RIM and TiVo Buddy Up - BlackBerry Becomes DVR Remote

BlackBerry users will soon be able to remotely control their TiVo boxes on their handsets thanks to a new partnership. BlackBerry manufacturer RIM and TiVo manufacturer TiVo have teamed up to offer what sounds like SlingBoxesque mobile entertainment on RIM phones. The new relationship brings TiVo and RIM together to develop a variety of mobile entertainment services that marry RIM's leading BlackBerry® smartphones with the content delivered to consumers through the Emmy-winning TiVo® service. Initially, BlackBerry smartphone users will gain the convenience of being able to discover what shows are on and schedule television recordings while away from the living room and on the go. Future collaboration between the companies will focus on software applications that further simplify mobile access to video content.

Handset manufacturer Research in Motion and DVR company TiVo said that by the end of the year, they’d roll out an application for the BlackBerry allowing its users to review and schedule their TiVo recordings.  "TiVo subscribers will soon be able to wirelessly control their TiVo DVRs using a BlackBerry smartphone–anytime, anywhere–and that is a powerful example of how our respective technologies can complement each other to serve our mutual customers," said Jim Balsillie, RIM co-CEO.

This announcement is slightly similar to the iPhone 2.0 software update turning the iPhone into a more sophisticated remote control for the Applet TV using the free Remote application. The major difference here is that two different companies, TiVo and RIM, are complementing each other’s products with their technologies. Wouldn’t it be great if more companies could get along like RIM and TiVo?

Dish Networks Loses Satellite TV Subscribers but Grows Profits

Satellite TV provider Dish Network traded up more than 20 percent in Monday's trading on better than expected profits and the loss of fewer subscribers than analysts forecast. The stock had fallen by nearly half over the past year as the company loses customers to rival satellite TV company, DirecTV Group. Dish continued to lose subscribers, 94,000 this quarter, though fewer than the average analyst projection of 128,000. Despite this ongoing decline Dish beat analyst expectations with earnings of 70 cents per share, up from 58 cents per share in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue dropped 14 percent in the quarter.

Competition with DirecTV is sure to weigh on Dish through the recession because of its target demographic. Dish serves lower-end customers, which means they're more likely to give up their satellite TV service when times get tough. To remain viable and differentiate itself, Dish offered a $9.99 deal, but the company's CEO says that this incredibly low price doesn't fit with the company's long-term business strategy. I can see why Dish would need to add this price point to keep subscribers on the fence. But if it drops that price point, won't subscribers leave then?

There are a couple reasons Wall Street is happy with Dish. CEO Charles Ergen said on the earnings call that his business has stabilized after falling off a cliff last year. (This echoes the sentiments of the media giants about the ad markets). Ergen also reassured analysts that he is done moving around his executive team. There are also some strong signs the company is starting to manage piracy of its set-top box software, which has been a major problem. Many analysts thought Dish got a real boost from the end of analog TV, which forced many Americans to sign up for a new pay-TV service. But Ergen says this transition didn't have much of an impact on the company, so following quarters shouldn't suffer a drop-off.

Ergen is confident he will be able to turn around his company. A lot depends on how consumer confidence holds up. But one thing is for sure: the worse the economy, the more time people spend at home, watching TV.

Sea Tel Cobham releases new antenna system

Sea Tel Cobham has released the DTV04 HD antenna system. The DTV04 HD is a three-axis marine stabilized antenna system that is compatible with DIRECTV's Ka-Band satellites. It can deliver three Ku-Band satellites (101W, 110W, and 119W) and 2 Ka-Band satellites (99W and 103W) simultaneously with one antenna system.

The new system is built on Sea Tel's stabilized 04 series pedestal and features an auto skew function, which enables the system to move seamlessly from region to region and track constantly with no manual intervention.

