Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Moxi Fall update comes with a lower price and a new 3 tuner model]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/10/moxi-fall-update-comes-with-a-lower-price-and-a-new-3-tuner-model/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/10/moxi-fall-update-comes-with-a-lower-price-and-a-new-3-tuner-model/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/10/moxi-fall-update-comes-with-a-lower-price-and-a-new-3-tuner-model/#commentsFiled under:


Although Moxi hasn't really taken a piece of our heart, it has kept its promise of updates with the third one due just before the holiday season. The most notable news today from Moxi's new owner Arris though is a new three tuner HD DVR, which we believe is the first to break the two tuner barrier (that isn't PC based). The new model is only available bundled with either one, or two Moxi Mates for $799 or $999. You can still buy the dual tuner version by itself which now retails for $499 instead of $799 -- don't forget, Moxi doesn't charge service fees -- and the Moxi Mate itself is now $299 instead of $399. The bad news it that the no interest payment options are off the table. The best news for existing Moxi owners is that the Fall update brings Live TV streaming to the Moxi Mate as well as new recording defaults, but we continue to wait for the ability to customize the Recorded TV list. All in all, Moxi has made much progress since we did our review, but our biggest gripe goes unaddressed, but then again we really didn't expect Moxi to redesign the entire UI just because we didn't like it.

Continue reading Moxi Fall update comes with a lower price and a new 3 tuner model

Moxi Fall update comes with a lower price and a new 3 tuner model originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArrisMoxiMoxi MateMoxiMateTue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/#commentsFiled under:

Stay tuned for the network's latest DVR strategy: acceptance. Armed with the latest Nielsen data, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox are rushing to tell advertisers that even with a set-top box and its bevy of pauses, fast forwards and 30 second skips at the ready -- we're guessing this doesn't apply to Media Center users on automated setups -- most viewers simply settle in and watch the commercials anyway. The New York Times breaks down the commercial-plus-three ratings system the networks initially opposed that could end up saving shows like Heroes from cancellation -- though a return to the old way of thinking might be worthwhile if it means an end to that show's now pitiable existence.

Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingad-skippingAdSkippingcommercial-plus-threecommercialsdvrheroesnielsenratingsMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/30/media-manager-for-mac-enables-iphone-itunes-media-streaming-to/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/30/media-manager-for-mac-enables-iphone-itunes-media-streaming-to/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/30/media-manager-for-mac-enables-iphone-itunes-media-streaming-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're hearing that the PC version of this here software still beats out the Mac counterpart, but equality is slowly but surely becoming a reality. The main new feature over on the OS X side, however, is a good one: the ability to stream iPhone and iTunes media directly to your TV via your FiOS TV DVR. Fire up an iTunes playlist and watch the fun roll by on your home TV, and there's even support for photo slideshows and the like. It's available to download right now from the read link, and those still skeptical can catch a demonstration vid just past the break.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Continue reading Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)

Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video) originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledvrfiosfios tvFiosTviphoneiphone streamingIphoneStreamingitunesitunes streamingItunesStreamingmacmedia managerMediaManageros xOsXsoftwarestreamstreamingFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SeaChange shows 108 TB DVR at Cable-Tec]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/seachange-shows-108-tb-dvr-at-cable-tec/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/seachange-shows-108-tb-dvr-at-cable-tec/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/seachange-shows-108-tb-dvr-at-cable-tec/#commentsFiled under: ,

SeaChange diagram
More news from the Cable-Tec Expo and this time it's from SeaChange -- although we'd all probably love to have this in our home, the RS-DVR is 108 TB and is designed to service 500 subscribers, while taking up 7 racks of data center space. The system would probably work nicely for operators like Cablevision who plan to replace the DVR sitting under your HDTV with a network based version -- especially since SeaChange claims the total cost of ownership is only $100, which apparently is less than a third what DVRs are currently costing providers. The RS-DVR can record 4,000 SD shows at once, which might just be enough since Hollywood is requiring cable companies to record one copy of each show per customer. It can also serve up content to portable devices while still letting you resume where you left off later on your HDTV. No word if there's been any takers, or even a price though.

SeaChange shows 108 TB DVR at Cable-Tec originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cable-TecSeaChnageThu, 29 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget HD: Is it (still) a good time to buy a TiVo?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/ask-engadget-hd-is-it-still-a-good-time-to-buy-a-tivo/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/ask-engadget-hd-is-it-still-a-good-time-to-buy-a-tivo/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/ask-engadget-hd-is-it-still-a-good-time-to-buy-a-tivo/#commentsFiled under: ,

The TiVo platform has been around for quite some time -- and has undoubtedly grown quite long in the tooth -- but it's still a great HD DVR, and has attempted to keep things fresh with new features like Netflix streaming, video on-demand access and more. But now, in late 2009 with new challengers to the throne, cable and satellite operators offering their own upgraded boxes and a little thing called Windows 7 Media Center, Nick wants to know if it's still his best option:

"Moving into a new place in a couple of weeks, and while I haven't decided between cable, satellite or FiOS for my TV, I figure part of the decision is how I want to set up my DVR. I've had a regular one from Time Warner for the last few years, but I had a TiVo before that and I'm itching to go back. Media Center seems awfully complicated to set up and I'm not sure what other options there are and which one if the best value, what's your suggestion?"

It's been a while since we took on the soul-wrenching question of the TiVo, and a year later with Series4 boxes hopefully just around the corner it's time to confront the beast once again. Whether you have a TiVo or chose to go in another direction, the date has changed but the question is the same, is this still a great time to buy one?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Is it (still) a good time to buy a TiVo? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask engadget hdAskEngadgetHddvrfeatureshd dvrHdDvrtivoThu, 29 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Broadcom's new DVR chip could make all our dreams come true]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/broadcoms-new-dvr-chip-could-make-all-our-dreams-come-true/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/broadcoms-new-dvr-chip-could-make-all-our-dreams-come-true/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/29/broadcoms-new-dvr-chip-could-make-all-our-dreams-come-true/#commentsFiled under: ,

Generic Broadcom chipWe look to our TV provider and companies like TiVo and Moxi to bring us DVRs, but the one thing just about every DVR has in common is a Broadcom chip makes them tick. So while the rest of the box varies by a lot, if the System on a Chip (SoC) doesn't support it, then it probably isn't there -- assuming another chip isn't added for a specific task. So you can understand why we got so excited when we saw the specs on the latest SoC, the BCM7125, announced by Broadcom at the Cable-Tec Expo. It of course supports tru2way and CableCARD, but more interestingly; MoCA 1.1, DLNA, Flash (as in video streaming), DOCSIS 3.0, and a 3D graphics engine. This means that little little guy could be the key to a multi-room DVR without running wires, that will play Hulu directly from the internet as well as stream content from PlayOn, all via a great looking user interface. So yeah, it has potential. The sad news is that there's no way to know how long we'll have to wait before a DVR is released that'll actually take advantage it.

