Stuck in Rebate Hell?

Stuck in rebate hell? Wonder why? Mercury News uncovers what many of us have suspected, at least on occasion: I am staring at more than 1,300 rebate requests sent to Vastech [for Fry’s Electronics promotions] on Bonaventura Drive in San Jose. The envelopes were tossed – unopened – into a garbage dumpster near Vastech. I … Read more

Microsoft Internet TV Cometh

Microsoft is expanding their presence in the content delivery arena and will begin providing video downloads via Vista’s MCE interface. Unlike the iTunes fee-based service, MS is going the ad-supported route. Engadget uncovered a few details: we do know that content will fall into Sports, Entertainment, News, Top Picks, Music and Movies categories. Additionally, the … Read more

Half Price DigitalLife Tickets

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DigitalLife is just a few weeks away (9/27-9/30) – unlike most trade shows, this one is consumer-oriented and all are welcome. It’s also a fairly manageable event you can probably knock out in a day. So if you’ll be near NYC later this month, register for DL using the code ZATZ for 1/2 price tickets. (Disclosure: I receive zero kickbacks and have no monetary relationship with DigitalLife.) I’ll be in NYC that week, including working ShowStoppers and attending DigitalLife in one form or another – at least on Thursday.

The DL folks provided some event highlights to share:

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Get Ready for Digital TV… Says Feather-Duster Lady

The National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) has launched a new commercial campaign to inform American consumers about the upcoming digital TV transition. In one of four new spots, Eunice Mixon tells us not to worry about February 2009, cable’s got it taken care of. I find her authority somewhat undermined by the purple feather … Read more

Fall (and beyond) Television Premieres

Brent Evans has put together two comprehensive lists of TV show premieres: new and returning shows, new shows with synopsis. I’ve been down on most network television series for awhile now… Between premature show cancellations and crazy multi-week/month breaks, I’m afraid to invest much time in new series and generally have felt used. Brent pretty … Read more

U-verse Adds Yellow Pages

The great thing about software updates is that they can roll out at any time. Word is that AT&T is now field-testing new U-verse apps in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. While folks are still waiting on the more coveted whole-home DVR feature, the U-verse Users Forum has screenshots up of a Yellow Pages directory … Read more

Digital Media Bytes: iPod/iTunes Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Apple-style: iTunes Store Slip Reveals Movie Rentals: Engadget iTunes TV Shows May See 50% Price Cut: Variety iPod Touch May Have Bluetooth Support: Gizmodo Apple axes iPod Hi-Fi: Boy Genius

Is There A Future In eBooks?

The NY Times has confirmed Amazon does indeed have an eBook reader in the pipeline and it’ll be launching next month ($400-$500). Unlike Sony’s offering (down to $280), the Amazon unit will wirelessly connect to their online store for book downloads rather than (or in addition to?) computer syncing. Hopefully it’ll also include backlighting. I … Read more