Seal Tel says the system eliminates the need to for an additional Ka-Band antenna giving the user the ability to watch any authorized DIREC TV channel at any time on any satellite receiver eliminating the need for a master receiver. This is the first and only system in the marine market that has this capability, the company adds.

AT&T slowly begins rollout of CruiseCast in-car satellite TV service

AT&T's entrance into the satellite radio/video market (dubbed AT&T CruiseCast) has soft-launched at select retail outlets, representing a delay from the company's original plans for a full launch in March, according to a report from TWICE.

Still despite the delay, the company is targeting a hard-launch date in early June, although no actual date has been set, said company president Winston Guillory. The service will provide 22 channels of live TV service and 20 channels of radio service direct to equipped vehicles via its satellite service. Orbitcast had a live demonstation of AT&T CruiseCast earlier this year - see the writeup and photos here.

AT&T is currently working with "small groups" of car audio specialists, expediters and distributors to sign up a few dozen customers to test its distribution, merchandising and promotional network, said Guillory.

Approximately 373 outlets have signed up to carry the product, according to TWICE, although many are not participating in the soft launch. Some retailers are taking an aggressive stance on the new offering, while others appear more cautious.

"We think it's a great technology - we wanted to take a position," said Al & Ed's Autosound product manager John Haynes. The retailer reportedly ordered 50 units about two weeks ago.

Crutchfield is taking preorders on its Web site, while others such as Car Toys and Abt Electronics are looking into selling the product. Gary Yacoubian, president and COO of MyerEmco, said AT&T CruiseCast "will create a ton of buzz," and the chain will be investigating it over the next few weeks.

Still, considering the current economic climate, the AT&T CruiseCast service is likely priced too high out of the range for most consumers.

The AT&T CruiseCast device itself will retail at a suggested price of $1,299 and will come with a subscription price of $28 a month. Professional installation is required, and no free trials are planned at launch. "I am still collecting data, but preliminary feedback is that both the price of this unit along with the monthly cost of the limited programming will limit the number of potential customers that will be willing or able to justify this product in these very difficult financial times," Audio Express purchasing director Grant Phillips to TWICE.

Currently, the announced content partners for the service are MTV and NBC networks which includes programming such as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, The N and Noggin. The 20 audio channels are provided by MusicChoice, Orbitcast has learned.

This is hardly competition to Sirius XM Radio (yet). The AT&T CruiseCast service is less of a threat to "traditional" satellite radio right now - rather it's more of an alternative to the KVH DirecTV system, which is billed at nearly $3,000 and features a much larger antenna. Still, more competition is looming on the horizon.

Audiovox is planning on offering its FLO TV service provided by MediaFLO, at a target price of $599 - $699 (installed) through car dealers in late September or early October (read Orbitcast's coverage of the press event here). And don't forget ICO mim, the in-vehicle satellite service which could reach the market next year by suppliers including Kenwood.

But it's still too early to say whether in-vehicle live TV entertainment will ever grow out of a niche market.Right now Sirius Backseat TV is arguably the most reasonably priced live in-vehicle video service at $6.99/month, though it's a limited 3 channel offering. Backseat TV is also the first to market with live video installed at the OEM level, giving a slight leg up on the competition - but being first to market doesn't always mean being the market leader. It's still an extremely nascent market, and the jury's out on the long-term success.

So here's a question - if the price of in-vehicle video went down, would you consider it? Or is watching live TV in your car something you think you would never need? Sound off in the comments below.

TracVision M1, a New In-motion Satellite TV System

KVH Industries, a provider of in-motion satellite TV and communication systems, has released the new TracVision M1 at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. KVH’s new, ultra-compact 12.5" TracVision M1 antenna lets boat owners enjoy hundreds of channels of high-quality satellite TV programming from DIRECTV while at the dock, sailing, or cruising around the continental U.S. and coastal waters.

