Number of results 639 for hd

03/09/2010 - SageTV puts $150 HD Theater 300 up for pre-order, breaks down the specifications
Whoa, welcome to the new decade SageTV! Nearly two full years after introducing the HD Theater HD200, the aforesaid company is hitting back with the HD Theater 300 -- and frankly, the timing couldn't possibly be worse. Last month, a $149.95 price tag on a no-name streamer may have looked attractive, but with the revised Apple TV and price-adjusted Roku line, we get the feeling this one will be a hard sell. At any rate, this new networked set-top box boasts a non-stackable design, a Toslink optical audio jack, HDMI 1.3 socket, a pair of USB jacks and an Ethernet connector. It also supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD/MA (which means you're cleared to bitstream to your HDMI 1.3 receiver), but you'll need to pony up an extra $29.95 for a WiFi dongle. Yeah, bummer. The outfit suggests that you turn this critter into a whole home DVR solution by running SageTV Media Center software alongside of it, but you should probably know that you'll have some trouble if trying to shove DRM'd content through it. It's available for pre-order down in the source link if you're interested.

[Thanks, Tom]

Continue reading SageTV puts $150 HD Theater 300 up for pre-order, breaks down the specifications

SageTV puts $150 HD Theater 300 up for pre-order, breaks down the specifications originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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31/08/2010 - Roku lowers prices across the board: HD box now $69, $99 HD-XR to get 1080p support
Looks like Roku's going aggressive on price with its lineup of streamers in response to Sony's new $130 Netbox streamer, the upcoming Google TV launch, and rumors that we'll see that rumored $99 iOS-based Apple TV arrive on Wednesday. The SD box is down to $59 from $79, the standard HD is now $69 from $99, and the HD-XR with dual-band 802.11n and soon-to-be-enabled USB playback support is now $99 from $129. The HD-XR is also due to get 1080p streaming support later this year; it'll be focused on USB playback at first since most of the streaming channels are 720p right now.

Those prices are definitely getting close to impulse-buy territory, especially since a Roku is now one of the cheapest ways to get Netflix and Amazon VOD on a TV, along with other channels like MLB and UFC. In fact, Roku says its goal is to put three streamers in every house -- one next to every TV in the average American home. We applaud the ambition, but we've got a feeling this entire market is about get turned upside down once Apple and Google launch their initiatives.

Roku lowers prices across the board: HD box now $69, $99 HD-XR to get 1080p support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/08/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:30 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/08/2010 - Take control of your TV with your HTPC via HDMI-CEC
HDMI-CEC to RS-232 bridge
This is something we've always wanted to do with our HTPC, but have always been restricted by our video card, control our HDTV with our HTPC. Home automation is almost as much fun as watching HD, but while many devices can be controlled via IR or HDMI-CEC, not many have RS-232 or network control that make them easily controllable by your PC. This little box pictured above bridges any USB port to HDMI-CEC which means you can leverage one of the most popular two-way control protocols from your HTPC. We're not exactly sure how this box can be leveraged to make this work, but user Valkyrie-MT from The Green Button was able to solder his up to control the TV's volume with his Media Center remote via HDMI instead of IR.

Take control of your TV with your HTPC via HDMI-CEC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/08/2010 - Sharp slowing larger LCD panel production, but Sony to feel the squeeze
Reports have surfaced that Sharp will be lowering the production capacity of its new Sakai LCD panel factory by 20 to 30 percent for the next two months, apparently in response to piling inventory in the US and China as production outpaced demand. Sharp however hasn't verified these claims and dutifully reiterated its expectations to meet sales forecasts for the fiscal year of 2010. If true though, the decision is unlikely to affect production of Sharp's own panels anyway, since they're made at the Kameyama plant in Mie Prefecture, which in contrast to 2008, will supposedly maintain its current production rates. Instead, other TV manufacturers like Sony will experience the pinch, as a result of billion dollar joint venture deal inked last year, which moved production of their 40-inch and above panels to the Sakai facility in question. Philosophically though, if a few less Bravia panels roll off the production line, and no recession-burdened consumer is around to mourn them, would we even care?

Sharp slowing larger LCD panel production, but Sony to feel the squeeze originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/08/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:30 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/08/2010 - LG parading 31-inch OLED TV among other sets at IFA 2010
We've been tracking LG OLED TV production rumors for nearly as long as Bieber's been alive, and recently got wind that their ultra-thin 7mm LED TV would be appearing at IFA this year, but now more news has materialized. According to OLED-Display, the company plans to show a new 31-inch OLED television prototype in addition to confidence-compensating 72-inch 3D LED TV. Sadly, other critical details like resolution and pricing are nowhere to be found, but considering the company's 15-inch EL9500 OLED -- which we're still waiting for stateside -- is selling for close to $2,400 in the UK, it's fair to assume a model double in size will be a Kanye-level extravagance. Seeing a larger OLED example before 2011 though will be a step in the right direction for LG, and appears to fall in line with the company's own rollout predictions.

LG parading 31-inch OLED TV among other sets at IFA 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/08/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 6:00 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 6:00 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 6:00 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 6:00 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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09/08/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:45 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/08/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:45 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:45 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:45 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:45 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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31/07/2010 - NFL to stream every pre-season game in HD for $40
NFL Preseason Live
Don't have the NFL Network but still want to catch every single pre-season NFL game in HD? Well you finally have an option with NFL Preseason Live. It'll cost you $40 for the over 50 live broadcasts, as well as on demand access, but what is particularly cool is access to either team's radio broadcast (we assume it is synced up to the video) as well as enhancements like Big Play Markers -- whatever that is. If you click through you can get a taste of what it's like by watching last year's Super Bowl, looks good up to 3Mbps. Now before you get all excited about the idea that this is a prelude to regular season games coming to the internet, just hold on there. The pre-season games are night and day when compared to regular season when you're talking licensing rights. While the regular season rights are part of some of the biggest TV deals ever, the pre-season rights are usually sold to local affiliates; which always makes it fun to see the quality of the broadcast with considerably smaller budgets.

NFL to stream every pre-season game in HD for $40 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/07/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 206 - 07.27.2010
Enjoy the special treats included in this podcast, as we are pleased to have frequent listener/UStream chatter JMallory contributing his voice as we break down the last week of all things HD related. The new UltraViolet DRM standard is first up for discussion, as well as Netflix's international & PS3 plans, and just how well Blu-ray is doing. Then we dive into Engadget Columnist Michael Gartenberg's recent 3DTV related editorial and whether or not his points hold water, from our perspective. That's not all the 3D news this week, with cheaper plasmas from Samsung and new combo units from Panasonic on the way. Aftr that it's HTPC time when we turn to new quad-tuner units from Okoro and the HDHomeRun Prime. Finally things wrap up with analyst predictions for Blu-ray, and our recent review of SRS Labs' front surround sound technology.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@Rjcc)
Special Guest: Jim Mallory (@JimMallory)


Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:08:34 - DECE's 'digital locker' take-anywhere DRM dubbed UltraViolet, launches later this year
00:22:19 - Netflix plans discless Watch Instantly on the PS3 by late October, more 'pure streaming' worldwide
00:27:43 - Poll: Has Blu-ray secured its place as heir to the DVD throne?
00:33:50 - Entelligence: 3D TV falls flat for me
00:49:09 - Samsung's new plasmas will do 3D for much cheaper - Update: $989 for 50-inch 720p
00:51:16 - Panasonic adds Blu-ray 3D/HDD all-in-one plasmas; redesigned, rechargeable 3D glasses in Japan
00:53:15 - Okoro's ultraslim SX100 HTPC updated with quad CableCARD support
01:04:10 - HDHomeRun Prime with CableCARD might work with MythTV after all
01:14:10 - ABI Research predicts Blu-ray players in 18% of TV owning households next year
01:24:24 - Front rendered surround sound is not a gimmick




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Engadget HD Podcast 206 - 07.27.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/07/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 205 - 07.21.2010
This weeks show gets kicked off with some Blu-ray news as the details of two anticipated titles are reveled and then discussed as well as an very influential classic. Of course 3D comes up as we cover the update for PowerDVD, ESPN's first 3D broadcast that was produced in house and the worst channel ever. In PS3 news we talk its 3D limitations and its new found ability to stream Hulu Plus content. That wasn't the only Sony news though as we covered in depth how much (some of us) like the new Sony HD camcorder. Oh, and then do we ever get our soap box and let the world know how we feel about AllVid and those who appose it. We round the show out covering a few content related topics including Netflix coming to Canada, streaming devices and the first licensing deal for XStreamHD.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@Rjcc)
Guest: Ben Bowers


Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:04:05 - Iron Man 2 Blu-ray goes on sale September 28 with plenty of extras
00:06:25 - Aliens Anthology lays its eggs on Blu-ray October 26
00:08:53 - Criterion Collection's October Blu-ray release schedule includes Seven Samurai
00:14:52 - PowerDVD 10 Ultra 3D Mark II update finally adds 3D Blu-ray support
00:17:21 - ESPN's Home Run Derby in 3D goes off without a hitch
00:23:19 - Verizon FiOS chooses "the worst TV channel ever" for some 3D VOD
00:29:35 - Sony restricts stereoscopic PS3 games to 720p 3D
00:35:26 - Hulu Plus on PS3, hands-on (update: video)
00:38:10 - Sony issues NEX-VG10: first interchangeable lens HD Handycam camcorder
00:43:10 - Sony NEX-VG10 HD camcorder preview
00:48:06 - Google is the latest to support the FCC's new IP video gateway
00:54:40 - Sony, TiVo, NCTA and others chime in on CableCARD's replacement
01:07:46 - RCN offers TiVo Premiere in Boston; Philadelphia, Chicago are next
01:08:36 - Netflix coming to Canada this fall
01:11:26 - Syabas Popbox surprises everyone, including Syabas, by going on sale today
01:13:30 - Boxee's first production Box gets shown off to the world (video)
01:20:25 - Lionsgate first to sign content deal with XStreamHD
01:26:33 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the best new demo material for my home theater?
01:39:03 - Japan still looking into holographic broadcasts for World Cup 2022

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Engadget HD Podcast 205 - 07.21.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/07/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 204: 3D HTPCs and SRS Labs - 07.14.2010
When you love to talk HD as much as us, one podcast a week just isn't enough. In the special we take some time to talk to Andrew Fear of nVidia about 3D on HTPCs which includes the 3D Blu-ray playback requirements as well as frame compatible 3D and viewing our favorite 10-foot UIs in 3D. Then we shift gears to audio and talk to SRS Labs' chief technology officer about the company's front rendered surround sound technology for TVs and sound bars.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@Rjcc)


Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:42 - Andrew Fear, Senior product manager for nVidia 3D Vision
34:33 - Alan Kraemer, CTO of SRS Labs

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Engadget HD Podcast 204: 3D HTPCs and SRS Labs - 07.14.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/07/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 203 - 07.13.2010
Between DirecTV, Japanese baseball, PS3, iScan Duo and Toy Story, there was plenty of 3D talk to lead things off and we even had to call in Engadget classic editor Richard Lai for a quick assist from across the pond. Of course, there's still plenty of 2D HDTV news to discuss, including Suddenlink's TiVo deal and what it might mean for the future of the DVR company, how popular multiroom DVRs really are, and the many, many ways cable companies are screwing up. Apple rumors lead off th next segment, while we also ponder the possibilities of Comcast's DVR2Go trademark filing. Closing things out is a quick session of U-Verse bashing after Home Theater Review's...err, review, and what's cool about Intel's latest remote control technology

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@Rjcc)
Guest: Richard Lai (@richardlai)


Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program

00:08:37 - Early DirecTV 3D reviews take the good with plenty of the bad
00:13:33 - Japan just barely beats MLB to first 3D broadcast
00:15:05 - PlayStation Blu-ray 3D update arrives in September; 3D photo, PlayTV and YouTube support to follow
00:18:04 - DVDO iScan Duo to get an update to pass 3D signal
00:19:18 - Toy Story 3 in 4K 3D: does higher-res equal higher enjoyment?
00:30:10 - Suddenlink to lean on TiVo for DVRs, non-DVR set tops and multiroom
00:34:52 - Poll: Are you going to get / already set up with a multiroom DVR?
00:39:00 - Ok that's it, providers should stop simulcasting SD to HD set-tops
00:44:08 - Big cable companies considering packages with, wait for it, less channels
00:48:05 - Next Apple TV to offer 99 cent streaming episode rentals?
00:55:30 - Comcast files for DVR2Go trademark, is the portable DVR on the way?
00:57:22 - Home Theater Review does its thing with U-Verse, comes away jaded
01:01:10 - Intel's smart TV remote will recognize you, tailor content to your wishes


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Engadget HD Podcast 203 - 07.13.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/07/2010 - Apple now selling older HD movies for $10
Buying HD movies from iTunes has never been the most popular option, but it's at least a little cheaper now that Apple has added a $10 or less HD movie section for older titles that were previously sold for the new-film premium of $20. The sub-$10 library only consists of 30 titles at the moment (though we assume that'll grow with time), including 3:10 to Yuma, American Psycho, and The Doors, as well as more appropriate bargain bin specimens like Midgets vs. Mascots, The Midnight Meat Train, and Witless Protection. Ideally, we'd love for the rumored new Apple TV and $0.99 TV show rental option to make all of this somewhat of a moot point, but you'll never catch us complaining about price drops. And besides, it's not like we'll be dropping our Netflix subscriptions based on "maybes" or "mights."

Apple now selling older HD movies for $10 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/07/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:30 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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07/07/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 202 - 07.07.2010
Audio glitches pushed this episode back a day, but you had to know we'd come through with the HD news. Hulu Plus and Netflix's industry shakeup continues and puts them at the top new position, followed by discussion of Comcast's multiroom DVR offering and how it compares to the competition. Later we move to Media Center talk and whether or not switching is a good idea for everyone and why (or why not), along with an in depth breakdown of the responses submitted to the FCC about CableCARD, and what will happen next. A new version of VLC is news for Macs and PCs, before we get to our poll question of the week. DirecTV and Sony top 3D related news this week, before we wrap things up with the state of control technology today, and a look towards the future possibilities of HDBaseT.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@Rjcc)


Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:02:15 - Hands-on with Hulu Plus via Samsung HDTV, iPhone and iPad
00:15:00 - Hulu CEO: we're 'complementary' to cable
00:18:25 - Netflix adds Relativity Media to its Instant queue, takes on HBO and Showtime
00:22:30 - Comcast starts offering multiroom features, 500GB hard drives with AnyRoom DVR
00:31:45 - Ask Engadget HD: Should I switch to Windows Media Center?
00:35:00 - A war of good and bad is raging before the FCC over CableCARD rules
00:43:50 - VLC 1.1 released, adds hardware acceleration and new codec support
00:47:33 - Poll: Are you still watching the World Cup?
00:53:33 - DirecTV's new n3D channel is the first to bring home all 3D, all the time
00:55:16 - Sony's active shutter glasses now on sale, $150 buys your eyes a third dimension
01:00:28 - Sony's 2010 ES line includes 3D and excludes online retailers; Android remote app on the way
01:04:15 - HD 101: IR blasters, HDMI-CEC, RS-232 and IP control
01:17:10 - HDBaseT 1.0 finalized; LG, Samsung & Sony ally behind one do-everything cable

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Engadget HD Podcast 202 - 07.07.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/07/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 4:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 4:30 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 4:30 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 4:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/06/2010 - HD 101: IR blasters, HDMI-CEC, RS-232 and IP control
IR blaster
You'd be hard pressed to find a TV without some sort of extra box attached to it these days -- and with each box comes another remote. The sad part is it doesn't have to be this way, nope, the necessary interaction between devices really isn't that complicated. The problem is the devices just aren't designed to work together, but that isn't because the industry hasn't tried. All the political reasons aside the technology to let your cable box carry on a two way conversation with your TV and other equipment does exist. So we're going to explain what's out there. If you've ever wondered how you can gain more control over your gear using everything from an IR blaster to sending TCP commands via IP, then read on.

Just getting into HD? Check out these other HD 101 features:
HD 101: Overscan and why all TVs do it
What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?
How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3
Why there are black bars on HDTVs

Continue reading HD 101: IR blasters, HDMI-CEC, RS-232 and IP control

HD 101: IR blasters, HDMI-CEC, RS-232 and IP control originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/06/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:30 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/06/2010 - Poll: How much did you spend on your HDTV?
Sure, mom might say it's not polite, but we've got to know how many people are really coming out of pocket for the highest priced HDTVs. Of course, these days it's just as easy to grab a value priced model off the shelf at the local superstore or online outlet, or any price level in between. So check out the responses and let us know where taste and budget came together to make your newest HDTV possible.

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Poll: How much did you spend on your HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/06/2010 - Ask Engadget HD: What size HDTV should I buy?
Since we're totally willing to take out a wall to install Panasonic's 152-inch behemoth in our own home, we're probably the wrong ones to ask this question -- which where you, dear reader, come in. Our friend Michael is ready to buy a new HDTV and is asking how big is big enough / too big:
"I'm going to be purchasing my first LCD, and I'm coming from a very old, 27" Zenith CRT. I will be sitting about 6 to 8 feet away. I have asked salespeople, forums and other people, but cannot figure out the size I need. I went into Best Buy several times to look at the LCD's, but they all look "small" in the store, and I know once I get them home, it will look a lot bigger. I will be using the TV to watch a lot of HD sports, TV shows, the news, Playstation 3, some movies and some standard definition. I do not want to feel "overwhelmed" by the size, or have a "movie theater type experience", but I also don't want to regret that I should have gotten a larger TV for a little bit more money. I know it's a lot of personal preference, but in general, from 6 to 8 feet away, would a 40" or 46" LCD be ideal? It would be in an apartment living room, and I am planning on getting a Sony EX500 LCD."
We've addressed this before, and our old buying guide for choosing the right size may still be a useful read (rule of thumb: Distance away from the TV (in feet) x 6 for HDTV (in inches)) but 2005 was a different time, now there's many 1080p screens out there, Blu-ray discs to watch, and videogames with lots of teeny tiny text you'll need a massive screen to decipher clearly. So do you think Mike has the right idea size wise, or is there anything else he needs to take into consideration before buying? Speak up in the comments below.

Ask Engadget HD: What size HDTV should I buy? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/06/2010 - Poll: When did you join the HDTV owners club?
Since you're reading this, we'll guess that you have an HDTV (or three) in your possession but not everyone got on board the movement at the same time. So let it be known, did you suffer through the early days, with only a few channels, watching the Olympics a day behind and no HD movies on disc? Or are you a latecomer who jumped into a world full of cheap Blu-ray discs, downloadable HD and more HDTV channels than service providers think we can count?

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Poll: When did you join the HDTV owners club? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/06/2010 - ViewSonic streams Netflix, other stuff with NexTV VMP75 networked media player
The world needs another network media player like it needs another eight billion barrels of oil floating around in the Gulf of Mexico, but if you're somehow still struggling to decide on one of the many, many options available to you, ViewSonic has an alternative up for consideration. The new NexTV VMP75 is a rather compact set-top box, donning a glossy black finish and proud support for streaming Netflix Watch Instantly content. You'll also get local and network playback of whatever content you've got laying around on your nearby hard drives, and around back, you'll find an Ethernet socket (WiFi is optional), eSATA / USB combo port, a dedicated USB socket (for connecting thumb drives and external HDDs), a S/PDIF audio port, HDMI output and an AV aux plug. ViewSonic claims that you can also stream content from YouTube, SHOUTcast, Flickr and Live365.com, and there's even an inbuilt web browser if you take pleasure in (presumably) torturous experiences. All you? If so, it's up for pre-order right now at Amazon and Newegg for $129.99.

Continue reading ViewSonic streams Netflix, other stuff with NexTV VMP75 networked media player

ViewSonic streams Netflix, other stuff with NexTV VMP75 networked media player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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14/06/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 6:30pm
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 6:30pm

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 6:30pm originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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07/06/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30pm
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Tuesday the 7th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30pm

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 5:30pm originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/06/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Tuesday the 1st at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

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Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/05/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 24th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

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Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 24 May 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/05/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 17th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 May 2010 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/05/2010 - Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers
Not that there was any doubt left, but we're getting numerous reports of users seeing the "HD" indicator appear while watching Netflix streams through the Silverlight player for PCs and Macs. Also, a special queue indicating the subset of content available for off-TV HD streaming is live now so users can see what is and isn't on the list (the HD is available boxart popup notifications are there as well, but don't appear to be entirely accurate.) Media Center streamers are in luck as well, as posters on The Green Button have noticed, although there's no indication within the client or queue itself in the WMC frontend the 3800kbps HD streams come through just fine. Unfortunately, we don't recommend anyone else watch Lost season one right now -- after last week's Beyond the Sea debacle it's just too painful.

Continue reading Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers

Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 May 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/05/2010 - Netflix stealth launches HD streaming to PC and Mac
It appears HD Netflix Watch Instantly streams aren't just for living room set-top boxes anymore now that Netflix is streaming more than half of its 720p-encoded titles to Macs and PCs (through the Silverlight web player, no word on the Media Center add-on.) According to Hacking Netflix, you can tell which ones are ready to go by checking the mouseover box for the (HD Available) tag as seen above. Our experience matches several other reports that not everyone is seeing the tag on all the same titles, so until it's rolled out fully, YMMV. It's not the new release flicks or surround sound add-ons that many are waiting for, but it could slide PQ up another notch for HTPC owners and everyone who just has to watch Killer Klowns from Outer Space at work -- but you'd never do that.

[Thanks, @DaveZatz]

Netflix stealth launches HD streaming to PC and Mac originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/05/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 10th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

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Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/05/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 191 - 05.04.2010
If you hate 3D talk then great news as we only have one 3D topic on this week's show and it's about how Roger Ebert hates 3D too. Luckily we don't spend too much time on it, and move on to fun things like Windows 7 Media Center and the fact that it is now available on Embedded devices. On that same note we talk about what Google TV might be about and what changes the FCC might make to the CableCARD rules, and the introduction of AllVid. After that it's all stats, surveys, polls and opinions as we run down the latest on the Avatar vs The Dark Knight sales contest, Nielsen says people with HDTVs can finally watch HD and discuss if 1080p is enough resolution for everything.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:07:35 - Roger Ebert gives 3D thumbs down, shocking headlines two thumbs up
00:15:07 - Windows 7 Media Center coming to embedded devices
00:20:00 - Is this the first Windows 7 Media Center embedded set-top box?
00:31:10 - Google, Sony, Intel & Logitech's TV project to be unveiled next month as Dragonpoint?
00:37:25 - CableCARD or AllVid, software choice is the key to innovation
00:44:42 - Sony BDP-S570 Blu-ray player review
00:50:48 - Poll: Did Avatar work in your Blu-ray player?
00:55:50 - The Dark Knight isn't ready to surrender its all-time Blu-ray sales crown yet
00:59:38 - Nielsen finds 53% of homes have HDTVs, but only 46% can receive an HD signal
01:04:00 - 1 in 8 say they will cut back on cable bills -- but probably won't
01:10:00 - Is 1080p enough resolution for everything?

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Engadget HD Podcast 191 - 05.04.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/05/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 3rd at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 May 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/05/2010 - International HD news roundup
Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe recently, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next time, Namasté!

Read - DTH players gear up to join high-definition bandwagon (India)
Read - High-definition Premier League coverage soon (Abu Dhabi)
Read - Rose Bowl signs deal with Sony (UK)
Read - GO launches HDtv trial (Malta)
Read - Virgin Offers Online Movies (UK)
Read - SES ASTRA to Launch Europe's First 3D Demo Channel
Read - Russia eyes satellite-delivered 3D TV
Read - Even more with HD4! (UK)
Read - SES ASTRA and Samsung to Promote 3D TV
Read - Sky News HD to launch on Election Night (UK)
Read - BSkyB agrees deal to let rivals use its sports content
Read - SABC plan to test 3D at World Cup (South Africa)
Read - Asahi to Rep Outdoor Channel in Korea
Read - Sky Sports follows BBC to Cape Town with World Cup studio
Read - Orbit Showtime to launch 6 new HD channels (Middle East)
Read - MGM HD Debuts in Spanish in Latin America
Read - SuperSport promises better World Cup (South Africa)
Read - Freesat investigates 3DTV (UK)
Read - BBC pushes HD in Poland
Read - German cable lifts HD credentials

International HD news roundup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/04/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 190 - 04.27.2010
A huge week for Avatar and comments from last week get things started, before we take a look at Panasonic's new top of the line plasmas and whether they'll fit into our budgets -- or living rooms. There's even more 3D news still, with our latest FAQ and PS3 updates just in before we discuss the underwhelming Windows Home Server beta. FCC and TiVo talk are pretty much a weekly given at this point, as is the Dish / DirecTV HD channel count standoff. Finally we question whether we'd ever pay for Hulu, and just why home automation fans should be excited about Pioneer's new hardware with iPhone controls.

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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:03:58 - Avatar smashes Blu-ray sales records, has some owners ready to smash incompatible players
00:08:04 - Vudu starts offering special features with Avatar
00:11:08 - Panasonic prices, dates full 3D plasma lineup -- 65-inches for $4,299
00:16:09 - HD 101: 3D FAQ
00:28:55 - PlayStation 3's 3D implementation explained, may require upscaling and reduction in detail to work
00:31:25 - PS3 firmware 3.30 sneaks in remote play from PC, bitstream audio options
00:33:57 - Windows Home Server 'Vail' beta now available for download, brings improved UI and streaming options
00:46:38 - FCC requests comments about the future of CableCARD and AllVid
00:55:13 - RCN ready to ship TiVo Premiere DVRs in D.C.
00:58:10 - How would you change the TiVo Premiere?
01:00:21 - Dish puts its HD channel list up for evaluation
01:01:20 - DirecTV raises its HD channels claim to 160, disses Dish for juking the numbers
01:06:17 - Hulu Plus subscription service rumored: $9.95 a month for access to older shows
01:10:09 - Pioneer shows off iPhone remote controllable Blu-ray players

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Engadget HD Podcast 190 - 04.27.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/04/2010 - Contemporary Research’s Releases QMOD-HDSC
Contemporary Research will demonstrate the QMOD-HDSC, the AV industry’s first digital signage-centric HDTV modulator, in Booth 6210 at InfoComm2010 in Las Vegas June 9 to 11.

26/04/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 27th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/04/2010 - DirecTV raises its HD channels claim to 160, disses Dish for juking the numbers
We hadn't even finished counting Dish's 200 channels claim when DirecTV pops up with plans to add a whole slew of new HD networks as well. By its reckoning, tossing ESPNU HD, WGN HD, MSNBC HD, some additional DirecTV Cinema Channels and more puts it over 160 "around the clock HD channels", and executive VP Derek Chang couldn't resist tossing in a link to count them for yourself. He's laid the gauntlet down for Dish to put its channel lineup up for similar scrutiny, we'll see if the end result of this duel is more clarity in the channel/choices count wars. Check the full press release after the break.

Continue reading DirecTV raises its HD channels claim to 160, disses Dish for juking the numbers

DirecTV raises its HD channels claim to 160, disses Dish for juking the numbers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/04/2010 - Panasonic's TY-CC10W webcam joins Skype, HDTVs mostly because it can
Panasonic is back with more information on its four-mic packing HDTV camera accessory, the TY-CC10W. Skype friends who would like to see your living room without actually visiting can take a peek in either 30fps VGA or 720p/22fps h.264 encoded streams, courtesy of any nearby video phone compatible VIERA Cast TVs this can mount on top of and plug into via USB. We're (probably the only ones) waiting for a Chatroulette couch surfing client, but if you prefer your internet face-to-face meetings without the PC then ¥18,000 ($193) on June 11 will make it yours in Japan, no word on U.S. availability.

Panasonic's TY-CC10W webcam joins Skype, HDTVs mostly because it can originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/04/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 19th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/04/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 5th at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/03/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 186 - 3.30.2010
Oh TiVo, we just want to love you so much but we had a feeling that the Premier wouldn't live up to our expectations and we spend the beginning part of this show talking about how low you can go. We do get over it eventually and move on to bigger and better things like ESPN 3D which is now officially going to launch on DirecTV in June. That should mark the beginning of the 3D era despite the recent 3D hockey on MSG. Finally we round things out with some talk of lip sync resolutions.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
03:37 - TiVo Premiere review
14:38 - TiVo Premiere now on sale, will you pick one up?
16:25 - Warner / Blockbuster deal keeps movies out of kiosks for a month
20:04 - AT&T's mobile U-verse getting upgraded: download your recordings on the go
22:46 - Verizon shelves plans for future FiOS rollouts, relocations to Massachusetts set to boom
25:48 - DirecTV will have ESPN 3D at launch, next to its own N3D channel
28:52 - 3D hockey nets positive reviews, biggest surprise of the night was a Rangers win
31:16 - New glasses-free 3D tech uses per pixel prisms for zero crosstalk, audience flexibility
39:12 - Ask Engadget HD: How to fix lip sync issues?

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Engadget HD Podcast 186 - 3.30.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/03/2010 - Blu-ray releases for March 30th 2010
Sherlock Homles Blu-rayThe thirty day delay for Netflix and Redbox owners continues with Sherlock Holmes from Warner being the latest victim. There are also a number of mentionable documentaries this week that are of interest like What Darwin Never Knew, Under the Sea and Big Sur - Wild California. Of course none are as big of a deal as next week's Lord of The Rings trilogy, even if it isn't the extended cut versions.

Blu-ray releases for March 30th 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/03/2010 - International HD news roundup
Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, Sahha!

Read - Sky Deutschland claims first 3D success
Read - "SKY Perfect! Light" HD begin service in May. (Japan)
Read - Glashart Media expands HD line-up (Netherlands)
Read - Facebook and Twitter headed to Cello iViewer TV (UK)
Read - Satellite group to launch 3D demo channel (Germany)
Read - High on entertainment (India)
Read - Demand picks up for HDTV (Malaysia)
Read - AXN HD channel launches in SE Asia
Read - Zoran and DVN Demonstrate High Definition China Cable Set-Top Boxes for Operators at CCBN 2010 in Beijing
Read - Coship Selects Trident Microsystems' Set-Top Box Chipsets to Deliver High-Definition Television Services to The High-Volume China Market
Read - Broadcom Powers High Definition Set-Top Boxes to Topway Cable Subscribers in Shenzhen
Read - Sigma/CopperGate to Demo Leading IPTV Set-Top Box Processors Featuring 3D Graphics and Home Networking at IPTV World Forum
Read - SCE, PS3 Dejichuna land "torne" the update Ver.1.10
Read - Pace Boxes Up Microsoft's Mediaroom
Read - Sky's 3D showcase coming to UK shopping centres
Read - Tata Sky to launch HDTV this year (India)
Read - Sky Player to Launch on Internet Connected TVs and Further Freeview IPTV Set-Top Boxes (UK)
Read - ESPN to air NFL's Monday Night Football (UK - Thanks @JoeCise)

International HD news roundup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/03/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 29th at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/03/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 22nd at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/03/2010 - Netflix streaming in HD on the PC expected this year
Netflix's Watch Instantly service is without a doubt one of the most popular streaming services out there, but while the game consoles get to enjoy much of the selection in HD, those who stream to a PC are left to standard definition. There've been many theories as to why this is the case and now Netflix's official Twitter feed lets us know the limits are content licenses and technical issues. The good news is that Netflix expects to enable HD streaming on the PC this year. HD combined with honest to goodness surround sound and closed captions, will make Netflix Watching Instantly even sweeter -- we might even call it down right watchable.

Netflix streaming in HD on the PC expected this year originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/03/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 183 - 03.16.2010
Sometimes it feels like all we do is talk about what's coming, but not today, as we get to actually talk about what is here -- for a change. First on the list is 3DTVs from Panasonic and Samsung and how the two compare. Then we move on to some exciting new 3D content like The Final Four and The Masters. Then we talk Media Center and about our initial impressions of the Ceton InfiniTV 4, at which point Jeremy Hammer joins in the fun to fill in the details. He even sticks around to explain what DMIPS are when we talk about the TiVo Premier processor, and his thoughts on exclusive programming deals; and finally Ben's favorite show Lost.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler
Guest: Jeremey Hammer of Ceton Corp

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:15 - Comments from Podcast 182
00:05:03 - Panasonic 3D home entertainment system goes on sale to a country in mourning
00:10:57 - Samsung's 2010 3DTVs priced from $1,700 to ridiculous and everywhere in between
00:15:27 - First 3D showdown pits Samsung vs Panasonic
00:18:43 - Poll: Will you still buy home theater equipment that isn't 3D-ready?
00:23:09 - CBS Sports to present the Final Four in 100 3D theaters
00:25:57 - Comcast will beat DirecTV to the punch by broadcasting the Masters Tournament in 3D April 7-11
00:28:50 - Netflix prototyped for Windows Phone 7 Series
00:30:56 - Sony signs up all six major studios for HD movies on PlayStation Network
00:36:08 - Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Media Center available for pre-order
00:14:42 - The processor in the TiVo Premiere is over twice as fast as the Series3
01:26:54 - Court rules against Comcast, Cablevision on new FCC program access rules

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Engadget HD Podcast 183 - 03.16.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/03/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 15th at 8:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/03/2010 - International HD news roundup
Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, Sahha!

