Zatz Not Funny!

The Slingbox 350 Giveaway

The current generation of Slingboxes arrived about one year ago and, now that I’ve finally begun organizing my gadget laboratory, we’re ready to pass along one of our two review units. Besides the questionable aesthetics, what sets apart the Slingbox 350 and 500 from prior models is the ability to stream in true HD and direct integration of IR-blasting capabilities to control your set-top (without the unsightly cable clutter). While we’re temporarily hanging onto the Slingbox 500, given whispers of compelling updates that we intend to cover, the WiFi-less Slingbox 350 is up for grabs and just as capably allows you to placeshift your home television content. And, unlike my TiVo Roamio Pro, the Slingbox supports out-of-home, PC, Mac, and Android streaming… in addition to Apple platforms (although mobile apps run $15/each).

The giveaway is open to Zatz Not Funny Facebook fans located in the US and you can enter using the embedded widget below. Please be aware that we did crack open the enclosure to identify the transcoding chip — proceed accordingly as we will not be held responsible for burning down your house. Good luck!

The TiVo Roamio Pro Out Of Box Experience

So the plan had been wait until the new year, supposedly when Android streaming and Opera apps arrive, before considering a TiVo Roamio upgrade. Yet a highly compelling discount came my way via an industry pal and, as you can see above, I was motivated to take action.

My initial Roamio Pro experience is quite positive, starting with the lovely packaging which is in a very different league than my Premiere Elite’s nondescript cardboard marketing. Set-top box build quality feel goods and, while it won’t matter to most, the connections around back are better positioned for installation into my very tight, minimalist TV stand. Unfortunately, I’m not (yet?) digging the new RF/IR remote

$22 To Take Your Slingbox or TiVo Mini Wireless

For many years, I’ve relied upon a small ASUS wireless bridge (WL-330gE) for a variety of blog and personal projects around the house. And, frankly, I’m long overdue for a 802.11n upgrade… especially as I consider a second TiVo Mini — in my kitchen, lacking both coax and Ethernet connectivity. I’d originally considered having Verizon wire me up with another FiOS TV jack but, after their recent rate increases, that’s off the table. Powerline is another option, and probably a safer bet than wireless, yet I remain firmly anti-clutter.

So I briefly took a look at ASUS’ latest and greatest portable router (WL-330N), which does indeed add higher speed, greater distance 802.11n capabilities — but at $47 it was a bit more than I cared to spend for this sort of product. Not to mention, configuration of my model has always been something of a pain. Enter the TP-Link TL-WR702N

Moto X Camera: Is Better Good Enough?

Late last week, AT&T Moto X owners were treated to a software update largely focused on improving camera performance. And, having had a unit in the house the last couple weeks, I can tell you its 10 megapixel camera is now more consistent, shot-to-shot, and white balance is more accurate. However, at the end of … Read more

Verizon Jacks Up FiOS TV CableCARD Fees (Again)

Verizon is sending customers links and literature covering updated FiOS TV fees. And, sadly, TiVo owners will be paying the price. Already the most costly provider when it comes to CableCARD rentals, Verizon has jacked up the price, once again, to $4.99/month. By comparison, a DTA set-top box runs a single dollar more at $5.99/month.

Unfortunately, the differential doesn’t logically scale as the cost to replace a damaged or misplaced CableCARD runs $100 whereas the DTA is $175…. leading me to believe this supersized fee for a mere PCMCIA card is both punitive, designed to encourage folks to utilize Verizon’s own equipment, and intended to offset whatever additional support costs Verizon incurs due to (their) activation/pairing issues and the like. Of course, as all who follow this space know, CableCARDs are under attack … by the very same industry that put forth this imperfect technology and, yet, without a viable replacement.

The Vizio Costar Google TV Giveaway

Despite a rocky launch and Chromecast availability, Google TV soldiers on. And, at $100, the Vizio Costar is the most economical of the bunch. After a number of software updates, including availability of a full-on Amazon Instant app, the Costar warrants a look. Also unique at this price point is Google TV‘s HDMI pass-thru functionality, allowing you to overlay the UI on top of another set-top or the HDTV itself – merging multiple sources onto a single television input. Further, the (bulky) QWERTY remote has an integrated IR blaster to potentially control those other aforementioned content sources. Due to a USPS/FedEx shipping debacle along with kind intervention by Vizio PR, we ultimately ended up with two units. Our pain is your gain and this brand spanking new Vizio Costar is up for grabs to Zatz Not Funny Facebook fans located in the US and you can enter using the embedded widget below. The giveaway ends at midnight tonight (EST), so act fast. Good luck!

Why Do I Have to Compromise for a “Mini” Phone?

I am past due for a smartphone upgrade, and my HTC Thunderbolt shows it. But after going big (as in screen size) two years ago to get a phone with Verizon LTE, I’m more determined than ever to find a model this time around that fits a little more snugly in my pocket.

The good news is there are a couple of “mini” Android smartphone models to choose from. The bad news is none of them come with top-of-the-line specs. I don’t need an incredible camera or tons of storage space, but there are other bells and whistles I’d really like to have.

NFC support, for example. Do I need NFC?