Dave Zatz

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Netflix Watch Now Movie Archive Hack: Brent Evans Third Generation HD DVD Players Get Official: Engadget Watch Out For Wireless High-Def TV: CNET OpenMoko Neo Dev Kit Unboxing: Gizmodo Billboard Hot 100 Chart To Include Online Streaming: paidContent

Dell To Acquire Zing

Guess Dell isn’t done making portable multimedia devices after all, and has announced plans to acquire Zing: In a move that reflects the renewed interest and energy being directed at its Consumer business, Dell plans to use ZING and its capabilities to continue improving the entertainment experiences it provides its customers. What makes this doubly … Read more

TiVo Desktop 2.5 On The Way: Vista, DivX, Xvid, Oh My

As early as tomorrow, TiVo will grace us with Desktop 2.5 (PC) featuring: Support for Windows Vista. Support for DivX and Xvid formats for Web Video Conversions (wrapped in .avi or .divx containers). Convert individual shows from Desktop’s Now Playing list at any time, to any profile, by right-clicking. Web video conversions? Hm! Can we … Read more

Picture of the Day: Death by HD

Looks like the TiVo HD announcement may have already resulted in quite a few Series3 returns (in Oklahoma City). Even with an open box price of $520, the TiVo HD ($299 or less) is a much better value… once those macroblocking issues have been resolved. (Thanks for the pics, JJ!)

Comic-Con on Xbox Live

So I’m about a week late on this one… But over the weekend I was exploring the new video search site VeZoom and stumbled on a Kevin Smith QA session from the San Diego Comic-Con. Which got me thinking – I should go back one of these years. I had a blast the last time … Read more

FiOS TV 2.0 Getting Q4 Update

There’s no denying FiOS TV 2.0 (IMG) looks pretty sharp… Though, like most new products, it does have its share of quirks and could use a bit more polish. Fortunately, Verizon isn’t sitting still and has scheduled a maintenance release for Q4: Scaled video while in the menus finding the next show or movie to … Read more

TiVo HD Software Half Baked?

Megazone, along with others on the TiVo Community, are reporting TiVo HD pixelation (aka macroblocking) on certain stations in conjunction with Scientific Atlanta CableCARDs. I’ve already returned my review unit, so I’m unable to confirm. However, MZ says TiVo is aware of the problem… but cautions: If you don’t want to risk experiencing the issue … Read more