SnapStream Blog

Coming to a city near you, SnapStream Media will be showcasing the latest in their TV search technology. Learn more about the Enterprise TV search appliance from any of the sales engineers by visiting them at any of the following conferences:

Morning Show Boot Camp – Denver, CO
July 31st – August 2nd; Exhibit Area
Geared towards morning-talk broadcasters, this conference is loaded with panels and sessions covering every aspect of producing an engaging morning radio broadcast.

Association of Public Safety Communications Officers – Kansas City, MO
August 3rd – August 7th; Booth # 141
A conference catering to the the professional needs of Public Safety Communications Officers – from examining standards and issues to providing education, products and services.

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication – Chicago, IL
August 6th – August 9th; Table #25
The conference program includes the latest in technology as well as special sessions on teaching, research and public service in the various components of journalism and mass communication.

Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors – Fort Worth, TX
August 7th – August 8th; Exhibit Area
The TATOA conference is dedicated to educating local government officials to better serve their citizens in the development, regulation, and administration of cable television and other telecommunications systems.

Can’t make any of the appearances, well sign up for an online webinar or email enterprise@snapstream.com to schedule a demo.

Video Guide: Build your own HTPC – 07/25/08
The following video by Marshall Guthrie of Real HT Info does an excellent job of making the guide understandable for the average joe and even details which components he opted for to build his sub-$600 system. via ehomeupgrade

Choosing a Digital-to-Analog Converter – 07/23/08
Dave purposes an interesting question, which converter to get. He states the top criteria should be ATSC reception and picture quality, and is leaning towards the Zenith DTT900/901 or the RCA DTA800 because the included remote will also power the television on/off. Read his comments section for more input. via ZatsnotFunny

No more DRM on no-restricted CableCard content? – 07/21/08
The latest OCUR specification by CableLabs has removed the requirement to DRM all CableCard tuner recordings regardless of whether the content is marked as copy restricted or not. Meaning you could copy, move or modify those recordings from the CableCard on channels that aren’t marked “copy protected” – the ones marked “copy protected” would continue to be restricted from copying, moving or modifying. via GeekTonic

DVB version of HDHomeRun coming soon – 07/18/08
Current projections are to have the DVB version of the HDHR ready for mass delivery by September. Included in the SiliconDust tuner will be support for DVB-C (digital cable) and DVB-T (Terrestrial broadcast). via GeekTonic

Dell offers Wal-mart tech support – 07/18/08
The two companies have joined forces for Solution Station by Dell. The service will offer consumers setup help on TVs, PCs, wireless networks, and more. It will also offer repair services all on Dell products only. via Electronic House

HDTV’s get cheaper – 07/16/08
Prices are dropping soon. Despite recent price cuts, Mitsubishi, Sharp, LG, Panasonic and Samsung are all expected to lower prices again, as much as $400, in the upcoming weeks. via Electronic House

Last week I found myself attending the symphony in downtown Houston for a performance of Video Games Live, a worldwide concert series featuring music from (duh) video games. I’ve never been to the symphony before and I was excited about this new experience. I wasn’t sure if I had to dress up for this event- when I think of the symphony, I think of top hats and monocles- so we were relieved to notice as we drove up to Jones Hall that most people were in regular clothes. It took some walking to get to our seats, which were conveniently located in the “no one can hear you scream” section, but eventually we made it. Looking over the balcony to the orchestra below and listening to the rhythmic, pulsing sounds of the theme from “Contra,” I had a sudden realization: I was about to miss ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’. My excitement was suddenly replaced by anxiety. All I could do was to check my phone over and over to see if it was possible to get home in time. Then it hit me: Mobile SnapStream was the answer. Mobile SnapStream is the remote-scheduling interface in SnapStream.net, customized for a mobile phone, and designed for just such a quandary. I quickly logged on, did a search for ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ and scheduled the recording. And that was that. Not only was I able to avoid a fight with my girl about wanting to leave early, I also managed to enjoy the symphony- and when I got home, Mario, Fanny Pak and SoReal Cru were right there waiting for me.

Leaders of Actor’s Union Call Offer Unacceptable – 07/11/08
Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild declined a final offer for a new labor contract late Thursday, prompting an alliance of Hollywood production companies to demand that the union put the offer before its entire membership for a vote. Via NY Times

Belkin Announces Wireless HD Transmitter – 07/10/08
Belkin doesn’t want you to suffer for fashion. Instead, they’ve announced the FlyWire, a box that promises 1080p True Cinema picture resolution on any HDTV in your home. That means you can place that TV wherever you want—without cables. via Electronic House

NBC Offers Fans Webisodes of Popular Shows – 07/09/08
Starting July 10, new webisodes from The Office will be available online, with characters Kevin, Oscar, and Darryl all playing roles in the short, online-only weekly episodes. Heroes is also getting in on the webisode game, with a trilogy of online-only episodes launching on July 14. via PR Week