Even though we all hate ads, they're obviously never going away. It looks like TiVo is trying a new ad strategy for recorded shows according to AdWeek:
NEW YORK TiVo upped its efforts to include advertising in its digital video recording service with its most intrusive effort to date. The company will embed ads after a recorded program plays.
The graphical ad unit, which TiVo calls a "program placement," appears at the end of a recorded program, on the screen asking viewers if they want to delete the show. It is designed to give advertisers a way to reach TiVo's more than 4.4 million subscribers, many of which fast-forward through commercial breaks. Burger King, General Motors and MasterCard are the first flight of sponsors testing out the ad unit.
TiVo's just taking advantage of space on their save or delete menu which doesn't seem very intrusive to me.
We've told you about Amazon's and Xbox Live's Movie download services. Now Walmart is about to enter the movie download fray. According to FoxNews:
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is edging into selling video downloads by offering buyers of the "Superman Returns" DVD a chance to buy downloads of the same movie, beginning Wednesday.
The world's largest retailer said Tuesday that shoppers have the choice of paying $1.97 to download the movie to a portable device, such as Apple's iPod or Microsoft's Zune, or paying $2.97 to download it to a laptop or desktop computer. For $3.97, customers can download the movie for both formats.
Gift Idea of the Day: Samsung LNS2641D 26" LCD HDTV with Integrated ATSC Tuner
Looking for an LCD TV with an integrated HDTV tuner? Be sure to check out this great deal on the Samsung LNS2641D 26" LCD HDTV at Amazon:
Amazon.com Product Description
If you're just entering the HD arena and don't want to break the bank on your first flat-screen television, the entry-level 26-inch Samsung LNS2641D LCD TV is a great fit for your budget and it offers many of the same video processing features as its higher end 51- and 52-Series siblings. It features an integrated HDTV tuner, 10-bit video processor, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio for smooth, vibrant pictures. It also includes dual HDMI inputs for simultaneous signal transfer of audio and video from digital devices and PC connectivity. The dual purpose pedestal stand can also be used as an articulating wall mount when it’s folded back. Additionally, the stand can be removed for wall-mounting via optional VESA compatible hardware (such as Samsung wall mounting kit WMTL2600).
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.
While this is a smaller screen that's best for the bedroom or office, you'll really be impressed with the LNS2641D.
Projectiondesign Model Two WIDE - Projection in Small Spaces
Want to add a projector to your home theater system but your room is just too small? Well you might be interested in the Projectiondesign Model Two WIDE projector. According to Pocket-Lint:
Model Two WIDE can project a 2m wide/90-inch diagonal image on the wall from a distance of only 2 metres, while most projectors require a distance from the projection surface of at least 4 to 5 metres.
The Model Two WIDE features DarkChip3 technology and is HD-ready. It features interchangeable lenses and delivers 1000 lumens of light. It operates at just 24dB so you'll be able to hear sound without any problems, and offers true optical vertical lens shift of 0-95%.
Very nice! At £4000 it might be cheaper to tear down a wall but hey it's still a neat idea.
Xbox Movies Download Service Now Live - Prices Too High!
Earlier this month, we told you about the Microsoft's plan to offer movies and TV shows for the Xbox Live service. Well, the service went live on November 22 and as we promised, we've found the pricing for you. According to Afterdawn.com:
High definition TV shows cost 240 ($3) Microsoft points, while the inferior standard definition media costs a whole lot less at 160 ($2) points. Movie prices vary from 240 to 480 ($6) points, standard definition "classic feature film" will cost you 240, high def classic 360 ($4.5), a new release film in SD 320 ($4), and at the top a brand new HD film 480 Microsoft points.
The movies have a 14-day "rent period", during which you have to watch it, however the movie has to be watched within 24 hours from the first time it is launched.
Ouch! That pricing is just too high for a rental. We're also annoyed that you have to buy points first instead of just buying the movie or show. Still, we like the ability to download movies with the Xbox Live Service and hopefully we'll see the prices dropped a little in the near future.