Read - Viewers demand 1080i from ARD and ZDF (Germany)
Read - SCI FI HD to be beamed up to Virgin TV viewers
Read - Discovery Rolls TLC Into Norway
Read - RRsat to Distribute the First High Definition Indian `Bollywood' Movie Channel
Read - Fox Sports brings you high-definition NRL coverage every day of the week
Read - Discovery Networks launches high definition channel (India)
Read - Microsoft Launches MSN Video Player In UK
Read - Microsoft rolls out video-on-demand service across the UK
Read - Sharp preps Freeview HD set-top kit (UK)
Read - Sky Extends High Definition Leadership with HD Channel Milestone, adds ITV1 HD, Hallmark Channel HD, Sky sports HD (UK)
Read - Movietime Launches in High Definition (Canada)
Read - MAX to telecast IPL matches in HD (India)
Read - BBC iPlayer lands on Humax Foxsat Freesat boxes
Read - TV Globo Brings HDTV to Rural Brazil
Read - PBS and Melita share 2010 FIFA World Cup TV rights (Malta)
Read - Film4 HD to Launch on Virgin Media (UK)

International HD news roundup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/03/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 182 - 03.09.2010
3DTVs get their big launch at Best Buy this week, but we kick off with talk of TiVo's latest legal victory. We do talk 3D for some time though and can't wait to see if the in store demos live up to what we saw at CES -- we also take some time to try to clear up some confusion in regards to HDMI, 3D and all the requirements and standards. Finally we talk about why an IR emitter for a iPhone is a bad idea, why we don't really care much about Real's loss to the MPAA and why you should wait for the BBC's version of Life on Blu-ray rather than watching it on Discovery.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
03:10 - Comments from Podcast 181
09:00 - TiVo's $200m damages award in EchoStar case affirmed, EchoStar to appeal (again)
15:58 - Panasonic's VT25 3DTVs will be nearly 50% off Japanese prices, launch this week at Best Buy
21:50 - Panasonic G20 HDTV review shows plasma's still got it
23:37 - Samsung debuts 3DTV LED LCD ads during the Oscars
28:03 - HDMI 1.4a spec released in full, lays down mandatory 3D format support details
39:27 - New Potato's FLPR IR dongle gives your iPhone home automation capabilities
40:00 - RedEye mini converts iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into IR-beaming universal remote
47:73 - RealNetworks to stop selling RealDVD, your copyrights are safe -- for now
54:44 - Discovery's next epic series Life airs March 21 on seven networks, June 1 on Blu-ray
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Engadget HD Podcast 182 - 03.09.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/03/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 8th at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/03/2010 - Winner of the Biz-News.com "Product of the Year Award 2009” Announced
Our polls for the Biz-News.com “Product of the Year Award 2009” closed on the 15th of February. The winner is a result of the amount of votes they were awarded by readers, all readers where invited to vote for their favourite products or service in the Smartphone, HDTV, Storage and VoIP categories.

03/03/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast TiVo premier special live on Ustream
It's not Monday, but the Engadget crew is getting together for a special podcast to talk about the new TiVo Premier. We're going to need some help on this one, so we're brining in a few guests. So if you want to hear our intial impressions live we're going to start broadcasting live Wednesday the 3rd at 6:00pm. Love it or hate, it if you follow the latest in the HD DVR market, you're not going to want to miss this. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast TiVo premier special live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast TiVo premier special live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/03/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 180 - 03.02.2010
Although we had fun getting a new perspective from a third voice last week, its good to be back to our regular show as we try to predict what TiVo is going to announce tonight. Next up is the latest preview of the FCC's plan to bring broadband to everyone -- with a little help from the TV spectrum. Meanwhile some can't wait to get HDMI on the Mac Mini, while others couldn't care less. And we still love some 3D, but don't like the $150 price point on the glasses. Finally we talk the Olympics, Avner from Boxee on the Engadget Show and Cablevision's new PC to TV Media Relay.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:26 - TiVo Premiere, XL DVRs show up in Best Buy systems for $299, $499; due March 27
07:40 - FCC's Genachowski previews broadband plan, demands half gigahertz of spectrum for the task
13:44 - Broadcasters may have to pay extra for the right to deliver Mobile DTV
20:10 - Apple rumored to be readying Mac mini with HDMI
30:24 - Samsung's new 3DTVs get an early eyes-on, through $150 shutter glasses
36:27 - Samsung's first Full HD 3D TV now available in the US, all 55 inches of it
37:55 - Sony Style stores proclaimed 3D ready, are you?
40:34 - NBC turns off the tape delay, will air Men's Hockey final live in all time zones Sunday
52:34 - The Engadget Show - 006
57:50 - Cablevision's new 'PC to TV Media Relay' slings PC media to your cable box, fuzzy on the details

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Engadget HD Podcast 180 - 03.02.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/03/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 1st at 7:00pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/02/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 179 - 02.23.2010
Another week, another breaking news item just in time for us to discuss on the podcast and weren't we lucky to have Home Media Magazine's Chris Tribbey filling in the third seat this week to try and make sense of Wal-mart's purchase of VUDU. Other industry shakeups include the Redbox & Warner deal, Sezmi's retail launch and possible release dates for Avatar on Blu-ray disc. After that we dig into whether HDMI 1.3 will support 3D, the future for Media Center Extenders, some TiVo news and finally what's wrong with the Olympics and why NBC doesn't care what you or we think.

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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Guest: Chris Tribbey, Home Media Magazine

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program

00:01:35 - Wal-Mart buying Vudu streaming movie service?
00:07:25 - Redbox to delay renting Warner movies in return for lower costs and access to Blu-ray
00:19:34 - Sezmi launches $20 per month cable/satellite alternative today in L.A.
00:28:40 - James Cameron sees Avatar on Blu-ray 3D in November, HDTV manufacturers mark their calendars
00:37:45 - Sony's Blu-ray players do 3D in 1080p even with HDMI 1.3
00:48:03 - Extenders for Media Center aren't dead, they just seem like it
00:56:48 - TiVo granted patent on recording Season Pass subscriptions by priority
01:02:23 - TiVo wonders why cable wants TV Everywhere, except on a TiVo
01:05:45 - How does NBC justify tape delaying the Olympics? Pretty easily

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Engadget HD Podcast 179 - 02.23.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/02/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 15th at 7:00pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/02/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 178 - 02.16.2010
What seemed like a slow week ended up giving us plenty to talk about, which is mostly because of the Olympics. This excitement was despite the fact that NBC tape delays -- do we still call it that when we know there are no tapes involved? -- too much, and in some cases everything, and the fact that the interactive features leave a lot to be desired. We eventually move on and talk streaming from Netflix and EPIX, and how low our expectations are for TiVo's announcement in a few weeks. Of course we talk a little 3D and how much cheaper it is than most thought it'd be, and finally we move on to fun things like law suits, wireless HDMI and spectrum buy back options.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:37 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 177 - 2.9.2009
04:43 - Hands-on with the interactive Olympics and web videos
28:23 - Netflix: lack of HD streaming 'no loss' for Wii owners
29:40 - EPIX brings movie streaming to mobiles courtesy of Adobe's Open Screen Project
35:00 - New UI, tweaked hardware in store for TiVo's March reveal?
44:00 - Samsung's 3D HDTVs arrive February 26, starting at just under $2,000
47:05 - Sony's $200 BDP-S470 is company's first 3D-ready Blu-ray player
49:15 - PS3 3D video output turns up in 3.20 debug firmware
51:07 - DirecTV suing Dish Network over Why Pay More ads, says there's plenty of reasons
55:55 - Ask Engadget HD: Is there a good wireless HDMI option yet?
58:24 - Spectrum cash-out option might still be on the table for FCC, broadcasters

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Engadget HD Podcast 178 - 02.16.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/02/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 15th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/02/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 177 - 02.09.2010
Leading off the podcast this week is breaking Netflix Watch Instantly news (only to find out after recording that 5.1 and closed captioning features would be available this year, but not 1080p) before trying to figure out exactly what Comcast was thinking with its new Xfinity brand name. After that we get elbow deep in the NBC/Boxee standoff, even more Netflix numbers and Blu-ray player sales projections. Of course we've got some 3D news from the last few weeks to recap, from the HDMI spec going public to Comcast's 3D efforts, Sky's inaugural soccer broadcast and Samsung's BD-C6900 showing up momentarily on Amazon. Of course we had to dicuss Panasonic's plasma revelations, before closing out with the new (& cheap) ATI HTPC video card and a few poll results.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:25 - 1080p, 5.1 surround sound coming to Netflix Watch Instantly in 2010? Update: No, yes (and closed captioning)
00:06:48 - Comcast smears the XFINITY brand across all its services
00:11:53 - NBC's Jeff Zucker talks about Boxee with congress, Boxee talks about The Facts with Jeff Zucker
00:19:50 - Netflix celebrates Q4 success of 1 million new subscribers and eyes bigger growth ahead; Roku too
00:30:50 - In-Stat sees Blu-ray players closing in on DVD sales in 2013
00:33:37 - HDMI 1.4's 3D spec publicly released
00:43:39 - Comcast CEO not sure 24x7 3D is in our future
00:48:40 - Inaugural Sky 3DTV soccer broadcast received warmly, hooligans opt for Michael Jackson & the Grammys instead
00:52:52 - Samsung's 3D Blu-ray player available for preorder on Amazon: $399 - Update: Not anymore
00:54:35 - Panasonic cops to rising black levels in its plasma HDTVs, but questions still remain
01:00:59 - ATI Radeon HD 5450 focuses on multimedia features, neglects gaming
01:03:48 - Poll: How did you watch Lost?
01:09:55 - Poll: Best HD sporting event this month?

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Engadget HD Podcast 177 - 02.09.2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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audio/mpeg ; 48.41 Mb


08/02/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 8th at 5:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/01/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 25th at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/01/2010 - Poll: Did you buy an internet connected HDTV?
One last followup on the trends of CES '09, last time we checked about 20% of you were at least thinking about grabbing a new HDTV with internet features last year. Of course, that was before VIZIO's XVT 55-inch was delayed and we were slightly disappointed by the widget performance on Samsung's LED model and desires cooled off a bit. So, how many of you are currently watching the conference championships on screens with Ethernet or WiFi hookups embedded in them? Anyone actually tweeting or pulling in Facebook updates via their remote? According to what we saw this year, televisions acting as embedded platforms for more services is a trend that will keep growing, but how is it working out so far?

View Poll

Poll: Did you buy an internet connected HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18/01/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Now. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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14/01/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 173 - 1.13.2009
Engadget logoCES is officially over but we're still trying to catch up on all the news, so we talk a little 3D without glasses and why it isn't ready for prime time as well as different ways 3D can be transmitted vs displayed. Although we love 3D we haven't forgotten about the basics so we discuss the Panasonic contrast demo and the little tru2way that was at the show. We finish things off with a little nostalgic HD DVD talk as well as some new movie streaming and info available when we watch movies.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:35 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 172 - CES 2010 day 3
04:45 - TCL completes the no-glasses 3D trifecta at CES
12:15 - HD 101: The difference between sequential and side by side 3D
23:45 - Panasonic's 2010 plasma line has much better black levels
28:00 - Hands-on with Pansonic's tru2way set-back box
 32:40 - LG Magic Motion gesture control HDTV remote hands-on
34:55 - Verizon to double ETFs on FiOS TV contracts
39:21 - HD DVD rides again: TCL brings China Blue HD & Blu-ray together for a CES face-off
41:20 - Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service coming February 2010
45:06 - This is It Blu-ray release debuts movieIQ Sync, brings more Michael Jackson info to your iPhone or PC

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Engadget HD Podcast 173 - 1.13.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/01/2010 - Check us out on the latest episode of HD Nation
EHD on HD Nation
We make it no secret that our favorite video podcast is HD Nation on Revision3, so you can imagine how honored we were to be invited on to record a few segments on the CES 2010 episode, which included the new Ceton and Silicon Dust CableCARD tuners as well as our new found passion for 3D HDTVs. The entire episode is great as always, but just to make things simple we've embedded the aforementioned segments after the break.

Continue reading Check us out on the latest episode of HD Nation

Check us out on the latest episode of HD Nation originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/01/2010 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Now. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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09/01/2010 - Engadget HD Podcast 171: CES 2010 day 2
Engadget logoDay 2 of CES is done and the sleep deprivation is really starting to take its toll. During yesterday's show we had some difficulties, so we went back over the same topcis so you wouldn't have to do without. We were able to successfully convert one other Engadgeteer into a 3D fan so we invited him on the show to tell his story. If you like Media Center news there is plenty of it as we talk CableCARD tuners form Ceton and SiliconDust. And don't worry, there is more of this where this came from.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:43 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 170 - CES 2010 day 1
04:32 - ESPN 3D launches in June with World Cup soccer -- our football to follow later
10:35 - Panasonic blows it out with 3D Blu-ray deck, HDTVs, channels and $21k camcorder
12:05 - VIZIO's 2010 XVT LCDs go up to 72-inches with 3D, LED, WiFi & WirelessHD
13:28 - New Sony Blu-ray players do 3D, WiFi, iPhone remote, more
13:55 - New Sony Bravia 3D HDTVs coming this Summer with WiFi and local dimming
14:10 - New LG BD590 Blu-ray player sports a 250GB hard driveLG presents 39 new LCD HDTVs, most with NetCast, some with 3D
15:35 - Samsung's 2010 LCDs & plasmas include the skinny, touchscreen remote controlled LED 9000
16:22 - Sharp's BD-HP70U Blu-ray player adds a little red with Netflix support
17:25 - Sharp debuts 60-inch 240Hz Aquos LED LCD TV, 68-inch set with a touch of yellow in its RGB
18:46 - VIZIO's 2010 LCD lineup is LED from top to bottom
21:12 - HDHomeRun's CableCARD implementation lives up to the brand
23:56 - Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner
27:10 - Boxee Box confirmed to have Tegra 2, Boxee Beta now open to all
30:10 - Sling's CES showing gives us a Touch of optimism
34:33 - Haier's wireless HDTV lacks wires, svelte profile (video)
38:31 - Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Toshiba to launch Netflix-enabled HDTVs or Blu-ray decks
39:59 - Sony Pictures has 3D Blu-ray titles in store for 2010



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Engadget HD Podcast 171: CES 2010 day 2 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/01/2010 - Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD media player gets busy with CinemaNow
Iomega's making a Full HD play for the living room at CES with the introduction of its new ScreenPlay Director device. The 1TB HD media player brings a bevy of TV connectivity options including HDMI composite video, component, and more. It's also DLNA- and DivX-certificated in addition to boasting H.264, WMV, AVCHD and MKV format support at 1080p. A trio of USB ports give you room for external capacity growth while baked in 10/100 Ethernet (or optional 802.11n USB WiFi Adapter) gets the pup online where you can rent or buy movies from CinemaNow or browse content on Flickr, YouTube, Shoutcast radio, and RSS feeds. ScreenPlay Director HD lists for $250 when it goes on sale, well, today if you order through Dell.

Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD media player gets busy with CinemaNow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/01/2010 - VIZIO Selects WirelessHD for New Line of LCD HDTVs and Wireless HDMI Adapters

VIZIO announced that it has chosen to add WirelessHD technology and SiBEAM 60 GHz chipsets, based on the globally available WirelessHD standard, for a new line of LCD HDTVs and wireless HDMI adapters.

SiBEAM is a fabless semiconductor company developing intelligent millimeter wave technologies. The company is the first to build 60 GHz chipsets using CMOS technology. The first of many applications for SiBEAM’s innovative technology is based on WirelessHD.


31/12/2009 - Trade show shocker: Sling to out some new gear at CES
Okay, you're not surprised that some companies are going to have new gear at CES, are you? Well, we''re hearing that Sling -- a company that's not had much news this year beyond the release of its iPhone app -- will definitely unleash some new stuff in Las Vegas, including "WiFi television, ultra-slim Slingboxes, and a next-generation touch screen device." Now, we don't want to get everyone overly excited this early in the day, but those all definitely sound like upgrades to us. We really don't know if Sling will let slip any more specific info between now and CES, but as you know, we'll be In Vegas when it all goes down, so sit back and be patient. It won't be long, now.

Trade show shocker: Sling to out some new gear at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/12/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, December 21st at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/12/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 167 - 12.16.2009
Engadget logoScheduling forced this slightly-delayed edition to be a throwback podcast without a live audience in the UStream chat, but we still found plenty to discuss. From Nielen numbers to the freshly unveiled Boxee Box and the latest in CableCARD in tru2way news. We discuss the failure of the Cowboys Stadium "3D" experience and why it shouldn't affect your view of upcoming technology, plus what's new in discs: Blu-ray/DVD combos, trade in programs and free VOD offers. Closing this week out is a look at the latest wireless HD contender and the most premium HDMI cable ever made.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:53 - Nielsen Three Screen Report: 99 percent of video still viewed on a TV
00:09:40 - Boxee Box pictured in the wild: it's small!
00:18:56 - Panasonic to make Boston the fourth tru2way market
00:27:10 - Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere?
00:32:36 - Firewire's future on DVRs is up for debate
00:42:39 - Cowboys Stadium 3D scoreboard experiment doesn't go so well, turned off in less than seven minutes
00:49:37 - Bourne DVD / Blu-ray combo boxes are incredibly descriptive
00:57:17 - Poll: Do you plan on participating in a DVD to Blu-ray trade-in?
01:02:25 - Amazon's Disc+ program tosses in a free VOD with your Blu-ray or DVD
01:10:29 - WiGig Alliance completes multi-gigabit 60GHz wireless specification: let the streaming begin
01:15:07 - Wireworld's Platinum Starlight HDMI cable is only $1,000, better than your HDMI cable


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Engadget HD Podcast 167 - 12.16.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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14/12/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 167 - 12.16.2009
Engadget logoScheduling forced this slightly-delayed edition to be a throwback podcast without a live audience in the UStream chat, but we still found plenty to discuss. From Nielen numbers to the freshly unveiled Boxee Box and the latest in CableCARD in tru2way news. We discuss the failure of the Cowboys Stadium "3D" experience and why it shouldn't affect your view of upcoming technology, plus what's new in discs: Blu-ray/DVD combos, trade in programs and free VOD offers. Closing this week out is a look at the latest wireless HD contender and the most premium HDMI cable ever made.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:53 - Nielsen Three Screen Report: 99 percent of video still viewed on a TV
00:09:40 - Boxee Box pictured in the wild: it's small!
00:18:56 - Panasonic to make Boston the fourth tru2way market
00:27:10 - Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere?
00:32:36 - Firewire's future on DVRs is up for debate
00:42:39 - Cowboys Stadium 3D scoreboard experiment doesn't go so well, turned off in less than seven minutes
00:49:37 - Bourne DVD / Blu-ray combo boxes are incredibly descriptive
00:57:17 - Poll: Do you plan on participating in a DVD to Blu-ray trade-in?
01:02:25 - Amazon's Disc+ program tosses in a free VOD with your Blu-ray or DVD
01:10:29 - WiGig Alliance completes multi-gigabit 60GHz wireless specification: let the streaming begin
01:15:07 - Wireworld's Platinum Starlight HDMI cable is only $1,000, better than your HDMI cable


LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

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Engadget HD Podcast 167 - 12.16.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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07/12/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, December 7th at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/12/2009 - LG Rolls Out 3D LCDs with Full HD Resolution

LG announced the world’s first commercial launch of 3D LCD panel boasting full HD resolution.

The new product is a 23-inch 3D monitor LCD panel for use with shutter glasses that delivers full HD resolution. LG syas it offers picture quality that is almost twice as crisp as HD 3D displays currently available in the market.

02/12/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best video encoding process to maximize quality & compatibility?
One of the more time consuming aspects of getting all our digital media in one place is ensuring quality and compatibility across different devices, which sounds like exactly the problem faced by our friend Kris:

"To save my precious DVD's and BD's from the horror of scratches, I encode all my videos to a networked PC. This PC then streams the video out to multiple different receivers (PS3, PCs, Xbox 360.) Usually what works on one may not work in another, or does not encode surround sound, or has some other quibble. Currently I'm using Tversity to pick up the slack, but it doesn't work 100% with every video type i have. (for example on some files the PS3 will not play the file at normal speed [too slow/too fast]) I do all my encoding on a Core I7 920 equipped box, and filesize is not a concern of mine. Any recommendations on a batch encoder/settings that can take care of my compatibility problems and still retain near full quality?"

It sounds simple enough, but finding that silver bullet of software, hardware and settings that lets you just press "play" and know the file will come through in full quality no matter where it came from or is being streamed to can be one of the trickiest parts of all. Let us know what solutions you've figured out.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best video encoding process to maximize quality & compatibility? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/12/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 165 - 12.01.2009
Engadget logoYou can tell the count down to CES is upon us because the companies that make the things we love are quietly counting their holiday earnings and planning for the next big thing. As exciting as the anticipation is, it doesn't leave many things for us to talk about so we'll talk about our dreams from TiVo for CES and stupid things like HDMI marketing ideas. The FCC is almost always a good topic with broadcasters in fear of their business model and the MPAA dreaming of SOC for Christmas. Finally we talk a little 3D, unbelievable survey results, and our latest poll on your TV viewing habits.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:57 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 164
06:35 - Is a new TiVo imminent?
12:37 - TiVo's 3Q results reveal Virgin Media UI deal, new remotes on the way -- but no new boxes
17:32 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the cheapest way to get streaming internet video on my HDTV?
22:08 - HDMI logos updated: version numbers out, supported features in
26:23 - Broadcasters predictably unsettled about FCC taking away spectrum
32:16 - Selectable Output control is bad, but not worth lying about
41:55 - Spending on cable and satellite services are up
50:14 - James Cameron thinks he can get viewers asking to wear 3D glasses
56:13 - Survey says 13 percent have never heard of Hi-Def
59:00 - Poll: What's the best night to watch TV?


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Engadget HD Podcast 165 - 12.01.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/11/2009 - VUDU updates keep rolling by integrating Wikipedia
The VUDU web based architecture is evidently really paying off, because this makes the third VUDU update in the last month. The company tells us that since its UI is pulled from the web like any other website, it can continue to easily roll out updates. This week's addition is a welcomed one, as we'll no longer have to reach for our computer or handheld just to look up the details of a movie on Wikipedia. But what's even more useful is the fact that you can browse beyond the movie's Wikipedia entry to the actor's pages, etc., and links are even added so you can quickly get back to actor's list of movies available on VUDU. We haven't been able to try this for ourselves yet, but it does sound like something we'd find useful. Of course the only thing left to add now that Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes are accounted for is IMDB, which can't be far behind -- right, VUDU? There's one more screen cap of the new feature after the jump.

Continue reading VUDU updates keep rolling by integrating Wikipedia

VUDU updates keep rolling by integrating Wikipedia originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/11/2009 - New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet
Sony's latest professional-grade camcorder probably meets your needs and then some by quite a stretch, recording AVCHD up to 24Mbps and SD quality in MPEG-2 / 9Mbps. We're also looking at a 20x zoom lens, 3 x 1/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensor, and storage options including Memory Stick Pro Duo and an optional 128GB flash memory drive. Don't lie, you want this beast, even if it clearly falls in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" category. Look for more temptation sometime closer to its expected early 2010 launch.

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New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/11/2009 - AMIMON Introduces Wireless HD Modules for the Notebook Market

AMIMON, a fabless semiconductor company that specialize in HD solutions, announced the availability of its WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface) modules which can be embedded into notebook and netbook enabling a wireless HD connection from PCs to HDTVs.

Earlier introduced, the company’s WHDI allows flat-panel televisions and multimedia projectors to wirelessly interface to all HDTV video sources at a quality equivalent to that achieved with wired interfaces such as component video, DVI and HDMI.


18/11/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the cheapest way to get streaming internet video on my HDTV?

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It's hard to imagine, but there are a few home theaters out there not yet capable of pulling in internet video. Though quality, selection and pricing are going to remain issues for the foreseeable future, that doesn't mean our friend Keith wants to wait any longer to get on the train:

"Currently I have my home theater with a projection TV, Samsung Blu-ray player and Dish Network DVR, but I've been watching a lot of streaming video on my desktop PC and want to get it on my television. Netflix, YouTube when it goes 1080p, Hulu, as much as possible. What's the cheapest way for me to get streaming internet video sources hooked up to my existing equipment?"

If price is a consideration that may knock out most Media PC builds, but while plenty of newer Blu-ray players have streaming built in he could also opt for a game console, new DVR, dedicated hardware from Roku or VUDU or wait to see what kind of Boxee will deliver. Any tips on how you got the most internet sources hooked up to your television with the least up front cost?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the cheapest way to get streaming internet video on my HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 164 - 11.17.2009

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Engadget logoAnother surprisingly epic podcast this week stats off with a bit of TiVo vs. Media center comparison held over from last week, plus a look at the latest from Moxi before pondering what HD DVD Managed Copy might have been like. Next a mini-review of the Spears & Munsil Blu-ray calibration disc spurs a live contest for our UStream audience (congratulations to the winner, wrinklefree, check for his entries after the break,) plus a chance to win for the rest of you listeners. We discuss why the NFL might be right when it says Sunday Ticket is best as-is, and some contemplation over what the FCC could do about OTA television. If that's not mind blowing enough, new TV startups Sezmi and ZillionTV get their moment of discussion, plus new video delivery solutions in the form of Blockbuster kiosks and Comcast's TV Everywhere. Closing thing's out is our weekly poll concerning the importance of surround sound -- the results may surprise you.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:57 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 163
00:13:33 - Moxi Fall update comes with a lower price and a new 3 tuner model
00:22:08 - HD DVD's Managed Copy was never necessarily free, was always Mandatory
00:26:32 - Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray mini-review
00:34:04 - DirecTV exclusive Sunday Ticket is "in the consumers' best interest"
00:40:25 - Ask Engadget HD: Should the FCC kill DTV for better technology?
01:01:45 - ZillionTV signs the final remaining major studio
01:03:20 - Sezmi's low cost cable / satellite premium TV alternative launches in L.A.
01:05:45 - Blockbuster kiosks to offer movies on SD cards, you some candy as you checkout
01:14:54 - Comcast TV Everywhere launch details: December, free for existing subs, really goes anywhere
01:19:45 - Poll: How important is surround sound to you?

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Continue reading Engadget HD Podcast 164 - 11.17.2009

Engadget HD Podcast 164 - 11.17.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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audio/mpeg ; 49.49 Mb


17/11/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 164 - 11.17.2009
Engadget logoAnother surprisingly epic podcast this week stats off with a bit of TiVo vs. Media center comparison held over from last week, plus a look at the latest from Moxi before pondering what HD DVD Managed Copy might have been like. Next a mini-review of the Spears & Munsil Blu-ray calibration disc spurs a live contest for our UStream audience (congratulations to the winner, wrinklefree, check for his entries after the break,) plus a chance to win for the rest of you listeners. We discuss why the NFL might be right when it says Sunday Ticket is best as-is, and some contemplation over what the FCC could do about OTA television. If that's not mind blowing enough, new TV startups Sezmi and ZillionTV get their moment of discussion, plus new video delivery solutions in the form of Blockbuster kiosks and Comcast's TV Everywhere. Closing thing's out is our weekly poll concerning the importance of surround sound -- the results may surprise you.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:57 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 163
00:13:33 - Moxi Fall update comes with a lower price and a new 3 tuner model
00:22:08 - HD DVD's Managed Copy was never necessarily free, was always Mandatory
00:26:32 - Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray mini-review
00:34:04 - DirecTV exclusive Sunday Ticket is "in the consumers' best interest"
00:40:25 - Ask Engadget HD: Should the FCC kill DTV for better technology?
01:01:45 - ZillionTV signs the final remaining major studio
01:03:20 - Sezmi's low cost cable / satellite premium TV alternative launches in L.A.
01:05:45 - Blockbuster kiosks to offer movies on SD cards, you some candy as you checkout
01:14:54 - Comcast TV Everywhere launch details: December, free for existing subs, really goes anywhere
01:19:45 - Poll: How important is surround sound to you?

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Continue reading Engadget HD Podcast 164 - 11.17.2009

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Engadget HD Podcast 164 - 11.17.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2009 - PrimeDTV further saturates HD media streamer segment with PHD-HM5

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Look, we're all for competition, but it's about time for some of these guys to stop copying and start innovating. As if your noggin' wasn't already spinning enough as you attempt to whittle down your laundry list of HD media streamers, in flies PrimeDTV with yet another hopeful. The PHD-HM5 looks to be fairly standard in terms of features, with HDMI / component outputs, a lengthy list of supported formats, an Ethernet socket and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. You won't find WiFi or any internal hard drive, and you'll have to live with the fact that this thing is akin to some lackluster AV component from the early 90s. Oh, and then there's the chore of actually finding one for sale (not to mention an MSRP), which should probably be just enough to push you towards Popcorn Hour.

PrimeDTV further saturates HD media streamer segment with PHD-HM5 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2009 - PrimeDTV further saturates HD media streamer segment with PHD-HM5
Look, we're all for competition, but it's about time for some of these guys to stop copying and start innovating. As if your noggin' wasn't already spinning enough as you attempt to whittle down your laundry list of HD media streamers, in flies PrimeDTV with yet another hopeful. The PHD-HM5 looks to be fairly standard in terms of features, with HDMI / component outputs, a lengthy list of supported formats, an Ethernet socket and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. You won't find WiFi or any internal hard drive, and you'll have to live with the fact that this thing is akin to some lackluster AV component from the early 90s. Oh, and then there's the chore of actually finding one for sale (not to mention an MSRP), which should probably be just enough to push you towards Popcorn Hour.

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PrimeDTV further saturates HD media streamer segment with PHD-HM5 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2009 - Review: Lenovo IdeaPad U350

The Lenovo IdeaPad U350 laptop offers computing and entertainment technology at its best.

With the retail price starting from as little as R6 699 (~$900), the IdeaPad U350 is a must for technology lovers for its amazing range of utilities. The smallest IdeaPad U350 laptop is a mere 1.58kg and is less than 25mm in size, making it easy to carry around.


17/11/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, November 16th at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/11/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, November 16th at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/11/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Should the FCC kill DTV for better technology?

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UHF antennaThere aren't many around that're bigger fans of free over-the-air HD than us, but we're also really big fans of wireless technologies. So when we originally heard that the FCC was considering commandeering broadcast DTV spectrum for wireless broadband we weren't so keen on the idea. But then we saw this Multichannel News story and it really got us thinking about the ramifications of killing free HD as we know it. The fact is that HD via ATSC only works in applications where the antenna is stationary, which means that cable or satellite work just as well, but of course aren't free. Which means that the only real benefit of broadcast DTV is it is free. This makes us wonder, considering only 10 percent of Amercia relies soly on over-the-air TV, is this really the best use of this valuable wireless spectrum? Or would it be better to use it for wireless broadband? Just think, ATSC uses a 15 year old modulation technology and still manages to pump almost 20 Mbps across one channel. If we freed even part of this for wireless broadband, we could have as much throughput as we wanted to our phones and laptops almost anywhere in the country. So we want to know.

What would the FCC have to do in order to make you happy to give up your free HD? Would free basic cable (with HD of course) make it ok? Or maybe some restrictions are wireless broadband that would make it more affordable for consumers? Maybe just reducing the number of channels in each area by restricting their use to actual public benefits (no infomercials etc) would be a good compromise.

Ultimately we believe that DVRs are going to eventually invalidate non-live linear TV as we know it -- and broadcast TV and its affiliate model along with it. In fact this buyout by the FCC might be the perfect exit strategy for them. The question is will it take 5 years or 25? And will the public or corporate America come out better off as a result.

Ask Engadget HD: Should the FCC kill DTV for better technology? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11/11/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: How do I get the best audio from my PS3, without HDMI?

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Once you've actually decided what hardware to purchase, avoided the perilous purchasing decisions involved in finding cables, but actually setting it up can trip up the newbies among us. Suck is our friend David's problem, trying to figure out if lossless audio is a possibility for his HDMI-less receiver:

"I read your article and I would like further advice. I have the brand new PS3, which I'm going to use with a 1080p Sony Bravia - the video is fine..HDMI to the tv. The problem is that I have an ONKYO THX 7.1 system (really 5.1), and there is no HDMI, so I plan on using an optical audio cable from the PS3 into the receiver. How do i get the best sound? Will the PS3 decode the trueHD (or whatever it is) and send the full spectrum of sound across the optical to the receiver? Will NOT having the HDMI to the receiver affect my sound, or will the PS3 internal decoding send a perfect lossless sound to my non-HDMI receiver?"

