Cyril's Gadgets

Anyone know number of HD on-demand movies by provider?

2011-05-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sky: 2 if you have anytime+
virgin: 52 for all cable users - very high quality HD
Tiscali: 6 for all cable users
Apple tv - low quality HD - ?
YouTube?
Xbox live? Over 100?
BBC iPlayer Hd: one or two?

Virgin TiVo is awesome

2011-02-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

Best gadget of the year by a mile.

However does need quite a bit of improvement in the interface and speed in a few of it's operations.

Just goes to show how brilliant the old series one was - this new TiVo is essentially the same, with some advantages and some disadvantages in comparison.

Virgin tivo box coming soon

2010-10-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

Can't wait! Best news for years!

http://wotsat.techradar.com/news/social-networks-and-apps-potential-virgins-tivo-pvr-08-10-10

iPhone 4 Pricing - a challenger to the Palm Pre Plus!

2010-06-12T13:18:00.001-07:00

Guess we will find out on Tuesday.

This might even equal/surpass my Palm Pre Plus so I will probably switch evenly between the two phones.

Shame the iPhone 4 still doesn't do proper full multi-tasking for IM and doesn't have notifications or much more full social network intergration or widgets or 64GB or 128GB.

The UI is still a bit tired (same old pages of icons) and is not as advanced as WebOS IMHO.

Hopefully a lot of these issues will be addressed by the end of 2010, in order to keep Windows Phone 7 and Android at bay!

Britta and dean -The Nightnurse

2010-04-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Not gadget related - another 3 chord wonder:

Britta and Dean

G Dm C
Nightnurse

you are the treacle in my pie
you are the splinter in my eye
You make the ice melt
the butter run
you make the ink stain
you are the one

Chourus:
sleep together the milky way
Sleep forever and a day
Lovely jewels enjoy design, lah lah lah

I am the local I am express
Girl:I am the
Boy : You are the
Tourist in a summer dress
Girl: I am the nightnurse
Boy: You are the nightnurse
I am the most
I am the visitor
You are the host

Chorus

My wings are clipped
My drinks are sipped
My lips are licked
My lid is flipped

Girl: I am the nightnurse
Boy: You are the nightnurse
I am the most
I am the visitor
You are the host

chorus

instru/ guitar solo

Palm Pre 1.4

2010-03-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Nice - only marginally faster, adds video recording.

Battery drain bug seems to be mostly fixed now!

LostFM is awesome -effectively spotify premium without the fees!

So the Palm Pre now surpasses my iphone 3GS as my favourite mobile internet music player.

Palm Pre 1.3.1 released to O2 UK

2009-11-26T03:35:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately it's not fixed the 'phone offline' bug.

Response is a bit snappier, and takes less time to wake up.

TiVo returns to UK with Virgin!

2009-11-26T03:34:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I will have to move house as I'm not in a Virgin cable area :(

Palm Pre- close but not quite

2009-11-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Not quite an iPhone beater yet - but hopefully the November software update will fix the bugs that prevent the Pre from taking over from my iPhone!

WebOS is truly fantastic,but needs some polishing!

The UK Pre is currently only on version 1.1.3 as compared to the USA version.

My main gripes:
I have the 'Phone Offline' bug
Calender sometimes takes too long to confirm an entry
Device takes too long to wake up from sleep

How to sync iphone with multiple PCs

2009-10-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Need to try

http://www.andrewgrant.org/2008/03/30/how-to-sync-an-iphone-with-two-or-more-computers.html

Gomadic Palm Pre Car Holder mini-review

2009-10-14T09:38:00.001-07:00

Not sure if this is worth the USD $24.95.

It seems just a generic car vent holder, but can hold pretty much any smartphone except the large ones like the HTC Advantage/Ameo.

At least this comes in 2 parts, unlike the older Gomadic generic vent holder.

This means you can use soimething like a proclip to attach the main holder instead of the slightly less secure plastic vent clips.

Palm Pre -will be getting one on Friday!

2009-10-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have already ordered a touchstone, car holder and universal tips from gomadic.

Can't wait!

Mark Burgess's Up on A Hill chords and lyrics

2009-08-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Not gadget related, but worked this out just now:

Up on a hill

Em A
With all my heart I resist, With all my soul I resist
Bm D F C
The killers kiss and sweet sick motive promises,Where will they end? tin can cars and judas friends

Em A Em A
The Lion sleeps with the cheat
Em A
And sits in awe at his Feet

The sacred cell , opposing products on the shelf
Devils bait, way beyond the sell-by date

Em A D Bm
Up on the hill
Em A D Bm
Watch the world turn , Up on the hill
Watching Rome burn ,Yes I'm a fool, A fool not a rat

Em A D F#m D F#m
And I have no fear of the cat

G A F#m G A F#m G
Theres no desire to remain and breathe, While you suffocate
Theres no desire to remain, And prostrtate myself before a god of hate
Theres a place that exists, outside while your failing powers appear
I am still here,
F#m G A Em
I am sane I am absolved

Em A D Bm
Em A D Bm
Up on the hill
Em A D Bm
Watch the world turn, Up on the hill, Watching Rome burn
Yes I'm a fool, A fool not a rat

Em A D F#m D F#m
And I have no fear of the cat
D F#m
Yes I'm a fool, A fool not a rat
Yes I'm a fool,A fool not a rat

D F#m G A Em

Should iphone have physical keyboard?

2009-07-14T02:16:00.001-07:00

After 2 years with the iPhone keyboard, I think I need both a software one and a hardware one! For a few situations e.g. language switching the software keyboard with good auto-correct is better, but for one-handed use, long emails I prefer a physical one. Also you get more visible screen estate with a physical keyboard.

