Impending Differences

This is the week.

This week, I should be able to get my hands on a new video card - the ATI 9600 AIW. AIW stands for All in Wonder. The local Frye's has a pretty good deal going on. There are a numberof reasons I'm going with that card, including the ability to pause, record, and "play with" broadcast tv. (I'll also be getting some more RAM, a larger hard drive, and a DVD burner). I prefer this solution to TiVO because (a) - I can burn my programs to DVD. I can take something like FMA, which shows very late at night on Cartoon Network, burn it to disc, and watch it the next day, or a week later, on the larger TV in the living room. I like to exercise while I watch my anime, and it makes better sense to do that earlier in the day rather than incredibly late at night when I may be keeping my downstairs neighbor awake. (b) - I can save programs in a variety of formats. I should be able to go to Divx video, or to MPEG. That allows me to control file sizes. And my DVD player plays DiVX files. Also good. (c) - No subscription fee. Once I buy the card and the bundled software, that should be it. No monthly charges to get schedules, no paying extra so my card will work correctly. (d) - Hacks. TiVO can change their system at any time, determining what can and can't be recorded. With a card in my computer, chances are greater that if something happens that starts to abrogate my fair use rights in relation to programming (like what's happening with HBO and their attempt to close up the analog hole), that someone somewhere will create and release on the web a workaround for that particular problem. Can't do that with TiVO. (e) Moving files around. With the AIW, I can save things to my hard drive, and make them accessible to other computers on my home network - like my laptop. I'll be able to take my laptop into Claire's room, and we can enjoy the latest Foster's together before she goes to sleep.

And of course, Ed Felten points out some interesting things happening in TiVO's corporate heirarchy, and addresses the mindset implications of what's going on. Ed's always good reading.