James Kim Memorial Fund Charity Raffle Results

Dave Zatz —  February 4, 2007 — 2 Comments

The results of the raffle are in — You guys are awesome! Together we raised $1125 for the James Kim Memorial Fund, plus I’ll be sweetening the pot with my December Google Adsense income. It feels good to witness such generosity and I’m flattered so many entrusted me with their money.

Stephen randomly picked the winner of the TiVo Toaster (bread not included) which will be shipped from TiVo shortly. Bob Kemp, retired from IBM for 7 years, is the lucky recipient and hopes the Kim family is doing well.

Thank you for the contributions! Also, a big thanks to Stephen for his participation in this fundraiser.
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In Site News, TiVo
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Apple Just Says No To Vista

Dave Zatz —  February 3, 2007 — 6 Comments

Apparently iTunes, iPods, and Vista don’t play nice just yet. A variety of issues have been reported, including: purchased tracks not playing, synchronization glitches, and computer gremlins “may corrupt your iPod.” Apple warns:

iTunes 7.0.2 may work with Windows Vista on many typical PCs. Apple recommends, however, that customers wait to upgrade Windows until after the next release of iTunes which will be available in the next few weeks. Apple is preparing to address a number of iTunes compatibility issues in the next release of the software.

Apple suggests folks who have upgraded to Vista reinstall the current (buggy) version of iTunes and to use their repair tool to authorize playback.

(via CNET and iLounge)

In Apple, Audio, Media, Software
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Win A TiVo With Lifetime Service

Dave Zatz —  February 3, 2007 — 2 Comments
excitement.jpg

TiVo’s giving away a Series2 dual-tuning TiVo with Lifetime Service each month through July. All that’s required for entry is an email address.

Interesting factoid #1: The package is valued at $549.98.

Interesting factoid #2: Contradicting speculation on the TCF, “Each DVR requires its own TiVo service subscription and activation, and it cannot generally be transferred to any other DVR.”

I assume this contest predates TiVo’s new advertising agency, The Kaplan Thaler Group. Wonder if they’d have told Mom (above) to show a bit more excitement?

In Advertising, Deals, TiVo
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Blockbuster Brings Carl & Ray Back

Davis Freeberg —  February 3, 2007 — Leave a comment

Blockbuster video announced that they will be bringing back their lovable Carl and Ray campaign for this year’s Super Bowl spot. If you haven’t seen the clips, you can find them on YouTube or most of the other video sharing sites. I’ve never been a big fan of renting from Blockbuster, but I have to admit that I love these ads. The spots do a great job of infusing humor into the marketing message and the cuteness factor of digitally animated pets has an especially broad appeal for a spot that will be seen by such a large audience.

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In Advertising, Netflix
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Kevin Smith’s Top Movies Of 2006

Dave Zatz —  February 2, 2007 — Leave a comment

Better late than never! Kevin has posted his top films of 2006. 2006 was an off year for me: I didn’t catch too many new flicks (I hate the movie theater and I’m between projectors) and I didn’t read any fiction. Kevin’s top film was The Departed, which I haven’t seen yet… Though, we did catch the Hong Kong original (Infernal Affairs) on DVD a year or so ago. Movies from his top ten and honorable mentions that we’re anxious to see: Borat, Half Nelson, The Prestige, and MI:3 (if Xbox gets it in HD). I believe we watched V for Vendetta on Moviebeam… and unlike Kevin, it did not meet my expectations. Sin City (and hopefully the upcoming 300) is how to do a graphic novel adaptation. Hey Kevin, how about a list of your ten worst of 2006?

(via Hacking Netflix)

In Movies
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