Gift Idea of the Day: Sennheiser RS 130 Wireless Surround Sound Headphones
As we mentioned in our Holiday Gift Guide, a good set of headphones is essential for peaceful TV viewing. To enhance your viewing pleasure, you might want to check out the Sennheiser RS 130 Headphones at Amazon.com:
Amazon.com Product Description
Experience total audio immersion and freedom with the Sennheiser RS 130 wireless headphones. With an SRS surround sound mode that can be switched on or off, and a design that completely encases your ears, the RS 130s are ideal for kicking back on the couch with a DVD when the rest of the house is asleep. Or, maybe you want to dance to the music from your hi-fi system while doing some laundry. With the RS 130s you can move around freely while enjoying audiophile-class sound wherever you roam.
While many wireless headphones suffer from poor reception, the RS 130s have the problem licked with intelligent auto tuning and a self-learning automatic signal level control that provides maximum signal reception and a range of up to 150 meters. The headphones are lightweight, too, making them very comfortable to wear. The included transmitter and stand makes recharging the headphone batteries easy; simply hang the headphones on the charging cradle and you're good to go. With an operating time of approximately 22 hours, though, plan on spending most of your time enjoying rich sound and maximum mobility.
For the price, these are one of the best sets of heaphones out there.
Get Your TiVo Free After Rebates This Holiday Season
If you don't have a TiVo on your holiday list this might be the year to add one. According to eHomeUpgrade.com:
TiVo, the creator and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR's), is offering consumers an unprecedented opportunity to get for their own homes or give as a gift to friends and family the most popular TiVo box absolutely free this holiday season. When they sign up for a new service plan, consumers will receive the TiVo Series2 which retails for $219.99 and which has the capacity to store up to 80 hours of their favorite TV programming, free after rebate. This versatile TiVo box empowers consumers to enjoy their favorite TV programs whenever they want, and works with all cable, satellite, antenna, and combination set-ups. This is a limited time offer, while supplies last.
The rebate details are:
As part of a major holiday campaign offering consumers widespread savings, TiVo is extending special rebates on a number of its most popular models, including: 80-hr TiVo Series2 DT (DT stands for Dual Tuner which allows you to record 2 shows simultaneously* while watching a 3rd), which regularly retails for $249.99, is now just $69.99 after rebate and service activation, and the 180-hr TiVo Series2 DT DVR which regularly retails for $349.99 for only $169.99 after rebate and service activation. TiVo products can be purchased at leading retailers across the country, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, and other major electronics retailers. Visit TiVo.com for more details.
You might want to jump on this deal before the holiday season ends.
Holiday Gift and Shopping Guides from Around the Blogpire
Our editors have been hard at work coming up with the latest products to give as gifts this holiday season. Each of our different sites has their own holiday gift guide on various topics including: shaving, hdtv, gps, gaming, coffee and espresso, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, and more.
Make your holiday gift giving easier this season by visiting the holiday shopping guides below, and get your shopping done online without the crowds and hassle of ever leaving your comfy couch or computer chair.
Alright, as promised I finally tried the Circuit City 24/24 Guarantee. To refresh your memory, the 24/24 Guarantee is pretty simple. Basically, you order your Circuit City items online and specify in-store pickup. The items will then be ready to pick up within 24 minutes of receiving your confirmation email. If your order isn't ready for pick-up within 24 minutes, you'll get a $24 gift card. Here's the actual fine print at Circuit City's website:
The 24 minute Guarantee applies from timestamp on order confirmation email until the time order is ready for customer pickup. Guarantee excludes customer wait time in store lines. Offer valid on orders placed at circuitcity.com or by phone during pickup store's normal operating hours up to 30 minutes prior to closing. Guarantee not valid the day after Thanksgiving, 12/26 or 12/27. $25 minimum purchase. One $24 gift card offered per qualifying in-store pickup ticket, which must be claimed at time of pickup and is good for future purchases.
In the interest of disclosure: Circuit City contacted me and asked me to try the 24/24 guarantee and then write about my experience. They provided me with a gift card in order to try the service. They asked that I post honestly about my experience with no editorial input from Circuit City. Because I received the card by mail, my local Circuit City was unaware of the experiment.
I'll start by sharing the online shopping experience. The Circuit City site is pretty easy to navigate. The best part is that you put in your zip code and then when you look at a product, it will tell you if the product is available or not:
Overall, I found most of what I was looking for was available in the store. Probably the weakest point I encountered while shopping on Circuit City's website is the fact that almost all of the movies and music available online aren't available for in-store pick-up. Besides the issue with the movies and music, everything else went smoothly while placing my order.
