Slingbox Pro Has A Secret

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A member of the Sling Community disassembled his Slingbox Pro in order to document the “major chips” — in the process, he discovered what appears to be an IR receiver. Not one to sit on the sidelines, I tore apart my SB Pro to confirm his report. I’m no electrical engineer, but it does indeed look like an IR receiver is hidden behind the Sling logo. Purpose? Like all Slingbox units, the Pro model is networked with both AV inputs and outputs. So one possibility is SlingCatcher functionality: providing the ability to watch a remote Sling feed on TV, controlled by a yet-to-be-released SlingRemote. Or maybe the box could leverage the network connection to stream YouTube video or display information like the forthcoming Wii’s Channels. I’ve got a query into Sling Media and will report back if they choose to publicly comment.

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YouTube Goes for (More) Mass Distribution

Notice how indie and mass commercial distribution networks are merging? Well here’s one more example: Reuters and The Wall Street Journal report that YouTube (apparently we still call it that if even after Google’s buyout) and Verizon are in talks to distribute YouTube videos over cell phones and the FiOS TV network. I’m very curious … Read more

Dave Researches TiVo v EchoStar

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While everyone was busy discussing TiVo’s new pricing scheme yesterday, I was downtown at the US Court of Appeals researching TiVo v EchoStar. For whatever reason, many documents from this Federal Circuit court haven’t made it online — Fortunately, the building is just a short subway ride away and photocopies are only 15 cents a page. Without seeing the documents we’ve speculated on the rationale behind the extension/delay, but now we’re a little more informed. EchoStar justifies their 10/16 motion for an extension due to several appeals that should be combined, outstanding motions in district court must be ruled on, and that their legal team is very busy with other cases. TiVo’s reply on 10/19 argues damages will continue during an extension and that the schedules of Echostar’s lawyers are irrelevant.

I’ve passed these documents on to my secret agent for a more thorough analysis and expect I’ll be picking up soon-to-be released documents within in the next week. When will it end!? One ZNF reader theorizes, “I’ve mapped out the major milestones in the RIM lawsuit as signposts to the TIVo one. If that’s any indication, it won’t be resolved until 2008… and settlement will be at a much higher dollar amount.” Stay tuned…

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Microsoft Beats Apple, TiVo, Netflix, Sony To VOD

Snooze you lose! I see an Xbox 360 in my future… as soon as new hardware (larger drives?) and/or lower prices are revealed in the next two weeks. All year I’ve been saying VOD is coming to the 360: Ultimately, Microsoft will want to simplify the process by taking a home computer out of the … Read more

Happiness is a DVR in Election Season

I’m not the only one who’s noticed how nice it is to have a DVR during election season. Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey are battleground states for several Congressional seats, and I’ve never been happier to be able to skip through a series of ad campaigns. Personally, I know where my votes are going, and … Read more

TiVo Confirms WPA Support

TiVo has posted a new support note, which replaces a previous message, that confirms the imminent release of WPA security for TiVo-branded wireless adapters. While I may not agree with recent service fee policies, limiting WPA support to just TiVo’s wireless adapter is not a move designed to sell more units. With various adapters entering … Read more

TiVo Raises Rates (In Time For The Holidays)

Both standard monthly fees and multi-unit discount rates have gone up, effective this month. It’s still possible to lock in the previous rates if you commit to three years of service (and face a $150 early termination fee). But you better believe my SD TiVo units are not going to be around (or subscribed) for … Read more

HDHomeRun Reviewed

The HDHomeRun is a networked dual HD tuner device for shipping programming around your home computer network. Currently designed to work on Linux or Mac operating systems, the HDHomeRun receives OTA and/or unencrypted QAM via RF coax inputs and transmits content via Ethernet. Support for Windows MCE and BeyondTV is planned. EngadgetHD writes: If you … Read more