Tivo HD

I recently replaced my rented cable company DVR with a Tivo HD. A cable company DVR is not really bad but comparing it with Tivo is like comparing shirts with and without pockets. The Tivo has lots of pockets.

With a TivoHD you can:
Rent movies from Amazon Unbox and from Netflix.*
Stream movies and TV shows from NetFlix.
Share recordings between networked Tivos - record in the living room and watch in the bedroom.
Copy non-DRM'd shows to a desktop computer and burn on DVD.
Copy or stream video from a desktop computer.
Schedule recordings through the internet from anywhere.
Plug in an external hard drive for additional storage.

Also, a good selection of internet videos, including YouTube videos, and podcasts can be viewed on the Tivo.

I'm very pleased with the high-def Tivo and highly recommend it.

* Amazon rentals usually can remain on the Tivo for up to 30 days before viewing. Once you begin viewing you have 24 hours to watch the program before it automatically deletes. When purchased, a movie can be downloaded to 2 different Tivos (and to 2 portable media devices). If the program is deleted from the Tivo it can be downloaded again, anytime, without additional charge. Netflix videos require a Netflix membership but there is no additional charge for streamed video.

Satellites Collide in Space

Two satellites collided in space yesterday... An operating Iridium satellite and a non-operating Russian satellite.

Serious stuff and potentially hazardous to the ISS. Still I had to chuckle at this quote:

Asked which satellite was at fault, Johnson said "they ran into each other. Nothing has the right of way up there. We don't have an air traffic controller in space. There is no universal way of knowing what's coming in your direction."
from Spaceflight Now.

Wanna Buy Grande?

According to the Broadcast Newsroom website, Grande Communications has hired New York-based cable investment banker Waller Capital Corp. to advise it in "exploring all of its strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value." I think that means they're looking for a buyer. About $500,000,000 would probably do the deal if you're interested. Or, maybe they'd be interested in a federal bailout.