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SlingCatcher updates reportedly on the way, cheers heard all over

by Darren Murph posted Jan 8th 2009 at 4:17PM

Sling Media's SlingCatcher has been hampered since release due to a few software limitations, but according to ZatzNotFunny, project manager Matthew Feinstein has confirmed that both Slingbox PRO-HD high-def / networked drive streaming are on the way sometime this quarter. Supposedly, resolutions are expected to get bumped from 640 x 480 to 1,280 x 540, with the ultimate goal of hitting 1,920 x 1,080. We're also told that UPnP support could be in the cards, and that OS X, SlingSync and SlingProjector software is in development. Mmm, tasty.

Sony issues firmware update for Alpha A700 DSLR

by Darren Murph posted Sep 16th 2008 at 5:06PM

Sony's Alpha A700 has been pleasing (or displeasing, we suppose), users for just over a year now, but those that have stuck with it in spite of a few issues can now smile brightly. Sony has just unleashed a firmware update for the DSLR which reportedly adds in an option to select auto exposure bracketing (single and continuous) with 3 shots in 2 EV steps and gives the choice to nix the High ISO NR feature. Furthermore, it supposedly improves the image quality in a high ISO setting, the auto white balance and D-Range Optimizer performance and the reliability for communication between camera body and vertical grip. Any owners out there care to give a shout on how their rig is performing post-update?

[Via DPReview]

Dell offers 1-year limited warranty enhancement for NVIDIA GPU issues

by Darren Murph posted Aug 18th 2008 at 6:15PM

Details are slim at the moment, but one thing's for sure: Dell customers affected (or not affected... yet) by those wonky NVIDIA GPUs will have their warranties extended by 12-months to compensate. The 1-year "limited warranty enhancement" will add coverage for this issue to everyone who recently purchased one of the 15 NVIDIA-equipped machines listed in the read link, and we're told to expect further details about the whole ordeal in short order. Breathe easy, folks -- you'll be taken care of somehow or another.

Samsung Instinct gets its first firmware update: too little, too late

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2008 at 2:30PM

Quite a few Instinct owners were giving Samsung / Sprint one option: crank out a firmware update to show that they cared before the 30-day test period expired, or deal with all that messy RMA paperwork. Unfortunately for the aforesaid firms, the handset's first update is coming ten days after that date (at least for the earliest of adopters), and initial reports suggest that glaring problems still exist. Some users are suggesting that Sprint TV is less pixelated than before and that overall snappiness is improved, but the patently awful browser still remains at 1.0 (and thus just as awful). Look, when the change that gets most people jazzed is the battery meter's newfound ability to hit 100% (and not just 90% as in the past), something is seriously wrong. Anyone else find any nuggets of goodness in the new update?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: A bigger, more life-changing update looks to be planned -- hang tight, Instinct owners!

HP responds to MediaSmart Server issues, offers no real solution at all

by Darren Murph posted Jul 29th 2008 at 3:43PM

It's no secret that HP MediaSmart Server owners have been having an awful time getting their device to operate correctly, er, at all since HP loosed its most recent software update on July 21st. In order to ~~make sure owners have a solution~~ implement its best damage control tactics, HP's own Director of Marketing for the Connected Entertainment group has put out a statement informing users that the problems (slow console shown above) are more than a figment of their imagination. Furthermore, the so-called solution is to simply "install each update one at a time, independently," because clearly HP cannot be bothered to fix a problem it helped create. Oh, it gets better. HP is also aware that PacketVideo (bundled with the update) "no longer supports media streaming to Sony's PlayStation 3," so it simply encourages owners to surf on over to a third-party website and hack up the PV database in order to get things back to normal. Jump on past the break for the patently ridiculous letter in its entirety.

[Image courtesy of Within Windows]

Continue reading HP responds to MediaSmart Server issues, offers no real solution at all

Pioneer issues firmware update for screwy AVIC F-Series navigators

by Darren Murph posted Jul 21st 2008 at 10:23PM

Just over a month after the internet got all fired up about the problematic AVIC F-Series navigators, Pioneer has come to the rescue (we hope, anyway) with a free firmware update. Aimed specifically at the US-based AVIC-F90BT, AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F700BT, the update will reportedly "improve overall system performance and resolve certain software issues." The outfit also notes that the AVIC-F500BT doesn't need the upgrade, and even if your unit has been a-okay thus far, it still recommends applying the software. Take ten minutes or so and see what the latest firmware has to offer, and be sure to let us know if all (or some) of the kinks have indeed been ironed out.

[Thanks, Steven]

International Space Station's lavatory gets repaired, another saga ends

by Darren Murph posted Jun 4th 2008 at 10:01PM

We can't say we're terribly saddened that this riveting caper has finally ended -- after all, the poor crew needs a reliable place to unload, right? Shortly after the space shuttle Discovery delivered a new pump for the jury-rigged commode, Oleg Kononenko -- who we hear is now widely regarded as a galactic hero -- spent around two hours installing the hardware and running a trio of tests. After everything was tightened up and functioning as advertised, the crew presumably relieved themselves just before carrying on with the installation of the recently acquired Kibo lab. Crisis averted.

ASUS offers UK Eee PC 900 owners �10 battery upgrade

by Darren Murph posted Jun 2nd 2008 at 9:54AM

Unlike the sticky situation in Hong Kong (which was in fact resolved), ASUS was under no obligation to provide 5800mAh batteries to buyers in the UK. Officially, the outfit noted that it "offers different solutions in different markets," and although UKers have received 4400mAh batteries in their machines, they also get a lengthened two-year warranty. Nevertheless, the company is making the right moves once again by offering these very customers a couple of options; first, users can download a firmware update that will reportedly add around 30 minutes of life to their current cell. If that's not enough, owners can send in the 4400mAh pack along with £10 + VAT in exchange for a longer-lasting 5800mAh edition. Looks like a pretty fair deal from this side of the pond.

