Is Our Online Digital Media Safe?

I hear ya… You want to know who Mari is. I’ll have a proper intro up in the next day or so. Stay tuned! -DZ

youtube.gifSeveral news organizations are reporting that YouTube has wiped nearly 30,000 videos from its site after a Japanese audit fingered the clips for copyright infringement. Aside from the rights management concerns, this brings up an interesting issue for those who upload and store content on remote servers: When content isn’t stored locally, it isn’t under your control…

In this case it may have been perfectly reasonable for YouTube to remove 30,000 files, but these situations won’t always be black and white. There’s a growing trend towards moving our content off local devices — online word processing applications, photo storage sites, even under-development Network DVRs. While remote storage has its benefits, there are also disadvantages that shouldn’t be ignored. The ability for providers to delete files at will is one of them.

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Sony’s New LocationFree Devices Delayed

For those of you thinking about picking up a new LocationFree device, you’re in for a bit of a wait. The Slingbox competitor, originally due next week, has been delayed and no new release date was announced. As long as they don’t ship with exploding batteries or a rootkit, we can wait — right? ;)

AP writes: She said more tests were needed to adapt its remote controller to more models of DVD recorders and other machines the product will connect with. When asked about risks to its reputation by delaying a product, Eto said Sony decided a delay was better if the product will be compatible with more of the latest models.

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Why Is Kevin Smith Speaking At Macworld?

Kevin Smith, Dave, and Jason Mewes San Diego Comic-Con, 1997 So Macworld events and speakers have been announced… and I’m wondering why the heck is Kevin Smith presenting? Disney did retain control of the Miramax name and film library (including Smith’s Clerks & Chasing Amy) when they split with the Weinstein brothers last year, though … Read more

Dave’s Weaknees TiVo Upgrade

While debating the future of my Series3 review unit, I went ahead and beefed up the storage on my Humax DVD-burning TiVo. I’ve previously upgraded on my own (S1 Philips) using the Hinsdale instructions, but opted for the efficiency of a Weaknees upgrade this time. The Weaknees drive came completely formatted and ready for use … Read more

Logitech Acquires Slim Devices, Dave Acquires Squeezebox

In a strange twist of fate, both Logitech and I acquired Slim Devices on the same day. Though, I assume Logitech’s acquisition will last a bit longer than the 30 days I get with the Squeezebox. Given how well Logitech has integrated the Canadian business responsible for Harmony remotes, I’m expecting good things from this … Read more

Motorola: 50 Million Served

Dan Moloney, President of Motorola Connected Home Solutions Ed Zander, CEO of Motorola Love it or hate it, Motorola has shipped more cable boxes than anyone. We’re talking 50 million units… including 8 million HD-capable, 5 million DVR, and over 2,000 cable headends. I’ve had the dual-tuning HD 6412 in my home on three separate … Read more

Never enough time… New Sony LocationFree LF-B20 with WiFi reviewed. (CNET) Is that a laser in your TV, or are you just happy to see me? (Australian AP) Nielsen’s commercial/advertising tracking effort stumbles. (NY Times) Another day, another web site streaming pirated TV. (WebTVHub)