Networking Audio Video

Iomega Introduces 1TB Home Media Network Drive

2009-01-05T13:23:30Z

With all of the video and music downloads we're doing these days, it's amazing how few of us are actually backing up our valuable data. One of the biggest drawbacks of home backup is sometimes it seems like you need a degree from MIT to get your device and backup procedures set-up. Iomega is trying to change that with the Iomega Home Media Network Drive which is supposed to be easy to set-up even for novices.

Here's some info from Iomega's website:

Enjoy your digital life! Easily share and access photos, videos and music between your home computers with the Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive. This device provides easy-to-use, yet powerful, network storage for the home user and the three step setup is a breeze, even if you've never used a network drive before.
Save all your digital files to one central location and share them between computers on your network. Then play back your pictures, videos and music from digital media adapters such as game consoles, digital picture frames or networked TVs. Built-in iTunes support automatically feeds music into iTunes for easy playback. Easily share one printer over the network.

Control which family members have access to certain folders. Plus, secure your memories and backup automatically with award winning EMC® Retrospect software (PC/Mac) and for extra protection backup online with MozyHome™ Online Backup service with 2GB free.

Features

Simple to use--Three step set-up - simply plug into your router, power on, and install the software CD. Friendly web screens for easy management.
Sharing--Access files from any networked Windows PC or Apple computer for easy file sharing.
High Performance--Gigabit Ethernet connectivity combined with a high performance processor.
UPnP™ AV Media Server--Compatible with DLNA® certified media players, able to stream photos, audio content and videos to a variety of media devices like game consoles, audio bridges, DMAs (digital media adapters), picture frames and more.
iTunes™ Server--Store your audio content in one central location and share it across your iTunes players.
Network File Protocols Supported--CIFS/SMB (Microsoft), AFP (Apple), HTTP 1.1
Expandability--Add storage capacity by connecting external USB Hard Disk Drives. Supports FAT32 and NTFS formatted hard drives.
Network Discovery--Automatic network discovery by Apple Bonjour and Microsoft Windows Rally devices.
Data Protection--Touch-free professional-level backup for all your critical data with EMC® Retrospect HD backup software. Effortlessly back up files on a pre-set schedule.
Print Server--Intelligent network print sharing capability for one USB printer directly attached to the HomeMedia drive

The MSRP for 1TB is $229.99 and $159.99 for 500GB. Those are pretty sweet price points for that much storage especially if it's easy for anyone to set up.

At Iomega.com

December 2008 Monthly Round Up for Networking Audio Video

2008-12-31T22:04:49Z

I'll try to type softly just in case you're head is pounding after ringing in the new year. It's sure hard to believe that 2008 is over already.

We had a couple of exciting news stories in December and our favorite was the fact that the new firmware is available allowing the Roku Netflix Player to stream in HD.

So kick back with a cup of coffee and some aspirin and do a little catch-up reading with NAV.

Audio Devices

Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support

Audio Streaming

General

Holiday Gift Guide

Home Networking

Cisco Getting into the Home-Networking Business

How To

Video Series: Setting up your Home Theater

Netflix Streaming

Video: Netflix on TiVo

Roku Netflix Player

Roku Netflix Player Firmware Upgrade to 1.5 Now Available

Slingbox

SlingMedia Introduces Sling.com Portal

Video Devices

Video Streaming

Cisco Getting into the Home-Networking Business

2008-12-31T17:26:42Z

If you've ever been in the corporate IT realm, you know Cisco is the standard for routers and networking hardware. Now Cisco wants to be known as the home-networking brand also. At CES in January, Cisco will show a digital stereo system designed to play music throughout your house. The bigger picture though is mentioned at DMWMedia.com:

And it wants to develop technology with which Internet providers and media companies can sell new Internet-based services for a monthly fee. One example would let people store music and video on the Internet, rather than on discs or their own hard drives, so they could get access to it anywhere.

