As anyone running freeware HTPC DVR software already knows Zap2It will cease to provide free guide data as of 9/1. While I’m sure there’ll be (already are?) solutions that scrape or import programming info (from somewhere), Schedules Direct is attempting to fill the void with a pay service of $5/mo. Wonder how many PC users … Read more
Missing Remote has put together a 6 month report card on Vista’s Media Center Edition functionality – hype, reality, and conclusions: I’m sure by now you’ve noticed quite a few disappointments on the Vista front, and yet I personally run Vista and am quite happy. To be fair, in addition to the aforementioned “features,” I’ve … Read more
I was surprised to read on Engadget that the latest FairUse4WM may strip video (WMV) DRM too (citing the new BBC iPlayer), so I conducted an experiment (before rolling back Vista). We’d previously purchased three episodes of the second season of Weeds (while waiting for the DVD to be released) via Amazon Unbox for TiVo. … Read more
Now that I’m back home for a few weeks, the time has finally come to remove remove Windows Vista from my desktop. While I appreciate the rich GUI and new functionality (photo gallery), the computer is just too slow to be usable. Plus, my MCE <-> Xbox 360 connection has been unreliable. The media extender … Read more
A periodic roundup of non-iPhone news… coming to you from Amtrak. Growing pains challenge AT&T’s U-verse: Houston Chronicle Comparing Joost, VeohTV, Babgelgum and Democracy: PVRWire Windows Vista Media Center Cumulative Update: Missing Remote PacificNet iMobile broadens TiVo distribution in China: Engadget TiVo CFO lands at LinkedIn: TiVo Lovers
Given the title of this post, you might (correctly) assume that I don’t believe CableCARD PCs matter. Sure there will be a small niche that embraces the technology as a home media center hub, but the average consumer won’t bother overcoming the learning curve and paying the associated premium. It’s nice to hear that CableCARD … Read more
SageTV has announced support for Windows Home Server. Unless they’ve coded some specialized WHS hooks, the functionality was already present… All computer-based media center/DVR software really should be able to utilize external or network storage devices. “We’re excited to work with SageTV and make compelling digital entertainment capabilities available to Windows Home Server customers,” said … Read more
Yahoo is out with a fantasy baseball widget for that 10′ Media Center interface. Both XP and Vista are supported… AND you can use the Xbox 360 as a media extender if the PC isn’t in the living room. Right now it includes live stats and box scores, but “Smack Talk” and exclusive multimedia are … Read more