Engadget’s TiVo Deathwatch Continues

Despite TiVo’s profitable quarter, Engadget still has TiVo on deathwatch. While I don’t think TiVo is in any danger of dying, I agree with Engadget that one profitable quarter doesn’t imply financial well being as they struggle to find more subscribers. So, the question is – If Engadget isn’t lifting the deathwatch now, when should … Read more

Cablevision Appeals Network DVR Ruling

Those Cablevision guys sure are persistent… Multichannel News has a nice synopsis of the Network DVR situation. Storing content on the head-end seems like a sensible solution, but the content providers believe it infringes. With only 3+ million subscribers, I’m surprised to see Cablevision press on in fighting 20th Century Fox Film, Universal City Studios, … Read more

Bandwagon iTunes Backup Utility

UNEASYsilence has the scoop on the updated Mac Bandwagon iTunes backup utility. Unlike general file archive widgets like Mozy, Bandwagon is designed specifically for iTunes – including backing up media from multiple computers, syncing multiple computers, and obviously providing iTunes restore. Bandwagon is unique in that you can choose your storage location such as Amazon … Read more

End of Pirated TV (in Japan)?

Here is something that TV companies like Viacom are going to love: The Japanese government is apparently considering allowing anyone and everyone to upload previously broadcast television shows without permission.Anyone who does upload TV content will need to pay a mandatory license fee to the rights holders.

TV Companies Will Be Upset
While I think this is a great idea because it will spread entertainment and information making it more accessible, the TV companies and rights holders are not going to be happy.

TV companies have been working hard to keep control of their video content so they can maintain revenue models that they are comfortable with.

In other words most rights holders don’t want to lose out on DVD sales, a profitable and successful business model, by making TV shows available online. You need only look at the DRM crippled and overpriced movie download services like Amazon Unbox, or the huge limitations on TV shows being distributed online, such as with the BBC iPlayer.

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PSP 3.50 Firmware Update

Sony is out with a PSP firmware update today. Though I never use my PSP, I did run the 3.50 updater. Remote Play, Sony’s rudimentary PS3 placeshifting service, now works beyond the LAN. Maybe Alexi will give me his password so I can check it out. There’s also a new RSS Channels feature… which connects … Read more

Apple TV YouTube and Hard Drive Upgrades

Yesterday Apple announced that Apple TV is now available with a 160GB hard drive configuration (for $100 more than the 40GB config) and that YouTube integration is slated for this summer. While access to YouTube doesn’t do much for me, perhaps it’ll motivate a younger demographic to get onboard with Apple TV. (Wonder how that’s … Read more

TiVo’s Q1 Call: Series3 Lite, Comcast Rollout, Down Under

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a financial guy — it just doesn’t interest me and early on I decided not to buy or sell TiVo stock given the leaks and embargoed info that comes my way. Forbes seems to think TiVo posted a “narrower 1Q net loss” while Reuters tells me TiVo posted a … Read more

Analog Placeshifting Experiment Results

Those of you following along already know I failed in my attempts to remain disconnected while on vacation. The Marriott upgraded us to the Executive floor which included access to a lounge area with food, drink, and Internet. Though I may have checked out a few of my regular websites and verified touristy stuff, I … Read more