Posts Tagged ‘Theater’

Video Servers–TiVo

In: Technology

By: Steve Stanfill on Jun 30, 2010 at 8:00 am

A couple of years at the NCTA (The Cable Show) I spent some time in the TiVo booth, talking with representatives of the company on how they were moving their product forward.  At the time, I was struck by the elegance of their on-screen GUI, the intuitiveness of their remote, and in general, the direction the company seemed to be heading.  Like the SA/Cisco DVR, a TiVo box is not a server in the classic sense of a DLNA based system, (more of a client really), but, like AppleTV, can function as a server for a single video system.  TiVo has enough uniqueness that I feel it bears some discussion here.

TiVo is representative of an increasing trend where video consumers purchase hardware that allows access to a number of digital video and music sources; i.e., cable, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, etc.  TiVo can function as a classic DVR, with the full feature set associated with that device.  But in addition, all of the new TiVo products are internet savvy, which allows access to popular digital sources available on the internet as well.

One of the most controversial aspects of TiVo is the monthly subscription fee, which, unlike cable video services or Netflix, does not buy access to any content.  It only buys access to the programming guide which is tightly integrated into the DVR system.  Cost per month varies from about $12.95 to a little under $7.00, depending on how long a contract is chosen.  Without the service contract, according to TiVo, the box “will have very limited functions…the only thing you would be able to do is record live TV.”  Basically a paperweight…

While as mentioned before, the box (currently the Premiere® or the Premiere XL®) is well designed generally, there are a few goofy things that should have been anticipated by the company.  For example, it lacks a built-in 802.11n network access point, and, if you want the internet enabled features over wireless, you must plunk down another $90 for the external adapter (another wired goober to hide somewhere).  If you have wired ethernet near your video set up, no problem.  But this is a design flaw that the company should have anticipated with its new set top design.

Most of the folks I have talked to that have the TiVo service think it’s great–it enhances the experience from cable, Netflix, and other video services.  The TiVo system does have a 30-day money back guarantee.

As we have covered some of the new generation HD sets available, it appears that many of them are incorporating internet savvy applications to access video content from a number of sources.  I’m anxious for the day when it will be possible to interface an external hard disk to the TV, and DVR functionality would then be part of the set’s interface.  That may not be that far off.

In the meantime, TiVo is a viable option out there to increase access to and usability of digital content in a sophisticated home theatre set up.  Whether it’s precisely the best alternative for you (as a video server or client) depends on your needs and tastes.

Until next time….

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I want to see just the video monitor and speakers…

In: Technology

By: Steve Stanfill on Apr 28, 2010 at 8:00 am

I had a recent email exchange with a customer who was remodeling her video room, and she was interested in keeping her system looking good.  Sometimes, as we all know, what that really means is keeping system components hidden from view, because even careful “cable management” can get out of hand in a modern video set up.

Given the fact that most remote control devices require “line of sight” access to components to work properly, hiding the components from view introduces its own set of problems.  While one can leave doors open while viewing, that isn’t an aesthetic solution to the problem either.

Enter an IR Repeater System.  Simply explained, these are systems that are designed to receive remote signals, usually via a tiny, visually innocuous receiver, amplify the signals, and retransmit via  small optical transducers fastened to the components hidden behind closed doors.  Thanks to SMARTHOME for use of this explanatory graphic:

A typical IR Repeater Set-Up

A typical IR Repeater Set-Up

There are, however, some caveats as one contemplates setting up a system like this:

1)  Historically, most remote control devices have operated in the “infrared” frequency band of 30kHz~60kHz.  However, as remotes have proliferated out there (Ever seen a high end Japanese toilet? Yes, it does have a remote!), some manufacturers have extended the IR band to 100kHz for their devices.  Some Scientific Atlanta/Cisco equipment (including some settops), Bose sound systems, and other recently manufactured components do indeed use the extra 40kHz associated with the extended IR frequency band.  Some IR repeater systems are designed to support the “traditional” frequency band of 30kHz to 60kHz, and others are designed to support the extended IR standard of 30kHz to 100kHz.  If the specification is not published, generally you can assume support for the traditional standard only.  The point is, it’s important to ask this question of your vendor.  My general advice on this point would be to make sure that the repeater you purchase supports the extended standard.  That will future proof your set up as newer components are purchased and changed out over the course of time.

2)  Some LCD and plasma panels have been shown to interfere with remote systems.  This problem isn’t as manifest when pointing the individual remote to the individual component (in the cabinet below your monitor, for example), but it can be a problem when placing the small IR repeater receiver unit right next to your flat panel display.  Some IR repeater systems are specifically designed to minimize interference from flat panel displays, particularly plasma based systems.  Again, if the spec sheet doesn’t mention this specifically, the likelihood is that the device has no special engineering to minimize this potential problem.  One can always place the IR receiver away from the monitor, but depending on your set up, that may not be desirable.  Again, ask questions and expect straight answers from your vendor.

While I’m not endorsing any particular vendor, the links below show the contrast in features (and price) between a “basic” IR repeater system and a system that supports both extended frequency response and interference blocking technologies.  While more expensive, the latter system would probably provide better service and cause less frustration in the long run, particularly if your set up has newer componentry.

Basic IR repeater system

Extended frequency/Interference blocking IR repeater system

Until next time….

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What’s On Tap For Spring and Summer Movies

In: Entertainment

By: Libby Pawlick on Apr 26, 2010 at 1:47 pm

I don’t know about you but over the past week, I think I have seen more trailers for the upcoming releases in May then I saw during the Super Bowl.  It always intrigues me why as the weather starts to warm up that they decide to put out some good movies.  With that being said, here are my must see new releases for May.

Iron Man 2

I love action flicks and the first Iron Man really hit all the things I look for in an entertaining movie: suspense, drama, action and a hit of romance.  The action sequences were awesome and I left the theater pleasantly surprised.  I am a little disappointed that they replaced Terrance Howard with Don Cheadle but it looks like it is going to be another hit for the Iron Man series. 

Iron Man 2 comes out May 7th.

Letters to Juliet

Chick flick alert!  I am a fan of actress Amanda Seyfried and think she plays these types of roles very well.  Letters to Juliet is a romantic story about a woman who on a trip in Verona, Italy discovers a long lost love letter.  She decides to write the woman back which then turns into a whirlwind European adventure to re-kindle two long lost lovers.  I love romantic stories and am excited to see this movie.

Letters to Juliet comes out May 14th.

Shrek Forever After

The lovable ogre is back in the fourth installment of the Shrek series.  This time with a twist.  Shrek signs away his current life to Rumpelstiltskin which takes him to a world that nobody knows him and life as he knew it no longer exists.  Shrek has to figure out how to get his old life back.  The Shrek series is great for both kids and adults.  I am excited to see if they can recapture the magic that they had with the first two movies.

Shrek Forever After comes outMay 21st.

Sex and the City 2

Girls, get ready because May 28th can’t come soon enough.  The sequel to the Sex and the City movie is hitting the big screen and it looks like they spared no expense as usual.  The whole cast is back together along with some great additions such as Miley Cyrus, Penelope Cruz and Liza Minnelli.  I am very excited that they are bringing Aiden (Josh Corbin) back!  Many will say that the movie doesn’t have much substance but for those of us who fell in love with the series, there doesn’t need to be a ton of substance because that is what the fashion is there for.  Sex and the City 2 is going to give Iron Man 2 a run for its’ money.

Now that I’ve shared with you my movie picks for May, what movies are you looking forward to?

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3D Video–The next big thing?

In: Technology

By: Steve Stanfill on Feb 17, 2010 at 8:00 am

Over Christmas vacation, the “guys” (my three sons, one son-in-law, and myself) ventured forth to see Avatar in 3D at our local theatre.  It was an amazing experience.  The film was beautifully done–an artistic achievement in its own right.

I got sick.

The added reality of the 3D experience grabbed my viscera and would not let go, wringing and writhing said body parts unmercifully.  My oldest son (also of weak abdominal constitution) had the same experience, while the younger men enjoyed the show without ill effect.

I have to admit, though, that the 3D experience was a rush (maybe a poor choice of words under the circumstances)–very visually interesting and definitely adding a dimension of reality/surreality to the experience.  The chase sequences (both in machines and on the backs of creatures) dragged my whole body along with the characters’ movement.

Because of the financial and artistic success of this film, buzz around 3D has been huge in the video business as of late.  At the 2010 CES show, a number of manufacturers demonstrated televisions touting 3D capability.  Most of these sets require special glasses with active electronics which effectively allow only one eye to see at a time (called “shutter glasses” by some), synchronizing what each eye sees to the screen displayed at that moment, alternating rapidly between eyes/screens and forcing the brain to extrapolate a 3D picture from the visual information provided to each eye.

There are also at least two potential TV systems under development that use “passive” glasses to generate the 3D image in the brain.  LG and Philips are working on technology that does not require any special glasses to create a 3D image, but this technology isn’t expected to be commercially viable until very late next year, with actual set introductions expected mid-to-late 2012.

I admit that based on my limited experience with 3D, I’m not sure I would enjoy the experience in every case.  Nor am I crazy about being tethered to the television with electronic glasses, no matter how comfortable or well designed.  I would expect that the personal electronics part of the equation will simplify over time (wireless connectivity to the set, etc.), but if technology can be brought to bear with a reasonable price tag that doesn’t require glasses or other devices, that would get my vote.

At all events, WOW! would like to hear from you regarding this technology.  Do you personally plan to buy 3D capable sets  in the short term?  Long term?  Why or why not?  While a small company, we do have relationships with content providers and can, to a certain extent at least, influence their future content development based on the feedback from our customers.

Over the course of time,  I will delve into the various technology developments happening in this space, as it appears there will be several viable approaches to this application.  As in the recent past, I would expect the FCC and standards committees generally to take a laissez-faire approach to this technology, which simply means that there will be technology winners and losers, at least to some extent.  And, as yet, it isn’t absolutely certain that the market will embrace 3DTV in any of its iterations–3D in some form or another has been around for many years, and has the had the earmarks of “flash in the pan” syndrome with past deployments.  Assuming that consumer demand sticks this time around, we will try and provide useful and timely information to help make those purchasing decisions.  And yes, the Pepto will be optional…

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Cupid’s Stay At Home Plan…Movies and Great Meals

In: Entertainment

By: Libby Pawlick on Feb 08, 2010 at 11:09 am

Has the panic set in yet?  Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, exactly six days from today to be correct.  If you have been saving up your money for a really nice gift and don’t have a lot left over for the rest of the day, let me offer up some ideas to complete your Valentine’s Day experience for your special loved one(s).

With the Kids

I am sure this is one of the hardest days to find a babysitter and yet you still want to make it special.  Well, why not include the kids in the love festivities. 

For a great start to the day, why not make Mom breakfast in bed.  Cooking and kitchen not in your vocabulary?  Not to worry.  If your Mom loves pancakes, your local supermarket will carry an instant pancake mix container that all you have to do is add the water and shake.  No measuring required.  Cook the pancakes and plate them.  Pour some milk or orange juice in a champagne glass for the added touch of elegance and add a bud vase with a rose to complete the look. 

For lunchtime, why not create your own pizza parlor right in your kitchen.  In the same trip that you make to the supermarket, you can find the ingredients to make your own personalized pizzas.  Grab the sauce and dough in the pasta section, head over to the meat section for your meat choices, then the dairy section for your cheeses.  At home, you can even cut the pizzas out in heart shapes for an added touch.

Throughout the day, why not make it a movie day in your family room.  Here are some of my all-time favorite children’s movies that I still love watching:

  • Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
  • Shrek
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Any Disney movie works really)

Romantic Evening At Home

Setting the mood is the most important piece of the title, “romantic.”  Typically candles and flowers work really well but don’t just lump them all in one place.  If you are having dinner at home, make sure to set the table.  Don’t think that eating in front of the TV qualifies as being romantic.  Put in one of your significant other’s favorite CDs to help with the dinner ambiance.  Want to try your hand at cooking the meal?  Again, the supermarket offers a number of frozen selections that even someone who doesn’t know how to use the oven would be able to cook.  Don’t want to try your hand at cooking, then order out your favorites for a special meal.  After dinner, why not put in a movie to complete the evening.  When I tried compiling my list of movies that fit the Valentine’s Day theme, I could go on and on.  Here are some of my favorites:

Romantic Comedies

  • Down To You
  • 50 First Dates
  • How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days

Drama

  • Jerry Maguire
  • Serendipity
  • Hope Floats

 Timeless

  • William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet (Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes)
  • Titanic

Action

  • Mr. and Mrs. Smith
  • Fast and the Furious
  • Gone in 60 Seconds

What are some of your favorite movies to watch on Valentine’s Day?  If you have any other ideas on how to make the day special and unique, I would love to hear them.

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