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Zatz Not Funny!

All your digital media goodness.

As a short term owner of the Kodak Zi6 HD video camera ($180), I was interested in taking a gander at Kodak’s new Zx1 ($150) last night… which may or may not be an upgrade. Like its predecessor, the updated cam features 720p video recording onto SD cards. However, the new “weather resistant” model is sleeker and more compact, featuring comfortable rubberized side grips. And instead of providing component out for television playback, the Zx1 is bundled with an HDMI cable. Which is a feature that doesn’t really appeal to me. The reason I question if this is a true upgrade, is because the Zx1 drops two very useful features from the Zi6. The flip out USB connector has been replaced with a traditional USB cable, adding to the clutter. More troublesome, given the sorts of things I film, is the removal of a macro recording mode. So, while the price is right, the feature set won’t meet my ne

SlingCatcher Updates On The WayYesterday

The early SlingCatcher reviews were decidedly mixed. But, after speaking with project manager Matthew Feinstein last night, I’ve got decent news for owners and potential customers: Both Slingbox PRO HD high definition and networked drive streaming are on tap for Q1. Slingbox PRO HD resolutions will bumped up from 640×480 to 1280×540… with the ultimate goal of hitting 1920×1080 later in the year. The Catcher’s initial support for streaming files over the LAN will be limited to SMB shares, although uPnP is also on the roadmap. And, speaking of that roadmap, Mac OS X SlingSync and SlingProjector software is under development.

There are a ton of companies showing off wireless power solutions this year, with PowerMat possibly getting the most hype. While I haven’t run into the PowerMat folks yet, I did stop by the Fulton Innovation and Leggett & Platt booths at Digital Experience last night. Fulton is behind something called eCoupled technology. The technology uses inductive coupling to power devices by surface-to-surface touch. The catch? The devices have to have the right outer surface to power up on eCoupled-enabled charging products. While some of the big manufacturers are getting on board, don’t expect all of the gadgets in your gadget bag to charge wirelessly any time soon. My guess is that a decent after-market business will spring up (it exists in early form already) letting you add surface skins that support eCoupled charging.

In the meantime, companies

CES 2009: Day 2 SummaryYesterday

Approaching 3AM here in Vegas, we’re still about 7 hours from the “official” opening of the CES show floor. However, it’s probably safe to say most company announcements (outside “the great Palm anticipation“) have been made at this point. It’s just a matter of tracking down the interesting products in the convention center(s) going forward.

My day didn’t get off to the greatest start, plagued by a variety of technical difficulties and fighting some bug. Despite the initial slow going, I caught a bit of the Netgear press conference, visited Ooma and Sling in the convention center, met up with SageTV for a Hulu briefing, and perused a variety of products at the Digital Experience evening press event. The most compelling tech I came across today were the various implementations of Yahoo Internet TV Widgets, including the Samsung Blu-ray

“SlingLoaded” DISH VIP 922 DetailsYesterday

When EchoStar acquired Sling Media, we all knew it was only a matter of time before DISH Network hardware acquired placeshifting capabilities. Details on just such a product, the 722s, began trickling out during the DISH Team Summit last May. And, while launch is still a few months away, EchoStar/DISH/Sling have brought some working prototypes to CES.

The SlingLoaded DuoDVR 922 boasts increased storage (1TB) over it’s predecessor, an entirely new UI and remote control, plus that integrated Slingbox technology… which, of course, allows one to remotely watch their live or record television content on computer or mobile phone. Unlike a standalone Slingbox, there’s really no SlingPlayer configuration to mess with or IR blaster needed. Additionally, the DVR appears to support Clip+Sling technology, the ability to select and share video clips online, though details weren’t provided. Having spent a few minutes with the new ha