No Resolution In Texas (TiVo v EchoStar)

TiVo v. EchoStar (or would that be DISH Network?) patent litigation carries on… The parties reconvened in Texas yesterday for a contempt hearing held at TiVo’s request. EchoStar DVR functionality has been found to infringe on TiVo’s patents. And instead of shutting down their units as court ordered, DISH applied a software update which they … Read more

Amazon Video Streams Out of Beta

After a fairly short and semi-public public beta, Amazon Video on Demand is here. The “new” service offers browser-based web streaming (Windows and Mac OS X), in addition to continuing to provide video downloads – previously known as “Unbox.” I did partake in the beta, although Amazon’s agreement prohibited me from discussion. It’s a nicely … Read more

Details on LG’s Blu-ray/Netflix Combo Box

LG’s out with pricing and timing details on their forthcoming network-connected Blu-ray player: The $400 BD300 launches nationwide next month. Of course, the big draw is that bundled Netflix Watch Instantly. While I’ve been down on their service (with Roku), the content selection will only improve over time. Hopefully the resolution does as well. Compared … Read more

ZNF ‘Round The Web

Leaving comments across the blogosphere… New TiVo HD XL: Big Drive, Big Price $600 is a lot but they’re targeting custom installers and Magnolia. It basically uses the same TiVo HD hardware, so the cost to get this out the door is low. As long as they keep production under control, this will be a … Read more

Vista Media Center to Support SDV (But how?)

Chris Lanier reports that Microsoft has pledged researching support for switched digital video:

We [MS] are working to enable support for the CableLabs SDV Tuning Adaptor for Windows Media Center Digital Cable Tuners, ensuring that Windows Media Center users will be able to access switched content.

Ben Drawbaugh believes a PC-based USB connection should be sufficient to control the tuning adapter, while Chris contends new CableCARD tuners with USB ports will be required. Regardless of the implementation, I seriously doubt VMC users will have the ability to access switched channels this year. For those impacted, the best short-term solution to access all digital programming via PC is by renting a cable-co set-top box and recording programming using SageTV in conjunction with the Happauge HD PVR.

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