This is great news.  If you have no idea what HD Photo is, you will soon.  Also known as JPEG XR, the new codec developed by Microsoft and turned over to JPEG for standardization keeps up ever-increasing megapixel cameras with wider dynamic range, can store images without data loss from compression and is free of royalty or licensing constraints and can even be embedded into cameras.  More details here on News.com or Bill Crow's HD Photo Blog

Sad to see MovieBeam into outer space right before the holidays but glad to see some customers are getting refunds :(

MovieBeam shutting down operations on December 15th - Engadget

I normally don't link to movies, but this is Indiana Jones. My friend Craig has some new pictures of Harrison Ford in his best character ever.
I am so ready to go see this movie, despite Shia LeBoef.

Craig's MovieBlog: More Indiana Jones Pictures

I'm getting reports of AT&T Blackjack users passing out from holding their breath waiting for the Windows Mobile 6 update to be released by Samsung.  If you believe what you read in the forums, AT&T reps are quietly noting that the software is done, and Samsung needs to release it.  Last April, a ROM image "Leaked" out of AT&T that appeared to be nearly done.  So where is it? 

Plenty of conspiracy stories running around in the over 2000 posts on the topic on HowardForums, some report Samsung is waiting for the Blackjack II (now shipping with WM6) to have a period of exclusivity before issuing the update for existing Blackjack users.  This seems a little far-fetched but you never know.  In the meantime, AT&T ended up shutting down the WM6/Blackjack forums in October and merging all WM6 discussion due the natives getting unecessarily restless.  It's been nearly eight months since the announcement was made, ten months since WM6 was released and the Blackjackers are feeling jacked.

Latest thread on AT&T is going strong here.  The watch continues on one of the worst customer communication experiences I've seen in years.

AT&T Windows Mobile 6 for Treo 750 goes live! | The Boy Genius Report

This is a step in the right direction.  The Yahoo! Photos application removed earlier this Fall from the TiVo application lineup was a pale reminder of just how far we have to go to enable simple sharing of personal media with family and friends.  I was  hoping to be able to share my Flickr library and am unlikely to sign up for yet another service.

What I would like to see is a standard set of APIs for sharing of photos and video across all the major services.  It won't happen as so much of the value prop is tied up in well frankly, tying your photos into a particular online service and their own monetized deals for printing, sharing etc. But my photos want to be free to enjoy wherever I want, on any screen I want.

eHomeUpgrade | TiVo Delivers the Best Way to View & Share Photos on the Television - Now in HD

Xbox 360 HD DVD player stoops to $129 - Engadget

I've written here about Silverlight 1.0's capabilities to support rich media delivery with video and audio delivery and with ScottGu's update on Silverlight 2.0, I figured it's time for an update on all the goodness that is happening

When we think about Silverlight and media, we really think about content enablement - how to deliver video, audio, animation, and interactivity in a cost-effective way from creation to distribution to experience.  The teams are continuing to innovate on all three of these fronts:

Silverlight Content Creation with Expression

Just a few months ago, we released Expression Encoder 1.0, a easy to use yet powerful tool for building interactive Silverlight media content including live events and on-demand video. Encoder solves a particularly frustrating problem of how to convert files such as QT or AVI into VC-1 for delivery in Silverlight.  Live streaming supports multiple camera angles, direct connect from Silverlight and Windows Media Player clients for PC, Mac, and Mobile, and easily supports broadcasting from Windows Media Services, a feature of Windows Server.  By providing a series of templates that can be easily modified with Expression Blend, you can host your videos on any web server (Windows, Linux, Mac whatever) with simplicity. In recent months, the Expression team released a Publishing plug-in to upload video up to HD quality  with Silverlight Streaming, a freely available service by Windows Live.  There's even a plug-in for Windows Live Writer that makes it easy to publish Silverlight video in your blog.  More on that later. 

