Pvr -- Engadget

pvr posts

Cello Electronics intros HDTV that records to SD cards

by Darren Murph posted Jun 24th 2009 at 8:59AM

We'll go ahead and hurt the feelings of those in Asia, North America and the Cook Islands: this here set is bound for the European market only (for now, anyway), but hey, at least we know the technology is here. Over in the UK, one Cello Electronics has issued the first HDTV that records OTA (Freeview) content directly to an SD card, giving users an easy option for shuffling recorded content to portable players. The set itself boasts twin TV tuners, a built-in EPG, split-screen functionality and an integrated DVD player; as for sizes, you'll find it in 22-, 26- and 32-inch flavors. Sadly, you'll be stuck with "just" 1,440 x 900 pixels and no HDMI socket, but those who couldn't care less can take ownership starting next month for TBD, £399.99 ($661) or £469.99 ($777) in order of mention.

Update: Cello pinged us to say that all three models do indeed have HDMI sockets. The larger two have a pair, while the 22-incher has one.

LG's 50PS70 and 60PS70 plasmas get 160GB Time Machine functionality

by Darren Murph posted May 21st 2009 at 8:59AM

The jury's still out on whether inbuilt DVRs are good for HDTVs, but LG's obviously hot to trot on the whole idea. Nearly a year after first introducing sets with an integrated Time Machine, the outfit is hitting back with two new big-screen plasmas that each posses a 160GB internal hard drive. The X Canvas 50PS70 (50-inch) and 60PS70 (60-inch) panels also boast 600Hz dejudder technology and can record overflow onto external drives connected via USB 2.0. Additional details (price, screen resolution, availability, etc.) are scant, but we'll be sure to keep an ear to the ground.

[Via Akihabara News]

Mvix quietly reveals media playing / recording MvixPVR

by Darren Murph posted Dec 16th 2008 at 1:19AM

Mvix has a history of pumping out reliable, multi-faceted media streamers, but it has evidently decided to branch out a touch with its latest piece. Taking a note from the HD PVR from Hauppauge, the box packs component video inputs that will likely capture high-def video from set-top-boxes and the like. It's also an HDD-based media player (bring your own hard drive, of course), which outputs content up to 1080p via HDMI. You'll also find integrated WiFi, a USB port for streaming files on external drives and UPnP / BitTorrent functionality. Mvix hasn't stated when this puppy will go on sale nor how expensive it will be, but those looking for a multi-purpose media streamer / recorder should probably keep a check on this one.

DISH Network's DTVPal DVR converter box set to roll out in December

by Donald Melanson posted Nov 11th 2008 at 4:51PM

This unassuming little device first popped up way back at CES in January, where it was known as the Echostar TR-50, but it looks like it's now finally going to see the light of day courtesy of DISH Network, which has dubbed it the DTVPal. From the looks of it, however, there's not a whole lot of changes beyond the name, with it still promising to handle the digital-to-analog conversion with ease, and record 30 hours of HD video or 150 hours of standard-def -- a task made considerably easier with the included seven-day programming guide which, best of all, doesn't require a subscription or contract. If that sounds like the box you've been waiting for, you'll be able to get your pre-order in on November 19th for $250 (after a $50 instant rebate), with the device supposedly set to start shipping in mid-December.

Neuros ships HD-capable OSD 2.0 set-top-box

by Darren Murph posted Sep 17th 2008 at 8:29AM

Was it really 2006 when Linux lovers were sinking their gums into Neuros Technology's OSD? Two years later, we're finally seeing shipment of the OSD 2.0, which diverts quite significantly from the original in terms of design and ups the ante by adding support for encoding high-definition video at 720p in MPEG-4 and D1 resolution in the H.264 format. It's built around a Texas Instruments Davinci-based CPU module and a mini-ITX motherboard / enclosure, but rather than just being a very hackable consumer product, this one is described as a "super-reference design" by CEO Joe Born. You'll likely remember the WhereverTV, which is of course based on the OSD 2.0, and the firm has already landed another partner for the box in Hupla. For the individuals who just want an undisturbed unit, you can latch on now for $250.

Update: Seems that "sale" didn't last long, and now it's back in the developer kit stage.

