Dave Zatz The NY Times follows up Gizmodo’s scoop today with an effusive article how Vudu will “turn America’s televisions into limitless multiplexes, providing instant gratification for movie buffs”… without mentioning the ITVN, Akimbo, Moviebeam wasteland of products that preceded Vudu. Why would consumers pay $300 – $350 for a box that does one thing: charges for … Read more
In an unusual move for TiVo, they released Desktop v2.4 (PC) software two months ago as a public beta. Looks it went GM a few days ago, though without full support for Vista. (If you can get it to install, try XP compatibility mode.) TiVo Desktop 2.4 adds support for additional PC folders and offers … Read more
While all newly produced televisions require a digital tuner (as of 3/1/07), manufacturers and retailers have been permitted to work through existing inventory. However, in a move to designed to “facilitate the transmission of digital broadcast” the FCC just mandated (PDF) that NTSC-only sets must display a “Consumer Alert” sticker: This television receiver has only … Read more
Gizmodo’s got the scoop on Vudu, an upcoming video-on-demand box. Supposedly the device will launch in June at a higher price point than Apple TV with 7 studios signed as content partners. With the proliferation of cable and satellite VOD/PPV plus Xbox 360 and TiVo now offering movie rentals (and purchases), I just can’t see … Read more
According to the SF Chronicle, Justin.TV will be looking for a new set home. I still find the whole thing absurb… Complaining of raucous parties and other disruptive behavior, the landlord of the San Francisco high-rise that has become a familiar backdrop to the online reality television show are bouncing the four-guy startup from the … Read more
I just received word that Woot is blowing out refurbished Slingbox Classics for a low $70. As with all Woot deals, this is one day only and while supplies last. To answer the obvious question: A primary difference between the Classic and the current lineup is resolution. The new boxes broadcast at higher resolutions up … Read more
Well lookee what I just found… TiVo’s 8.3 software build (which hit Series2 units recently) has now arrived on my Series3. Waiting for TiVoToGo and Multi-Room Viewing? Yeah, me too… and we’re going to keep waiting. In addition to what I assume are several under-the-hood bug fixes, this update includes More Options for programming, a … Read more
We’ve seen BitTorrent companies strive for respectability (here and here), and now we’re seeing a legit company descend into the murk. There’s probably some unpirated media to be found on BitTorrent, but who are they kidding? Akamai’s FoxTorrent Firefox extension is now available and was obviously included in the $15 million purchase price of Red … Read more