Dave Zatz, Author at Zatz Not Funny!

Two Nook Touch Shortcomings

I’m sure many of you are familiar with that gnawing new gadget urge. And it seems to have descended upon me once again. In fact, I’ve blown my own eReader market segmentation theory and have begun contemplating picking up the new greyscale Nook Touch ($139) once it’s released next month. Or perhaps Mom needs a … Read more

Sony Takes On Turtle Beach Wireless Headsets

With all of Sony’s recent security troubles, it’s easy to forget they produce quality consumer electronic gear. Which is probably why they’ve spilled the beans on their upcoming wireless PS3 headset. The $99 accessory, available in September, will beam game audio and provide in-game chat capabilities via a retractable mic. Unlike most PS3 gear, the headset doesn’t look to utilize the console’s integrated Bluetooth – shipping, instead, with a USB adapter to handle the wireless link. While Sony bills it as the “PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset” the cans feature virtual 7.1 surround sound. While it’s too early to comment on quality or comfort, they’ve got audio peripheral company Turtle Beach beat on price and style.

The Future Of eReaders

Earlier this week, Barnes & Noble dispensed with their original, clever hybrid E-Ink+LCD Nook to introduce a dedicated E-Ink eReader. In some respects, it may appear that the Nook platform has devolved. Yet I’m sure B&N has reduced their production costs with the new Nook ($139)… while, at the same time, made the device fully touch … Read more

All The Boxes

The folks behind the Streaming Media East event, that Mari attended, have published their Broadband Device Pavilion device comparison. The matrix provides all sorts of details such as supported formats, max resolution, popular video streaming services, etc on notable platforms including Apple TV, TiVo Premiere, Roku, and Boxee. But don’t take my word for it. … Read more

Hulu Plus on TiVo Now Official

After a few days of inadvertent leaks, Hulu Plus is finally official on the TiVo Premiere.

As regulars know, I’m a Hulu Plus subscriber ($8/month) and this is a welcome platform option (on input one). While EngadgetHD takes issue with TiVo actually delivering Hulu’s interface, I’m happy to see it there. As it indicates someone other than TiVo will be maintaining the app and hopefully keeping it current. In fact, TiVo tells me it’s rendered in Flash… like their very own HDUI (although Hulu Plus can also be launched from the SDUI). It looks sharp. Just like Hulu Plus on every other platform. And, in limited testing, I didn’t notice the prior Roku overscan issues when playing back 720p video.

Having said that, all is not perfect. Hulu Plus shows aren’t yet baked into TiVo’s universal search and there are some strange remote/playback characteristics – stay away from the instant replay button if you have as little patience as I, the Zoom/Aspect button does nothing of the sort, and TiVo’s iPad app backspace key doesn’t seem to work.

Verizon FiOS TV Headed To Roku & PS3?

The GigaOm crew attended a FiOS TV briefing… where they received a demo of Verizon’s FlexView video-on-demand service running on a Roku streamer. I can’t say I’m surprised, as Verizon made their intentions to break free of the set-top box clear back at CES. In fact, they demo-ed live television on an iPad and Samsung … Read more

TiVo Hulu Plus Launch Imminent?

If these marketing materials spotted at Best Buy today are any indication, it looks like the long wait for Hulu Plus on TiVo is nearing an end. Not to mention, www.hulu.com/plus/tivo and the referenced tivo.com/huluplusoffer links are live. Based on what little we can see of the screenshots, Hulu’s UI appears similar to what they offer on … Read more

RCN Confirms TiVo Premiere-To-Premiere Streaming

RCN’s Sr. Director of Video Product and Video Operations, Jason Nealis, has kindly spilled the beans. TiVo Premiere-to-Premiere streaming functionality is indeed included in the 14.8 software update. Perhaps even more significant (to TiVo) is what looks to be a consolidation of the codebase. The fact the RCN-deployed TiVo Premiere DVR hardware is running a similarly numbered software version as retail and now includes the HDUI is notable.

From Jason’s RCN release notes on DSL Reports:

Support for IPAD APP
Support for Multi Room Streaming (versus move of content)
Several Bug Fixes and enhancements
VOD previews
Further TiVo Look / Feel when in VOD Portal

While streaming has previously been alluded to and leaked, not to mention those compelling new clues in the code, we still don’t know when or if the improved multi-room DVR functionality is headed to retail TiVo DVRs.