Weighing close to 7.5 pounds, the in-motion TracVision M1 offers the tracking and in-motion performance one might expect from a larger antenna, while fitting the sleek exterior design of vessels as small as 20 feet. TracVision M1’s small size, easy setup, ultra-quiet motors, and versatile mounting options allow convenient installation. This new, all-digital device is fully automatic, connecting boaters to more than 300 channels of standard-definition DIRECTV programming and satellite radio music. The system also requires only a single cable for easy installation, even when an installation includes multiple receivers.

KVH innovation repeatedly changes what is possible when it comes to satellite TV at sea. For years, industry wisdom held that you needed at least an 18" diameter antenna to enjoy satellite TV. Two years ago, KVH shattered that myth with our 14" TracVision M3 antenna. Now, they've set a new standard for compact design with their 12.5" TracVision M1 antenna. KVH's exclusive, high-efficiency RingFire(TM) technology enables the TracVision M1 to provide the high signal gain no competing product in this antenna class can match. The new product offers all the features boaters want such as DIRECTV programming, a lightweight and rugged antenna, easy installation, crystal-clear reception, and the reliability of KVH's products and service.

KVH says its mission is to connect mobile customers with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their home and offices.

Tivo Wins Out Over Dish Network

Dish Network may finally have to pay up after losing a federal court decision today. The Court of Appeals ruled that Dish Network, formerly Echostar Communications Inc, infringed on Tivo's patent on DVR technology. Interestingly, the court ruled partially in favor of Dish Network, in that it overturned a lower court's ruling that Dish had infringed on the hardware elements of the patent. But the court ruled that the violation of the software elements was still sufficient enough to uphold the $89.6 million in damages previously awarded to Tivo by the lower court.

The news sent Tivo's stock up nearly 29%. The suit originated in 2004 when Tivo claimed Dish Network infringed on the company's digital video recorder technology. DishDVR technology allows viewers to record one channel while watching another, as well as pause and rewind live TV, and skip through commercials on previously recorded material.

Dish Network remained defiant after the ruling, claiming it would not affect their DVR subscribers because they had already moved their base to "next generation" DVR software that does not infringe on Tivo's patents. Dish Network also said they plan to appeal the financial judgment.

Bell ExpressVu launched its new 9242 HD PVR

Bell ExpressVu is replacing its dual-tuner 9200 HD PVR with a new model: the 9242, which adds five hours more of high-definition recording, and 20 additional hours of standard definition recording. Like its predecessor, the 9242 allows ExpressVu customers to view one program while simultaneously recording up to two others. One program can also be viewed in one room, while a second is being recording in another, all using the same receiver. As with other PVR models, there's the ability to pause live television, fast forward and rewind at up to four speeds, skip forward and back, and view in slow motion, which is ideal for catching a great sports play that's worth a second look. Other options include split-screen functionality and picture-in-picture for catching two programs at once; as well as USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity.

Right out of the box, the 9242 sets the bar for state-of-the-art high definition PVR performance in Canada even higher,but its true potential lies down the road. The real story is what Bell ExpressVu can build upon, and the extra services they can deliver via the USB and Ethernet connectivity. Bell's new HDTV receiver and its feature set simply deliver the most advanced digital TV viewing experience.

With picture quality ten-times better than regular cable, the most HD channels available, and the best HD PVR, Bell offers Canadians the full HD experience. Bell ExpressVu's new 9242 HD PVR is currently available for purchase at $599; or for rent at $20/month.

DirecTV HDPC-20 - Use your PC as a DVR

We have a feeling that someone at the MPAA home office is probably freaking out right now; first Sony announces that PS3s will be able to rip Blu-Rays to PSPs, and now DirectTV leaks that they’re going to be releasing a device that allows you to use your PC as a DVR. Known as the HDPC-20, the USB-connected device hooks into your satellite connection and your Windows Vista-powered machine (what’s that? A legitimate reason to upgrade to Vista?) to combine DVR abilities with “certain Windows Media Center applications [for] unique benefits,” like integration with the rest of your media library, searching, and movie jackets.