A physical keyboard with good auto-correct would be ideal. The iphone keyboard is only good because of the auto-correct -it lacks haptic feedback. Other companies don’t have as good auto-correct, but that can be added in software.

So I’m going for the Palm Pre - you can easily hack it and add the onscreen keyboard if you want, and you can hack the auto-correct so it is as good as/better than the iPhone’s and more suited to your particular use. The iphone’s autocorrect implementation is faster than the Pre, but the Pre is still in its infancy and should improve vastly with updates and hacks.

Sonosweb PalmPre page

2009-07-09T05:41:00.001-07:00

I've made a page optimised for the Pre.Get it here

Google Wave to be next killer app?

2009-06-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

Who knows?

Which is faster -Pre or iphone 3gs

2009-06-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

CNET gives the pre 2 out of 3 versus the 3gs - Pre wins!

But I guess it will change when we get 7.2mbps

EDIT: Seems like in real world tests using WIFI only the 3GS is faster. Though that can change once more optimisation on the Pre is done.

They run similar hardware so I guess its no surprise results are similar.

good roundup of ps3 remote control solutions

2009-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

At remotecentral

Foxsat HDR functionality wishlist

2009-06-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Automatic deletion like MCE, TiVo, SkyHD
Auto-deletion of empty folders

1. Ability to add proper wishlists by actor, director,producer, keywords, title with not/and/or functions. These to be tailored over all channels or just one channel
2. Auto Prioritiser of series links and wishlists in event of clashes
3. Improved metadata so series links persist more than a month if there is a break, (in fact persist for years unless cancelled)
4. Series links for EVERY programme on every channel
5. Fully adjustable Overshoot compensation when fast forwarding
6. Info button on live TV goes as far as at least 7days if not 28 days
7. Option for Info bar on live tv has different colours for HD originated programmes
8. Option to have smaller info screen on live TV
9. Full web based interface so every function can be controlled across the internet
10. One month EPG all of which is cached locally so runs fast, just like the current 7 day one
11. Full itunes client (like USA TiVos)
13. Menus and EPG can be accessed without losing live pause, live pause is NEVER lost except on extended reboot - save live buffer to disk if user reboots so live buffer can be auto resumed if there is spare disk space available
14. Dynamic buffer for live pause which uses available spare disk space like ReplayTV in 1998 or FetchTV in 2008
15. Programmes you don't want in Planner/Media list are remembered and never recorded again unless told otherwise (global blocklist)
16. Quick way to delete when viewing has finished
19. Ability to assign different remote codes for each box so you can have multiple boxes in the same room without clashing
20. Ethernet enabled to add multi-room sharing of video to PC or other foxsat or Sky boxes (mp3 and pictures would also be nice)
21. View upcoming episodes functionality over all channels
22. Unlimited favourites (up to 500 channels, 100 groups as there are now 10,000+ satellite channels), full flexibility with favourites
23. Integration with Vista/MCE DVB-S
24. option to Display full recording history and scheduled items in seperate menus/pages instead of all in one page
25. Display of all active series links and wishlists and order of priority
26. When you press record in live TV gives you the option to record the buffer as well to get the start of the programme if available
27. All preferences and settings can be stored over the internet so can be restored in event of box failure
28. Option to record in HD whenever possible - so if you accidently record or schedule an SD version it will automatically record the HD version instead, or let you know when the next HD version of a programme will be shown next
This can be a global, per channel or per series option.
29. Better clash resolution - will tell you which of the clashing programmes are repeated within the next month, so you can pick the one which doesn't get repeated. This should be customisable to work with a prioritiser as well so clashes can be automatically resolved
30. Ability to pad any programme by any amount (1minute to 12 hours) at any time, even when programme has already started
31. Save until options for each programme in planner or Anytime - so
Save until - disk space needed, 1 day, 2 day, 3days, until I delete, until I watch
32. Series links and wishlists have customisable default Save Until options, and keep 'x' number of episodes

37. Undelete
38. Share show suggestions with friends
39. Display messages (i.e. put the oven on I'm home in 15 minutes)
40. Connect with Digiguide, Amazon and other online guides/reviews and allow setting of season passes/series links/wishlists
41. Proper and quality metadata for radio shows, which can also have series links/wishlists which can also be prioritised, padded etc.
42. User customisation of onscreen graphics and logos
43. Option to not (or only) record signed programmes (this requires quality metadata)
44. Buffer/live pause intact on both tuners so when you switch between them you don't lose your place,Better buffer control- don't lose buffer when changing menus (USA DVRs can do this)
Buffer/live pause intact after playing a pre-rcorded programme
45. When attached to HD display - user definable fonts, text sizes, option for scrolling text on long episode titles etc..
46. Full Wap enabled interface (for low-tech mobile phones or people who don't want to pay high GPRS charges)
47. Full FTP
48. Connect to email,weather, traffic,news, ebay watch lists and other rss feeds, podcasts, tivocasts, youtube
49. Connect to other Sky+ or FoxsatHDR boxes to resolve any conflicts and allow operation of remote Sky+ or FoxsatHDR boxes from your current one
50. Caller ID recognisation and link to your phone address book
51. Ability to send emails with diagnostics, hard drive failure possibility, modem failure alerts, scheduled to-do-list of programmes and report why any programmes failed to record
52. Customisable background music for EPG (load your own mp3 or radio channel)
53. Display list and Auto-detection of duplicate recordings
54. In event of unresolved conflicts, auto-scheduling of the next repeat available
55. Profiles of all settings for each user, with user logons. Option to show/hide programmes dependent on profile
56. Ability to group together wishlists and series links by a name and also set validity and expiry dates

