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DirecTV's iPad app updated with live TV streaming, as long as you stay at home
DirecTV debuted its iPad app in February with an impressive suite of remote control and content browsing options, but one of the few missing features was the ability to watch TV on it, which has now been added. Like similar apps from Cablevision and Time Warner Cable, v1.3.1 adds the ability to watch 38 channels live on the tablet, provided you're connected to the same home network as your DirecTV Plus HD DVR. That home restriction, plus being limited to only live TV streams and not DVRed programming separates it from Sling's apps, but at least it's still a free add-on. If you want to watch recorded shows or take them on the go you'll still need the Nomad box for that. Check below for a link to one of DBSTalk's usual thorough walkthrough PDFs breaking down the new features, a few screengrabs sent in by a reader, and the complete channel list after the break. %Gallery-137621% [Thanks, Will & Jon]
DirecTV shows off its new HD UI with a website and trailer, still no release date
That slick, speedy new interface DirecTV recently pushed out to beta testers is officially getting hyped with a new landing page and (unfortunately not embeddable) video trailer. It advertises all the features we'd heard about, including the facelifted HD graphics, "lightning fast" scrolling, visual browsing experience and personalized recommendations. The HD UI is still without a release date however, and while we'd probably put it it ahead of the DirecTiVo on the company's current priority list, let's not forget who we're dealing with here. Hit the source link for the orientation materials, there will be a quiz later. Update: You can now view the video here, embedded after the break, thanks to our friend Dave Zatz! [Thanks, Stuart & cypherstream]
Virgin Media's TiVos get updated with Spotify, iOS app support and more
Over in the UK, Virgin Media has given a lucky few (3,500 or so) access to a pilot update for their TiVo DVRs that adds many of the features we'd heard were on the way, plus some extras. Word out of Crawley and Cambridge is that multiroom streaming is enabled, there's faster performance and an official community post mentions compatibility with TiVo's iOS apps, BBC iPlayer integration and music streaming from Spotify. A wider rollout is expected before Christmas, for a full list of changes check out the links below.
TiVo Premiere Elite now available, but is updated software the big surprise?
The four-tuner, 2TB hard drive-equipped TiVo Premiere Elite DVR is officially available. It popped up over the weekend on Weaknees and in Best Buy Magnolia stores, and some eager users have already taken them home and dug deep into the hardware and software. Gizmo Lovers points out the $499 box is packing updated software that hints at dual core support and more including Premiere-to-Premiere streaming, as well as 1GB of RAM built-in. If you prefer to get your DVR from your cable company, RCN is also apparently promising the Premiere Q and Preview extender boxes will be available in November. So far the early adopters are reporting increased speed, but we should find out what the new boxes are really capable of when all their features go live today, so stay tuned.
Verizon FiOS HD DVR review (1.9)
Moxi HD DVR Review Verizon FiOS TV 1.9 software update adds an HD guide, DVR enhancements Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video) It seems most have never learned to truly appreciate a DVR, instead thinking of it merely as a tape-less VCR. If you're like us, you love your DVR, but wait with bated breath for the next -- that might be the great one. So it was with great anticipation that we ran the new FiOS HD DVR update (1.9) through its paces. Arguably the biggest update since Verizon released a DVR, it was instantly adored by those lucky enough to have access to it, thanks to its external storage support, enhanced multi-room functionality and slick new 16x9 HD user interface. But does it meet our expectations? And can it compete with the likes of a TiVo or Windows Media Center DVR? Well, you'll just have to click through yourself for those answers. %Gallery-131261%
TiVo Premiere Elite will bring quad tuners, 2TB storage to retail this year
