The Web 2.0 Has Toll-Booths: Cox, Comcast, and Some Clarity
On a recent call to Cox about a billing issue I was having I stumbled across a very interesting finding: Cox is already implementing data transfer caps. The rep on the phone told me about it, and acted like it was no big deal. Intrigued, I looked into this further and found some interesting insights.
Paul’s Soapbox: DRM, 3G, Playstation Home
Paul’s Soapbox is a regular feature of TechConsumer where I sound off on various tech topics/products that I’m interested in (or hate). This is just my $.02, so consider yourself warned. This week’s subjects are all over the place: DRM, “3G” Wireless, and Playstation Home.
It’s Comcrapstic! My Comcast Tech Support Story

I know this will seem like another “me too” post after the well publicized Comcast story at TechCrunch, but I actually wrote about 95% of this a couple of weeks ago, mostly while I was on hold with “tech” “support.” I was going to wait until the issue was resolved, but I’ve decided to post it now. This is my story of how Comcast took over the cable services of my lowly regional cable provider, and how bad things can get worse. Read the rest after the jump.
Diatribe/Opinion: Internet Video and TV can’t happen with DRM
This post is in reference to Bob’s post on Internet Video and TV. It started out as a comment, but quickly became too big for that. So here is my $.02. The problem isn’t technological at its heart, it is the content producers and distributors that are at fault, and here’s why. Read more
Review: Harmony Remote for Xbox 360
Like many of you, my TV room has been experiencing an annoying phenomenon that I will call remote-creep. You all know what I’m talking about, it happens all the time. Here is the recipe.
Start with a TV and maybe a DVD player. Slowly add a game console, then a DVR, maybe some surround sound, another game console, etc. Then one day your wife will start complaining commenting that she doesn’t know how to watch a DVD or can’t switch it back to the TV. I had four remotes, and I was thinking of adding another one. I knew that wouldn’t go over well; not that I liked having to manage a pile of remotes either. Fortunately there is a better way…
Netflix: My name is Hiro Nakamura, I come from the future.
Apparently I can’t get enough of trying new ways to get my digital entertainment. This time around Netflix’s “Watch Now” is going to get the spotlight. I’ve used it before, but this time there was something new. Want a hint? It’s the content.