Earlier this year we told you about the compact Oppo Digital LT-2007 LCD TV with DVD. Now you can read a small review of the LT-2007 at TMC.net. The reviews states:
In fact, I was very impressed with the DVD quality as well as the 181-channel TV tuner video quality, but still would have liked to have seen 1024x768 supported. Nevertheless, this combo device will most likely be used in kitchens, dens, and other small spaces "more as a DVD player and TV" rather than a computer monitor. As such, this TV/DVD combo this is a great product with a really cool stylish design that almost looks like Apple designed it. Most importantly the Oppo OPPO Digital LT-2007 has a small footprint due its integrated LCD, speakers, and DVD player that won't clutter your countertop or table -- and at just $599, this is a bargain for the amount of features you get.
If you're tight on space, you might want to check the review out.
If you have any interest in the Nintendo Wii, you'll want to start with this great FAQ at Engadget. It has several great questions like:
Does the Wii upconvert non-Wii games?
If you've got the component cables you can "upscale" old games to 480p / EDTV. Not that it's going to look any better, but the display doesn't change back 480i or anything.
and
How steep is the learning curve on the Wii? Is it worth the time investment to learn a new way of gaming?
Not very steep, most of the motions and gestures come naturally. Which is kind of the point -- they wanted to make gaming less about button combos on a 20-button controller, and more about natural, intuitive movements that people of all ages can understand and play with.
and
What are the load times for the games?
Nothing at all unusual for a disc-based console. Considering it's loading less data than the PS3 or Xbox 360, we might've liked to see those load times shaved down a bit. But it's nothing unreasonable, and doesn't clock into the minutes territory.
Overall the FAQ has 44 great questions that you'll want to check out.
Even though the TiVo Series 3 has been out for a few months, we haven't seen many reviews out there yet. We guess the lack of exposure has to do with how many people are willing to spend almost $800 on a box that requires a contract. Anyway, here's a small but decent review at HolidayGadgetGuide.FederatedMedia.net:
About six weeks ago, a Comcast truck rolled away from my house and I finally had my new Series 3 TiVo up and running. For the past year, I’ve been using Comcast’s HD DVR and it’s been a bear to use, buggy, and unreliable (my review). I bought a Series 3 TiVo on the day it was released just to get away from the old box. What follows are my impressions from my time so far with the new device.
Here's a couple of the high points that the article notes:
Hands down, still the best interface in recordable TV. I realized I was watching less TV and not marking new programs to be recorded on my old Comcast DVR because the interface was so cumbersome and time-consuming. The TiVo is just natural to use.
HD video quality is perfect, standard def at high quality looks great too, much better than the default Comcast DVR recordings. Since the 250Gb drive can record hundreds of hours of standard TV, I set it to High Quality (2nd highest) and was impressed as it was much better than my Comcast DVR’s standard def recordings.
And of course, one of the biggest low points:
The price is high. No doubt, the biggest drawback to the Series 3 TiVo is the price. Suggested list is $799 and if you shop around you can save about $100 off that price. On top of the high cost of hardware, you also have to pay for a monthly subscription in 1, 2, and 3 year increments (that range from $12.95-19.95, depending on length). This is definitely high end gear and it carries the price to match.
We definitely agree with this low point but we expect to see the price of the Series 3 to start slowly come down after the Holidays. Be sure to read about all of the high and low points in the article:
We've featured a lot of cool remotes here at TVSnob but nothing like the Monster AVL-300. Besides being a highly customizable TV remote, it also functions as a Home Automation remote. According to PopGadget.net:
I’ve spent some face time with the Monster Central AVL-300 home automation remote over the last two weeks. The AVL-300 remote is an all-in-one programmable home theater remote control, but it’s also a controller for Monster's IlluminEssence automated lighting systems. By integrating the two systems together seamlessly the company has produced a very powerful remote with a great feature set. However, that level of control adds a level of complexity that makes the learning curve for the initial setup a little steep.
The article states that overall:
The Monster 300 is a solid remote for controlling a full featured audio video system, and at $600 it’s priced within the realm of reason. Buying separate home theater and lighting controllers with comparable features would cost close to $600, and there’s a lot to be said for the convenience of having all the necessary features in the palm of your hand.