If you're interested to get started with Expression Encoder, download the free trial  and check out the How-to videos here.  And pay attention to Mix for more to come ;)

Silverlight Content Distribution with Windows Server 2008

Today, content providers have a rapidly growing number of options for delivering media on the Web.  In particular, delivering on-demand video has never been easier. The majority of sites today choose to host video on web servers, where the average user watches under half a minute of video, but downloads nearly five minutes of content.  Video consumption is exploding online and of you ascribe to The Big Internet Slowdown Deloitte Consulting and Nemertes Consulting have predicted, we're in for a big slowdown by 2010.  "Users will experience a slow, subtle degradation, so it's back to the bad old days of dial-up," says Nemertes President Johna Till Johnson. "The cool stuff that you'll want to do will be such a pain in the rear that you won't do it."

Just as we're hearing about the importance of responsible energy use, content providers are increasingly being encouraged to do the same for Internet bandwidth.  By only delivering the data consumed by the user by using the streaming server features in Windows Media Services for Live and on-demand content and/or the upcoming IIS7 Media Pack, content providers can realize lower costs of delivery of a wide range of content types and be a more responsible, "Netizen".  One of the complaints we've heard about Windows Media Services in the past is the complexity of having to manage a separate service in a separate console for media, separate from the web server and application farm.  Windows Media Services 2008 addresses this with simplified admin, and unparalleled scalability.  In tests, WMS 2008 is twice as scalable as the release in Windows Server 2003 on the same hardware which means fewer servers, and higher performance.  Unlike some other solutions, Windows Media Services is a fully 64-bit enabled service, not a 32-bit solution running atop the platform.  There are a number of additional features here, which Harry Mower goes into on his blog here. 

But what if you want to  host your on-demand media content on your Web server or are supporting multiple file types from different vendors?  This is where the IIS7 Media Pack comes in.  This new add-on delivers intelligent bit-rate throttling for a wide range of file types - including Windows Media, QuickTime, Real, and even Flash video content.  What's more, it's configurable so that it can be used for application downloads as well.  By throttling content downloads, you ensure a more efficient and scalable delivery model.  Windows Server 2008 also supports clustering, enhanced cache/proxy support and much more that customers have come to expect in an industrial-strength content delivery platform.

HD video puts increasing strain on infrastructure, which is why we're working closely with big content delivery networks and startups alike who are looking for ways to address, and ensuring that Silverlight is a viable solution for them.  Download WS2008 and the IIS7 Media Pack Bit-rate Module today.

It's not just about stunning marketing sites and video on the Web - enterprise customers have recognized the proven reliability and scalability of Windows Media streaming and IIS for LOB applications, corporate communications, or e-learning solutions using a trusted solution broadly used for years- it's just getting better.  Experience matters as Forrester's recent RIA report notes- even in the enterprise.  It's our intent to seamlessly integrate Silverlight into existing installations and make it simple and scalable for others.

Windows Server 2008 will be released on February 27 2008, but you don't have to wait to start taking advantage of the platform already in use in some of the biggest sites on the web- you'll hear more about this come launch.

Free Content Distribution with Silverlight Streaming

If you aren't interested in setting up your own server, you can host on the MS network via Silverlight Streaming by Windows Live.  Currently available in test form, you can host up to 4GB of Silverlight applications on Microsoft's geo-distributed network. Primarily created as a simple way to host video-based applications for developers, Silverlight Streaming has been adopted by Solution Providers and even ISVs such as Roxio for simple video publishing.  To fully prove out the network, we've been hosting applications including the Halo3 Interactive Manual.  You can expect even more great things from the Silverlight Streaming team in the new year.

Content Playback in Silverlight

Silverlight 1.0 today offers great media delivery options, addressing cross-platform support with Mac and Windows (Linux support coming), and cross-browser support for IE, Firefox, and Safari. Thanks to the efficiencies offered by the SMPTE-standardized VC-1 video format, Silverlight can deliver HD-quality without hardware acceleration as can be see here.  (It's important to note that two formats were selected for next-generation video experiences in Blu-Ray and HD-DVD - VC-1 and H.264. Today over 90% of all HD-DVD titles are presented in VC-1). No pre-requisite version of Windows Media Player or any other player is required with Silverlight, just a small browser plug-in.  What's more, with Silverlight, your HD content can play off of any web server or take advantage of the Windows Server efficiencies covered above.

