I had a chance to sit down with some of the folks behind the GlideTV touchpad remote ($150) and SageTV HTPC solutions this afternoon. On the GlideTV front, they’ve beefed up the Windows and Mac dashboard with an improved onscreen keyboard, more prominence given to favorite destinations, and direct integration with Clicker. Even more impressive is what GlideTV’s not quite ready to talk about, but they’ve been experimenting with different ways to present and consume web content. Definitely something I’ll be following up on when the time is right. Speaking of timing, I was hopeful of getting a sneak peak at version 7 of SageTV which features an all-new 3D UI. But we’re going to have to wait a bit longer.

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Monsoon Multimedia, makers of the HAVA placeshifting line (a Slingbox competitor), are prepping a new placeshifting device for launch in March. In addition to the remote streaming services Monsoon hardware currently provides, the new “Volcano” box (prototype pictured) takes it to high def – pushing video at up to 720p. Also, Android and Blackberry clients will be joining the existing lineup of  PC, Mac OS X, iPhone, Symbian, and Windows Mobile software with new integrated EPG functionality.

But the Volcano line is more than just a placeshifter, with actual video input and television out capabilities. For playback of local media (USB or eSATA storage, UPnP, DLNA) or a variety of web content, starting with YouTube streaming and CinemaNow video on demand downloads. Additionally, video from an attached set-top box can be offloaded onto attached or (later) integrated storage. For local or remote playback which can be streamed… or copied (think TiVoToGo) for subway or air travel.

But wait, there’s more. Each Volcano device can stream to any other within the home via UPnP. Initially, this feature will be limited to files. Followed shortly thereafter by the ability stream live content from an attached set-top box. Meaning potentially one less cable STB in the home. A little bit down the road, the Volcano will offer true SlingCatcher capabilities in streaming live (or recorded) content beyond the home. A combined Slingbox+SlingCatcher device, along with the other DMA capabilities, like this is something we once referred to as a “God Box.”

The current pre-release Volcano UI is rough around the edges, although a Cover Flow-eque media interface looks promising. Aside from the remote, the hardware is by far the most attractive box Monsoon has produced. And, given the functionality along with integrated 802.11n, they’re launching at a very competitive $200 in March. A higher end unit, trading 4GB of flash memory for a 250GB hard drive, will also be available for $300. Stay tuned, as you know I’ll putting this through its paces later this spring.

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Popbox snuck up on me earlier this week. Plenty of companies are pushing out various digital media boxes and features these days. Some are better than others. Many aren’t very good at all. However, Syabas is well established in this space – providing the technology behind partner products, such as the HP MediaSmart HDTV line (RIP), and merchandising their own solid offerings in the hobbyist (read: geek) market under the Popcorn Hour Media Tank line. So I made arrangements to meet with COO Alex Limberis this morning.

The Popbox contains the same chipset as the powerful Popcorn Hour C200, but forgoes Blu-ray mounting (IFO will work) and internal hard drive options to keep costs down as they go after a more mainstream market. As far as I know, it’ll be the most powerful box you’ll find for under $150 when it launches this spring, handling just about every codec you can throw at it (via networked computer, NAS, or removable storage), many 1080p at up to 100MBps. And boasts a smooth, Flash-based UI with some Java running under the hood. Additionally, like others, they’re opening up their platform to provide a number of apps – which will reside locally on an included 2GB card. The Netflix “Popapp” is currently undergoing certification, using the latest API, as seen on the Xbox 360. Allowing you to browse and select movies by genre, instead of merely viewing your personal queue.

While the physical hardware isn’t quite as flashy as the Boxee Box, the Popbox will likely land at a lower price point. There’s also no Boxee Box QWERTY remote, but Syabas will be providing a free iPhone Popbox remote control app at launch. Given the Popbox’s sheer horsepower and rich, modern interface, Syabas could be the ones to beat. However, content is still king. Boxee has Hulu (for now?), Roku has MLB. Can they all work deals? If CES is any indication, 2010 is going to be loads of fun in this space…

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I had a brief chat this morning with John Gilmore, Sling Media’ General Manager, who wanted to assure me (and ZNF readers) that (despite my concerns) they are far from done with retail. In fact, they’ll be actively growing that business. And the first related announcement is an upcoming Flash-based SlingPlayer being demo-ed in their booth. Meaning you could potentially turn your PS3 into a SlingCatcher and additional mobiles should be more quickly supported. The Flash player will hit the first half of 2010 with initial support for the Slingbox PRO-HD with the Slingbox SOLO to follow. And presumably any future retail Slingboxen.

