Technabob » pvr

Directv Hr21 Pro HD Dvr Image Leaked

Technabob — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:18:35 +0000

I was over on DBSTalk this morning reading about some fun I was having with my DirecTV HD DVR, when I stumbled across this interesting image.

The upcoming DirecTV HR21 PRO looks like a whopper of a high-definition DVR, capable of recording up to 100 hours of HD programming. The recorder is clearly aimed at the high end of the market, with a black, rack-mountable case that’s perfect for serious home theater installations.

According to the flyer (from the upcoming CEDIA show), the recorder will also feature a newfangled “Optical HDMI” port (aka “DLI“), which will allow for digital signals to be sent via fiber optic cable, allowing for longer runs than regular HDMI. From the front panel, it also looks like it’s the first DirecTV DVR to support 1080p output. While I’m excited about the prospects of this DVR, I’m a little concerned that I don’t see any over-the-air antenna input on the back panel, which could be a deal-killer for some.

Not much else is known about the HR21 PRO at this point (it’s rumored to be coming this November, price unknown), but this is definitely one to watch for if you’re a DirecTV subscriber.

[Hi-res Image Here]

Tivo Series 3 Lite Price, Specs Revealed

Technabob — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:13:58 +0000

Images and specs have started to surface for TiVo’s latest DVR, bringing high definition recording, along with TiVo’s great user interface down to a reasonable price.

The new model, currently known as the Series 3 “Lite” (model #TCD652160) will retail for about $299, and packs in a pretty nice feature list for the price. It’s got dual MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 decoders, so it should be able to handle any signal you throw at it. Storage is limited to a 160GB hard drive, but that still should record around 180 hours of SD, or 20 hours of HD programming if I’m doing my math right.

With the removal of the schmancy OLED screen and no THX certification, the new model doesn’t offer some of the bells and whistles of the original Series 3. However, for $299, I think they’ll sell like hot cakes. Now all they need to do is get these to work with DirecTV and I’ll be happy.

[via Engadget HD]

Mytellyhd: Linux Media Server Gets High Def

Technabob — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:04:48 +0000

Interact TV, makers of numerous Linux-based home media servers has just announced the latest in their line-up, the MyTellyHD (what sort of silly name is that?)

It features a complete home media server including PVR, DVD, music and photo library capabilities. The server can handle high definition content up to 720p resolution (sorry no 1080i/p or HDMI at this point.) Connections include component, composite, s-video, digital audio, gigabit Ethernet, USB and Firewire. An optional $50 IR blaster kit lets you control external cable and satellite receivers.

It’s all packaged in sleek, compact (13.6″ x 2.2″ x 12.2″), fanless box perfect for A/V equipment racks. The MyTellyHD comes in 160GB ($899) and 400GB ($1068) versions and is available now.

[Press Release]