Broadcom's new DVR chip could make all our dreams come true originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BCM7119BCM7125BroadcomCable-TecCableCARDDLNADOCSIS 3.0Docsis3.0FlashMoCAMocA 1.1Moca1.1Multi-room DVRtru2wayThu, 29 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[How to automatically skip commercials in Windows 7 Media Center]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/22/how-to-automatically-skip-commercials-in-windows-7-media-center/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/22/how-to-automatically-skip-commercials-in-windows-7-media-center/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/22/how-to-automatically-skip-commercials-in-windows-7-media-center/#commentsFiled under: ,

Windows 7 Media Center
Skipping commercials on a HTPC DVR has been around for a long long time, but it isn't always the easiest thing to setup. And even if you do get it working, there are so many options, it can take some time before you get it working the way you want it. So in the spirt of Windows 7 day, and the fact that the next major version of ShowAnalyzer is being released, we figured we'd write up a how to with a few tips and tricks of our own. We start by downloading and installing the main components; DVRMSToolBox, the DTB Media Center Add-in and ShowAnalyzer, and finish off with some troubleshooting for when things go wrong. So if you use Media Center, click through and never pick up the remote to skip a commercial again.

Continue reading How to automatically skip commercials in Windows 7 Media Center

How to automatically skip commercials in Windows 7 Media Center originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial skipcommercial skippingCommercialSkipCommercialSkippingDragon GlobalDragonGlobalDVRMSToolBoxfeaturedfeaturesShowAnalyzerWin7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterThu, 22 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockbuster On Demand goes live on TiVo boxes]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/13/blockbuster-on-demand-goes-live-on-tivo-boxes/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/13/blockbuster-on-demand-goes-live-on-tivo-boxes/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/13/blockbuster-on-demand-goes-live-on-tivo-boxes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We knew good and well it was coming, and now the deed has been done. As promised, Blockbuster's On Demand movie rental service has gone live on a bevy of TiVo boxes, enabling Series2, Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVRs to watch all sorts of releases without needing to purchase another set-top-box or tap into their cable company's VOD system. We're told that most rentals will range from $2.99 (for the classics) to $3.99 (for new releases), with the film catalog expected to expand over the coming weeks. HD aficionados will have to wait a tick before seeing any movies available in high-def, but those looking to pick up a new TiVo can now saunter into any Blockbuster retail location in order to claim one. Eager to get in on the action? Fire up your box and hit the "Video On Demand" screen from TiVo Central.

Blockbuster On Demand goes live on TiVo boxes originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlockbusterBlockbuster on demandBlockbuster ondemandBlockbusterOnDemandcontentdigital downloadsDigitalDownloadsdvrfilmsmovieson demandon-demandOnDemandseries 2series 3series2Series3tivotivo hdtivo hd xlTivoHdTivoHdXlTue, 13 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo for BlackBerry now available, remotely schedules recordings with BlackBerry-like efficiency]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/30/tivo-for-blackberry-now-available-remotely-schedules-recordings/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/30/tivo-for-blackberry-now-available-remotely-schedules-recordings/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/30/tivo-for-blackberry-now-available-remotely-schedules-recordings/#commentsFiled under:

Don't expect anything out of a science fiction novel like placeshifting -- better look to the gurus at Sling Media for that -- but if you're just looking for a nice, easy way to peruse your channel guide and set up TiVo recordings remotely from the soft glow of your BlackBerry's screen, there's a new option in town. The aptly-named TiVo for BlackBerry app lets you record one-off shows, set up Season Passes, and browse a guide that looks surprisingly similar to the UI you'll find on the TiVo itself. It's available for download now from App World, and rest assured, you don't need to worry about blowing through your carrier's data caps with this one.

TiVo for BlackBerry now available, remotely schedules recordings with BlackBerry-like efficiency originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrytivotivo for blackberryTivoForBlackberryWed, 30 Sep 2009 02:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/23/video-intel-tru2way-server-streams-cable-all-over-your-house/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/23/video-intel-tru2way-server-streams-cable-all-over-your-house/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/23/video-intel-tru2way-server-streams-cable-all-over-your-house/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Look, Moblin and MIDs and USB 3.0 are all well and good, but the real highlight of IDF is hiding in plain sight: it's Intel's CE 3100 Media Processor-based Tru2way DVR server, which has three digital cable tuners that can be streamed over a regular gigabit Ethernet or MoCA to any number of clients, ranging from other 3100-based set-top boxes to DLNA devices like laptops and even the PS3. It's seriously cool -- the clients all see the server's tuners as their own, so the experience is seamless, and since it all runs on the Tru2way stack, it doesn't matter what kind of client you plug in -- the three clients on the show floor were running interfaces from Intel, Comcast (Rovi), and Digeo. Of course, since it's a DVR, you can actually add more clients than tuners and have them play back recorded content while your other boxes use the tuners -- Intel was demoing XBMC on a Sony laptop connecting over DLNA and streaming a recorded program while a PS3 nearby ran a photo slideshow, all while the three cable clients streamed uncompressed HD video from the tuners. Intel says a number of cable companies are interested in deploying this stuff and that we should see things on the market in the next year -- we honestly can't wait. Check a video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house

Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3100arriscablecablecardce 3100ce 3100 media processorCe3100Ce3100MediaProcessorcomcastdigeodvrdvr serverDvrServerfeaturedfeatureshome serverHomeServeridfidf 2009Idf2009intelmedia processorMediaProcessormoxitru2wayWed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Digeo purchased by Arris, promises continued Moxi development, sales and support]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/22/digeo-purchased-by-arris-promises-continued-moxi-development-s/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/22/digeo-purchased-by-arris-promises-continued-moxi-development-s/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/22/digeo-purchased-by-arris-promises-continued-moxi-development-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After a post-CES "streamlining" resulted in layoffs and left highly anticipated products like the Multi-Room HD DMR to never see the light of day the future of Moxi DVR builder Digeo has remained in doubt, but that's all behind us as it has been acquired by ARRIS. Promising not only continued support for current Moxi customers but also plans to continue to develop and market the line of products, it appears the communications company sees this as a way to expand its own networking expertise. The cost to snap up Digeo's IP, 75 employees and other assets? A mere $20 million cash - we expect to find out more details via conference call tomorrow, any questions you want answered about the future of Moxi? Let us know in the comments, whether this means the UI will get a makeover is already on our list.