Of course there's a big roadblock for storing music and video on the net, which the article points out:

Sounds a bit like Cablevision System's network-DVR technology, in which programming designated by the user is recorded and stored elsewhere and then streamed back on demand. The only problem is, programmers hate the idea, and sued Cablevision to stop it. After winning at the district court level, the studios and TV networks were stunned back in August, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York overturned that ruling, finding that such remote storage and streaming does not violate U.S. copyright law.

If Cisco can figure out the hardware and storage issues, they can probably be a big player in the home-networking business. The question is will consumers pay for the Cisco name or will they look for cheaper options? Only time will tell.

At DMWMedia.com

BlueEcho Introduces hd EZ Lock for USB Devices

2008-12-30T17:49:00Z

Ever have trouble with your USB cable or drive mysteriously being unplugged from your computer? Then you'll want to check out the handy hd EZ Lock from BlueEcho, a simple device that locks the USB plug into place. Some of the main features include:

Key Features:

Locks your HDMI™ Cable in place to prevent it from coming loose or unplugged.
Supports your HDMI™ Cable by using your component's chassis instead of relying on your HDMI™ Input for support, significantly reducing or eliminating potentially damaging stress on your HDMI™ Input.
Low profile, easy to use two piece design works with most HDMI™ Cables up to 7/16" high and 7/8" wide (measured at the HDMI™ Cable head), and with most HDMI™ Components on the market.
Innovative Floating Design centers around your HDMI™ cable to hold your HDMI™ Cable in its natural position.
Accommodates various fixing screw distances up to 3/8" from center of HDMI™ Input to center of fixing screw or mounts to chassis using supplied VHB adhesive.
Ultrasonic Threaded Insert allows for variable adjustment and repeated use. Use your hd EZ lock™ over and over again, as you change your system or your HDMI™ Cables.

2 locks will set you back $20 but if you have a need to make sure your USB cables don't get yanked out, be sure to drop by BlueEcho's website.

Product Page [via EngadgetHD]

Roku Netflix Player Firmware Upgrade to 1.5 Now Available

2008-12-29T19:37:15Z

Back in October we told you HD was coming to the Roku Netflix Player. It's now being reported that the new 1.5 firmware update is available and may take up to 10 days to get to every customer.

As of this morning, we still weren't seeing the update here at the NAV headquarters. Luckily we found the trick to force the update at the Roku Forums:

Just go to Settings>Player Info>Check for update. It will say "Your software is up to date" Check again 2 more times. On the 3rd time it should start downloading the software.

Visually the new updates adds a few features like a home screen (supposedly to navigate through the new content that's been promised) and of course the ability to watch HD programs which looks really good. We'll give you more details as we check out the update.

Video Series: Setting up your Home Theater

2008-12-24T19:41:11Z

Hoping for a new home theater system for Christmas? We'll keep our fingers crossed for you. If you do get one, we found a generic but handy video series over at YouTube that'll help you with the entire setup from beginning to end. Enjoy!

1 60-Second-Quick-Tips-CD-Audio-In-Your-DVD-Player

Have you Bought your HDMI Cables Yet?

2008-12-22T18:19:54Z

A friend of mine just buy a really nice 50 inch plasma tv and was having trouble hooking it up. When I went to his house to help him, I noticed he was having trouble with the AV cables. Yep, he was hooking up a $3,000 plasma TV with AV cables.

After I came to, I explained HDMI cables to him and we went got a cable for him. The reason I'm bringing this up is that one of our sponsors, HDMI King is having an incredible deal on HDMI cables. The last time I looked you could get a 2 Meter Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Cable for under $12 (locally, my friend paid $22.00).

So if you haven't got your HDMI cable for you new TV, be sure to check out the special.