Just in case our HD 101 explanation wasn't enough (First off, S/PDIF transmission -- over either optical TOSLINK or coax -- does not have the bandwidth to carry Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA signals. If you connect your Blu-ray player to your receiver with optical or coax, the audio will "fall back" to Dolby Digital, DTS or two-channel PCM -- lossless, but only two channels,) any tips on how David can get the highest audio quality possible out of the equipment he has? Of course, if you think replacing one of the components is a better choice, that's always an option as well.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: How do I get the best audio from my PS3, without HDMI? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/11/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 163 - 11.10.2009

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Engadget logoWow what a show this week. You wouldn't know for looking at it, but there was a lot to cover and this show ended up being in contention for the longest on record. Which partly because we just couldn't stop talking about Media Center's new ability to record without DRM from CableCARD. But there was also plenty of talk about RVU, Managed Copy and DVRs in general. At one point we even took issue with claims by the chat room and really let 'em have it -- but we doubt we got through to them. We could go on and one about the other topics, but really, you should just have a listen for yourself. It'll be a good listen too as the man who loves every TV show, explains why he even watches shows he doesn't like, yes really.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:40 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 162
00:08:45 - Microsoft emancipates Digital Cable Tuners with second Media Center update today
00:21:04 - RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream
00:34:12 - TiVo's AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter hits the FCC, stirs up imaginations
00:40:17 - Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model?
00:52:45 - A la carte lawsuit against cable companies dismissed
00:55:50 - Forget HDTV and 3D, when is Ultra HDTV / Super Hi-vision coming home?
00:58:50 - VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon
01:00:38 - Managed Copy hits Blu-ray Discs December 4th, but you still can't use it
01:13:30 - Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)
01:15:58 - Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime squashes Wii HD rumors... again
01:19:25 - Ready for the first all-HD Winter Olympics? NBC is
01:28:22 - Poll: Did you like the new show V?

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Engadget HD Podcast 163 - 11.10.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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audio/mpeg ; 57.32 Mb


10/11/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 163 - 11.10.2009
Engadget logoWow what a show this week. You wouldn't know for looking at it, but there was a lot to cover and this show ended up being in contention for the longest on record. Which partly because we just couldn't stop talking about Media Center's new ability to record without DRM from CableCARD. But there was also plenty of talk about RVU, Managed Copy and DVRs in general. At one point we even took issue with claims by the chat room and really let 'em have it -- but we doubt we got through to them. We could go on and one about the other topics, but really, you should just have a listen for yourself. It'll be a good listen too as the man who loves every TV show, explains why he even watches shows he doesn't like, yes really.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:40 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 162
00:08:45 - Microsoft emancipates Digital Cable Tuners with second Media Center update today
00:21:04 - RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream
00:34:12 - TiVo's AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter hits the FCC, stirs up imaginations
00:40:17 - Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model?
00:52:45 - A la carte lawsuit against cable companies dismissed
00:55:50 - Forget HDTV and 3D, when is Ultra HDTV / Super Hi-vision coming home?
00:58:50 - VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon
01:00:38 - Managed Copy hits Blu-ray Discs December 4th, but you still can't use it
01:13:30 - Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)
01:15:58 - Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime squashes Wii HD rumors... again
01:19:25 - Ready for the first all-HD Winter Olympics? NBC is
01:28:22 - Poll: Did you like the new show V?

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Engadget HD Podcast 163 - 11.10.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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09/11/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, November 9thth at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/11/2009 - Report: Looking Forward to Ultra-High Definition TV

While the market for High-Definition TV has hit the mainstream, the industry has already started speculating about the commercialization of Ultra-High Definition (UHD).

UHD formats provide between four and sixteen times the resolution of Blu-ray or 1080p high definition as well as 22.2 multichannel three-dimensional sound.

The In-Stat report says the rising popularity of high resolution digital cinema will expose consumers to high resolution content. Then, early UHDTVs will be made available to provide a digital cinema high resolution viewing experience in the home.




04/11/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Where can I find Blu-ray movies for cheap on Black Friday and beyond?

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Prices on Blu-ray players continue to plunge, inducing more and more to make the jump, but what about the software? We've asked where you buy your discs before, but this time we're presented with a brand new adopter looking to stock up on titles during the holiday season. That's Sean's situation, where to look for Blu-ray discs over the next month if price is the only consideration.

"Instead of camping out for a big ticket purchase on black Friday, I already grabbed a new flat screen and Blu-ray player, but so far I only have a couple of movies to watch on it. I really want to upgrade my library with plenty of reference quality selections, and I figure holiday seasons will be a great time to do it. Any advice on where to look for the deepest discounts / bundles over the next couple of months?"

So, we know there's more than a few of you always on the lookout for a BOGO or better offer to come along whether buying for yourself or as gifts, any tips for our tightfisted friend here?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Where can I find Blu-ray movies for cheap on Black Friday and beyond? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/11/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 162 - 11.03.2009

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Engadget logoThe Cable-Tec show was a source of much news this week, whether you're dreaming of the perfect NAS-based multiroom DVR setup, new DVR hardware (we're talking about you, TiVo) or old standbys 3D and tru2way. This week's Ask Engadget HD question gives TiVo another dose of attention, while we celebrate another step forward in eradicating loud commercials. The EpixHD launch is big news and was probably lots of fun for FiOS subs...unless you use Media Center. After the latest analyst poll results we take it to the readers to break down the most highly anticipated Blu-ray of the year (Warning: Star Trek movie spoilers within,) the Apple TV 3.0 update and what the FCC might have planned for digital TV spectrum.

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[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:40 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 161
00:12:25 - Pace and Rovi work together to make a standard set-top a true multi-room DVR
00:20:15 - Broadcom's new DVR chip could make all our dreams come true
00:25:23 - Comcast should be tru2way ready by the end of the year
00:28:26 - Details of 3D cable demo at Cable-Tec emerge
00:33:50 - Ask Engadget HD: Is it (still) a good time to buy a TiVo?
00:43:32 - Members of the ATSC agree on measure to curb loud commercials
00:51:46 - EpixHD celebrates today's FiOS launch with weekend movie streaming passes for all
00:57:00 - Analyst: More HDTV owners getting a steady diet of high definition for every day viewing
01:00:30 - Poll: What's the biggest Blu-ray disc still due to arrive in 2009?
01:11:28 - Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow
01:16:30 - FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband

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Engadget HD Podcast 162 - 11.03.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/11/2009 - HDI 100-inch Laser-Based 3D HDTV Reached the Manufacturing Stage

HDI announced it has entered into a manufacturing agreement to mass produce 100-inch Laser-Driven 2D/3D Switchable Dynamic Video Projection Televisions.

HDI's 2D/3D switchable system delivers 2D image with a 50% greater resolution than today's digital cinemas, and derives its “greater-than-high” definition stereoscopic 1920 x 1080p "3D" image quality from two RGB laser-illuminated Liquid Crystal on Silcon (LCOS) micro display imagers.


02/11/2009 - Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed

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Back in late July, we weren't aware of when Onkyo's fancy ND-S1 iPod dock would ship. Now, we're not only certain that the £144 ($235) digital media transport is shipping across the pond, but we've stumbled upon a critique for those wondering if such an outlay is justified. After slamming their iPod touch into the device and connecting it to their reference speaker system, they came away duly impressed; in practically every scenario, using the external DAC in this box led to clearer, more precise audio compared to signals coming straight out of the iPod. In fact, reviewers went so far as to call this unit "peerless," though they did mention that it's really only good for those already satisfied with their existing speaker setuip. Of course, you could just opt for an audiophile-approved media player, but then you wouldn't be able to experience the joy and elation that comes with relying on iTunes. Right?

Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/10/2009 - Apple Updates Apple TV with 3.0 Software: More HD Content to Be Sold

After months of speculations whether Apple will release completely new Apple TV device making it a high-end media center for our living rooms or rather leave it, more or less, as it is (means without all the latest true HD capibilities, IP streaming, Blu-ray, live TV ability, HD recorder, 1080p support, etc.)… we still don’t know the answer.

The company introduced new Apple TV 3.0 software that gives us not more than a redesigned main menu - which is said to give a faster access to the content, possibility to watch iTunes Extras and enjoy iTunes LP in fullscreen and listen to the internet radio (including stations in high-quality HE-ACC formats).


29/10/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Is it (still) a good time to buy a TiVo?

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The TiVo platform has been around for quite some time -- and has undoubtedly grown quite long in the tooth -- but it's still a great HD DVR, and has attempted to keep things fresh with new features like Netflix streaming, video on-demand access and more. But now, in late 2009 with new challengers to the throne, cable and satellite operators offering their own upgraded boxes and a little thing called Windows 7 Media Center, Nick wants to know if it's still his best option:

"Moving into a new place in a couple of weeks, and while I haven't decided between cable, satellite or FiOS for my TV, I figure part of the decision is how I want to set up my DVR. I've had a regular one from Time Warner for the last few years, but I had a TiVo before that and I'm itching to go back. Media Center seems awfully complicated to set up and I'm not sure what other options there are and which one if the best value, what's your suggestion?"

It's been a while since we took on the soul-wrenching question of the TiVo, and a year later Series4 boxes are hopefully just around the corner it's time to confront the beast once again. Whether you have a TiVo or chose to go in another direction, the date has changed but the question is the same, is this still a great time to buy one?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Is it (still) a good time to buy a TiVo? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/10/2009 - JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11

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Sub-$200 Blu-ray players certainly aren't new -- heck, some guys have been doing it since the year 2008 -- but you'll never catch us kvetching about a little more competition. JVC has today introduced (in the briefest way possible, might we add) its newest Blu-ray player just ten months after deciding to play the BD game here in the States. The ultrathin (and "now available") XV-BP11 should slide into just about any AV rack, bringing Blu-ray / DVD playback, AVCHD support, HDMI 1.3, a USB socket and compatibility with a slew of audio formats. Curiously enough, the outfit doesn't bother to mention if this thing is Profile 2.0, but we're guessing (read: hoping) that it wouldn't do something as ludicrous as charge two bills for a Profile 1.1 deck in late 2009. Then again, we've seen zanier things go down...

Continue reading JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11

JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/10/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 161 - 10.27.2009

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Engadget logoIt was Windows 7 launch week, so as you'd expect we talked plenty of Windows 7 Media Center. Like the new Netflix Watch Instantly interface, Internet TV, Digital Cable Tuner firmware and Utility delays and finally how to skip commercials. But before we got to that we covered our favorite new topic, 3D. After all that we got back on our older love, Blu-ray, where we talked about why the 360 will never get a Blu-ray drive and how what we really want is Managed Copies of our movies on our 360. Finally we made fun of Comcast and Verizon for their VOD spat, and told everyone how not to evaluate HDTV in stores.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:25 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 160
00:12:38 - Ready or not, the latest 3D technology is coming home
00:21:40 - Netflix coming next month to PlayStation 3
00:26:21 - Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available
00:33:55 - Microsoft officially delays Digital Cable Tuner firmware and Advisor Utility
00:37:42 - How to automatically skip commercials in Windows 7 Media Center
00:45:32 - Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360'
00:52:25 - Poll: What is the best Blu-ray player?
00:57:38 - Comcast has issues with Verizon's FiOS VOD claims
01:04:22 - Hulu might be looking to subscriptions to turn digital pennies into digital dollars
01:10:07 - Ask EngadgetHD: How do you evaluate HDTVs in-store?

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Engadget HD Podcast 161 - 10.27.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/10/2009 - Phillips Launches Wireless HDTV Box in the U.S.

Philips confirmed U.S. retail availability for its much-anticipated Wireless HDTV Link, introduced in September at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

HDTV Link uses innovative technology to wirelessly deliver high-definition TV picture quality (up to 1080p) without ruining the aesthetics of the home.

It transmits HD signal up to 75 feet away from the TV without signal loss or degradation, making it possible e.g. to stream devices like a Blu-ray player to a TV from the other side of the room.



22/10/2009 - Panasonic's 1-inch thick Z1 plasma reviewed: playing with perfection

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The plasma may be a dying breed, but the ones that are left are undoubtedly some of the best the world has ever seen. Take Panasonic's 54-inch TC-P54Z1 for example, which wowed audiences (us included) when it was first unveiled way back at CES. The HD Guru recently had an opportunity to take this very screen into his abode for review, and after a labor-intensive (around "one hour") setup process, the gazing was officially on. Panny's engineers were able to slim the set down to an inch by requiring that a dedicated (wireless) set-top-box be used for tuning OTA channels and managing connections, and the result was nothing less than elegant. If you're wondering what north of five large really buys in an HDTV these days, wonder no more -- the set was deemed darn near perfect, with "outstanding" color, contrast and deep black levels. Potentially best of all, there were no motion artifacts to speak of, and anyone with a 120Hz / 240Hz set can testify to just how annoying those things are. Hit the read link for a detailed unboxing, setup and review, but don't even bother if you're looking for someone to talk you out of what you're about to do.

Panasonic's 1-inch thick Z1 plasma reviewed: playing with perfection originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/10/2009 - Ask EngadgetHD: How do you evaluate HDTVs in-store?

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We all know the situation, there's a series of impossibly large numbers on the spec card, the quality of the lighting is questionable, and a salesman who may or may not know anything about televisions is droning on about the death of plasma. Still, you want a new HDTV, and this is where the televisions are. What Sean wants to know is, how do you figure out the right set for you in a retail setting?

"Can anyone recommend video test files used to check the capabilities of HDTVs? It would be great to walk into an electronics store with a USB stick loaded full of video files to test color, contrast, motion etc. and see which performs best. Has anyone ever had success bringing in some of their own equipment to test with the televisions in-store? When I'm checking out different televisions, what differences should I be looking at to pick the right one?"

We've gotten a few handy anecdotes on how to evaluate televisions in even the worst store conditions, and we've seen enough specs to know they're never to be trusted without an independent evaluation, but as an informed buyer, what are you doing to tip the scales towards your specific interests, and not just what pads the stores sales or salesman's commission?


Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask EngadgetHD: How do you evaluate HDTVs in-store? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/10/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 160 - 10.20.2009

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Engadget logoOpening the podcast this week is the biggest question on our minds: n that the U.S. mobile DTV standard is officially official, how much bandwidth can we expect it to steal from HD stations? From bitrate counting broadcasts we move on on to uncompressed HD streaming and whether it means anything for viewers, the impending online and FiOS launch of Epix HD and whether an SSD upgrade makes sense for HTPC owners. Cheaper and much more easily justified is ATI's Radeon 5750 with bitstreaming audio support, and this week's question for the readers, where do you buy your Blu-ray discs? Closing things out is discussion of the new Transformers flick available today, and you know we had to squeeze in some 3D to close things out.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 159
01:45 - US Mobile DTV standard finally approved
08:00 - Level 3 delivering end to end uncompressed video from Broncos home games
13:20 - Epix HD queues up Iron Man, Madonna and Eddie Izzard for online & FiOS launch October 30
17:20 - Ask Engadget HD: Would an SSD upgrade help my HTPC performance?
25:28 - ATI Radeon HD 5750 brings HDMI bliss to HTPCs for $110
29:03 - Poll: where do you buy your Blu-ray discs now, if you buy them at all?
35:07 - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Blu-ray debuts October 20, check out one of the special features now (Video)
43:25 - 3D cable TV to be demoed at Cable-Tec Expo next week
45:45 - Samsung showing off 55 inches of 240Hz 3D LCD glory
48:00 - Hitachi exhibits 10-inch glasses-free 3D display

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Engadget HD Podcast 160 - 10.20.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/10/2009 - Blu-ray releases on October 20th 2009

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Transformers: Revenge of the FallenOh man do we just love this time of year, not only are the super hot days of summer over, but Football is here and now the big blockbuster movies are hitting Blu-ray. And of the big movies for 2009, none is bigger than Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which hits Blu-ray tomorrow -- actually if you really can't wait, you can go to Best Buy at midnight tonight and pick it up. We can't say we blame 'em, but the rest of the studios pretty much let Paramount make this Transformers week as there really isn't anything else out there to get excited about. That's ok though, because in the next 12 weeks there should be plenty to choose from.

  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Paramount)
  • UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir (Starz/Anchor Bay)
  • Waterworld (Universal)
  • Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (Fox)
  • Blood: The Last Vampire (Sony)
  • Easy Rider (Sony)
  • The Crew (Image)
  • Ichi the Killer (Tokyo Shock)
  • Monsoon Wedding (Criterion)
  • The Secret of the Nutcracker (BFS)

Blu-ray releases on October 20th 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/10/2009 - Telairity Intoduces Hot-Switchable HD/SD H.264 Encoder

The BE8500, a H.264/AVC video encoder capable of hot-switching between a high-definition or standard-definition video source, was introduced by Telairity at HD World.

The 1-RU BE8500 works either as a full-featured HD encoder or as an SD/SDI encoder. It auto-senses whether the video source is SD or HD, and enables users to switch live between the two video formats without powering down. Switch-over conversion is virtually instantaneous, enabling a smooth transition for live or live on tape programming.


15/10/2009 - The best HD sports on TV this week

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USF vs Cincinnati
Oh how we love it when there's a big College Football game on a Thursday night, it really is the best way to kick off the weekend -- albeit a day early. This Thursday's game in Tampa is versus two top ranked teams in the country who are both undefeated and in the same conference. But that still might not be the biggest game of the week as there are actually three other matchups against ranked opponents. The NFL season is more than under way with the bye weeks started and this week two of the remaining undefeated teams meet on Sunday when the second ranked offense in the NFL, New York Giants, meets the 3rd ranked offense in the way of the New Orleans Saints.

CFB
  • No. 8 Cincinnati at No. 21 South Florida ESPN 7:30 PM Thu
  • No. 20 Oklahoma at No. 3 Texas ABC 12:00 PM Sat
  • No. 6 USC at No. 25 Notre Dame NBC 3:30 Sat
  • No. 4 Virginia Tech at No.19 Georgia Tech ESPN 6:00 PM Sat

NFL
  • Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings CBS 1:00 PM Sun
  • New York Giants at New Orleans Saints FOX 1:00 PM Sun
  • Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons NBC 8:20 PM Sun

MLB
  • ALCS: Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees. Fox starting 10/16
  • NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers TBS starting 10/15

NHL
  • San Jose Sharks at NY Rangers Vs 7:00 PM Mon
  • St. Louis Blues at Pittsburgh Penguins Vs 7:00 PM Tues

The best HD sports on TV this week originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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14/10/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Would an SSD upgrade help my HTPC performance?

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Facing a need for speed during our own HTPC build we suggested a Western Digital VelociRaptor drive combined with another 2TB disk, but in the neverending quest for speed and silence, would an SSD make more sense? That's James' question, considering his current specs what would you upgrade next?

"Wondering if you guys think it's worth upgrading my HTPC to an SSD. The SSD I think will make a huge impact, as a lot of the caching of images, etc. is all done on the main OS drive (from what I understand). Have you ever experienced an HTPC based on an SSD or done a side by side comparison of one with a regular HDD vs. an SSD? My current configuration is as follows:

Q6600 2.4GHz CPU
8GB DDR2-800 RAM
2x 1TB hdd's
nVidia 9300 IGP based MicroATX motherboard (ASUS)
Hauppauge HVR-2250 dual tuner PCIe card
Antec Fusion Remote Black HTPC case
Windows 7 RC (Soon to be Home Premium Retail)"

Anyone gone the SSD route for a HTPC yet and seen any difference? The main problems we see are cost and size capabilities, but if it means quicker loading times and less fans it could be a worthwhile upgrade. With Windows 7 just around the corner we're sure James isn't the only one eyeing an upgrade or two, let us know how your project is going in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Would an SSD upgrade help my HTPC performance? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/10/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 159 - 10.13.2009

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Engadget logo Podcast musical chairs continues, as Richard returns this week Steve steps out, but never fear -- unless of course you have an intense physical reaction to discussions on 3D, Blu-ray and analyst predictions. In that case, it might be time to reach for the Xanax, or at least skip well ahead to our discussions regarding upcoming home theater upgrades, what setup might go best with your Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, and what exactly can be done to take care of loud commercials. Finally, we take a minute to see what new fall programming has stuck in our viewing rotation (not much.)

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 158
08:25 - A 1998 Forrester Research prediction about HDTVs wasn't even close
17:58 - Timeframe for the 3D infiltration? 3 - 4 years, says Panasonic president
20:10 - Panasonic's 50-inch 1080p 3D plasma spotted, watched at CEATEC
24:27 - Pixar talks about what it took to upgrade Toy Story to 3D
27:30 - Blu-ray outpacing DVD adoption, will never reach its penetration
30:35 - Wal-Mart cutting back DVD and Blu-ray display area
33:38 - Poll: What part of your home theater is getting upgraded this holiday season?
40:15 - Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for gaming?
42:26 - It'll probably take an act of congress to ban loud commercials

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Engadget HD Podcast 159 - 10.13.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/10/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoIt's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, October 13th at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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07/10/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for gaming?

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As usual, this week's Ask Engadget HD centers around a particular home theater setup question, as Philip is trying to set things up for one particular purpose: gaming. Movies and TV are great source of high definition, but some of us just want to hook up the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 and go. We'll let him flesh out the details:

"I'm finally ready to build the home theater I've always wanted, and while I'll definitely be watching TV and playing Blu-ray discs as well, it's going to be all about gaming. I've already got a PS3 and Xbox 360 hooked up to an old 20-inch LCD, but I need a real HDTV and surround setup now. I know some games support 7.1, is it worth the extra setup? Also, what HDTV in the $1,000 - $2,000 price range is best for games?"

While 7.1 may not be the immediate move for everyone, we're sure some Killzone 2 players may appreciate the extra speakers. Let Phil know what setup you're running, and if you want to throw in a Xbox Live Gamertag or PSN ID as well we certainly won't be mad at you. [Note: This isn't about which system is the best, we've been there and while we might revisit the question later, fanboys, this is about the surrounding equipment so try and stay on topic, k?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for gaming? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/10/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 158 - 10.06.2009

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Engadget logo We kick things off with a trifecta of 3D news -- whether you've seen it or not, whether you think it's the next big thing or just a gimmick, it's coming; and not a moment too soon for former 3D naysayer Ben. He's full of surprises this week as he also was smitten by the VUDU HDX black magic on the LG BD 390 Blu-ray player. Maybe it's the integration with a top-notch Blu-ray deck, or maybe he's just easier to please during football season, but it's hard to fault the picture quality and -- thanks to Dolby Digital Plus bitstreaming -- the audio. For sure, HTPC video cards have a little ways to go before they can deliver the same ease of use at everyman prices. Speaking of what's not easy to use, we also talk about CableCard's failure to deliver a world of premium content flowing freely across wildly imaginative devices.

Get the podcast
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[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:34 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 157
00:07:00 - Survey says consumer won't pay that much extra for 3D
00:15:50 - Poll: Would you rather see live 1080p or high quality 3D from your cable / satellite provider?
00:27:10 - Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports
00:29:24 - New Digital Copies on the actual Blu-ray Disc from Sony exclusively for the PSP
00:35:07 - VUDU on the LG BD390 review
00:49:10 - ATI Radeon HD 5870 is the first video card to bitstream TrueHD and DTS-HD
00:53:28 - Only 443,000 CableCARDs deployed into consumer's equipment
01:00:59 - Ask Engadget HD: How do I hook up surround sound without cables running everywhere?

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Engadget HD Podcast 158 - 10.06.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/10/2009 - Blu-ray releases on October 6th 2009

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Snow White Blu-rayThe first week of October is here and along with the first cold fronts of the season come one of the first big titles leading up to the holiday season. As if we actually had to tell you -- Disney is breaking a classic out of its "vault" this week with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We don't know about anyone else, but we love to see classics in HD for the first time and although animated features aren't our first choice, any time there is more HD content for our kids to watch over and over again, we're pleased. Other than that nothing really stands out to us, but the sheer number of titles released this week is impressive. So of course we have little doubt that someone will blast us in the comments for not mentioning their favorite release this week.

  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Walt Disney)
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas (Warner)
  • Contact (Warner)
  • Horton Hears A Who! (1970) (Warner)
  • How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (Warner)
  • Ghost Ship (Warner)
  • Trick 'r Treat (Warner)
  • Bones: Season Four (Fox)
  • Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (Fox)
  • Miracle On 34th Street (Fox)
  • Miracle On 34th Street (1994) (Fox)
  • My Life In Ruins (Fox)
  • The Children (Lionsgate)
  • The Thaw (Lionsgate)
  • Seventh Moon (Lionsgate)
  • Frankenstein (Sony)
  • Wolf (Sony)
  • Year One (Sony)
  • Imagine That (Paramount)
  • Dinosaurs Alive! (Image)
  • The National Parks: America's Best Idea (PBS)
  • The New York Ripper (Blue Underground)
  • The Number 23 (New Line)
  • Offspring (Lionsgate Home)
  • Red Dwarf: Back To Earth (BBC)
  • Audition (Shout! Factory)
  • 100 Feet (Asylum)
  • The Absolute Best of Ghost Hunters (Image)

Blu-ray releases on October 6th 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/10/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: How do I hook up surround sound without cables running everywhere?

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Sometimes a move can necessitate rethinking one's home theater setup, which was exactly the case for our friend Amani. A shift from a room with carpets to run wires underneath to hardwood floors has him wondering what the easiest and neatest way is to hook up the rear speakers:

Ok, here is my dilemma. I used to have carpet in my main area where my TV is and surround sound is. Speaker wire would run under carpet. I just got hard wood floors installed so now there will be wires all over the place for my sound. What creative options do I have to set back up my surround sound but perhaps eliminate the wires or use wireless.connection to connect my speakers. I need help because I can't have speaker wire all over my pretty new floors! Thanks

So is the best route to drill right into the walls, some kind of invisible speaker cable, or is there a good wireless speaker setup that doesn't involve falling back to a HTIB? Let us know how you solved this kind of problem and save Amani some heartache and time.

Ask Engadget HD: How do I hook up surround sound without cables running everywhere? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/10/2009 - Livestream Livepack: a 'satellite television truck in a backpack'

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"Game changing" is thrown around way too frequently these days, but man, this thing just might be. The Livepack is being described as "a satellite television truck in a backpack" by creator Livestream, and for all intents and purposes, it is. Put simply (or as simply as possible), the pack includes everything one would need to stream "HD quality" footage: encoding hardware, a Firewire cable and the real kicker, a built-in wireless connection with six load-balanced 3G modems over three carriers (AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint if you have to know). Users simply provide their own camcorder, mash a button when it's show time, and out goes the signal. The Livepack can currently be rented for $2,500 per month (includes 30 hours of streaming) or $1,500 per month if you commit to a year-long agreement. So, who's up for showing the world their high school prom live in HD? Demo vid is after the break.

[Via Red Ferret]

Continue reading Livestream Livepack: a 'satellite television truck in a backpack'

Livestream Livepack: a 'satellite television truck in a backpack' originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/09/2009 - Akamai Brings HDTV-Like Experience Online

Akamai Technologies has launched the Akamai HD Network, its next generation video delivery offering and the first platform to deliver HD video online to viewers using Adobe Flash technology, Microsoft Silverlight, and to the iPhone, at broadcast-level audience scale.

The new HD Network combines Akamai’s patented HD EdgePlatform, adaptive bitrate streaming and DVR technology. It supports live and on-demand HD streaming.


30/09/2009 - QNAP ships NMP-1000 Network Multimedia Player

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It sure took 'em long enough, but QNAP has finally come around and delivered its NMP-1000 Network Multimedia Player here in the States. If you'll recall, we actually toyed around with one way back at CeBIT, and while those camped out in Osaka have been enjoying the spoils for months now, the Yanks in attendance have been forced to wait. According to QNAP, the DLNA-compliant media streamer is now shipping in America, though a quick look around our favorite web stores has turned up nothing. We're sure that'll be remedied in short order, though.

[Via HotHardware]

QNAP ships NMP-1000 Network Multimedia Player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/09/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 157 - 09.29.2009

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Engadget logo No epic TV reviews / previews this week (though we did have time to mention The Cleveland Show leaving Family Guy behind and moving to HD in a pretty cool way, it's embedded after the break), but there's still some post-CEDIA discussion to be hashed out. Before we get to that, Panasonic's 3D effort is one step closer to a real product with its 50-inch protype model that debuts next week, are we ready for the 3D onslaught? Then we get into a few more thoughts about the Popcorn Hour C-200, Pioneer's new upscaling receivers and whether Best Buy's all-in-one LCD & Blu-ray player could be a good deal. Then comes the CEDIA discussion and plenty of CableCARD, FCC and related discussion before moving on to Intel's sweet IDF demos. Last up is the possibility of 1080p from your cable provider, the good news Top Gear is finally coming over to HDTV, and of course, our fabulous 3rd birthday celebration.

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[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:43 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 156
00:01:30 - Panasonic's 50-inch 3D plasma announced, seeks fine family home
00:12:50 - Popcorn Hour C-200 hands-on
00:17:10 - Pioneer adds Anchor Bay VRS scaling to VSX-23TXH, VSX-21TXH and VSX-1019AH-K receivers
00:23:06 - Best Buy bringing value priced all-in-one 32-inch LCD & Blu-ray HDTV to stores "soon"
00:26:04 - PS3 3.0 / 3.01 firmware update making Blu-ray drive unusable?
00:27:45 - Microsoft Media Center CEDIA predictions wrap-up
00:41:07 - A first hand look at SDV and Copy Freely support in Windows 7 Media Center
00:55:50 - Cablevision asks FCC for a waiver to encrypt all Clear QAM channels
01:01:40 - The CEA asks the FCC if CableCARD is helping to spur competition
01:06:08 - Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house
01:13:25 - Motorola's new pro encoder makes 1080p cable broadcasts a breeze
01:17:10 - BBC confirms Top Gear is filming this season in HD
01:21:17 - Happy 3rd birthday Engadget HD!


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Engadget HD Podcast 157 - 09.29.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/09/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoIt's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, September 28th at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/09/2009 - IFA 2009: Real Cable Feels the Difference

VIDEO INTERVIEW. Quality cables become more and more important part of HD - both video and audio - markets. At IFA 2009 in Berlin, Biz-News.com interviewed Catherine Torchin, Managing Director and owner of Real Cable. She described to us the strategy of the company that has already been successful on 25 markets worldwide.

Laurent Zawadil, Technical Menager for Real Cable, showed us the latest company’s product – innovative 1.4 HDMI cable with additional Ethernet Channel. The cable will be introduced to the market in October this year, but you can take a look at its main features right now.


23/09/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best headphone setup for a home theater?

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Sure, it's great to discuss all manner of surround sound setups, in-wall speakers and the like, but for a rare few circumstances have combined to require all their audio come through nothing but a pair of headphones. That's Cory's problem, check it out:

I work a different schedule from my roommates. I've been watching Movies and TV with a crappy set of computer speakers as a headphone amp. I'm looking to upgrade and would like some suggestions. I watch TV via VMC and Movies via Toshiba HD-A3 so multiple inputs would be nice. I'm looking to spend $200 but all suggestions are welcome I'll need to upgrade someday.

What does he need to get the best quality audio, while keeping things quiet for everyone else in the house? (We're assuming building a soundproofed room is slightly out of the question.) Surely someone of you have dealt with the same issue, let us know in the comments how you get the best sound from a pair of cans.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best headphone setup for a home theater? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/09/2009 - Happy 3rd birthday Engadget HD!

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Engadget HD logo
Yes we can't believe it either, but as of today we're officially done with the terrible twos. Although we haven't always made it easy on our parents, we have tried to make them proud since our first post 36 months by brining all of you the best HD news coverage we can. In that time we've written over 11,672 posts and recorded 125 Podcasts, which is over 326 posts a month! We have to say that we've had so much fun hitting the HD news you love, we don't even feel like its been that many. We also look forward to many more years of HD goodness. But of course none of this would be possible without all of you Engdaget HD readers, so go ahead and give yourselves a pat on the back, and then get back to reading.

