Dave Zatz CNET Tech News has been available for almost two months on broadband-connected Series 2 units. I regularly watch the weekly 15-minute shows, though I find myself fast forwarding through about 50% of each installment (some of these editors are not meant for TV; I don’t care about Best Buy or Sony commercials). In the latest … Read more
As you may have gathered, I spent a few days in Canada. While taking in Montreal’s Jazz Fest, I noticed XM is a new sponsor this year (XM Canada didn’t exist last summer). I don’t read/speak French, but I picked up a GM/XM brochure which probably says something about 50 vehicles offering satellite receivers. In … Read more
Both TiVo and Netflix posted interesting job openings this week… First up is Netflix, who’s looking to hire an interface engineer. Based on the description it seems they’re interested in exploring Vista’s GUI functionality to possibly produce a front-end for on-line movie distribution. Keep in mind Vista will bundle Media Center Edition features… which currently … Read more
As you probably suspect, I’ve been somewhat ambivalent of TiVo’s expanded/additional in-DVR advertising initiatives. While I support their desire to increase revenue and reach profitability, as a paying subscriber I am leery of ads negatively impacting my DVR experience. Additionally, I have (unfounded?) fears that easy advertising dollars could discourage TiVo from pursuing my VOD/PPV … Read more
Never enough time… back in America! Cable industry and partners want to bury CableCARD. (PVRBlog) TiVo opens system software/bugfix 7.3.1 priority list. (Megazone) Slingbox on sale for $149 at CompUSA and BestBuy. (jkOnTheRun) HDTV picture quality issues and how to fix them. (Popular Mechanics) Archos plans WiFi-enabled PMPs. (Engadget)
Never enough time… in Canada! DVD versus download. (CNN Money) ATI releases Avivo video converter for portables and DivX. (ATI) Comcast buys digital media services company. (GigaOm) Slingbox celebrates first birthday. (Sling Community) Malaysia gets first DVR. (NextNews)
Applian’s SlingCorder has been updated and renamed (at Sling’s request) as the At-Large Recorder. Feature enhancements include repeating scheduled recordings, an updated interface, and the ability to automatically launch the SlingPlayer. It’s a neat little app and does what it says, though my TiVo already does a decent job handling my scheduled recordings. ;) As … Read more
Never enough time… in Canada! Newly manufactured 25″+ TVs must contain ATSC digital tuners starting today. (HD Beat) Ready for TV pop-up advertising? (Tampa Tribune) Catch the Shuttle launch in HD today. (HDNet) Toshiba still wants unified DVD format. (eWeek) MobiTV now available for Windows Mobile 5.0. (Engadget Mobile)