Dave Zatz

HTPC: The Cost of Guide Data

As anyone running freeware HTPC DVR software already knows Zap2It will cease to provide free guide data as of 9/1. While I’m sure there’ll be (already are?) solutions that scrape or import programming info (from somewhere), Schedules Direct is attempting to fill the void with a pay service of $5/mo. Wonder how many PC users … Read more

Xbox 360 Update

Wondering about that Xbox 360 update last week? I was – Major Nelson says it provides support for the upcoming wireless guitars (and a more substantial Xbox update is coming later this year). Though I’ve got to say I’m pretty much over Guitar Hero… and ready for my Rock Band drum set!

Apple Releases My iTunes Badges and Feeds

Didn’t I say Apple would be getting social? Still nothing for Safari though… Hm. Anyhow, this is a small step in the right direction by providing personalized iTunes-related RSS feeds and graphical badges of various categories, color schemes, and sizes. Of course Apple isn’t being entirely altruistic here — they hope to mobilize customers in … Read more

TiVo v EchoStar, Part XVII – He Said, She Said

Speaking publicly on the recent Patent Office decisions… Both TiVo and EchoStar appear to hope for the best while appeasing (or is that calming?) their stock holders via the press. TiVo: “The patent office affirmed the majority of the claims of the patent including two that the jury found that EchoStar infringed,” he said. “The … Read more

Sling Media on The GigaOm Show

In case you hadn’t heard, friend of the site Om Malik recently launched a weekly video show. And one of his very first guests is Sling Media co-founder and CEO Blake Krikorian. Now I’m not going to steal the big boss’s thunder (I work for Sling Media), but Blake’s always entertaining and forthcoming — this … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs. Why is FiOS TV Such a Threat: Connected Home 2 Go Stage6 Traffic Explodes, Every Dream Has A Price: Davis Freeberg HBO Uses Moto for HDTV: Connected Home 2 Go AT&T to Clamp Down on Data Leechers: TechLore America’s High Fiber Diet: Connected Home 2 … Read more

Done Deal: Blockbuster Acquires Movielink

After months of rumors and false alarms, Blockbuster has announced the acquisition of Movielink: With thousands of movies and television shows available in its digital library for downloading, Movielink offers customers the ability to legally download entertainment content for rental (VOD) and for purchase (EST). The acquisition of Movielink, which has VOD and EST license … Read more