BroadClip announces MediaCatcher DVR – capture television shows specifically for iPod
BroadClip has announced a new DVR product called “MediaCatcher” designed specifically for the Apple iPod (although there are plans to expand this to other portable devices such as the Microsoft Zune). MediaCatcher allows users to easily select and capture video from their cable television service for later viewing whenever and wherever they are via their iPod video.
As it stands, MediaCatcher looks very much like many other software based DVR systems like Windows Media Center. You find the show you want to record, choose whether you want to record it once or for the entire season, the software records it and then you’re able to watch it on your iPod. Right now, MediaCatcher is available only for the Windows platform but BroadClip is working on a Mac based client soon.
MediaCatcher provides a webpage to schedule recordings on your PC – which means you can schedule stuff from anywhere you’re at, and your PC will begin recording the content thanks to the installed client software.
One downside – it appears BroadClip ties the product to a specific iPod’s serial number. This means that if you want to sync the content to another iPod (say your significant other), then you’ll need to purchase another BroadClip license for that iPod – AND ideally you’ll need to have a separate computer running the MediaCatcher software to capture the same show since the first recording can only be used for the original iPod – hmm not good. This restriction has been lifted apparently (http://www.broadclip.com/Welcome/FAQ.aspx?BCWelcome=show)
There’s no monthly fee with MediaCatcher – just the $79 dollars for the software (and the extra fee needed if you don’t have a TV tuner on hand). MediaCatcher can be purchased in combination with a PCI based TV tuner for $139 or a USB TV tuner for $199.
So in summary – this is basically a software based DVR app designed to make it easier to bring video to your iPod video device. If you have a DVR solution in place today (like an HTPC or a TiVo), then what MediaCatcher brings to the table is the ability to already produce video specific for the iPod – no transcoding needed. However, if you have a transcoding process set up (especially via iTunes) and you don’t mind the slight wait in transcoding, then this is somewhat a moot product. It’s still a pretty neat concept specifically for iPod users though.
BroadClip Introduces New DVR Product Specifically for iPods
TiVo(R)-like System Gives iPod Users Unlimited Video Content – Legally
LANCASTER, Pa. –(Business Wire)– Nov. 6, 2006 Today BroadClip, Inc. (http://www.broadclip.com) announced “MediaCatcher(TM)”, its new web-based video capturing product. Designed specifically for portable media players like the Apple(R) Video iPod(R), MediaCatcher allows users to easily select and capture unlimited video from their cable TV service for later viewing whenever and wherever it is convenient to them.
While Apple’s iTunes(R) store and others sell downloadable versions of network TV shows for $2 each, MediaCatcher allows its users to simply select the shows they want prior to airing. The shows are then automatically captured, reformatted, tagged, and loaded into their media player, ready to go. In this way, MediaCatcher is similar to a TiVo(R), except that the captured TV shows can be viewed anywhere – during breaks, while traveling, waiting for appointments. Unlike TiVo, BroadClip does not charge a monthly fee, and its web-based architecture means users benefit from state-of-the-art social interaction features.
Sam Abadir, BroadClip’s CEO, said, “We are pleased to unveil this technology to the many millions of iPod owners who are hungry for video to watch, but don’t want to pay twice for the same content they already own. MediaCatcher lets anyone with a cable TV subscription fill their player with all the shows they love, without worrying about the cost or the hassles of downloading. Unlike the many ‘scam’ sites selling pirated downloads of TV shows, MediaCatcher is perfectly legal, and it falls squarely under the US Supreme Court mandated ‘Fair Use’ of cable TV content.”
Abadir continued, “BroadClip has addressed a basic and widespread need of consumers for faster, cheaper, and easier ways to enjoy the broadcast media they have already purchased. In the very near future, we will support other players such as the Microsoft Zune, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS and a raft of media-capable cell phones.”
MediaCatcher is available now on Amazon.com and on BroadClip’s web site for a one-time price of $79. Users lacking the required video tuner can purchase hardware “bundled” with the product for $139 (PCI) and $199 (USB) respectively. The system requires a Windows PC, a cable TV subscription, and an iPod. Macintosh and Linux support will be provided by 1Q2007.
Editor’s note: Hi Res product photo is available on request
about BroadClip …
Based in Lancaster, PA, BroadClip, Inc. creates proprietary technology that expands the usefulness of portable digital media players such as Apple iPods. BroadClip’s software technology provides the owners of mobile devices the ability to easily access real time broadcast and web media that is already delivered to their home, but has previously been inaccessible to their portable media devices.
BroadClip, MediaCatcher are registered trademarks. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
BroadClip, Inc., Lancaster Roy Smith, 717-846-0499 roys@broadclip.com
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