When TiVo announced its first quad tuner DVR, the Premiere Q, fans were devastated to learn it would only be available via cable operators, and that it featured a smallish 500GB hard drive. Fortunately, the company has rectified both of those issues by announcing the TiVo Premiere Elite, a quad tuner Series 4 DVR with 2TB of storage built that will be available through TiVo.com, Best Buy's Magnolia stores and authorized home theater installers. There's no word yet on price or an exact release date, as all of this is still pending a waiver from the FCC allowing TiVo to sell the box without any OTA or analog cable tuners, making this a digital cable (or Verizon FiOS) only experience. It's also THX Certified and most of the press release is dedicated to focusing on the high end nature of the hardware TiVo is unleashing. Also unmentioned so far is any retail edition of the TiVo Preview multiroom extender box, but we should get some hands-on time with this quad tuner edition very shortly during CEDIA 2011. For now, just check out the press release, included after the break, and for our European readers Engadget Spanish has you covered on the launch of the TiVo Premiere for ONO in Spain. Update: The official TiVo.com/elite page is live, and reveals the price as $499 "with service", $499 additional for a lifetime subscription. [Thanks @PhilipSaad] %Gallery-132837%
TiVo app jumps from iPad to iPhone, adds support for Series3 and HD DVRs
A magazine ad revealed it was on the way, and today TiVo came through by releasing a version of its remote app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. v1.5 does more than just get the existing iPad interface ready for smaller screens, it also increases compatibility by adding "limited compatibility" (search, browse and schedule recordings, plus the virtual remote) with older TiVo Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVRs, as well as TiVo Premieres supplied by cable providers RCN and Suddenlink. Still waiting in the wings is the promised Android version -- unless you're in the UK. Check out the press release after the break or just click the iTunes link below and give it a download yourself, especially since even the TiVo-less can browse its wares thanks to a new guest mode. [Thanks, @BrennokBob & Larry]
Comcast to show off new Xfinity TV guide with Facebook tie-ins, Intel CPU Thursday (video)
Thanks to one of our readers getting an early install, we've already dug deep into Comcast's next generation Xfinity TV DVR, but on Thursday Brian Roberts will show it off in full (along with "new broadband speeds") at the 2011 NCTA Cable Show . According to the press release the new guide that blends internet content with TV broadcasts will include customizations and sharing tied to Facebook along with hardware built by Pace around an Intel CPU -- if anyone needs a suggestion for a service to add after Skype, we're thinking OnLive could be a good fit. The detail we're waiting to hear is when it will be upgrading the pitiful boxes currently available in our neck of the woods, but until then we have another tipster to thank for pointing out a cache of demo videos posted on the portal for initial testers in Georgia. The 17-minute compilation of walkthrough videos is embedded above, just try not to drool too hard over the HD formatted UI. [Thanks, Cypherstream]
Comcast's next generation Xfinity Spectrum DVR shows off quad tuners, new menu and apps
It's been about six months since we heard Comcast was running tests of a brand new set-top box platform but now thanks to one of our tipsters we're able to see it in action and find out what's on the way. From the remote to the box to the menus it's all new, and appears to be a major step forward for the company and already includes familiar apps like Facebook and Pandora. The look of the new guide mirrors what we'd seen in the manual received by the FCC in December and demonstrated on Samsung HDTVs at CES earlier this year, intended for 16x9 displays and moving the main navigation elements to the top. The redesigned remote has a few new buttons and while it hasn't gone the QWERTY route, the software and hardware are designed around T9-style access for searching and messaging, with a button and microphone icon suggesting voice control is a possibility as well. The DVR itself is the Pace box we'd seen previously, although there was differing information on the number of tuners and hard drive space available, suggesting these details may still be up in the air. Check after the break for more details and our tipster's first hand account of the new TV experience. %Gallery-124121% [Thanks, Mark van der Linden]
500GB Virgin Media 'baby' TiVo available for preorders
Existing Virgin Media customers can preorder a 500GB version of its TiVo-based DVR now for a mere £49.95 (compared to £149.95 for the 1TB). The boxes are expected to ship in July and as The Virgin Media TiVo Blog notes, these are also available to customers with M+ and L service packages, while the 1TB model is only available with XL service. This is the latest step in Virgin Media expanding TiVo across all of its offerings, just relax and go with it.
