While the XBMC desktop port continues, a new player (Boxee) is stepping in to create a (free) unified front-end that layers social networking features on top of traditional media extender functionality. For those unfamiliar with XBMC, I’ll go ahead and quote myself: when you’ve completed the upgrade, the classic Xbox is more capable, useful, and … Read more
Want the EchoStar/DISH Network DTVPal digital-to-analog converter before it’s released? Well, I’ve been cleared to give away my review unit. For more info on the DTVPal, watch as I try to set it up prior to receiving my morning caffeine or check out reviews at SatelliteGuys and CNET. The rules: Leave an intelligent comment on … Read more
As we approach the release of D-Link’s DSM-300 DivX Connected media extender, I (and several of my blogosphere buddies) have been offered an advance look at the set-top box. Like a Windows Media Center or Sage TV extender, the DSM-300 primarily relies on Windows-based software to serve up your digital media (and I’m told a … Read more
After more than a week with my Hauppauge HD-PVR, I can say that my excitement hasn’t waned. This thing brings all the channels: HD, digital, SD – everything to the HTPC user without worrying about CableCARD, broadcast flags, or other DRM issues. I’m still working out the final details for a complete review of the … Read more
When I departed Sling, I reluctantly returned my their Cradlepoint MBR1000. Instead of immediately replacing the 3G WiFi router at Dash, I hung tight a few weeks knowing a new model was in the pipeline. And today my CTR500 ($170) arrived, overnighted from the 3GStore. Like the MBR1000, this model will share the 3G data … Read more
A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Hauppauge HD-PVR Unboxing & First Look: Brent Evans Geek Tonic Canadian Movie Download Services Compared: The Daleisphere H.264 Decoders That Work: Brent Evans Geek Tonic Latest Sign of the Bandwidth Apocalypse: Connected Home 2 Go 3G iPhone Coming to Canada: The Daleisphere Starz Align(s) for … Read more
I took my first trip over to the new Comcast HQ yesterday for a meeting and was duly impressed. Smack in the middle of Philadelphia, the site is nothing like Verizon’s HQ, a sprawling campus in Basking Ridge. Instead, the building goes straight up; a little cafe with water fountains sprinkling the landscape outside. Indoors … Read more
To those of you following me on Twitter, I apologize for the flood of activity as I set up shop in the Apple Store (Montgomery Mall, MD) to follow Engadget’s, Gizmodo’s, and Macworld’s live WWDC coverage with my credit card in hand. Bottom line: iPhone 2.0 software and 3G + GPS hardware coming July 11th. … Read more