Plex on iPad Impressive, but Imperfect

Plex is a media center application for Mac based on XBMC. The latest version, called Plex/Nine for the Mac was released this week, and in addition to the desktop software there’s also a new iOS app. The mobile app promises to act as a remote control for your desktop as well as a way to watch … Read more

The New Apple TV Kinda Disappoints Me

Somewhere along the path of logic and rumor, reality struck. As the new Apple TV isn’t yet the iOS app-ilicious platform many of us (including me) had anticipated. Sure, it’s got apps… but they’re a pre-loaded and limited affair managed by Apple. The notable and possibly contradictory partner service is provided by Netflix. But there’s no … Read more

Apple Teases iOS 4.2 with AirPlay Media Streaming

Been waiting (im)patiently for the Apple iPad to gain the multitasking capabilities that are already available for the iPhone and iPod touch? It looks like you might have to wait a little longer. Apple says the next update for the iPad will be iOS 4.2, which will also be available for the iPhone and iPod … Read more

Roku Drops Prices… Ahead of Apple TV Refresh?

Roku may be responding to competition from Sony and others (rumors of a refreshed Apple TV/iTV with Netflix streaming) with a decent price drop on their popular streamer boxes: Roku SD Player is now $59 (was $79) Roku HD Player is now $69 (was $99) Roku HD-XR Player is now $99 (was $129) Add to … Read more

Next Generation SageTV HTPC Extender Arrives

Over the past several years SageTV has been able to differentiate itself within the home theater PC (HTPC) crowd by offering dedicated hardware. Their last extender and media player – the SageTV HD Theater HD200 was a definite success and considered top of the class when it comes to HTPC extenders.  But the HD200 has been … Read more

Will Gadgets & Apps Take Energy Management Mainstream?

The Kill A Watt is a green-geek favorite, but it’s also one of the few gadgets over the years to make it off the stumbling block in home energy management. Despite general support for greener living, the consumer market for energy management tools hasn’t taken off. High costs and difficulties in accessing utility data have … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Are You Ready for Some (3D) Football? Verizon has announced it’s bringing football into the action with a 3D broadcast of the pre-season NFL game between the Giants and the Patriots on September 2nd. A Content War: Retransmission, TV Everywhere and Tru2way Content providers and … Read more

Hands On with the Amazon Kindle 3 e-Reader

This morning I took (early) delivery of Amazon’s new Kindle 3 – I opted for the WiFi only version – a device that claims 50% better contrast than any other e-reader, a 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area, and a 20% increase in the speed of page turns. These are, of … Read more