Sony's PlayTV DVR for PlayStation 3 gets unboxed

by Darren Murph posted Aug 20th 2008 at 2:07PM

Time flies when you're having fun, but not when you're waiting anxiously for a new piece of kit -- particularly one that has been delayed numerous times. For Europeans waiting on pins and needles for the release of the PlayTV DVR for PlayStation 3, your time has arrived. Before rushing out to get one, however, might we interest you a short unboxing and a brief overview? No pressure whatsoever, though.

Hauppauge HD-PVR shows itself, pre-order said to be coming soon

by Donald Melanson posted Apr 4th 2008 at 1:28PM

We'd already heard it was delayed, but that apparently hasn't stopped some pics of Hauppauge's much-anticipated HD-PVR from landing in the hands of a moderator of the SageTV forums, who has kindly posted them for all to see. As you can see, however, it isn't exactly much to look at, but the promised real-time H.264 compression of 1080i video from a component video source should be more enough to make up for any design quibbles. What's more, if that same SageTV moderator is to be believed, Hauppauge should be starting to take pre-orders for the device relatively soon, possibly as early as today (it's still expected to set you back about $250).

[Via TV Squad]

Motorola's DH02 mobile TV with PVR gains GPS and HSDPA, loses R

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 26th 2008 at 9:36AM

Motorola just announced a new portable DVB-H TV to followup its DH01. The name? DH02, of course. The new mobile TV now features a GPS receiver and Tele Atlas maps, an HSDPA / GPRS back-channel for interactive media, and new "auto-flip" portrait to landscape (presumably via accelerometer) touch-screen display of unspecified dimensions. The UI takes advantage of the touch-screen with an "intuitive click, drag, and scroll" navigation. Moto does call the WQVGA display high-resolution -- which is anything but high if the DH02 carries the same 4.3-inch display of the DH01. Motorola also likes to call the DH02 a PVR since it includes a 5 minute buffer for timeshifting, live pause, and frame grabbing. Thing is, while the former DH01 could record video, that capability is not mentioned anywhere in the DH02 press release. Perhaps the microSD slot is dedicated to GPS maps now, instead of recording space. It does offer Bluetooth and, uh hem, "stunning" video playback. Really moto, stunning video from a sub 30fps play rate in a 480 x 272 resolution? Hyperbole of the press release aside, we're still looking forward to a hands-on at CTIA next week.

Momenta necklace captures life's best, worst moments

by Darren Murph posted Feb 22nd 2008 at 9:14AM

Oh sure, there's a multitude of head-mounted cameras out there for devout lifebloggers to snap up and wear, but we're guessing the world looks a bit different when you're scaring everyone off while waltzing down the street. Granted, the Momenta necklace isn't a whole lot more attractive, but at least it's a touch less noticeable. This concept would reportedly capture anything and everything that happened in front of the wearer, and when it detects a sudden jump in heart rate, it'll log everything that happened five minutes prior and continue rolling until you tell it to halt. Kind of freaky, sure, but capturing the faces of folks who see you wearing this thing for the first time would undoubtedly be worth the price of admission.

[Via Tech Digest]

Ajoka makes belt buckle, crams a video camera in it

by Darren Murph posted Jan 12th 2008 at 9:03AM

It's not often that we see a pair of new wearable PVRs within the span of 24 hours, but sure enough, Ajoka is launching its Belt Buckle DVR just after we peeked the VIEVU PVR-PRO. 'Course, we're fairly certain this one's arriving a little late to be an official member of the "multifaceted belt buckle" fad, but with all the utility crammed into this one, it's got a fair shot at gaining traction, regardless. As for specs, this hidden camera can record video at a paltry 176 x 144 resolution, and considering that no built-in memory is included, you better bring your own SD card. Also, you can transfer captures and recharge the battery via the USB port, but sadly, no price is disclosed.

