same technology as KidZone, you won’t see this feature for another few months. Initially subscriptions will be handled via TiVo’s web site, though I expect we’ll ultimately see a HME registration app as with KidZone. Reading between the lines indicates GG has the potential to move beyond television show recommendations and into BrightCove distributed video as well.

TiVo today announced the upcoming launch of TiVo Guru Guide(TM) recommendations. TiVo’s newest feature will be available to subscribers in the coming weeks. It allows TiVo subscribers to discover exciting programming and automatically record great collections of shows, recommended by editorial experts at some of the nation’s top consumer magazines and news sources. Guru Guide(TM) recommendations will create a virtual television channel from each of these authorities, while leaving the ultimate selection and choice to the consumer.

Gurus from Entertainment Weekly, Star, Sports Illustrated, Automobile, Billboard, CNET and others will offer TiVo subscribers program recommendations based on popular television categories including sports, films, music, comedies, drama and more. As an added benefit, TiVo subscribers will be able to automatically record Guru Guide recommendations via the company’s online scheduling feature.

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Electronic Frontier Foundation Gets Cozy With Slingbox

I’m not sure when the site was updated, but the EFF has dropped a Slingbox reference into their “Fair Use” manifesto. Though it doesn’t seem like HBO or others will be waiting until (if?) the “analog hole” is closed before going after Sling. EFF says: If you can see or hear it, you can copy … Read more

DVR Disorder Detailed

I just stumbled across this cute little write up… which many of us can appreciate. The site does require registration, so here’s a convenient link to BugMeNot. Arkansas Democrat says: In time, they start to forget things. Like what day their shows come on – after all, itÂ’s not like they have to remember for … Read more

Altec Lansing XM3120 and Roady XT Review

No sooner had I contemplated the usefulness of the XM3120 did Altec Lansing send me a review sample. The compact speaker dock includes two clear plastic cutouts for either the Delphi Roady XT or the Audiovox Xpress. I’ve enjoyed using it with the Roady XT at work the last few weeks. Not only does it look sharp and sound decent, but I’ve gotten rid of Roady2 home kit cable clutter and bulky computer speakers. The bundled external antenna wisely includes 20′ of cable for placements without window exposure. XM3120 retails for about $100, which compares with the butt-ugly Belkin F5X007. However, Belkin’s offering does come with a remote control — something I’d like to have seen Altec Lansing include.

Getting the XM3120 in the mail was all the encouragement I needed to upgrade from the Roady2 to the Roady XT. As you can see from the pics, the XT is smaller and sleeker. More importantly the FM transmitter is significantly improved, resulting in better reception and higher quality audio coming through my car radio. The display is also noticeably brighter. If you’re in the market for a small plug & play XM receiver, this model with included car kit runs only about $50 – $60 after rebate at places like Amazon and Best Buy or you can pick it up for $48.34 at Walmart without any rebate hassles (which is what I did).

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CNET’s Tech News Goes Live on TiVo

Enrollment and distribution has begun for folks interested in receiving a weekly CNET tech news segment, as announced last month. The service is being offered to both Cox cable customers, and in this case, broadband-enabled TiVo units. CNET had also announced their intention to include advertising, partnering with Best Buy as a charter sponsor. The … Read more