Digeo purchased by Arris, promises continued Moxi development, sales and support originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrisdigeodvrmoxipaul allenPaulAllenset top boxSetTopBoxTue, 22 Sep 2009 21:51:00 EST<![CDATA[The CEA asks the FCC if CableCARD is helping to spur competition]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/22/the-cea-asks-the-fcc-if-cablecard-is-helping-to-spur-competition/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/22/the-cea-asks-the-fcc-if-cablecard-is-helping-to-spur-competition/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/22/the-cea-asks-the-fcc-if-cablecard-is-helping-to-spur-competition/#commentsFiled under: ,

CableCARD in a box
It's about time someone said something and it's no surprise that it was the Consumer Electronics Association who finally did. You see CableCARDs are the solution that the cable industry came up with to comply with the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which stated that consumers should be able to bring their own equipment to the cable party. We of course know that outside of TiVo and a few other CableCARD DVRs like Media Center, no one uses it. Well actually the entire cable industry uses it because the FCC mandated that after July of 2007, that every single newly deployed digital set-top had use a CableCARD instead of the integrated security. This mandate was supposed to encourage the cable industry to support 3rd party CableCARD host devices better, which obviously didn't happen. And so the CEA is doing whatever it can and nudging the FCC with a, "this isn't working, what's next?" What is supposed to be next is tru2way, but we all know how that it is going nowhere, and fast. The CEA says enough is enough, lets bring on downloadable conditional access (DAC) which would replace the whole card thing with a simple download. Of course this alone isn't enough to solve the problem, and until the cable industry agrees to give up complete control of the infrastructure and adopts a two-way standardized protocol like DCR+, no matter what the cable industry does, this entire cycle is just going to start all over again. But hey, it's a start, maybe in another 16 years we'll actually be able to watch HDTV without a set-top-box.

The CEA asks the FCC if CableCARD is helping to spur competition originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCEAFCCTue, 22 Sep 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[DirecTV's CEDIA booth was all about multi-room viewing]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/14/directvs-cedia-booth-was-all-about-multi-room-viewing/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/14/directvs-cedia-booth-was-all-about-multi-room-viewing/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/14/directvs-cedia-booth-was-all-about-multi-room-viewing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When we were walking around CEDIA this past week we noticed a thing or two that we would've missed if we just focused on reader press releases. One of those things was the emphasis DirecTV put on multi-room viewing. This is good news to us, because we think that MRV is one of the next big things in the world of HD and DVRs. Most consumers just want to be able to watch whatever they want, wherever they want, so having the exact same experience on every TV in the house is key. Specifically DirecTV was showing its vision of the future including how the next generation of DirecTV HD DVR would work. What's interesting is that although DirecTV does allow customers to download beta software for the current HD DVR that enables MRV features, that isn't what these pictures are of. The current technology also isn't using the new RVU Alliance's technology, of which DirecTV promised to deploy next year. Overall we'll be keeping a close eye on the progress, but we were disappointed to hear the booth representatives describe the system without mentioning the full experience on the thin clients.

Gallery: DirecTV's 2009 CEDIA booth

DirecTV's CEDIA booth was all about multi-room viewing originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009DirecTVMRVmulti-room viewingMulti-roomViewingrvu allianceRvuAllianceMon, 14 Sep 2009 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Dish Network Media Center tuner in action]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/video-dish-network-media-center-tuner-in-action/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/video-dish-network-media-center-tuner-in-action/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/video-dish-network-media-center-tuner-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We told you we were able to get a video of the Dish Network tuner for Windows Media Center in action and here it is. You can see that for the most part, the Dish content plays back just like any other HD source. We did seem to think that the channel changes were slower than we were used to, but not bad enough to be a deal breaker. The short clip is after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Dish Network Media Center tuner in action

Video: Dish Network Media Center tuner in action originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCCEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009Dish NetworkDishNetworkMedia CenterMediaCentervideoWindows 7Windows Media CenterWindows7WindowsMediaCenterThu, 10 Sep 2009 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Ceton CableCARD tuner]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/hands-on-with-the-ceton-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/hands-on-with-the-ceton-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/hands-on-with-the-ceton-cablecard-tuner/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We learned all about it this new tuner first thing this morning and were very pleased to see a "technology preview" of the card in action at the Microsoft's booth. As expected, it is a single PCI-E card that uses one multi-stream CableCARD and offers the ability to record four HD channels at once. The tuner shows up as a single network adapter in Windows and still uses UPnP like the currently available ATI tuner does. The configuration and diagnostic interface included tabs for each individual tuner and apparently two Tuning Adapters -- unfortunately there wasn't a working demo of the SDV tuning in action. And in case you are wondering, we did ask about the price and as you might expect we were referred to Ceton for specific product questions. We do already have an appointment with them tomorrow, but we'd be surprised if they were ready to tell us.

Gallery: Hands-on with the Ceton CableCARD tuner

Hands-on with the Ceton CableCARD tuner originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009CetonFeaturedM-CardMedia CenterMediaCenterMicrosoftSDVTuning adapterTuningAdapterWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterThu, 10 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere!]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Clear QAM tuner
Oh we just love the echo chamber that is the internet these days -- some genius reads about something as harmless as a integrated security waver for cheap digital SD set-top-boxes and automatically predicts the end of clear QAM as we know it. Now we hate all the feet dragging by cable operators in the US as much as the next, and wish the FCC would enforce the Telecommunications Act of 1996 already, but that doesn't mean that everything big cable does is evil, or that the FCC is useless.

The bottom line is that local broadcast channels are available in HD to any cable subscriber with a clear QAM tuner, whether you have a set-top-box or not. The recent news changes nothing, except maybe a very select few who were lucky enough to receive more than locals via clear QAM. We dropped the FCC a line to make sure we had our facts straight -- wouldn't want to call people out without checking our own first -- and the very prompt answer we received was that this statutory requirement goes all the way back to the to the Communications Act of 1934 (Section 614(b)(4)(B).