Arris confirms the Shaw Gateway DVR's Moxi bloodlines, hints at more to come
The six tuner Shaw Gateway DVR we mentioned recently is built on Arris hardware, and now the company revealed more information about its Whole Home Solution setup at its core. The press release after the break details the specs used by Shaw's implementation (500GB hard drive, HD UI, four port router, MoCa and optional WiFi N) plus additional capabilities the Shaw Gateway hasn't taken advantage of yet (over the top video from the internet, VoIP, an integrated DOCSIS 3.0 modem and user media sharing). We spoke to Senior VP of Marketing and Development Stan Brovont and found out that this particular project has been under development for about a year now, and many of the features are in response to focus groups indicating that the number of tuners and hard drive space (the 500GB drive was up to Shaw) were among the most important features. While he did mention there were other partnerships not yet announced in the pipeline and couldn't comment on any potential return to retail for the Moxi-derived system, our friend Dave Zatz dug up a Multichannel News post mentioning a similar system coming to Oregon local provider BendBroadband. Check the Arris press release after the break for more details, we'll keep holding out hope for another retail DVR option in the marketplace.
DirecTiVo surfaces briefly on DirecTV.com, is it almost here?
Posters on the DBSTalk.com forum are reporting they got a quick glimpse of a $99 TiVo HD-DVR from DirecTV on the satellite company's website today, as shown in the screenshot by "J Blow" above. He reports it went through, charging $105 after tax and including a $5 TiVo service fee and $6 receiver lease fee. There's also an additional picture pointing out features like "swivel search" that definitely suggest a throwback to the old TiVo HD menus and not the new Premiere UI. As ZatzNotFunny points out previous rumors and tweets have suggested a launch this summer, but after so many delays, we're not getting excited just yet.
Shaw Gateway DVR is the six tuner Canadian son of Moxi
Shaw Cable in Canada unveiled its DVR of the future today, calling the Shaw Gateway Experience "a new world of entertainment." As it turns out, that new world is actually very familiar, consisting of an Arris six tuner DVR and multiroom companion box. The Gateway (pictured above) is a six tuner DVR with a CableCARD slot, 500GB hard drive, WiFi, DLNA and an HD guide that looks just like the Moxi DVR technology Arris purchased over a year ago. The Total Home Portal is the multiroom box that appears to be a refreshed edition of the Moxi Mate extender that lacks its own tuner or hard drive but can stream live or recorded video from the gateway. The cost of one Gateway and Portal is $600 up front or $17/month, while an extra portal is $178 or $5/month. They're currently only available in Calgary and are due to arrive elsewhere in Canada later this summer. [Thanks, Daniel]
TiVo survey hints at multiroom companion box, four tuner DVR in the future
If you were wondering what is next for TiVo, another leaked customer survey may give some indications. ZatzNotFunny has a few screenshots, and the questions ask customers about their interest in a companion box that could sit in another room and stream live TV or recordings from the DVR on a second TV, as well as their interest in a DVR with four tuners. Windows Media Center fans with four tuner InfiniTV setups or Moxi owners with three are unlikely to accept anything with less, and TiVo itself already ships a three tuner box for Virgin Media in the UK while cable and satellite providers have largely stuck with two, making it a logical feature to beat them on. Those weren't the only features users were asked about, they also ranked items like the ability to hide SD versions of channels from the guide, browse recorded shows on every DVR from any box and other UI related options. TiVo is apparently figuring out where it should allocate resources going forward and while we'd suggest enabling the second core of that processor and extending the new Premiere UI across all menus, they didn't ask us. Check out the full text of the survey a tipster forwarded to us after the break and see if TiVo missed anything else you might want them to focus on. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Virgin confirms 'baby TiVo,' expects 500GB model to become the new standard DVR
Richard Branson apparently wasn't kidding about how much he loved Virgin Media's new TiVo-powered DVRs, as the company revealed this week it will start offering a cheaper model with a 500GB hard drive to all of its customers, differing from the original which is only available to those with the XL package of channels. We can expect the "baby TiVo" -- aside from the HDD space, it is similar to the original in all respects including the three tuner capability -- to start shipping for existing customers May 16th. The up front pricing has been slashed, at just £49.95 (plus installation) while TechRadar mentions the price of the 1TB will be reduced to £149.95 for existing customers with preorders, or £199.95 for new customers but with the £40 installation fee waived.The existing V+ HD service isn't going away immediately, but it seems like the TiVo will have more features for the same price, but we'll wait to hear if our UK readers find the experience worthwhile.
Is Virgin Media planning a cheaper, 500GB TiVo?
