D-Link’s DivX Connected media extender just got a whole lot more interesting. With the beta release of PC server software (v1.4), you can now stream select Flash-based video sites from the Internet and through the PC to your TV by way of the DSM-330 ($230).

Flash video and audio can now be launched through DivX Connected plug-ins, opening the floodgates to a vast library of content.  Upon release of 1.4, users can expect to be hit with a wave of new plug-ins, including the likes of YouTube and Dailymotion, and developers will have the tools they need to port countless other Flash video sites to the DivX Connected platform.

I played with the new features for about an hour this morning, viewing content from YouTube, Hulu, and ABC News. Of course, the video quality isn’t going to be any better than the source and playback wasn’t always super smooth - but that could be related to the beta status or my over-taxed XP virtual machine. Unfortunately, the biggest limitation is that many of these sites don’t provide or expose keyboard controls which could be mapped to the D-Link remote. As in: I sure wish I could pause or rewind content. Having said that, I’m very surprised (in a good way) to see this capability added.

The Internet is an efficient and effective video delivery method, however it’s fairly obvious that the various players (TiVo, Apple, DivX, ZvBox, Sling, Roku, Xbox, PS3, etc) are thinking beyond the computer as they race into the living room. Questions remain and it’s too early to declare a winner: Who will offer the best experience and the best sources - and at what cost?

As Mari mentioned, we spent our afternoon in DC with several of our peers (IP Democracy, Ars Technica, The Technology Liberation Front, Public Knowledge, etc) at the NCTA’s inaugural Blogger Summit. President Kyle McSlarrow pretty much opened the floor to discuss any topic on our minds. Given the DC crowd, a large percent of the conversation centered on policy and regulatory issues. While I’m generally geekier than that, I didn’t see a point in rehashing my frustration with the evolution of SDV and tru2way at the expense of the initial crop of one-way CableCARD devices.

Instead, what I chose to address is cable’s image problem… relaying a query from Twitter to emphasize the point: “Why are you so hostile towards the Consumer?” Ultimately, it sounds like we’re all in agreement that outreach and customer service need to be improved, something they’re investing heavily in.

Additionally, as a blogger in this space, I pointed out that they have an opportunity to proactively speak to a large number of their customers (or potential customers). And this Blogger Summit is an excellent start. But what I really want is a direct line into Comcast and Time Warner. Most of my coverage is reactive and limited to bone-headed moves. So, invite me up. Show us the cool stuff you’re working on. Be available for a conversation when you announce a cap without a meter or soft launch an Internet video download service. Why is it the only cable company that’s ever reached out to me was to slam a competing telco?

The good news is that the NCTA seems to get it. Heck, Kyle gives them a D- in blogger outreach and points out the irony that their members technically facilitate much of what goes on in the blogoshere yet have contributed very little to the conversation. At the same time, he vows improvements in direct customer engagement - both online and off. As always, it’ll come down to execution. But, at the very least, my day ended positively with an introduction to a Comcast spokesperson. (Thanks, Paul!)

Comcast’s cap and cable-co throughput (present and future) is a post unto itself - which we’ll save for a later date.

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs:

• U-verse Launches Whole-Home DVR: Connected Home 2 Go
• Yahoo and Intel Preview the Widget Channel: Connected Home 2 Go
• Movies on SageTV: Brent Evans Geek Tonic
• The Making of a Demo Room: Connected Home 2 Go

TiVo v. EchoStar (or would that be DISH Network?) patent litigation carries on… The parties reconvened in Texas yesterday for a contempt hearing held at TiVo’s request. EchoStar DVR functionality has been found to infringe on TiVo’s patents. And instead of shutting down their units as court ordered, DISH applied a software update which they claim no longer infringes. Judge Folsom indicated he may rule this month, though his decision could come as late as November. At the very least, TiVo should see that initial $74 million award plus interest (at some point). So what’s currently in play is the length of time of continued infringement and what that equates to in terms of cold hard cash… TiVo says they’re owed an additional $220 million in “royalties and lost profits,” while EchoStar has calculated a $16 million payment. I’m no lawyer and I find myself prone to narcoleptic outages when delving deeper, so I can’t say if treble damages are still on the table. What I do know is that TiVo will be paid (something) and DISH Network competitor DirecTV will be offering TiVo services once again.

