While there’s a decent number of Sezmi beta testers in the LA region, I’ve yet to actually see the hydrid television service in action until today (from the Bellagio). We’re still looking at a Q1 retail launch, beginning in LA, with other markets to follow in a phased 2010 rollout. Retail hardware consists of the … Read more
In addition to the requisite networking product announcements, Netgear has introduced a refreshed Digital Entertainer at the press conference I’m currently attending. They’ve dropped some hardware from the EVA9150 to hit a lower price point with the Digital Entertainer Express (EVA9100) – which will be available shortly for $229. Unlike the 802.11n found in the … Read more
Syabas, the makers of the Popcorn Hour Media Tank, have announced their intentions to launch a lower-cost media playback device this spring. The Popbox ($130) retains much of the impressive codec and high resolution/bitrate support seen in the Popcorn Hour line, but will also emphasize web content such as Netflix (via “Popapps”) and feature a … Read more
We’ve been hearing of something exciting coming from SiliconDust, the company that brought us the popular HDHomeRun network dual tuner product (a favorite of mine), and it looks like this is the week we’ll be getting the details on it. Over on the SiliconDust forums, the company revealed (screenshot above) they’ll be announcing a new … Read more
With CES nearly upon us, the leaks and pre-announcements continue to pile up. Next is Netgear’s Push 2 TV box, which just hit the FCC. So I helped myself to a few test photos and took a quick gander at the manual. The Intel-based technology sounds a lot like “Projector” functionality offered by SlingCatcher. Basically, … Read more
Being enrolled in auto-pay, I rarely see a cable bill. However, now that Dexter and Californication have come to an end for the year, I took a look at my latest statement before canceling Showtime ($16/mo) earlier this week. When I moved over the summer, from a Comcast region to Cox, I gave up several … Read more
Beyond the WiFi-only iPhone Slingbox client ($30), neutered by Apple and AT&T, it’s been a very quiet year for Sling. No new retail products. Insignificant firmware and software updates to existing products. And fire sale SlingCatcher pricing. Combined with near radio silence, I figured EchoStar has been winding down the Sling line. However, all is … Read more
I can’t even tell you how many television recommendation requests I field. Unfortunately, I don’t always have a good HDTV suggestion, because I’m only paying close attention when it’s time for me to make a purchase. Generally speaking, I steer the less tech savvy/interested friends and relatives towards Costco (or similar) for whatever Vizio LCDs … Read more