More recently, the FCC addressed the issue when laying down the digital transition rules which "states that broadcast signals that are subject to mandatory carriage must be "viewable via cable on all television receivers of a subscriber which are connected to a cable system by a cable operator or for which a cable operator provides a connection." Now obviously we're not lawyers, but it seems pretty clear that local cable operators are not allowed to encrypt any locally broadcast HD stations. Now we've heard reports that some cable companies do indeed encrypt these signals, but while you might be willing to complain on some forum about it, have you taken the time to file a proper complaint with the FCC? If not, then you really don't have anything to complain about.

Read (doc) - The 2007 Report to set the transition rules (paragraph 15)

**UPDATE** As you can see from the comments, with anything legal it isn't exactly cut and dry. In fact the only thing we've managed to accomplish is to be confused. So while some level of broadcast TV has to be free, we're not sure if it's free as in beer or what. Stay tuned for a follow up just as soon as we figure it out.

Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere! originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clear QAMClearQamFCCQAMFri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony introduces five new feature-packed, confusingly-named Blu-ray DVRs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/27/sony-introduces-five-new-feature-packed-confusingly-named-blu-r/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/27/sony-introduces-five-new-feature-packed-confusingly-named-blu-r/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/27/sony-introduces-five-new-feature-packed-confusingly-named-blu-r/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sony introduces five new feature-packed, confusingly-named Blu-ray DVRs
Now that Toshiba's getting in on the Blu-ray train, Sony needs to up its game. Enter a quintet of new players, each packing TV recording tech, overlapping feature sets, and seemingly nonsensical names. Starting at the low end is the BDZ-RS10, which sports a measly single digital tuner and 320GB worth of storage. Next up is the BDZ-EX30, adding a second digital tuner and a Blu-ray recorder into the action. Then the BDZ-EX50 moves up to 500GB of storage and adds PSP support, the BDZ-RX100 goes up to a full 1TB, and the BDZ-EX200 2TB. All but the lowest two support DLNA and can spin an hours worth of video to a PSP or X-1000 in under two minutes, meaning you could sync the entire Battlestar Galactica series in just over two hours and get your Cylon fix wherever you like.

Sony introduces five new feature-packed, confusingly-named Blu-ray DVRs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdz-ex200bdz-ex30bdz-ex50bdz-rs10bdz-rx100blu-rayblu-ray dvrBlu-rayDvrdvrsonysony bdz-ex200sony bdz-ex30sony bdz-ex50sony bdz-rs10sony bdz-rx100SonyBdz-ex200SonyBdz-ex30SonyBdz-ex50SonyBdz-rs10SonyBdz-rx100Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo projects larger than expected losses, still taking the patent fight to AT&T and Verizon]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/tivo-projects-larger-than-expected-losses-still-taking-the-pate/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/tivo-projects-larger-than-expected-losses-still-taking-the-pate/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/tivo-projects-larger-than-expected-losses-still-taking-the-pate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We'll let the analysts make sense of TiVo's new projection that it will lose $8 to $10 million in the third quarter, larger than Wall Street expectations while projected revenues are lower -- we're too busy adding Verizon and AT&T to the patent battlemap. Today it filed complaints against both for violating three of its DVR-related patents -- Nos. 6,233,389 B1 ("Multimedia Time Warping System"), 7,529,465 B2 ("System for Time Shifting Multimedia Content Streams"), and 7,493,015 B1 ("Automatic Playback Overshoot Correction System") if you must know -- seeking damages for past infringement and a permanent injunction. We'd assumed it would wait until settling things with DISH to push forward against other companies, but it looks like we're not the only ones getting impatient. Beyond the legal slapfight there's a few nuggets for the bleep bloop faithful, with the Comcast TiVo on-line scheduler beginning to roll out in Boston plus further expansions on the way and the due-in-2010 DirecTV HD TiVo still on track -- we'll need a few seasons of Law & Order queued up before this mess ever gets resolved.

Read - TiVo Swings to Loss, Files Infringement Suits
Read - TiVo Reports Results for the Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 Ended July 31, 2009
Read - TiVo Files Complaints for Patent Infringement Against AT&T and Verizon Communications in United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas; Seeking Damages and Injunction

TiVo projects larger than expected losses, still taking the patent fight to AT&T and Verizon originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcomcast tivoComcastTivodirectivodirectvdishdvrechostarfioslawsuitpatenttime warpTimeWarptivoverizonWed, 26 Aug 2009 20:13:00 EST<![CDATA[S1Digital adds networked CableCARD tuners to its media server]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/s1digital-adds-networked-cablecard-tuners-to-its-media-server/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/s1digital-adds-networked-cablecard-tuners-to-its-media-server/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/s1digital-adds-networked-cablecard-tuners-to-its-media-server/#commentsFiled under: , ,

S1Digital media server
While we knew that ATI Digital Cable Tuners were UPnP network tuners at heart, we've never heard of anyone actually using them across a network. But with the apparent imminent death of the 3rd party extender, OEMs are forced to find their own solution. For S1Digital that solution is a custom media server that fits into its Digital Entertainment Platform. The server starts at $3500, and in addition to all of the other media serving capabilities, it can have four or eight (license dependent) tuners connected to it and offer those tuner up to Windows Media Center PCs connected on the network. Each tuner has to be married to a specific PC, but this does give you the ability to watch live TV in the kitchen with only one cat5 drop running back to the server. So while this isn't exactly our the Windows Home Server and Media Center mashup we dream of, it certainly is a step in the right direction.

Continue reading S1Digital adds networked CableCARD tuners to its media server

S1Digital adds networked CableCARD tuners to its media server originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcDigital Entertainment PlatformDigitalEntertainmentPlatformMedia CenterMediaCenterS1DigitalWindows 7Windows media CenterWindows7WindowsMediaCenterWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/directv-add-dual-live-buffers-to-hd-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/directv-add-dual-live-buffers-to-hd-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/26/directv-add-dual-live-buffers-to-hd-dvr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DirecTV HR21
The feature we all know and love as dual live buffers has finally comes to DirecTV's HR21/HR20 with the snazzy name of Doubleplay. Not a moment too soon either as there's no better time to be able to pause and rewind live TV on two different channels at once than when watching football -- never did understand why all the NFL games were on at the same time. The other sports related feature, called Live Extension, to make it out of beta this week gives users the ability to easily extend a recording. The default is an extra 30 minutes, which is usually enough to grab a game that goes a little long, but if the game goes into overtime you can extend it up to three hours.

DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DirecTVDoubleplaydual live buffersDualLiveBuffersHD DVRHdDvrHR20HR21Live ExtensionLiveExtensionWed, 26 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi unveils REAL line of Blu-ray burning, super upconverting LCDs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/mitsubishi-unveils-real-line-of-blu-ray-burning-super-upconvert/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/mitsubishi-unveils-real-line-of-blu-ray-burning-super-upconvert/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/mitsubishi-unveils-real-line-of-blu-ray-burning-super-upconvert/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Providing some competition for Sharp's DX series, Mitsubishi has taken the wraps off of its REAL Series LCD HDTVs, including a set with built-in hard drives and Blu-ray recorders, plus a few more that lack the recording, but throw in super resolution upconversion that claims to make even the worst SD look better than ever. Even if that's just hype, we hope it fares better than the company's ill-fated 120Hz processing. The 37- (1080p) and 32-inch (720p) BHR300 models feature their disc drives in the stand, rather than back-mounted approach of the AQUOS, plus 320GB HDDs, SDHC slot, plus i.LINK and USB connectors that let owners edit video from a camcorder on the TV before saving to disc or hard drive. The MZW300 models are all 1080p, in 40-, 42- and 52-inch sizes, with Diamond Engine Pro IV HD super resolution tech, the latest and most power efficient Diamond panel with 20,000:1 contrast ratio, built in 5.1 Dolby Digital decoder, virtual surround speakers and a talking program guide feature. These hit shelves in Japan in late October ranging in price from ¥350,000 ($3,705) for the LCD-52MZW300 to ¥200,000 ($2,117) for the LCD-32BHR300.

Mitsubishi unveils REAL line of Blu-ray burning, super upconverting LCDs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p720pbhr300blu-raybuilt-indiamond engine ivDiamondEngineIvdx2japanlcdmitsubishimzw300realThu, 20 Aug 2009 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[DirecTV, Cisco and Samsung have whole house DVR plans with RVU alliance]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/19/directv-cisco-and-samsung-have-whole-house-dvr-plans-with-rvu-a/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/19/directv-cisco-and-samsung-have-whole-house-dvr-plans-with-rvu-a/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/19/directv-cisco-and-samsung-have-whole-house-dvr-plans-with-rvu-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RVU alliance topology
One of our dreams is to have a true whole home DVR that allows us to watch any show we want, on any TV we want; but so far the perfect solution has eluded us. TiVo was really the first to try with its Multi-Room Viewing, but missed the mark by not giving us a single Now Playing list for the whole house or even any automatic conflict resolution between units. The FiOS HD DVR was the next disappointment because it limits us to two tuners and 160GB for the whole house -- seriously is that enough for anyone? Currently Windows Media Center offers the best solution, but it's expensive after you pay $300 a pop for a CableCARD tuner, not to mention it requires more maintenance because it is based on a PC. Needless to say we continue to look for the perfect solution, and we think that the RVU (R-vue) alliance might be just what we ordered. In addition to DirecTV, Cisco and Samsung, the chip maker Broadcom is also one of the founding members of the alliance, but it is their goals that get us excited. So excited, that we'd actually be shocked if they were actually achieved, but you'll have to click through to learn why.

Continue reading DirecTV, Cisco and Samsung have whole house DVR plans with RVU alliance

DirecTV, Cisco and Samsung have whole house DVR plans with RVU alliance originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BroadcomCiscoDirecTVFeaturedFeaturesSamsungWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune 4.0 software won't play nice with HDTV Media Center recordings]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/14/zune-4-0-software-wont-play-nice-with-hdtv-media-center-recordi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/14/zune-4-0-software-wont-play-nice-with-hdtv-media-center-recordi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/14/zune-4-0-software-wont-play-nice-with-hdtv-media-center-recordi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With the launch of the Zune HD and the CEDIA show just around the corner, we've been hoping this could mean an all new integrated future for Windows Media Center and other Microsoft platforms -- until now. As a few commenters pointed out yesterday, the corrected spec sheet received from Microsoft indicated HDTV and protected Windows Media Center DVR-MS (the files used by Vista Media center) recordings were not supported. We reached out for clarification and received the following:

"Zune HD, and the forthcoming Zune 4.0 PC software, will support and transcode Windows Media Center recorded TV file formats from Windows Vista or Windows 7 that contain MPEG-2 video, in either the DVR-MS or WTV formats. Support is limited to unencrypted SD and HD recordings. HD Files with AC3 audio are not supported by Zune."

As you may or may not be aware, at least in the U.S. , and most other countries, any high definition broadcasts you snag from antenna, ClearQAM or otherwise use Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, meaning the Zune software won't be able to convert them. Current workarounds for bringing Media Center recordings on the go should still be a go, but all we can see is the missed opportunity to tie the two platforms together with easy one click transcoding support. Hopefully Microsoft still has something up its sleeve to pull together Zune and Windows 7 Media Center, but portable DVR recordings ain't it.

Zune 4.0 software won't play nice with HDTV Media Center recordings originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac-3dolby digitalDolbyDigitaldvrdvr-msmedia cneterMediaCnetermicrosoftmpeg-2transcodewindows 7windows media centerWindows7WindowsMediaCenterwtvzunezune hdZuneHdFri, 14 Aug 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Media Manager, Remote DVR scheduling features reach more FiOS subscribers]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/12/media-manager-remote-dvr-scheduling-features-reaf-more-fios-sub/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/12/media-manager-remote-dvr-scheduling-features-reaf-more-fios-sub/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/12/media-manager-remote-dvr-scheduling-features-reaf-more-fios-sub/#commentsFiled under: ,


New features they aren't, but Verizon has just loosed its Media Manager software and Remote DVR scheduling features to more customers, now that they're available to all subscribers with both FiOS TV and internet service. Previously available only to Home Media DVR owners, and then all DVR owners, now more customers get the unending joy of scheduling recordings even away from home, or streaming pictures, music and compatible movie formats to the set-top box from their PC.

