Dave Zatz

Verizon FiOS TV 2.0 Q4 DVR Update Rollout Begins

I’ve just received word that Verizon’s eagerly anticipated Q4 FiOS TV 2.0 update has started rolling out. Tampa Bay, Fort Wayne and Pittsburgh customers may have received the refreshed software as early as this morning, and all other Interactive Media Guide (IMG) regions will receive it over next several weeks. The update consists primarily of … Read more

TiVo & Nero Collaborate on PC DVR Software

This can’t be good news for Beyond TV, SageTV, and ReplayTV… TiVo’s entering the PC software DVR market (!) with Nero at an unspecified time and price. A few years ago, perhaps before current CEO Tom Rogers took the helm, PC DVR software was alluded to at a conference call – But I had assumed … Read more

SageTV HD Extender STX-HD100 Details Emerge

After months of hearing their customers clamor for more juicy information and photos of the upcoming SageTV HD Extender, SageTV posted many STX-HD100 media extender details on the forums yesterday.Like Microsoft’s Media Center extenders that were sold for the old XP version of Media Center, the STX-HD100 is made specifically to stream content from a … Read more

PSP Game Download Store Launches

I was fired up when I read about Sony’s new PSP web-based game download service last week. In fact, I’d expected Sony to take advantage of the PSP’s WiFi connectivity much earlier to provide both game downloads and video downloads, leveraging their catalog of movie and television content. But, therein lies the rub… The new … Read more

The NCTA & TiVo Confirm SDV Dongle For 2008

TiVo and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have confirmed a switched digital video (SDV) dongle is in under development which will allow retail CableCARD devices (like the TiVo HD and Series3) to receive SDV digital programming: The adapter will work on any Unidirectional Digital Cable Ready Product (UDCP) that has a USB connector … Read more

TiVo Gets Canadian Retail Presence

TiVo, Inc. long ignored the Canadian marketplace. In fact, like the Australians, the Canadian marketplace consisted of imported boxes to be hacked for free (and local) guide data. More recently, TiVo did make legit service and guide data available to Canadian customers – though I believe units were only available for online ordering or required a … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Blockbuster’s Rental To Retail Paradigm Shift: Davis Freeberg’s Digital Connection DVR + VOD = Less Live TV: Connected Home 2 Go Consumers Watching TV on Network Websites: Connected Home 2 Go Make a Life Timeline For Organizing Photos: Brent Evans Greek Tonic HDTV Football Versus … Read more

Giving Thanks For Disposable Income

Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. I’m told these winter traditions were once about family, related to historical and religious events. But I’m only aware of breaking out the plastic to get some serious shopping done.

Today, once referred to as Thanksgiving, is Black Friday Eve – when merchant circulars showcasing tomorrows deals hit – and in keeping with tradition, I do give thanks. Many specials have been leaked online in the weeks leading up to the big event, but what’s new this year is that many deals are available via the web (as early as: RIGHT NOW) without waiting for that blasphemous Cyber Monday.

So what are we getting?