Happy 3rd birthday Engadget HD! originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/09/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 156 - 09.22.2009

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Engadget logo It's been a really slow week in news, but we got together with the Ustream crowd to talk about some HD. Whether it's over an open data pipe, walled garden marketplace, networked Blu-ray player, or an all-consuming media tank, having choices for getting entertainment into your eyeballs and eardrums is a good thing. With that in mind, we talk about the FCC's first steps towards 'net neutrality, Zune Marketplace content playback on MCE, VUDU on LG's BD390, and Popcorn Hour's C-200. Choice is something you'll have less of if you're sticking with Blockbuster as it closes down stores, however. After a brief dalliance in a fantasy world of designer 3D glasses, we come back to reality with a good, long review of this season's new TV shows -- there's enough good stuff in there that even antenna-heads should be able to keep their DVRs nicely stocked with HD this year. We apologize ahead of time if you notice any audio glitches in this week's 'cast, there were a few technical issues but we should have them ironed out be next week.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:43 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 155
04:37 - FCC chairman formally proposes net neutrality rules
11:55 - Zune Marketplace HD videos will play on Extenders for Media Center
16:25 - Vudu on the LG BD390 will bitstream Dolby Digital Plus
23:23 - Blockbuster plans to part with 960 retail stores by end of 2010
28:30 - RealD figures designer glasses might help the acceptance of 3D
39:15 - The Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer makes its way into the wild
42:10 - Ask Engadget HD: 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound audio for beginners?
48:57 - Time to set your DVRs for the Fall season

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Engadget HD Podcast 156 - 09.22.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/09/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoThe CEDIA rush has faded, but there's still plenty to talk about on the Engadget HD podcast. So set up the DVR to record the game tonight -- we're not going to promise a short show -- or strategically position the lappy next to the La-Z-Boy when the podcast goes live onto the interwebs Monday, September 21st at 6:30 PM ET, right on Ustream. Embedded Ustream tools for those who don't mind the Flash IRC client and a list of topics after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/09/2009 - IFA 2009: iSuppli Analyst About HDTV Market

VIDEO INTREVIEW. This time at IFA 2009 our reporters interviewed Riddhi Patel, the iSuppli analyst. Riddhi is responsible for the television and plasma display panel (PDP) analysis. She shared with us her latest discoveries on HDTV market as well as her opinion of the nearest future of LCD technology that has dominated our living rooms.

She was visiting this year’s Berlin expo looking for some big innovations. Watch the video to check out if she has found anything that took her breath away.


14/09/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoWe're kicking off a new recording date and time for the Engadget HD podcast this week -- Monday September 14 at 6:30PM ET. So if you're one of the crowd who tunes in to Ustream to catch the show live, you'll need to rejigger your schedule. There's plenty of news from CEDIA to go over, and we might even get some new regular chatroom members at our new time, so come on by and check it out, won't you? Topic list and Ustream embeds after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/09/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 154 - 09.10.2009

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Engadget logo With IFA behind us and CEDIA just starting up, there's plenty of news to cover. Follow along as Ben, Steve and Richard go whirlwind style through what was (non-OEM CableCARDs on MCE) and what wasn't (pretty much any HD-related developments from Apple). We spend a good bit of time talking Blu-ray players and post-sale updates that add functionality, and how that track record factors into value. And speaking of value, that's something that gets a little distorted with new tech -- witness Sony's new edge-lit XBR10 LCDs and Samsung's 15-inch OLED display. We've got a feeling that thrills and spills are ahead of us this week at CEDIA, so we'll try to get another show in sometime after our Georgia Tech hosted meetup but before we leave Atlanta, so stay tuned for more!

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:31 - Live from the Microsoft Windows Media Center event
06:00 - Media Center CableCARDs freed from OEM requirement
12:15 - Apple CFO says DVR, CableCARD not coming to Apple TV
17:39 - The RVU Alliance picks up Verizon as a founding promoter
19:45 - MPAA still trying to close the analog hole: Now with new, more inane arguments
24:55 - VUDU equips LG's BD390 Blu-ray player with movie streaming abilities
27:05 - Mitsubishi now shipping VUDU powered 1080p streaming HDTVs
29:33 - Samsung Blu-ray players adding YouTube, MKV support (Update: Right now!)
30:45 - Sony's new BDP-N460 Blu-ray player adds access to internet content
34:25 - Sherwood BDP-5004 Blu-ray player moves up to Profile 2.0, down to $200
37:40 - Sony goes in a cheaper direction with wireless XBR10 BRAVIA LCDs
41:25 - Samsung's LED TV Couple packs a 7-inch tablet remote for streaming TV and so much more
44:00 - New WiFi IR emitters from Global Cache´ get us excited about home automation
49:23 - Eyes-on LG's 15-inch OLED TV makes us want to punch an LCD
53:15 - The best HD sports on TV this week

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Engadget HD Podcast 154 - 09.10.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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09/09/2009 - Engadget HD podcast delayed for CEDIA goodies

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Engadget podcast logoIn case you didn't notice from the previous Engadget HD podcast, we're attending CEDIA this week. That's good news and bad news. First the bad news -- we will be holding off on our podcast by one day, and we won't tempt fate by attempting to record live on Ustream. Now the good news -- and it's really good -- we'll be recording after the first day of CEDIA, so we should have plenty of good stuff to talk about, including results from the LG, Sony and Microsoft media events. Expect to see the podcast rolling out on our regular station (that's right here, silly) on Thursday, September 10.

Engadget HD podcast delayed for CEDIA goodies originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/09/2009 - LG W63 enters gaming monitor arena, claims to be the best

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You can't exactly accuse LG of lacking audacity -- the company that today unveiled the eccentric Color Pop displays has also updated its consumer monitor line with a gamer-centric Full HD entry that has everything but humility. The 23-inch W63 touts a new Thru Mode, which removes image processing to deliver "zero-delay" visuals, a 1,000:1 (real) contrast ratio, 2ms response time (we assume this applies when Thru Mode is off), 300 nits of brightness, two HDMI inputs and picture-in-picture functionality. There's even a Tru Light equalizer-like thingy at the bottom of the screen that pulsates in time with the sound of your glorious battle triumphs and Skype message pings. Only question left is, can anyone actually tell the difference between two milliseconds of delay and none at all?

Read - LG press release
Read - W63 product page

LG W63 enters gaming monitor arena, claims to be the best originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/09/2009 - The best HD sports on TV this week

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NCSU Football
Any real geek will tell you that the best sport in HD is football and with the kickoff of the '09 season we've partnered with our friends at HDSportsGuide.com to bring you what we think is the best HD sports that will be on this week. In addition to the big games of the week, we'll be covering what regional events will be covered and where. What we won't be doing is creating a comprehensive list of all the HD sports, but you already know where to find that.

First up this week -- yes our week starts on Thursday right along with football -- is the very first real football game of the season, and one that is near and dear to a member of our team. On the same night, but way too late for any east coaster, is the first ranked CFB matchup of the season with Oregon vs Boise State -- also happens to be the only tough game on Boise's schedule, gotta love CFB. Now if you want to see if college kickers can kick as high as those in the NFL, you might want to check out BYU vs Sooners which will take place in Cowboys Stadium, home of the biggest HD screen in football. Then of course there is the labor day college football tradition of Miami vs FSU, where all the parties involved hope it won't be a battle of the mediocre, again. The NFL closes out its pre-season on the NFL Network where the Eagles will face the Jets and we'll get our last look at Vick before he finishes his five game regular season suspension. And of course baseball is still on as the Red Sox play the White Sox for what is probably their 20th meeting this season.

College Football
  • South Carolina Game Cocks at NC State Wolfpack ESPN, Thurs, 7:00 PM
  • Oregon Ducks at Boise State Broncos, ESPN, Thurs. 10:15 PM
  • BYU Cougars Vs. Oklahoma Sooners, ESPN, Sat. 7:00 PM (First college game in the awesome cowboys stadium)
  • Miami Hurricanes at Florida State Seminoles, ESPN, Mon. 8:00 PM (Important ACC showdown and in-state rivalry game)
NFL
  • Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets, NFL Network, Thurs. 7:00 PM (Final Chance to see Vick until week 3 of the regular season)

MLB
  • Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, TBS, Sun. 2:00 PM (Battle of the Sox)

The best HD sports on TV this week originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/09/2009 - Philips launches Wireless HDTV Link, gives airborne HDMI a fightin' chance

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Still reeling over the death of FlyWire this summer? So were we, until we saw this beauty pop up in Berlin. Philips Wireless HDTV Link promises to set your TV free from the tyranny of cables with an HDMI transmitter / receiver pair that'll let you place all those A/V components of yours a whopping 20 meters from your set. The base station has two HDMI connections, two component connections and boasts transmission of full 1080i and 1080p / 30 HD video. Coming soon (hopefully) this bad boy is retailing for €599.99 (about $850). [Warning: PDF read link]

Philips launches Wireless HDTV Link, gives airborne HDMI a fightin' chance originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/09/2009 - IFA 2009: Philips Launches Wireless HDTV Link

Today at IFA 2009, Philips presented Wireless HDTV Link that allows to connect TV to set top box and AV components without any cable.

Wireless HDTV Link transmits 1080p/30 HD signal up to 20 meters, making it possible e.g. to stream devices like a Blu-ray player to a TV from the other side of the room.


02/09/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 153 - 09.2.2009

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Engadget logo We've probably never been more excited about CEDIA, and even though next week looks like it might deliver goods at Joe Six Pack prices, we'll just have to see. Meanwhile, this week we're happy to report Blu-ray prices are falling -- both for the hardware (PS3 slim) and software (you know, discs) -- while shoppers are getting familiar with the the newfangled HD craze. If only digital downloads would follow suit in terms of pricing, terms, or both. Other than that, we managed to steer clear of too many rants, and Ben even took advantage of the helpful folks at the FCC to set the record straight on clear QAM. Speaking of setting the record straight, we'll be at CEDIA next week, so the show will come out later than usual, and probably without the live Ustream participation. Stay tuned for details.

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[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:03:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 152 - 08.26.2009
00:12:50 - The PS3 slim as a Blu-ray player covered in the Engadget review
00:17:20 - Poll: Will you buy a PS3 Slim to use as a Blu-ray player?
00:23:39 - Surprisingly, cheaper Blu-ray movies make everyone happy
00:28:10 - Amazon & iTunes drop digital download prices. Still cost too much
00:36:15 - Bobby Universal Remote for the iPhone review
00:43:00 - Ask Engadget HD: Best way to feed HD to two TVs?
00:46:12 - DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR
00:51:10 - S1Digital adds networked CableCARD tuners to its media server
00:54:10 - Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere!
01:03:01 - The next Batman flick could be all-IMAX


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Engadget HD Podcast 153 - 09.2.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/09/2009 - VUDU's 1080p movie streaming goes live on LG Netcast HDTVs

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You knew good and well it was coming, and come it has. Starting today, those fortunate enough to own an LG Broadband HDTV in the LH50 LCD series and PS80 plasma range can tap into VUDU's growing library of on-demand 1080p films. If you're still skeptical, we'll invite you to surf over to your set's Netcast interface; from there, you can either update your software to gain VUDU access or begin viewing right away (depending on when you purchased your tele). Oh, and if you're thinking of just lallygagging around while the rest of the world takes advantage, you should know that your first HD or HDX movie rental is gratis for a limited time, so there's some pretty obvious motivation to hop on it. Anyone given it a go? Impressed / unimpressed?

VUDU's 1080p movie streaming goes live on LG Netcast HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/09/2009 - brite-View's CinemaTube adds 1080p streaming, YouTube XL to the mix

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We're not sure who decided to follow up the award-winning brite-View CinemaCube with something called the CinemaTube, but the latter certainly lives up to it's change of a single letter, adding full 1080p streaming and embedded YouTube XL to its predecessor's already potent mix of supported video and audio formats, a bit.torrent engine, and USB storage support. Shipping on September 21, it'll retail for $129.99 -- but if you pre-order now you get it for $99.99. Hit the read link for all the gory details. We're praying that the company's next device is not called the CinemaRube -- that would be just plain mean.

[Via GizmoScene]

brite-View's CinemaTube adds 1080p streaming, YouTube XL to the mix originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/09/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoWe're one week away from CEDIA, so why don't you stop by and join us while we prep ourselves for the HD feast? Whether we allow our hopes to rise before experiencing soul-crushing disappointment or we put on our grumpy faces going in and leave Atlanta smiling, it all starts here. We start setting the stage Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30PM ET when the podcast goes live on on Ustream. Topics and embedded Ustream-iness after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/08/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best way to feed HD to two TVs?

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Multiroom video setups are hardly an easy task, but what if you just want to pipe the A/V in whole from one spot to another? That's the conundrum facing our friend Ed, we'll let him break down the situation first.

"I have a question that I think has several answers, but I would like to know the best solution. I have a DirecTV HD-DVR - HR20-700 hooked up to my TV via HDMI and optical audio to my receiver. I have my receiver's sound also hooked up to outside speakers by the pool so I can listen to XM or any other program from DirecTV or radio. I would like to add the video outside as well. I already have an RG6 coax cable outside, and I have an open CAT-5 connection near the back door, but not outside where the TV would go. Both cable runs are approximately 100' or less. My question is, what is the best way to get the video from the HR20 outside? "

There's a bevy of splitters, extenders, slingers and media box solutions that could help our friend out, but it's hard to say what would be best for this situation. We're still waiting for the SlingMonitor to make a retail experience and give us the WiFi TV wherever we've always wanted, but how would you do it?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best way to feed HD to two TVs? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/08/2009 - IFA 2009: The Countdown Is On!

IFA 2009 - the business event no. 1 for consumer electronics - will take place in Berlin from September 4-9.

For one week international media interest will be concentrated on IFA. Also the Biz-News journalists will be reporting directly from Berlin covering the latest in CE products.


27/08/2009 - The PS3 slim as a Blu-ray player covered in the Engadget review

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PS3 Slim
If you've been considering making the jump to Blu-ray via a PS3 but even after the price drop you're still waiting to see how it fared as a movie player, then you should check out our review on Engadget classic. Most of the important details are covered, like its ability to bitstream the latest HD codecs or the power consumption at idle as well as while playing a Blu-ray Disc. Even the noise level was examined, which showed that the slim was about 10db quieter while watching a Blu-ray Disc -- which is actually a lot. In fact the only knock was that it was a little slower at loading discs than its older brother and the Bravia Sync wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

The PS3 slim as a Blu-ray player covered in the Engadget review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/08/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 152 - 08.26.2009

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Engadget logo Another week gone by and we're that much closer to CEDIA 2009, but the big news this week is the PS3 Slim and its tweaked HDMI capabilities. Up next is more Media Center rumors and speculation plus the future of Pioneer in the post-KURO era. Finally we wrap up with some interesting weekly poll results and Ask EHD responses, plus plenty of football discussion with Jerry Jones' massive HDTV problems plus the college and NFL regular season just around the corner.


Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 151 - 08.19.2009
00:07:49 - PS3 Slim bitstreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last
00:16:00 - Microsoft's CEDIA event September 9th to reveal what's new in Media Center
00:23:20 - Media Center DISH Network tuner is on hold indefinitely
00:35:51 - Pioneer plots a Kuro-less future in the home theater market
00:39:25 - Poll: Which HDTV feature are you least concerned about?
00:45:42 - Dallas Cowboys HD scoreboard hanging too low?
00:52:46 - Ask Engadget HD: Who has the best HD video on-demand?


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Engadget HD Podcast 152 - 08.26.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/08/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoIt's school-time again, but if you stop by the live Engadget HD podcast recording session on Ustream, you'll find out there hasn't been a stop in the flow of HD-related information. Along with the help of our chatroom denizens, you're sure to soak up some new knowledge that will help you stay on top of your game; or at least enough to grouse authoritatively about it. Come on by on Tuesday, August 25 at 5:30PM ET and drop in, won't you? Session syllabus and Ustream widgets after the break, and no pop quizzes.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/08/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Who has the best HD video on-demand?

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Now that we're living in a post Project Infinity and 1080p VOD world, there may be a bit more to consider when choosing a provider than simply linear channel lineup. Fiber, satellite and cable companies are all fighting to be called the king of video on-demand, but which one actually is? We'll let our friend Michael ask the question:

"I have been hearing about all these different kinds of Video On Demand services from Cable, sat, and telco companies. I was wondering if you guys could do a rundown of the descriptions of the different VOD services and their pros and cons. "

So, when was the last time you perused the VOD catalog of your pay-TV provider, and was it worth the effort? We're sure at least some have already gone all online only for their video libraries, while some may stick to discs, DVR and standard channel browsing. Over here we're checking every ten minutes for that episode of The Closer we forgot to DVR this week, but until it shows up let us know how your VOD experience has worked out.

Ask Engadget HD: Who has the best HD video on-demand? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/08/2009 - Surround 3-D TV to Take Over the Living Rooms


For the first time, a team of researchers at the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2), have designed a 9-panel, 3-D visualization display from HDTV LCD flat-screens developed by JVC.

The NexCAVE's technology delivers a faithful, deep 3-D experience with great color saturation, contrast and really good stereo separation - claim the scientists.


18/08/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoYou might not have been able to join us for our Netflix Movie Party via a full fledged Xbox 360 experience, but everyone can join in to the Ustream broadcast of our recording session Tuesday, August 18 at 5:30PM ET. We won't have the same video quality, but we promise that we'll keep the discussion rolling, so drop by and spend an hour with us, won't you? List of suggested reading and a Ustream widget after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/08/2009 - WD TV-2 spruces up Western Digital's already attractive media player offering

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Western Digital really hit a sweet spot last year with its $130 WD TV HD Media Player. The thing pumped out 1080p over HDMI at an attractive price, and that's all most people really needed. The newly leaked WD TV-2 revisits the formula, but adds in network playback over the new Ethernet jack, DTS audio decoding, and a component video plug for folks caught in the technological no man's land between composite and HDMI. Outside of that there's a just plain silly amount of codec support, which is hard not to love. No word on price or a release date, but the leaked photos and detailed specs seem to imply this thing is ready for prime time.

WD TV-2 spruces up Western Digital's already attractive media player offering originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/08/2009 - Microsoft Unveils Zune HD Details


Microsoft announced today that the Zune HD, its long-awaited media player, is available now for pre-order and is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15.

13/08/2009 - Join our Netflix Movie Party this Friday night

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Yes that's right, we're nerds, real shocker right? So just admit it and join us for Engadget HD Movie night. We're going to take advantage of the new Netflix Movie Party feature on Xbox Live this Friday night at 9pm EST. So if you have an Xbox, a Gold membership and a Netflix subscription, you're out of excuses as we know you don't already have plans. Here's how it'll work; sign into our Ustream IRC channel when it's time and the first six people (8 person limit to Movie Parties) to post their gamer tags will get invited to the official Movie Party. Everyone else can join their own party and try to sync up the movie manually and we'll all chat it up in IRC. Now about the movie, here's a poll to decide what we'll be watching -- and yes they're all in HD.

Join our Netflix Movie Party this Friday night originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/08/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 150 - 08.12.2009

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Engadget logoWe started out this week on a good note, looking forward to exciting things for Windows MCE at next month's CEDIA show. The good vibes kept flowing as we discussed over 50-percent penetration of HDTVs and hopeful shifts among the media giants to move towards new business models for the content we crave. We should have stopped there, but we didn't, and our wings of wax failed us. Talking about the iTunes + Blu-ray rumors set us into a downward spiral that ended with us kvetching about broadcasters mangling aspect ratios, crappy TV demos at retail, Ben's sour notes about Harmony remotes, and "new" TiVo features that came to us from the 90s. Trainwreck? Maybe, but you know you want to check it out.


Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:50 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 149 - 08.05.2009
00:08:27 - CEDIA 2009 Windows Media Center predictions
00:22:19 - Xbox 360 officially the only console to stream Netflix -- sorry, PS3 and Wii
00:28:09 - The revolution has been televised: Survey reports 53% of U.S. homes with HDTV
00:32:05 - Media bigwigs declare that free TV "is broken"
00:34:45 - Subscription services like Netflix Watch Instantly generates 20x the revenue of pay-per-downloads
00:43:12 - Roku Video player now streaming live HD baseball games from MLB.TV
00:47:29 - VIZIO VBR100 Blu-ray player freed from superstore confines, unboxed on video
00:50:12 - Toshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon
01:00:13 - Blu-ray support coming with iTunes 9?
01:00:13 - Steven Soderbergh calls out the aspect ratio villains: HBO, AMC - We're talking about you
01:02:15 - Poll: What's the worst mistake HD channels make?
01:06:03 - Don't let retailer's lights distract you from buying the right HDTV
01:10:55 - Logitech's Harmony 900 remote controls components behind closed doors
01:17:50 - TiVo turns on custom RSS video feed support


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Engadget HD Podcast 150 - 08.12.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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audio/mpeg ; 46.48 Mb


12/08/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: How can I get internet radio in my home theater?

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Despite how much money and time is spent on the display in your home theater, sometimes you just want to kick back and listen to some music. While SACD or DVD-Audio might get it done for some, a craving for for more selection or just letting someone else pick the songs has lead our friend Reginald to seek internet radio in his home theater, we'll let him explain:

"I have been looking at internet radio that I want to stream through my wireless network so it can be picked up on my home stereo. I have DirecTV that can pick up the network as well as a PS3 that also can see the network.

Would a program that runs on the PC be the best way to go or should one get a special tuner that is placed at the AV Receiver that connects wirelessly to the network be the best way to go."

So, can one of his networked devices double up as a streaming radio source or would a new receiver with the feature built in be the way to go? Let us know what setup works for you.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: How can I get internet radio in my home theater? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/08/2009 - Toshiba Enters Blu-ray Group


Toshiba announced that the company has applied for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and plans to introduce products that support the Blu-ray format.

11/08/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoWe agreed last week not to do any kind of celebration of our 150th podcast, but we won't complain if you being along some cake to the live Ustream session of this not-so-momentous occasion. Just be sure to bring enough to share with the rest of the gang as we gather around the virtual studio at 5:30PM ET on Tuesday, August 10th when the whole shebang kicks off. Here's the deal -- if you don't know more about something HD-related than the guy in the next cubicle over, we'll give you you money back. Check out the list of topics and embedded Ustream widgets after the break and prepare to get informed!

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/08/2009 - Atlona Announces New AT-HD530 Down-Converter


Atlona Technologies announced their soon to be released HDMI/DVI to Composite and S-Video Down-Converter, the AT-HD530. This device will covert high-definition television video signals to standard-definition video that can be viewed on conventional television receivers or computer monitors.

09/08/2009 - Atlona AT-HD530 Down-Converter, for those who walked uphill to school, both ways

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Atlona AT-HD530 Down-Converter
From the "three steps forward, two steps back" category comes Atlona's AT-HD530 Down-Converter. Send in a signal on one of those newfangled HDMI or DVI connections, and through the magic of fuzz-inducing signal-smashing you'll be able to grab output as either S-Video or composite. That's right, for just $299 you can kneecap your new gear and drag it back into the 80s. Obviously this is aimed at custom installers with clients demanding that their old and new gear play together, but with S-Video falling by the wayside on many new AVRs, it might gain a few more users. The custom installers get a pass, but for everyone else we'd suggest that your need for a AT-HD530 is a sign that it's time to upgrade.

Atlona AT-HD530 Down-Converter, for those who walked uphill to school, both ways originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/08/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the best on the go HD camcorder?

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Summer time is in full swing, and we're sure you've got plenty of activities to attend to, but what about capturing those for later viewing on your HDTV? Since we last visited the HD camcorder question, a flood of mini HD capable cams have hit the scene, but which one is the best? We'll let Mariusz lay out his priorities:

"For some time now I've been thinking about getting one of these, but still cannot make my mind up. I'm looking for a camcorder that is portable first of all (will mostly use it outdoors, also for paintball and airsoft games), the quality(720p / 1080p) and functionality will come second and storage options third. I know there is quite a few products on the market from Kodak, Flip and Creative (and probably few more), but still do not know which one to choose... Hopefully Engadget's readers will help me with my decision-making."

We can relate Mariusz, you need something easy to take on the go, with good image quality and settings and last of all easy to play back later. Surely a few of you have faced the same dilemma, let us know which hardware you've picked up and how it's working for you.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best on the go HD camcorder? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/08/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 149 - 08.05.2009

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Engadget logoAs we edge up towards podcast 150, we're not planning any kind of celebratory special; but that doesn't mean we can't have fun along the way! Break out the Zima and Jolly Ranchers as we go over some follow-up to last week's MCE-rich podcast, and then get into topsy-turvy strangeness. Giving Moxi a hard time and taking a "we'll see" approach to Vudu are nothing new, but when was the last time we handed out kudos to TiVo and BD-Live? Listen in and find out for yourself what had us in Bizarro-world.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:50 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 148 - 07.29.2009
00:14:49 - Poll: Do you / will you use Windows Media Center in your home theater?
00:25:10 - The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more
00:32:40 - RCN making cobranded TiVO boxes its 'primary DVR platform' in 2010
00:36:10 - Verizon rolling out more apartment-friendly hardware
00:40:33 - Ask Engadget HD: Can I subscribe to a service for just HDTV channels?
00:44:45 - Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3: ODST are both not-quite HD games
00:53:15 - Paramount flicks to see Blu-ray purchase, DVD rental availability ahead of DVD sale date
00:56:58 - Wolverine Blu-ray disc includes BD-Live access to IMDB
01:00:00 - VUDU's streaming service demoed live on an LG TV
01:04:45 - Energy Star 3.0 regulations set to impact TV designs

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Engadget HD Podcast 149 - 08.05.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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audio/mpeg ; 43.88 Mb


04/08/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 149 - 08.05.2009

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Engadget logo

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:50 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 148 - 07.29.2009
The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more
RCN making cobranded TiVO boxes its 'primary DVR platform' in 2010
Poll: Do you / will you use Windows Media Center in your home theater?
Verizon rolling out more apartment-friendly hardware
Ask Engadget HD: Can I subscribe to a service for just HDTV channels?
Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3: ODST are both not-quite HD games
Paramount flicks to see Blu-ray purchase, DVD rental availability ahead of DVD sale date
Wolverine Blu-ray disc includes BD-Live access to IMDB
VUDU's streaming service demoed live on an LG TV
Energy Star 3.0 regulations set to impact TV designs

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Engadget HD Podcast 149 - 08.05.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/08/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoYup, it's Tuesday again, and you know what that means -- we're inviting you to take some time out of your day (or your boss') and join the Engadget HD crew on Ustream. While we conduct our merry banter covering this week's news in HD, you're welcome to inject your opinions to the live chat room, or just chill out with the other fine folks in the audience. We'll do our level best to kick off activities Tuesday, August 4 at 5:30PM ET, so join us, won't you? List of topics and embedded Ustream goodies after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/07/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 148 - 07.29.2009

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Engadget logoThings are starting to get interesting again in the world of Windows Media Center now that Windows 7 is done, so we spent some time talking about what's new and what it will take to get people to use it. According to the HD Guru there is a new king in town and it's Panny's latest plasma, but who to believe? You'll have to have a listen to see where you land. Last up we talk a little Blu-ray and about the on going format war in China as well as the latest Michael Bay IMAX sequence controversy.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:50 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 147 - 07.22.2009
00:04:00 - Windows 7 Media Center review
00:27:50 - How-to: Build an HD Media Center for under $1000
00:31:28 - Xbox 360's new Netflix Movie Parties disabled for Starz Play titles?
00:36:40 - Samsung UN46B7000 LED backlit LCD review
00:45:00 - Panasonic's TC-P54V10 plasma crowned king, so sayeth the HD Guru
00:52:52 - Blu-ray reportedly trailing CBHD in China, the second theater of the format war begins
00:54:36 - Poll: Is Final Cut Pro an indication of more Blu-ray support coming from Apple?
00:58:20 - Sony's Blu-ray MegaChanger hits the streets next month with new ES standalone
01:04:00 - Michael Bay plans The Dark Knight-style IMAX sequences for Transformers 2 Blu-ray
01:08:10 - Audioholics overviews entry level receiver choices


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Engadget HD Podcast 148 - 07.29.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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audio/mpeg ; 40.96 Mb


30/07/2009 - Atlona Releases Swiveled HDMI and DVI Cables

Atlona has released a new range of HDMI and DVI to HDMI cables that feature a swivel connector end which allows them to bend at 90 degrees in either direction.
This connector design enables users to nearly flush mount their HDTVs - avoiding the problems posed when connecting standard HDMI cables to rear-facing HDMI ports.

29/07/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 148 - 07.29.2009

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Engadget logoThings are starting to get interesting again in the world of Windows Media Center now that Windows 7 is done, so we spent some time talking about what's new and what it will take to get people to use it. According to the HD Guru there is a new king in town and it's Panny's latest plasma, but who to believe? You'll have to have a listen to see where you land. Last up we talk a little Blu-ray and about the on going format war in China as well as the latest Michael Bay IMAX sequence controversy.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:50 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 147 - 07.22.2009
00:04:00 - Windows 7 Media Center review
00:27:50 - How-to: Build an HD Media Center for under $1000
00:31:28 - Xbox 360's new Netflix Movie Parties disabled for Starz Play titles?
00:36:40 - Samsung UN46B7000 LED backlit LCD review
00:45:00 - Panasonic's TC-P54V10 plasma crowned king, so sayeth the HD Guru
00:52:52 - Blu-ray reportedly trailing CBHD in China, the second theater of the format war begins
00:54:36 - Poll: Is Final Cut Pro an indication of more Blu-ray support coming from Apple?
00:58:20 - Sony's Blu-ray MegaChanger hits the streets next month with new ES standalone
01:04:00 - Michael Bay plans The Dark Knight-style IMAX sequences for Transformers 2 Blu-ray
01:08:10 - Audioholics overviews entry level receiver choices


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Engadget HD Podcast 148 - 07.29.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/07/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Can I subscribe to a service for just HDTV channels?

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So you're considering fiber, satellite or cable TV, but don't want to pay for any channels that aren't available in HDTV. Barring a provider switching to full a la carte pricing overnight, we're only aware of TurboHD for that kind of service, but even that comes with drawbacks. Still, James knows what he won't watch, and that's anything in less than 720p, let's check out his question:

"As always I love the site and the podcast, but I was hoping to draw on some knowledge.
Are there any service providers, cable, online, etc. that provide HD only content packages? I really am not in love with the idea of paying for content I'll never watch, which is all of the SD content. Do I have any options? Or is this a pipe dream for the future?
I live in John's Creek (Atlanta), GA."

So, for the discriminating viewer, is TurboHD the best (or only) option? Let us know in the comments how James can get the most value for what he's interested in.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Can I subscribe to a service for just HDTV channels? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/07/2009 - Onkyo Launches Home Theater Packages for Blu-ray and HD Video Systems

Onkyo has introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems that it claims deliver leading edge AV processing and surround sound reproduction for HDTV and Blu-ray.
The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature powerful AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watt-per-channel amplification, processing for every major audio format on the market.

29/07/2009 - Sky Picks Pace STB to Roll-out HD Content in Germany and Austria

PayTV operator Sky has selected Pace's HD technology for its set-top box deployments in Germany and Austria, which will begin rolling out in August.
Pace has been a set-top box technology partner of Sky, formerly Premiere, for a number of years.

29/07/2009 - Onkyo shows pride in its DV-BD507 Blu-ray player with lofty $449 price tag

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Onkyo's never been one to dabble in the Blu-ray bargain basement, but with BD decks selling for well under the $200 mark, we're wondering what kind of secret sauce is boxed in with the DV-BD507. The outfit's latest Profile 2.0 player doesn't sound too special based on specs alone, as it supports HDMI 1.3a, 1080p output, BD-Live functionality and BonusView features just like every other respectable rival on the market already. Sure, we can't say we don't appreciate its innate ability to process AVCHD files stored on SD / SDHC cards or toasted DVDs, but even on a good day we can't justify the $449 MSRP. Maybe it's upgradable to 3D... or something. Fancy rear shot is waiting after the break.

Continue reading Onkyo shows pride in its DV-BD507 Blu-ray player with lofty $449 price tag

Onkyo shows pride in its DV-BD507 Blu-ray player with lofty $449 price tag originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/07/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoLooks like we'll be getting back to the usual suspects this week, as Ben, Richard and Steve wind their way through the HD news. As much as we (and you) might miss the excitement of special guests, slipping back into a familiar set of jeans (or Dockers for Ben) is pretty rewarding as well. No matter what we're wearing, you're welcome to come as you are when the Engadget HD podcast starts live on Ustream Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30 PM ET; we'll even waive the cover charge for anyone dressed up as a Toshiba HD-DVD deck. A list of topics and the live Ustream player after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/07/2009 - International HD news roundup

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Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, Doei!