Media Manager, Remote DVR scheduling features reach more FiOS subscribers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiosfios tvFiosTvmedia managerMediaManagerremote dvr schedulingRemoteDvrSchedulingverizonWed, 12 Aug 2009 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba engineering still holding grudge, saddles 2TB RD-X9 DVR with DVD]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/11/toshiba-engineering-still-holding-grudge-saddles-2tb-rd-x9-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/11/toshiba-engineering-still-holding-grudge-saddles-2tb-rd-x9-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/11/toshiba-engineering-still-holding-grudge-saddles-2tb-rd-x9-dvr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toshiba RD-X9 DVD DVR
It's not a big leap to assume that folks who can grab and actually use Toshiba's RD-X9 2TB DVR would want to occasionally archive some of their shows to an optical disc. Yes, plugging in an external USB drive for backups is probably a better approach, but those optical discs are just so bite-sized and bookshelf-friendly. Toshiba apparently agrees, because burning to disc is supported as well; but maybe engineering is still bitter about the whole Blu-ray/HD-DVD thing and isn't aware of the new company line, because the onboard drive is DVD, not Blu-ray. Hopefully the next iteration will get everyone on one page, and we can move on to a feature-competitive Blu-ray model.

Toshiba engineering still holding grudge, saddles 2TB RD-X9 DVR with DVD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvddvrjapanrd-s1004krd-s304krd-x9toshibatoshiba rd-s1004ktoshiba rd-s304ktoshiba rd-x9ToshibaRd-s1004kToshibaRd-s304kToshibaRd-x9Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo turns on custom RSS video feed support]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/05/tivo-turns-on-custom-rss-video-feed-support/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/05/tivo-turns-on-custom-rss-video-feed-support/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/05/tivo-turns-on-custom-rss-video-feed-support/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


More than a year after dropping video podcast support into TiVo Desktop 2.6, the company will let users download them directly to their Series3, TiVo HD and HD XL set-top boxes. This allows expansion beyond its own directory of web videos, allowing users to stream instantly, download a single episode, or setup a Season Pass (subscription) and download them automatically. As Dave Zatz points out the press release mentions supporting h.264, but offers no specifics on resolution or bitrate. Check out TiVo's site for more info on setting it up either through the box or creating a compatible feed, and let us know if your preferred web series are working yet.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

TiVo turns on custom RSS video feed support originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>h.264podcastrssseries 3Series3tivotivo hdtivo hd xlTivoHdTivoHdXlvideo podcastVideoPodcastWed, 05 Aug 2009 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent Office rejects some of TiVo's patent claims, battle vs. DISH to rage on]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/05/patent-office-rejects-some-of-tivos-patent-claims-battle-vs-d/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/05/patent-office-rejects-some-of-tivos-patent-claims-battle-vs-d/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/05/patent-office-rejects-some-of-tivos-patent-claims-battle-vs-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You knew it couldn't be over, right? The long running TiVo vs. DISH / Echostar patent case took a not-so-new twist yesterday when the Patent and Trademark Office issued a preliminary finding rejecting some of the claims of its Time Warp patent. While DISH was pleased, considering the PTO's conclusions as "highly relevant" to its ongoing appeal, TiVo issued a statement calling this step "not unusual" pointing out that the exact same thing happened when its patent was reexamined in 2005 (and subsequently upheld in 2007,) and that the next step in the process is where it will be able to present its explanation for the first time. All you need to know is that it will still be a while before anyone involved (except the two company's lawyers) are cashing any large checks, or gets their DVR taken away.

[Via Multichannel News]

Read - TiVo Statement on Developments in Lawsuit Against EchoStar
Read - DISH Network and EchoStar Statement Regarding Tivo

Patent Office rejects some of TiVo's patent claims, battle vs. DISH to rage on originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishdish networkDishNetworkdvrechostarlawsuitpatentpatent and trademark officePatentAndTrademarkOfficeptotime warpTimeWarptivoWed, 05 Aug 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/the-moxi-summer-update-brings-the-moxi-mate-sdv-support-and-mor/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/the-moxi-summer-update-brings-the-moxi-mate-sdv-support-and-mor/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/the-moxi-summer-update-brings-the-moxi-mate-sdv-support-and-mor/#commentsFiled under: ,


All the Moxi owners out there should be happy to learn that Digeo intends to keep its promise by continually releasing updates to Moxi HD DVR on a regular basis. The latest Summer update should hit your Moxi in the next few days and brings some of the more anticipated features -- no still no TiVoToGo like functionality -- like the grid guide pictured above, support for the Moxi Mate and Switched Digital Video (SDV).



First up is SDV support, but while adding the ability to tune channels delivered via SDV is appreciated, it really falls under the "about time" category. Next is the new Moxi Mate, which holds more promise but just because it starts shipping tomorrow for $399, doesn't mean it will deliver. As it stands now, the Mate requires that you bring your own network connection to your second TV -- so no MoCA support like FiOS and other cable operator DVRs work -- and it doesn't completely replace the STB in your bedroom because it doesn't do Live TV and you can't schedule recordings with it. You can at least pick up where you left off watching a record without transfering it first, but the included remote can't control your TV's channel or input, so you're going to need a universal remote or you're going to make life in the bedroom as complicated as some living rooms. Our last gripe about the Mate (yes there's more) is the fact that Digeo only recommends running one Mate at a time with a hard limit of three concurrent streams. The good news though is that existing Moxi HD DVR customers can pick up a Mate for $199, and there're even package deals and payment plans to lesson the blow. The breath of fresh air coming with this update is the fact that up to 6TB of external storage is now supported and DLNA support is improved with added codec and containers like H.264 in MKV files -- although obviously MKV can support all kinds of codecs that may or may not also be supported.

The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLNAH.264HD DVRHdDvrMKVMoxiMoxi HD DVRMoxi MateMoxiHdDvrMoxiMateSDVTuning AdapterTuningAdapterTue, 04 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[RCN making cobranded TiVo boxes its 'primary DVR platform' in 2010]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/rcn-making-cobranded-tivo-boxes-its-primary-dvr-platform-in-20/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/rcn-making-cobranded-tivo-boxes-its-primary-dvr-platform-in-20/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/rcn-making-cobranded-tivo-boxes-its-primary-dvr-platform-in-20/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Remember that "lots of other providers" TiVo could be coming to? Looks like RCN is one of them and best of all, this isn't some stripped down Comcast TiVo overlay, the cabler plans to go all in with support for Amazon VOD, TiVoToGo, DVR Expander hard drives, multiroom and RCN's own VOD programming, and the ability to search across all of them at once. Expect this sometime in early 2010, when the cobranded TiVo DVRs will become RCN's primary DVR platform, the first offering of its kind. Of course we'd prefer a tru2way box we could take to the provider of our choice, but until the Series4 drops, this might be the best option. Maybe now that the DVR company has cracked the cable market they can get to work on that new interface we've been waiting for.

