Tivo preparing to support Tru2Way technology in new set-tops
DVR maker TiVo is preparing to support Tru2Way technology, according to a financial statement released by the company. Fomerly known as OCAP, the technology enables two-way interaction over cable set-tops, including services such as games, chat, web browsing and shopping. The technology will only be available in in the form of an upcoming standalone device, however, and not as an update for present set-tops like the Tivo HD or Series 3.
Plextor PX-HDTV500U Mini Digital HDTV Receiver
Plextor's PX-HDTV500U Mini Digital HDTV Receiver is perhaps the cheapest tv tuner card in the market as of now.This mini device allows you to easily record and watch HDTV on your PC.It is a perfect fit for laptops especially as it's size comes no bigger than a pendrive.The tuner card comes along with a small HDTV antenna and a remote control.Although the look is a bit unattractive.Just be sure to check the over-the-air (OTA) HDTV options in your area before plunking down for the $99 Plextor PX-HDTV500U Mini Digital HDTV Receiver.
Buy Plextor's PX-HDTV Receiver
OPPO Digital HM-31 HDMI Switch
On the front of the HM-31, there are three indicator lights to show you which HDMI line is active, an infrared receiver, a power light and a manual button to switch between HMDI sources without using the remote control. Included with the OPPO HM-31 are four thin foam pads to protect the surfaces the HM-31 is placed upon, a synthetic fiber pouch for the HM-31, a handy instruction booklet and the power adapter.
The OPPO HM-31 is a very compact, very precise device with a single purpose - connecting up to three HDMI sources to a single HDMI input on your HDTV.
The HM-31 uses the HMDI 1.3 spec and supports 720p, 1080i, 1080p, DeepColor and all common HDTV screen resolutions.
The HM-31 itself is 7.375"x4.5"x1.06" and it weighs only 9oz. It looks small in the hand, and even smaller next to an HDTV. The body is made of plastic and aluminum. While this may sound flimsy, the HM-31 feels very sturdy.
On the back of the HM-31, there's a 5V DC power plug, an RS-232C port for RS-232C remote controls, an external infrared sensor input, a single HDMI output and three HDMI inputs.
On the bottom of the HM-31 there are three mounting hooks so the HM-31 can be mounted on a wall or against some other surface.
The included remote control is roughly the same thickness as the new iPod touch, though it's shorter and narrower. The remote only has four buttons -rotate, 1, 2 and 3. Rotate is used to switch to the next HDMI source. The 1-3 buttons relate to the three HDMI inputs. The remote uses a replaceable 3V Lithium button battery.
The HM-31 uses only 5 watts of power, so you can leave it on without doing too much damage to your electric bill. To be environmentally responsible, turn it off when not in use.
Compact, high quality HDMI switch; easy to use; excellent audio/video quality
Lows:
High price; limited to 3 HDMI outputs
