The rumors (and Davis Freeberg) were right… Microsoft has confirmed next week’s Xbox 360 update will include DivX and Xvid support. However, as Chris Lanier points out, playback is limited to the Dashboard — there’ll be no media extender streaming from Vista or XP. Meaning, we’ll most likely be sneakernetting our compatible video on USB storage. Check out FAQ 10. for the inconsistent playback options.

Additional Fall Update features include Xbox Originals, enhanced online profile and friends list, plus:

several noteworthy changes in the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, from the new Game Store button to the Video Store button to enhanced visuals and descriptions in the video library

Click here for a complete listing of additions and improvements. (How come TiVo doesn’t provide a changelog like this?)

After months of hearing their customers clamor for more juicy information and photos of the upcoming SageTV HD Extender, SageTV posted many STX-HD100 media extender details on the forums yesterday.Like Microsoft’s Media Center extenders that were sold for the old XP version of Media Center, the STX-HD100 is made specifically to stream content from a computer running SageTV. All menus and functionality should be built-in to the box.

Confirmed Features/Details:

• HDMI output
• 1080p upscaled output
• H.264 decoding
• Digital Audio S/PDIF (optical)
• Wired Lan: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet RJ45 Connection
• Includes S-Video, Composite and RCA Component Outputs
• Dimensions: 14 3/16″ Wide, 1 15/16″ High and 9 1/4″ Deep

The new media extender will be priced $199.95 (includes a SageTV server-side license for the extender) and should be available December 10, 2007 per Jeffrey Kardatzke, CTO & Founder of SageTV, LLC.

For more SageTV HD Extender details and photos, head over to Brent Evans Geek Tonic.

I was fired up when I read about Sony’s new PSP web-based game download service last week. In fact, I’d expected Sony to take advantage of the PSP’s WiFi connectivity much earlier to provide both game downloads and video downloads, leveraging their catalog of movie and television content. But, therein lies the rub… The new game download service doesn’t utilize WiFi. In light of the iTunes WiFi store and Kindle’s EVDO connectivity, PSP’s Windows helper app seems a bit archaic for a new service. However, I did install it and intended to check out some of the game downloads: several PS One classics and two PSP titles ranging from ~$6-$15/each. Turns out my Memory Stick isn’t large enough for any of the games and I’m not motivated to upgrade it given the current catalog. I’m considering holding onto my PSP a little longer with hopes Sony does something more interesting… via WiFi. If they do, I might even downgrade my router to support 802.11b.

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

• Blockbuster’s Rental To Retail Paradigm Shift: Davis Freeberg’s Digital Connection
• DVR + VOD = Less Live TV: Connected Home 2 Go
• Consumers Watching TV on Network Websites: Connected Home 2 Go
• Make a Life Timeline For Organizing Photos: Brent Evans Greek Tonic
• HDTV Football Versus The Stadium Experience: Connected Home 2 Go

While digging through the US patent website, I noticed that IBM has filed an application to place non-skippable DVD commercial advertisements. It’s hard for to believe that there isn’t prior art for this already but, according to the application, commercials can either be updated via the internet or they can be embedded directly on the disc:

A method wherein contents of DVDs may be restricted based upon purchased certificates is provided. The certificates allow for secured information on playback. Specifically, whenever a DVD is to be played, a certificate is consulted to determine whether the content of the DVD should be played with or without commercial interruptions. If the certificates provide for commercial interruptions, then commercials can be obtained from an online service that renders commercials on demand, or from the DVD itself. In such a case, the content of the DVD may be interspersed with commercials.

I’m usually a fan of new DVD technology, but I’ve got mixed feelings about this one. Every now and then, I’ll come across a DVD that won’t let me skip past the previews and it drives me absolutely nuts. If I’ve already paid for my content, then should I be forced to watch advertisements? It makes me feel like the studios are double dipping.

On the other hand, I could see plenty of advantages in ad- upported DVDs. There are lots people who aren’t willing to pay money to watch a DVD. If they can catch up on a series by dealing with the ads, then this technology could introduce time shifting to an entirely new audience. It could also open up new distribution channels to content providers. For example, if McDonalds included ad supported Disney flicks into their Happy Meals, I wager that they’d reach more viewers than Friday nights on ABC.

(more…)

Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. I’m told these winter traditions were once about family, related to historical and religious events. But I’m only aware of breaking out the plastic to get some serious shopping done.

Today, once referred to as Thanksgiving, is Black Friday Eve - when merchant circulars showcasing tomorrows deals hit - and in keeping with tradition, I do give thanks. Many specials have been leaked online in the weeks leading up to the big event, but what’s new this year is that many deals are available via the web (as early as: RIGHT NOW) without waiting for that blasphemous Cyber Monday.

So what are we getting? (more…)

Following in the footsteps of Radiohead, the folks behind 10 MPH have embraced the pick-your-price distribution model for both physical DVDs and digital downloads. Both downloads and discs have minimum fees (10 cents, $6.99) which seems reasonable to ensure a small company’s expenses are covered. More on the movie:

The film 10 MPH chronicles the story of two friends and aspiring filmmakers that ditch soul-sucking cubicle jobs to claim a more fulfilling life by making a film about a cross-country journey by Segway.

Having had a “soul-sucking” cubicle job or two over the years and being an indie film fan (who’s seen the possibly similar Straight Story), 10 MPH piqued my curiosity. But I never added the film to my Netflix queue for whatever reason… The instant gratification of a download (unencrypted MPEG4) is appealing and I made a purchase this AM. I may never get around to actually watching the movie, so I only offered $2.22 (one of the pre-selected options). Hopefully this is sufficient to offset their bandwidth fees (780MB download) and, if I enjoy the flick, hopefully there’s an option for additional “donations.” Actually, the ordering process was more efficient than Radiohead — so, I could just easily “repurchase.”