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Comcast's quad-tuner Xfinity Spectrum DVR with internet access revealed by the FCC
Say hello to the future of DVRs, at least from Comcast, as its as-yet unannounced Xfinity Spectrum box passed through the FCC's database shortly after having its existence revealed by the Wall Street Journal. A quick peek at the production-ready manual reveals there's plenty of new features here, including a new guide design including IMDB-style cast & crew info as well as access to internet services. While it's hardware makes this Pace RNG-210n a 500GB HD DVR with four tuners, MoCA and IP access, one of the biggest changes is a software makeover means it pops up notifications prompted by your Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Configurable at Xfinity.com/Spectrum, it looks like it will only pull in information when people you follow share pictures, video, or link to info about TV shows and movies, with "most" viewable right on the box itself, plus the option to share what you're watching on those services. There's less details available about that "apps" section of the menu but weather, traffic, music and games are promised, take a quick peek at the most interesting sections including a look at the guide, remote and box in our gallery or check out the FCC filings yourself for more details -- it's hard to tell if the changes will make all our issues with cable provided set tops go away, but pretty much any new guide has to be better than what's there now, right? [Thanks, cypherstream] %Gallery-111807% %Gallery-111809%
Poll: What kind of DVR are you using?
With 2010 quickly winding down, we figure most of you have switched from simply watching whatever's on TV to your own choice of recorded shows by now, but we're wondering how you do it. Do you keep it simple and take the box offered by your cable/satellite/IPTV provider, have you upgraded to a third party selection from Moxi or TiVo, or did you DIY and slam a CableCARD into the baddest HTPC you could build? Check the poll options and get in where you fit in, then let us know how it's working out for you in the comments. %Poll-57595%
Virgin Media TV powered by TiVo is official, coming soon with 1TB HDD, 3 tuners
Say hello to the new Virgin Media TV powered by TiVo, a device that while "inspired" by the Premiere is much more than just the same old box with new stickers. Set to debut in the UK in mid-December, it packs a 1TB HDD, but trumps TiVo's previous efforts by promising a third tuner (to be enabled by a software update in 2011), an internal cable modem for downloading without cutting into your existing broadband speed and ties into catch-up TV just in case you forget to DVR something. While the box itself has a slick new design, the traditional peanut remote hasn't changed and neither have the menus as seen by these screenshots. Interested parties should squirrel away £199 (plus £40 for installation and £26.50 for the XL TiVo package) and hit the source link to queue for purchase.
Verizon FiOS starts rolling out 500GB DVRs
Other than clunky GUIs and a lack of modern features, the most common complaint about most DVRs provided by cable, IPTV and satellite providers is their small hard drives, but Verizon's FiOS is the latest to take a step in the right direction, offering a 500GB Motorola QIP7232 HD DVR to customers in Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. Add in the software update on the way that spruces up the interface and adds support for external storage, and you have plenty to get excited about. Check the thread on DSLReports to see what availability in your neck of the woods is like
Poll: What's the most important feature in a DVR?
After breaking down every difference we could think of between the TiVo Premiere and a Windows Media Center CableCARD setup, we're wondering what you feel is really important . If you're a heavy TV watcher, a DVR is a must, and if you're on this site, we're assuming it's connected to an HDTV. But if you had to narrow it down to one extra feature, what would win out, whether it's a UI you can't live without, the ability to schedule recordings from anywhere, access to internet video or just having enough capacity to record any and everything you want to watch, let us know what you're checking off first.%Poll-50802%
Comcast starts offering multiroom features, 500GB hard drives with AnyRoom DVR
Oregon and Southwest Washington are enjoying more than just the launch of Comcast's updated A28 guide today, the company also announced it has begun offering Anyroom DVR (not to be confused with Anyroom On Demand) setups in the area. It's a pretty standard MoCA implementation, one central HD DVR that allows customers to watch and control recorded programming from other hard drive-less set-top boxes in the same house. Comcast say Anyroom DVR is available in 20 markets including the Bay area, Western Mass, Augusta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Little Rock and others, while forum posts on DSLReports indicate promos have been spotted in Chicago and Pennsylvania with a price tag of $19.95 for the main DVR, and the usual fees for the other boxes (maximum of 3). We couldn't get an official confirmation on the amount of storage available 500GB is an all too welcome improvement over the 160GB / 250GB drives still sitting in most standard DVRs Comcast issues or the FiOS one we tested a while back, outpaces the 250GB / 320GB options in AT&T's U-verse setups and would put it on par with DirecTV's HR24 (can be upgraded) and the new Cox Plus Package. Sure, it's a little late to record every World Cup match in HD (or 3D) but we're sure you'll find something to fill the space. Update: Check after the break for specs on the main DVR and networked set-top boxes. (Thanks, Robert!)
