Dave Zatz I’ve long been a proponent of the ability to transfer digital content licenses — not only is it obviously good for us consumers, in mirroring the ways we traditionally manage physical media, but I believe it also benefits rights holders by staving off piracy and building loyalty. While we’ve yet to see many mainstream implementations, … Read more
You know that experimental TiVo pricing, intended to run only a week? Well, TiVo must have found some success offering Premiere hardware and service for $20/month, with zero cash up front. As they’ve launched a national infomercial (above) to highlight the promotional plan – which is obviously still in play (and includes a bonus 6 months … Read more
Well, this is unexpected. When Vudu dramatically shifted course to de-emphasize their own hardware in favor of a licenseable software platform, I figured their original set-top would wither and die. As it turns out, the companies did right by their customers and have ported the newer appilicious Vudu experience in its entirety to the early … Read more
Starting tomorrow, PS3 owners slightly inconvenienced by running Netflix instant streaming off disc will be treated to a native app on Sony’s more-than-gaming platform. And it’s not just any ole’ Netflix app, as this will be the first to feature (up to) 1080p video content and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Score! Even if you don’t … Read more
Thanks to Hulu, an obvious studio pawn acting on Fox’s direction, we got a brief glimpse into what a non-neutral network future might look like. As you’ve probably read (or possibly experienced) Cablevision and Fox-parent News Corp are renegotiating retransmission terms. And, as Mari suggested last week, these battles have gotten nasty. With the current dust … Read more
TomTom has released a fairly major update to their iPhone GPS app, with the headliners being higher resolution imagery for iPhone 4 owners and updated maps for all. And, in the novelty category, TomTom has introduced a navigate-to-photo feature. Not sure we’ll ever need or use that, but we are glad to see smoother, more … Read more
As expected, the FCC met yesterday and ordered some short-term CableCARD adjustments in the name of reform. But, while I’m glad to see these issues in the forefront, I’m doubtful this moves the needle in any significant way. We’re still left with flakey SDV tuning adapters, a generation of hobbled S-Card HDTVs, and non-“cable” television providers, … Read more
It’s been a long road to dedicated hardware for Boxee fans. Announced in 2009, the (first) Boxee Box was expected to hit earlier this year… but was later delayed until November. Things appeared on track when Amazon began accepting pre-orders ($200) in September. However, those folks are receiving email notices stating: We’re still trying to … Read more