Dave Zatz

Yahoo Go TV Gets Update, Supports More Tuners

If you recall, Yahoo purchased Meedio and then promptly released a beta of Yahoo Go TV. The beta was impressive, but a little rough around the edges (it is pre-release software, after all) — tonight’s update responds to some of the original complaints by adding support for additional tuners while improving responsiveness and consistency through-out … Read more

Amazon “Unbox” Video Downloads Launched

Amazon has jut launched their video download service, consisting of both movies ($10 – $15/ea to purchase) and television shows ($2/ea). Purchased shows can be archived to DVD, but are not playable on set-top boxes. Rented movies must be watched within 30 days, and once started must be completed within 24 hours like similar services … Read more

TVedia Media Front-End Reviewed

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HTPC enthusiast Eirik Solheim spent some time with TVedia and came away very impressed, despite the software’s lack of DVR functionality. However… What immediately caught my eye was the Amazon affiliate advertising built into the interface (in addition to the $35 software fee). I exchanged a few emails with Eirik who informed me the “feature” is optional and sent along a screenshot showing how users can toggle the ads. It’s an interesting strategy and well executed given TVedia’s spartan interface and disable options.

Eirik writes: TVedia is a media center frontend with some extremely interesting networking functionality and a very nice interface for YouTube, Google Video, Flickr, LastFM and other media related web sites. I recently gave it a run on my Windows Media Center Edition box. So far this is one of the most interesting products I have seen in this space for a long time! The music library, networking and online features are way better than what I am used to in MCE.

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Email of the Day: Dave’s a TiVo Chump?

I get tons of blog-related email, but this one really stands out for its length, passion, lack of spell check, and frequent use of the word chump. ;) Dave, Hey chump……I think you need to try a 622 hddvr which cost me exactly $0. Chump….did you even realize that the 622 has a 300gb hard … Read more

Interesting News Dave Hasn’t Covered

Never enough time… back home. Sprint thinks you’ll rent feature-length films on your cell phone. (Engadget) TiVo puts investors in suicide squeeze play. (Davis Freeberg) Nero adding PVR and video streaming functionality. (eHomeUpgrade) TiVo showcases CBS’s new fall season. (PVRWire) SanDisk V-Mate records video to memory cards on demand. (SanDisk)

Interesting News Dave Hasn’t Covered

Never enough time… in Vegas! Second gen HD-DVD player unveiled. (HD Beat) October 3rd Declared “Day Against DRM.” (Defective By Design) Windows Media Player 11, Beta 2 released. (Sean Alexander) Movielink reviewed. (Business Week)