HDMI KING Cables at Amazon.com

Joost to Broadcast Videos Through Web Only

2008-12-18T15:10:55Z

If you view video content through from Joost from their software application, here's some sad news for you from PCMag:

Startup Joost has decided to stop broadcasting videos through its standalone application, and will instead join the ranks of many other video Web sites, the company said Wednesday.
Instead, viewers will be invited to go to Joost.com, which the company added in September.

"With our new website, you're able to watch all of our videos - TV shows, music videos, and films - right in your web [sic] browser," Joost said.

"At this point, we have decided to discontinue our original Joost software application," the company added. "As of Friday, Dec. 19th, you will no longer be able to watch videos in the Joost software application - but you will be able to find all of our videos, and more, on Joost.com. "

While everything seems to be going web-based, we here at NAV prefer gold old software applications to view our content. Oh well life goes on, huh?

At PCMag.com

Vudu Adds Free Streaming Content like YouTube and Flikr

2008-12-16T13:56:08Z

If you don't have a VUDU player yet, there's a great new reason to get one. According to CNET.com:

Vudu is adding some free video content to its set-top box. Streaming video from providers such as YouTube, MSNBC, CNN, MTV, PBS, and National Geographic will be available, as will access to Flickr and Picasa photos and a handful of casual video games. The new content will be available via a free firmware update that's scheduled to hit all Vudu boxes over the next 24 hours.

Another tidbit in the article:

If the new Vudu features sound compelling--or potentially compelling, at least--remember that Best Buy's $200 movie credit--bringing the price of the $300 Vudu BX100 to an effective price of just $100--expires on December 31.

You might want to jump on the Best Buy deal if you're leaning towards the VUDU.

At CNET.com [image: CNET.com]

Vudu Set Top Box at Amazon

Video: Blockbuster MediaPoint Player

2008-12-15T12:47:13Z

The Blockbuster MediaPoint Player has only been out a few weeks but HackingNetFlix.com already has a nice video out showing the player in action. Be sure to check it out:

Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: Roku Netflix Player

2008-12-11T13:03:00Z

Product: Roku Neflix Player
MSRP: $99.99 Purchase: Roku.com
Related Article or Review: Roku Netflix Player Category

Description: If you or someone on your list has a Neflix subscription then a Netflix Player is definitely the ticket. At $99, the player lets you stream all of the "Watch Instantly" titles on Netflix. The device is also wirless and extremely easy to set-up. Did we mention it's only $99? Heck, it's so cheap you could make it a stocking stuffer. The Roku Netflix Player makes our list of one of the best gift ideas this year.

Feature Details from Roku:

Over 12,000 movies and TV episodes instantly

No change in monthly Netflix costs and you continue to get your DVDs by mail

Easily connects directly to your TV

Pause, rewind or play anytime - just like a DVD

Guaranteed to work with your TV or your money back

See the Entire: Networking Audio Video 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: LiquidTV

2008-12-10T12:58:19Z

Product: Nero Liquid TV
MSRP: $199.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: LiquidTV - TiVo to Your PC Has Arrived!

Description: Liquid TV by Nero is a simple but exciting product that turns a Windows PC into a TiVo based TV recorder. If someone on your list is itching to build their own media system or simply likes to watch TV on a PC, the Liquid TV package is a must-have item this holiday season.

Feature Details from Amazon:

Enjoy the unique and easy-to-use TiVo interface; all the great TiVo features like Season Pass and WishList included

Watch and record shows in HD and Standard formats on your TV or on your PC

Export your favorite programs to portable media players; burn shows to DVD or save them to your hard drive

Schedule TV recordings online (US and Canada only); Pause Live TV on your PC

Includes a 12-month subscription to the TiVo service

See the Entire: Networking Audio Video 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Video: Netflix on TiVo

2008-12-09T11:44:00Z

It looks like Netflix on TiVo is finally out of beta. One of our favorite sites, Zatz Not Funny! has a short video on what the Netflix on the TiVo looks like, which you can check out below:

Two things that we noticed on the video is that Netflix on TiVo beat out the Roku Netflix Player with:

Smoother rewind and fast forwarding
Ability to bring up information about what you're watching with out exiting the show

We sure hope those features end up in the Roku Player!

