Digital Media Bytes: EngadgetHD Edition

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A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our friends at EngadgetHD:

TiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 Media Center
These are the best DVR options out there for a reason and both are very compelling. While Media Center excels in most areas that count, it is also the hardest to setup and support which means it isn’t an option for the mainstream DVR user.

Dish Network to offer live TV streaming on its free mobile apps next month
Now that the SlingLoaded ViP922 DVR is actually available from Dish Network it’s ready to offer more features from the Sling Mobile side of the menu, with plans to add free live TV (or recorded DVR program) streaming to its iPad app.

InfiniTV 4 quad CableCARD tuner is shipping
After a very long and wait since the pre-orders began, we just got the official word that the long sought after quad CableCARD tuner, the InfiniTV 4, is on US shores and has cleared customs.

Telus turns Canadian Xbox 360s into IPTV boxes
After years (and years) of waiting it’s no surprise to see the Xbox 360 finally sliding into the role of IPTV set-top box, but we couldn’t have seen Canada’s Telus being the first in North America to offer the option.

Sezmi expands Select service to 36 markets, DVR hardware drops to $150
Even at the lower price, we’ll probably wait to see when — and if — the $19.99 Select Plus package with its premium channels delivered via antenna spreads beyond Los Angeles.

5 thoughts on “Digital Media Bytes: EngadgetHD Edition”

  1. Ben’s piece is utterly fantastic.

    —–

    I find it pretty funny that the crappy Scientific-Atlanta box I was leasing a couple of years ago prior to my happy move to TiVo did conflict resolution far better than either TiVo or W7MCPC.

  2. I agree, Chucky, Ben’s article is a well thought out, rational comparison (therefore it probably won’t play too well over at the Tivo Community forums). While both DVR solutions are great, it does seem that a MCPC is for people who like to tinker or who want more of a total media solution (ie. blu-ray and ripped movies).

    I just received my e-mail notice about my Ceton card and I can’t wait to get it installed and see what it can do. I haven’t decided what to do with my S3 yet. If they offer me the $99 lifetime upgrade, I’ll jump all over that and put it upstairs.

  3. “I agree, Chucky, Ben’s article is a well thought out, rational comparison (therefore it probably won’t play too well over at the Tivo Community forums).”

    Whether that is true or not, Ben’s piece actually makes this TiVo user quite happy to remain a TiVo user.

    I’ve always been curious about W7MCPC, but the piece answers some of my curiosity without making me particularly interested in switching.

    “While both DVR solutions are great, it does seem that a MCPC is for people who like to tinker or who want more of a total media solution (ie. blu-ray and ripped movies).”

    I’m a helluva tinkerer, and TiVo + my homebrew Mac Mini HTPC held together through AppleScript seems to run circles around W7MCPC. But that’s partially due to the fact that I’m on FIOS, and am free from CCI byte worries.

    I’ve got a kickass DVR that Just Works, integrates well the rest of my setup, and lets me tinker on a less mission critical part of my setup.

    “I just received my e-mail notice about my Ceton card and I can’t wait to get it installed and see what it can do.”

    Good luck and godspeed. It may not be my preferred solution, but it should be fun to play with.

  5. I know Ben’s got a SlingLoaded DISH DVR at his home for review too. Wish it had been a three-way comparison!

    I’m waiting to see how the CableCARD-ed HDHomeRun tuns out before I invest in a Ceton. Also, I’m waiting to hear from folks using the new Xbox as an extender how quiet it really is and if the WMC interface runs on the 4GB model.

  6. Chucky-

    I’ve actually had more problems with my S3 tivo than my 7MC setup (Vista was another story). I’ve had my tivo freeze on me a few times and miss a few recordings and Netflix is pretty bad. That being said, I use my Tivo way more than my htpc right now which probably accounts for some of the discrepency.

    When I get my Ceton card I will absolutely keep my tivo around for a few months, just in case.

    Dave-

    I thought about waiting for the HDHomeRun cablecard deal, but i’m like a child, i want it now! Ha, well see how well it works.

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