The retransmission battles between content owners and pay-TV providers typically get covered in two ways. There’s the angle about how consumers might miss an important football game because of corporate bickering, and the one about about how higher programming fees are translating into higher cable bills. What doesn’t get covered as often is why retransmission fights … Read more
Over at EngadgetHD, Ben D wonders if the FCC will make any meaningful improvements to the CableCARD quagmire and retail STB accessibility when they convene on Wednesday. I don’t have the energy or time to rehash all my thoughts on where we are and how we got here. And don’t imagine the FCC has the … Read more
It’s slow news Sunday and I’m on the road, so we don’t have much for you. However, while perusing the iPhone App Store this AM I noticed All Things Digital is an Apple Staff Favorite. Hm, wonder which one? And last night, while blowing time in an AT&T Store, I was mildly amused by the … Read more
After months of speculation and rumor, Qualcomm has officially announced their intentions to draw down the FLO TV service… assuming a buyer can’t be found: While this process continues, we are suspending our direct to consumer sales of new devices. We anticipate we will maintain the network so that current direct to consumer subscribers will continue … Read more
Since Dave quoted me in his last post, I figured I’d better weigh in officially on the Google TV debate. First, I’m surprised everyone is so taken aback by the price. Given the amount people are willing to spend on new iPads, smartphones, and game consoles, $300 (Logitech Revue) doesn’t seem unreasonable to me for … Read more
Yesterday, Logitech formally introduced the first Google TV product in form of their “Revue” television companion box. I think we have a decent handle on basic Google’s initial TV functionality – in terms of web search, video, and apps. But Logitech has layered on some additional functionality, which is compelling… and potentially confusing. However, we … Read more
Monday night, Netflix released an update to their iOS video streaming app – consisting of some bug fixes and iPhone video out capabilities. Basically, items so minor that I didn’t even bother taking a screengrab. Fast forward about half a day and the blogosphere has written off all set-top boxes and pay TV: This update now … Read more
After taking CineXPlayer for a disappointing test drive this morning I decided to see if I could find another app that would let me watch Xvid and DivX movies on my iPod touch. I was pleasantly surprised to discover OPlayer, an app which not only handles those formats, but also MKV, WMV, and others. Even … Read more