Looks like it’s not only car manufactures, banks, and retailers who are having trouble during these economic times, but content service providers as well. Wavexpress Inc. has announced that their TVTonic service will be going offline while they “restructure for the future.” It’s a shame because many Windows Media Center users have come to love the service that provided unique video content from its partners. On the bright side, users who have the software installed will still be able to use the application to access and view their favorite RSS video channels.

MyHomeServer.com has posted a video review of the Linksys WVC210 Internet Camera that some of you folks might find interesting. The camera features pan/tilt functionality, microphone and speaker inputs, dynamic DNS, and the ability to provide video streams to cell phones or PCs. While watching the video I started getting ideas on how my condo complex could make use of a few of these for added safety and surveillance. Hmmm. I might have to bring it up at my next HOA meeting.

Big news from the SnapStream camp. Beyond TV 4.9 – repackaged and priced at $99 – now includes Clear QAM support for recording unencrypted cable transmissions (including programming available in HD), a built-in Placeshifting web player (first glimpsed at in Sept.), and native H.264 (iPod compatible) video transcoding and DVD burning (both previously plug-ins available for $29.99). Full release notes after jump. MORE »

Ok. So I’ve been thinking about Blockbuster ONDEMAND. I’ve got to say… I’m not impressed with the company’s new service offering. I’ve been a happy and loyal Blockbuster Online subscriber for a few years now and I can’t justify buying a set-top, even though it’s being bundled for $99, if the movies I want to view start at $1.99. Here’s why: currently my monthly subscription is $19.99 for 3 at-a-time/unlimited with 5 in-store movie exchanges a month. Realistically in a month I get about 12 DVDs through the mail and exchange 5 of those for in-store movies — total 17 movies in a month (majority being New Releases within the past month or two). As such, if I wanted to watch 17 movies through the new ONDEMAND sevice, it would cost me a “starting” price of $33.83. I like convenience like the next guy, but value always wins out in my book. MORE »

Big news this morning if you’re a fan of Blockbuster. The company has announced the limited availability of a $99 on-demand video package that gets you 25 movie or TV episode rentals plus a FREE MediaPoint Digital Media Player by 2Wire. No word on how much the MediaPoint set-top by itself will sell for in the future, but I’m guessing this promo is gonna be around from quite some time. Rentals start at $1.99 with no monthly subscription plan required. Video quality will initially be rolled out at DVD resolution. However, the box does include HDMI, Component video outputs and is capable of handling HD video content, according to 2Wire’s press release (attached below). Lastly, the MediaPoint Digital Media Player, which can be connected to your home’s broadband network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, is capable of storing a movie selection for later viewing or on-demand with “progressive” playback instead of streaming for a more consistent viewing experience. Oh yeah… and Blockbuster is also making a big fuss that their latest on-demand selections are typically titles released within 30 days of their DVD release date (unlike the other guys). MORE »

It’s obvious the Marantz IS301 Wireless iPod Dock is going to be the next must-have device for iPod owners here in the U.S., if we can convince Marantz to import their uber A/V device to us next. Here’s why: users get a a stand alone dock that accepts all iPod models (sans the iPhone 3G for some reason) and transmits its audio and video feed wirelessly to a separate TV/Stereo receiver unit up to 32 feet away (provides RCA, S-Video, Component outputs). What’s more, the dock can pair with a Bluetooth A2DP compatible cellphone and playback a user’s selected media directly from the handset. According to the company’s press release, the Marantz IS301 will hit Japan in January ‘09 and retail for ¥26,250 ($271 USD). [via]

Thanks goes to my favorite Linux magazine, Linux Format, for informing readers that eXcito of Sweden recently launched a follow up to their popular Debian-based mini NAS called BUBBA|TWO. I’ve got to say… the new incarnation has got everything I wished the original had and then some. For starters, BUBBA|TWO now comes preloaded with a streaming media server app (supports iTunes DAAP, UPnP media players, and soon Squeezebox network music players), a file server with shared user access to folders and photo galleries, improved web 2.0 inspired web browser interface, a built-in router and firewall (just place between your broadband modem and PCs for easy LAN security), a more attractive enclosure (love the new black finish and blue LED), faster Power PC processor (previously ARM9), and SATA drive support including two external SATA ports for additional storage. Of course there’s more, but I’ll leave it up to you folks to discover. Configuration options: no drive €288.00, 80GB (+ 32.00), 500GB (+ 64.00), 1TB (+ 139.00) | Ships: worldwide. MORE »

The title pretty much says it all. So, Brian Binnerup has been busy adding new features and squashing bugs on his road to the official, non-beta release of My Movies for Windows Home Server. The two stand-out features in v1.02 users now get to play with is support for FLAC lossless audio CD rips and MPEG-2 DVD rips compatible with Media Center Extenders. Interestingly, in regards to DVD rips, users will now have four options to suit their needs: ISO file, VIDEO_TS Folder, MPEG-2 File, VIDEO_TS Folder and MPEG-2 File. Note: a copy of AnyDVD is required to perform DVD rips. Full change log below. MORE »

iPhone home automation apps have been all the rage of late, but INNOVUS Home Automation has found another compelling and fairly inexpensive platform to tie their service into… the Squeezebox Duet music system. With the MyHome Plugin and the accompanying INNOVUS House Control solution products, users can manage their music, control lights throughout the home, turn on/off electronic devices, open/close curtains, adjust room temperature, and more. Hat tip goes to Automated Home for posting the press details of the announcement (including the custom graphic presented above).

Now here’s a music subscription model I can endorse! Microsoft is announcing that it has made agreements with major and independent music labels to offer unlimited, on-demand access to its subscription music service, Zune Pass, for $14.99 per month. But the best part… each month subscribers will get to KEEP 10 tracks to add to their permanent collection at no additional charge. What’s more, according to the company’s press release (attached below), Zune will soon have 90% of its music collection available in DRM-free MP3 format. MORE »