57: Full EPG series links for Radio channels, with interface to recommendations from Radio Times and other internet radio channels
58. Play at 101% to 120% speed with sound and pitch shift correct so I can watch a 60 minute show in about 50 minutes (useful for the wife's soaps)
59. Easily identify signed and dubbed programmes, and to include/exclude from series links, wishlists etc..
60. Open programmable interface so 3rd party developers may introduce controlled modular pug-ins -e.g. to link with home automation software
61. Full RS232 control
62. Connection to online VOD companies via ethernet e.g. Amazon unbox to purchase any programmes not available
63. option to automatically hide all channels of a certain type (e.g. kids) in EPG
64. Remote or RS232 or web enabled reset/reboot
65. Option to record in SD instead of HD wherever possible for space-saving reasons (e.g. kids cartoons can be in SD instead of from BBCHD where they would eat up more disk space)
In event of an unresolved conflict, schedule programme to automatically record on any other DVR on your network, e.g second FoxsatHDR, Dreambox, SkyHD box, Sky+, TiVo, MCE
Add a 'Related series' function to every programme where you can quickly set a wishlist or series link for a related show e.g. when you bring up Doctor Who there is a related option which will show Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures and the Weakest Link Doctor Who special and give you the chance to record those as well
Option to auto-record series link and all 'related' or 'spin-off' shows
Option to auto-record series links and wishlists by year and/or season number e.g. I only want seasons 3 to 6 of '24' and season 2 and 3 of 'Lost'
Display Season and episode number in format SxEy e.g. S5E2 by title in EPG so it is obvious which show I should watch next as they might be broadcast out-of-order
Global blocklist to prevent recording episodes you dont want to be picked up by series links or wishlists
Fully customisable text and menu order in menu system so you can rename titles and identify boxes e.g. Foxsat Living Room, FoxsatHD bedroom
Option to filter and display only HD programmes on any channel which has mixed mode e.g. ITVHD

Support for 1.5TB drives and larger e.g. Rx8500 50TB-Enterprise Giga Storage Solution -
Option for Series links/season passes preserved during major channel changes e.g change in frequency or re-branding
Option to display expired EPG data, so you know what youve just missed and can see which episode should be coming up next as sometimes the next episode isn't in the EPG yet, and also makes it easier to find a programme and set series links/season passes
Option to record automatically the SD version of an HD version if there isn't enough space left to record the HD version but there is enough space to record the SD version, or if the HD programme is no longer available in HD e.g. Foxsat HDR fails to record S|D version if HD version on ITVHD is no longer shown in HD but is shown in SD.
Super slick search like the new TiVo one : http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=416036
The auto-standby should be customisable, just like a Windows PC.
So you can set Mon-Fri 8am-5pm off except bank holidays etc..

EPG overlaid over live TV option with transparency settings is faster

Support for video and music services like TiVo series 2 and 3 e.g. BBC iplayer,Last.Fm, Spotify,Napster,Rhapsody, Pandora, Hulu.com, Amazon music and video (unboxed), Netflix, Blockbuster video on demand,youtube, audioboo,4mations

Ability to pause/FF/rewind while EPG is overlaid

option for smarter re-schedul;ing -if you schedule a programme and the schedule changes, the current EPG usually removes it with no warning! It should give you warnings in a recording history screen and attempt to re-schedule the programme when it next appears in the EPG.

Simplify number of kepresses required - better UI design like Windows 7/ReplayTV/TiVo

More native/hybrid output options e.g.
Native - all formats output as is, without extra processing;
Hybrid - all SD output output as 576p, all other formats output as is;
Hybrid 720p - all SD output as 576p, all HD converted to 720p;
Hybrid 1080i - all SD output as 576p, all HD converted to 1080i;
Fixed 1080i - all formats converted to 1080i for output;
Fixed 720p - all formats converted to 720p for output;
Fixed 576p - all formats converted to 576p for output;
Fixed 576i - all formats converted to 576i for output

Option for Last.fm playlist or other streamed internet music or a specified radio channel to replace background EPG music

Customisable EPG colours and/or shades of grey to help those who are colour blind

Removal of necessity of coloured buttons -redesign of UI and remote. There is no need to be reliant on coloured buttons in a modern UI - of course they can be used as ADDITIONAL shortcuts, but the full UI should be easily navigated without learning any shortcuts or reading any manuals

Option to default to most recent recordings at top of planner

Ability to function as an extra Sonos or Squeezebox,Slingbox, Hava client and/or controller

Ability to record, pause /rewind when in an interactive channel
Ability to record from Slingbox, Hava wireless, iplayer

Hardware:

Remote re-designed to add seperate dedicated slow-motion button (like TiVo) and navigation buttons to be larger and in central position (like TiVo/SkyHD/Harmony)
Seperate instant rewind button

Panasonic 85" plasma released in Japan and US

2009-06-18T08:17:00.001-07:00

If you can't afford or don't have the space for the 103" then this is good news

Iphone 3.0 out -it's good!

2009-06-18T08:15:00.001-07:00

Looking good -finally got cut/copy/paste, universal search, one extra page for apps (10 instead of 9 -- but this should be 256 or some other large number)

You might have to change your network settings APN from idata.o2.co.uk to mobile.o2.co.uk and reboot if cellular data doesn't work if you are on O2.

Pam Pre given number 1 hottest gadget at t3.com!

2009-05-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

No real surprise!

Spotify for iphone coming soon?

2009-05-03T01:37:00.001-07:00

Spotify for iphone coming!

Angelina Jolie prefers Palm Pre to iPhone?

2009-04-21T01:06:00.000-07:00

Didn't know she was a gadget freak!

http://www.precentral.net/angelina-jolie-mini-reviews-pre

Spotify coming to PS3,xbox, Sonos?

2009-04-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

Spotify coming to PS3,xbox, Sonos?

