June 30, 2005
Slingbox Review at Slingbox411.com
Slingbox411.com has the first ever Slingbox review by a TV addict. We picked up news of the Slingbox a few months ago. If you don't know what a Slingbox is well this may help.
"Slingbox can FORWARD your television signal from your home cable box (digital or analog), your satellite receiver, antenna, or even your Tivo to your desktop or notebook PC. So, in other words, you could watch your local news/sports in a another city….anywhere in the world! "
At The Pedestrian Slingbox Review and "Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )" (Sling Media)
June 30, 2005
New Archos Player with Digital Camera
What appears to be yet another portable video player is another portable video player. This one thought has a 1.2 megapixel camera and will come with a 20 or 40gb hard drive.
Via Engadget - www.engadget.com:
June 30, 2005
How To Buy A Home Projector
Home projectors are coming into the mainstream. I don't care about watching movies as much as watching new episodes of Battlestar Galactica on one of these babies. I'll be following the price drops as we plan our basement overhaul for next summer. This buyers guide gives you the run down on what's happening and what to look for.
At Buyers' Guide: Projectors
June 30, 2005
Buyers' Guide: Televisions - vnunet.com
We continue to pour over the web finding more and more HDTV buying guides. This one is pretty in depth and offers a bunch of more consumer friendly angles than others.
At Buyers' Guide: Televisions
June 28, 2005
HDTV: Terms To Know
Do you know what Integrated HDTV, 'HDTV-Capable' or 'HDTV-Ready' is? You need to know. There are a bunch of HDTV buyer's guides on the web but this is a great set of Terms to read prior to pouring over a buyers guide and not knowing what they are talking about.
At HDTV: Terms To Know
Daewoo Pinno PMP
Nice! Daewoo is not dead! This looks like the Archos portable video devices but a little smaller. It comes with a PMP with 3.5” TFT screen and a 20- or 30-GB hard drive and is probably impossible to get in the US.
Via Gizmodo
New Chief Named at TiVo
When it rains TiVo news it pours TiVo news. Thomas S. Rodgers was named chief executive officer yesterday. Mr. Rogers, 50, is chairman of the Teleglobe Communications Corporation and a former president of the NBC Cable unit of General Electric, TiVo said. He has been on TiVo's board since 2003.
Since he's got tons of cable experience, hopefully he won't muddy up the TiVo interface with the cable interface nightmares we've all seen and just make deals to put TiVo in every PVR in every cable company in the world.
At Chief Named at TiVo - New York Times
June 27, 2005
TiVo eyes growth in data biz PVR Spot
Looks like TiVo will be selling consumer data from their TiVo service to market research firms like Nielson. Well - it had to happen and you agreed to it when you signed up. I'm sure they'll keep you anonymous but I'm sure it will grow into a disaster when they start to do things with Comcast.
At DIY PVR, reviews, tivo, replay tv and more
June 25, 2005
The Week in Review - News Around the Blogpire
Another Summer week passes and tons of cool articles around the Blogpire. Single Serve Coffee.com focused on reviews about Green Mountain K-Cups, Arabica Express Melitta One:One Pods, and a way to win a Keurig B50. Kitchen Contraptions.com was crazy about Egg Cookers, Rainbow Toasters, and of course more Soho Spice Racks. If you like Tennis, What's All the Racquet.com talked a bunch about racquet technology (what else do those guys do?), and Shaving Stuff.com covered a diamond encrusted razor made for David Beckham. Just The Chips.com covered the World Series of Poker and some cool new chips. TV Snob.com continued it's series on how HDTV is totally confusing and how the VCR is dead.
Continue reading: "The Week in Review - News Around the Blogpire"
June 23, 2005
Holographic TV is Coming
Everyone on the planet ran this story so we have to run it too because...it's SOO COOL! Imagine attending a concert at Red Rocks and feeling like you're really there. I can imagine this adding the depth that TV lacks right now besides - who doesn't want to really feel like you're at a concert or being eating alive by a shark. NICE!
At Real Tech News - Independent Tech
SavitMicro Portable Video Player
This new video player is very cool. Not only does it look like a better design than the Xbox 360, it plays all kinds of video formats including: AVI (DivX 3.x/4.x/5.x, XviD)-GMC, Qpel, MPG, VOB, IFO, MPEG, DAT and MPEG4. It has a 3.5HDD slog, and DVI out (480p, 720p, 1080i et XGA)
Via Akihabara News
June 22, 2005
New Sony Grand Wega HD TVs Shipping
Sony is now shipping 3 new LCD TV HDTV models. The new Grand WEGA HD models are the KDF-E60A20 (60-inch), KDF-E55A20 (55-inch), and KDF-E50A10 (50-inch) andt the KDF-E42A10 (42-inch) model. The first three ship this week. The KDF-E42A10 ships in July
At I4U News
HDTV switches on confusion
It's not surprising that many people are downright confused over HDTV. I still am when it comes to aspect ratios, pixel amount, and other things you can't really put a finger on. Why does the confusion linger? Because they're all over the map. I've yet to see an HDTV say - this is exactly what you'll need to get through the next 5 years and not be unhappy. A standard would be great instead of all the different crap you need to wade through. Check out this article from the Netherlands and see what you and other consumers really want.