At ZatzNotFunny.com

TiVo Series 3 at Amazon

Get the Most Out of your MP3 Collection with Free Tools

2008-12-08T19:08:00Z

If you're an MP3 nut, you probably have a few tools on your PC that'll help you get the most out of your music. Still, we wanted to point you to a small but informative article that lists some free MP3 tools. The article at Software How-tos starts out:

Ok, you've got loads of music on your computer - but is that all cluttered, unorganized, unmanaged and simply not easy to access? May be you need to do something. Literally hundreds of free software let you play, organize, burn and do lots more with your digital MP3 music collection. Have a well tagged, sortable music collection that you can be proud of!
Here comes a carefully chosen list of free programs that might help you squeeze the best out of your MP3 collection.

A few of the items on the list are:

VLC Media Player(VideoLAN)
Winamp5 Full
Songbird
MediaMonkey
J.River Media Jukebox
Mp3tag
Magic MP3 Tagger
And more.....

Be sure to check out the full article so you can get the most out your music.

At SoftwareHowTos.Blogspot.com

Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support

2008-12-08T12:33:35Z

Product: Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support
MSRP: $199.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Hands-on Review: Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support

Description: We here at NAV think one of the greatest inventions ever is internet radio. While we can stream radio over our computer, we prefer a stand-alone device that's easy to use and set-up. One of our favorite devices that accomplishes those goals is the Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support. Be sure to read our full review at the link above and if you're looking for a gift for the music lover on your list, you can't go wrong with the ITC-IR1000.

Feature Details from Grace Digital:

11,000+ internet radio stations in any room of your house. You can choose to play internet radio stations, podcast, or even stream your MP3's from you PC or MAC.

Pandora Radio Streaming now available. Stream your Pandora personalized stations to any room in your house. With song bookmarking you can purchase songs directly from iTunes or Amazon via the Pandora website.

Want to hear what's going on in your home town, state or country? Using your radio browse stations by location. Listen to music and talk radio from Europe, Asia, Africa...virtually every country in the world.

See the Entire: Networking Audio Video 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

SlingMedia Introduces Sling.com Portal

2008-12-04T13:06:25Z

Slingbox owners know what a great device it is. If you don't know what a Slingbox is, it's a device that hooks up to your team and streams your TV stations so you can watch TV from a computer or PDA from anywhere in the world.

To compliment the Slingbox, SlingMedia has introduced Sling.com, a website that offers video from other content providers. The best part of the website is you can also view your streaming TV from Sling.com, which eliminates having to install software to view your show. Xchange.com gives a little more detail about Sling.com:

The site enters a crowded field of Web video viewing sites, some from which it features movie and sports content. A deal with Hulu.com gives the site access to a lot of mainstream broadcast network programming.
The site's features include blogs, playlists and clip collections. It also has socialization features that let you subscribe to any channel, show or user to create a feed of programming and activity that reflects your personal tastes and those of your social network.

Also, Slingbox owners can now access and view their home television (cable, satellite receiver) and DVR via the Sling.com Web site, making their Slingboxes available without a software client download.

Now you can watch Slingbox on those pesty work computers that won't let you install software. Just don't get caught!

View: Sling.com

Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide - The First Wireless Toothbrush

2008-12-03T13:05:46Z

Okay, we don't usually cover toothbrushes at NAV but a wireless toothbrush is just plain cool. We're talking about the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide. According to OralB:

The Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide is the first and only power toothbrush that uses a wireless digital display to help improve your brushing habits. It also has sensor to tell you if you're brushing too hard and alerts you when it's time to change the brush head!

Pretty snazzy, we've got a review unit on the the way and we'll let you know what we we think but in the meantime you can sign up for a $15 mail-in rebate on Triumph by visiting www.oralb.com.