New Sky HD EPG Functionality Wishlist

2009-04-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

1. Ability to add proper wishlists by actor, director,producer, keywords, title with not/and/or functions. These to be tailored over all channels or just one channel
2. Auto Prioritiser of series links and wishlists in event of clashes
3. Improved metadata so series links persist more than a month if there is a break, (in fact persist for years unless cancelled)
4. Series links for EVERY programme on every channel
5. Fully adjustable Overshoot compensation when fast forwarding
6. Info button on live TV goes as far as at least 7days if not 28 days
7. Option for Info bar on live tv has different colours for HD originated programmes
8. Option to have smaller info screen on live TV
9. Full web based interface so every function can be controlled across the internet
10. One month EPG all of which is cached locally so runs fast, just like the current 7 day one
11. Full iTunes client (like USA TiVos)
13. Menus and EPG can be accessed without losing live pause, live pause is NEVER lost except on extended reboot - save live buffer to disk if user reboots so live buffer can be auto resumed if there is spare disk space available
14. Dynamic buffer for live pause which uses available spare disk space like ReplayTV in 1998 or FetchTV in 2008
15. Programmes you don't want in Planner or Anytime are remembered and never recorded again unless told otherwise (global blocklist)
16. Quick way to delete when viewing has finished
19. Ability to assign different remote codes for each Sky box so you can have multiple boxes in the same room without clashing
20. Ethernet enabled to add multi-room sharing of video to PC or other Sky boxes (mp3 and pictures would also be nice)
21. View upcoming episodes functionality over all channels
22. Unlimited favourites (up to 500 channels, 100 groups as there are now 10,000+ satellite channels), full flexibility with favourites
23. Integration with Vista/MCE DVB-S
24. Display of full recording history and scheduled items in seperate menus
25. Display of all active series links and wishlists and order of priority
26. When you press record in live TV gives you the option to record the buffer as well to get the start of the programme if available
27. All preferences and settings can be stored over the internet so can be restored in event of box failure
28. Option to record in HD whenever possible - so if you accidently record or schedule an SD version it will automatically record the HD version instead, or let you know when the next HD version of a programme will be shown next
This can be a global, per channel or per series option.
29. Better clash resolution - will tell you which of the clashing programmes are repeated within the next month, so you can pick the one which doesn't get repeated. This should be customisable to work with a prioritiser as well so clashes can be automatically resolved
30. Ability to pad any programme by any amount (1minute to 12 hours) at any time, even when programme has already started
31. Save until options for each programme in planner or Anytime - so
Save until - disk space needed, 1 day, 2 day, 3days, until I delete, until I watch
32. Series links and wishlists have customisable default Save Until options, and keep 'x' number of episodes

37. Undelete
38. Share show suggestions with friends
39. Display messages (i.e. put the oven on I'm home in 15 minutes)
40. Connect with Digiguide, Amazon and other online guides/reviews and allow setting of season passes/series links/wishlists
41. Proper and quality metadata for radio shows, which can also have series links/wishlists which can also be prioritised, padded etc.
42. User customisation of onscreen graphics and logos
43. Option to not (or only) record signed programmes (this requires quality metadata)
44. Buffer/live pause intact on both tuners so when you switch between them you don't lose your place,Better buffer control- don't lose buffer when changing menus (USA DVRs can do this)
Buffer/live pause intact after playing a pre-rcorded programme
45. When attached to HD display - user definable fonts, text sizes, option for scrolling text on long episode titles etc..
46. Full Wap enabled interface (for low-tech mobile phones or people who don't want to pay high GPRS charges)
47. Full FTP
48. Connect to email,weather, traffic,news, ebay watch lists and other rss feeds, podcasts, tivocasts, youtube
49. Connect to other Sky+ or FoxsatHDR boxes to resolve any conflicts and allow operation of remote Sky+ or FoxsatHDR boxes from your current one
50. Caller ID recognisation and link to your phone address book
51. Ability to send emails with diagnostics, hard drive failure possibility, modem failure alerts, scheduled to-do-list of programmes and report why any programmes failed to record
52. Customisable background music for EPG (load your own mp3 or radio channel)
53. Display list and Auto-detection of duplicate recordings (especially if also in Anytime), and option to detect and remove duplicates - I don't need the same programme in Anytime that I already have in my planner
54. In event of unresolved conflicts, auto-scheduling of the next repeat available
55. Profiles of all settings for each user, with user logons. Option to show/hide programmes dependent on profile
56. Ability to group together wishlists and series links by a name and also set validity and expiry dates

57: Full EPG series links for Radio channels, with interface to recommendations from Radio Times and other internet radio channels
58. Play at 101% to 120% speed with sound and pitch shift correct so I can watch a 60 minute show in about 50 minutes (useful for the wife's soaps)
59. Easily identify signed and dubbed programmes, and to include/exclude from series links, wishlists etc..
60. Open programmable interface so 3rd party developers may introduce controlled modular pug-ins -e.g. to link with home automation software
61. Full RS232 control
62. Connection to online VOD companies via ethernet e.g. Amazon unbox to purchase any programmes not available on Sky
63. option to automatically hide all channels in EPG you do not subscribe to
64. Remote or RS232 or web enabled reset/reboot
65. Option to record in SD instead of HD wherever possible for space-saving reasons (e.g. kids cartoons can be in SD instead of from SkyOneHD where they would eat up more disk space)
In event of an unresolved conflict, schedule programme to automatically record on any other DVR on your network, e.g second FoxsatHDR, Dreambox, SkyHD box, Sky+, TiVo, MCE
Add a 'Related series' function to every programme where you can quickly set a wishlist or series link for a related show e.g. when you bring up Doctor Who there is a related option which will show Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures and the Weakest Link Doctor Who special and give you the chance to record those as well
Option to auto-record series link and all 'related' or 'spin-off' shows
Option to auto-record series links and wishlists by year and/or season number e.g. I only want seasons 3 to 6 of '24' and season 2 and 3 of 'Lost'
Display Season and episode number in format SxEy e.g. S5E2 by title in EPG so it is obvious which show I should watch next as they might be broadcast out-of-order
Global blocklist to prevent recording episodes you dont want to be picked up by series links or wishlists
Fully customisable text and menu order in menu system so you can rename titles and identify boxes e.g. SkyHD Living Room, SkyHD bedroom
Option to filter and display only HD programmes on any channel which has mixed mode e.g. Sky1HD, SkyArts HD, ITVHD, C4HD