Read - Fox Latin America Picks Brightcove For Hulu-Like Portal
Read - 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
Read - Rogers Ramps Up Docsis 3.0
Read - APTN HD Launches on Rogers Cable
Read - MTV pushes HD into eight countries
Read - ARD and ZDF start HD test transmissions (Germany)
Read - Great expectations for high-definition (Australia)
Read - Hong Kong Cable comes to HD party
Read - ESPN starts HD test transmissions (UK)
Read - RTL launches HD channels, VOD on UPC (Netherlands)
Read - Pace wins new business with Sky for high definition rollout in Germany and Austria
Read - DStv to get three new HD channels (South Africa)
Read - High-def Penthouse porn channel to launch (UK)
Read - Mediascape launches country's 1st nationwide Digital HD pay TV service (Philippines)

International HD news roundup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/07/2009 - Panasonic's TC-P54V10 plasma crowned king, so sayeth the HD Guru

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Panasonic TC-P54V10 crown
Panasonic's run of critical acclaim for its NeoPDP panels, and the V10 series in particular, just keeps rolling along. Given the positive reception the HD Guru gave Panny's G10-series set, it should come as no surprise that the higher-spec TC-P54V10 model came through its review with flying colors. The Guru blew right past the "sheet of glass" aesthetic and added color spaces that will largely go unused and got right into the good stuff. Sure, the 96Hz mode delivered on its promise of judder-free 4:4 pulldown, but most surprising was the V10's black level performance, which fell below the test equipment's ability to measure -- the review guessed it to be about half as bright as the G10's black level. That's in spitting distance of the Kuro performance, and the V10 managed to pull a little more dark detail as well. Yeah, it's a winner -- so much so that the Guru had to break out a fifth heart in its rating. The Kuro is dead, long live the Kuro.

Panasonic's TC-P54V10 plasma crowned king, so sayeth the HD Guru originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/07/2009 - 3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off

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The new HDMI 1.4 spec adds a host of new features (and, most likely, a lot of new ways to get scammed on cable purchases) but for those excitedly anticipating Audio Return Channel, HDMI Ethernet Channel and 3D over HDMI should know Silicon Image has announced its first line of chips supporting them. Destined for HDTVs, receivers, Blu-ray players and the like, the new port processor and transmitter have the extremely specific sample delivery date of "second half of 2009" so while we certainly don't expect to see any actual hardware until well into next year, keep an ear to the ground if you're considering an upgrade before then.

3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/07/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the best plasma to pick up in 2009?

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We're not going to pretend this question hasn't been asked before, but it's a new year and there's a few new competitors for the plasma throne. Looks like our friend Akshay was all about LCDs until checking out this article, and now he's ready to look at plasma for his next flat panel HDTV. The only question is, which one? The Panasonic G10 or V10 series? Find a Kuro on closeout? We'll let him set the mood:

"Ok, now to the main point - I'm looking to buy a HDTV. I have been trying to read reviews online and have been stuck with the basics -- Plasma or LCD. I was going through some Engadget HD archives when I found this article and decided to ask for some advice from the experts. I was leaning a bit towards LCD, especially the Samsung lineup interests me a lot. Then I read an article which easily proved that Plasma is somewhat a notch higher than LCD even though its phasing out.

Ever since I read this, I'm wondering which technology to opt for, given all the factors including picture quality, viewing angles, pricing, marketing gimmicks, etc. If I were to go with Panasonic, which model would be a really good one? My budget is around $1700 (LCD or Plasma). Any lil bit of help/advice from your team would be highly appreciated as I really respect what and how you guys manage engadget! I'm looking to buy it in Aug end/Sept time frame."

We know at least a few plasma TV owners are reading this, reach out via the comments and let us know which one will fit Akshay's budget best.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best plasma to pick up in 2009? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/07/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 147 - 07.22.2009

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Engadget logoWe've got a very special treat for you on the podcast this week, joining the usual crew are Robert Heron and Patrick Norton of the show HDNation. After discussing the new show we dive right in, with plenty of discussion around Toshiba's Blu-ray plans, the problems of BD-Live and why Blu-ray has such a bad reputation in certain circles. There's also a few tidbits about the Media Center features spotted coming to Windows Home Server, what to expect from On Demand Online and why we're so excited every preseason NFL game will be in high definition. Saved for last are some digs at the BBC & F1 racing for being HD laggards, plus a few audio comments, so quit with the reading and get to listening.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:02:30 - Revision3 takes on our favorite topic with HD Nation
00:13:50 - Toshiba launching Blu-ray player by year's end
00:21:50 - Blu-ray celebrates 91 percent sales increase for first half of 2009
00:29:30 - Universal bringing BD-Live integration to the iPhone, irony to starving children
00:35:50 - Redbox scores deal with Disney, Lions Gate and Sony
00:44:23 - New Media Center features in WHS Power Pack 3 exposed in a screencast
00:48:50 - Poll: Will you ever use On Demand Online?
00:53:30 - Every single preseason game will be on the NFL Network in HD
00:59:45 - BBC promises Open Championship in HD next year
01:22:35 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 146 - 07.15.2009


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Engadget HD Podcast 147 - 07.22.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/07/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoWhether you're down with LCD, plasma, OLED or CRT, we want to see you in the live Ustream screening and chatroom of the Engadget HD podcast Tuesday, July 21st at 5:30 PM ET. Face it -- if you're checking out Engadget HD, you're the type who wants to know stuff before the "other guy," and by tuning in you can listen to the podcast before even our producer gets a hold of it. Of course, that means you also get the straight dope with any blemishes and outtakes, but we promise they're more entertaining than your average BD-Live feature. A list of topics and embedded Ustream chat after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/07/2009 - Toshiba Blu-ray Player By Year End as Format Sales Grow

More flesh has been added to Toshiba's plans to bring out a Blu-ray player - it is likely to be called the BD-18 and could be available as soon as the year end.
The company, which backed the HD DVD high-definition format that eventually lost to Sony's prevailing Blu-ray, had stubbornly maintained it would not bring out a Blu-ray player and instead focused on its XDE DVD-upscaling technology.

21/07/2009 - Pace Secures Brazilian HD Set-Top Box Deal

Pace is to provide an HD-capable set-top box to Latin America's largest multi-service cable provider.
Brazil's cable operator NET Serviços de Comunicação is buying the UK firms's new HD-capable set-top unit as part of its drive to establish a fully HD, digitised customer base.

17/07/2009 - Revision3 takes on our favorite topic with HD Nation

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HD Nation
We were big TechTV fans back before it was killed by Comcast and swallowed by G4, and like most old TechTV fans, we're very fond of the work being done by Revision3. But starting this week we became even bigger fans since the online video network launched a new show on our favorite topic. The twenty minute episode is hosted by Patrick Norton and Robert Heron with the first episode covering some of their favorite Blu-ray demo material, as well as the HDTV calibration discs and 240hz LCD TVs -- so yeah good stuff. Overall we were impressed and look forward to them diving into some deeper topics down the road. And yes, of course it is available in HD.

Continue reading Revision3 takes on our favorite topic with HD Nation

Revision3 takes on our favorite topic with HD Nation originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/07/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best media streaming set-top box?

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Let's be realistic, we're not going outside, and 3D isn't quite ready yet, but we've all got video files on the PC we want to get on our HDTV and with new set-top boxes seemingly dropping every day, why not ask the question one more time? We'll let Brian break down his situation:

"I have recently upgraded my home theater and am now rocking a 55" 1080p screen, full surround sound and a subwoofer big enough to use as an end table. But what I don't have is any way to watch a movie that doesn't involve putting a disc in a drive and pressing play. Just doesn't seem right! So what I'm looking for is a decent set top box that has:

1. Internal storage, 1TB at least
2. Network connectivity. Wireless is not necessary, as I have ethernet already run to the cabinet
3. Upscaling to 1080i or 1080p. I have a lot of my DVDs ripped, and if I can encode them in native resolution it will save an enormous amount of drive space over upscaling them to a size that works on the big screen
4. Support for all the usual video formats, especially h.264
5. Responsiveness. This is important, I don't want something that's frustrating to use

Oh yeah and price. I don't have a rock solid limit, but I'd like it to be less than $250 without storage or $350 with it. There are so many options out there I'm not sure where to start. So, what do you think?"

So Brian wants to go all digital with his movie watching experience, we're sure more than a few of you have or are thinking about a similar setup, what do you suggest?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best media streaming set-top box? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/07/2009 - Successful IFA Business Model Drives Markets in 2009

ADVERTORIAL: Product debuts and important industry topics such as ecology, lifestyle, HDTV & wireless communications the main features at IFA 2009
For the second time, and with an even more comprehensive show, the leading brands of the consumer electronics and electrical home appliances industries will be jointly represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at IFA 2009.

16/07/2009 - Belkin Cancels FlyWire Wireless HDMI Device

After a series of postponements Belkin has finally said it will not be releasing its FlyWire wireless HDMI accessory.
According to the company, the decision not to offer the FlyWire for sale has been taken because of the current state of the economy.

15/07/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 146 - 07.15.2009

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Engadget logoThere's a good spread of topics on the podcast this week, while staying light on the HTPC, Blu-ray and broadcast news. What does that leave? For starters, a bunch of news under the streaming, online and download headings. Continuing the theme of news from unexpected places, TiVo popped up twice in this week's show; unfortunately, no news about a revamped, mind-blowing new model or service. We saved our favorite stuff for the end of the show, as we trumpeted plasma over LCD, dispelled conspiracy theories about Blu-ray being an evil plot, and talked about how even though we love lossless audio, we don't hate the PS3. Well, at least not for the lossless audio performance.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:53:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 145 - 07.08.2009
00:11:40 - Blockbuster OnDemand en route to Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and home theater systems
00:18:36 - HBO, Cinemax coming to Comcast's On Demand Online
00:19:40 - Starz jumps on Comcast's On Demand Online trial, promises HD on the way
00:19:53 - CBS, Comcast On Demand Online partnership faces off premium vs. free internet streaming; 17 cable channels jump onboard
00:26:55 - Silverlight 3 out of beta, joins forces with your GPU for HD streaming
00:33:05 - 85 percent of the 14 billion videos downloaded last year were illegal
00:45:10 - TiVo asks court for a billion dollars in EchoStar case
00:54:00 - TiVo and Best Buy alliance to yield co-branded DVR, TiVo software on Insignia and Dynex TVs
01:00:23 - Numbers be damned, plasma eats LCD's cake in DisplayMate's tests
01:07:10 - Poll: Would you buy a TV running ChromeOS?
01:11:30 - Wal-mart rolls back cheap Blu-ray player price to $98
01:18:40 - So is Blu-ray really ripping off consumers?
01:22:50 - LPCM is not always equal to bitstream


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Engadget HD Podcast 146 - 07.15.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/07/2009 - Amimon Raises $10 Million on Back of Strong WHDI Performance

Wireless HD chipmaker Amimon has raised USD $10 million in its latest round of funding.
The Israeli company's announcement comes as demand for HDTVs capable of wirelessly transferring HD video from one device in the home continues to grow.

15/07/2009 - ASUS Enters HDTV Monitor Market

ASUS has announced a range of HDTV monitors that it says offers the best in desktop monitor and LCD TV technology.
The TV Monitor T1 Series comes in 22- (22T1E), 24- (24T1E) and 27-inch (27T1E) sizes and offers a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) panel, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 300 nits of brightness, five millisecond response time, built-in TV tuners (for the UK market) and a pair of seven-watt speakers.

14/07/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoIt's Tuesday, and you know what that means -- it's time to calmly file into Engadget HD's Ustream chat room, take a deep breath, and let go of your week's worth of HD angst in the company of friends who understand and sympathize. Heck, stop on by even if you don't have HD angst, because there's a chance the discussion will have wandered off topic and we'll all be talking cars, computers, or something else entirely. We'll throw up a list of planned topics and a Ustream chat tool after the break, just to kick things off. The party starts Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 EDT.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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09/07/2009 - Sony Launches Flagship HD Handycam

Sony has announced two new flash memory-based high definition camcorders – the HDR-CX520V and the HDR-CX500V.
Both cameras capture full 1920 x 1080 resolution video and up to 12 megapixel photos on internal flash memory. They offer support for up to 25 hours of HD video on the 64GB model.

08/07/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best outdoor projector setup?

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It's that time, even HDTV watchers want to get outside and enjoy the summer -- but how do we get our HDTV kicks outside? We've reached out for suggestions on outdoor flat screen televisions, but our friend Alpha Kanu wrote in with a slightly different question:

"I was just curious to know whether you guys have any recommendation for me in terms of a very good out door projector for showing movies in a tropical climate. In addition to that do you know of any compatible system like a DVD, Blu-ray or VHS and DVD that can work with it? Thanks for your answers."

So, there you have it, anyone picked up an outdoor projection screen and 1080p PJ to go along with their fireworks show last weekend? If you've got any experience or suggestions, drop a line in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best outdoor projector setup? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/07/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 145 - 07.08.2009

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Engadget logoWait -- an Engadget HD podcast without any Media Center news? There, there now, MCE-folk -- we manage to fit in some good stuff that's at least HTPC related and Ben tips his hand about Microsoft's new DRM scheme. We also manage to get behind a couple of scenes this week -- Steve talks about his trip inside Dolby's lab and Ben talks about how to get a set-top box situated behind equipment closet doors. Join us on our hour-plus romp through the week's news and come clean on our obsessive-compulsive videophile ways along the way; and with only a couple of minor tangential detours (cars and BSG, mostly).

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). p
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 143 - 06.24.2009
00:16:36 - Cable companies miss tru2way deadline, insist it's no big deal
00:26:05 - Sci Fi / SyFy switch takes effect tomorrow, still doesn't make any sense
00:31:17 - Engadget goes behind the Dolby logo
00:45:19 - How to relocate a HD set-top-box and still have it work with an HDTV
00:54:10 - You know you're a videophile if...
01:00:15 - Auzentech joins the HD audio HTPC party
01:06:15 - TiVo HD upgrade program helps you save as much as $100
01:11:10 - Pioneer refreshes, lowers prices on its Elite receivers
01:11:50 - Ask Engadget HD: How can I get my home theater ready for 3D, right now?
01:13:46 - Mobile DTV standard in the US gets raised to "proposed standard" status


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Engadget HD Podcast 145 - 07.08.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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07/07/2009 - Digital Vision Launches USB Flash Drive DVR

Digital Vision has launched the first USB flash drive-based digital video recorder (DVR).
The UK company says its GiGo DV-DTR1 Digital TV recorder allows users to record content and then view it on devices such as laptops.

07/07/2009 - MEDION Unveils Mobile HD Netbook

MEDION has unveiled its next generation netbook - with an 11.6" HD display and ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics.
The AKOYA MINI E1312 appears to offer fast performance for its class.

07/07/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoWe hope you got your fill of hot dogs, hamburgers and other grilled goodness this weekend, because it's time to kick back for about an hour with the Engadget HD podcast. We can't promise fireworks, but you're welcome to set off any leftover bottle rockets in the Ustream chat room while we try to find something in this week's news to get riled up about. Festivities begin on Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30PM EDT, but you can start chatting earlier with the Ustream audio/chat embedded after the break; we'll add in the list of topics as soon as we pick them.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/07/2009 - Mvix Launches "Ultimate" 1080p Home Theater Media Player

Mvix has announces the worldwide launch of the Mvix Ultio, a hard-disk based media center capable of HD digital media playback with video output as high as 1080p.
The company claims the device supports the largest array of AV formats and codecs of any media player.

03/07/2009 - HD Streaming and Blu-ray "Can Co-exist" - For Now

There are already more digital delivery devices connected to HDTVs in US homes than Blu-ray players, thanks largely to the Xbox 360 and the likes of TiVo, Roku, AppleTV and Vudu.
Yet despite the numerical supremacy of players capable of streaming HD content, digital downloads are not expected to be a serious competitor to the Blu-ray format anytime soon.

01/07/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 144 - 07.01.2009

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Engadget logoGood times this week as we discuss the future fallout of The Pirate Bay and illegal downloads in general. But that isn't the only fun we had as we also continued our Harris Poll talk, which we finally cut short since we are just sick of it. That doesn't mean we didn't continue talking Blu-ray though, as we covered more polls, including our own, and the latest Blu-ray player from Oppo. Finally we were all over the map on topics such as Hulu and the PS3, touchscreen remotes -- and why they suck -- then finally a little Curb your Enthusiasm and the ultimate technology laggards.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:10 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 143 - 06.24.2009
00:08:34 - Pirate Bay acquired by Global Gaming Factory, going legit like Napster
00:17:35 - Top ten rationales for illegally downloading HDTV shows
00:24:25 - Harris Poll concerning Blu-ray and HD DVD penetration is way off
00:27:28 - Futuresource still predicting big things for Blu-ray
00:29:32 - Poll: So how do YOU think Blu-ray is doing?
00:38:48 - Oppo BDP-83 pre-orders now open for all (in North America)
00:44:27 - Supreme Court declines to hear remote storage DVR appeal, cloud recording is on the way
00:50:06 - Why aren't MTV HD's music videos in high definition?
00:52:44 - Hulu to PlayStation 3 browsers: "This video is not available on your platform"
00:56:16 - Hands-on with the Apple TV iPhone remote
01:01:30 - Netgear MoCA Coax-Ethernet adapter review
01:07:30 - Curb Your Enthusiasm going HD this season, if you really want to see Larry David in HD
01:11:16 - 2.1 million households let the DTV transition pass them by


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Engadget HD Podcast 144 - 07.01.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/07/2009 - LG introduces stylish, LED-backlit 22-inch W2286L LCD HDTV

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By and large, there's nothing too incredible about LG's latest LCD HDTV. It's 22-inches, can double as a PC monitor, boasts a deceiving 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and consumes some 40 percent less power than the average Earth-hating 22-inch LCD. There's also a pair of HDMI sockets, a DVI port and a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, not to mention an automatic brightness sensor that responds to ambient light. There's no word yet on how pricey the 20 millimeter-thick set will be nor when it'll ship stateside, but hopefully it -- along with its 24-inch Full HD sibling -- will make the trip in short order.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

LG introduces stylish, LED-backlit 22-inch W2286L LCD HDTV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/06/2009 - HD Models Taking Over PVR Market


The personal video recorder (PVR) market is continuing to grow, fueled by high-definition models.
Global PVR shipments exceeded 25 million in 2008, with HD PVRs making up nearly 75 per cent of the total, according to In-Stat.

30/06/2009 - Panasonic makes Tsuyuzaki new CTO
The executive who helped Panasonic develop its Blu-ray discs and 3D FullHD TV technologies has been named as the new chief technology officer of Panasonic Consumer Electronics North America.
Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic’s Hollywood Laboratory managing director, is replacing Paul Liao who is leaving the company to be the new CEO of Cable Television Laboratories.

30/06/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoSummer's here, but haven't you heard that the sun is really, really bad for you? Make like a Morlock and stay inside with sweet HD technology to keep you company. And just to make sure you're up to date with said tech, join us for the live Ustream transmission of the Engadget HD podcast. We didn't give you much heads up last week, but now you've got a few good hours to plan your cubicle disappearance for Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30PM EDT. Embedded Ustream audio/chat after the break, to be followed with a list of topics as soon as we cull the herd.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/06/2009 - Why aren't MTV HD's music videos in high definition?

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Our friends at TV Squad are asking the same question we've had many times, what's up with MTV's treatment of HD? Specifically, why doesn't the MTV or VH1 HD simulcast channel air music videos in high definition? While it was news to us that MTV even aired music videos anymore, it's sad to see how poorly its handling the simulcast channel, though we don't have reception at this branch of the EHD HQ yet, word is they couldn't even keep simple things like the Real World HD broadcast straight last season. That's no surprise for a network that treats its simulcast like a redheaded stepchild (try finding a mention of it on MTV.com or Viacom's website) and staunchly refuses to loose any details of precisely which shows will be broadcast in high definition no matter how many times we ask, and we'll not even get into the endless loop of repeated programming that has become Palladia. Considering one can view any music video on YouTube in "HD" with little trouble, it's even more disturbing that MTV is so far behind the times.

Why aren't MTV HD's music videos in high definition? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/06/2009 - ZINNET debuts brite-View media players, streamers

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ZINNET, a company we've mostly seen hocking digital converter boxes to old-school broadcast TV owners, has just announced the brite-View line of media devices for digital download fans. The CinemaCube ($89.99) plays media from either an attached USB hard drive or over your home network, supports RM, RMVB, MP2, AVI, H.264, VOB, MOV, MKV, DivX, Xvid, and WMV video files up to 1280X720 HD (720p), and sports its own bittorrent client. Air HD ($399.99) is a wireless HD transmitter and receiver kit that supports up to 1080i@60Hz, 1080p@24Hz HD picture quality / 30Hz HD quality with less than 1ms latency, up to 70 feet. We'll be interested in seeing how these guys stack up against some of the other players out there -- in the meantime, peep the gallery below.



[Via I4U News]

ZINNET debuts brite-View media players, streamers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/06/2009 - Outgoing CableLabs prez talks about the origins of HDTV as we know it

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Current CableLabs CEO & prez Richard Green is moving on later this year as Paul Liao from Panasonic takes over the reigns and the first part of Multichannel News' interview with him covers the first time he saw HDTV back in 1980 and the process that eventually gave us the standards we have today.That goes back through the first NFL game recorded in HD, and why high definition took so long to take off -- apparently not everyone wants a 1 million+ lb 40-inch CRT and broadcasters were never happy about spending all the money necessary to upgrade -- from the days of 5x3 with 1125 lines. It's not a crystal ball to the success of Blu-ray, digital downloads, 3D or anything else, but worth a read for some interesting anecdotes on how tough progress is.

Outgoing CableLabs prez talks about the origins of HDTV as we know it originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/06/2009 - Rising Demand Makes Toshiba Reconsider Blu-Ray Products

Ever since losing the high-def format war to Blu-ray, Toshiba has resolutely refused to join the enemy camp and start manufacturing Blu-ray products.
Until now that is. According to reports coming out of its annual shareholder meeting in Tokyo, Toshiba is considering making Blu-ray products.

25/06/2009 - I-MOVIX Announces New Deal with CANAL+ France

I-MOVIX has announced a new contract with CANAL+ France to use its ultra slow motion SprintCam solution for sports broadcasting.
The SprintCam Live V2.1 and SprintCam V3 HD offer broadcast integration and have the ability to work at 500 fps under restricted lighting conditions.

25/06/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 143 - 06.25.2009

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Engadget logoWe're back with a vengeance this week -- tune in as we plow through a dozen of topics, each more riveting than the previous one. Well... okay, maybe not "riveting," but we did find some highs and lows from entirely unexpected sources this week. And no, despite Harris Interactive's poll that ran through the interwebs this week, we're not putting Blu-ray on deathwatch just yet; so you'll just have to listen in and find the surprising bits for yourself.

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[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:55 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 141 - 06.17.2009
00:04:05 - Blu-ray's Managed Copy explained, a Movie Jukebox is possible
00:18:45 - Poll: How much would you pay to make a copy of a Blu-ray Disc?
00:20:30 - Meijer's brand new $99 (shipped) Blu-ray player brings joy to skinflints everywhere
00:24:30 - Evidently it's still cool to hate on Blu-ray: Harris Poll spin
00:30:35 - Paramount launches Sapphire Series line of premium Blu-ray releases
00:35:25 - Sony Pictures to smarten up Blu-ray with MovieIQ, the "killer app for BD-Live"
00:39:35 - VIZIO Internet App HDTVs launch later this year, for less than you might expect
00:46:05 - Samsung HT-WS1 soundbar review
00:51:20 - Moxi HD DVR Review
00:59:38 - TiVo coming to Time Warner Cable, potentially lots of other providers
01:08:00 - Panasonic unveils 85-inch plasma at InfoComm '09
01:17:07 - Giant Cowboys Stadium LED wall caught playing Xbox 360 during downtime Update: Video!

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Engadget HD Podcast 143 - 06.25.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/06/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best region free Blu-ray player solution?

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This week's conundrum has tripped up more than a few people, from the President on down. We all know, the easiest solution to the problem of living in one place and wanting to watch movies released in another is a multiregion or region free player, but which one is the best? Let's get the details from Felix:

"I have a potentially more unusual question for you regarding choice of mainstream Blu-ray players. I'm interested in options for including codefree functionality

A brief bit of background. I am an englishman living in Germany; there are a couple of video rental shops here specialising in US/UK films and TV series. Many of their discs are purchased directly in the UK and the US, hence a number of their DVDs are region code 1 and I dare say that as their numbers of BDs gradually increase the same will be true here. As my DVD player is codefree this hasn't been an issue so far.

I am now looking into upgrading to a Blu-ray player, but being able to play DVDs (with decent upscaling) from all regions is an absolute must. And being codefree on the Blu-ray front would be a very nice bonus too though not essential. I have found a number of offers for 'chipped' Blu-ray players, but it would be great if you could let me know about the possibilities for the "chipping" process and the quality and reliability of the results.

Anyone else dealing with similar problems and has experience to lend? We've covered a few different multiregion sources in the past, but if you've picked one of these players up, or unlocked your own, let us know in the comments how it worked out

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best region free Blu-ray player solution? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/06/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoWhether you stop by for the audio commentary of the hosts, the text chat among HD enthusiasts, or just the rebellious feeling of doing something fun while you should be working, you're welcome to join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30PM EDT. Come on -- get up to date on HD, make some virtual friends and stick it to the man! A list of this week's topics and embedded Ustream audio/chat after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18/06/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Best HDTV & secondary video editing monitor for my Macbook Pro?

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This week we'll be appealing to all the prosumers out there, one of your own is looking for some assistance, needing a HDTV not just for play, but also for work. We've schooled on the differences between monitors & HDTVs before, and picked out 40-inch+ models with PC inputs, but see what you can do for John's specific requirements:

"My situation is this: I would like to combine my purchase of a new HD television as both an entertainment unit and a secondary monitor for my computer. I am a freelance video editor, shoot in HD (1080), and use a Macbook Pro 15" (2.4 ghz). I see 32" model as the right size/price range, and I will be sitting between 2-3 feet away from the screen when editing. Given all this context, my questions are these:
1. What features should I weigh most? (refresh rate, mhz, brand)
2. Given this screen size/viewing distance, does the 720p/1080p difference matter much?
I will begin seriously shopping around later this year, but would like some background knowledge before I start talking with sales reps."

Any of you making high definition movies instead of just watching them? Let us, and John, know what you look for in a display in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Best HDTV & secondary video editing monitor for my Macbook Pro? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18/06/2009 - QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan

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QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan
It's been ages (okay, months) since we first got our hands on the QNAP NMP1000 network media player, and it's a good long while past its supposed shipping date. But, shipping it is (finally), now hitting Japanese stores according to Akihabara News. Initially we were only told that the thing would cost "somewhere under $10,000," and we're glad to say it's way under: ¥45,000, or about $470. For that you get an HDMI 1.3-toting HD media streamer, which sports room for a 3.5-inch HDD, a gigabit Ethernet port, and the ability to not only stream media but also to act as a NAS, meaning this one didn't fall far from the 'ol family tree. Still no word on a US release, but hopefully that'll be well under $10,000 as well. Soothing demonstration video to tide you over after the break.

Continue reading QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan

QNAP's NMP1000 network media player starts streaming to Japan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/06/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 141 - 06.17.2009

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After last week's sleeper of a show we were excited to jump in and talk up interesting topics like Managed Copy, the digital transition and the latest do it all media device from Popcorn Hour. As you've come to expect, we took questions via comments, the phone, and the live chat; so don't hesitate to let us know how you feel, any way you like.

Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:05 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 140 - 06.10.2009
04:30 - Blu-ray gets Managed Copy next year, requires new hardware
18:45 - Poll: Is Blu-ray coming to Apple anytime soon?
23:57 - Transformers Blu-ray owners get an early peek at the sequel via BD-Live
33:57 - Will the DTV transition get more people watching OTA television?
46:32 - Digital transition causing grief for Windows Media Center users
59:10 - PopcornHour's latest C200 media box is Blu-ray (& anything else) ready


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Engadget HD Podcast 141 - 06.17.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/06/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoThe digital transition has come and gone, ushering in a new era of broadcast television. Whether you fear the change or welcome our new digital overlords, one thing is pretty much the same -- the Engadget HD podcast is dishing up the week's HD news live on Ustream. If you're wondering what happened to all your TV channels, you're probably not going to get a lot of sympathy from our live chatroom audience, but trust us -- they're good folk. Come see for yourself on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30PM EDT. A list of this week's topics and embedded Ustream audio/chat after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11/06/2009 - XStreamHD Strengthens Pre-Launch Executive Team

XStreamHD has boosted its executive team ahead of a national launch with the appointment of Jude Panetta as vice president of operations and Jack Wrigley as vice president of business development.
The direct-to-home Full HD transport network company is to launch later this year, offering 1080p images and 7.1 surround sound through a USD $400 box.

10/06/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 140 - 06.10.2009

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A pretty light week in HD news, but the three of us put our heads together and with a little help from our Ustream chatroom, managed to talk for an hour. There's definitely great gear for HT enthusiasts, including Panasonic's new V10 NeoPDP panels and Paradigm's SUB 25 monster subwoofer; either (or both!) of which would be a great way to kick off TV's post-analog broadcast era this weekend. If the world doesn't explode into ones and zeros on Friday, we'll be back next week with more news.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:58 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 139 - 06.03.2009
07:05 - A cool new DTV map from the FCC to help you prepare for the transition
15:27 - CNET: TC-P50V10 is "Panasonic's best plasma yet"
21:26 - Hertz so good -- Paradigm Signature SUB 25 subwoofer review
27:48 - Epix HD 720p movie streaming service eyes-on
35:40 - Buena Vista and Vudu to sell HD titles day-and-date with Blu-ray
40:45 - AACS finalize, death to analog in 2013
48:10 - Poll: 1080p streaming video vs. Blu-ray


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Engadget HD Podcast 140 - 06.10.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/06/2009 - Panasonic Introduces HD Camcorders Weighing 0.5lbs, World's Lightest

Panasonic has announced the release of two of what it describes as the lightest HD camcorders ever made.
Each model weighs just 0.5lbs (0.2KG) but boasts high-powered 16x optical zoom capabilities and can shoot 1920 x 1080 Full-HD videos.

10/06/2009 - US Transition to Digital TV Alters Viewing Behavior

This Friday sees US television going 100 per cent digital, a move that has impacted on over a quarter of households which have had to invest in new TV sets and/or services to prepare for the June 12th changeover.
However, researchers say that the switch to digital has changed traditional viewing habits.

10/06/2009 - Microsoft Unveils Motion Control Technology - Project Natal

Microsoft has just unveiled what it describes as a revolutionary new way to play Xbox 360 video games on HDTVs without the need for a controller.
Called Project Natal, the sensor, which combines an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor in one device, could have uses far beyond just gaming.

09/06/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoDo things like black levels, D65 color accuracy or room modes have you waking up in cold sweats? We've got some group therapy going on for you in the Engadget HD podcast. Stop on by Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30PM EDT and listen in to the podcast live on Ustream along with a bunch of like-minded HT enthusiasts. Better still, join the live chatroom and share your obsession. You don't have to go it alone any more, friend. Embedded Ustream audio/chat after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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09/06/2009 - LaCie's LaCinema Classic Bridge media player: just add storage

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LaCie's back with another addition to its steadily growing LaCinema family. The Classic Bridge ships for $99, including an HDMI cable and that iconic blue light, yet forgoes the hard drive -- perfect for all you crazy kids who already have plenty in the way of storage, but still need a way to get your media files onto the TV screen. Either install your 3.5-inch SATA HDD (FAT32 only, folks) or plug in an external USB drive, and you'll be watching re-runs of B. J. and the Bear in no time. Supports "flawless" 1080p HD resolution and all of the formats you depend on for your pop-culture fix, including: MPEG4, MP3, JPEG, and HD-JPEG. Not yet available for purchase, but in the meantime feel free to check this bad boy out in the gallery below.

LaCie's LaCinema Classic Bridge media player: just add storage originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/06/2009 - VIZIO introduces new XVT, M and E series HDTVs

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It's been a hot minute since we've seen any new kit from the cats at VIZIO, but it has evidently been hoarding up sets in anticipation for today. This morning, the company has let loose details on a veritable smorgasbord of new TVs, all of which fall within the XVT, M and E series. The XVT line is getting a boost from the new TruLED VF551XVT, which packs 240Hz dejudder technology, as well as a number of other companions ranging from 32- to 55-inches in size. The M series is amongst the prettiest of the bunch, boasting a JAVA design, 1080p panels and 120Hz technology. Finally, the E series (E is for Eco, get it?) sucks down far less energy than most, with screen sizes spanning from 19- to 42-inches. Far too many new sets are being unveiled to detail here, but you can feel free to dig in after the break.