More at OralB.com

Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide at Amazon

Blockbuster Set-top Box for Movie Downloads Now Available

2008-12-02T12:07:00Z

Remember a few weeks ago when we told you Blockbuster was going to offer a device to download content to your TV? Well it's a now a reality. According to Blockbuster, when you order 25 movie or TV episode rentals you'll receive a free MediaPoint Digital Media Player by 2Wire. Some of the MediaPoint Player features are:

Browse and watch movies directly on your TV
Rentals start at just $1.99
DVD-quality looks great, even on HDTVs
Uses progressive playback, not streaming, so video quality is consistent no matter the speed of your internet connection
Has a wide range of outputs including HDMI and component
New movies are available within 30 days of video release

While it would be nice to see more devices that focus on free content or even a subscription model like Netflix, it is nice to see another big player like Blockbuster enter the market.

If you're using the MediaPoint service from Blockbuster, drop us a comment and let us know what you think.

At Blockbuster.com

November 2008 Monthly Round Up for Networking Audio Video

2008-12-01T12:38:00Z

Did you survive Black friday? Are you ready for Cyber Monday? Well if you've still got shopping to do, you'll want to check out our 2008 Holiday Buyer's Guide. You'll also want to check out some exciting news like Netflix Streaming HD Content Coming to Xbox 360 Tomorrow or Blockbuster Announces Set-top Box for Movie Downloads, a couple of our articles during the month of November.

So grab a cup of coffee and catch up with a little reading with Networking Audio Video.

Apple TV

Tutorial: Installing Boxee on your Apple TV

Audio Streaming

Holiday Gift Guide

Image Streaming

Last Minute Gift Ideas: C. Crane FMT Digital FM Transmitter

Internet Radio

Video: Top 5 Music Streaming Sites

Netflix Streaming

Video Devices

Video Streaming

Xbox Streaming

Netflix Streaming HD Content Coming to Xbox 360 Tomorrow

Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: LG BD300 Network Blu-Ray Disc Player

2008-11-26T15:09:00Z

Product: LG BD300 Network Blu-Ray Disc Player
MSRP: $349.95 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: LG Introduces the BD300 - The First Blu-ray Player With Built-in Netflix Streaming

Description: Blu-Ray Players Rock! Netflix Players Rock! What happens when you put the two together? Since Rock-Rock sounds silly, we'll just say super-duper cool! If you're looking for a high-end device for your awesome home-theater system that comes in at under $350, you'll want to be sure to look at the LG BD300.

Feature Details from LG:

Blu-Ray Disc player with BD Live and BonusView

Netflix instant streaming ready with Netflix subscription

Full HD 1080p output via HDMI with Cinema mode at 24 or 60 frames per second

Superior audio performance with 7.1 channels with Dolby Digital Plus & TrueHD & dts-HD

LG Simplink connectivity of other LG products using HDMI connection

See the Entire: Networking Audio Video 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center

2008-11-25T15:27:49Z

Product: MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center
MSRP: $349.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center Hands on Review

Description: While the MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center isn't one of the newest media streamers on the market, it's still one of our favorites. While it's not the most powerful streaming device out there, it still packs a punch and is one of the easiest media streamers to set up. Be sure to check out our review link above for more information.

Feature Details from Mvix:

Mind-blowing viewing experience: A digital file player that offers true brilliance in hi-definition video output with vivid views and colors. The embedded processor (Sigma EM8621) decodes high resolution video so you can enjoy movie theater quality video on the big HD screen. It supports resolution of 1920 x 1080 Progressive Scan video output to produce crisp and clear picture quality.

Movie Library at your Fingertips: Mvix™ technology allows you store your home videos and movies all in one place. Simply install a Hard Disk drive (not included) in the Mvix MX-760HD Media Center and you have hundreds gigabytes of video content - all within one compact unit. You can fast-forward, rewind or pause at any time, just like using a regular video or DVD player. And... as they say, the possibilities are endless.