[Thanks, JC]

International Space Station's commode gets fixed

by Darren Murph posted May 28th 2008 at 5:06PM

It's amazing how quickly humans can remedy problems when really placed in a bind, and rather than waiting for supplies to come up with Discovery next week, crew members aboard the International Space Station were able to solve their little dilemma already. Reportedly, cosmonauts were able to cure whatever was ailing the temporarily non-functioning john, enabling those stuck in space to urinate freely. Thankfully, the seven-year old toilet is due to be replaced with a fresh new one this Fall, and we'd say the replacement couldn't arrive soon enough.

Windows Home Server data corruption fix on the way

by Darren Murph posted May 23rd 2008 at 2:07AM

Guess what, loyal Windows Home Server users? A fix for that completely obnoxious data corruption bug is on the way. According to an email beamed out by the WHS team, the final release of Power Pack 1 is still aways out, but the public beta is all set to be loosed on those who willingly accept the associated risk(s). Said download is slated to launch in "early June," but those who want to get in on the pre-release fun are being encouraged to sign up now. Needless to say, those who toss their name in the ring better be sure their data is backed way up -- after all, the whole point of this test is to find any remaining holes that could render your files unusable. Keep an eye on that inbox for an invite, and if you're content with just getting the end product, the wait is growing ever shorter.

[Thanks, Drew]

ASUS replacing Eee PC 900 batteries with longer lasting versions

by Darren Murph posted Apr 22nd 2008 at 10:48PM

Attaboy, ASUS. Not even 24-hours after reports starting flooding in over end users receiving less capacious Eee PC batteries in Hong Kong than expected, the firm is stepping up and doing the right thing. According to an admittedly rough translation of a statement on its website, ASUS is openly thanking its supporters for their business, and while it seems as though it's still chalking the whole mishap up as a simple mistake, every single Hong Kong-based customer will be receiving a free (5800mAh) replacement. 'Tis a shame we'll likely still be griping over the battery life.

[Via jkkmobile]

Activision cranks up Wii Guitar Hero III disc replacement program

by Darren Murph posted Feb 16th 2008 at 11:43AM

Select owners of Guitar Hero III for Wii have been moshing uncontrollably as best they can in mono for months on end, but it seems as if Activision has finally got its interconnects sorted and will start issuing replacement discs. According to direct end-user reports and the (admittedly blurry) shots in the gallery below, the firm is now dishing out pre-paid envelopes in which customers have to ship back their faulty GH III disc and wait "3 to 4 weeks" before getting a new, stereo-enabled one free of charge. Live sans your favorite game for a month, or keep rockin' in the monaural world? Tough call, indeed.

[Thanks, Sam K. and Michael S.]

Gallery: Activision cranks up Wii Guitar Hero III disc replacement program

Canon brewing yet another autofocus fix for EOS-1D Mark III?

by Darren Murph posted Feb 4th 2008 at 12:40PM

Unfortunately, details are extraordinarily scant at the moment, but it appears that Canon is readying one more fix for the EOS-1D Mark III, which has been plagued with an autofocus issue for what seems like ages. Apparently, the forthcoming fix -- which could involve hardware and / or firmware alterations -- will make improvements even over last year's tweak. Reportedly, the firm's AF engineers are confident that they have now realized the "root cause" of the problem, hinting that this solution may in fact be the last. Per usual, there's been no clues handed out as to when users will actually be notified that a fix is available, but we're sure official word will stream out soon enough if there's anything to this.

How-to guide details fix for stuck LCD pixels

by Darren Murph posted Dec 24th 2007 at 9:08AM

We've heard all sorts of myths when it comes to fixing a stuck pixel on an LCD, and while the following methods shouldn't be expected to bring completely dead pixels back from the grave, commenters seem to think the methods are at least somewhat successful in getting pixels out of their single-colored funk. Up first is the flashing colors approach, which points you in the direction of a free java applet that rapidly flashes different hues on the screen to try to get the affected pixel to change. If that fails, you can try applying pressure to the stuck pixel, and if you're still left with the annoyance, you can resort to tapping the monitor with an eraser nub (or similar). So if you find yourself sick of staring at that non-conforming pixel, hit the read link and give the trio of methods a go -- just don't go in expecting any miracles, alright?

Canon's EOS-1D Mark III autofocus fix makes strides, stops short

by Darren Murph posted Dec 13th 2007 at 1:43PM

Remember that autofocus fix that Canon was supposedly working up? Turns out, the company isn't quite ready to start accepting faulty EOS-1D Mark IIIs just yet, but it is shipping out upgraded versions to new buyers. Rob Galbraith managed to wrap his hands around not one, but three of the new DSLRs in order to substantiate his findings, and what he found was noticeable improvement. In summary, the sub-mirror fix was said to boost the performance of the AF, as it enabled the camera to deliver "about the same number of in-focus frames whether it was warm or cold." Unfortunately, it seems that the solution still left a lot to be desired; Mr. Galbraith noted that it still couldn't match the EOS-1D Mark II N, and implied that there was still room for betterment. 'Course, we're really just scratching the surface on his thorough (and we mean thorough) look at the sub-mirror fix and v1.1.3 firmware, so if this issue has been hounding you, do yourself a favor and check out the read link.

[Thanks, Anand]