Continue reading VIZIO introduces new XVT, M and E series HDTVs

VIZIO introduces new XVT, M and E series HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/06/2009 - Atlona AT-HD570 breaks lossless audio out of its HDMI shell

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Atlona AT-HD570 audio de-embedderIn its apparent quest to build up a product cutsheet on par with Gefen's, Atlona has added the audio-splitting AT-HD570 to its lineup. This gadget should be music (ahem) to those who want to hold on to their older receivers/processors, but are itching to get the new lossless audio codecs on Blu-ray discs. Send in a HDMI signal with audio in either LPCM or bitstream format (up to Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA), and this little box will break out the audio on SPDIF optical and 7.1-channel analog; those interested in the lossless codecs will want to grab those analog outputs. Meanwhile, the video signal stays on that HDMI cable, ready to go along its merry way to your video gear. The $219 price point might get you to consider picking up a Blu-ray deck with analog outputs instead, but definitely useful for cases where you're forced to deal with HDMI-less components.

Atlona AT-HD570 breaks lossless audio out of its HDMI shell originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/06/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 139 - 06.04.2009

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According the comments last week we really hit our stride incorporating uStream into the show and we have to say it makes it much more fun. If there were two themes with week it would be the Xbox 360 as a media hub and Hulu. Some might argue that this doesn't have anything to do with HD, but it does. Once again Richard joined us this week, which is always a good thing, but it is even better when we talk anything gamer related, because lord know the rest of us aren't gamers. Finally we have a soap box addition as we express our disgust in HDMI for the five new versions of HDMI 1.4 -- yes five.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawlyer

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:21 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 138 - 05.29.2009
14:10 - Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration
24:00 - Poll: Do you actually want to watch TV via your game console?
26:15 - Hulu Desktop app puts a remote control friendly face on for Macs & PCs
33:44 - Hulu coming to Roku video player?
43:00 - Poll: How much would you pay for Hulu on your TV?
50:40 - DISH / EchoStar ordered to pay TiVo $190 million in patent infringement case
59:23 - HDMI 1.4 officially detailed: Ethernet / Audio Return channels, 3D, 4K x 2K support


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Engadget HD Podcast 139 - 06.04.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/06/2009 - Growth in HDTVs Driving Demand for HD STBs

Shipments of set-top boxes are expected to peak this year, at least in mature markets, and then commence a gradual decline.
However the rolling series of analog TV shutoffs in countries around the world, combined with the strong uptake of HDTV sets, mean that HD STBs will form a growing fraction of the total market, according to ABI Research.

04/06/2009 - Silicon Image Appoints New Vice President of Worldwide Marketing

Silicon Image has announced the appointment of Tim Vehling as vice president of worldwide marketing.
Vehling will be responsible for product marketing, corporate marketing and technical marketing operations worldwide Silicon Image, which specialises in semiconductors and intellectual property for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition (HD) content.

04/06/2009 - SiBeam CEO Welcomes Wireless HD "Competition"

INTERVIEW: With a third group now entering the race to deliver a high-speed wireless technology in the home - and wireless HDTV products hitting the market - momentum is building.
John LeMoncheck, president and CEO of SiBEAM, and a leading member of the WirelessHD (WiHD) consortium, told hdtv.biz-news that he welcomes the addition of the rival Wireless Gigabit (WiGig) Alliance to the fray.

04/06/2009 - Online Video Viewing Rates "Grossly Overstated"

The amount of time US viewers spend watching online video and mobile video is growing rapidly - but still accounts for a small fraction of total video content viewing.
That's the conclusion of a study into how people spend their time consuming media, including live TV programming, time-shifted television, DVDs, video games.

04/06/2009 - AMD Launches Chip For HDTV-on-the-PC

AMD has launched a chip offering HDTV viewing capabilities on desktop and notebook PCs around the world using analog, digital and free-to-air broadcast signals.
The company says the ATI Theater HD 750 PC TV chip uses advanced video processing and signal reception technologies to give an authentic HD home theater feel on the PC.

03/06/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

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Engadget podcast logoEven if you're that guy who shows up to your friend-of-a-friend's place on game day and picks apart their new TV, we'd love to have you join in on the Engadget HD podcast's live Ustream Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30PM EST. Heck, especially if you're that guy, you'll want to sit in on the broadcast and join in the chatroom as Ben and Steve get grumpy about this week's news. Let it out and let the healing begin -- a list of topics and embedded Ustream after the break.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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31/05/2009 - HDGiants files BK, lays off everyone but the CEO and support staff

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HDGiants
We can't say we didn't see this one coming as the streaming and hard disk delivery service HDGiants has filed chapter 11 bankruptcy in Nevada this week and lays off everyone but the CEO Scott Bahneman and perhaps one technical support person. No word on what will happen to those Niveus owners who paid one to two thousand for a hard disk pre-loaded with HD movies in the past six months though. The company was working on expanding its services to all Media Center fans, but the economics just didn't come together as investors refused to pony up for the next level.

HDGiants files BK, lays off everyone but the CEO and support staff originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 31 May 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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31/05/2009 - The complicated economics of an all HD channel

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HDNetWhile you're kicking back and enjoying some HD content on a lazy Sunday it is easy to give little regard to the economics that make that HD content possible. Most don't care much about what makes the world go around, but if you've always wondered why there aren't more all-HD channels, this recent post over at Multichannel news is worth the read. Most notable is the challenges all-HD networks face including the fact that Nielsen doesn't even provide rating for them. If you're a big Mark Cuban fan you might also find it interesting as a number of his quotes are included like when he says "We really think that as our distribution continues to grow, we can dominate the demographic (13-34 males)."

The complicated economics of an all HD channel originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 31 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/05/2009 - NDS Chosen For Germany's First Cable HD DVR Service

Germany's two largest independent cable operators, Tele Columbus and PrimaCom, have selected NDS' DVR solution XTV to launch the country's first cable HD DVR service across their networks.
The two operators serve some 3.5 million cable-connected households and operate a large number of independent networks.

28/05/2009 - New HDMI Cable Adds Internet Data to Video and Audio

A new version of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable has been announced by the industry alliance responsible for licensing the specification.
HDMI Licensing said the upgraded 1.4 version of HDMI will make it easier to connect Internet-connected HD video devices to TVs and other appliances.
The new cable will be able to transfer Internet data as well as video and audio data - something that the existing version isn't able to do.

28/05/2009 - NEC Upconverting Chip Promises Sharper Full HD Image

NEC Electronics has announced a new chip that reduces blurring when SD images and video are expanded and displayed in 1920 x 1080 resolution HDTVs.
The µPD9280GM is also capable of supporting one billion colors (30-bits color depths - or "Deep Color"), which enhances color vividness and accuracy of display, according to the company.

28/05/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 138 - 05.28.2009

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Mea culpas all around after last week's show -- not our finest hour, but we're not willing to give up on Ustream altogether just yet. Apparently, we're not alone, as several people joined us live this week while we got back up on the Ustream horse again. We get grumpy with Microsoft's efforts this week, and somehow still maintain hope for a Media Center + Windows Home Server future. Don't confuse us with sunny, happy wall-people, though -- there's plenty of grousing to go around as we cover the rest of this week's news.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:02:25 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 137 - 05.20.2009
00:03:20 - Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall
00:17:04 - Netflix Watch Instantly comes to Vista Media Center, not Extenders
00:26:15 - Linksys has no plans to add H.264 support to discontinued Extenders
00:34:03 - Is the future of Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?
00:46:42 - Cablevision on track to deliver Network DVR this Summer
00:58:37 - TiVo Central Online adds Now Playing and To Do lists
01:01:09 - Nielsen stats find 33% of U.S. households with at least one HDTV
01:04:00 - Hands-on with Yahoo Widgets on a Samsung 7000 series HDTV
01:10:25 - Paradigm's Studio 60 v.5 5.1-channel speaker system gets a big thumbs up
01:13:03 - Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-ray player review

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Engadget HD Podcast 138 - 05.28.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/05/2009 - Microsoft Confirms Zune HD with XBox Live Tie-In

Microsoft is to launch the Zune HD this autumn and the device will have access to TV, movies and games through the Xbox Live Video Marketplace.
Essentially being lined up as a rival to Apple's iPod Touch, the new PMP will have a built-in HD Radio receiver, an OLED touch screen interface, wi-fi, a multi-touch UI for Internet Explorer.

28/05/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast 138 live on UStream

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Engadget podcast logoDo you talk back to the Engadget HD podcast as you're listening to it? Don't go around looking like a crazy person -- join in on the podcast live on UStream and hear it as it's being recorded! We'll begin broadcasting Wednesday around 5:30pm EST. There's no open mic, but you will get to hear the podcast before it goes into production (live and uncensored) and text chat with other listeners; and we promise to take your comments at the tail end of each topic. Head past the break for the straight dope.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast 138 live on UStream

Join the Engadget HD podcast 138 live on UStream originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 27 May 2009 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/05/2009 - Join the Engadget HD podcast 138 live on UStream tomorrow

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Engadget podcast logoDo you talk back to the Engadget HD podcast as you're listening to it? Don't go around looking like a crazy person -- join in on the podcast live on UStream and hear it as it's being recorded! We'll begin broadcasting Wednesday around 5:30pm EST. There's no open mic, but you will get to hear the podcast before it goes into production (live and uncensored) and text chat with other listeners; and we promise to take your comments at the tail end of each topic. Head past the break for the straight dope.

Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast 138 live on UStream tomorrow

Join the Engadget HD podcast 138 live on UStream tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/05/2009 - HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed

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After being introduced to the world late last month, we've heard little else about HP's lower-end MediaSmart Server LX195... until now, obviously. This little media streamer made its way into the HotHardware labs for a little Q&A, and it managed to escape with lots of praise, a mild amount of criticism and a price tag that'll likely be too steep for most to swallow. As for performance and features, the LX195 was found to shine; the Media Collector, iTunes server and Time Machine backup functionality all worked great. Unfortunately, the "endless loop of updates" seen during the initial setup and the lack of an April update -- which was sent out to the EX series last month -- left somewhat of a bitter taste in reviewers mouths. Overall, the system delivered and worked as advertised, but the $360 to $400 street price is apt to turn all but the hardest of hardcore HP fans away, not to mention that the aforesaid EX update (which will hit the LX195 this fall) will require users to completely wipe their HDD and start over from scratch. Check the read link for the full writeup.

HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/05/2009 - Poll: Still interested in a connected HDTV?

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Oh connected HDTV, you blew away the fans at CES just a few months ago, but it seems most still don't plan on buying one immediately. Looks like that feeling of putting a purchase off may be justified, with our hands-on finding performance on the latest Samsung model a bit laggy at the moment. So let us know, are you still intrigued by widget HDTVs?

View Poll

Poll: Still interested in a connected HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 24 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/05/2009 - International HD news roundup

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Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, ?? ????????!

Read - RTVE to launch HD next year
Read - Lithuania's TEO adds three HD channels to Interactive GALA TV
Read - We can convince ITV HD to support Blu-ray recording, says Panasonic
Read - More HD for Russia's Platforma
Read - UEFA Champions League and FA Cup Final airing in HD next week

International HD news roundup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 24 May 2009 03:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/05/2009 - LG Offers First DivX HD 1080p Certified Blu-ray player

LG has launched the first DivX HD 1080p certified Blu-ray player.
The BD390 - originally displayed at CES in January - has an 802.11n WiFi module and support for DivX streaming from a DLNA server.

22/05/2009 - US HDTV Ownership Shoots Up

A third (33.3%) of US households now have HDTVs, up from 19.3% a year ago, according to a Nielsen survey.
However, only 28.8% of all US homes received HD programming as of February 2009.

22/05/2009 - HDNet Dropped By Time Warner

Time Warner Cable is dropping two HDNet channels, claiming their programming has "limited appeal".
The move is effective from May 31 with the channels to be replaced by other high definition options.

21/05/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: Which in-wall speakers for under $1,000?

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No two ways about it, we'd all like to have unlimited space and unlimited funds to get our home theater space together, but that isn't always the case. We've dealt with space constraints before, but it looks like Dan has a slightly different consideration:

"I recently moved into a new home and space is limited in my new home theater room so i was wondering if you guys could tell me what you think are the best in-wall speakers for under 1000 bucks for the front three. (all ready have rears) little background i have a Onkyo TX-805, PS3, DirecTV HD-DVR, and a 58" Samsung plasma."

We've covered a variety of in-wall audio components that might fit his price range, but we want to know which ones you would choose, let us know in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Which in-wall speakers for under $1,000? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/05/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 137 - 05.20.2009

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Good times this week as the oldest editor for Engadget HD finally joins your old favorites, unfortunately this new addition also introduced some technical difficulties so we had to work extra hard to clean up the audio. But despite our hard work we're afraid you're still going to be able to notice things didn't turn out quite right. We also continue to try out broadcasting the show on uStream and honestly think we've almost figured it out. When we do have it down, we'll be posting a link and letting you know the time and place in advanced. This week did have a really good slate of topics and the three of us didn't have any problems finding lots to talk about, so get ready for plenty of HD talk.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:38 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 136 - 05.14.2009
00:10:50 - Time Warner Cable loses HDNet at the end of the month, says "being in HD is not enough"
00:15:15 - History prepping WWII in HD series
00:19:49 - Netflix CFO talks Watch Now slection, competition
00:27:09 - Logitech Harmony Adapter for the PlayStation 3 review
00:35:15 - LG's WiFi-enabled, DivX-friendly BD390 Blu-ray player now shipping
00:39:25 - How do you like your TiVo, with bleeps & bloops or without?
00:43:33 - Automatic commercial skipping comes to Windows 7
00:52:55 - Linksys discontinues its Extenders for Media Center
01:02:00 - Hands-on with Microsoft's internet tv beta 2, still unwatchable
01:08:30 - If you saw Star Trek or The Dark Knight on IMAX Digital, did you get your money's worth?
01:21:35 - Poll: Best LCD backlighting choice?
01:27:45 - CBS.com ups the HD streaming ante, offers 1080p HD gallery of full episodes and clips
01:30:05 - HDMI 1.4 brings internet sharing, dreadful tiers of quality
01:34:50 - RealNetworks steps up its RealDVD legal case, just wants your approval


LISTEN (MP3)
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Engadget HD Podcast 137 - 05.20.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/05/2009 - AT&T adds 6 MTV Networks HD channels to U-verse

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This was too much to wait another day for our roundup, U-Verse officially announced picking up 6 new feeds today from MTV, with MTV HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD, Nickelodeon HD, COMEDY CENTRAL HD and Spike HD going live nationally (what happened to BET HD?) as part of a lineup with more than 100 HD channels in every market. That enough to make you part of even more new customers in this quarter? Press release is after the break.

Continue reading AT&T adds 6 MTV Networks HD channels to U-verse

AT&T adds 6 MTV Networks HD channels to U-verse originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 15 May 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/05/2009 - VIZIO HDTV Sales Boosted By Economic Downturn

US TV-maker VIZIO remains the largest shipper of LCD HDTVs in North America - with an increased market share as consumers turn to value products.
Shipments have increased 21.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2009, which is a 69 per cent increase year over year (YOY), according to iSuppli.

14/05/2009 - Epix Network Offers HD Movie Streaming Service

Epix plans to offer full-length HD movies over the Internet using a dynamic-streaming feature from Akamai Technologies' content-distribution network.
The movie service, created by Viacom, MGM and Lionsgate, previously said it was launching as a broadband-video service in May, followed by the linear cable channel in October.

14/05/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 136 - 05.14.2009

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We're sticking with our format of taking live comments from the Ustream chat at the end of each topic. Big news on the HTPC front this week, as a way to get CableCARDs working with non-OEM supplied systems was unveiled and we even went through the process of getting the job done. If DIY HTPC tech isn't geeky enough for you, you'll probably like our HD 101 explanation of some of the alphabet soup in HDTV. We also talk about some gear that's passed through our hands lately, including the SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone, Samsung's wall-mounted BD-P4600 Blu-ray player, and Logitech's Harmony Adapter for the PlayStation 3. Toss in some discussion about BD-Live's failure to capture our imagination, debate about whether to take in the new Star Trek movie in an IMAX or DLP theater, DISH Turbo HD customers missing out on the latest HD offerings, and chewing over what to do about line conditioners for your theater rig, and we call it a podcast!

Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:38 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 135 - 05.06.2009
00:06:40 - How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center
00:24:00 - HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?
00:36:56 - SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone coming shortly: $29.99, no 3G support
00:42:28 - Hands-on with the Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-ray player
00:52:05 - Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 -- official, real, and in our hands
00:57:30 - Sony Pictures responds to your poll results, discusses the future of BD-Live
01:04:43 - Best Buy still leads in Blu-ray sales, but Wal-mart is closing in
01:07:22 - Poll: Is Star Trek better at an IMAX or a DLP theater?
01:12:55 - All DISH customers with 5 new national HD channels step forward -- not so fast Turbo HD subs
01:16:45 - Ask Engadget HD: Best power and line conditioners for a big home theater?


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Engadget HD Podcast 136 - 05.14.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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14/05/2009 - HDMI 1.4 brings internet sharing, dreadful tiers of quality

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Okay, so there's good news and bad news. Given that we just love to tease, we'll start you off with the positives. HDMI 1.4 was just revealed, bringing with it an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) that enables data transfers of up to 100 Mbps between supported connected devices. Put simply, this could allow a "broadband-connected television using its HEC-enabled HDMI port to provide internet connection sharing with another HEC-enabled device such as a game console or DVR." Furthermore, the spec's Audio Return Channel (ARC) enables broadcast audio to be easily streamed back to an external amplifier, and the Automatic Content Enhancement (ACE) provides support for "future 3D video standards, increased resolution support (up to 4,096 x 2,160 pixels at up to 30Hz), and content recognition that promises to automatically optimize the TV's picture settings based on content type."

The bad news? HEC will only work with new HDMI 1.4 spec cables, and those will be graded into two separate levels of performance: low- and high-data rate. We needn't describe to you what kind of ball Monster Cable is going to have with that one, but even outside of that, we're baffled by the decision to add one more complexity to a cable that should seriously be doing everything in its power to not be overshadowed by DisplayPort. At any rate, we're told that Silicon Image is hoping to ship chip samples to manufacturers in Q2 2009, while HDMI 1.4-enabled products could arrive as early as next year. We aren't holding our breath, but we'll gladly eat crow if need be.

HDMI 1.4 brings internet sharing, dreadful tiers of quality originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 14 May 2009 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/05/2009 - Plasma market getting smaller and higher-end, but it's still alive

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Pioneer's decision to axe the Kuro earlier this year set off a wave of gloomy predictions about the future of plasma, but we've never really bought into it -- and it sounds like the product planners at LG, Samsung, and Panasonic haven't either. HD Guru asked reps from each company for their thoughts on the state of the plasma market, and the responses were pretty similar across the board: plasma remains the connoisseur's choice overall, and it still makes up just about half of 50-inch and bigger sales. Of course, that means that plasma's niche is shrinking and moving higher-end while LCDs more or less take over the rest of HDTV market, but until something like OLED develops into a true competitor we think plasma's around for a while. Check out the full company responses at the read link.

Plasma market getting smaller and higher-end, but it's still alive originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 13 May 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/05/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the best demo material to show off my new home theater?

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It's a proven fact: one of the main things pushing Blu-ray to the forefront is our need to show off the latest and greatest in home theater tech. Our boy Thomas has a related question that we've surely all faced, once everything is picked out, plugged in and calibrated, what do you watch? As he puts it:

"I've finally finished piecing together the best home theater (my) money can buy. Plasma display, Denon receiver, brand new 5.1 speaker setup and even some new furniture. My friends want to come by and see the new setup, but even with my satellite DVR, a large DVD library and a few Blu-ray discs I don't know what to show 'em to put my system to the test properly."

We've got you Thomas, one of the greatest pleasures of getting new equipment is blowing the minds of friends / neighbors / random people off the street. We're sure you have a disc, favorite channel or one DVR program stored away just for that purpose - let us in on the secret.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best demo material to show off my new home theater? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 13 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/05/2009 - Sony Launches Coin-Sized HD Camera

Sony has developed a coin-sized high-def camera module that can be used for security and industrial applications.
The 8.3-megapixel camera, which measures just 9.5 x 7.1mm, is capable of delivering 720p, 30fps video.

07/05/2009 - HD Uptake Drives ZON's Q1 Figures

Portugal’s leading cable provider ZON has doubled the take-up of its HD DVR.
Called the ZON Box, it was installed in 93,000 homes in the first quarter of 2009, pushing total installations up to 184,000 – 12 per cent of the total customer base.

06/05/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 135 - 05.06.2009

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Armed with some more interesting topics we once again try and broadcast the Engadget HD Podcast live via Ustream. Luckily this week we took a little different approach and did our best to ignore the chat until after we said what we had to say. Ultimately we think it turned out pretty good and are leaning towards making it a permanent part of the show -- but we'll wait on that decision until after we've read your comments. The highlight of the show this week was the DIY CableCARD PC news, which is really getting interesting. But we also talk about how silly the latest Vudu news is as well as how useless BD+ has turned out to be. Finally we talk a little TiVo, Hulu and DirecTV, so there really is a little of everything.

Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:38 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 134 - 04.29.2009
00:06:25 - DIY'ers successfully build their own CableCARD equipped HTPC
00:22:13 - DivX fills in the gaps and adds MKV support to Windows 7
00:31:10 - Vudu begins switch to an embedded service on Entone IPTV boxes
00:36:45 - Videociety VOD service uses Blu-ray players with BD-Live
00:41:05 - Paramount licenses BD+ DRM from Macrovision
00:45:35 - Survey screens reveal potential new FiOS guide, 1080p VOD, HD purchases on the way?
00:52:00 - Is TiVo planning a Flash upgrade?
00:56:22 - DirecTV HD TiVo actually not due until 2010
01:00:15 - DTV preparedness now more than 95-percent
01:01:55 - Disney grabs a piece of Hulu


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Engadget HD Podcast 135 - 05.06.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 06 May 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/05/2009 - Virgin Tests 200Mb Broadband, Plans To Boost HD Channels

Virgin Media has just begun a broadband customer pilot to test real-world deployment of 200 Mbps speeds - making it the fastest implementation of Docsis 3.0 technology in the world. Services offered in Japan and the US currently reach 160 Mbps and 101 Mbps respectively.
In a separate announcement, the UK digital cable TV operator said it plans to add up to five new HD channels this year to keep pace with growing demand for high-def programming.

05/05/2009 - Source announces Warpia wireless USB-to-HDMI adapter

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We've been waiting for an inexpensive wireless USB-to-HDMI solution for what seems like forever now, and it sounds like we'll finally have some options soon: Source R&D has just announced that it's going to be shipping the Warpia Wireless USB Adapter set at the end of May for an estimated $129-$149. Just like the Atlona AT-HDAiR, the Warpia kit is just a rebranded OEM unit from Wisair, so most of the same caveats apply: max resolution is 1400 x 1050, range is about 30 feet, and HDMI and VGA are the only output options. Still, we can't really think of a better way to do some quick'n'dirty Hulu watching, so we'll be on the hunt for one of these soon -- keep an eye out.

P.S.- Yes, we hope image quality is better than this totally bunk press pic on the Warpia site.

Source announces Warpia wireless USB-to-HDMI adapter originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 04 May 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/05/2009 - Met Player offering free HD opera streaming for the weekend

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Know an opera fan that hasn't been willing to drop the cash on a subscription or per episode fee for the Met Player streaming experience? All this weekend until midnight Sunday they're offering free and unlimited access to 200 full length operas, including 20 from the first three seasons of the Live in HD series. English subtitles are available for all of them, plus recently added French, German and Spanish subtitles. From "available only in select markets" to free streaming in HD to your computer in just a couple of years, wonder what they'll think of next?

Met Player offering free HD opera streaming for the weekend originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 02 May 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/04/2009 - BSkyB's Revenues Rise As HD Subscribers Double

It's taken a while but HDTV seems to have firmly established itself in the UK - underlined by the latest surge in subscriber numbers for BSkyB.
The satellite broadcaster has seen its HD base leap to more than one million subscribers - up 32 per cent on the previous quarter and more than double the 465,000 who signed up last year.

30/04/2009 - 802.11n Wi-Fi Will Dominate Wireless HD Video

802.11n Wi-fi technology will see off competitors in the wireless HD video market, at least for the next several years, according to In-Stat .
Three other technologies are competing in this space - Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI), WirelessHD, and Ultrawideband (UWB).

29/04/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 134 - 04.29.2009

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This week was a little slow for news, so we decided to try out a live chat room in USTREAM alongside our podcast, just to keep the degree of difficulty up. Between weaving in and out of conversations, we had a lot of talk about DVRs -- DirecTV is working on adding features, Moxi is lowering the barrier to entry, and TiVo is letting the competition catch up. The old red vs. blu topic came up for the first time in a long time, but Warner's Red2Blu trade-in program is more "assimilation/reconstruction" than "war." The next fight that comes to an end could very well be plasma vs. LCD, but from the reviews of Panasonic's 2009 plasma TVs that are coming in, it looks like plasma will go down swinging. Finally, the NFL managed to sneak onto the podcast with HD draft coverage. Thanks to all who joined us in the chat room; we'll spill the beans on getting you involved with the podcast as soon as we have a plan!

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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
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[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:50 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 133 - 04.22.2009
07:20 - RealDVD ripping software heads to court, fair use advocates on pins and needles
11:24 - Cutting Edge update brings multiroom, dual live buffers to DirecTV HR2x / R22 HD DVRs
15:45 - Digeo offers Moxi DVRs for easy monthly payments
19:05 - Ten years of TiVo: how far we haven't come
23:56 - Amazon Video on Demand supports 5.1 surround on TiVo (plus hands-on)
25:10 - Warner reintegrates HD DVD faithful with Red2Blu trade-in program
27:07 - CNET reviews Panasonic's 720p TC-P50X1 plasma
32:52 - ESPN prepping its first HD NFL draft coverage

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Engadget HD Podcast 134 - 04.29.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/04/2009 - 2011 Peak For SD DTT STB semiconductors

High-definition Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) set top boxes (STBs) offer semiconductor makers a short term spike in opportunity.
However, standard definition (SD) DTT STBs will be a more sustainable market for manufacturers, according to In-Stat.

28/04/2009 - VholdR Offers First Wearable HD camcorder

VholdR has unveiled what it describes as the first wearable HD camcorder.
Weighing just four ounces, the 5 Megapixel ContourHD can record 1280×720 video at 30fps or SD video at 60fps with H.264 codec.

28/04/2009 - Sprintcam V3 HD Demos Slow-Motion Capabilities

I-Movix's new SprintCam V3 HD produces slow-motion output equivalent to 20 to 40 times slower than normal speed.
That sounds great - and a showreel (after the break) by David Coiffer proves just how great it looks as well.

28/04/2009 - HD Videoconferencing - A "Compelling" Option For Business

High definition video has "raised the game" for videoconferencing and telepresence systems.
That's the opinion of Rick Snyder, president of Tandberg Americas, who says HD videoconferencing offers a "really compelling visual experience".

26/04/2009 - HD channel expansion roundup

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Once upon a time, a smattering of new HD channels in one major metropolitan area was a huge deal. Nowadays, it's almost expected that one area or another will experience some HD expansion each week. In order to keep things nice and tidy around here, we deliver high-def expansions, market expansions and anything else dealing with HD channel growth right here. If we missed an area that you're familiar with, drop us a line in comments so everyone can catch up. The more the merrier, we say!

Read - MTVN Launches Six HD Channels With SES
Read - TiVo takes on Nielsen
Read - Comcast Adds 27 HD Networks in Houston
Read - World Fishing Network: Fully Hooked On HD
Read - Smithsonian Networks(TM) and Time Warner Cable Sign Programming Distribution Deal
Read - Telemundo Leads HDTV Charge
Read - BET HD Now Available on Cox
Read - U-verse TV Starts 2009 With Record Quarter
Read - Comcast adds 27 new HD channels in Portland
Cablevision to add Live Well HD (Thanks LI PC Tech)
Read - Cablevision: High Definition Encore and Starz On Demand added
Read - Ringgold Telephone Company (RTC) is proud to announce the availability of eight additional high-definition television channels
Read - TMJ4 is Now HD (Thanks Paul)
Read - FOX 17: Broadcasting in High Definition (Thanks Alex)

HD channel expansion roundup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/04/2009 - JVC XV-PB1 Blu-ray player surprises with1080p MKV support

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The first Blu-ray player to come to the U.S. from JVC, the XV-PB1, hasn't received a lot of hype since its CES reveal, but that might change now that it appears to be one of the first supporting MKV playback, followin the Oppo BDP-83 and LG BD390. EHD reader Bill picked one up on the humble and lets us know he's had no problems playing 1080p video with DTS audio from a burned DVD. The manual on JVC's website indicates official MKV and AVCHD support, but surprisingly, not DivX although the spec sheet on the same website says it does. We're reached out to JVC to confirm what buyers can expect from the XV-PB1, but with MKV on top of BD-Live, network streaming from PCs and reportedly extremely fast load times this $299 player might reshuffle the list of most desired Blu-ray hardware.

JVC XV-PB1 Blu-ray player surprises with1080p MKV support originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23/04/2009 - LG and DivX Announce First HDTVs With DivX HD 1080p Playback

LG Electronics' new range of HDTVs will be capable of playing full DivX HD 1080p videos.
The company says the upcoming models will be the first device series capable of doing this - enabling consumers to play DivX HD videos from a PC or the Internet through a USB slot.

23/04/2009 - Warner Offers Blu-Ray For HD DVD Trade-in

More than a year after the high-def format war ended Warner Bros has launched a new HD DVD trade-in program in the US that allows its HD DVD titles to be exchanged for the same film on Blu-ray for a small fee.
Called Red2Blu, it allows consumers to get the Blu-ray titles for USD $4.9 (USD $9.95 for boxsets), without needing to trade in the actual HD DVD discs, just the cover art (with UPC code) from the red HD DVD cases.

22/04/2009 - Apple Consolidated AV Cable Signals iPhone HD?

Apple is reported to be preparing to replace its Composite AV Cable and Component AV Cable with a single cable called the Apple AV Cable, according to PhoneNews.
Aside from getting rid of the need for two separate cables - both of which had unpopular encryption chips - the move is being linked to an iPhone HD.

22/04/2009 - Sony Raises Blu-Ray Stakes With Feature-packed Entry-level Player

Sony has unveiled its latest Blu-ray player - the BDP-S360 - which comes with full 7.1 surround sound via a compatible AV receiver.
This is achieved thanks to newly incorporated DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD decoding capabilities - the first time these have been made available on an entry level Blu-ray player from Sony.

22/04/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 133 - 04.22.2009

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Lots of news hit the wire just before we started recording so we once again invited Nilay from the Engadget Podcast to join us and help out. He had an early peak at the Amazon HD streaming and provided some good insight, from an HD snob's point of view. Lucky for us he stuck around for the entire show when we also covered other VOD alternatives, the new Moxi HD DVR and a TiVo survey. Next we kinda struggled through some apparently unexciting Blu-ray news, but pushed on to discuss our most recent HD 101 post. We finnaly bring it all home with some bandwidth cap talk and a listener voice mail.

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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:55 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 132 - 04.15.2009
00:15:53 - Amazon Video on Demand HD on Roku Video Player hands-on
00:29:53 - DirecTV claims largest 1080p library, including all new HD VOD on the way
00:34:45 - Moxi HD DVR initial impressions
00:51:07 - TiVo survey hints at new name, direction for Series4 boxes
00:57:15 - Analyst: '09 YTD Blu-ray sales double those of '08, 10.5 million Blu-ray households in the U.S.
01:01:40 - Battlestar Galactica Complete Series Blu-ray set ready for preorder on Amazon
01:02:28 - Lord of the Rings trilogy Blu-ray set shows up on Amazon, but where's the extras?
01:05:05 - HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3
01:16:03 - BBC breaks down the new DRM rules for Blu-ray recorders
01:25:35 - Time Warner Cable scraps broadband capping plan in Rochester, NY

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Engadget HD Podcast 133 - 04.22.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/04/2009 - Onkyo debuts Universal Port-loving iPod dock, HD radio tuner

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Onkyo U-Port iPod dock, HD Radio tuner
Onkyo only kept early adopters of its recently introduced TX-SR507 and TX-SR607 receivers waiting for a month to put the Universal Port (U-Port) 'round back to good use. The company has introduced an iPod/iPhone dock (is there anything that doesn't have one?) and a HD Radio module as U-Port accessories. The $109 UP-A1 iPod dock will allow remote control of the connected device and will output component video to the connected receiver when it ships in May. The UP-HT1 HD Radio tuner will show up in July and for $159 will unlock HD radio reception to your Onkyo U-Port receiver. Neither peripheral is exactly earth-shaking, but it's a safe bet that one of them will enjoy a lot more uptake than the other.

