Dave Zatz

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of non-iPhone news… from our other blogs: Ten Things Only Industry Insiders Believe About CableCARD: Connected Home 2 Go Blockbuster <3 Blu-Ray or Shotgun Wedding: Davis Freeberg Intel on Board with OCAP: Connected Home 2 Go MySpaceTV to Compete With YouTube: Web TV Wire

Picture of the Day: Got iPhone?

I’m still in NYC, and on my one block walk to the Union Square Starbucks this AM I encountered about a dozen folks camping out for an iPhone. Despite all the hype, things seem much calmer than the PS3 and Wii campouts… Perhaps because no one knows (yet) how hard it will be to ebay … Read more

New GPL Due Today

As Todd reminded me (thanks!), the iPhone isn’t the only notable release expected today. An updated version (v3) of the GNU General Public License, which has been in draft form for some time, is expected. Among other modifications, GPLv3 is designed to keep open-source software (such as Linux) open by limiting digital rights management. Not … Read more

Intelliflix Drops Game Rentals

Intelliflix, a Netlix competitor, used to differentiate themselves by offering video games and “mature content” – in addition to standard movie rentals… Well, they’ll still offer the adult stuff. Intelliflix eliminated the game offering for new customers in June of 2007. Due to the continually changing market for games and game consoles, we made this … Read more

Transfer Lifetime TiVo Service

As most of you know, TiVo killed the Lifetime Service option because it wasn’t exactly profitable. (Damn that reliable hardware and replaceable hard drive. ;) ) So I find it particularly interesting to see TiVo offering up a Lifetime Service transfer with an 80 hour dual tuner Series2 for $300. I suppose TiVo wants everyone on newer hardware to experience broadband services, receive ads, and to be tabulated under Stop||Watch. You have until July 23rd to think it over.

The fine print:

Qualify current TiVo DVR
Enter the TiVo Service Number of your TiVo® DVR with Product Lifetime Service ACTIVATED PRIOR to June 15, 2003.

See the pretty picture after the break…

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More Vudu Video-On-Demand Details

Vudu is in town (NYC) and Gizmodo was given a briefing. Back in April I heard the Vudu video-on-demand box would land at a price point competitive with AppleTV ($300-$350). However, Giz now reports the device will be launched later this year “somewhere under $500.” Vudu will have a few things going for it such … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of non-iPhone news… coming to you from Amtrak. Growing pains challenge AT&T’s U-verse: Houston Chronicle Comparing Joost, VeohTV, Babgelgum and Democracy: PVRWire Windows Vista Media Center Cumulative Update: Missing Remote PacificNet iMobile broadens TiVo distribution in China: Engadget TiVo CFO lands at LinkedIn: TiVo Lovers

iPhone Reviews Are In, A Few Surprises

Obviously the iPhone review embargo was lifted last night. I imagine Apple would have liked to hold coverage until the day of or the day before launch, but I have faith their marketing department knows what they’re doing. Perhaps they wanted to leave a little time to announce the Bluetooth earpiece and dock plus surprise … Read more