A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our friends at EngadgetHD: TiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 Media Center These are the best DVR options out there for a reason and both are very compelling. While Media Center excels in most areas that count, it is also the hardest to setup and support which means it … Read more
When we last checked in with Monsoon Multimedia at CES, they had unveiled the Volcano “God Box” — a device that intends to do it all: DVR, placeshifting, Internet video, and local media playback. Although they’ve missed their spring target, the rebranded “Vulkano” is now available for pre-order with units expected to arrive early August. Monsoon … Read more
A few weeks back, on the massive AVS Forum thread, I noticed comments of what appeared to be DTVPal DVR close-out pricing. After checking in with a DISH Network spokesperson yesterday, they’ve confirmed that the DTVPal DVR (~$250, no fees) is no longer offered and there are no current plans for a replacement model. The DTVPal … Read more
Western Digital has refreshed their DVR Expander line with a more aerodynamic enclosure and broader marketing… Not only will WD’s new Expander (of same 1TB capacity) meet your external DVR storage needs (DISH, DirecTV, TiVo, SA 8300HD, etc), but they’d like you to also feel free to use their external storage solution with other media-capable devices … Read more
The TiVo Premiere is primed for its third software update since launch, according to tweets from the VP of User experience (here and here). TiVo PR confirmed that a new release is on tap, and as with the prior two pushes, the focus is on enhancing Premiere “stability and performance.” I also asked where the … Read more
For years, I’ve pined for a TiVo-fied television. In fact, Humax was set to deliver a TiVo solution way back in 2005. Unfortunately, the 26″ LCD TV with TiVo DVR capabilities and integrated DVD recorder never made it to market. Last summer, when TiVo and Best Buy hooked up with a pretty expansive dealio, it … Read more
Over the next few weeks, TiVo Premiere owners will start seeing the second promised software update pushed since release. Like the prior 14.1c push, TiVo tells me 14.4 is a patch release designed to improve performance and stability. However, given the larger increment in numbering/naming this is either a very significant build and/or it houses some additional … Read more
After several months of private testing, followed by an open beta, DirecTV has formally introduced their whole-home DVR service. As a fan of the ‘hub and spoke’ digital distribution model, the MoCA-based solution looks quiet compelling. Of course, DirecTV subscribers would need at least one HD DVR. But each additional room (up to 15!) can … Read more