At vnunet.com
TiVo Movie Download Service Beta
Movies? Who wants movies? How about a TV download service? I know there's on Demand - but come on - let me download the entire season of Smallville in high quality and I'll be happy!
Via PVRblog
The VCR is dead -- long live TiVo!
I'm having a TiVo morning. I don't even have our VCR hooked up. When we moved earlier this year, I made no attempt to hook it up or even pull out the video tapes and set them up in the shelves. I hate everything about getting up off my butt and putting any media in any device now. This article from the SFGATE details many of the options available to you beside TiVo.
At The VCR is dead -- long live these replacement
Can I Get TiVo In This Suite?
I can easily see a day when TiVo and other technology don't follow you on the road - they are just there. I would love to be able to stream my TiVo to my hotel room instead of prepping for 4 days just to bring enough media with me to keep me entertained on the many planes, trains, and automobiles I get on. This article from Newsweek outlines many of the technologies you can expect at the top of the line hotel fo the future.
At Can I Get TiVo In This Suite? - Newsweek
June 21, 2005
Chanel TV Belt
I think I would watch TV all day long if I had this hooked up to a runway super model. Seriously? What would this be good for...oh...wait...just thought of something...
At Chanel TV Belt.
June 20, 2005
How to watch Beyond TV recordings on a Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP)
The PSP is a wonderful little device. Though we don't have Beyond TV here at TV Snob.com, we have been ripping our TV on DVD collection and then resampling for the PSP. Watching TV on the PSP is a thing of beauty. This past week before Revenge of the Sith (second viewing), I got an entire episode of Wonderfalls in. Great stuff. The Beyond TV to PSP tutorial will also give you insight into how to get shows of many forms onto your PSP if you think a little outside the box.
At SnapStream Blog Via PVR Blog
As TVs grow, so do electric bills
Prepare to pay the price for any electric sucking device you bring into your home. I'm also aware that many of the LCD TVs, PVRs, and other gizmos are "always on" and need to be on to get program guide data and other niceties. So get used to electric drain and be ready to buy solar panels just to power that new TV.
At As TVs grow, so do electric bills | csmonitor.com
June 17, 2005
Apple TV?
I've been following this trend of making TVs look like everything from Mickey Mouse to a Frog - but now apples? It seems Hanspree - a Taiwan based TV maker, is preparing to offer such designs as it launches U.S. operations this summer. I'm pretty sure kids will love these and adults that buy things for kids will love them too. I want one made in the shape of R2D2 or Darth Vadar's head - no!!! BOBA FETT TV!!!!
At MSNBC.com
June 16, 2005
4 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy an HDTV
We were confused as well. How big do I buy? What brand? How much do I spend? How do I make sure it won't be obsolete? Time magazine has a killer article on just this subject and let me tell you - it will take some time to read it.
At TECH TIME: Get In The Game: How to Buy an HDTV Set
How to Buy an HDTV - eHow.com
We are scouring the web for articles on just how to do it. Yes - even though we ourselves bought an LCD TV - there are many options for HDTV - which is a broadcast and picture standard that is digital. Also - we often forget that it's not just the picture - but the sound as well.
At How to Buy an HDTV - eHow.com
HP x5400 Media Center Extender Review
I you need to get a Media Center extender, this one looks to be a good deal. Apparently, this one has been discontinued, but if you want to try out how it would work and not pay through the nose - I would start here. The folks over at eHomeUpgrade have a run down of running it through it's paces on a standard 19" TV and wireless network.
At eHomeUpgrade
Buy at
HP X5400 Media Center Extender
PSP dead pixel fixer?
Just yesterday I did notice the few I had watching an episode of Wonderfalls on my PSP. As someone who has a PSP with maybe 2 dead pixels though I'm not that motivated to get rid of them. But, I do know that many of my friends who have PSPs have 10 or 15 dead pixels. I've seen dead pixels also come and go and get stuck on many LCD screens I've had over the years. Maybe this works and maybe your PSP TV viewing will be better because of it.
At PSP dead pixel fixer? - Engadget - www.engadget.com
June 13, 2005
How to Buy a Flat-Screen TV
Everyone asks me this question every time they see my LCD TV. How did you pick it? What resolution is it? Why did you pick that one? Is that a good brand? Is the Sony the best? Read on at PC World.com and get the latest answers to; How to Buy A Flat-Screen TV...
At PCWorld.com
Big Screens and Better Prices for Plasma
Things are dropping big time in the plasma world for prices. You can pick up most models for $4000 or less if you stick to the 42" size due to its popularity. Though I'm not huge fan of plasma because it lacks the versatility of and LCD TV for most families (video games, TiVo and CNN = burn in for plasma) I'm sure that most movie watchers and TV hounds would love a 42" plasma set. PC World offers a great round up of 8 models you would want to check into.
