Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Netflix Previews signal upcoming download service: Hacking Netflix Microsoft patents DVR targeted advertising: Engadget Delphi SkyFi3 reviewed: Orbitcast 12 days of Sling Media giveaways: Sling Community

TiVo Heads South Of The Border

Cablevision has entered into a relationship with TiVo to distribute Spanish-language DVRs to their Mexico City customers in the first half of 2007. No bundled hardware/service pricing details or technological specifics were given. (Which units? Will TiVo have an operations center in Mexico? Will TiVo software ultimately run on hardware Cablevision provides? etc.) When I … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Sling Media partners with UK mobile provider: Sling Community The story of CableLabs certification: Chris Lanier Digeo-Gemstar battle continues: PVRWire 1080p not “an important factor” in HDTV purchases: EngadgetHD Disney sells 5 million copies of Cars in 48 hours: AppleInsider

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Live NASA broadcast from Space Station in HD: EngadgetHD Most PVR users watch recorded shows within three days: PVRWire How to improve the music cellphone: LiveDigitally Comcast adds HD art-on-demand: Press Release Internet TV directory beta application released: tVadio

CE Under the Tree (or Hanukkah Bush)

In the midst of today’s gadget-opia, you’d think it would be easy to pick out CE gifts for the holiday season. But the NPD Group suggests that consumers will be shunning electronics this year in favor of more �traditional� gifts like clothing and toys. And I’m not surprised. While there are plenty of new and … Read more

Dave Researches TiVo v EchoStar

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While everyone was busy discussing TiVo’s new pricing scheme yesterday, I was downtown at the US Court of Appeals researching TiVo v EchoStar. For whatever reason, many documents from this Federal Circuit court haven’t made it online — Fortunately, the building is just a short subway ride away and photocopies are only 15 cents a page. Without seeing the documents we’ve speculated on the rationale behind the extension/delay, but now we’re a little more informed. EchoStar justifies their 10/16 motion for an extension due to several appeals that should be combined, outstanding motions in district court must be ruled on, and that their legal team is very busy with other cases. TiVo’s reply on 10/19 argues damages will continue during an extension and that the schedules of Echostar’s lawyers are irrelevant.

I’ve passed these documents on to my secret agent for a more thorough analysis and expect I’ll be picking up soon-to-be released documents within in the next week. When will it end!? One ZNF reader theorizes, “I’ve mapped out the major milestones in the RIM lawsuit as signposts to the TIVo one. If that’s any indication, it won’t be resolved until 2008… and settlement will be at a much higher dollar amount.” Stay tuned…

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Happiness is a DVR in Election Season

I’m not the only one who’s noticed how nice it is to have a DVR during election season. Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey are battleground states for several Congressional seats, and I’ve never been happier to be able to skip through a series of ad campaigns. Personally, I know where my votes are going, and … Read more

TiVo Raises Rates (In Time For The Holidays)

Both standard monthly fees and multi-unit discount rates have gone up, effective this month. It’s still possible to lock in the previous rates if you commit to three years of service (and face a $150 early termination fee). But you better believe my SD TiVo units are not going to be around (or subscribed) for … Read more