Flexibility, Scalability and Portability: For movies, TV shows, camcorder footage and more, the MX-760HD is capable of decoding dozens of digital media files and formats including DivX® (3/4/5), Xvid, MPEG 1/2/4, WMV-9, ASF(WMV9), DAT, DVD(IFO, VOB), ISO, HD-level TP, TS, TRP, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, PCM, AC3, DTS decoding including down-mixing, DTS pass through, BMP, JPEG/JPG, PNG etc. The Media Center is completely Scalable - you decide what HDD-size suits you!

360-degree Access Capability: The Mvix Media Center is fully equipped with almost all possibilities of Input-Output options. It allows PC connectivity via USB2.0, Wireless (802.11G or MIMO), LAN (10/100 Mbps) and even USB-Host ports. For output, Display Devices can be connected via DVI, Component, Composite and even the traditional 3-pin RCA ports. Oh! and did we mention that the MX-760HD offers Digital Optical-Audio port for our audiophiles.

See the Entire: Networking Audio Video 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Boxee Raises Funding - On Track to Become Big Player for Media Streaming

2008-11-21T14:30:00Z

Lately we've been giving our readers quite a bit of news about Boxee, the software that allows you to watch Hulu content on your Apple TV. Now it looks like Boxee has obtained the funding to become a true powerhouse in media streaming. According to LaLaNews:

And now they've got the funding to continue on that track, thanks to a $4 million first round from Spark Capital and Union Square Ventures. This money will be used not only to entice current and future content providers such as Hulu, CBS, Netflix and BBC to put their goods on the service, it'll also provide the means to persuade the increasingly important set-top box manufacturers to include the Boxee software.
One could easily imagine Boxee running on something like the Roku box (which is currently looking for partners beyond Netflix) or maybe even something like the Vudu box. Of course, if Boxee could convince cable box manufacturers and cable companies to use the software, that would be a win for everyone.

We don't know if it will be because of Boxee or another company but we're just dying to get Hulu on our Netflix Player. Maybe soon, huh?

At LaLaNews.com

Netflix Streaming HD Content Coming to Xbox 360 Tomorrow

2008-11-18T17:11:57Z

Not too long ago, we told you that Netflix would be providing some "Instant Que" content in HD to the Roku Netflix Player. Well it looks like Xbox 360 owners have lucked out and get HD content first. According to the Netflix press release:

LOS GATOS, Calif., Nov 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Netflix, Inc. , the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced that Netflix members can have thousands of movies and TV episodes instantly streamed to the TV via the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system when the New Xbox Experience premieres nationwide tomorrow. Adding to a growing number of Netflix-ready devices, the Xbox 360 is the only game and entertainment console that lets users instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix to the TV. There is no additional monthly fee for Netflix members who are also Xbox LIVE Gold members.
Netflix members simply add movies and TV episodes from a growing library of more than 12,000 choices to their instant Queues at the Netflix Web site. Those choices are automatically displayed on the TV screen via the Xbox 360 and, once selected, will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds.

"This is an important and exciting moment for Netflix and Xbox," said Netflix Chief Marketing Officer Leslie Kilgore. "We believe the New Xbox Experience -- with thousands of choices available to be streamed instantly from Netflix as one of its key enhancements -- offers consumers a great at-home entertainment option and provides terrific value as a holiday gift idea."

Netflix also said it is taking the first step in instantly streaming movies and TV episodes in high definition with the introduction of approximately 300 HD choices that will play with standard definition audio via the Xbox 360. The company said it intends to increase the number of HD choices available and will eventually add multi-channel audio. Classic, adventure, musical, foreign and comedy movies now available to watch instantly in high definition include "La Vie en Rose," "Flawless" and "Heroes."
All Netflix members can rent from over 100,000 titles on DVD. They can instantly watch movies and TV episodes from a growing library of choices on their PCs and Intel-based Macintosh computers, as well as on their TVs via one of the Internet connected Netflix ready devices sold by Netflix partners.

