FCC Orders CableCARD Reform

As expected, the FCC met yesterday and ordered some short-term CableCARD adjustments in the name of reform. But, while I’m glad to see these issues in the forefront, I’m doubtful this moves the needle in any significant way. We’re still left with flakey SDV tuning adapters, a generation of hobbled S-Card HDTVs, and non-“cable” television providers, … Read more

Google TV- Looks Fun, Not Sure It’s Useful

Since Dave quoted me in his last post, I figured I’d better weigh in officially on the Google TV debate. First, I’m surprised everyone is so taken aback by the price. Given the amount people are willing to spend on new iPads, smartphones, and game consoles, $300 (Logitech Revue) doesn’t seem unreasonable to me for … Read more

HDNET Coming To New Comcast Markets This Week?

Online rabble-rouser and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced back in May that several new Comcast markets would start carrying the HDNET channel this year. Now, reports on several user forums suggest the launch is likely to happen this week in Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle. (The Chicago area reportedly started seeing rollouts … Read more

The TiVo Updates of the Week (Samsung, MoCA)

I’m not sure either of the recent TiVo (pre)announcements warrant an independent post, given the company’s typical long lead between partnership revelations and tangible products. However, given the pings and forum chatter, they’re probably worth touching on briefly as part of a larger ‘week in TiVo’ post. First, at IBC TiVo and Samsung announced that … Read more

3D College Football Starts Today

I’ve never been much of a college football fan, preferring to wait for the NFL season to start. But for those NCAA football lovers, you can now get 3D coverage of select games from ESPN. The sports network kicks off 3D college football tonight at 8 ET with the game between Boise State and Virginia … Read more

Roku Drops Prices… Ahead of Apple TV Refresh?

Roku may be responding to competition from Sony and others (rumors of a refreshed Apple TV/iTV with Netflix streaming) with a decent price drop on their popular streamer boxes: Roku SD Player is now $59 (was $79) Roku HD Player is now $69 (was $99) Roku HD-XR Player is now $99 (was $129) Add to … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Are You Ready for Some (3D) Football? Verizon has announced it’s bringing football into the action with a 3D broadcast of the pre-season NFL game between the Giants and the Patriots on September 2nd. A Content War: Retransmission, TV Everywhere and Tru2way Content providers and … Read more

Ceton Quad CableCARD Tuner Arrives (For Real)

It’s here. Ceton’s quad-CableCARD tuner, aka InfiniTV 4, has finally started shipping to those who pre-ordered – and the first few end user hands-on reports are trickling out. The Ceton tuner is unique for the following reasons: There aren’t a lot of choices at the moment for CableCARD tuners.  So anytime we see a company willing … Read more