Surewest adds Online DVR access, Caller ID on TV for IPTV customers in Sacramento
SureWest announced it would migrate its platform to Microsoft Mediaroom late last year starting with its Sacramento customers, and now its added a few more "advanced digital TV" features to go along with the Whole Home DVR and four tuner DVR features (not to mention lightning fast channel change times) launched in January. Now subscribers can log into the website and schedule edit, or delete recordings just like they were at home, while Caller ID on TV resolves that minor annoyance of having to actually see the phone to know who's calling. It's far from the first provider to add such features, but we're figuring Kevin Johnson and Tyreke Evans appreciate the effort. Now SureWest, let's talk about some Windows Media Center and Xbox 360 integration, ok?
DirecTV software update locks up HD DVRs nationwide -- Update: Fixed
It looks like one of DirecTV's astronauts had more trouble flipping switches than their DISH counterparts, after a software or guide data update last night knocked out HD DVRs all over -- and not for the first time. Currently the only advice needed to get back in working order is to reset the box twice (there's a red button on the front, underneath the flap) within a thirty minute period (the official website indicates you can wait as little as 15 seconds between resets) and all should be well, but good luck getting through to customer service to get that message right now. Countdown to an apology starts... now. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: According to DirecTV's website, a "transmission glitch" was to blame and it has automatically reset affected receivers from its end, so no further red button pushing should be necessary. [Thanks, Blake!]
TiVo, Technicolor cut a deal to push DVRs internationally
Don't expect TiVo's international ambitions to stop with Virgin Media, as it's announced a deal with Technicolor (formerly Thomson) to develop "an advanced, TiVo-ready, high definition PVR set-top box" (sounds like Premiere to us, but one can never be sure.) Technicolor is putting TiVo's software on its DSI803 box (pictured above) designed to meet European Low Power Code of Conduct standards, with dual tuners and a minimum 320GB hard drive. Between that and an earlier deal with Conax it expects to be able to offer the combined product to operators worldwide, but there's no word yet on who will be first to bite.
RCN starts offering TiVo Premieres in NYC
RCN's Netflix, Amazon VOD and HD UI-lacking TiVo Premiere boxes are now available to Empire State customers, the first region outside of Washington D.C. to get access. It looks like the bundle packages vary from D.C.'s slightly based on internet speed, but adding a Premiere on is still a $19.95 per month charge. So New York City TiVo fans, the choice is yours: RCN's VOD or everyone else's, which do you prefer? [Thanks, Dave Zatz]
TiVo Premiere patched to version 14.4 for better performance
Say hello to another software update for the TiVo Premiere, now up to version 14.4. TiVo reps tell ZatzNotFunny that it's still only running on one processor core, but reports indicate speed has been noticeably improved on the new HD menu system. Considering that's likely one of the main reasons for people to purchase the new boxes it's a very good sign for this "performance and stability" update, but don't get too excited, it could take a while before the phased rollout reaches your box. Anyone out there already living the 14.4 lifestyle want to report in on what it's like?
ADB set-back box squeezes a DVR on SDHC card behind your HDTV
The space and weight requirements to fit a tru2way cable box behind an LCD or plasma HDTV would seem to rule out DVR functions, but ADB showed off a second generation set-back box that does just that. Dubbed Phantom, it can hold an SDHC card with programs either recorded elsewhere, or it can record directly to the card itself. Light Reading mentions there's also MoCA support to stream from standard DVRs, so while it's unlikely you'd have a memory card big enough to hold all the HDTV programs we watch, whether you're old school sneakernetting or going multiroom it can be your hidden HD DVR. The ADB-4820C it designed for Sony HDTVs that we saw at CES 2009 never appeared, but the company said at The Cable Show the Phantom could be available by late this year or early 2011, with potential targets in the hotel industry or direct retail sales.
Sky+HD issues limited edition 1TB set-top boxes for World Cup watching
Sky just can't quit with the limited edition set-top boxes, issuing its latest edition in honor of the 2010 World Cup. these Sky+HD boxes feature a 1TB hard drive inside and prints from fashion designer Wayne Hemingway, illustrator Gerald Scarfe and actor Phil Daniels on the outside. The pricetag is £249, plus installation fee, but we guess the real question is you can afford not to have a box celebrating 1966 when the games kick off June 11. Think about it. %Gallery-93210%
Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels
Cox is ready to make a major leap forward in its user interface -- goodbye SARA and Passport, we won't miss you -- with the newly developed "Plus Package" rolling out in limited areas during Q2 and throughout its service area by the end of the year. For the hardware Cox is bringing a Whole Home DVR solution to bear based on a Cisco 8642 HD/DVR with 500GB (3x more than the sizes currently offered) of storage, and MoCA-connected 1642 HD receivers, which are also necessary to tune to the new HD channels on the way delivered over Switched Digital Video (SDV) in the 860-MHz band. The star of the show however is the new "Trio" program guide (video embedded after the break), a 16:9 interface that spaces out program info over three panes -- channels on the left, programs in the middle, details on the right. TV programs can also be sorted grid-style, by themes, HD-only or favorite channels, while VOD lists titles, box art and detailed info in the three window style. There's personalization for up to eight members of a household, as well as TiVo-style suggestions and related programming searches based on metadata. An exec told Multichannel News the new tru2way-built software started by realizing that "our guides were, in fact, broken" and this all-new approach is a step towards fixing that. Besides the TiVos and Moxis of the world, other service providers with similar setups include DirecTV, FiOS, Dish Network and U-verse and while we'd definitely like to see that middle pane expanded a bit to show more of each title, Cox could be the first cable company offering a set-top box that actually competes with any of them. %Gallery-92661%
RCN ready to ship TiVo Premiere DVRs in D.C.
