Friday, March 28, 2008

Don't Know How You Do the Vudu that Hulu (plus Apple TV)!

So many downloadable HD content options, so little money...

Hulu
  • Primary backers: FOX, NBC, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros., Lionsgate
  • Cost: Free, ad driven
  • HD Content: 250 TV episodes, 100 movies

Vudu
  • Requires separate set top box (currently $295)
  • Cost: Rentals range from 99¢ to $3.99, HD rentals from $2.99 to $5.99, and purchased movies from $4.99 to $19.99. TV episodes are $1.99.
  • HD Content: 1,000 movies for purchase
  • Other: Set top box has a 250 GB hard drive for storing purchases, dormant USB port implies future expandability.

Apple TV
  • Requires set top box (40GB $299, 160GB $329)
  • Primary backers: FOX, Miramax, Paramount, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Disney, Touchstone
  • Cost: Movie Rentals on Apple TV are $2.99 for library titles, $3.99 for new releases, and $3.99/$4.99 for HD titles.
  • [EDIT] HD Content: 1,000 movies
  • Other: Ability to view other personal (home movies streamed from a networked computer) and internet (i.e., YouTube) content as well, dormant USB port implies future expandability. Rumors of TiVo-like DVR functionality coming.
Since it is free, Hulu is a no-brainer if you already have a PC or Mac connected to your TV. Since I do not, it seems to me that because of being able to stream content from my Mac and the internet, Apple TV might be the way to go here. When they add DVR content, I might just have to give up my TiVo.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Vid of the Week 2008-03-24: Sarah Silverman and Matt Damon

OK, so this is probably not new to anyone, but I'm posting it anyway, because it is so freaking hilarious.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Psychological Profile of Hybrid Car Owners


I've been toying with the idea that my next car will be a hybrid. Apparently, that means that I am educated (true), wealthier (I'm above average), Older (no), More Creative (I guess), Less Dogmatic (yes).

Do you fit the profile?

Monday, March 17, 2008

My Personal Sophie's Choice

AppleInsider is reporting that a future iteration of the AppleTV will have TiVo-like DVR capabilities. The device may include a remote that you can take with you. Browse program guide data on an iPod Nano-like device during your commute, pass the findings along to your Apple TV when you get home. Man. I love my TiVo, but I might just have to replace it with one of these when it comes out...

Vid of the Week 2008-03-17:Human Tetris

This is unreal.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Maybe Blu-Ray Will Catch On?

I have written in the past about the Hi-def DVD battle being moot since the future of movie rentals and ownership is about downloadable content. Well the New York Times disagrees--they are reporting that we have enough bandwidth to handle demand until 2011 when the online world will start to slow down considerably. People have predicted the demise of the internet before and have been proven wrong. Maybe a Blu-Ray player is in my future after all....

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Suppose a Seven Sequel?

I was surprised to hear that the Vatican announced seven additional deadly sins. Designed for the modern world, they are:
  1. genetic modification
  2. human experimentations
  3. polluting the environment
  4. social injustice
  5. causing poverty
  6. financial gluttony
  7. taking drugs

Do you think that Hollywood had something to do with this? I definitely think that this opens the door for a remake of Seven (the film from David Fincher that ranks up among my favorites). Spacey goes after Robert Downey, Jr., Bill Gates, Linday Lohan, and all of the employees of the Hummer corporation? The title "Fourteen" doesn't quite roll off of the tongue, eh? (I did that poster myself...)

Monday, March 10, 2008

Sunday, March 9, 2008

CNet Heart Squeezebox Duet

It looks like CNet shares in my technolust for the Squeezebox Duet. They annoited it with an 'Editor's Choice' rating. Now if I can only convince the wife....

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Apple Plays Above the RIM


Look out RIM! I'm chucking my crackberry Pearl as soon as my company starts supporting the iPhone. Looks like that might come sooner rather than later.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Vid of the Week 2008-03-03: The First Ever iPod Introduction

Fascinating--Steve Jobs introducing the first-ever iPod. 1,000 songs in your pocket! Wow!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Psychologist Close to Winning Netflix Prize?

Being a student of psychology, a lover of film, and a tech geek, I loved this story.