After a fairly short and semi-public public beta, Amazon Video on Demand is here. The “new” service offers browser-based web streaming (Windows and Mac OS X), in addition to continuing to provide video downloads - previously known as “Unbox.” I did partake in the beta, although Amazon’s agreement prohibited me from discussion. It’s a nicely done offering, although I still wonder how large the pay-per-play long-form content market is. Especially when so much content is being offered for “free” (via subscription or with commercials) by Hulu, Netflix, and others. Although Amazon does kindly provide season premiers and trailers or previews on the house… to get you hooked. But what I’d really like to hear from these guys is a ‘HD content now available on TiVo’ announcement.

LG’s out with pricing and timing details on their forthcoming network-connected Blu-ray player: The $400 BD300 launches nationwide next month. Of course, the big draw is that bundled Netflix Watch Instantly. While I’ve been down on their service (with Roku), the content selection will only improve over time. Hopefully the resolution does as well. Compared to other BD Live (Profile 2.0) decks, the addition of Netflix streaming (wired only) makes this a decent value for non-gamers. Gamers, of course, are better served by the similarly priced Playstation 3. Although, if you believe Samsung, Blu-ray’s only got a 5-year shelf life…

Leaving comments across the blogosphere…

New TiVo HD XL: Big Drive, Big Price
$600 is a lot but they’re targeting custom installers and Magnolia. It basically uses the same TiVo HD hardware, so the cost to get this out the door is low. As long as they keep production under control, this will be a high margin item for TiVo. What they really need to do is get the TiVo HD down to 199. Given this early launch, I could see both units dropping by a hundred (rebate, maybe?) in mid or early November for holiday sales.

iRiver Concepts Feel Straight Out of Terry Gilliam’s Brain
The external speaker is attractive and functional in that it props the device at a nice viewing angle. However, where I’d most use something like that is a plane tray table. With headphones. I like the Nokia N800/N810 kick stand and it looks like the N96 includes one as well.

XOHM WiMAX from Sprint Dropping Next Month
We’re mixing apples and oranges here. There’s WiMax the technology and then there’s Sprint’s business strategy. At the end of the day, most consumers (once we get beyond the geek crowd) shouldn’t care what technology or brand is powering their high speed wireless, but Sprint’s strategy of telling folks to take your Internet connectivity with you under one plan may resonate.

Would you buy a high end phone that didn’t have 3G?
Do as I say, not as I do! I bought a $400 iPhone without 3G. Fortunately, my N95 has the “correct” US frequencies, but I know several people with the European model. However, I’m sure you’ll agree that our circle is highly geeky and not representative. The Omnia looks hot. Given their marketing push, I’m guessing a US model will show up at some time. Though they’re going to need a better stylus implementation in the US.

A Quick Guide to Netbooks
Micro Center doesn’t have the “new” Aspire One pricing. XP edition is still 400 with a sale price of 380. Hm. I do like the looks of it, but the crazy positioning of the mouse buttons ruins it for me which is why I’ve got the 10″ Lenovo S10 on order ($395 w/ XP). Unfortunately it only has 512MB builtin and I haven’t seen an optional 6 cell battery yet. The Wind still looks like it could be the best 10″ option out there but the ideal config runs $600 - assuming you can find it. The Eee line looks plastcy, toy-like. Even the newer models. Not for me.

Chrome Steals Headlines back from Gov Palin
Being a geek, of course I’ll download and futz with it. Win only at first, though the Google blog does say Mac and Linux editions are being crafted as well. As an end user, it doesn’t appear all that revolutionary. Sounds like a pretty typical browser experience. Though the Javascript and process compartmentalization sound good for security and performance.