ZillionTV Gives Up on 2009

A Q4 2009 release has morphed into a second half of 2010 launch as, I assume, ZillionTV struggles to find distribution partners, perhaps feeling threatened by local broadcasters which don’t appreciate the studio-backed over-the-top video STB encroaching on their turf. I also assume their business plan of a free box streaming ad-supported content will be … Read more

Digital Media Bytes: CEDIA Media Center Edition

Since EngadgetHD has yet to post a round up of their CEDIA coverage (the show floor is still open), I wanted to highlight some of the Media Center news. I can’t say it’s lived up to Ben Drawbaugh’s predictions or my lofty expectations. As I tweeted after Microsoft’s off-site event earlier this week, “The news … Read more

ZNF ‘Round The Web

Leaving comments across the blogosphere… For Plasma TVs, Being Better Isn’t Enough You talk as if plasma is a company or brand. Most manufacturers of plasmas also offer LCDs as you mentioned, including Panasonic. And it’s pretty easy for any of these guys to slap their brand on someone else’s hardware until they ramped up … Read more

Blockbuster Bleeding DVD-By-Mail Subscribers

Photo by RocketRaccoon Just in case you think Blockbuster’s problems are isolated to a declining video store industry, I’d encourage you to take a closer look at their latest 10-Q filing. Despite there being clear growth in the DVD by mail category, Blockbuster is hemorrhaging subscribers. In fact, the percentage of people giving up on … Read more

Regarding that Xbox Netflix Streaming Exclusivity

By and large the blogosphere doesn’t seem to have much of a long term memory if the excitement regarding Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Netflix streaming exclusivity language is any indication. A refresher: In addition to the “exclusive agreement” and “exclusive partnership” language found in Microsoft’s July, 2008 press release announcing Netflix streaming on the 360, it doesn’t get any clearer than this:

Xbox 360 will be the only game system that lets users instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix.

Of course, exclusivity deals aren’t necessarily perpetual (just ask AT&T). And we know Netflix has run a few customer surveys and a suggestive employment opportunity pointing towards possible PS3 and/or Wii support. But, for now, Microsoft obviously still has the gaming console space locked up. Which works for me.

Read more

What’s Next For Roku? 5 Suggestions.

I love my little Roku box. The Roku Digital Media Player ($99, Amazon), which began life as the Roku Netflix Player, streams Netflix content (free for subscribers) and Amazon video on demand (VOD). Standard def was decent, but both are now available in HD (720p). Sure, it’s not Blu-ray but it’s good enough for many. … Read more

Netflix Hits “Start Over” on Popular ABC Series

Netflix is on a roll. In addition to the fact that the movie rental service may be launching an iPhone/iPod app in the future, Netflix announced a deal with Disney today to add ABC shows to its list of Watch Now content. As NewTeeVee reports, the first five seasons of Lost, seasons four and five … Read more

Netflix Streaming to iPhone & Wii?

Multichannel News is out with a compelling Netflix report rumor: The company will soon offer the Watch Instantly video-streaming feature on Apple iPhones and iPod touch devices and the Nintendo Wii gaming console, according to an industry executive familiar with Netflix’s plans. We’ve seen the Wii pop up as a potential Netflix streaming video destination … Read more