Update: Multichannel News notes these could be available as early as January 1, for a premium of $3 - $5 per month, and new HD DVR subscribers will receive a CableCard-enabled HD TiVo, with "limited migrations" available for existing customers.

[Thanks, Jason]

RCN making cobranded TiVo boxes its 'primary DVR platform' in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabledvrrcnset top boxSetTopBoxtivoTue, 04 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/03/echostar-might-slingload-other-manufacturers-cable-boxes/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/03/echostar-might-slingload-other-manufacturers-cable-boxes/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/03/echostar-might-slingload-other-manufacturers-cable-boxes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Even though some cable giants are already trying their hand at placeshifting with TV Anywhere, Echostar may be ready to leverage its technology by licensing the SlingLoaded feature to other set-top box manufacturers like Motorola, Cisco or Pace, according to Cable Digital News. With its tru2way cable box still notable lacking a distribution deal, this could be a way for Sling fans that don't want any additional hardware to get it in the home, but speaking of that T2200S (still not coming to retail channels according to Senior Product Manager P. Margit Tritt) the company's presence at The Independent Show also gave it an opportunity to feel out the needs of smaller cable operators. Either way, there's plenty of time before its planned Q4 2009 launch - go on, admit you're excited, we don't judge here.

Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscodvrechostarmotorolapaceplaceshiftingset-top boxSet-topBoxslingsling loadedsling mediaslingboxSlingLoadedSlingMediat2200stru2wayMon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic's DMR-BW970 Blu-ray DVR squirrels away 2TB of your video]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/panasonics-dmr-bw970-blu-ray-dvr-squirrels-away-2tb-of-your-vid/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/panasonics-dmr-bw970-blu-ray-dvr-squirrels-away-2tb-of-your-vid/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/panasonics-dmr-bw970-blu-ray-dvr-squirrels-away-2tb-of-your-vid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Panasonic DMR-BW970 Blu-ray DVR
In parts of the world where Blu-ray DVRs are available, there's not a lot to be done in the way of new features or radical improvement. They've already got a lot of the convergence features ironed out, but one thing every media-saturated home can use is more storage. Enter Panasonic's new DMR-BW970 Blu-ray DVR with a capacious 2TB of hard drive storage, which means that by the time you sift through its hundreds of hours of recordings, new content will be popping up in the library. Seriously, if you can't find something worth watching with that much of a back-catalog, you should just pull away from the TV, get outside and try real life for a while -- it's fascinating and one-in-five people find it to be almost as good as HD.

Panasonic's DMR-BW970 Blu-ray DVR squirrels away 2TB of your video originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydmr-bw970dvrjapanpanasonicpanasonic dmr-bw970PanasonicDmr-bw970Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget HD's recession antidote: win a Dish Network DTVPal DVR]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/22/engadget-hds-recession-antidote-win-a-dish-network-dtvpal-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/22/engadget-hds-recession-antidote-win-a-dish-network-dtvpal-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/22/engadget-hds-recession-antidote-win-a-dish-network-dtvpal-dvr/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dish Network DTVPal DVR
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget HD didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. Today we've got a Dish Network DTVPal DVR up for grabs. The DTVPal DVR is perfect for those who just love free, like in free over-the-air HD, because unlike other DVRs, there is no service fee. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff!

Big thanks to Dish Network for providing the cheer!

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Dish Network DTVPal DVR. Approximate value is $300.
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until July, 22nd, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

Engadget HD's recession antidote: win a Dish Network DTVPal DVR originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Macrovision re-invents itself as Rovi, kicks off with new guide "Liquid"]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/16/macrovision-re-invents-itself-as-rovi-kicks-off-with-new-guide/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/16/macrovision-re-invents-itself-as-rovi-kicks-off-with-new-guide/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/16/macrovision-re-invents-itself-as-rovi-kicks-off-with-new-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Liquid guide from Rovi

Hold on to your hats folks because the company that we love to hate is turning over a new leaf by kicking off its old DRM shoes and leveraging its acquisition of Gemstar in a big way. What we mean is that this is the first time in the history of Macrovision that we can remember being excited about an announcement; and boy does it make perfect sense that it comes with a new company name. Rovi's first consumer product should be available in various HDTVs next year, and among the new jazzed up looking guide you can expect a full DLNA client that is designed to be a single access point for all of your content. This includes internet sourced content like Slacker radio, YouTube XL, BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand, and CinemaNow; as well as anything you might have on your PC like pictures, music and even videos. Add in a little social networking from sites such as Flixster and we might have ourselves a new way to watch TV. No word yet on what new TVs will feature Liquid, but we'd expect to hear more at CES '10. The full release is after the jump.

Gallery: Rovi's Liquid guide


Continue reading Macrovision re-invents itself as Rovi, kicks off with new guide "Liquid"

Macrovision re-invents itself as Rovi, kicks off with new guide "Liquid" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLNALiquidMacrovisionPlayReadyRoviUPnPThu, 16 Jul 2009 07:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget HD's recession antidote: win an Moxi HD DVR!]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/08/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-moxi-hd-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/08/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-moxi-hd-dvr/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/08/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-moxi-hd-dvr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Moxi box and screen shot
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget HD didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. Today we've got an Moxi HD DVR on offer, and just because this is the latest HD DVR with 14-days of guide data doesn't mean it's like winning a puppy. Unlike other DVRs, the Moxi is the gift that keeps on giving because it doesn't require a monthly service to function. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! Sadly only one can win, but for everyone else you might take advantage of one of the interest free payment plans available via Moxi.com, and there is even a 30-day return policy if things don't work out.

Big thanks to Digeo for providing the gear!

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Moxi HD DVR. Approximate value is $799.
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until fill in day and date, July, 8th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

Engadget HD's recession antidote: win an Moxi HD DVR! originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antidotecontestDigeoengadgets recession antidoteEngadgetsRecessionAntidotegiveawayMoxiMoxi HD DVRMoxiHdDvrrecessionrecession antidoteRecessionAntidoteWed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo HD upgrade program helps you save as much as $100]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/02/tivo-hd-upgrade-program-helps-you-save-as-much-as-100/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/02/tivo-hd-upgrade-program-helps-you-save-as-much-as-100/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/02/tivo-hd-upgrade-program-helps-you-save-as-much-as-100/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TiVo HD
No doubt TiVo has long since released its proverbial ATRAC codec, but it is so bad now that every time we hear about a TiVo offer, we click on through to find the super lame catch. Of course this time is no different as TiVo is offering up to $100 off a TiVo HD to existing Series 1 or 2 owners. So you probably figured out the catch by now, which is that if you have lifetime on your existing TiVo, you can't transfer it. If you log in and try the site actually suggests you give away your older TiVo or recycle it. It seems that TiVo knows there aren't any alternatives so what are you going to do if you're treated like crap? It's not like there are any comparable acceptable alternatives.