There's a lot more happening by way of media support in Silverlight- more details to come in the following months. Scott detailed the developer-focused roadmap here. One thing I can saw we're working on across the stack is performance - at MIX last year, folks saw what .NET could do, with a 1000x improvement in performance over script-based solutions.  The teams are thinking about performance across the stack as seen with Windows Server, and you'll see with Silverlight 2.0

Note to self.  Forget waiting for the Windows Mobile 6.0 update for my Motorola Blackjack, that's so 2006.  Wait for Windows Mobile 6.1 instead.

Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard in 100 pictures | The Boy Genius Report

Engadget's reporting onthe new Ricavision RICA 100 remote with built-in MCE and SideShow functionality.  With Bluetooth and A2DP support, this is quite the looker though I wonder how well it works ergonomically when stacked up next to a Harmony 890 which is my personal fave today for ensuring household bliss.  This holiday break, I'm hoping to get some Z-Wave adapters so I can control the lights with simple macros like, "Watch a Movie".  Geek on.

Ricavision kicks out VAVE100 universal MCE / SideShow remote - Engadget

Another good gem here - walkthrough of the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update.

Gamerscore Blog : Fall Dashboard Update Details

If you're a hardcore video geek dealing with the mix-mash of video formats and wondering what will really be supported in the December 2007 Xbox Dashboard Update, then you'll want to read this FAQ.  Otherwise, we return you to your morning coffee.

Xbox Team : December 2007 Video Playback FAQ

Was too busy to note the following interesting stories the last few days:

• TiVo to get solution for Switched Digital Cable Nets, coming Q208
• TiVo interface coming to PC via Nero deal
• TiVo announces 3Qtr results, still losing millions :(
• Verizon to offer, "Any Apps, Any Device" option for customers (but at what cost)?
• Wired is spinning up its Video Division. IPTV for everybody!
• Xbox 360 Backwards compatbility update adds support for 80 add'l classic games
• Quad CableCard Tuner systems from Inteset for Media Center announced

Michael Scherotter has written a great overview of his workflow for adding Silverlight-based video to his site.  I also hadn't seen the video of actor/rapper Ice Cube talking about Silverlight and their latest venture, UVNTV.com and all demoed on a Mac.  Pretty wild.

Synergist : Encoding Formats for Silverlight Video

If you're evre visiting Seattle, this a great roundup on eateries.

Frugal Traveler - Seattle - Sampling the Best of the Northwest - Travel - New York Times

According to Joystiq and a few other outlets, the Halo theme will be available tomorrow as a free download for Guitar Hero III.  Add Mass Effect to the mix and you have two more great reasons why I love my Xbox 360.  That and watching my family groove to Paint it Black.

Learn to Fly--Foo Fighters

Things Have Changed--Dylan

This Is How a Heart Breaks--Rob Thomas

Runnin' Down a Dream--Petty

Someday Baby--Dylan

LA Woman--Doors

Locomotive Breath--Jethro Tull

Won't Get Fooled Again--The Who

You Can't Catch Me--Stones

Freebird--Skynard

China Grove--Doobie Bros.

Don't Fear the Reaper--Blue Oyster Cult

We're an American Band--Grand Funk Railroad

If you're using an Airport Extreme with WPA/WPA2 Personal security enabled, you might notice that your shiny new Zune 2.0 software can't find your network automatically. The fix is  to manually add your Airport and set the network type as "WPA using TKIP" and away you go.

Technical reason: Airport Extremes for some reason squawk as WPA2  and not WPA, even when in mixed security mode which means they don't show up in the list. The Zune team is aware of the issue and it has been reported to Apple.

I have to say I'm pretty impressed with the wireless sync feature. Four years ago we were talking about being able to wirelessly sync your device from your car in the garage. Now it's a reality, and a killer feature IMO.

;)

I read this in the kitchen. :)

I love my Logitech Harmony 890 remote and have been thinking about enabling more home automation with it- lights over the TV, in the corners etc where the kids toys tend to corral into making reaching the switches a game of twister. ZWaveWorld provides a good how-to here.