Onkyo debuts Universal Port-loving iPod dock, HD radio tuner originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/04/2009 - Belkin Flywire Delayed, Price Rises

The launch of Belkin's FlyWire has once again been delayed - this time until August.
First announced at CES 2008, the initially promising-sounding wireless device streams 1080p HD content from multiple HDMI inputs to HDTV televisions using the 5GHz band.

17/04/2009 - Enciris Launches Low-cost HD Compression Solution

Enciris Technologies has unveiled HD video compression technology aimed at solving problems with reducing bandwidth and storage requirements.
The LT-100 is a Windows Media Video/ VC-1 HD video acquisition and compression board.

17/04/2009 - Torrent Offers Magnetic Solution To HDMI Connector Problems

Torrent has released a magnetic connector that aims to overcome the frustrating problem of loose HDMI cable connections.
The start-up says that with the help of a sliding sleeve its MagLoc connector gives a five-fold improvement in the HDMI connection strength.

15/04/2009 - LG Launches First Eyestrain-Minimising HD Monitors

LG Electronics' HD widescreen LCD monitors - the W53 series - will be available in the UK from next month, the company announced today.
The monitors are the first with automatic brightness control technology specially designed to reduce eyestrain during extended use, according to LG.

15/04/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 132 - 04.15.2009

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A little bit of a slow news week didn't keep us from finding plenty to talk about in this week's show. There were plenty of comments, both of the written and voicemail variety to cover, so we spend a good portion of the podcast covering what's in the listeners' hearts and minds; hopefully Time Warner cable will do the same and rethink its capping plans. We both got some good gear in for review this week, so we spend some time talking about our impressions of the Cisco SDV tuning adapter and the Moxi (cable-only) DVR. Media is moving online, and nobody knows this better than Netflix, which is looking to hire some talent for gaming platform development. As much as we stress Blu-ray quality, that doesn't mean DVD doesn't still have a place -- take Apple's computers, for example. We wrap things up with a not-so-surprising "Chicken Little" reaction from the CEA on California's proposed TV energy standards.

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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:30 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 131 - 04.08.2009
21:25 - Time Warner Cable lays out broadband capping plans, says $150 for "unlimited" use
26:22 - Paradigm SUB 25 subwoofer hands-on
32:10 - Cisco STA1520 SDV tuning adapter impressions
34:59 - Unboxing the Moxi HD DVR
40:33 - Is your cable company of the present your IPTV provider of the future?
43:55 - Netflix on the lookout for gaming platforms engineering guru
45:25 - Poll: Is the lack of Blu-ray playback keeping you from buying a Mac?
47:55 - CEA rails on California's proposed TV energy standards, rings doomsday bell


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Engadget HD Podcast 132 - 04.15.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/04/2009 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the best upscaling receiver?

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Alright, we've delved into receivers a couple of times recently, based on price and best for a 2.1 setup, but Justin has a slightly different situation that you might be able to help with:

"What's the cheapest A/V receiver with 3+ HDMI inputs that does upconversion/upscaling to 1080? I'm looking at the H/K AVR-254, Yamaha RX-V565 and the Onkyo TX-SR606 so far. The Yamaha is a newer model and I was also wondering if there is anything on the horizon that might mean a cheaper/better value for the above mentioned features."

Luckily, Justin came to the right place. We're sure you have just the box in mind that fits these specs - go.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best upscaling receiver? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/04/2009 - Panasonic's TC-P50G10 plasma nets a rave review from the HD Guru

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Panasonic TC-P50G10 plasma TV
Fans of the Pioneer Kuro plasma TVs that are riding into the sunset needn't worry -- based on the review from none other than the HD Guru, the THX-approved Panasonic TC-P50G10 is a more than worthy successor. Whatever tests the set had to pass to earn that THX badge, it was well deserved, too, with color that was spot-on and performance that ousted even the Pioneer Pro 141FD in brightness uniformity, ultimate brightness and motion resolution. Even fans of apline skiing should find the maximum brightness of 92 ft-lamberts more than adequate to make reaching for the ski goggles worthwhile. While there isn't a 72Hz mode, Panasonic seems to have addressed that deficiency with a solid performance of the new 3:2 pulldown mode. We recommend checking your credit card to see if it can survive a $1,800 bump before hitting the link for the glowing review.

Panasonic's TC-P50G10 plasma nets a rave review from the HD Guru originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/04/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 131 - 04.08.2009

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We start off talking about why a singular definition of what qualifies as "HD" is hard -- if not impossible -- to come up with in our ever-branching media landscape. One thing that definitely isn't HD, though, is E1 Entertainment's Blu-ray production of Gulliver's Travels, which cropped, zoomed and color-shifted the title in ways that just leave us scratching our heads; quite the opposite of Disney's Snow White Blu-ray release, which will get the full platinum treatment and a release a full seven weeks in front of the DVD. Next, we talk about rentals with Blockbuster's continuing tale of woe, which contrasts with Redbox's continued success despite Hollywood's blessing. Technology without content support hit us on two fronts -- iTunes 8.1.1 made HD rentals possible, but we're still waiting on content, and then ESPN touted its 1080p production facilities that can pump out content that won't fit into any broadcast or media. Finally, we wrap up with talk about TiVo's new ads that pop up while you're skipping ads and SlingPlayer for iPhone forcing users to buy new Sling hardware. There may be good reasons for these moves, but try telling it to users who feel like they are taking a step backwards.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 130 - 04.02.2009
11:04 - Do we need a better definition of HD?
14:16 - Gulliver's Travels Blu-ray shows the wrong way to bring animation to HD
15:42 - Snow White's Blu-ray debut is October 6
19:56 - Blockbuster voices "substantial doubt" about ability to survive
25:45 - At $1 a day Redbox is perfect for consumers, not so much for Hollywood
29:26 - iTunes 8.1.1 update adds support for HD rentals, but where are they?
33:30 - ESPN's SportsCenter goes West Coast & 1080p production tonight
39:56 - TiVo update brings pause menu ads to Series3 & TiVo HD owners
44:04 - Tuning Adapters coming to Windows 7 Media Center?
48:47 - Older Slingboxes won't work with SlingPlayer for iPhone


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Engadget HD Podcast 131 - 04.08.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/04/2009 - Sewell's WiFi-based HD Media Extender should be more affordable

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You know what's most annoying about wireless HD solutions? Two things, really. First off, 95 percent of 'em only come out to play at trade shows. Secondly, the other 5 percent require you to refinance your now-worthless home to even procure 'em. Sewell, a company known for delivering unexpected treasures when it comes to adapters, has just pumped out its very own wireless HDMI media extender. The good news is that it's shipping right now and it relies on 802.11a/n technology rather than WHDI, UWB or any other less ubiquitous option. The bad news is that 15 to 30 feet of cord-free AV goodness will set you back $1,199.95. You can weigh the pros and cons yourself, but we'll be begrudgingly sticking with coat hangers cheap-o interconnects 'til it becomes just a touch more of a bargain.

Sewell's WiFi-based HD Media Extender should be more affordable originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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07/04/2009 - Samsung Announces Next Generation LED HDTVs


Samsung revealed prices and market availability for its new species of flat-panel TVs, LED HDTV Series 8000, 7000 and 6000.
The new portfolio of LED HDTVs use edge-mounted LEDs as their primary light source rather than traditional Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL).

06/04/2009 - C-SPAN upgrades systems, preps for switch to HD someday

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C-SPAN isn't ready to follow MSNBC, CNBC and the rest into the breach immediately, but that doesn't mean it can't start planning for the future. A switch to digital in June means equipment upgrades, and new hardware from Motorola is spec'd to deliver not only that, but also future upgrades to MPEG-4 compression and HD on all three channels later on. The next time we watch a big leaguer or CEO weaseling through a session on Capitol Hill we expect to catch every drop of sweat in great detail.

C-SPAN upgrades systems, preps for switch to HD someday originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/04/2009 - LED-infused HDMI cables add some light to your home theater

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We know what you're thinking: you've decked out your gaming rig with a translucent case and a string of LEDs inside, and gave similar treatment to the wall just behind your display ... so why not add that special glow to your connection, too? Enter these HDMI 1.3 cables from Donya, available in only the finest of patriotic colors -- red, white, and blue. It'll set you back 999 yen (about US $10) plus an unknown amount for shipping, but if you're impatient, we're sure there's a little DIY weekend project to take from this.

[Via Akihabara News]

LED-infused HDMI cables add some light to your home theater originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/04/2009 - Do we need a better definition of HD?

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HDTV LogoThere's no doubt that there is plenty of so-called HD content out there that isn't worthy of the name -- not to mention a broadcast radio technology that has nothing to do with definition at all -- but it seems that trying to comprise a specific definition of HD is simply an exercise in futility. This is because there are a few examples of HD that by any definition would be considered HD, but still look terrible. Just take some of the original movies released on Blu-ray for example or some of the less expensive 1080p HDTVs. Sure all the pixels are there, as well as the color space and frame rate, but that doesn't mean the encoder didn't go crazy and screw it up, or that the display can accurately display the colors or have a half way decent contrast ratio. So while it seems like a great idea to quantify HD, in practice, just let your eyes be the judge.

Do we need a better definition of HD? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/04/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 130 - 04.02.2009

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Another day of waiting never killed everyone and a good thing too as we had a few technical difficulties that prevented us from delivering the show on time. Never the less, the big news this week was from Netflix and the fact that evidently Blu-ray has finally grown popular enough that the cost of renting them is impacting the bottom line and thus it gets passed on to the consumer -- surprised, we're not. Of course this spun off a much larger debate of the event's impact on the internet TV ecosystem and where are we headed? Eventually we move on from talking up downloads and talk a little Blu-ray. Like the new Samsung player, another interesting poll and Microsoft's tight ties with HD DVD. Speaking of Microsoft, we talk a little codec mess, but eventually move on to some miscellaneous stories like TBS-HD stretching, DirecTV's iPhone app and a HDTV's energy consumption.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:38 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 129 - 03.25.2009
00:19:32 - Netflix raising rates for Blu-ray subscribers by around 20 percent
00:26:11 - Is internet TV the key to à la carte?
00:39:14 - ZillionTV adds The Weinstein Company films to its streaming library
00:42:04 - Blockbuster OnDemand coming to TiVo
00:46:35 - Is Netflix PS3-bound, too?
00:50:32 - Samsung's 2009 Blu-ray player lineup officially priced
00:52:10 - Samsung BD-P1600 hands-on
00:53:33 - Poll: Have you talked anyone into going Blu?
00:54:43 - Microsoft to Toshiba: with HD DVD, we go down together
00:56:50 - Will Windows 7's integrated codec support cut off third party solutions?
01:03:35 - TBS-HD gives the stretching a little break
01:04:28 - DirecTV iPhone app now available
01:08:30 - California TV energy efficiency proposal details revealed


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Engadget HD Podcast 130 - 04.02.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/04/2009 - ArcSoft Plug-in Upscales Standard DVDs to HD-Like Quality on the PC

ArcSoft today announced a plug-in for its universal high-definition multimedia player which it says brings most standard-definition video to near HD quality.
Called SimHD, ArcSoft's in-house upscaling technology uses NVIDIA CUDA parallel computing architecture to upscale standard DVD movies to up to 1,920 x 1,080.

01/04/2009 - AnySource Media: Simple UI is Key To Internet-enabled HDTV

INTERVIEW: Mike Harris, CEO of AnySource Media, talks to hdtv.biz-news about his company's Internet-enabled TV platform that will start appearing in HDTV sets in the second half of 2009. The Internet Video Navigator (IVN) allows users to view Internet video on their HDTVs alongside traditional TV networks - without requiring a separate box or complicated wiring.

31/03/2009 - Is Netflix Price Rise A Set-Back For Blu-ray?

The price for Netflix's Blu-ray subscribers is going up again on April 27th.
The increase translates into an extra USD $4 a month for BD users opting for standard three-at-a-time plans.
While Netflix is arguably justified in charging more to finance its rapidly expanded - and more costly to buy - Blu-ray stock of over 1,300 titles, it doesn't help the high-def format's image.

31/03/2009 - HD-Capable Device Shipments To Triple by 2012

As HD becomes the global video standard shipments of high-definition set-top boxes (STBs), camcorders, DVD players and video-game consoles are expected to triple from 2008 to 2012, according to iSuppli.
Shipments of HD-capable equipment in these categories will rise to 202 million units by 2012, up from 68.9 million in 2008.

31/03/2009 - Blu-ray releases on March 31st 2009

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Slubdog Millionaire - Blu-rayThere's little doubt that the best title this week is Slumdog Miliionair, afterall it did winner Best Picture. But this is also a week of classics -- and we aren't using that word loosely here either -- as Fox has South Pacific (1958) and Warner has Gigi (1958) and An American in Paris (1951). Also of note is the 10th anniversary edition of The Matrix, which more importantly is the first time the title has been offered outside of the pricey box set. The other title really worth looking out for is Seven Pounds from Sony, but we'll warn you, this isn't the normal Will Smith action movie.

Slumdog Millionaire (Fox)
Marley & Me (Fox)
South Pacific (Fox)
The Matrix (Warner)
An American in Paris (Warner)
Gigi (Warner)
National Geographic: Journey to the Edge of the Universe (Warner)
National Geographic: Kingdom of the Blue Whale (Warner)
The Chronicles of Riddick (Universal)
Pitch Black (Universal)
Ghosts of Mars (Sony)
Seven Pounds (Sony)
The One (Sony)
LCD/Plasma Ultimate HD Experience: Africa (Well Go USA)
Serenity Travel: Vol. 1 (Mill Creek)
Tell No One (MPI)
Two Evil Eyes (Blue Underground)
UFC: The Best of 2008 (First Look)
The Way of War (First Look)

Blu-ray releases on March 31st 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/03/2009 - Gefen announces 4x2 and 2x4 Switchers for HDMI v1.3

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Gefen's roll of new switchers continues today with two new ones: the 4x2 Switcher for HDMI v1.3 and the 2x4 Switcher for HDMI v1.3. The former, as the title insinuates, enables users to connect four HDMI v1.3-enabled devices to two HDTVs or projectors, while the latter is aimed at integrators wanting to display the same high-def video and audio on four HDTVs or projectors at the same time. Each one also comes bundled with HDMI cables and is fully CEC pass-through / HDCP compliant. As for pricing, you're looking at $549 for the 4x2 and $699 for the 2x4, and they'll both ship out next month.

Read - 4x2 Switcher for HDMI v1.3
Read - 2x4 Switcher for HDMI v1.3.

Gefen announces 4x2 and 2x4 Switchers for HDMI v1.3 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/03/2009 - Microsoft to Toshiba: with HD DVD, we go down together

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We've been looking for some new paper to turn here at the Engadget HD offices, and it looks like Marshall Phelps' "Burning the Ships" may be our next purchase. Penned by a top Microsoft lawyer and co-authored by David Kline, the book lays out details on how Microsoft had decided to sink right along with Toshiba even as HD DVD took its last dying breath. Apparently Microsoft pledged its unconditional support for the format in hopes of winning a rare cross-license deal with a large Japanese electronics firm. CNET reports that at the time, winning such a deal with Tosh was "key for it in its efforts to convince large companies, even those with broader patent portfolios, to cross-license Microsoft's technology." The writeup tucked away in the read link is pretty interesting for those intrigued by deep, dark secrets of the past, so head on down if that's you.

Microsoft to Toshiba: with HD DVD, we go down together originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/03/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 129 - 03.25.2009

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There's plenty to talk about this week, and we kick things off with a lot of internet-related discussion -- Apple turned loose HD video purchases, Amazon has some HD TV show sales, and Netflix opened up its Facebook Connect program. After we ramp this all up to the long-term future of TV, we come back to reality with Windows Home Server's inclusion of Media Center features -- while not to the level of a true headless Media Center PC, this move might foreshadow (maybe not too-distant) future development of just such a kit. Microsoft certainly seems to keep up with support of the platform, and just this week sent out a patch for guide data that went missing after the DTV switchover. We roll right past the large number of Engadget HD readers who are still buying DVDs and into the review of the OPPO BDP-83; it looks like good unit, and certainly seems to have to disc support options covered. Rounding out the show, we talk about an all all-digital HDMI signal path doesn't necessarily guarantee a perfect path, and then wrap up with what gears we see turning behind the recent DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket news.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:03:20 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 128 - 03.18.2009
00:07:12 - Apple adds HD video purchases to the iTunes Store
00:15:38 - More proof that Amazon is about to sell high-def TV shows
00:28:47 - Netflix goes social, integrates with Facebook Connect
00:32:48 - Windows Home Server PP2 adds Media Center integration
00:48:30 - Microsoft restores guide data for ATSC channels in Media Center
00:52:20 - Poll: Are you still buying DVDs?
00:55:35 - OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player first impressions
00:59:59 - Just how important is HDMI 1.3?
01:06:18 - Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 gets official
01:11:17 - The NFL and DirecTV extend exclusive Sunday Ticket through 2014

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Engadget HD Podcast 129 - 03.25.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/03/2009 - GE Delays Launch of HDTVs

General Electric is to delay its re-entry into the television market after a 20-year gap as a result of "marketing issues".
The company announced in September that it was to offer GE-branded HDTVs in partnership with a Taiwanese company.

25/03/2009 - Europe's HDTVs "Starved of HD Content"

FutureSource Consulting has produced an interesting chart that highlights the gulf between HDTV ownership and the penetration of Blu-ray disc players in Europe.
It shows that there are 69 million HD-ready TV sets but just 8 million Blu-ray players,including PS3 consoles - prompting the title: "61 million TVs starved of HD content".

25/03/2009 - Canon Offers First Entry-Level DSLR With HD Video

Canon today launched its Rebel T1i DSLR - its first-ever entry-level DSLR with 1080p HD video recording.
The 15.1-megapixel camera uses the DIGIC 4 imaging processor to record either full 1080p video at 20 frames per second or 30 frames per second at 720p.

25/03/2009 - GE quietly delays premium HDTV line

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General Electric came clean with its intentions to delve into the wide world of HDTVs last September... and then the economy, as well as GE itself, fell apart. Earlier this year, we were actually clued in on some of the details surrounding the Tatung-built sets, but now we're hearing that the company is pushing everything back by around three months. GE maintains that the setback is due to "marketing rather than operational or manufacturing issues," though we all know right about now isn't the greatest time to introduce new high-end televisions. We also get the idea that GE may use the time to better implement connected HDTV features given just how prevalent those were at CES, but again, we're really just shooting in the dark here. Oh, we forgot to even ask -- does anyone care that GE's getting back into the TV biz, let alone that its forthcoming sets are delayed?

GE quietly delays premium HDTV line originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/03/2009 - Movie Gallery fires up in-store PowerPlay subscription plan

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At this point, Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video are just children in the grown-up world of video rentals, but even we can't help but appreciate its latest, um, attempt. After finding that people don't actually enjoy waiting for DVDs to arrive by mail, it has concocted its very own in-store subscription service, dubbed PowerPlay. In theory, at least, it's a fantastic plan; users are able to pop in, check out a DVD or Blu-ray for an unlimited window of time (or video game for five days), and then return it at their leisure. The problem? The unlimited service is a staggering $39.99 per month, and so far as we can tell, you can only have one flick at a time checked out. Other plans are certainly available, but none of 'em come close to the awesomeness of Blockbuster / Netflix. Sorry, but it's true.

[Via VideoBusiness, image courtesy of CPDothan]

Movie Gallery fires up in-store PowerPlay subscription plan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/03/2009 - Gefen's 8x4 CAT-5 HDMI Matrix is probably overkill for you

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Be warned -- unless you seriously need eight HDMI sources hooked up to a single matrix switch in order to activate four at a time on an array of panels, you should probably skip right over this one. If we just rung your bell, however, read on. Gefen's latest HDMI distribution box is definitely catering to the high-end / commercial market by being entirely rack-mountable and supporting up to eight HDMI inputs and four outputs. High-def signals can be transmitted over CAT5 cabling, and there's even an RS-232 port for additional control capabilities. As for distances, you can expect 1080i material to travel up to 300 feet without degradation, while 1080p content will flow 150 feet. The only problem? The $4,499 price tag. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Gefen's 8x4 CAT-5 HDMI Matrix is probably overkill for you

Gefen's 8x4 CAT-5 HDMI Matrix is probably overkill for you originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20/03/2009 - HD Movies Now For Sale on Apple's iTunes Store

HD movies are now available for purchase from Apple's iTunes for playing on Macs and PCs. Until now, high def movies had only been available to Apple TV owners.
HD Movies will be sold for USD $19.99, while HD rentals will be priced at USD $4.99. Both are in H.264 compressed 720p quality and will come with an HD file and an iPod/iPhone SD file.


20/03/2009 - 1080p Processing Added to Elgato H.264 Dongle

Elgato has launched a successor to its Turbo.264 USB video conversion dongle with the addition of 1080p compatibility.
Called the Elgato Turbo.264 HD, the upgraded - and much faster - device converts videos into the H.264 format from camcorders and digital cameras.

18/03/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 128 - 03.18.2009

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The spring is always a slow time for HD news, so with less to talk about, it gives us more time to go into detail. We start off the show with a twist on an old tip, which is to tune your TV for both picture quality as well as energy consumption. Next up, we talk a little EHX 2009, what was there, and what wasn't. The most interesting things at the show this year were Media Center related, so there is more than a little in there if you like that sort of thing. Finally we talk a little gestures, and the reasons why they don't make sense as well as why the new Boxee remote does. And last but not least we talk about the time we spent with the Popcorn Hour A-110.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:43 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 125 - 03.04.2009
06:29 - Dialing back display brightness is good for picture quality and your wallet
08:53 - On the scene at EHX Spring 2009
26:04 - CableCARD diagnostic tool gets previewed at Media Center University
27:52 - Ask Engadget HD: HTPC or HD media streamer?
33:25 - Poll: Have you seen a movie in 3D?
36:05 - Gesture controls the next big thing in TV, says guy selling gesture control tech
41:40 - Hands-on with the Boxee iPhone remote
49:30 - Popcorn Hour A-110 review

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Engadget HD Podcast 128 - 03.18.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/03/2009 - RedMere introduces industry's thinnest "smart" active HDMI cables

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They'll cost just shy of four gazillion dollars per meter, but the world's thinnest "smart" active HDMI cables are still pretty enticing; unfortunately for us, RedMere chose Monster to deliver said cables to retail, but we're crossing our fingers that it partners with other brands that are less soiled by frivolous lawsuits and priced even remotely close to "reasonable." At any rate, the new ultrathin cables feature RedMere's MagnifEye Active chip technology, and while we're not told precisely how slim these new strands will be, we're sure Monster will make quite the fuss whenever they begin to ship. Now, the only question remaining is this: will there be a locking version?

RedMere introduces industry's thinnest "smart" active HDMI cables originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/03/2009 - ION Television HD Debuts On HD-PRIME

SES AMERICOM has signed a multi-year distribution agreement with the US's largest station group, ION Media Networks, to launch its full suite of television networks in HD.
The move means that SES now has 60 HD channels on its HD-PRIME delivery platform.

11/03/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 127 - 03.10.2009

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Not so many topics this week, but we still manage to wring an hour of HD-talk out with lots of internet TV. We go around on ZillionTV, and we're not really sure of what's in store or how exactly it will be implemented, but we don't see a good case for it anyways. Clearly, lots of people are "interested" in internet TV, and we didn't need an analyst to tell us that -- the question will be in how much it costs and what exactly is delivered to end users. Oh, and quality of service -- which is something that boxee won't be able to promise for Hulu delivery now that the two parties appear to be going tit-for-tat. Internet delivery and piracy follow each other closely, but at least pirate bootleggers may be stifled by audio watermarks that can tie a theater seat to a disc purchased from a street stall outfit. We wrap up with some physical media discussion; Disney is giving you more with its Pinocchio Blu-ray by filling in those pesky black side bars with graphics while Fox is taking extra features out of its rental DVDs.


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[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:12 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 125 - 03.04.2009
07:41 - ZillionTV brings ad-based streaming content to the television
19:11 - Analyst: Nearly half of broadband households are interested in Internet TV
22:16 - Hulu blocks boxee browser entirely, gloves get ripped halfway off
30:55 - Poll: Do you watch internet-based TV?
34:20 - Amazon HD VOD still on the way for TiVo, at some point
37:33 - Audio watermarks let the MPAA know where a recording was taken, but not by whom
43:33 - Pinocchio's Blu-ray black bars filled in with Disney View
47:27 - Fox cuts out the extras on rental discs


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Engadget HD Podcast 127 - 03.10.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11/03/2009 - 1080p Video Possible With Intel's New Atom Chipset

Poor video acceleration - stuttering and frame rate drops - has been something of a blight for netbooks when it comes to playing HD video.
Now Intel has confirmed that the GN40 chipset for Atom chips, when paired with the Atom N280 processor, is capable of playing 1080p video.

11/03/2009 - HD Version of iPlayer Expected Soon

The BBC is planning on offering a high-definition version of its iPlayer - possibly by April.
While the move has been mooted since the online catch-up TV service was launched in 2007, it seems likely the HD service will shortly become a reality.

05/03/2009 - Hi-Den Launches First HDMI 1080p Photo Viewer

It seems peculiar that with the drive towards making HDTVs all-singing, all-dancing Internet-connected marvels, little had been done to improve something as simple as enjoying your photos on the big screen.
Now Hong-Kong-based Hi-Den Vision has popped up with what it claims is the world's first HDMI 1080p digital photo viewer.

05/03/2009 - Can Rising HDTV Prices Be Sustained?

After a period of steadily dropping HDTV prices the cost of sets to consumers appears to be climbing again.
The average selling price for HDTVs in the US jumped by more than 10 per cent in February, according to data from the Retrevo CE Index.

05/03/2009 - Panasonic's ultrathin TC-P54Z1 VIERA plasma priced at $5,999.95

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Yeah, we know -- six large for a 54-inch HDTV seems a bit much in today's society, but the same sort of thing was said last September when Mitsubishi threw a $6,999 sticker on its mesmerizing LaserVue set. Panasonic's one-inch thick TC-P54Z1 plasma, which just might be the last of its breed barring production of the NeoPDP concept, will undoubtedly serve a shrinking niche, but for those willing to pay for the best of what's new, they'll be getting an awful lot of sexy for $5,999.95. Speaking of that MSRP, that's the good word from the HD Guru himself, though we've yet to see an official confirmation from Panny. Honestly though, that's about what we reckoned it would list at after seeing it unveiled at CES, so now would probably be a good time to start hunting for any 10 percent off coupons for your favorite B&M HDTV outlet.

[Via CNET]

Panasonic's ultrathin TC-P54Z1 VIERA plasma priced at $5,999.95 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/03/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 125 - 03.04.2009

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If you've already had enough lamenting over Pioneer exodus from the plasma industry, then you might want to skip this episode completely -- or check out or ACC version so you can easily skip the boring parts. But we'll warn you, you'll be missing some good stuff as ol' friend Ryan Block joins us to clear up once and for all what his predictions for the future of plasma are, and how they differ from ours. But Ryan doesn't just join us for one or two segments, but for the whole show and while it still isn't the old Engadget podcast of yesterday, we had a good time chatting up new Blu-ray hardware, the origins of our love for Media Center, Hollywood and piracy and lastly the apparent death of S-Video.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steve Kim

Guest: Ryan Block

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:10 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 124 - 02.25.2009
00:18:00 - Does the death of KURO signal the end of the plasma?
00:20:54 - LG denies withdrawing from plasma market... in the UK, anyway
00:32:09 - Poll: Were you / are you planning to buy a plasma?
00:38:54 - Samsung BD-P1600 Netflix streaming Blu-ray player pops up at retail
00:44:38 - Kaleidescape still on track to deliver a pricey Blu-ray player this year
00:48:26 - SageTV's HD Theater gets Blu-ray streaming
00:51:31 - PowerDVD 9 with native Media Center UI goes live
00:58:58 - Hollywood still doesn't understand why people pirate content
01:08:17 - S-Video disappearing from AV receivers, few seem to notice


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Engadget HD Podcast 125 - 03.04.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/03/2009 - Sony delivers latest DVD HTIB sets

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Also checking in at Sony's Las Vegas showcase are these DVD upscaling-based HTIB systems. If those Blu-ray packing all-in-ones are a bit too much for you, the top of the line DAV-HDX589W and DAV-HDX589WC systems, featuring either S-AIR wireless speakers or S-AIR multiroom listening station, respectively, with 1000 watts maximum power to their 5.1 speakers for $430 later this month. The next models down drop features like auto calibration and audio enhancement on their way to a $300 price tag leaving a few lonely new portable DVD players, but really, like the rest of this line, it may be time to look upmarket.

Sony delivers latest DVD HTIB sets originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/03/2009 - Sony looks to help consumers out with new swivel HDMI cables

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Sony's launching its own version of the suddenly popular swivel head HDMI cable, with both vertical and horizontal links going on sales this month in lengths of about three or six feet. At $50 and $60, respectively, they solve the need for "costly" 90 degree adapters ($3 or so at Monoprice or other online retailers) and save space on flat panel wall mounts. Of course, if you were planning on wildly overpaying for HDMI cables already, they're really not that bad. It's all about perspective.

Sony looks to help consumers out with new swivel HDMI cables originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/03/2009 - JVC's new Everio X GZ-X900 does 1080p video, 9 megapixel stills, 600 fps slow motion

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JVC's new "Everio X" GZ-X900 camcorder is just what we like in a flagship device: incredible style, crazy specs, and awesome slow motion video of us slapping people. The GZ-X900 reworks the Everio line into a new brick-like form factor that's bordering on the shape of camcorders of yore, but JVC puts a nice twist to it, and the camera is obviously very compact. JVC used some "premium materials" in the construction and it really shows, but what's more exciting is the high-end 1080p resolution, with 1000 "TV lines" to sample from (it's not upscaling from a completely bum source like many compact camcorders). The unit also works as a fast-action still camera, for 9 megapixel shots at 15 fps, and 5.3 megapixel shots at 60 fps. What we're really wild about is the 600 fps slow motion, which operates at a 640 x 72 resolution -- you can get more pixels at slower frame rates. Unfortunately, none of this good stuff comes cheap: the camera hits retail in June for an even $1000.

JVC's new Everio X GZ-X900 does 1080p video, 9 megapixel stills, 600 fps slow motion originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/03/2009 - BitGravity Offers 1080p HD Live Video Streaming

BitGravity announced today that it is launching a live digital video service that will allow users to stream Flash-based HD video over the Internet.
The BG Live HD service can stream live events in 1080p or 720p resolution and doesn't require a viewing client to be downloaded.

03/03/2009 - I-Movix Launches SprintCam V3 Broadcast-Integrated HD Ultra Slow-Motion Solution

I-Movix has launched the first broadcast-integrated, native HD, ultra-slow-motion solution offering frame rates of 500 to 1,000 fps with instant replay.
The new SprintCam V3 HD produces slow-motion output equivalent to 20 to 40 times slower than normal speed, which the Belgian company says makes it the most advanced HD system available with full broadcast integration.

27/02/2009 - Celeno Technology Enables Multiple HDTV Streams Around Home

Technology that delivers multiple HDTV streams from PCs to TVs and other electronic devices around the home could be launched by the summer.
Israeli-based Celeno Communications is field-testing in-home WiFi networks with backing from Cisco.

26/02/2009 - Mirial's Softphone Video Conferencing Software Upgraded to Full-HD

Mirial has released version 6.2 of its video conferencing software that steps the Softphone up from 720p to 1080p.
Cristoforo Mione, business development director at Mirial, said that with Full-HD resolution up to 1080p for both decoding and encoding, the upgraded version set the pace of the evolution in video and VoIP technology.

26/02/2009 - Panasonic To Release Freesat PVR HDD Blu-Ray Recorder

Panasonic has unveiled what it claims are the world's first Blu-ray recorders with two integrated Freesat receivers and an internal hard drive.
Freesat is a UK free-to-air digital satellite television service that is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV.

25/02/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 124 - 02.25.2009

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This week, Ben and Steve soldier on without Engadget's consigliere, Nilay. Plenty of streaming news this week involving Hulu disappearing from Boxee, our how-to on automating downloads to a Media Center PC, March Madness coming into your cubicle courtesy Silverlight, and Netflix's plans for a streaming-only option next year. VUDU is selling HD and HDX content, not just renting it; and even though we disagree on the importance of this step, it is a step in the right direction nonetheless. A much bigger step is the more widespread adoption of Blu-ray/DVD combo packs, even if you won't be watching those Blu-ray discs on a Blu-ray recorder unit anytime soon. We then talk about aspect ratios -- HD 101 had a nice feature showing why we opt for leaving black bars on some content as opposed to stretching or cropping, and for those who must have way to watch 2.35:1 features with minimal black bars, we suggest flying to Europe to pick up one of Philips' Cinema 21:9 super-wide screens. We wrap up with some finger-waggling at ION for hopping on the coattails of the bungled DTV transition to hype up its own HD launch.