Support for 1.5TB drives and larger e.g. Rx8500 50TB-Enterprise Giga Storage Solution -
Option for Series links/season passes preserved during major channel changes e.g change in frequency or re-branding
Option to display expired EPG data, so you know what youve just missed and can see which episode should be coming up next as sometimes the next episode isn't in the EPG yet, and also makes it easier to find a programme and set series links/season passes
Option to record automatically the SD version of an HD version if there isn't enough space left to record the HD version but there is enough space to record the SD version, or if the HD programme is no longer available in HD e.g. Foxsat HDR fails to record S|D version if HD version on ITVHD is no longer shown in HD but is shown in SD.
Super slick search like the new TiVo one : http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=416036
The auto-standby should be customisable, just like a Windows PC.
So you can set Mon-Fri 8am-5pm off except bank holidays etc..

30 second adjustable skip forward
Anytime only uses spare unused disk space
Anytime is customisable by user preferences so programmes are tailored to each user
Option to turn off live sound while in EPG
Direct delete facility for Anytime
Anytime programmes are only deleted when out of disk space
Ability to record 2 and watch another channel if on same transponder (like Foxsat HDR)
Ability to use just one cable to record 2 channels if on same transponder (like Foxsat HDR)
EPG overlaid over live TV option with transparency settings like Windows 7
Vary anytime space usage: Reclaim lost space when anytime not in use
Customisable anytime similar to TiVo suggestions
Limit which channels Anytime can record from
ability to hide/remove unwanted channels in EPG

Support for music services like TiVo series 2 and 3 e.g. add Last.FM, napster,

Ability to pause/FF/rewind while EPG is overlaid

option for smarter re-schedul;ing -if you schedule a programme and the schedule changes, the current EPG usually removes it with no warning! It should give you warnings in a recording history screen and attempt to re-schedule the programme when it next appears in the EPG.

Simplify number of kepresses required - better UI design like Windows 7/ReplayTV/TiVo

Option to turn sound off in EPG to prevent unwanted hearing of sports results etc..

If only one LNB is connected, SkyHD should display question asking you if you want to operate in single feed mode instead of just saying 'No satelitte signal received' which isn't helpful!

If unsubbed it should default to single LNB mode if only one LNB is connected.

More native/hybrid output options e.g.
Native - all formats output as is, without extra processing;
Hybrid - all SD output output as 576p, all other formats output as is;
Hybrid 720p - all SD output as 576p, all HD converted to 720p;
Hybrid 1080i - all SD output as 576p, all HD converted to 1080i;
Fixed 1080i - all formats converted to 1080i for output;
Fixed 720p - all formats converted to 720p for output;
Fixed 576p - all formats converted to 576p for output;
Fixed 576i - all formats converted to 576i for output

Option for Last.fm playlist or other streamed internet music or a specified radio channel to replace background EPG music

Customisable EPG colours and/or shades of grey to help those who are colour blind

Removal of necessity of coloured buttons -redesign of UI and remote. There is no need to be reliant on coloured buttons in a modern UI - of course they can be used as ADDITIONAL shortcuts, but the full UI should be easily navigated without learning any shortcuts or reading any manuals

Option to default to most recent recrdings at top of planner

Support for Last.Fm, Spotify,Napster,Rhapsody, Pandora, Hulu.com, Amazon music and video (unboxed), Netflix, Blockbuster video on demand

Ability to function as an extra Sonos or Squeezebox client and/or controller

Ability to record, pause /rewind when in an interactive channel

Smarter padding - say you are recording 2 consecutive programmes on SciFi and another on Sky1HD and the Sky1HD and SciFi programmes start at 9pm and the previous SciFi started at 8pm.
SkyHD is dumb and decides to padd BOTH sciFi programmes, whereas a smarter thing to do would to be only pad the start of the Sky1HD programme at 9pm and not pad both the start and ends of the consecutive SciFi programmes!

Possible bugs, but could be additional features:

1. Allow highlighted programme to be displayed in different colour if in HD when selected -the current highlight HD option does not display a different colour if you have selected it!!! (Is this a bug?)

2. Now and next banner does not display different colours for HD programmes

Hardware:

Remote re-designed to add skip to start and skip to end buttons and also seperate dedicated slow-motion button (like TiVo)

SkyHD new EPG -

2009-04-02T00:17:00.001-07:00

New EPG

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Got it on one of my Sky boxes.
Nice and fast - as it should have been 10 years ago!
Nice to see HD originated programmes highlighted (though they should change the colour of the currently selected programme if its HD or use a different colour scheme so that you can tell whether the currently selected programme is in HD at a glance), and finally more than a single letter search! Once again - most of this and MUCH MUCH more should have been available 10 years ago like it was by 2 other PVR companies who I won't mention

However, even after 2 reboots, always displays NO satellite signal received, when signal strength has been fine since day 1, even showing fine in the menu

PVR term almost dropped in favour of DVR according to wikipedia

2009-04-01T02:56:00.000-07:00

Taken from Wikipedia:

The label PVR has almost fallen completely into disuse in the trade news media in favor of the more popular DVR descriptor. The name PVR never really caught on, although its use has not entirely vanished. As of December 29, 2008, Armstrong Cable still uses PVR terminology.[citation needed]

o2 juggler -Smart photo viewer, calendar?

