In a case that could potentially effect DVR and television technology in the future, the Supreme Court ruled that:

“One who distributes a device with the object of promoting its use to infringe copyright … is liable for the resulting acts of infringement by third parties using the device, regardless of the device’s lawful uses.”

Slashdot.org points out the importance of the word “promote”.

If you work as an attorney for the MPAA, expect a big Christmas bonus this year (although with all the increased workload you’ll need to cancel that vacation).

Tivo announced that they’ve hired Tom Rogers as its new CEO. With Tom Rogers track record at NBC and Primedia, it’s a good indication that Tivo will stay focused on building partnerships.

Ed Bott isn’t too thrilled about it.

While not the prototypical gamer, I love my Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) and use it quite freqently. With its long battery life (and small cheap external battery packs) and vivid screen, it’s a great device for watching video. You’ll need to get a bigger memory card (a 512MB card provides enough space for a 2 hour movie) and download some free software like PSP Video 9, but then you are good to go.

The SnapStream blog has an excellent how-to to get movies recorded in SnapStream on to a PSP. A little time consuming, but the best way to catch up on Alias at 33,000 feet.

(Hat Tip: Build Your Own PVR.com)

I’m not sure how long this deal has been going on, but Akimbo has slashed their prices to $99 for the hardware, including 3 free months of service or a reduced rate for a lifetime subscription ($169).

The key to Akimbo’s success is getting a critical mass of viewers such that they can entice more content providers from using their service, and this pricing model seams well suited to getting more users.

It’s too bad there isn’t functionality for streaming your own movie, music, or photo library to the Akimbo; that sort of functionality would enhance the offering and at the lower price for Akimbo, shift sales from other Media Servers to Akimbo. Add in support for streaming friends and family media libraries, and you’ve got a great community device where family members can watch family home movies, view photos, etc. and help increase sales.

Via TVPredictions.com, Tivo has extended its TivoToGo technology to allow Microsoft driven portable devices to transfer content from the DVR for playing on the road.

This is good news for people who have one of the new Personal Video Players on the market that supports the Microsoft PlaysForSure logo. This is also good news for Microsoft in creating a industry standard for distributing video content between devices.

Via PVRBlog, PCWorld has a great list of tricks you can do with your Tivo, some of which I hadn’t seen before.

Engadget posted a review of the Akimbo device and service.

I think the sweetspot for Akimbo is the MCE plug-in, as well as building ties to other DVRs and set-top box, since when you add the cost for the hardware, it’s a pretty big hurdle for most consumers to jump for better video on demand.

Eric Solheim gives us his tale testing out different Windows software packages for his HTPC setup. His favorite: Microsoft MCE.

(Hat Tip: eHomeUpgrade.com)

CTPVR is having another drawing for a Hauppauge MCE 500 dual tuner card including a copy of CTPVR, provided you register with them and provide some critique of their product. You can find the details of the contest here.