Dave Zatz, Author at Zatz Not Funny!

On The Ground In Vegas @ CES

I’m on the ground in Vegas… and the rumors are true: it’s a sight to behold. They say 2,700 companies are presenting, so I plan to cover them all! ;) Seriously, there’s no way a single person can hit all the big news. My plan is to focus on a few companies that interest me (and you) for publication here on ZNF, while also providing Netgear-specific and meta convention coverage over on Netgear’s site.

CES is not just about product announcements, it’s also about relationships and I intend to meet up with about two dozen people over the week including some of my blogging buddies — Though, it probably won’t get much ink. I’ve already run into Jeremy Toeman, the Capable Networks folks, Gizmos for Geeks, and even swung by Engadget‘s CES command center.

I’ve got a lot of a work to do and a full schedule, so my goal is to skip all parties and forgo the gambling. We’ll see how that works out. YES, Mari will be here too. She’s doing a little consulting for Motorola, but I begged her to write a bit if she can find the time.

Lastly, I’ve already got a few posts queued up and ready to go tonight as embargos lift… so you’ll probably want to check back. The announcements are particularly interesting: One is a little early and wireless, I expected it next year (someone jumped the gun, so I was cleared to post last night). One is little late and somewhat different, I expected it last year. One is right on time, but it’s really two. And NO, none of these are the iPhone and Microsoft didn’t give me a Ferrari laptop.

A few months back, I stumbled upon some patent applications by the Krikorian brothers (AKA Sling Media founders and execs) that alluded to a device designed to receive broadcasts — as opposed to the Slingbox which broadcasts your home television signals.

Apparently they liked my proposed name, as Sling’s newest device has been branded the SlingCatcher. As both a geeky consumer and someone who tracks this space, I feel confident saying this device is huge. The ability to control (it has a remote!) and broadcast my Series3 TiVo in the living room via Slingbox to my bedroom TV via SlingCatcher is awesome. All those digital channels (IFC, NFL, etc) and content stored on the S3 we have in the living room will be accessible in the bedroom. Or at a buddies house. Or in a hotel. Kick ass!

2007 In Preview: All Digital, All The Time

Yesterday, we took a look back at 2006 and concluded high definition reaching a critical mass was the story of the year. For 2007, instead of forecasting the obvious (everyone gets HDTV – for less, digital media is everywhere) or making a bunch of wild predictions (Comcast buys TiVo), Mari and I wanted to focus on two notable dates.

March 1

Come March 1, all televisions and “TV receiver equipment” produced must include a digital (ATSC) tuner. The reason this date is more significant (and more intriguing) than last years deadline to include digital tuners in large TVs is because it encompasses DVRs and placeshifting devices. In 2002 the FCC first proposed staggered tuner deadlines as we transition to DTV and published the final order (PDF) in 2005:

By this action, the Commission is modifying its rules to advance the date on which new television receivers with screen sizes 13-24″ and certain other TV receiving devices such as VCRs and digital video recorders must include the capability to receive broadcast digital television signals from the current date of July 1, 2007 to March 1, 2007. The Commission is also amending its rules to apply the digital television reception capability requirement to new receivers with screen sizes smaller than 13″ on this same schedule. The DTV reception requirement, which also often is termed the “DTV tuner requirement,” is being implemented under an approach that applies it first to large screen receivers and then progressively to smaller screen receivers and other devices over a period of several years. The modifications made herein affect the final step of this phase-in plan. With these changes, the scheduled implementation plan will provide for all new TV receiver equipment to include digital reception capability as of March 1, 2007.

Now there may be some wiggle room in this mandate…

2006 In Review: Higher Definition

Obviously the consumer electronics industry is huge and quickly evolving, so there are numerous products, services, and trends to reflect upon for 2006. Sure we could talk about Apple adding movie downloads from iTunes, the various mergers and acquisitions, PDA phones for the masses, etc… But for me, the real momentum was in the realm of high definition. (And “You” are not the person of the year.)

The major development was the plummeting cost of large screen HDTVs. Plasmas, LCDs, and DLP rear-projection sets all dropped while we simultaneously grew more comfortable with higher price points. When non-geeks have larger, better units than I do (as observed in 2006), it’s safe to say this technology has gone mainstream. (Although, not everyone knows how to get HD programming.)

Also in 2006, the next generation of optical disc technology was released in the form of Blu-ray and HD-DVD. However, neither supplanted DVD last year and it isn’t likely they will in 2007 — due to high prices and a fragmented market. Perhaps hybrid disc technology, such as Warner’s Total HD or LG’s offering, will change the landscape… but not last year and probably not this year.

Digital Media Bytes: TiVo Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… TiVo Series3 Lifetime transfer (for $199) extended: TiVo Lovers Mac TiVo Decode Manager 2.0 released: David Benesch TiVo finances need a tweak: The Street DirecTV TiVo recording issues: DVR Playground New TiVo rebates good through 2/17: PVRWire

Xbox Live + XP Cam Deal

My one month trial of Xbox Live (Gold level) expired last week… Since they hooked me, I started looking for membership deals. Xbox Live Gold is the fee-based service that allows you to compete online, download movie trailers, chat with folks, compare online stats, etc. 12 months of Gold membership retails for $50 — you can buy online through the Xbox or via a retailer.

At the time I ordered, I wasn’t able to find any discounts. However, I did notice the Gold subscription plus web camera for $65 at Amazon (versus the $80 list price). The bundle also includes Robotron and Uno game downloads, a headset (I already have one), and 200 points (~42% of an HD movie rental) — Including the webcam, these seemed like decent bonus items for only $15 over the annual subscription.

The 360 supports video chat and allows you to add your face to some games, such as Uno and the new Rainbow Six. Though… the biggest bonus of all turns out to be the Vision camera (which retails for $40 without Gold membership) also works under XP. Installation is a breeze: Plug it in, then let Windows find the driver online. It’s definitely not a high-end cam (and it has no microphone) but the price is right. The hardware is simple, though it does rotate and pivot — and, surprisingly, it also balanced fine on my LCD. I had fun ~~making faces~~ testing the video with Skype last night (and you can see that I still haven’t shaved).

Why is TiVo.com selling Slingboxes?

Today’s mystery: Why is TiVo.com selling Slingboxes? Interesting… I checked in with both TiVo, Inc and Sling Media yesterday. When asked about the relationship between the two companies, TiVo responded with “nothing formal.” My Sling contact is doing some research and will get back to me. If it is indeed nothing formal, what’s the goal … Read more

Sony LocationFree PPC Player US Release

Third party developer Access will be releasing a Pocket PC software player in the US designed to support Sony’s LocationFree placeshifting hardware (LF-B20). The NetFront LocationFree Player (2.0) should be available any day now for about $20 through Handango and Pocketgear. (For comparison, Sling Media’s PPC player runs $30 direct.) NetFront LocationFree Player for Pocket … Read more