We’ve been intrigued by the possibilities of media center PCs for a while now, ever since hardware and software started to hit the critical juncture to make that kind of immersive experience not only possible, but worth the investment. The HDPC-20 won’t be for everyone, but it certainly helps make the world of media PCs that much more real.

Super-futuristic SpeedRay 3000 from RaySat

We're a little skeptical of any company that plays it large and manages to use a .us domain, but RaySat's getting some big ups so we figured we'd give you the scoop. Basically, they're all about mobile satellite data communications (no, not the sat phone kind), getting video, audio, and internet to your car; or, in some cases, your train (as in their TorpedoRay). They're provider agnostic so you can hook up your RaySat SpeedRay 3000 (how good is that name, anyway?) with DISH or DirecTV, whomever else you want a roll with. And besides having a huge sat antenna that looks like a giant toilet seat up on the roof of your ride, you're good to go with its integrated 802.11b/g system all for just shy of $3,500 (not including installation and sat subscriber fees). We should also mention that they have a miniscule 2-inch integrated antenna version called the StealthRay, but where's the fun in that?

SpeedRay3000 is world’s thinnest in-motion satellite TV antenna, allowing you to connect to internet and satellite anytime, anywhere. This UFO shaped 64 lbs kid sits on the roof of your car channelizing the whole world inside your cozy Benz or Bentley or BMW or Porsche and the like. The thin 4 cm high satellite antenna is packed with advanced sensors and tracking system, a satellite modem, a WiFi router and a DBS satellite receiver, enabling high quality access while you’re still on the move.

DirecTV offers new TracVision A7 satellite TV system for vehicles

If you've been eyeing one of those rooftop satellite dish monstrosities for your Suvee-action-jeep or gravity-defying motor home, there's a new one in town that can receive those snazzy DirecTV value-adds like XM Satellite Radio and local programming. The TracVision A7 goes for a spankin' $2,995, and of course you'll be shelling out $45 for the subscription cost, but isn't that a small price to pay to be able to make fun of your local sports guy wherever you may roam? (Within your local television market area, of course).

You can leave the DVDs and videotapes at home and instead enjoy up to 185 channels of DIRECTV service and your favorite local channels on the open road. The ultra-low-profile TracVision A7 sets a new standard for fun on the road with live DIRECTV programming right on your car’s video screens. For the first time, you can take your local channels with you – don’t miss that big game, traffic report, or breaking local news story again. Now your family and friends can enjoy the DIRECTV service that they watch at home while in your car.

DirecTV Total Choice Mobile is still the only satellite TV package for cars after two years in action, and we don't see any price breaks in sight, but at least now you can get a bit more for your money.

Sat-Go portable satellite TV system from DirecTV

It took a little while, but DirecTV has finally made good on its promise of an all-in-one portable satellite receiver, officially announcing its Sat-Go unit at CES. Intended for both indoor and outdoor use, the Sat-Go packs a 17-inch LCD monitor into its flip-and-fold design, along with an integrated flat antenna that DirecTV says will let you find line-of-sight with DirecTV satellites "within minutes." Also included is a rechargeable "laptop-style" battery, although the company isn't making any promises on battery life just yet (it'll also run off your vehicle's cigarette lighter with the included adapter, or plain old AC power).

While DirecTV hasn't officially announced pricing details, The New York Times is reporting that that the Sat-Go will come in between $1,000 and $1,300 when it launches this spring. Current DirecTV customers will also be able to mirror their service to the Sat-Go for an additional $4.99 per month. The Times also got word from Sat-Go inventor Rick Rosner (who just happens to also be the creator of CHiPs) that DirecTV already has some additional models in the works, including the Sat-Go Pro, with a ruggedized design for use in emergency situations, and the Sat-Go Light, which will weigh in at less than half the Sat-Go's 25 pounds. Those curious about the Sat-Go's various states of foldedness can check out a couple more pics of it in action after the break.