Of course at $600 this remote won't be for everyone, but it'll definitely be something to look at if you also need home automation control.
Vizio Drops Prices on Plasma & LCD HDTV Models Just in Time for Black Friday
For you professional shoppers out there you already know next Friday is Black Friday, the absolutely craziest day of the year to Christmas shop. So just in time for the Black Friday, Vizio has announced some great pricing on Plasma and LCD HDTVs. According to Vizio's Press release:
The Vizio brand continues to grow in product line, performance reputation and market share. Holiday shoppers aren't only looking for the lowest price -- they want a high quality flat panel high definition TV at the best price. This matches Vizio's theme, "Where Vision Meets Value." Vizio's holiday line-up starting Black Friday includes:
For you Futurama fans out there, I just ran cross this site that links to every episode of Futurama. The website claims it's legal because:
This site is legal as watchfuturama.com does not host any of the episodes or upload them we only link to them.
Sticking with the ol' Napster defense I guess. I'm still betting we won't see those links up for very long, so if you want to watch some decent quality Futurama online you might want to hop on over to the site.
Missed Out on PS3? - Still a Chance to Get the Nintendo Wii!
Bummed out because you spent 48 hours in a tent only to passed over when they started selling PS3s last night at midnight? Well, you still have a chance to score a gaming system this week when the Nintendo Wii goes on sale Nov. 19th. According to Wikipedia:
The Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep). It is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). The console can be stood either horizontally or vertically.
The front of the console features a slot-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light and accepts both 12cm optical discs for Wii software and 8cm discs from Nintendo's prior console, the GameCube. When a disc is inserted, the light illuminating the disc port turns off. When there is no disc the light turns on, allowing the player to load discs in the dark. The ability to load differently sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size. Two USB ports (at the rear) and one SD card slot (behind a flap cover at the front of the console) are provided.
On of the coolest features has to be the controller:
The Wii Remote is a one-handed controller that uses a combination of accelerometers and infrared detection (in conjunction with the sensor bar) to sense its position in 3D space. This allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the Wii console using Bluetooth, and features force feedback, 4KB non-volatile memory and an internal speaker.
The controller can connect to other devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. Perhaps the most important of these is the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons.
Did we mention that the Wii retails for $249.99? Add that to the fact that the lines won't be near as long as the PS3 lines were and the Wii looks like a steal this time of the year.
Hi-Def: Makes regular TV look like crayon drawing smeared with Vaseline. Once you watch it, you cannot watch normal TV. My non-Hi-Def TV consumption has dropped 74% since I got an HD set. If the picture gets any better, I will watch no normal TV at all.
And my favorite definition:
HMDI: A special kind of Hi-Def cable that costs $100, because it is made of Leprechaun veins. There is no other explanation for it costing $100.
So I've gotten several emails asking if I've tested out Circuit City's 24/24 Guarantee that I mentioned last week. Well, I still haven't had a chance to try the guarantee yet but I should have a post up by Monday on my experience.
If you've had experience with the 24/24 guarantee, be sure to leave us a comment.
TVSnob 2006 Christmas Buying Guide - HDTVs, TiVo, PS3, and Other Vital TV Related Items
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Well, we here at TVSnob are here to help. We've compiled a small list of some of our favorite TVs and TV related items. Of course, we couldn't list all of our favorites but hopefully this will get you pointed in the right direction. While this guide is designed to help you easily shop online, feel free to print the guide and take it with you when you hit the mall. Please note that these items are listed from higher to lower price and other than that are in no particular order.
HDTV
Since we spend so much time talking about HDTV at TVSnob it only seems appropriate to start our list with HDTVs. This list could go on all day with the great choices out there but we decided to just put our top choices. You can also see more about HDTV in our HDTV Category.
CRT TVs
Not quite ready for the HDTV revolution? Well if you're just looking for a basic TV for your office or bedroom, here a few of our favorite non-HDTV models.
Projection TVs
With the advent of Flat Panel TVs, projection TVs aren't as popular as they once were but they still offer a great value for a large screen TV. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.
Projectors
If you're looking to build that killer home theater system, you'll want to be sure to check out a projector. You can find out more about projectors in our Projector Category.