Washington D.C. residents who want TiVo and their cable company's video on-demand are in luck -- our friends at ZatzNotFunny gave us the heads up they're the first to get access to RCN's Premiere box. Of course, you don't get the slick new HD interface (yet) but all in all that could be a good thing. The pricing breakdown is above with a $5 premium for existing customers to ditch the old Motorola box -- don't hurt your fingers clicking through too fast, please.
Engadget HD Podcast 181 - TiVo Premiere
A new TiVo isn't something that happens everyday -- in fact the last time was almost three years ago -- and because so many love and hate their TiVo at the exact same time, these same people get very passionate about the changes they expect. This is a task we weren't willing to take on our own, so we invited Engadget Classic Editors Nilay and Paul (one is a die hard TiVo user and the other actually went to the event) and just for a little outside perspective, we also had TiVo expert Dave Zatz. Who's been following the company as long as anyone we know. We went a little long and deviated off topic into the land of Media Center a few times, but overall there is some podcast gold in here -- if we can say so ourselves.Get the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace[MP3] Download the show (MP3).Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard LawlerGuests: Nilay Patel, Paul Miller and Dave ZatzProducer: Trent WolbeProgram00:02:05 - TiVo Premiere and Premiere XL usher in a brand new interface, optional QWERTY remote00:23:15 - TiVo Premiere hands-on (update: video!) 00:47:00 - Oops: TiVo Premiere won't have Comcast On Demand01:33:10 - Poll: So what's your reaction to the TiVo Premiere? LISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)
New DirecTV TiVo will be based on the old TiVo interface
Well isn't this a kick in the head -- first TiVo fans who subscribe to DirecTV were left high and dry years ago and now if it is actually released this Spring it'll have been almost two years since the two companies announced they'd join forces once again. As if all that waiting wasn't bad enough, these same fans were probably excited to see the new TiVo user interface -- even if they weren't excited about anything else -- only to hear Tom Rogers tell Light Reading that "Their [DirecTV's] next implementation of us is not going to have this look and feel. It's based on the classic TiVo." Oh man are you kidding? Rogers did say that a new tru2way version of the new look would be available in the future and that Comcast has already shown interest. And for those who think $300 is still too much for a DVR, Rogers confirms that "We don't make money on hardware. Hardware is really a way for us to get out our user experience."
Poll: So what's your reaction to the TiVo Premiere?
March 2 has come and gone and we finally have the answer to what TiVo has been up to. After scouring the specs and hands on information, are you a disappointed Series 3 owner because you won't be getting the upgraded UI, in a rush to unload your old units on eBay to make room for a new Premiere XL or feeling something else entirely? The company has focused on integrating internet video alongside traditional TV sources in its guide, if that's what you were looking for in your next DVR let us know. Of course, you can also roll back around at 6 p.m. for our live podcast and let us know what you think, but first, check one of the options below. %Poll-42433%
TiVo HD showing out of stock on TiVo.com
Good luck buying a standard TiVo HD at the moment, currently perusing the site only reveals a sold out message and a tip to check for either the XL, a refurb, or to check Best Buy (which, at least in our area, is showing sold out too.) So, is this confirmation of a new Premiere model on the way or a minor supply chain hiccup? Only time will tell.
DirecTV's public beta of multi-room viewing for existing DVRs is on
We truly believe that one day the idea of having a DVR in just one room of the house will be foreign to most and here's a new step in that direction. DirecTV has a new opt-in public beta of multi-room viewing software for its HR2x series of HD DVRs. Now this is not to be confused with the new hardware that uses RVU that we showed you from CES due later this year -- we wish -- this is simply adding new features to hardware you already bough leased. The way this will work is that you'll plug each DirecTV box into your home network via CAT5, enabled sharing, and pay an additional monthly fee. At that point you'll not only be able to stream shows between DVRs or standard HD set top boxes, but you'll also be able to delete shows as well as schedule new recordings. The big downer is it's far more complex than many will be willing to tackle, especially since the user must still manage the network and the sharing settings, as well as the fact as there still isn't one cohesive list of scheduled recordings. And worst of all, there is no resume sync, so if you start a show on one DVR, you'll have to figure out where you left out by fast forwarding when you decide to finish the rest in bed. Ultimately this is a great feature to offer and although it isn't what we're waiting for, it is a big step in the right direction. Thanks Doug and Jonathan!