TiVo HD upgrade program helps you save as much as $100 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TiVoTiVo HDTivoHdThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruling lets DISH customers keep their DVRs for now, TiVo says it's just a matter of time]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/02/ruling-lets-dish-customers-keep-their-dvrs-for-now-tivo-says-it/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/02/ruling-lets-dish-customers-keep-their-dvrs-for-now-tivo-says-it/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/02/ruling-lets-dish-customers-keep-their-dvrs-for-now-tivo-says-it/#commentsFiled under: ,

News of another delay should be absolutely no surprise to anyone that's followed the details of this case, as DISH was granted a stay by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit pending its appeal of a $190 million ruling in favor of TiVo which will allow its customers to continue using their DVRs, at least for now. For its part, TiVo repeated its praise of the "thorough and well-reasoned decision finding EchoStar in contempt of court for violating the injunction and awarding further damages" and is confident the ruling will be upheld, again. Did anyone really think this one would just end so easily?

Read - DISH Network and EchoStar Statement Regarding Tivo
Read - TiVo Statement on Decision by U.S. Court of Appeals to Stay Permanent Injunction Issued by District Court in Lawsuit Against EchoStar

Ruling lets DISH customers keep their DVRs for now, TiVo says it's just a matter of time originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishdish networkDishNetworkinjunctionpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementstaytime warpTimeWarptivoThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Dish Network DTVPal DVR review]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/29/dish-network-dtvpal-dvr-review/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/29/dish-network-dtvpal-dvr-review/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/29/dish-network-dtvpal-dvr-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


For some reason almost all DVRs are like cell phones, they have lots of strings attached. You either need to pay a monthly subscription or you need to get a CableCARD from your provider and give up access to other features your provider offers that you pay for. There are a few exceptions and the newest one is from Dish Network in the way of the DTVPal DVR. It doesn't require a monthly subscription, or even a cable or satellite provider because it works with free over-the-air TV. It does HD, has two tuners, and a 250GB hard drive; all for the reasonable price of $250. If this all sounds good so far, then keep reading because like all things there's a catch.

Gallery: DTVPal DVR

Continue reading Dish Network DTVPal DVR review

Dish Network DTVPal DVR review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DishDish NetworkDishNetworkDTVpalDTVPall DVRDtvpallDvrDVROTAreviewsMon, 29 Jun 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Court declines to hear remote storage DVR appeal, cloud recording is on the way]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/29/supreme-court-declines-to-hear-remote-storage-dvr-appeal-cloud/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/29/supreme-court-declines-to-hear-remote-storage-dvr-appeal-cloud/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/29/supreme-court-declines-to-hear-remote-storage-dvr-appeal-cloud/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems like Cablevision and others have been trying to roll out "remote storage" network DVRs forever, and now that the Supreme Court has decided against hearing the appeal of the Hollywood studios looking to block it, they should finally be able to deliver as soon as this summer. Of course, there's benefits to having a locally stored copy of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but just in case we forgot to queue up a recording, the power went out or suffered some other manner of catastrophe, we'd still have access to all the Lou Diamond Phillips anyone could ask for, and there's really no way the highest court in the land could get in the way of that.

Supreme Court declines to hear remote storage DVR appeal, cloud recording is on the way originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealcablevisiondvrlou diamond phillipsLouDiamondPhillipsnetwork dvrNetworkDvrremote dvrRemoteDvrrulingsupreme courtSupremeCourtMon, 29 Jun 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's U-Verse iPhone / iPod touch app launched]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/26/atandts-u-verse-iphone-ipod-touch-app-launched/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/26/atandts-u-verse-iphone-ipod-touch-app-launched/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/26/atandts-u-verse-iphone-ipod-touch-app-launched/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're pretty big fans of AT&T's U-verse (though, alas, we're not lucky enough to live in an area where we can have it!), and we sort of figured a few days back when the company rolled out some new tweaks to its Total Home DVR that something like this might be on the horizon, and here it is. AT&T's rolled out a free app for the iPhone app store that allows users to access the entire program guide, search for specific shows, and schedule, manage and delete programs and settings. The Mobile Remote Access App -- as it's not-so-creatively called -- sounds like a real winner for those with both U-Verse service and an iPhone... but then, we still communicate primarily with quills and parchment, so what would we know? One more screenshot of the app (plus a video!) after the break.

Continue reading AT&T's U-Verse iPhone / iPod touch app launched

AT&T's U-Verse iPhone / iPod touch app launched originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappleapple iphoneAppleIphoneappsAppStoreat and tAtAndTattdvriphone appIphoneAppu-verseuverseFri, 26 Jun 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo coming to Time Warner Cable, potentially lots of other providers]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/22/tivo-coming-to-time-warner-cable-potentially-lots-of-other-prov/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/22/tivo-coming-to-time-warner-cable-potentially-lots-of-other-prov/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/22/tivo-coming-to-time-warner-cable-potentially-lots-of-other-prov/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a long, messy road, but now that TiVo's beaten a victory out of EchoStar in that seemingly-endless DVR patent lawsuit it sounds like the company is trying to exert some muscle -- it's already in talks to bring its service to Time Warner Cable, and sources have told Bloomberg the ultimate plan is to eventually collect royalties from every pay-TV provider in the US. That might sound bullying and even a little trollish, but keep in mind these patents have withstood pretty much every legal challenge EchoStar could throw at them, so TiVo's operating from a position of some certainty here -- especially since it's got license agreements with huge players like Comcast and DirecTV to use as leverage in negotiations as well. Of course, none of this solves any of TiVo's actual problems with its products, and the company's topsy-turvy balance sheet has some analysts thinking its ripe for a buyout by one of the bigs, so things could change dramatically at any minute, but for right now it sounds like your chances of getting the TiVo interface on your cable or satellite company DVR just went up, and that's almost certainly a good thing.

TiVo coming to Time Warner Cable, potentially lots of other providers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcastdirectvdishdish networkDishNetworkdvrechostarlawsuitlegalpatenttime warnertime warner cableTimeWarnerTimeWarnerCabletivoMon, 22 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST