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Bright House bigwig acknowledges complaints about Mystro Digital Navigator
Finally, someone inside sees the light. According to quotes from a recent interview with Craig Saari, Bright House's senior director of engineering, he realizes that the Mystro Digital Navigator is patently awful, though he doesn't really have a good reason why Passport was ditched in favor of something that is almost universally despised. After the aforesaid software was rolled out en masse last week in Central Florida, hordes of customers are yelping that more functionality has been lost than gained, and even Saari confessed that the Mystro is much slower to respond to remote inputs. All that being true, the question beckons: "Why?" Why on Earth are providers like BHN and Time Warner Cable switching out the antiquated (but perfectly usable) Passport application for something that's entirely worse? We suppose we'll never know the truth, but at least BHN customers have someone, somewhere working to make things better. Or so they say.Update: So it's possible the new software was implemented for tru2way support. Makes sense, but it doesn't ease the pain of suckage.
TiVo soliciting beta testers for "Hawk" Series3 / TiVo HD software update
Generally, we'd say it's hard to tell what TiVo has up its sleeve with this newfangled "Hawk" software, but given that we already took a peek at what's potentially the next big TiVo interface late last month, we can't help but think the two are related. TiVo has been sending out solicitation e-mails to select Series3 / TiVo HD owners in order to enlist them in a beta program to test out a software release slated for launch sometime this fall. Users are being asked to deal with a few quirks and report them in a timely fashion, and they're promised a small parting gift for their participation. Of note, "Hawk" won't work with Series1 / Series2 boxes, and while "fall" is definitely mentioned, so is the word "December." Meaning? Don't get your hopes up that this release will be headed down the pipes in gold fashion anytime soon. [Thanks, NotMe]
AT&T introduces U-verse Total Home DVR in San Antonio
San Antonio may have been one of the first locales to get U-verse TV service, but it's not quite the first to snag AT&T's Total Home DVR software. As the carrier continues to gift U-verse users with the ability to watch recorded programs on any connected TV in the house, this Texas town has become the latest to get loved. Where will AT&T head next with THDVR? Your guess is as good as ours.
New Bright House DVR software rolling out en masse to Central Floridians
A select few Bright House Networks subscribers in Central Florida have already been blessed (if you want to call it that) with the carrier's new "Digital Navigator" DVR software, and for better or worse, it's coming to even more of you soon. BHN has put out an announcement to notify customers in the region that the rollout should hit everyone by the end of this month, and while it claims the new look will make it "easier to find programs, give parents more parental control options and allow Digital Phone customers to have Caller ID displayed on their TV," we know all too well how these refreshes can end up in reality. Unfortunately, we have a feeling most of you won't be enjoying the change.
DirecTV confirms HD DVR / receiver glitch, apologizes profusely
So it's true -- hordes of DirecTV users weren't just dreaming about a glitch that required a painstaking reboot to start the week off. DirecTV has sent out e-mails to loads of affected users which were unexpectedly forced to mash the red "Reset" button located within a door on the front panel of their HD DVR / receiver in order to get things going again. Of course, even the mighty satcaster can't replace any missed recordings that were scheduled, but it is "sincerely" sorry for the inconvenience. You'll still be paying your full bill, though, so it's not that sorry.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Botched DirecTV software update requiring HR2X STBs to be restarted?
Generally, we'd pass something like this off as just coincidence, but when over 95% of 1,000+ respondents confess to sharing the same issue, we simply can't turn the other cheek. It's assumed that DirecTV botched up a software update early this morning that affected a number of HR2X set-tops. Over at DBSTalk, the vast majority of readers who voluntarily took part in a poll affirmed that at least one of their HR2X units required a restart / reboot this morning. We know there's no real point in asking if you too were affected, but that aside, what was DirecTV attempting to send down? The world may never know.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
U-verse survey hints at new set-top-box, bolstered HD lineup
Given that AT&T still hasn't rolled its Total Home DVR software out to each of its markets yet, we're having a tough time believing a new set-top-box is just around the bend. Skeptical though we may be, a couple of subscribers have confirmed receipt of an interesting new survey that asked if they would subscribe to "a new STB" that supported the aforementioned TH DVR service, included IR capability and could handle digital programming including HDTV and Dolby 5.1. In addition to that, it asked if the respondent would be willing to cough up an extra $4 for the U400 package or an extra $10 for a total of 90 high-def channels. Call us crazy, but we're thinking that "90" figure is going to be stuck in your head as you wish, hope and pray for your HD lineup to bloom. Good luck with that whole "patience" thing.[Thanks, Anthony]
Ask Engadget HD: Where are all the standalone OTA HD DVRs?
This week's Ask Engadget HD question couldn't possibly be any nearer and dearer to our hearts. For years now, we've wondered why nobody is producing standalone OTA HD DVRs. Sony's DHG-HDD500 and LG's LST-3410A were the last two significant options that we could find, but hopefully our searching abilities are severely flawed. "In the continued theme of the recent question regarding To TiVo, or not to TiVo?, I have a question regarding standalone HD DVR's. My question is: Where are they? Seriously, I don't want to pay a monthly fee to TiVo nor do I want to have to boot up a HTPC all the time. All I want is a standalone unit with no monthly fees to record OTA HD. Does an animal like this even exist? Thanks!" Like we said, there are a few animals such as this if you don't mind scouring the secondhand market, but we'd love to hear from any relative newcomers that we've somehow overlooked. Oh, and where the heck is that EchoStar TR-50 we spotted at CES 2008?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Digeo readies two Moxi set-top-boxes for release
Are you ready to believe? While Digeo's road to the present has been laden with mishaps, the latest word has it that the company will indeed be rolling out two new products in the very near future. Of course, we've seen the plug pulled at the last minute before, but if everything holds up this time, we'll see a Moxi set-top-box arrive later this month on Charter. Additionally, "a second MSO" will be offering the unit in short order, and a retail box should ship in January. Sadly, that latter device won't have tru2way capability (though it will support a multistream CableCARD), but it should be noted that Digeo is also prepping a Moxi PC interface as well as wares that could tie into home automation setups. Hit the read link for the full spill -- just don't get your hopes up too high until we see a shipping confirmation.
DirecTV's HR22 HD DVR filtering out
About a month ago, the DirecTV HR22 HD DVR popped online at Best Buy's website without any rhyme or reason. Four weeks later, we've realized it's not a mistake. The $199.99 unit is listed with capacity to hold up to 100 hours of HD programming (or 400 hours of SD footage), and word on the street puts a 500GB HDD in there. Additionally, our tipster has let us know that without any action on his part, an HR22 showed up unannounced when he had DirecTV installed just a few days ago. Anyone else managed to secure one of these? Any noteworthy differences from its predecessor?[Thanks, Michael]
TiVo HD XL DVR hands-on at CEDIA
Well, what can we say? Here we have a TiVo HD with a subtle "XL" logo there on the bottom left, a more capacious hard drive and a Series 3 remote. That being the case, at least the one parked at CEDIA was outstandingly shiny -- seriously, check it out. %Gallery-31229%
TiVo HD XL DVR: 150 hours of HD recording, $599.99, available now
Aw, snap. Not even 24 hours after we learned that a new DirecTV HD TiVo was on the way, in flies word from Denver that a new standalone TiVo is hitting even sooner -- like, today. The TiVo HD XL will become the flagship unit in TiVo's line by offering up 150 hours of high-def recording space, THX certification, a Series3 premium backlit remote and a bundled HDMI cable. As with the TiVo HD, this one boasts dual tuners for recording two HD programs simultaneously and a pretty similar design, but unlike the TiVo HD, this one will set you back a full $599.99. Those unaffected by the price tag can order one today from TiVo's website, and we're told to expect the box at various other retailers "as early as next week." Full press release after the break.
Ask Engadget HD: To TiVo, or not to TiVo?
For as much grief as television providers get for their lackluster set-top-boxes / HD DVRs, we wonder why everyone doesn't own a TiVo? Actually, that'd be Tyler who's wondering: "I'm using an HD DVR provided by my cable company, and most times, it works well enough. I've heard that TiVo boxes are superior, though I'm having a tough time justifying the additional monthly cost. I'd love to hear some pros and cons from current / former owners, as well as whether or not they think it's worth it." Time to take a stand for your box, TiVo owners. What makes it so worthwhile? Is now a good time to buy one?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Verizon pushes HD DVRs in new FiOS TV promotion
Verizon's latest push to get you to switch from your current carrier revolves directly around high-def, as it's offering new customers a HD DVR or HD Home Media DVR for a full year should they sign up before October 4th. According to Shawn Strickland, vice president of video solutions for Verizon, FiOS TV is "delivered over the network that's built for HD," and it's doing its best to ensure that everyone out there knows it. So, do any of you other providers care to match this, or will the leapfrog game end here?[Image courtesy of PCMag]
Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials
You know those situations where everyone knows something yet no one is courageous enough to just blurt out the obvious? Pardon us, but yes, people do actually use their DVRs to skip commercials. In case our word isn't good enough for you, research firm Oliver Wyman has just completed a study which found that 85% of the 1,000 global participants used their DVR to skip at least three-quarters of all commercials. Furthermore, most viewers stated that they would not be willing to "watch advertising even when it underwrites free content," and they wouldn't want to pay extra (in addition to the DVR cost, we presume) to remove ads. Really though, we ad skippers are simply keeping those lucrative media marketing firms on their toes, and trust us, they have / will continue to find ways to circumvent our circumvention. Full release after the jump.
