TiVo v EchoStar, Part XVI – Revisited

One TiVo stockholder’s take… The USPTO action finalizes the first phase of the Patent Office reconsideration of TiVo’s patent. The enforceable part of a patent is a series of “claims” (basically descriptions of part of a thing or process). Some of the claims of TiVo’s patent were validated, some were rejected. The claims that were … Read more

Comic-Con on Xbox Live

So I’m about a week late on this one… But over the weekend I was exploring the new video search site VeZoom and stumbled on a Kevin Smith QA session from the San Diego Comic-Con. Which got me thinking – I should go back one of these years. I had a blast the last time … Read more

Verizon’s Lost Suscribers

A couple weeks ago I referenced the fact that Comcast’s basic cable subscriber numbers have declined of late. Now it turns out that Verizon’s DSL subscriber numbers are also slowing, with Verizon only signing up 85,000 DSL users in the second quarter, down from 329,000 a year ago. Some of that loss is due to … Read more

FiOS TV 2.0 Getting Q4 Update

There’s no denying FiOS TV 2.0 (IMG) looks pretty sharp… Though, like most new products, it does have its share of quirks and could use a bit more polish. Fortunately, Verizon isn’t sitting still and has scheduled a maintenance release for Q4: Scaled video while in the menus finding the next show or movie to … Read more

TiVo HD Software Half Baked?

Megazone, along with others on the TiVo Community, are reporting TiVo HD pixelation (aka macroblocking) on certain stations in conjunction with Scientific Atlanta CableCARDs. I’ve already returned my review unit, so I’m unable to confirm. However, MZ says TiVo is aware of the problem… but cautions: If you don’t want to risk experiencing the issue … Read more

TiVo v EchoStar, Part XVI

tivo-patents.jpg

Those of you with a vested interest (stock), probably caught news earlier this week that the US Patent and Trademark Office has completed the reexamination of a TiVo patent at play in the EchoStar case. Several claims were confirmed (software) and several were rejected (hardware). What does this all mean? Hard to say at this point, especially with oral arguments on hold until October. One thing you can bank on: This case is far from over (within both the courts and the Patent Office) unless a settlement is reached. Another thing you can bank on: Skittish investors dumping TiVo stock.

Read more

Console Sales In Japan (And Grand Theft Auto Delayed)

Japanese gaming publisher Enterbrain is out today with July sales estimates: Wii – 396,752 units moved PS3 – 91,987 Xbox 360 – 17,970 No surprises… The Wii’s on a worldwide tear. I plan on picking one up in another month or so once some of these upcoming games drop. And speaking of upcoming games, the … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of good schtuff… from our other blogs. How Much Bandwidth for HDTV: Connected Home 2 Go DivX Considers Breaking Up Company: Davis Freeberg Choosing the AT&T 8525 over the iPhone: TechLore Motorola, the Software Company: Connected Home 2 Go