Our model is that we don’t want one Netflix-branded box, we want to see 100 Netflix-capable boxes. We want to be embedded in high-def DVD players, Internet games, dedicated set-top boxes, a wide range of options
Given much of the speculation leading up to this point, I’m somewhat surprised they’ve decided to create a Netflix service rather than their box. However, the strategy makes a lot of sense in limiting risk and maximizing exposure. After all, which companies (other than Apple) wouldn’t want Netflix on their Internet-connected television devices?
LG is up first, and has targeted Q2 2008 for delivery of a Netflix-enabled STB. No other details regarding functionality or pricing were made available at this time. No specific details on video streaming pricing were announced either, though the assumptions (Reuters, AP, NY Times) seem to be that the Netflix streaming service would inherit the current web-based model – either a specific number of viewing hours based on dollars spent monthly, or unlimited content.
First Wal-Mart killed their DVD rental service, and now they’ve shuttered their video download site – prior to it even graduating from beta. Wal-Mart’s eight online customers probably aren’t too upset as they can still: play your videos as many times as you wish on the computer you used to download the videos. I wasn’t … Read more
Initially offered to new customers, Netflix has started providing select, existing subscribers unlimited online viewing. I’m not sure this would be economically viable for Netflix in the long-term… However, I can’t imagine them rescinding the feature once received. Also notable, Netflix’s online library now exceeds “6000 familiar movies and TV episodes.” Possibly related, on December … Read more
The Financial Times reports that Apple and 20th Century Fox have inked a deal to offer movie rentals. In order for this development to be meaningful, two things have to happen: Implement on-box Apple TV ordering Round up additional studios I see both as inevitable – it’s just a question of timing. Most studios haven’t … Read more
Mari’s in town visiting family, so we met up at the Starbucks to share our newer gadgets. Here’s some of the gear we had on hand:
Flip Ultra Video Camera – I believe this was a holiday gift to Mari and what we used to spontaneously film our table. It shoots an hour of 640×480 video for $150 and includes USB plug – no cables required. Interestingly, the Flip has onboard video editing software (which we obviously didn’t use) that runs on a host computer (Mac or PC). I can see many folks making the quality compromise in exchange for the ease-of-use and convenience of this device. Seems like a perfect gift for kids, too.
Navigon 2100 – This GPS unit was a Black Friday gift to myself. MSRP for the unit is $249 and traffic service runs another $99… Thanks to Staples, I picked it up for just $99 total. Both the exterior and the UI are visually appealing, though interface efficiency and number of POIs doesn’t compare to the Tom Tom One or Garmin Nuvi units. But I’ve got text-to-speech. And traffic!
Monster iFreePlay – Another one of Mari’s gifts. The iFreePlay is a stereo headset that an iPod Shuffle clips right into, losing the wires. I’m a fan of smart designs like this (it also folds up compactly), though I can’t say I’m a fan on MP3 players without displays.
Vudu remote – I brought along the Vudu remote for Mari to check out. I’m still digging the contours and scroll wheel for menu navigation. However, rewind and fast forward functionality could be implemented much better. I’d also appreciate IR (rather than RF) and buttons to map for television volume. Actually, the wheel would make a nice volume control.
Zoom H2 Handy Recorder – Mari needed a podcasting tool, and Brad Linder had a suggestion. She hasn’t opened this gift from her husband yet, but I assume we’ll literally be hearing from her in the near future.
Phones – I had three phones in my backpack, plus one in my pocket. Comes with the job! On the table were the Motorola Q 9m and Nokia N95. Mari helped me acquire this Windows Mobile Moto handset, but she’d never actually seen it. The Q 9 variants have some of the best mobile keyboards. The Nokia N95 offers just about every feature (other than a keyboard) and is surprisingly light for its size. Nokia released a firmware update about two weeks ago which I haven’t gotten around to installing yet…
The RIAA may have given up on trying to outlaw DVRs, but that hasn’t stopped them from trying to interfere with your legal right to record content. And when it comes to recording radio, they’ve drawn a line in the sand. Whether its their lawsuit against XM Satellite radio or Creative’s decision to remove FM recording from their MP3 products, there are plenty of examples where the RIAA has used heavy handed tactics to try and stifle innovation.
The RIAA may have been worried about RadioShark, but it was the radio piranhas that were the real threat. While they were busy suing their partners, the open source movement has been filling the stream ripping wake that corporations are now too afraid to touch. By taking such a strong stance against legitimate companies, they RIAA has driven digital recording underground where they’ve now lost all control over it.
Stream ripping software isn’t new, but the functionality has been relatively limited and the interfaces haven’t been ready for the typical user. Screamer Radio is an excellent open source solution for DVR radio, but it lacks the aesthetic appeal and scheduling features that make traditional DVRs so easy to use.
Luckily, the open source community has been hard at work and what Screamer Radio leaves out, RaimaRadio is now bringing to the table. Raima Radio is a powerful freeware program that fuses features like wishlists, program scheduling, and video support with the traditional features of most stream ripping software.
As you can see from the pics below, I’ve gotten the Vudu review unit unpacked and hooked up. The out-of-box-experience (OOBE) is decent and the Vudu build quality looks and feels very nice. The movie selection is quite large, though they don’t offer enough current blockbusters. Not to mention… Like other services, some films are … Read more
A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Send a Free Holiday Email Card With Flickr: Brent Evans Geek Tonic Predictions – MPEG-4, Mobile TV and More: Connected Home 2 Go Impact of the Writers’ Strike on Online Video: Connected Home 2 Go DVDPost Clones Netflix’s Website: Davis Freeberg’s Digital Connection WiMAX and … Read more
