It's approaching midnight, it's in the single digits outside, and I really don't feel like watching regular TV right now. I feel like having something on while I get under the covers and read. Time for the Yule Log!

This season (Jay reviewed one a couple of years ago), Comcast, Cox, Time-Warner, and Bright House all have the Yule Log on their On Demand service (via iN Demand). It's that scene of a crackling fireplace to get you in the Christmas mood. It's especially good if you don't have a fireplace of your own (duh), and it's in HD! I have Comcast digital, and to access it, go to your On Demand menu, then scroll down to HD On Demand, then go to TV Entertainment. You'll see a "Yule Log & More" category (not sure how to get to the section on other cable systems - maybe it's the same?).

But wait, there's more...

US television networks continue to fight with cable providers over the idea of a "networked PVR" that allows users to save and watch shows on their own schedule without a pricey PVR in the house. But Spanish telephone company Telefonica apparently isn't facing that kind of conflict. The company plans to launch a networked PVR service in Spain next month.

The service will let viewers watch any program that's aired during the last week. All the programs will include commercials, but you'll be able to fast forward past them, something you can't do with existing US services like Time Warner's "Start Over" and "Look Back" services.