DIRECTV going portable
Ugh, first DIRECTV starts up the MPEG-4 roll out before Dish Network
and now they're going to catch-up on the portable DTV market too.
Before you panic with the expectation of wearing a satellite dish on
your head, I'm thinking that's not what DIRECTV has in mind. Besides, those 18-inch dishes really hurt your neck....please, don't ask.DIRECTV didn't provide detailed plans yet, but they indicated they would work with multiple partners move their programming to multiple devices other than televisions. Although they didn't come out and say it, part of the plan has to combat the PocketDish that Dish Network offers. We just received our demo of the PocketDish, which is generally a re-badged Archos A700; so "stay tuned" for the HD Beat review.
HDTV aside, do you have a compelling need to carry your satellite programming with you? What would you look for in the "perfect" device to do this?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
travis @ Nov 4th 2005 11:48AM
The key would be the ability to play things other then only their programming...If Im going to get something like this I want the ability to put my own video files on it as well as directv/dish programming...
Rob Stevens @ Nov 4th 2005 12:31PM
I am home so rarely between working full time and going to school full time, I don't get to watch my shows anywhere but on the road. I'd want storage for at least six, one hour shows at the same resolution as the PSP, and battery life to watch all those shows in one charge.
Long story short ... yes, I would sacrifice storage space to watch what I do have stored in one sitting.
Griffon @ Nov 4th 2005 2:10PM
Don't hold your breath D*TV are some of the most DRM happy steel booted thugs out there. This get's demonstrated regularly by many of their different business units (sueing anyone who legal bought hardware they don't like for example, regardless of they can prove infringement the cases cost people a ton of money to fight). They also swore none of their devices would ever support fire wire because only thief's would want it :P. Nice folks really, I can't believe I give them money *sigh*.
Permanent4 @ Nov 4th 2005 4:29PM
I like the idea of portable video much better when I can plug the PVP into any TV I want. That way, I can take shows or movies I record to friends' houses and watch them there. That comes in handy when you have a flu-addled girlfriend who could use some cheering up.
The PocketDish players appeal to me because they can store MP3s and MPEG4 video, too, which means I can mix in The Daily Show with the Daily Source Code during my workday listening. I think I'm going to wait until Dish gets its MPEG4 act together, though...
Brian @ Nov 4th 2005 7:47PM
Video iPod!!! Oh, and of course a laptop, both Mac and PC support. DirecTV, please, please, don't build your own proprietary device.....we hate that! Make it work with existing products already in consumers hands!!