SnapStream Media Releases Beyond TV 3.5
Friday, SnapStream Media is scheduled to formally announce the release of Beyond TV 3.5. Beyond TV is personal video recording (PVR) software that is capable of recording as many shows at the same time as customers' PCs can handle -- without subscription fees. SnapStream users can watch, record and playback television programming from a variety of sources in a multitude of formats.
New features that have been added to Beyond TV since the software's January 2004 unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas include a home networking component, support for Microsoft Portable Media Center (PMC) devices, a smarter recording scheduler and improved navigation throughout the media library.
Beyond TV 3.5 introduces a new complementary component dubbed Beyond TV Link. Beyond TV Link streams digital media content from the Beyond TV library to other PCs on the same home network to simulate the experience of a Beyond TV installation.
To maximize portability outside of the confines of a home network, SnapStream has coordinated its software development with Microsoft and Creative labs to offer built-in PMC settings and support for PMC-ready formats.
Other improvements have taken place under the hood. Beyond TV 3.5 has both a new encoder and decoder which SnapStream claims are faster and more reliable. SnapStream also promises expandability: A brand new software development kit is also available.
"It has been more than eight months since our last Beyond TV release and the reasons are apparent with the latest Beyond TV 3.5," said Rakesh Agrawal, CEO of SnapStream Media. "Our aim at SnapStream Media is to deliver more than just a software that works, but an all around experience that is fun and easy-to-use. The release of this latest version along with Beyond TV Link further demonstrates our commitment to providing a digital home entertainment experience fit for the 21st century," remarked SnapStream Media CEO Rakesh Agrawal.
Current customers who are running version 3.0 can upgrade to version 3.5 free of cost and will receive an additional license for a second TV tuner. The estimated retail price is $69.99 USD; Beyond TV Link costs an additional $39.99 USD. The software can be purchased online as a direct download at the SnapStream Online Store, or as a boxed copy at retails stores such as Fry's Electronics, Comp USA and Micro Center. Beyond TV is also available in Canada at Best Buy Canada, Future Shop and London Drugs.