2009-03-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

This looks interesting if they can get smartphone /cloud calendar synchronising

Iphone 3.0 vs Palm Pre

2009-03-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

I'm eagerly awaiting these features.

However, I had most of them in my 1997 Palm Visorphone -so Apple is 12 years late!

In addition, the exta features won't make it as functional as the Palm Pre -no multitasking,intelligent cloud support, PC/Mac independence,full file management,Flash player etc..., so I will have to have both phones come June/July, though I suspect the iphone will only be used as a backup and Last.Fm/Sonos controller!

Is it only me who thinks the June /July release date is coincidental with the Palm Pre release?

Extra wide screens -suitable for subtitles?

2009-03-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

The new extra-wide screens from Philips could be great as a subtitle monitor.

One of my pet hates are big subtitles overlaid on top of the movie instead of confined in black bars.

I would put the subtitles on one screen below my main 16:9 screen.

Is there any subtitle software for pulling text from HD-DVD/Blu-ray?

The Future of TV is VOD

2009-03-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

Seachange and TiVo have linked up.

You can integrate Last.Fm on your TiVo (series 2 and 3 only tho I think)

2009-03-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

Check it out

http://www.apps.tv/

Would be nice to get this working on a UK series one, but might be a bit slow.

Sonos-Iphone-Last.FM

2009-03-07T04:44:00.000-08:00

These integrate pretty well and are great way to listen to your music!

Very flexible in finding new music, a bit like TiVo, but not quite as powerful.
Last.fm has a pretty good matching facility and the Sonos and iPhone integration is neat.

You can also see how many people and how often they listen to your music!

First Fujitsu, now Pioneer ends UK plasma production

2009-02-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

I think Fujitsu still make plasmas in Japan though..

Sad day.

Wonder if Planar's £5.5k plasma is any good?
http://www.audiogamma.it/scheda.php?codpro=892

Comparison of HD movie download services

2009-01-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

List of HD movies on Netflix (via TiVo HD or xbox 360) http://www.isitinhd.com/

List of HD movies on Apple TV (not sure how many are available to UK)

Apparently the only TV show in HD for UK Apple TV is Lost season 5. £2.49 each episode or about £42 for whole series

New AppleTV HD releases

Here's the xbox 360 list of SD and HD movie downloads
The UK xbox 360 has 150 HD movies as of March 2009.

Anyone know how many a UK Apple TV has?

March 2009: You can now BUY instead of rent HD movies from Apple

My most anticipated gadget for 2009

2009-01-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

The Palm Pre
Engadget impressions

http://www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pre/palm-pre-ces.html

I WANT 10Gbps Fibre cheap and now!

2009-01-20T00:46:00.000-08:00

That way we could subscribe to any DVR around the world and stream HD!

M-play

2009-01-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

Any one used the M-Play VFD for Windows Media Centre?

Good luck Steve Jobs

2009-01-16T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hope he recovers soon!

I've not always been a fan of everything Apple (no cut/copy/paste on Iphone) -but they produce truly innovative and sexy products.

A truly great man.

DVR is now a more popular term than VCR or PVR

2009-01-16T01:22:00.001-08:00

According to google.com

29m for DVR
21.6m for VCR
11.9m for PVR

However the UK seem a bit behind:
on google.co.uk from UK only:
952k DVR
1.03m VCR
908k PVR

Should UK Digital Video Recorders be called PVRs or should this term be reserved for learning/smart recorders like TiVo and ReplayTV?

PVR in India is a chain of cinemas
PVR in Mexico is an airport
So I'm guessing they use the term DVR instead :)

http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/ uses all 4 terms: DVR, PVR and DTR (digital television recorder) and HDR (hard disk or high definition recorder?)

Tivo search beta

2009-01-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

Humax and Sky should look at this!
And this

The PVR is now 11 years old

2009-01-10T05:26:00.000-08:00

ReplayTV launched the first PVR in 1998/1999, with TiVo following a month later.

It's such a shame that Sky+ and all current UK produced DVRs have such poor EPGs and poor software features and design compared to either of those - and that's comparing to models 11 years ago!

Of course the PQ and sound quality improvements are immense, but I had hoped Sky, Topfield, Humax etc.. would have something vaguely as good by now.
I'm guessing it will be 2020 before the old 1998 TiVo and ReplayTV will be surpassed by Sky and Humax etc.. :(

I'm still waiting for Sky to enable a hundred features I had with ReplayTV and TIVo 11 years ago :(

Windows Mobile Sonos Controller

2009-01-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Not tried this out yet -from Versazones.

Alternatively there's a Sonos web server - http://www.purple.org/sonos/

iPhone Sonos controller

2009-01-03T04:01:00.001-08:00

A free download - means you don't have to fork out for another Sonos controller -very cool!

Foxsat HDR DVR first impressions updated

2008-12-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Had a few failed recordings for 'unknown reason'.

However no severe crashes or lockups just yet, unlike my new Pace SkyHD box which has locked up yet again.

Usability is awkward compared to TiVo or ReplayTV, but the Foxsat is slightly preferable to SkyHD.

2008-12-09T08:14:00.001-08:00

RIP Oliver Postgate, creator of Bagpuss,the Clangers etc.. He will be sorely missed.

