Leaving comments across the blogosphere…
Can a projector really serve as my main HDTV?
For several years I ran a 720p projector as my main ‘HDTV’ – with a 10′ wide screen. Was pretty awesome for movies, sports, and Xbox/Dreamcast. But back then my main source was an HTPC that was a PITA to maintain. The HTPC situation is better these days and there are more ways to use a projector with exiting STBs (think HDMI) than there were back in 2001. However, you still probably need a dedicated or specialized room for maximum enjoyment.
Attention, Analog TV Holdouts: You Have Until June 12th
I believe the revised legislation still permits broadcasters to flip the switch prior to June 12th. And this would cause much more disruption than a true hard date. What’s Grandma going to do when some channels come in, but not all? Probably leads to more confusion. I hope all stations pulling the plug on a NTSC simulcast choose to run some sort of repeating PSA or video crawl, for a period of time, saying to go buy a converter and call your grandson to help install it.
Netflix movie downloads are a success on Xbox 360
While there’s no question these numbers are staggering and kudos are deserved, I wonder how we should define “success” (as stated in headline) of this service. Do we know if Xbox Gold subscriptions have increased? Do we know if Netflix subscriptions have increased? Licensing and serving all this video is expensive, and I’m not convinced Netflix’s current ‘unlimited video, no extra charge’ model is sustainable. Although, I think we can all agree the content selection is somewhat lacking… and that’s one way they’re saving money.
Allio Packs a PC Into Its TVs
The processor should be fine, but Vista is another story. Too bad Windows 7 isn’t ready yet. The bigger problem here is conceptual. Am I going to be able to see the text in my email when it’s a split screen from 10′ away on the couch? Do I even want to try? “WebTV” variations have repeatedly failed. Having said that, using this as an all-in-one Vista Media Center could be compelling. Does the PC have access to the tuner?
GeekTonic on the EngadgetHD Podcast
I wish all podcasts were automatically transcribed. I enjoy reading and I enjoy video, but I can’t sit still and just listen. Plus, I can’t multitask and listen while doing other things. I’m probably missing out on some good stuff. Perhaps if I resume commuting by car, I’ll re-engage.
FYI NewTeeVee checked back in with Allio and the tuner canNOT be accessed via Vista Media Center. That’s pretty weak and kills what could have been a compelling solution.
Re: Netflix downloads
I totally agree with you last statement. They should be able to run this service indefinitely with the current bare-bones selection of movies.
I find about 10 hours a week to listen to podcasts. Whenever I go anywhere (usually walking or taking the subway). I have speakers rigged in the bathroom. I plug the iPhone in while and listen to podcasts as I shower and go about my morning routine. I listen to podcasts while doing household chores.
I agree with you though Dave, I can’t just sit and listen.
As I’m typing this live.twit.tv is playing on my iMac. In fact it’s usually on all day. Leo Laporte’s live podcasts and reruns are playing almost constantly. I don’t listen directly to it … they sink in by osmosis as I’m doing other things. I only shut it off when I have a conference call or something really needs extreme focus.
I do the same thing with podcasts on iTunes – the 2nd tier podcasts that are not critical. I let them run in the background.
…Dale