Super-futuristic SpeedRay 3000 from RaySat

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 HDPC-20 - Use your PC as a DVR

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.

Bell ExpressVu launched its new 9242 HD PVR

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.

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.