Pinnacle points out the obvious: DVR is an Olympics must-have
First off, Pinnacle's latest PCTV HD Pro Stick came out months ago, and as a matter of fact, the original actually surfaced years ago. However, it's latest ploy for press does make a valid point: USB TV tuners and / or HD DVRs are a must-have item for surviving the Olympics. Oh sure, you can do what most Americans will do and simply tune into the highlights, but this is your one shot in four years to catch planet Earth's greatest summer athletes doing their respective thangs in high-definition! Still, you've only got two eyes and one pair of ears, so now would be a very opportune time to pick up some form of recording device to make sure you don't miss a, er, too many moments.
TiVo quietly removes Series3 from its webstore
Break out the tissues -- the rumors were true. Or, at least it sure looks that way. As of right now, the only two TiVo units available on the outfit's webstore are the TiVo HD and the Series2, and even if you do a bit of digging and find the still-active Series3 page, you'll notice a glaring Out of Stock notification. Of course, you can still find leftover inventory hanging around at various resellers, but all signs are pointing to this being the final hurrah for the S3. Any touching moments you'd like to share in comments as we all bid the device a fond farewell?[Thanks, Tim]
FCC waiver enables Puerto Rico's Choice Cable TV to sell HD DVRs
The FCC put a stop on selling non-CableCARD-equipped set-top-boxes in the United States around this time last year, but it did leave open the possibility for small cable carriers and other providers in strange market conditions to sidestep the new rule. Choice Cable TV, which services parts of rural Puerto Rico and the cities of Ponce and Mayaguez, finally received its long-awaited FCC waiver which will enable it to start selling HD DVRs that lack CableCARD support. It's hoping that this will rekindle demand for high-def service and consequently allow it to add more HD content. On a related note, the island's Liberty Cablevision is also applying for a similar waiver, as it argues that the low median annual household income in its service area constitutes a "idiosyncratic factual situation."
TiVo lets users buy stuff from Amazon on their TV, all three QVC fans go wild
Back in May, TiVo's VP of product marketing got all of our hopes up that the next announcement involving it and Amazon would include HD Unbox content. As you can very clearly see, this is most certainly not the case. Instead, we have the immense pleasure of informing internet-connected Series2, Series3 and TiVo HD owners that they can now buy wares from Amazon without leaving their couch. If browsing through Amazon's extraordinarily huge store with just a remote sounds appealing to you, you're in luck (and mildly insane). Also of note, the new Product Purchase feature will enable advertisers to "market products sold through Amazon on any broadcast or cable network, any TV show, or via any of TiVo's extensive interactive advertising features." In other words, next time you see Dwight using that iconic shredder, you can buy that bad boy right then and there. Take that, Staples.[Via Zatz Not Funny]
Beyonwiz ups the ante with 300GB DP-P2 HD DVR
The Beyonwiz DP-S1 dual-tuner HD DVR was a pretty hot piece for those in Australia last year, but we'd agree that it's about time a suitable replacement hit the market. Enter the DP-P2, a 300GB twin-tuner HD DVR created to capture both pay-TV and free-to-air signals on its internal hard drive. The unit supports IceTV Remote, which enables users to "choose from multiple remote recording options using any web browser, web-enabled mobile phone or while using the all new IceTV Widget." Furthermore, the unit can connect to a home network in order to stream local media (music, images, videos, etc.) on the living room TV, and those with another Beyonwiz in the house can have this newcomer stream content from the old one onto the primary set. A bit steep at AU$999 (that's 969 of those Greenbacks), but it's available now for those with deep wallets and an incurable infatuation with high-def.
