Giving Thanks For Disposable Income

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Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. I’m told these winter traditions were once about family, related to historical and religious events. But I’m only aware of breaking out the plastic to get some serious shopping done.

Today, once referred to as Thanksgiving, is Black Friday Eve – when merchant circulars showcasing tomorrows deals hit – and in keeping with tradition, I do give thanks. Many specials have been leaked online in the weeks leading up to the big event, but what’s new this year is that many deals are available via the web (as early as: RIGHT NOW) without waiting for that blasphemous Cyber Monday.

So what are we getting?

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Roxio Updates TiVoToGo Software

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TiVoBlog reports on Roxio’s Toast (v8) and Popcorn (v3) software updates that resolve TiVoToGo troubles introduced with the TiVo 9.1/9.2 Fall Update:

  • TiVo recordings created after TiVo’s Fall 2007 DVR update will no longer cause the application to hang during encoding
  • Resolves issue that may result in failed transfer of recording from DVR
  • TiVo recordings will be displayed with correct metadata
  • TiVo HD recordings now play back at correct speed

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Apple iTunes Set For Movie Rentals?

Thus far, Amazon Unbox and Netflix Watch Instantly have been the online movie rental leaders. Well, according to Evan DiBiase, the latest version of iTunes hides a little surprise. iTunes 7.5 contains strings (rental-content, rental-bag, source-rental-info, dest-rental-info, etc) related to video on demand rental functionality! This would be a great addition by Apple and would … Read more

TiVo and Roxio Acknowledge TiVoToGo Troubles

Both TiVo and Roxio have acknowledged what many of us have known for some time (PVRBlog, TiVo Community, Roxio Support Forums, several emails): TiVo’s fall software update (9.1/9.2) included some sort of change which impacts a percentage of TiVoToGo file conversions and DVD burning from Mac Roxio software. So I checked in with both TiVo … Read more

Deal of the Day: $40 off OS X Leopard

While browsing the beautiful new Micro Center (Rockville, MD) yesterday, I ran across a pretty sweet deal on Mac OS X Leopard. Assuming you’re not one of the millions who’s already upgraded, Micro Center’s $40 rebate is being offered both in-store and online though 11/11. While Spaces appeals to me, I haven’t really felt the … Read more

iTunes Radio?

If you’ve been paying attention, you know I like the idea of subscription-based content services – specifically, movie rentals and all-you-can-eat music. And here we were with another rumor that Apple could be moving in this direction. According to updated AT&T iPhone data plan documentation: Consider that just 20 minutes of iTunes radio takes 20MB … Read more

Apple Says No To Cash

According to Bloomberg and AP reports, as of 10/25 Apple is only accepting plastic for iPhone purchases “so sales can be tracked.” While Wired doesn’t believe this is illegal at a Federal level, I imagine there are jurisdictions where refusing cash is prohibited. In reality, this restriction won’t negatively impact many – However, and regardless … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Gaming on the Set-Top: Connected Home 2 Go Watch Ripped DVD’s Using Front Row: Brent Evans Geek Tonic Damned Lies and DVR Statistics: Connected Home 2 Go MoCA 1.1 and In-Home Networking: Connected Home 2 Go