At PCWorld.com
June 12, 2005
ViewSonic 32-Inch LCD TV for $1299
32inches and coming in at $1299 - perfect. I wouldn't recommend paying more than that for 32". I like this new TV like look to the LCD TV - I think it's a little less wide screen looking and a little more familiar for the true TV person and not just a movie buff. It's got 12 ms response - nice. And at 800:1 for contrast ratio, a brightness of 550 nits, and 1366x768 resolution, this is a pretty nice entry level LCD TV.
At gadgetryblog
June 10, 2005
32" Sharp LCD TV with Integrated WiFi
Integrated WiFi and LCD TVs??? I can't wait for the next wave of LCD TV's to have integrated toasters ovens, juicers, and Xbox 360s. :-) Seriously, this 32" wonder has integrated WiFi to stream your "digital media" files to the screen without the hassle of having to hook up your PC to it. However, it does include a USB hub for connecting your camera as well. All that extra stuff pushes this LCD TV to the $2500+ mark. Ouch! I wouldn't pay more than $1500 bucks for a 32" now given all the options out there. Oh well - if you don't have all that stuff it now has jammed in there, maybe this is a great deal for you.
Via Gizmodo
June 8, 2005
What the hell is Akimbo?
Find out at Engadget. These guys have the best reviews on most things I just don't understand and appreciate as fully as they do.
Akimbo review - Engadget - www.engadget.com:
So what in the hell is Akimbo? Well, basically it’s a new video-on- demand/IPTV service that lets you pick what
shows you want to watch and then automatically download them over a broadband connection. We’re semi-obsessed with
IPTV— we’re always looking for new ways to stick it to Time Warner, our local cable monopoly—and so we were more than
pleased to check out what Akimbo had to offer.
June 7, 2005
Sanyo LCD TVs for Watching Sports?
I can see myself buying a $5000 LCD TV for: Sports, TV, Movies, and other programs not just for watching one of them. Well - as I4U says - it may just be marketing BS that these new LCD TVs are for watching sports and not other programs.
We recommend using the below LCD TV guide for the best LCD TVs to watch sports on:
Via I4U
TiVo Lowering Monthly Subscription Fees
Looks like TIVO will be reducing your monthly bill by 50% if you call them up and tell them you are switching to your cable providers DVR service. This is the classic - call them up and threaten to leave method of reducing your bill - so prepare for some hold time while you're on the phone. I expect to do this today.
Via Gear Live
Buy at
TiVo TCD540040 Series2 40-Hour Digital Video Recorder
June 4, 2005
Gadget Promos Creep Into TV Shows
Wild. You send your gadgets to TV writers and if they think it would make a great gag on the show - they include it as product placement. Sound like the 50's are coming back for TV. I can't wait to see an entire show centered around how weird a tape measure is. Shameless. Just shameless.
Wired News: Gadget Promos Creep Into TV Shows:
eff Greenfield, executive vice president at 1st Approach, a Dover, New Hampshire-based marketing firm, has been shopping Black & Decker's new AutoTape product to TV writers. At the push of a button, the battery-driven AutoTape automatically extends and retracts a measuring tape.
TV's future is here, although it needs work | CNET News.com
TV's future is here, although it needs work | CNET News.com:
Years ago, our futuristic fantasies involved robot butlers, video wristwatches and flying cars. These days, we would be happy to have a cell phone with no dead spots, e-mail without spam and the ability to watch any TV show, anytime we want it.
Actually, they are making progress on that last item. A company called Akimbo has a tantalizing idea. What if you had a TiVo-like set-top box, complete with a hard drive that could hold 200 hours of video--but instead of recording live broadcasts, you could tap into an enormous library of shows, stored on the Internet, and watch them whenever you liked?
June 1, 2005
AOpen Intel powered, Mac mini clone
My friend Rich has been cursing this site because it's too mac centric. Well - how's this Rich? A mac-mini intel clone you could use for your own home theatre pc? That's right - even when I do cover the Intel world it's a mac clone! BOOO HAHAHAH!!!
Mac HTPC - AOpen Intel powered, Mac mini clone:
This is pretty shameless, I mean come on…. If the power button wasn’t in the front I’m not sure I’d be able to tell them apart with a quick glance. I suppose this should be a sign that if nothing else, Apple has some PC makers nervous, at least when it comes to styling. The sad part is they’ll actually sell quite a few of these based on form factor alone. I’ve never been a fan of litigation over innovation, but in this case I hope Apple keeps a close eye on these jokers, and drops the lawyer bomb, if the word mini or anything with the letters m-i-n-i are ever used to describe it.
Give your TiVo a Facelift
I'm not sure why I would want to interchange the faceplate of my TIVO and move them around to the other TIVOs. Hmmm..this is a high degree of too much time on someone's hands. Now - let's say they found a way to increase the capacity of the TIVo by replacing JUST THE FACEPLATE of a 40 hour TIVO with a 80 hour TIVO. Now that would be worth writing about.
Give your TiVo a Facelift | PVRblog:
This is an odd development but may be useful for some folks. The guys behind Weaknees figured out that you can interchange the front faceplates of TiVo boxes between almost any series 2 TiVo or DirecTiVo.
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