About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix, Inc. is the world's largest online movie rental service, with more than eight million subscribers. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can get DVDs delivered to their homes and can instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs, PCs and Macs, all in unlimited amounts. Members can choose from over 100,000 DVD titles and a growing library of more than 12,000 choices that can be watched instantly. There are never any due dates or late fees. DVDs are delivered free to members by first class mail, with a postage-paid return envelope, from 55 distribution centers. More than 95 percent of Netflix members live in areas that generally receive shipments in one business day. Netflix is also partnering with leading consumer electronics companies to offer a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes to members' TVs from Netflix. For more information, visit http://www.netflix.com/.

Netflix HD content goes live for Xbox 360 owners tomorrow, so be on the lookout.

At Netflix.com

Xbox 360 at Amazon

Last Minute Gift Ideas: C. Crane FMT Digital FM Transmitter

2008-11-17T14:07:19Z

You know our love of internet radio here at NAV. While one of our favorite devices is the Grace Digital Radio, what if you're looking for a way to stream a device from anywhere in your house? Then you'll want to check out the FMT Digital FM Transmitter from C. Crane.

Basically you plug in the FMT into the headphone jack of your device (stereo, TV, iPod, etc.) and the audio will stream to any FM stereo in your house. Here's some details from Amazon:

Transfers virtually any audio to any FM Receiver.

Features Digital Phase Lock Loop for drift free tuning in full stereo.

Has exceptionally good frequency response.

The FM Transmitter is simple to use. Just plug the Transmitter into the line out or headphone jack of any audio device and set it to the frequency of your choice (88-108 MHz). You're now free to listen to your MP3 player, portable radio, or computer audio--virtually any audio device--in another room and without the need for headphones. C. Crane's FM Transmitter also:

Offers highest Quality, full stereo on any FM Frequency of your choice.

Transmits any audio, from MP3s to streaming audio or guitar songs to a home or car radio.

Transmits audio from your computer on your kitchen radio.

Plugs it into the earphone jack or line out of any audio device and set the frequency of choice.

What we really like about the FMT is how handy it is and it comes in at under $70. If you're looking for a great stocking stuffer for the audiophile on your list, be sure to check out the FMT.

C. Crane FMT Digital FM Transmitter at Amazon

Tutorial: Installing Boxee on your Apple TV

2008-11-13T13:04:00Z

Last month we told you about Boxee, software for Apple TV that will allow you to stream Hulu content on your Apple TV.

If you've got an Apple TV, there's no reason not to have Boxee since it really opens up the availbility for lots of free streaming content. If you're ready to install Boxee, we found a great tutorial to help you get the most out of the software over at Gizmodo. The tutorial starts out:

What You'll Need:
• Apple TV with software version 2.0 or higher

• A USB flash drive 512MB or larger

• ATV USB Creator [download: 1.0.b7 version - Mac only, for now]

• An invite into Boxee's semi-public alpha (use this link especially for Giz readers to jump the line a bit)

Prepare Your USB Drive

Just like the iPhone, the Apple TV is basically an OS X computer (running a 1GHz Intel processor), so Boxee installs just like a regular desktop app in the Applications folder, which is hidden normally. Why Apple hasn't opened up the Apple TV to third party developers is anyone's guess, but thankfully, with a prepared USB stick it's all pretty painless.

So what's the future of Boxee? According to the tutorial:

Eventually, Boxee wants to be in set top boxes and on every platform (Windows is coming before the end of the year)--since it supports practically every audio and video codec known, it's aiming to be the Firefox of multi-platform connected AV setups, featuring plug-ins and add-ons of its own. It doesn't support DRM of any kind, so don't hold your breath for Boxee to be picked up by any of the majors. Fine with me.

At Gizmodo.com [image: Gizmodo]

Apple TV at Amazon