I also had an opportunity to briefly chat with Sling’s mobile product manager, who announced an Android SlingPlayer client is coming (!), although they’re not prepared to discuss timing. Unfortunately, Palm’s webOS is currently being “evaluated.” Meaning a potential launch is much further away.

As you can see, I also snapped some photos of their four new products destined for cable and satellite providers (like DISH Network) – the impossibly small Slingbox 700u (above), Sling Touch Control, Sling Receiver, and Sling WiFi Monitor.

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A few weeks back, I noticed Amazon was offering select movie rentalss with a new 48 hour viewing window. Currently, The Hangover (above, Warner Bros) and Angels & Demons (Sony) list 48 hour viewing periods, while Star Trek (Paramount) and State of Play (Universal) are limited to the traditional 24 hours. Which rubs many, such as myself, the wrong way. At the very least I’d like to see a more liberal 36 hours of viewing, enabling folks to watch or resume a movie the following day with a little bit of wiggle room. I’ve waited to post until I could get a little more insight on the situation… Is Amazon taking on the expense, as Vudu may have done with their 99 cent second day rentals, or are the studios opening up? I discussed the matter with Dave Allred of Sezmi yesterday, who confirms the studios are indeed opening up and experimenting more in this space. Amen for progress. As I’m betting most would prefer not swipe content and appreciate more favorable (and certainly reasonable) movie rental terms. Can 48 hour Apple iTunes rentals be far behind? (Thanks for the reminder, Scott!)

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I spent some time with Boxee CEO Avner Ronen tonight and their first dedicated hardware solution. Which is produced by D-Link and should ship sometime in the next few months for under $200. (I’ll guess $199.) The unit looks more sophisticated and sexy than the fine renders we saw last month with a polished front face, that was next to impossible to photograph. When the unit it off, the Boxee logo is a flat grey and nearly invisible. When powered on, it glows green. The reflective surface and illuminated branding are pure eye candy, but I’m digging it. Although it’s yet to be seen how the uniquely styled unit will fit into our home decor and handle interior lighting.

Much of the conversation the last 24 hours has focused on the newly introduced RF QWERTY remote. It comes bundled with D-Link’s Boxee Box, but will also be sold separately along with a USB dongle for use on computers running Boxee… or other upcoming and yet-to-be-announced dedicated Boxee hardware. The slim remote looks and feels good, although I’d like to see the same finish on both sides. And/or matched to the Boxee Box itself. The keyboard chiclets are spaced well and have good travel/feedback. To answer some of GeekTonic Brent’s questions, it’s unlikely you’d accidentally apply enough pressure to type while holding the remote. The keyboard is also a bit recessed, so it should sit fine on a tabletop.

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In addition to the requisite networking product announcements, Netgear has introduced a refreshed Digital Entertainer at the press conference I’m currently attending. They’ve dropped some hardware from the EVA9150 to hit a lower price point with the Digital Entertainer Express (EVA9100) – which will be available shortly for $229. Unlike the 802.11n found in the 9150 ships with, the 9100 requires a Netgear USB adapter if you plan on taking it wireless. And you’ll need to bring provide own hard drive, should you so desire. The STB handles playback of a variety of local media formats, up to 1080p, from your LAN (PC, Mac, NAS) or USB drive, in addition the streaming online content via the PC-based PlayOn software hackery. Additionally, protected Windows Media files are supported — which should allow native playback of video from services such as Amazon VOD. If you buy a pair (or more), the 9100 includes follow-me functionality: Pause in one room, resume in another. I’m hopeful of swinging by Netgear’s suite later this week for some hands on time. And to track down their Push 2 TV joint venture with Intel.

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