SkyHD and Foxsat HDR functionality wishlists

2008-12-05T04:46:00.000-08:00

Both SkyHD and Foxsat HDR:
1. Ability to add proper wishlists by actor, director,producer, keywords, title with not/and/or functions. These to be tailored over all channels or just one channel
2. Auto Prioritiser of series links and wishlists in event of clashes
3. Improved metadata so series links persist more than a month if there is a break, (in fact persist for years unless cancelled)
4. Series links for EVERY programme on every channel
5. Fully adjustable Overshoot compensation when fast forwarding
9. Full web based interface so every function can be controlled across the internet
10. One month EPG which is cached locally so runs faster
13. Menus and EPG can be accessed without losing live pause, live pause is NEVER lost except on reboot
14. Dynamic buffer for live pause which uses available spare disk space like ReplayTV in 1998 or FetchTV in 2008
15. Programmes you don't want in Planner or Anytime are remembered and never recorded again unless told otherwise (global blocklist)
16. Quick way to delete when viewing has finished
19. Ability to assign different remote codes for each Sky box so you can have multiple boxes in the same room without clashing
20. Ethernet enabled to add multi-room sharing of video to PC or other Sky boxes (mp3 and pictures would also be nice)
21. View upcoming episodes functionality over all channels
22. Unlimited favourites (up to 500 channels, 100 groups as there are now 10,000+ satellite channels), full flexibility with favourites
23. Integration with Vista/MCE DVB-S
24. Display of full recording history and scheduled items in seperate menus
25. Display of all active series links and wishlists and order of priority
26. When you press record in live TV gives you the option to record the buffer as well to get the start of the programme if available
27. All preferences and settings can be stored over the internet so can be restored in event of box failure
28. Option to record in HD whenever possible - so if you accidently record or schedule an SD version it will automatically record the HD version instead, or let you know when the next HD version of a programme will be shown next
This can be a global, per channel or per series option.
29. Better clash resolution - will tell you which of the clashing programmes are repeated within the next month, so you can pick the one which doesn't get repeated. This should be customisable to work with a prioritiser as well so clashes can be automatically resolved
30. Ability to pad any programme by any amount (1minute to 12 hours) at any time, even when programme has already started
31. Save until options for each programme in planner or Anytime - so
Save until - disk space needed, 1 day, 2 day, 3days, until I delete, until I watch
32. Series links and wishlists have customisable default Save Until options, and keep 'x' number of episodes

37. Undelete
38. Share show suggestions with friends
39. Display messages (i.e. put the oven on I'm home in 15 minutes)
40. Connect with Digiguide, Amazon and other online guides/reviews and allow setting of season passes/series links/wishlists
41. Proper and quality metadata for radio shows, which can also have series links/wishlists which can also be prioritised, padded etc.
42. User customisation of onscreen graphics and logos
43. Option to not (or only) record signed programmes (this requires quality metadata)
44. Buffer/live pause intact on both tuners so when you switch between them you don't lose your place,Better buffer control- don't lose buffer when changing menus (USA DVRs can do this)
45. When attached to HD display show EPG in HD so we can see more text and in better quality- user definable fonts, text sizes, option for scrolling text on long episode titles etc..
46. Full Wap enabled interface (for low-tech mobile phones or people who don't want to pay high GPRS charges)
47. Full FTP
48. Connect to email,weather, traffic,news, ebay watch lists and other rss feeds, podcasts, tivocasts, youtube
49. Connect to other Sky+ or FoxsatHDR boxes to resolve any conflicts and allow operation of remote Sky+ or FoxsatHDR boxes from your current one
50. Caller ID recognisation and link to your phone address book
51. Ability to send emails with diagnostics, hard drive failure possibility, modem failure alerts, scheduled to-do-list of programmes and report why any programmes failed to record
52. Customisable background music for EPG (load your own mp3 or radio channel)
53. Display list and Auto-detection of duplicate recordings (especially if also in Anytime), and option to detect and remove duplicates - I don't need the same programme in Anytime that I already have in my planner
54. In event of unresolved conflicts, auto-scheduling of the next repeat available
55. Profiles of all settings for each user, with user logons. Option to show/hide programmes dependent on profile
56. Ability to group together wishlists and series links by a name and also set validity and expiry dates

57: Full EPG series links for Radio channels, with interface to recommendations from Radio Times and other internet radio channels
58. Play at 101% to 120% speed with sound and pitch shift correct so I can watch a 60 minute show in about 50 minutes (useful for the wife's soaps)
59. Easily identify signed and dubbed programmes, and to include/exclude from series links, wishlists etc..
60. Open programmable interface so 3rd party developers may introduce controlled modular pug-ins -e.g. to link with home automation software
61. Full RS232 control
62. Connection to online VOD companies via ethernet e.g. Amazon unbox to purchase any programmes not available on Sky
63. option to automatically hide all channels in EPG you do not subscribe to
64. Remote or RS232 or web enabled reset/reboot
65. Option to record in SD instead of HD wherever possible for space-saving reasons (e.g. kids cartoons can be in SD instead of from SkyOneHD where they would eat up more disk space)
66. In event of an unresolved conflict, schedule programme to automatically record on any other DVR on your network, e.g second FoxsatHDR, Dreambox, SkyHD box, Sky+, TiVo, MCE
67. Add a 'Related series' function to every programme where you can quickly set a wishlist or series link for a related show e.g. when you bring up Doctor Who there is a related option which will show Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures and the Weakest Link Doctor Who special and give you the chance to record those as well
68. Option to auto-record series link and all 'related' or 'spin-off' shows
69. Option to auto-record series links and wishlists by year and/or season number e.g. I only want seasons 3 to 6 of '24' and season 2 and 3 of 'Lost'
70. Display Season and episode number in format SxEy e.g. S5E2 by title in EPG so it is obvious which show I should watch next as they might be broadcast out-of-order
71 Global blocklist to prevent recording episodes you dont want to be picked up by series links or wishlists
72.Fully customisable text and menu order in menu system so you can rename titles and identify boxes e.g. SkyHD Living Room, SkyHD bedroom
75. Option to display only HD programmes on any channel which has mixed mode e.g. Sky1HD, SkyArts HD, ITVHD, C4HD

