Gefen DVR Records HD via HDMI

We’ve discussed this unit a few times in the comments, and I finally managed to get my hands on the Gefen HD PVR ($999). It was announced last summer, and Gefen intended to ship prior to the end of 2007. I’m not actually sure if they made their target, but they’re definitely shipping now in … Read more

U-verse Update

AT&T’s John Stankey presented to investors earlier this week – among the things he talked about are upgrades coming this year to the U-verse IPTV service. New features seem to roughly track with what Dave reported last June. Whole-home DVR is scheduled for the second half of 2008, though Stankey mentioned “mid-year” so the guess … Read more

Advertisers Strike Back

ABC and Cox Communications have announced a new VOD service that will let cable subscribers watch primetime network shows any time they want. The catch? No fast forwarding through commercials. This project seems similar in approach to Time Warner’s network-DVR applications, Start Over and Look Back: It gives consumers more control over access to content, … Read more

Hauppauge Component HD Encoder Update

Rakesh from Snapstream has the latest scoop on Hauppauge’s soon-to-be-released HTPC HD PVR device that will encode high definition component input via a cable or satellite set-top box using H.264 at up to 25 Mbps: Includes Hauppauge’s IR blaster with code library It accepts component video up to 1080p The hardware is “basically done” and … Read more

Breaking News: TiVo v EchoStar

I just got off a plane in Minneapolis and will be tied up most of the day, but learned that the US Court of Appeals has rendered their decision (on testimony I attended). I haven’t had a chance to peruse the document, but here’s a cut & paste of the conclusion:

In sum, because of a failure of proof of literal infringement, we reverse the judgment of infringement of the hardware claims with respect to all of the accused devices. We remand for any further proceedings that may be necessary with respect to those claims. We affirm the judgment of infringement of the software claims with respect to all of the accused devices. Because the damages calculation at trial was not predicated on the infringement of particular claims, and because we have upheld the jury’s verdict that all of the accused devices infringe the software claims, we affirm the damages award entered by the district court.

The district court’s injunction was stayed during the course of these proceedings. The stay that was issued pending appeal will dissolve when this appeal becomes final. At that time, the district court can make a determination as to the additional damages, if any, that TiVo has sustained while the stay of the permanent injunction has been in effect.

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A Verizon FiOS TV Update

Just a quick FYI… I’ve heard from my contact at the Verizon Policy Blog that as of today, all FiOS TV customers should be running the latest Interactive Media Guide (IMG) software. In the next month or so, I’ll journey back up to Verizon’s HQ and get the dirt on their next revision. If you … Read more

Digeo Cuts Moxi Staff. And Product Lineup.

Whoa. I’ve questioned Digeo’s retail strategy in the past and it looks like the hammer just came down. CEO Mike Fidler (who I’ve enjoyed speaking with on a couple of occasions) has chosen to step aside and half the staff was cut today. Less clear is which of their upcoming retail products have been axed: … Read more

Digital Media Bytes – Motorola CES Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Motorola Mobile TV DH01: Media Experiences 2 Go Motorola MPEG-4 Set-Top Boxes: Media Experiences 2 Go Motorola WiMAX Displays at CES: Media Experiences 2 Go Motorola Cable Modem with DECT Phone System: Media Experiences 2 Go