Blogger Evan DiBiase uncovered a series of new strings in the latest iTunes update that point to video rentals and video on demand (VOD) service enhancements to the iTunes Store coming soon. Hmmm.  Perhaps Apple TV will become a little less of a hobby with this one but there's no guarantee they'll use the features.

One of my favorite people in eHome, Charlie Owen notes, "I'm going to head up an effort here at Microsoft between the Media Center, XBox and Zune teams to give you a set of resources which help you put our products together and begin to realize the 'Connected Home' dream." 

An admirable start. As I've noted here, I would like to see the merging of Windows Home Server and Media Center, and perhaps a wireless home automation component, though I have yet to use it beyond my Logitech Harmony remote. 

I'd also like to see a, "Buy anywhere, Watch anywhere" merging of the Marketplaces in Xbox 360, Zune, and Media Center.

Give Charlie your feedback in comments on his blog here.

via eHomeUpgrade

Sometimes there's just so much good stuff happening that I miss out.  I was browsing the Facebook community for Silverlight (nearly 1000 strong now) and a picture caught my eye.  There was  Adam Kinney's Xbox Friends Watch gadget.  Designed for Windows Vista Sidebar and built with Silverlight, pick the friends you want to track (by gamertag) and you can see online status, browse through latest games and more. 

Adam is one of my favorite inventors in our Developer & Platform Evangelism group.  Simple, yet functional.  Kudos Adam, kudos.

Michael Gartenberg, wizard of digital media at Jupiter Research recently blogged  about  the new round in the HD format battle. With Best Buy following Wal-Mart in offering Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD players at a swank $99, Michael notes, "At that [price] point, it's not a competition between HD-DVD and Blue-Ray, it's a competition (correctly so) between HD-DVD and DVD."

Frankly, the whole topic jumped the shark for me nearly six months ago.  But the whole price war has really piqued my curiosity.  I wonder if Toshiba and its partners can keep the prices that low and for how  long?  Either way, Michael has an interesting point - "With prices that low, backwards compatibility and some very good content starting to appear (the Heroes Season 1 Box Set, Transformers and soon the first season the original Star Trek series) we may be getting to a point this holiday season that could tip the balance."

Back in February, I did a quick analysis of the price points for the formats, based on Amazon.com price points for the top players in both formats.  While unscientific, this yielded an average cost of nearly $850 for BD and $400 for HD-DVD (not including game consoles).  While it's clear that BD players have made the most movement, it's unclear when or if prices will drop to this price on an average basis.

And Sony's response to the HD price event?  "Blu-ray will be down to $399 and slightly below that, but not much lower," according to Sony Electronics President Stan Glasgow.

Whether Toshiba was looking to move old inventory (as in a unit that first shipped Q1CY07), or this represents a tipping point in the HD format battles is unclear. Either way, the PR and marketing value of HD-DVD becoming synonymous with "Affordable HD on a disc" is palpable.

Whichever way this one goes, my advice still remains- sign up for NetFlix or Blockbuster's online service and receive whichever format you prefer without purchasing the discs until the whole format war is sorted out.

Note: I do not work for nor with the HD-DVD effort at Microsoft - all comments are my own and not representative of my employer.

If you're an owner of a first-generation Zune,  now known as the Zune 30, it's nice to note that  you'll also shortly be able to use the new Zune software on your device and the new  Zune software starting on 11/13 - that's next Tuesday folks.  I'll post some thoughts here shortly after it's in the wild.

My iPhone and iTunes also took an update yesterday, pushing out a bunch of games and whatnot for the iPod.  I still don't understand why I have to reboot my PC it seems every time iTunes wants to do an update.  Oh well, off to rebootland.

eHomeUpgrade is reporting today on the availability of HP's sleek and sexy Windows Home server.  Now available for pre-order on Amazon.com and the other usual places, a 1TB version is available for $709.99.  If you don't already have a home server and hard-drives sitting around, this is a solid alternative to the Data Robotics Drobo which I've reviewed in the past and everything in-between.