It appears Virgin Media may be ready to follow up its initial TiVo product with a cheaper version very soon. Just like the TiVo Premiere and XL here in the US, the current model has a 1TB hard drive while forum posts indicate a 500GB "baby TiVo" model could be announced next week and arrive in late spring. We'll wait for some official word before knitting lil' TiVo booties, but if the current asking price for the Virgin Media TiVo -- which recently added BBC iPlayer catch-up support to its list of features -- is just too much for you to take the leap, the situation could take a turn for the better shortly.
Ask Engadget HD: All-in-one DVR to replace my HTPC?
As much as we love DIY projects, HTPC owners know that from time to time the "yourself" part can be the most frustrating one when things don't work quite right. That's where our friend Chris finds himself on his current project, and he's looking for a way out: "Last year, I built my latest generation of Windows Media Center HTPCs. They're quad-core beasts w/ SSD OS drives and 1 TB storage drives. 4 GB of RAM, Blu-ray drives, Windows 7, gyro-mouse remote -- the works. I've got 4 total tuners via 2 HD Homeruns connected to 3 separate attic/rooftop antennas. On paper, it all sounds like a dream. The reality is, Windows Media Center has been a nightmare to use and maintenance is a never-ending chore. Codecs, subtitles, driver issues, more codec issues, software glitches, more codec issues, problems with going to/waking up from sleep, poor performance even on these powerful quad-core machines, etc. etc. Needless to say, I'm in the market for a replacement. Here is my small (and what I think is a very reasonable) checklist. At least 2x ATSC tuner that works w/ OTA antennas. I know a lot of people are convinced they can get everything they need from the web, but when there is free HD video being broadcast, and plenty to watch on the dozen or so channels in my area, I feel like it is a very logical request to have my streamer/HTPC box include tuners. DLNA support. It has to be able to fetch/store metadata and cover art. It doesn't have to get carried away with cast/crew photos or anything..just basic cover art, description, runtime, rating, etc. would do. Netflix/Hulu Plus. These are an absolute must, but it'd be nice to do Youtube and a few other basic streaming services if possible. (Continued after the break)
Virgin Media enables the third tuner on its TiVo DVR
Overnight, Virgin Media has pushed upgrade to users of its TiVo box enabling the third tuner, which had lain dormant since they started shipping at the end of last year. Digital Spy points out that the next step is delivering new apps to the box, while Virgin Media is reportedly also considering upping the speed of the internal cable modem from 10Mbps to 20 Mbps. There's no word on whether or not this update has taken care of any other niggling issues users have noticed and as our friend Dave Zatz mentions, we're all waiting for the day the software is able to actually take advantage of the dual-core processor housed in the TiVo Premiere. Update: The Virgin Media TiVo Blog also mentions the algorithm for calculating recording space has been updated, while the hard drive didn't get any bigger, it's gone from reporting 325 hours of SD and 99 hours of HD recording space available to 477 and 121 hours, respectively.
Virgin Media TiVo experience is similar to the Premiere in all the wrong ways
Even if it's just "inspired" by the Premiere, ZatzNotFunny points out a few posts on the new Virgin Media TV Powered by TiVo section of Tivo Community suggesting the new DVR box is plagued by many of the same old issues. While we knew the 3rd tuner would be inactive at first, the company is running out of the "early 2011" period it promised for a software update, and as seen in the video after the break, there's still some glitches and sluggishness to be found in the new UI. On either side of the pond we're seeing far too many reactions matching the one from this frustrated UK user adamvietnam: "For ten years I used to tell anyone who'd listen that Tivo was the best piece of consumer electronics they'd ever own but at the moment the new box just feels like another PVR..." Time and software updates will tell what TiVo can do about it.
DirecTV adds YouTube video streaming to its DVRs
DirecTV owners may be interested in learning their DVR has a new trick, it can now view videos directly from YouTube. As long as your HD DVR or R22 DVR is connected to the internet, just hit menu, select Smart Search and you'll find YouTube videos among the results. that's all there is to it since there doesn't appear to be any options for viewing your own favorites or playlists at this time, check DirecTV's site for the step-by-step if you can't quite figure it out -- the rest of us have some internet memes to catch up on. [Thanks, cypherstream]