Home Theater
If you want to get the most out of that fancy new TV, you really want to have a decent home theater system. Besides providing great sound, a home theater system offers a simple way to attach DVD players and other components to you system. More about home theater here.
TiVo
Yep we love TiVo and we aren't ashamed about it. Here a few choices and be sure to check out our TiVo Category. Also note that Amazon now carries the TiVo Series 3 which makes us pretty happy.
DVD Players/Recorders/DVR
If you need a way to store your favorite shows and movies be sure to consider a DVR or a DVD recorder. Here are few of our favorites to get you started.
Remote Controls
It's amazing how advanced remote controls have gotten. In fact, most of the remotes on this list can be programmed right from your computer or the internet. You can read more about remote controls here.
Wireless Headphones
A couple of years ago I received wireless headphones as a Christmas gift and I have to say it's one of the best gifts I ever gotten. Headphones are a great way to watch a game or a movie while blocking out the outside distractions.
As we stated before, this list doesn't crack the surface of what's available but use it as a starting point for your holiday shopping. Enjoy and have a safe and happy holiday shopping experience.
First Look: BenQ MP510 DLP Projector - Home Theater for Around $500
Some of the killer home theater systems out there are centered around projectors. The problem is projectors can get expense, especially when you consider the cost of replacement bulbs. For those who do want a projector for their home theater system but don't want to put out a lot of dough will want to look at the BenQ 510.
While it's an entry level projector, it's under $600 price tag makes it a great choice for the entry level home entertainment setup. According to the BenQ press release last week:
TAIPEI, TAIWAN, 27 October, 2006 - BenQ today introduces a new addition to its projector lineup with the BenQ MP510 multi-function digital projector, providing the best option in both value and performance. The MP510 features a brightness of 1500 ANSI lumens, SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, an incredibly 22dB whisper quite design and various application functions including 7 sets of picture modes and wall color correction function.
The BenQ MP510 features a whisper quiet design that is able to reduce the operation noise to an incredibly quiet 22dB. This is achieved by an advanced cooling system which creates an effective sound baffle that effectively reduces the audible noise to a low 22dB - the level of sound lower than the human whisper, almost equivalent to the sound level of rustling leaves, therefore ensures undisturbed meeting or cinematic environment.
For those of you who have the BenQ 510, drop us a line and let us know what you think.
Japanese Retailers Sell 88,400 PS3s in first 2 Days
If you really want to sell a product, the key seems to be to overhype how hard it's going to be to get that product. It obviously works with gaming systems according to a report at MSNBC:
Sony Corp. sold 88,400 units of its PlayStation 3 game console in the first two days after the launch in Japan, leaving most stores without any stock, video game magazine publisher Enterbrain said on Monday.
Just so you get an idea of how big a deal that is:
The basic model of the PS3, equipped with a 20-gigabyte hard disk drive, sells for 49,980 yen ($425), while a more advanced 60-gigabyte version is retailing for about 60,000 yen.
Of the total sold so far in Japan, Enterbrain said 54,600, or about 62 percent, were of the more advanced model.
Wow! If my calculator is functioning correctly, that's around $40 million in 2 days. The PS3 was expected to be a big seller but that's stilll pretty amazing.
We'll keep on eye out to see how well PS3 units sell in the US when they hit the shelves on November 17th.<
TiVo to Run Ads at End of Recorded Shows
Even though we all hate ads, they're obviously never going away. It looks like TiVo is trying a new ad strategy for recorded shows according to AdWeek:
Want to add a projector to your home theater system but your room is just too small? Well you might be interested in the Projectiondesign Model Two WIDE projector. According to 
Here's an unbelievable article at Oklahoman.net:
Continue reading: 
Alright, 
If you have any interest in the Nintendo Wii, you'll want to start with this great FAQ at Engadget. It has several great questions like:
We've featured a lot of cool remotes here at TVSnob but nothing like the Monster AVL-300. Besides being a highly customizable TV remote, it also functions as a Home Automation remote. According to PopGadget.net:
For you professional shoppers out there you already know next Friday is Black Friday, the absolutely craziest day of the year to Christmas shop. So just in time for the Black Friday, Vizio has announced some great pricing on Plasma and LCD HDTVs. According to Vizio's Press release:
