3Screens

Update to boxee and updates regarding Hulu on boxee

boxee has just released a new version with the "App Box" (their version of the App Store), an RSS reader optimized for video feeds (including Hulu, Google Video, YouTube, and many others), and a long awaited auto-update feature.  These features are included in boxee for Mac, AppleTV, and Windows (I was told that they will send out an update when Linux is available).         

There is also an update with regards to our meetings with Hulu and their content providers below.  Sadly, they weren't ready to work with them yet.  When they are, they look forward to bringing a more robust version of the Hulu application back to boxee with their help.

You can download the latest version with the app box for Mac here: http://apt.boxee.tv/boxee-0.9.9.5324.dmg

Screenshots of the new build are available at http://drop.io/iloveboxee 

The following is posted at the boxee blog http://blog.boxee.tv/2009/03/06/new-version-hulu-update/ 

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boxee was  started because there was an opportunity in the media center space for a product/company who put the user first, while respecting the rights of content owners. Over the past year and a half, they've listened to users, content owners, investors, working to create that platform.  While I very happy with my traditional U-verse services, boxee expands its capabilities -- and to some degree illustrates a true disruption that big telecos and cable companies face.

Like many great product and technology breakthroughs, these guys did not come from an entertainment or cable background. The fact that it’s becoming easy to consume Internet video on a TV brings into question many of the industry’s business models that developed before the web. That’s part of the reason why Hulu asked to be removed from boxee. our meetings over the past week weren’t able to change that. but the people in the industry “get it”. they are users. they read the blogs. they talk with users. they are trying to adjust to a new reality, but they need time.

Users on the other hand, won’t wait. As seen over the past few weeks, users will take matters into their own hands to get the content they want.  Witnessing this, the boxxee team decided to enable access to a user's favorite content using a new built-in RSS reader optimized for video. Like IE, Firefox, or Google reader, the RSS reader supports Google Video, Yahoo!, YouTube and feeds from many other websites. while it’s not as attractive or robust as our previous Hulu application, it will additionally support Hulu’s public RSS feeds.

The extended support for RSS is part of a new version of the boxee alpha (no update for Ubuntu, yet). it includes two new features that are still under development:

• App Box - this is a first take at an application “store” that makes it easy for users to install new apps and plugins. there is also native support for 3rd party repositories, so you don’t have to rely on boxee as a gatekeeper for what goes into the official boxee app store. for example, you can add dir.boxeehq.com as a repository to get access to all the boxeehq.com apps.
•   
• auto update - long time in the making and really bad form on our part for not having it from the beginning. but better later than never. no need to check on Twitter or our blog to know that there is a new version. now you’ll be prompted to update boxee whenever there is a new release ready.

This is a bleeding-edge release. not for the faint of heart since it did not go through much testing. I was told that the company is on track to release a more stable update on March 24th.

XSTREAMHD to Offer HD On Demand Content

While AT&T offers a great Video on Demand solution, there is one thing missing to their service offering:  when you view content on U-verse's Video on Demand, you don't get true HD. 

Now, enters the XStreamHD solution that  enables consumers to build unparalleled in-home entertainment networks and enjoy Premium HD content; including 1080p movies, lossless music, electronic games and HDTV anywhere in the home. 

XStreamHD’s whole home HD entertainment solution includes the revolutionary XStreamHD Media Server that networks with multiple DLNA® compatible devices including the compact XStreamHD Media Receiver, TV, PC and game consoles.

Here's my interview with George Gonzales, XSTREAMHD's CEO....

AT&T Lowers My Residential TV/Internet/Phone Bill By Almost 50% By Just Asking. Call And Tell Them Alan Sent You.

I just saved almost 50% on my AT&T U-verse TV / Voice / and Internet service.
 
No, they don't promote this.  And no this is not a bail-out.  And no, this is not part of Mr. Obama's promise of change. 

You just have to call 800-288-2020 and ask for a discount by telling them you are thinking of switching to your local cable or satellite provider.

U-verse Voice went from $35 to $25
U-verse 400 went from $99 to $59
Yahoo Broadband Elite went from $30 to $10

My bill went from $164 to $94 per month by just asking.

Another tactic:  if you're a guy, tell them you're wife thinks you watch too much TV and the family has to save money so AT&T's gotta go.

And if you're a gal, tell them your man done left you--- or just come up with a Jerry Springer like story saying that you gotta cut back on the household overhead.

I am in San Antonio and your market may vary, but press hard and you just might wind up with some pretty amazing savings. I did not cut back on services.

Note:  the deal they offered was only for six months.  I told them to note it on my record that I was going to call back in May to ask for the same thing again.

Tell them Alan from 3Screens sent you.

Share your story with me with comment on the blog or email:  alan at weinkrantz dot com.

AT&T Disrupts Cable and Satellite Guys With More and More and More and More HD Programming. Alan suggests you hunker down during the economic downturn, feed the kids TV dinners and enjoy the world in HD

Starting  the day before President McCain - I mean, President Obama gets to take over the reins of our country, U-verse TV customers will receive up to 30 new HD channels at no additional charge as part of their existing HD service subscription, depending on their programming package.

AT&T has just announced additional HD programming with  more than 30 new HD channels and new international programming packages for Chinese, Polish, Russian, French and European-sports audiences.

With the additions, U-verse TV offers more than 75 HD channels — exceeding the HD channel lineups offered by the major local cable providers in every U-verse market.

The newly added HD channels include several regional sports networks, premium movie channels, and popular national sports, news, women’s, shopping and lifestyle networks. (Refer to the full list of HD channel additions at the end of this release.) HD service is available for $10 a month with any U-verse TV programming package. All U-verse TV packages include HD-ready equipment, and four of the five packages include an HD-ready Total Home DVR. Total Home DVR is being rolled out to all U-verse markets by the end of this year.

U-verse TV is also introducing more HD options on Nov. 10 with a new HD Premium package. Featuring Universal HD, MGM HD and Smithsonian Channel HD, the new tier can be added to an HD service subscription for an additional $5 a month. More channels will be added to the HD Premium package in the future.

AT&T is also expanding the ethnic programming available on U-verse TV with several new packages for its diverse customer base including:
 
·         Mandarin Package, featuring CCTV-4, CTI-Zhong Tian Channel, Phoenix InfoNews and Phoenix North American Chinese Channel, for $35 a month. CTI-Zhong Tian Channel can be ordered a la carte for $12 a month, and CCTV-4, Phoenix InfoNews and Phoenix North American Chinese Channel are available a la carte for $10 a month.
·         Polish Package, featuring TV Polonia and TVP Info, for $25 a month. TV Polonia can be ordered a la carte for $20 a month.
·         Russian Package, featuring RTR Planeta and Channel One Russia, for $25 a month. Each channel is available a la carte for $15 a month.
·         TV5MONDE, featuring programs from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and Quebec, for $10 a month.
·         Setanta Sports, featuring exclusively live European and international soccer, rugby and other sports, for $15 a month.

The new international packages are available starting Nov. 10 and can be added to any U-verse TV core programming package.

As part of this month’s expansion, U-verse TV customers also gain access to several new standard definition channels: The Outdoor Channel, NASA TV and, as part of Paquete Español, WAPA America and V-me. Paquete Español features 24 Spanish-language channels for $10 a month with any U-verse TV core programming package.

THE FOLLOWING HD CHANNELS ARE BEING ADDED TO THE AT&T U-VERSE TV LINEUP:
 

@Max HD
5StarMax HD
ActionMax HD
Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD
Comcast SportsNet New England HD
Encore HD
Fox Business Network HD
Fox News Channel HD
FSN Detroit HD
FSN Florida HD
FSN Midwest (Kansas City) HD
FSN Midwest (St. Louis) HD
FSN Ohio (Cincinnati) HD
FSN Ohio (Cleveland) HD
FSN Prime Ticket HD
FSN South HD
FSN Southwest (Dallas) HD
FSN Southwest (Houston) HD
FX Network HD
FX Network HD – West
Hallmark Movie Channel HD
HBO Latino HD
HBO Signature HD
HBO Zone HD
HBO2 West HD
Lifetime Television HD
Lifetime Television HD - West
MoreMax HD
Outdoor Channel HD
OuterMax HD
Planet Green HD
QVC HD
Showtime 2 HD
Showtime Extreme HD
Showtime Showcase HD
Speed HD
SportsSouth HD
SportsTime Ohio HD
Starz Comedy HD
Starz Edge HD
Sun Sports HD
The Travel Channel HD
ThrillerMax HD
TMC Xtra HD
Weather Channel HD
Wmax HD

Photo courtesy of AT&T

 

What if Apple Joined Forces With AT&T To Make a True IP HDTV?

I recently read a story in the UK Edition of CNET about Jason Calacanis' prediction that Apple was working on a networked television.

The key word here is networking.

If it was a networked TV, then it would need a truly networked IPTV platform.

The use of the iPhone as a true rem0te control for your AppleTV and TV in general could come into play.

Imagine, if you will using your current MacBook or MacBook PRO as an adjunct TV receiver off of your U-verse TV Service. 

AT&T is the only only true IP-based provider in the U.S.  Verizon's offering is not true IP.

Apple could join forces with AT&T Labs and further disrupt the TV broadcasting space.

Comments?

Need To Save Money on Your "Cable" / IPTV Bill? Here's Some Ways to Do It

Even though I am sure we are going to get through this financial mess, economic reality does set it and there are times when families or individuals need to cut back on their cable / IPTV bills.

If you decide to totally unplug from TV here are some other alternatives  Some are free. 

Some cost money.

Your mileage may vary. 

If you need to totally  unplug, then give it a try for a month and see if you can do something else, like reading!  Personally, I can see giving up TV, but not DSL for the family. 

If it's just you, then get a wireless aircard so you can have broadband access at home and wherever you go.

Here are some choices:

AppleTV:  I've got an AppleTV device and I really like it.  I find myself watching YouTube videos, including my own,  on my big screen (free) and renting movies from Apple, instead of from AT&T, as they are less expensive.  Also, you can port your movies for viewing on your computer or your iPhone for when you travel. 

Hulu.  I've noticed that I've started to watch The Daily Show on Hulu rather than on my big screen.  Sometimes I just need a break at work and want to see an episode, or part of an episode I missed.  Hulu's interface is great and easy to navigate.

Joost. The new and improved Joost is somewhat akin to Hulu.  In its opening pitch, they are even talk about "social stuff" so I supposed they are trying to help like minded viewer communities.

DailyMotion They bill themselves as being about finding new ways to see, share and engage your world through the power of online video. You can find - or upload - videos about your interests and hobbies, eyewitness accounts of recent news and distant places, and everything else from the strange to the spectacular.

Vudu.  You still have to buy the $299 set top box, but can rent movies for $1.99 each.  I guess it saves a trip to the video store and is less than renting a video from AT&T.

Netflix.  No web access required.  You get your videos in the mail.  Or, you can buy their $99 set top box from Roku and download their movies.

PrimeTimeRewind.com.  This is from my pal, Jeff Pulver, who's always out there on the next thing in disruption.  Jeff's site is really cool because, like its name, you can get free prime time shows and re-wind them.  Hate to miss Family Guy?  No problem, Jeff's got 'em.

These are just a few samples of the best of the best. 

If you are hunkering down, but still want to scale back on your monthly bill, try going to a less expensive package.  In the case of U-verse pricing, you can save money by going from the U400 to the U100 package. 

Packages start at $44 per month.

i.TV's Free Program Guide for the iPhone Does Not Serve AT&T U-verse Customers. What?

At first glance, the just announced i.TV free programming guide for the iPhone would be a really handy tool for checking out the latest programming on AT&T's U-verse.

On small problem.

In my zip code of 78209, they offer TimeWarner, Grande, DirectTV and others, but I guess someone forgot to tell them to include AT&T.

Wouldn't it stand to reason that if AT&T sold the iPhone, provided the voice service for the iPhone, that they would have worked with the nice people at i.TV to include U-verse programming?

Comments?  alan at weinkrantz dot com

Summary of Questions I am Getting About AT&T's Total Home DVR Announcement

I am getting lots of calls and emails about yesterday's announcement from AT&T in regards to Total Home DVR.

Here are some answers:

1.  What do I have to do to upgrade to AT&T's Total Home DVR?

Nothing.  No equipment.  No software.  No magic.  When AT&T is ready to deploy to your market, you will be notified and your upgrade will happen via your phone line.

2.  How much will the upgrade cost?  Are there additional fees for the upgrade after this happens?

Nothing.  Nada. No salesman will call.

3.  When will Whole Home DVR come to my market?

I don't know.  I wish I did.  But I know that AT&T is hoping to get this deployed in all markets by year-end.

4.  What is all this stuff I hear about HomePNA?  Do I have this?

HomePNA is an industry standard that enables your home network.  AT&T has adopted it.  Nothing for you to do.  They basically make sure that the vendors who provide products like your set top box or your residential gateway can do  triple-play home networking solutions for distributing entertainment data over both existing coax cable and phone lines.

5.  How many TV's will this work on?

Currently up to 8 TVs  (why do you have 8 TVs anyway?)

6.  How much storage will my DVR handle?

37 hours of HD content and 133 hours of SD content.

7.   How many HD shows can I watch at the same time?

You can watch up to five HD programs simultaneously throughout the home, including two live HD programs and three recorded HD programs.  Personally, if your family is watching that much TV, trying turning off the TV and spend some family time together.   

Also, get your kids to read more.  Without the TV, the PC or their cell phones.

8.  How many shows can I record at once?

You can record up to four programs at once on a single DVR.

Also, repeat- TV is great.  Reading and quiet time is also good.

How to Order A Pay-Per-View Event on U-verse

Wanna rent a special Pay-Per-View Event on U-verse?

Real easy.

• Press GUIDE on your AT&T remote control.  Go to Pay Per View Channel 102 by using the up / down browse arrows.
• Select the program you want to order and then press OK.  A  Program Info screen will appear showing you the event time and how much the event will cost.
• Press OK and if there are Parental Locks in place, you will need to enter your PIN.
• You will then be asked to confirm your order.  Just press OK and you're good to go..  Want to go to live TV, just press EXIT.
• Be sure to tune in to the event's channel at the scheduled starting time.  If you are late, you can't rewind what you missed.  (sort of like being on time to the movies).  However, unlike VOD, you can record your Pay Per View event to your DVR and watch the event at your convenience.

How To Rent A Video From Video on Demand With U-verse

Renting a video from U-verse saves you a trip to the video store - and back.

Here's all you do:

• Press VIDEO ON DEMAND on your AT&T U-verse Remote
• Use the down arrow to select from the list that appears and then press OK.
• You will then see a program information screen appear with detail about the video you want to rent and the cost of the rental.
• You have the chance to preview your selection if you wish, so just select "Watch Preview."  Then, press OK.
• If you want to leave this screen and not rent the movie, press BACK to return to the previous screen.
• Select rent and then press OK.  Press OK again so as to confirm your decision.  Then, just sit back and relax and your program will begin.

Wanna try VOD at no charge?

Just take a look under "Movie Extras" in your VOD storefront.  It's a great place to see behind-the-scenes special programs and cool trailers from your favorite movies -  all for free.

Yup, it's that's simple and easy.