9.08.2009
Hey guys, hope you all had an awesome Labor Day weekend! I have some pretty cool news to get your work week going...
In the past few weeks, we've been pushing out new code to our motorola set-top boxes (A28 i-guide). Features include:
In the past few weeks, we've been pushing out new code to our motorola set-top boxes (A28 i-guide). Features include:
- A new on-screen keyboard designed to make it easier/faster to type;
- "Folders" that will group your shows together (instead of 50 CSI's showing in the menu, you'd see CSI, CSI: Miami, Etc folders with a bazillion in each);
- Search and set recordings by actor, director or keyword from your cable box. Great if you love catching every show/performance from your favorite person!
- Have the option to switch to the HD version of a show (if available) right on the guide
- Order by Remote. Capability to watch HSN and order right from the screen (probably bad news for shopaholics!).
- And the big kicker....
OHMIGOSH REMOTE DVR! :)
Say hello to Comcast's MyDVR! We are currently testing this for our customers in the Chattanooga, TN area. No worries, though... we're launching this in other areas as well (I don't have dates for you, sorry!). Folks will be able to activate at http://www.comcast.net/mydvr but this is (again) ONLY IN TESTING. Broadbandreports leaked this a few weeks ago and crashed the test site. Do not try to register unless you're in Chattanooga, it won't work. Be patient :)
I had the opportunity to check some of the new features out, and it's looking pretty cool! I hear that this is not what the final design will look like, but hey... it's still in testing! Got a few screenshots below for you.
I had the opportunity to check some of the new features out, and it's looking pretty cool! I hear that this is not what the final design will look like, but hey... it's still in testing! Got a few screenshots below for you.
I think we should all get together and have a party now. :)
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great post.
thx @comcastbonnie
http://www.comcast.net/newguide
But I'm going to heavily watch the Windows 7 media center scene. The OEM restrictions for Cable Card tuners have been lifted! That means I can build my own Windows 7 Media center with digital cable card tuning (up to 6 recorded shows at once supported per M-Card). Full glorious HD user interface, 2 * 1TB drives in RAID, Solid State boot drive, and still take advantage of Comcast's TV Anywhere via the web, so I don't loose out on On Demand.
I see they are testing this in Chattanooga, TN. Fitting, since they have Muni-fiber.
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Chattanooga-Finally-Getting-Its-Fiber-104379
Gotta keep up to date where the competition is!
If FIOS uses more than one type of box, correct me! I don't have it (obviously), but from what I've seen, they use moto boxes only.
I like this conversation we're having! :)
The Passport software is much better than SARA on the SA platform. Were talking PIP, channel logo's, transition effects, interactive on screen help like remote control setup, multi-room DVR, caller ID on screen that shows call history as well, keyword searching, etc... The thing is that this software costs a pretty penny. Comcast is letting the lease on Passport run out in markets. Why? Well because the plan with Tru2Way is to get that common code based framework on ALL boxes, so that a Java based guide can run on every box out there (Motorola, Cisco/SA, Samsung, Pace, etc...).
Think of it this way... wheather you have a Mac or a PC, if you open up Firefox and visit www.comcast.net, you can do exactly the same thing wheather your on apple hardware or say a Dell. That's because there's standards in place. From HTML, Java, Flash, and common programming languages that Mozilla would of wrote their web browser in, etc... Heck you can even download Safari for the PC now. Computers have evolved so much and share a common platform thanks to software development and standards.
I have a feeling that SOME DAY Tru2Way will come to fruition and save us from all of this bland guide nonsense. Until then I'll think about building that Windows 7 Media Center with the Ceton 4 tuner cable card device. Then use an extender in the bedroom. That'll knock out an 8.90 A/O fee AND a 15.95 DVR fee, all while bringing MUCH MORE to the table. It's not all without cost however, so we will have to see how much Ceton charges for their tuner when it is released in 2010.
Sure there's other options out there, but here's how I see it:
Tivo-
You pay $12.95 a month for this stretched SD interface, and there's still a UI performance lag. Not worth paying a monthly fee for.
Moxi-
Looks great, but at $800 you might as well go for the gold and build a whole PC that DOES MORE. Moxi has a boatload of potential though, and it's something to keep your eyes on.
Motorola based systems (I-Guide)-
Not the most feature filled, as mentioned by the anonymous FIOS comparason. Yeah it does leave much to be desired, but if you want a simple solution that works and is fully supported by Comcast support teams, this is your option.
SA/Cisco based systems (SARA)-
I don't know what to say for you guys. I feel your pain. I can only hope that Tru2Way guide comes your way soon. No time frames are ever made public, so while you sit in the dark maybe you should consider Moxi/Tivo or one of the dish competitors FOR NOW, then come back when the software matures.
SA/Cisco based systems (Passport)-
Enjoy it while it lasts! It's the best guide out there, but one day your area's licencing will run out, and it WILL revert to SARA (the default O/S that comes with the boxes).
Hey I'm a Gen-Y, and I grew up with technology. I do hope that one day I'll be able to experience interactive TV, tweet what I'm watching, and share media through the home between DVR's or PC's all on my HDTV screen. I can dream, but until then, the wait is on as to what comes first in my neighborhood. Fios, or a new Comcast TV experience that excels just like they do with the web. Fios is a few years out in my area, so Comcast, here's your chance (unless I move of course!)