76. Support for 1.5TB drives and larger e.g. Rx8500 50TB-Enterprise Giga Storage Solution -
77. Option for Series links/season passes preserved during major channel changes e.g change in frequency or re-branding
78. Option to display expired EPG data, so you know what youve just missed and can see which episode should be coming up next as sometimes the next episode isn't in the EPG yet, and also makes it easier to find a programme and set series links/season passes
87. Option to record automatically the SD version of an HD version if there isn't enough space left to record the HD version but there is enough space to record the SD version, or if the HD programme is no longer available in HD e.g. Foxsat HDR fails to record S|D version if HD version on ITVHD is no longer shown in HD but is shown in SD.
88. Super slick search like the new TiVo one : http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=416036
89. The auto-standby should be customisable, just like a Windows PC.
So you can set Mon-Fri 8am-5pm off except bank holidays etc..

Sky HD:
6. 30 second adjustable skip forward
7. Anytime only uses spare unused disk space
8. Anytime is customisable by user preferences so programmes are tailored to each user
11. Option to turn off PIP
12. EPG can be accessed even when both tuners in use
17. Direct delete facility for Anytime
18. Anytime programmes are only deleted when out of disk space
73. Ability to record 2 and watch another channel if on same transponder (like Foxsat HDR)
74. Ability to use just one cable to record 2 channels if on same transponder (like Foxsat HDR)
75. EPG overlaid over live TV option with transparency settings
76. Vary anytime space usage: Reclaim lost space when anytime not in use
77. Customisable anytime similar to TiVo suggestions
78. Limit which channels Anytime can record from
79. ability to hide/remove unwanted channels in EPG
80. Ability to use full EPG and menus when 2 recordings are in progress
81. make epg slicker to navigate - at end of 7 day epg show 'NO more guide data' on background instead of annoying message box etc...
82. manually tune channels
83. Support for music services like TiVo series 2 and 3 e.g. add Last.FM, napster, rhapsody etc.
Foxsat HDR:
IMPORTANT: ability to delete FAST and at ANY TIME
Scheduled recordings more clearly marked in different colour in EPG -like Media Centre
Auto-delete facility like SkyHD,TiVo,ReplayTV and most other DVRs

Better integration with non-Freesat mode e.g.manual record mode/timers, integration within Freesat EPG (but with only now/next data of course -be nice if they could get proper data like TiVo has)

Ability to pause/FF/rewind while EPG is overlaid

Remote re-designed to add skip to start and skip to end buttons and also seperate dedicated slow-motion button (like TiVo)

Foxsat HDR DVR first impressions

2008-12-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

Well it's now arrived thanks to Argos.
It's not in the same league as TiVo, but is probably our next best thing here in the UK.
The software is reasonable, visual design is OK, and hardware-wise it is fantastic.
Pros:

Great alternative to SkyHD
Can record two channels, sometimes you can watch a third
Suggests whether you want to record a programme in HD when available
Slim quiet hardware, fast loading EPG (though slow compared to a well setup Windows Media Centre)
No blue screen or failed recordings after 3 days
Low power consumption on standby

Cons:
Not as good as TiVo EPG/PVR-wise (conflict resolution, EPG detail, season pass/link prioritisation, networking)
Can't mix/match Freesat and manual tune modes
You LOSE all schedules and recording to-do list when you switch to or from manual tune mode!
I had a problem switching to another tuner whilst recording Apparitions last night.
Live buffer also failed to rewind while recording New Statesman

Cons due to other restrictions:
EPG limited to only 7 days and only in Freesat mode
Freesat EPG not as complete and detailed as TiVo (e.g. Bloomberg, CNN, Phoenix CCTV9 etc..)
Cannot archive BBCHD yet due to copyright restrictions
ITVHD not a full channel, stereo only
No C4 HD yet

Mac Pros can now record BBC HD

2008-11-29T02:52:00.000-08:00

if you have Firewire, the Elgato TV HD is out and reviewed.

Comet failed to deliver Humax foxsat hdr today

2008-11-27T09:59:00.001-08:00

put back to 4th dec :(

Gadget bargains: HP Dual-core opteron for around £100!

2008-11-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

At microwarehouse

Samsung SHT-3005 Intercom installed

2008-11-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

Now installed. Full review later.

New Smart-e SNX888 HDMI matrix Cat5 switch

2008-11-23T02:57:00.000-08:00

This looks great and will be out around Feb 09 - seems more functional than the Avatrix HD matrix Cat5 switch which does not seem as HDMI-friendly.

Effectively 16 in and 8 out true matrix switch with IR routing -great job Smart-e, and it's made in the UK!

Unfortunately SkyHD boxes still don't output 5.1 over HDMI so you'll still need an extra cable if you want to distribute it, though Smart-e uses single Cat5/6/7/8 so it should make our lives easier with a lot less cables and clutter.

URC MRF250 IR lead and SkyHD box

2008-11-23T02:54:00.000-08:00

These seem a bit temperamental - it might be an IR flooding issue. The placement of the IR lead eye seems to have to be very precise, even though I have removed the cover of the SkyHD box to allow maximum reception and cooling.

Upgrading Pace SkyHD without security screwdriver

2008-11-23T02:52:00.000-08:00

I've found a way to undo the security screw on the Pace SkyHD box -yay!

Foxsat HDR DVR

2008-11-23T02:32:00.000-08:00

The Humax Foxsat HDR will be out soon. I hope to upgrade it to 1.5TB, but we'll start with 1TB first.

I know it won't be as good as TiVo but sadly we don't have a HD TiVo in the UK :(

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