Dave’s Holiday Cheer: Winners!

Thanks to all who entered the contest! The winners are: Cory G. Stephen Lemanek Michael Wade To pick the winners I reverse alphabetized all entrants, using the name they published under, to create a numbered list. Then the lucky folks were identified using a random number sequencer.

TiVo Adds Video Blog

Why stop at audio podcasting when you can serve up video? TiVo will begin providing daily Rocketboom broadcast downloads on Monday. Networked Series 2 units are eligible to sign up via this web page or through a new Showcase which will appear on TiVo units tonight.

Even cooler, TiVo is soliciting volunteers to provide content (Engadget, are you listening?) for their “VideoBlog Project” here.

TiVo says: Rocketboom is currently one of the most popular videoblogs on the internet with more daily subscribers for original syndicated multimedia content than nearly any other site, including podcasts. Now, Rocketboom is available on TiVo as part of the TiVo Video Download Trial.

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Anthro’s eNook For All Your Gadgets

Normally I mock all new i- and e- named products… However, I’m willing to make an exception for Anthro’s clever eNook. It looks to be a handy wall accessory for charging and storing all manner of gadgets – and let me tell you, I have more than my fair share. My only experience with Anthro has been positive — from purchase to shipping to typing up this blog entry on a 5 year old indestructible and still pristine computer cart. The eNook’s not cheap at $399, but given the solid construction and durability of my cart it’s probably a safe investment.

Anthro says: It charges, it stores and it fits where you donÂ’t have a lot of room. eNook has channels for you to plug in and charge all of your electronic gadgetry, like your laptop, cell phones, PDAs and digital cameras. Flip it up to store your laptop and lock it out of sight. Or flip it down and you have a handy desk. eNookÂ’s fabric covered back panel even serves as a bulletin board. Choose from different color and fabric combinations to match any decor.

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DCAS To Replace CableCARD In 2008?

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) has reported to the FCC that it is feasible and preferable to move security away from CableCARD and to the Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS). Instead of using a CableCARD hardware key for authentication and decryption, a common security chip is embedded within set-top boxes or televisions will … Read more

TiVo Online Services Priority List

Think those beta pics look slick? If so, register your Series 2 TiVo on the priority list to get Yahoo!, Fandango, Live365, and Podcaster features first! FYI TiVo issued a press release and spoke to USA Today about the new functionality. Additionally, they describe the services here. I’m betting they’re going to sell a lot … Read more

Exclusive TiVo Beta Photos

As previously reported, TiVo is beefing up their HME offerings by centrally hosting applications and partnering with Yahoo! Yahoo! weather, traffic, and photos are available by entering your account info on the TiVo box. Also being previewed are Internet radio (Live365), the podcaster application I saw at Digital Life, Fandango movie tickets, and some various games. Beta testing is scheduled to continue into early 2006.

TiVo’s really starting to hit their stride in adding value over the typical cable-co DVR. Once they bundle these features with the upcoming dual HD tuner CableCARD model, they’ll really have something worth drooling over.

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TiVo CC Tagging Patent Application

TiVo’s got another patent in the pipeline this month. This new patent application describes the use of Closed Captioning meta-data as a means of communicating with the TiVo unit. For example, if the tag embedded in a regular Coke commercial appears during broadcast TV and I’ve opted-in to TiVo’s ad search, my box can replace … Read more

TiVo To Offer Targeted Commericals

TiVo is collaborating with several advertising firms to create searchable, downloadable commercials. The technology will be similar to the existing TiVo Wishlists in that you specify keywords or categories of products and services you’re interested in. When TiVo matches your criteria, the ad is recorded or downloaded via broadband and added to a folder in … Read more