Gefen's CES lineup: switchers, PVRs, scalers, cables and more

by Darren Murph posted Jan 3rd 2008 at 10:07PM

We've seen Gefen get all riled up and unleash a barrage of new kit all at once, and sure enough, the outfit is doing just that once more. For starters, we've got the TV Switcher, which enables consumers to connect and access four HDMI sources from a single HDTV. Next up is the TV Splitter, which allows users to channel a single HDMI source to four displays -- and yeah, both of the aforementioned units play nice with HDMI v1.3a. Moving right along, we've got a pair of updates to the PVR lineup; the HD PVR records in MPEG4 and can store material on the 80GB HDD or an SD card, while the SD PVR records content onto USB storage devices. Over on the sound side, the Gefen TV Audio Processor takes a single HDMI source and delivers it to a display and an external audio receiver; furthermore, it reportedly "decodes the HDMI signal to provide an audio signal along with six discrete RCA connectors." Lastly, the firm is doling out v1.3 / Simplay HD-certified HDMI cables in 6-, 10- and 15-foot lengths, but unfortunately, it didn't bother handing out price tags for any of the goods here.

TiVo coming to PC via Nero software

by Evan Blass posted Nov 28th 2007 at 9:36AM

TiVo has just announced an agreement with multimedia software provider Nero AG that will bring its familiar interface and feature set to the PC. According to the joint announcement made today, Nero will embed the TiVo experience in its next generation of software, allowing the millions of us who rely on USB dongles for our TV to finally join the exclusive realm of Series1, 2, and 3 owners. Plus, as Zatz Not Funny! points out, Nero's international presence should help spread TiVo to the far corners of the Earth like some digital Happy Meal. Hopefully this new PC timeshifting solution -- release window: unknown -- will also convince other purveyors of home theater-only hardware-based services to finally bring their wares to the desktop. Yes, we're looking at you, Sling.

[Thanks, Dennis C.]

Babel TV set-top-box weds Freeview, PVR, and internet

by Darren Murph posted Oct 25th 2007 at 10:31PM

We've never been much for using one's television as their primary web surfing display -- after all, how do you expect to get any work done with last week's episode of The Office drawing your attention away from that oh-so-critical PowerPoint -- but for those who'd enjoy access every now and then without having to attach a dedicated computer, Babel TV could be just the thing. Available solely in the UK, this multifaceted set-top-box enables users to tune into and record Freeview broadcasts, stream video clips / programming from the web and even make VoIP calls. Furthermore, the box is "managed remotely by Babel TV's technical team," and copies of all your files can be automatically stored at a secure location (for a price, we presume). Reportedly, the unit should be available early next month for £295 ($602), and yes, that does include a wireless keyboard and pointer to keep you firmly planted on the sofa.

[Via TechDigest]

Comcast TiVo makes it into the wild

by Donald Melanson posted Oct 22nd 2007 at 10:43AM

Not that it comes as a huge surprise, but it looks like those Comcast TiVos have now started to make their way into the homes of a select few New Englanders, as evidenced by the shot above courtesy of Dave Zatz. As Dave points out, however, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, including any word on a price for the service, any indication of a time frame for deployment, and any firm word as to exactly what hardware it'll work on. In the meantime, those looking for a taste of things to come can find plenty of more pics by hitting up the read link below, including a few shots of the Comcast-branded hardware.

The Blusens catalog: a mythical garden of vaporous delights?

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 12th 2007 at 6:08AM

We've never paid much attention to Spain's Blusens, but we just got hold of the company's 2008 catalog and frankly, we're impressed. We don't know how much of this stuff will ever actually see the light of day, but there's some seriously sick (hypothetical) gear in there, like the G.41 PMP pictured above, which features a 4.3-inch screen, WiFi, MP3, WMA, MPEG4 and Ogg support, an integrated digital camera, voice recorder, FM radio, and what looks like a well-polished UI. Also worth noting is the G.71 media streamer / DVR, available in DVD or Blu-ray versions, which features a removable hard drive and external storage support, dual DVB-T tuners, IPTV support, Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI-out, and DivX / DivX HD / XviD, H.264 and MPEG2 support. Rounding out the highlights is the C.40 VoIP phone, which'll let you Skype it up over WiFi. Some of these designs rip pretty heavily from other companies, and again, we're not at all certain what's real and what's not, but damn -- Blusens, welcome to the scene. Peep the whole catalog in the gallery.

[Via Gizmología]