Windows Home Server is nearing critical mass with the number of add-ons for everything from TiVo to iTunes, to a PhotoSync app for Flickr.  My main feature request is Media Center DVR support as a part of the server itself. Having recently upgraded to 802.11n and Gigabit Ethernet in the house, I want one box in the network closet that does it all.  How about it Charlie? ;)

Chris and Ponzi came over for a fun-filled evening on Saturday night.  Chris, never one to be without a gadget had a little orange gem in tow.  He was raving about the Eye-Fi, a combo 2GB SD and WiFi card that automatically uploads your pictures to the web.  I was floored when I saw it in action.  It works with all the major services- Kodak, Wal-Mart, Flickr, Snapfish, Photobucket, Facebook, Webshots, Sicasa, Phanfare and so many more.  Just pop it into any camera and away you go.  Reportedly with an SD to CFII converter, it will work in DSLR's as well.  Chris snapped a picture and immediately it showed up on his account after being paired on my WiFi network and the small client software installed.

I was going to put this on my christmas list but I'm realizing this is just what I need for Thanksgiving and Christmas morning.  I can't wait as family members are increasingly wanting near-realtime pictures and the like.  So I'm going to try and pick one up and evaluate it in full for you here. 

My wife is addicted to Guitar Hero 3.  GH2 was the first game she's ever player in the actual store and at seven months pregnant she kind of stuck out, creating a crowd of gawkers at the lady resting the axe against her belly.  She's classically trained in cello and sight-reads like a whiz which helps, and there's no chance I'll ever, ever beat her in this game. 

But that doesn't stop us from having fun with it.  Having been drugged, bound and tied and placed into the back of an Audi, a friend told me he was going to the midnight madness launch for GH3 for the Wii and offered to pick up the game.  I figured this would be cool, particularly because of the Wii's new online gameplay.  The same way roses win favor with some wives, this would garner favor in my household.

My wife was ecstatic.  Nothing breaks up baby monotony quite like GH3. I missed the sharp HD graphics of the Xbox 360 but the gameplay was largely there, except for a noticable delay in audio effects when you missed a note and the Wiimote twanged, nestled into it's compartment in the Guitar controller.  Then, things went horribly, horribly wrong when our neighbor's daughter challenged us to an online match.

It all started with a phone call.  Apparently we needed to find the 16-digit "Friend Code" and give it to her.  Then, another call- we needed her to enter our friend code.  Then the gameplay. Setting up a game is obnoxious, with little presence information available- did your friend set up the game?  Are you supposed to?  Another phone call.  Then their wireless went out. Sigh.  Finally we get a game, and I realize I spent this money on a Wii version of what I should have bought for Xbox 360 in the first place.  Playing GH3 online with the Wii was like stepping back into the dark ages.

So, Craiglist to the rescue.  I rationalized this away to my wife, who could now unlock more songs via coop mode with Xbox 360 since we'd have two guitar controllers (one from GH2 works just fine).  Sure, she'd have to start over, but she'd also be able to play online.  Okay, she didn't buy that one but we have two guitar controllers that work now.

It's easy to say gameplay is what matters most, until you see the graphics side by side.  Chris and  Ponzi were over for dinner Saturday night and noticed the difference,  Particularly online, the frame rate during some of the hardest sequences drops suddenly and erratically on the Wii.  Xbox 360 keeps up with audio, video, voice, and easy online game matching all in one.

As a master air guitar player, I'm a sucker for this game and you never know, my sons might learn to play the real thing after watching Dad jam. Ryan told me, "Dad, you really rock" and that's all the fan base I need.

All has been quiet here as of late as I've been focused on other topics, namely raking an insane amount of leaves, and running the October gauntlet with two very active boys.  We now return to your regularly scheduled blogging. ;)

A few days ago, iTunes went crazy on me with the black UI of death and I had to reboot to get it going.  After then, every time I tried to Sync, it would get stuck  - syncing for days if I let it. If I pulled the phone out, I had no pictures on  my iPhone. 

After trial and error through every conceivable sync option, I deduced that my iPod Photo Cache folder had somehow become corrupted. After going into my Pictures, viewing and deleting the hidden iPod Photo Cache folder on Windows (Tools|Folder Options|Show Hidden Files and Folders), everything works again.