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[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
02:15 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 123 - 02.18.2009
09:41 - Hulu asks Boxee to pull content, it complies
16:17 - How to automatically download and import HD to Windows Media Center
24:46 - Microsoft's Silverlight to deliver NCAA March Madness on Demand in HD
26:48 - Netflix CEO alludes to streaming-only pricing by next year
31:01 - VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies
33:47 - More studios move towards Blu-ray / DVD combo packs
43:33 - Poll: Would you buy a Blu-ray recorder if you could?
43:33 - HD 101: Why there are black bars on HDTVs
51:22 - Philips gives Cinema 21:9 HDTV a price and release date
57:32 - ION scared off by the DTV transition, postpones debut another month


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Continue reading Engadget HD Podcast 124 - 02.25.2009

Engadget HD Podcast 124 - 02.25.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/02/2009 - Mobile Makers Pushing Hard for 1080p Video Content on Handsets

The global economy may be suffering but that doesn't mean the drive for technological advancement draws to a complete halt.
At the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, On2 Technologies' director of marketing, Tony Hope, told hdtv-biz.news about the push to bring high-def video content to mobile devices.

20/02/2009 - Indian Satellite TV Is Propelling Worldwide Market

The worldwide market for pay-Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television rose significantly in 2008, with an estimated 18 per cent rise in subscriptions, reports In-Stat.
It suggests the primary reason for this increase was strong growth in the Indian market, which more than doubled to about 9 million subscribers at the end of 2008.

20/02/2009 - Samsung Leading Global TV Brand, Full HDTV Sets Now Fifth of Market

Samsung has maintained its place as the world's biggest TV brand for the third year running.
With a 21.9 per cent market share, the South Korean electronics manufacturer is some way ahead of second placed Sony, according to DisplaySearch.

20/02/2009 - SiS Launches HDTV chipset For Full-HD Digital LCD TV Market

Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS) is to enter the HDTV market with a ATSC HDTV SoC chipset designed to be implanted in LCD TVs.
Although it names no names, the Taiwanese company says SiS328 has already been widely adopted by major TV brand vendors for their next generation high quality Full-HD digital TVs.

18/02/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 123 - 02.18.2009

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It is once again a sad week for HD fans. It's bad enough that progress in the DTV transition was delayed by 4 months, but now our worst fears have come true and Pioneer is officially getting out of the TV business. To help us cry over the occasion, Nilay Patel from the Engadget Podcast has joined us and he just might be a bigger plasma fanboy then us -- and that is saying something. We eventually do move on though and try to decide what a Blu-ray early adopter is. Then we talk a little Simpsons HD, and finally finish up with some Windows Media Center talk.


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[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steve Kim, Nilay Patel

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:02:08 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 122 - 02.11.2009
00:20:48 - The original DTV transition: what could've been
00:22:05 - The FCC releases the Go-NoGo analog shutoff list
00:29:33 - DisplaySearch shows slight LCD TV shipment decline in Q4 2008
00:32:48 - Pioneer officially leaving the TV biz by March 2010, focusing on audio
00:42:17 - Pioneer exec touches on exit from plasma business
00:52:53 - Poll: Are you happy being a Blu-ray early adopter?
00:59:37 - LG's BD300 gets new firmware update, YouTube access included
01:05:10 - The Simpsons goes HD tonight, new title sequence revealed
01:10:07 - The real reason why the Media Center TV pack update was OEM only?
01:19:26 - Hulu on its way to Windows Media Center via SecondRun.tv



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Engadget HD Podcast 123 - 02.18.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/02/2009 - Can Blu-ray Now Be Regarded As"Mainstream"?

Sales of Blu-ray discs have climbed to such an extent in Europe that the high-def format is now officially "mainstream".
At least that's according to the cross-industry trade body, Digital Entertainment Group Europe(DEGE).

13/02/2009 - Sony Plans Movie and Game on Blu-ray Disc

Sony is planning on creating a hybrid Blu-ray - with a game and movie on the same disc.
The move is being viewed as a way to boost the appeal of the Playstation 3 in the face of falling prices for Blu-ray players and the increasing popularity of games consoles such as Wii and XBOX 360.

11/02/2009 - LG intros power-sipping LH30FD LCD HDTVs in Korea

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Not even a month after LG outed its 50PQ60D and 42PQ60D Xcanvas plasmas over in South Korea, the company has introduced a trio of LCD HDTVs in the nation as well. The LH30FD models, all part of the burgeoning Scarlet series, are all presumably equipped with 1080p panels, inbuilt speakers and other modern amenities. While LG leaves out most of the details, we are told that all three sets boast a variety of picture modes, a trio of HDMI sockets and a four-step power saving mode that can purportedly "reduce power consumption by up to 70 percent." We've no way to prove or disprove that claim, but hopefully the stipulations will be spelled out more clearly when, er, if these migrate to America. As for those in Seoul, they can grab one later this month for ?2,400,000 ($1,725; 47-inch), ?1,650,000 ($1,186; 42-inch) or ?1,200,000 ($862; 32-inch).

[Via Slashgear]

LG intros power-sipping LH30FD LCD HDTVs in Korea originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11/02/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 122 - 02.11.2009

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Plenty of things happened this past week in HD, but one thing that won't be happening is a February DTV transition; we gripe about the fourth month delay and wonder what our politicians were thinking. The bad news kept coming as rumors of Pioneer's exit from the TV market swirled this week. It'll be sad if Kuros fade to black, but we'll keep hope alive that some manufacturers will still cater to crazies who pursue ultimate image quality. That might fit in well with the predicted "Golden Era" that analysts are calling for Blu-ray in 2014-2017. We talk a little Blu-ray and Netflix streaming before diving into Media Center news. As usual, the Media Center talk gets pretty technical, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We manage to wrap up on a more universal note -- discrete IR codes -- you'll know (and curse) if you don't have them, so everyone should be informed on this cornerstone to robust automation.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:55 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 121 - 02.04.2009
12:09 - The DTV transition delay could end up costing over $500 million
14:23 - Stations can still yank analog plug this month, though many won't
18:45 - Latest Nielsen figures put DTV unreadiness at 5.1%
20:54 - Pioneer reportedly ending TV production, spinning off DVD business
26:49 - The State of Home Video study predicts a Blu-ray Golden Era of 2014-17
30:27 - Panasonic drops the axe on DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player
33:33 - NPD Group says discs don't have to fear downloads... yet
35:47 - Xbox Live tallies 1 million Netflix Watch Instantly activations, 1.5 billion minutes served
39:57 - VUDU permanently cuts retail price of movie set-top-box in half
47:20 - Windows 7 gets Hauppauge HD-PVR support via 3rd party
51:22 - Automatic commercial skipping is a go for Media Center in Windows 7
56:52 - HD 101: Discrete IR codes


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Engadget HD Podcast 122 - 02.11.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/02/2009 - UK Capital To Begin HD Terrestrial Tests

London's Crystal Palace transmitter has been fitted with equipment necessary for high definition test transmissions to be carried out.
The modulator equipped for test transmissions using the new DVB-T2 transmission standard was provided by Enensys.

10/02/2009 - ARCHOS Offers Android-powered HD Media-playing Smartphone

ARCHOS, the company that "invented the PMP", is to bring out a touchscreen smartphone based on the Android operating system.
The new ultra-thin Internet Media Tablet (IMT) will allow playback of HD video while offline.

10/02/2009 - Vudu Halves Cost Of Basic Player

The cost of VUDU's basic 250GB VUDU HD player has been halved to USD $150.
According to the on-demand internet provider the move is not a sign of looming financial problems. It stresses that the dramatic price cut is due to positive factors.

09/02/2009 - Blu-ray releases on February 10th 2009

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W. Blu-rayAlthough this is another week without any day-and-date blockbusters, there are more than a few that will make our rental queue. The first is Oliver Stone's W. which we figure is a must see no matter what your politics. The other new release to watch out for is the comedy Soul Men which is probably not a very good movie, but has to be good for a few laughs. Warner pulls four more out of its vault including the classic John Grisham movies The Pelican Brief and A Time To Kill. For Universal this is The Rock week with both Doom and The Rundown. Fox has two more of its classics too with The Boondock Saints and Donnie Darko. We're still messing around with our links, so this week we linked to Rotten Tomatoes' reviews and as always if you have a problem with that, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Blu-ray releases on February 10th 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/02/2009 - Thanko rolls out HDD Media Player 2, hard drive not included

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It's not quite as whimsical as some of Thanko's other gadgets, but those looking for a barebones media player may actually want to consider the company's new HDD Media Player 2, which looks like it should get the job done and do so on the cheap. Naturally, you'll have to supply your own hard drive, but the enclosure will handle most of the media-playing abilities you'll likely want (including DivX and even DVD VOB file playback), and you'll get a decent enough complement of ports, including VGA, component, composite, s-video, and an optical digital audio output. Look for this one to set you back just over $70 -- plus the necessary shipping charges from Japan, of course

[Via Le Journal du Geek]

Thanko rolls out HDD Media Player 2, hard drive not included originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/02/2009 - SageTV HD Theater review

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When we first heard about the new SageTV HD Theater, we thought it was just a smaller version of the HD100, but boy we're we wrong. The reason is simple, the new HD Theater from SageTV does everything we loved about the HD100 -- like extending HD from SageTV DVR software to any TV in the house -- but is now smaller and adds a great new twist: it will work as a standalone media streamer. Now we know what you're thinking, "great, like we need yet another media streamer." We know it, because that's exactly what we were thinking. But this is different because it will play every codec under the sun -- including MKV and H.264 -- and at the same time give you direct access to online content from the likes of YouTube and HD Podcasts -- Hulu was demoed at CES, but isn't live yet. Before you get too excited though, this wonder box isn't perfect, but you'll just have to click on through to learn all about that.

Continue reading SageTV HD Theater review

SageTV HD Theater review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/02/2009 - Euro HD To Nearly Triple In Five Years

The number of HDTVs in European households is set to rise from 59 million now to 170 million by 2013.
What's more encouraging is the number of HD channels distributed in Europe should go from the current 130 to more than 600 in the same period, according to a study by NPA Conseil and Euroconsult.

04/02/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 121 - 02.04.2009

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If you can never get enough of the Engadget HD podcast, you're going to love this week because with some help from a special guest we managed to record the longest podcast we've ever done. There's some great stuff in there though, like some in depth analysis of the latest Netflix news, opinions regarding the DTV transition delay, and eventually an early look at the SageTV HD Theater review. In regards to the last part, we had some help from our friend Brent Evans from Geek Tonic who happens to be an expert on all things SageTV and knows a thing or two about HD too. But if you happen to be the type who hates when we get long winded, it's in your best interest to hit up the AAC version where you can quickly and easily skip past the parts that don't interest you.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Guest: Brent Evans

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:08 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 119 - 01.21.2009
00:20:29 - Netflix sees subscribers opting for streaming over mailing, global surplus in red envelopes predicted
00:25:28 - Netflix earnings call roundup: Testing Saturday shipments, 700k Blu-ray subscribers and even more streaming
00:27:44 - Netflix considering premium price tiers for additional streaming content?
00:34:55 - How-to guide explains boxee / Vista Media Center integration
00:40:17 - Will BD-Live finally shine in 2009?
00:43:30 - Digital TV transition delay bill fails to pass in House
00:46:35 - Netgear's Coax-Ethernet Adapter up for pre-order
00:51:42 - LG BD300 Blu-ray player review
00:57:53 - CableCARD recordings and Blu-ray play at full resolution over analog outputs
01:01:53 - Did NBC's promotional shove help or hurt 3D?
01:04:21 - SageTV HD Theater review

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Engadget HD Podcast 121 - 02.04.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/02/2009 - Rush HD preps an SD channel for Canadian viewers

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This one falls a bit outside our weekly expansion roundup, by virtue of being one of the few channels going in the other direction. AdrenalineHD just got approval to launch an SD version of Rush HD in Canada, so long as 95% of its content is the same. Far be it for us to question the laws and standards of the land of Terrence & Patrick, but we're completely taken aback by this one. We guess those former Voom channels have to do anything they can to avoid the fate of Monsters HD.

Rush HD preps an SD channel for Canadian viewers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/02/2009 - Blu-ray releases on February 3rd 2009

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Zack and MiriIf you like comedies, then you're going to love this week. Not only do both of the day-and-date titles look funny -- Seth Rogen's Make a Porno is definitely hilarious -- but some of our favorite classic comedies from Fox are finally on Blu. Speaking of which, Fox really came through this week, we mean who doesn't like Napoleon Dynamite, Office Space and Sideways? All we can have to say about that is we're not drinking ** Merlot and vote for Pedro. This week we're also trying something a little different with the links. Instead of leading you to reviews of the movies, we're directing you to Netflix so you can easily add the movies to your queue. But don't worry if you prefer reviews, because if this doesn't work out we'll go back to the old way.

Blu-ray releases on February 3rd 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/01/2009 - Thirst For HD Drives Freesat Sales To 200,000

Demand for HD content has helped drive sales of Freesat devices past the 200,000 mark since the UK service was launched last May.
While the figure is impressive, it further highlights the gulf that has opened up between the US and Japan and the rest of the world.

29/01/2009 - Epson Ensemble HD Home Cinema System gets reviewed

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Let's get one thing straight up front: Epson's Ensemble HD Home Cinema System isn't right for everyone. In fact, we'd say it's right for only a small sect of individuals. You see, this all-in-one solution is really all-in-one, meaning that you'll not only have to be completely okay with each and every component, but you'll need a local installer to come and set everything up. For those looking to exert zero effort into their home theater system, this is the one to beat. E-Gear critics were able to have a sit with the 1080p version of the bundle, and while nothing was absolutely groundbreaking, everything seemed to function well enough. Video and audio were both satisfactory, and the fit and finish of everything was superb. If you've found yourself in that tiny niche of prospective buyers, you owe it to yourself to give the read link a look before throwing down thousands.

Epson Ensemble HD Home Cinema System gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/01/2009 - BSkyB Adds HD Customers And Promises More High Def Content

BSkyB has added 171,000 new customers in the second quarter and reduced churn to below 10 per cent.
It will be hoping to build on the interim results for the six months to 31 December 2008 helped by the the news that further investment is to be made in HD programming. The announcement that the price of the Sky+ HD receiver is to drop to £49 will undoubtedly provide a massive boost to that ambition.

28/01/2009 - UK Gets HD Programmes For AppleTV

Apple has announced that the first HD show is available for download from the iTunes store for AppleTV owners in the UK.
The first offerings in high def are episodes of the current series of ABC's Lost, which will be sold for £2.49 each.

28/01/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 120 - 01.28.2009

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This episode went long, but we cover a good smattering of topics. This week the VideoScan charts added more -- and more interesting -- data for us to chew on. There's a battle raging for how many boxes can be added beneath your TV, so we talk about boxee, Kodak, VUDU and AppleTV to cover our ideas on the crowded lower shelves of your equipment rack. Netflix's Watch Instantly has taken up residence in many boxes, but where is the red envelope company headed? Films in 3D is definitely getting a lot of attention -- we're still not convinced about it getting into the living room, but the results from My Bloody Valentine 3D indicate studios might think otherwise. We wrapped up a long-term review of THIEL's SCS4 speakers, and the bottom line is that these almost $2k per pair speakers may not be cheap, but they do represent value for those really serious about good sound. People shopping THIEL probably also know the AudioQuest name in cabling, and this week it surprised us to see that AudioQuest has introduced field-terminated HDMI cables. We'd love to get a kit to make custom length HDMI cables (tidiness counts!), but we're guessing the price will keep us away for now. Windows Media Center is up next, and Windows 7 looks like it will bring some welcome improvements to those who have not jumped into the TV Pack yet (or jumped back out for stability reasons). Now, if Microsoft would add more codec support to the Xbox 360, things would be even rosier. Probably the biggest news this week, though, was the impending delay in the DTV transition. It looks like it's going to get bumped by four months, which we're not thrilled with; but the question is really how many people is it ok to leave out in the cold on day zero of the transition? We finish on a good note -- Super Bowl XLIII -- it's here, and we've revived our annual checklist so you can make sure you're set for the game.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:57 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 119 - 01.21.2009
00:20:14 - Nielsen VideoScan High-Def market share for week ending January 18th, 2009
00:26:32 - Disney to release Bolt on Blu-ray two days before DVD
00:27:17 - boxee mulls production of its own set-top-box
00:30:39 - Kodak's Theatre HD Player unboxed and reviewed
00:31:59 - Netflix's Reed Hastings talks future technologies, streaming
00:40:12 - Netflix profit up 45% in Q4, nears 10 million total subscribers
00:40:57 - VUDU looks to integrate with TVs, DVD players
00:44:44 - Ask Engadget HD: Is the Apple TV worth it?
00:51:51 - 3D: is this the resurgence that counts?
00:53:02 - My Bloody Valentine 3D grosses way more in 3D than 2D
00:56:05 - THIEL SCS4 speaker review
00:58:24 - AudioQuest cooks up field terminated HDMI cables
01:00:00 - Missing remote covers the new highs and lows of Media Center in Windows 7
01:04:13 - DivX is not 100% in love with Xbox 360's tone right now, or its unofficial codec support
01:05:37 - Senate okays digital TV transition delay to June 12th
01:06:24 - 5.7% (6.5 million) U.S. homes still not DTV ready
01:09:31 - Prepared for Super Bowl XLIII? Here's how.


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Engadget HD Podcast 120 - 01.28.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/01/2009 - HDNet Fights signs up with Ring of Honor wrestling

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We're not so sure that we like the direction this might be headed in, but HDNet Fights has signed up with Ring Honor of Wrestling for content, including a weekly series. The professional wrestling promotion was founded in 2002, and with its Code of Honor rules, it was a step away from typical professional wrestling and towards pure catch wrestling, but it's professional wrestling still. We had hoped that HDNet Fights was going to establish itself as a smaller, but still viable alternative to UFC, but this move suggests otherwise. We know HDNet Fights needs to add content, but is there enough audience overlap between professional wrestling and other fight sports that this makes sense? MMA fans, let us know what you think -- does this move water down the brand?

HDNet Fights signs up with Ring of Honor wrestling originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/01/2009 - 43% of US HDTV Owners Don't Watch HD Content

More than 39 million US households have an HDTV set - and the figure keeps on rising.
Yet a sizeable proportion - 43 per cent or 17 million - either don't have or don't watch HD content.

26/01/2009 - Blu-ray releases on January 27th 2008

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RockNRolla Blu-rayThere are actually quite a few new releases this week worthy of your rental queue and maybe even of your buying dollars. The most obvious is the latest Guy Ritchie movie RocknRolla, which has a very respectable IMDB score of 7.5 -- and after Snatch how could you not give it a try? Warner keeps it rolling with another day-and-date, Pride and Glory, which didn't do as well on IMDB, but anything with Edward Norton is good, right? Warner also has a sold catalog with Pacino's Any Given Sunday and Universal continues to play catch up with the very popular The Brourne Trilogy -- and no, the movies aren't available individually, which is a crime. Two other mentionables this week is the day-and-date thriller Lakeview Terrace from Sony and Zodiac from Paramount. Next week looks to have a few good catalogs on it as well, as we can't wait to laugh again at Office Space and Sideways.

Blu-ray releases on January 27th 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/01/2009 - Poll: Will you buy an internet-connected HDTV?

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Outside of 3D, the hottest thing going at CES in terms of high-def was internet connectivity. When we outlined the HDTVs that are destined to ship this year, a huge chunk of 'em were spotted with Ethernet jacks and promises of widgets galore built-in. So, here's the question: are you planning to replace your perfectly good set this year with a connected HDTV? Does the concept of widgets and web content on your screen make you giddy inside? Feel free to discuss below after casting your vote.

Poll: Will you buy an internet-connected HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/01/2009 - Hardware Confusion A Barrier To Blu-ray Uptake

With prices of Blu-ray players and discs falling, the high-def format appears to be making some headway after a hesitant start.
But public ignorance of what hardware is required to fully enjoy Blu-ray is preventing even greater uptake, according to the British Video Association.

21/01/2009 - Final Chance to Nominate HDTV Person/Product Of The Year

The new year may well be firmly underway but there's still plenty of time to submit your nominations and votes for hdtv.biz-news' 2008 Man and Product of the Year awards.
With voting expected to be close in both award categories there's plenty of opportunity for latecomers to make their mark.

21/01/2009 - Engadget HD Podcast 119 - 01.21.2009

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Back from CES, we kick things off with the age-old plasma vs. LCD debate. Bottom line: no technology reigns supreme forever, but we don't see plasma giving up the picture quality crown just yet and we don't think Europe will be refusing to sell plasmas en masse, either. There's a new President at 1600 Pennsylvania, and with that comes a new FCC -- we take time to give our two cents on the poorly-implemented DTV converter box coupon program, crazy notions of delaying the DTV transition and tinfoil-hat talk of the cable monopoly. We go on a few rants before settling on something we're happy to see -- DirecTV's HDPC-20 is DISH's Draco project for Windows Media Center sounds good, especially in light of DirecTV's "suspended" HDPC-20. Big props to Darren for putting together a comprehensive post of the TVs of CES -- TVs are kind of belles of the CES ball, and they're all rounded up nicely in one post. Also, we reached out to our pals at Engadget to help put together a Netflix HD streaming shootout, so check it out and form your own opinions. Not everything is newness, however -- after 30 years, Pioneer said goodbye to laserdisc this week; we take some time to put some perspective on the 12-inch platter format.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:18 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 118 - 01.11.2009
00:15:20 - LCD vs Plasma in 2009
00:24:36 - Poll: Do you prefer plasma or LCD?
00:25:36 - Power-guzzling plasmas could be barred by EU
00:28:31 - Additional funding on the way for the digital TV switch?
00:32:12 - FCC's Kevin Martin proposes alternatives for delaying DTV transition
00:35:47 - Possible new FCC chair could focus on net neutrality, not cable pricing
00:39:33 - Study finds interest high for connected HDTVs
00:41:33 - Sling Media loses most of its top brass
00:44:49 - CyberLink bundles Media Server 2 with JVC's NX-BD3 Blu-ray HTIB
00:46:34 - Blockbuster's MediaPoint player reviewed: unsurprisingly disappointing
00:48:27 - DISH Network's Draco project brings programming to Windows Media Center
00:56:00 - The HDTVs of CES 2009
00:57:34 - Netflix HD streaming shootout goes down at Engadget Classic
01:01:42 - Pioneer finally kills production of its remaining laserdisc players

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Engadget HD Podcast 119 - 01.21.2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19/01/2009 - NVIDIA's Ion For AppleTV?

Reports are circulating about the likely inclusion of NVIDIA's Ion platform in the next AppleTV.
It appears that Apple was the first to receive samples of the platform - when other potential users were being supplied with blueprints.

19/01/2009 - Blu-ray releases on January 20th 2008

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The Express Blu-rayMany are more excited about the inauguration than this week's Blu-ray releases, but there are a few good movies. The most interesting to us Universal's The Express, but then again we're a sucker for football movies. Next up is Max Payne, which looks fun, but has a really bad IMDB score of 5.6. Just about every studio has at least a few movies this week, but another worth mentioning is a catch-up title for Blu-ray from Universal in the way of King Kong. Next week is about the same with one hot day-and-date like Pride and Glory and a few great cataloges like The Bourne Collection.

Blu-ray releases on January 20th 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/01/2009 - Pantel expands line of waterproof Mirror TVs, lowers prices

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Pantel has apparently decided that three waterproof Mirror TVs simply aren't enough, so it's expanding the family to four while lowering prices across the board. As of now, users looking for an outdoor HDTV that can withstand the elements can find a 20-, 26-, 32- and 42-inch solution from Pantel, all of which posses 1080p native resolutions, twin 10-watt speakers and optional touchscreen upgrades. As for pricing, they're running $1,999.99, $2,999.99, $3,499.99 and $4,499.99 from smallest to largest, which ain't half bad for a set that you can pour soda on while your favorite team gets pummeled.

Pantel expands line of waterproof Mirror TVs, lowers prices originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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14/01/2009 - Philips revamps Blu-ray lineup with three new players

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BDP-7310 Blu-ray player

In all the announcements at CES we somehow managed to miss these new Blu-ray products from Funai Philips. The three new players consist of two that can do BD Live and the entry level BDP-3010 which is still profile 1.1. Both the BDP-5010 and the BDP-7310 have an SD slot for BD Live, but the higher model includes a 1GB SD card. The 7310 will also include support for more audio codecs as well as AVCHD and DivX. Both the 3010 and 5010 will be available in April for $229 and $249, while the 7310 is expected in May for $299.

Philips revamps Blu-ray lineup with three new players originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13/01/2009 - New Chip Spells iPhone HD?

Imagination Technologies has announced a new graphics processor IP core - the PowerVR SGX543.
The UK-based company is the designer of the PowerVR MBX hardware used in the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Its new four-pipeline SGX543 is expected to be able to support HD resolution video and graphics output.

12/01/2009 - Study finds interest high for connected HDTVs

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Connected TVs are being blasted out hot and heavy here at CES, so it's a good thing that early studies are showing quite a bit of consumer interest. New research carried out by Oregan Networks has discovered that 71% of respondents would prefer a media browser to be installed within their next HDTV, and if for some reason it didn't, 45% said they'd be inclined to download one while 29% "definitely would" download one. Researchers also found that online video portals such as YouTube and Hulu were seen as value-add inclusions, and having them baked into HDTVs would enable families to spend more time together enjoying the spoils of digital video. Moreover, those polled voiced their love for being able to access networked media around the home on their sets, which makes us wonder if either technophiles were intentionally asked or if the world really is swaying to appreciate media streaming.

Study finds interest high for connected HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/01/2009 - NeuLion iPTV HD Box streams Internet videos to the TV

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NeuLion, the people behind the NFL's GamePass HD and Game Rewind online streaming video services, is launching a standalone IPTV receiver capable of decoding 720p or 1080i video. The iPTV HD TV Box not intended to be sold directly to consumers, but their partners may offer it so viewers can take their Silverlight, Flash or Move Networks encoded streams to the HDTV. No word whether any tuners are included but it can access a 7-day channel guide, output Dolby Digital 5.1 audio and serve as a DVR. A bit simpler than an HTPC and probably cheaper than a whole new HDTV, keep an eye out for the first boxes shipping in March.

NeuLion iPTV HD Box streams Internet videos to the TV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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08/01/2009 - HD Content Helps Freesat Double Sales

Freesat doubled sales of its satellite packages in the last quarter of 2008.
Emma Scott, MD of the UK's free-to-air digital satellite television service, said high definition content from the BBC and ITV have helped drive sales.

07/01/2009 - Octava's HDS31A 3x1 HDMI switch with L/R audio routing is made for legacy HDTVs

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Octava's pushed out a few HDMI switches before, but never one like this. The HDS31A 3x1 HDMI switch is custom tailored to play nice with legacy HDTVs, which -- generally speaking -- have a single DVI input for digital video and L/R stereo audio inputs that are mapped for other video sources such as composite or S-Video. This here box enables users to sync up a trio of HDMI video sources and three L/R audio outputs through a single connection, and it enables users to keep the video input select on DVI. The unit is 1080p compatible and gets its commands via IR remote or manual selection -- if that's good enough for you, you can pony up $149.99 to get one headed your way.

Octava's HDS31A 3x1 HDMI switch with L/R audio routing is made for legacy HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/01/2009 - Young Lead Shift Towards Internet TV Viewing

Internet television viewership is increasing rapidly in the US due to better content and improved viewing quality, according to Move Networks.
The Internet TV service provider has released figures showing it streamed more than 100 million hours of high definition content and over 180 million total hours of content in 2008.

06/01/2009 - Blu-ray releases on January 6th 2008

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Pineapple ExpressHere we are in the first week of the so called "5th quarter" and Hollywood is obviously trying to get your gift cards out of your pocket with a few day-and-date releases. The funniest of the lot is also the one we picked as the title of the week as the hilarious combo of Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen once again come together, but this time to bring us Pineapple Express. The other day-and-date releases to pay attention to are The Wackness, Righteous Kill, Babylon A.D. and finally Banqkok Dangerous. None of these are anything spectacular, but most definitely worth a browse over to IMDB to see if one of 'em is up your alley. Also this week is a few box sets TV fans will appreciate, the first season of Dexter and Atmospheres - Earth Air Water from NatGeo. Next week looks to be really slow though, as there are only two titles worth mentioning and one is Appaloosa, which was supposed to be out this week.

Blu-ray releases on January 6th 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/01/2009 - Samsung Promises Thinnest Ever HDTV

Samsung is to unveil a flat-panel HDTV measuring a waif-like 6.5-millimeters at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The TV set is reported to be between 6.5mm and 7mm across its width and has an LED (light emitting diode) backlight.

05/01/2009 - LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs

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Yup, it's official. LG will be showcasing the world's first Netflix-enabled HDTVs at CES this week. The so-called Broadband HDTVs will arrive in plasma and LCD flavors, though exact screen sizes and model names have yet to be disclosed. They'll arrive with Netflix streaming software baked right in, meaning that no external set-top-box will be required to suck down Watch Instantly material. Best of all, it sounds like HD Netflix content will also be supported, and with the accompanying remote, viewers will be able to "read synopses, rate movies and fast-forward / rewind the video stream." No word on pricing, but the family of sets should be shipping this Spring. Hop on past the break for a look at the full release.

Continue reading LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs

LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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05/01/2009 - LG to release first HDTVs that instantly stream movies from Netflix

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It was really only a matter of time, but instant streaming from Netflix is finally getting piped straight to the tele. Until now, users needed an HTPC or a set-top-box / movie player that supported Watch Instantly, but we've received word that LG will debut the world's first Netflix-enabled HDTVs this Spring. Details are pretty light, but we're told that both plasma and LCD models will be unleashed; unfortunately, it's not entirely clear if HD Netflix will be included and if the sets will / won't be WiFi-enabled. Keep it locked here for anything more, we get the feeling we haven't heard the last about these beauties.

LG to release first HDTVs that instantly stream movies from Netflix originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/01/2009 - Are alternative renting methods killing mom 'n pop movie stores?

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We've already polled the audience this year to see if you all still visited the tried-and-true rental store on any sort of regular basis, and most everyone made clear that the act of driving out to rent a movie was simply old hat. A new writeup over at the Press of Atlantic City takes a look at how close these establishments are to caving to alternate forms of renting. These days, consumers have a copious amount of options: VOD via their pay-TV provider, Netflix (by mail and online streaming), Hulu, VUDU and tons more internet-based alternatives. It doesn't take long to realize that driving out to get a movie isn't required anymore. Interestingly enough, not everyone expects the mom 'n pop rental shops to close up in the coming years, with an increasingly aging population still sticking to their roots and doing things the ways they always have. What say you? How long does the B&M rental outlet model have before it's overtaken by newer methods?

Are alternative renting methods killing mom 'n pop movie stores? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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31/12/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 116 - 12.31.2008

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We missed last week's episode because our Christmas travel plans got in the way, so this week we made up for it, promise. Lots of Blu news to go around as Blu-ray had the great Christmas everyone was hoping for, in fact a recent poll showed that more EHD readers upgraded to Blu-ray in '08 then in previous two years. This success was also indicated in the recent sales of The Dark Knight, which sold 1.7 Million copies. But this year was also the year of Netflix Watch Instantly, and other streaming services, as there is also more good news for them. Speaking of which, we also talk a bit about moving away from traditional sources of content, and no were not talking about Hulu. Finally we discuss a few of our CES expectations, including XStreamHD and LG's uninteresting 480hz Trumotion.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program

02:18 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 115 - 12.17.2008
13:49 - Poll: Did you go Blu in 2008?
15:58 - What Blu-ray needs to do in 2009 in order to gain ground
23:18 - The Dark Knight saved 2008 for packaged media
26:19 - First Blu-ray Disc / DVD hybrid announced in Japan
29:22 - LG's BD300 Blu-ray gets HD Netflix-enabling firmware update
32:14 - HBO survey hints at free streaming for pay-TV subscribers
33:51 - Could you live on online TV / Netflix alone? One gal found out.
40:29 - Cable operators agree to freeze analog-to-digital moves until after cutover
44:23 - XStreamHD satellite delivery system successfully tested, next stop CES
50:26 - LG Display plans to melt eyes with Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV
52:23 - Verizon FiOS HD DVR Review

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Engadget HD Podcast 116 - 12.31.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/12/2008 - Sharp's LC-52XS1U-S reviewed: "a cool science experiment gone awry"

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We already saw the UK version of Sharp's limited edition XS1 LCD HDTV hit the review bench, but for Americans wondering if their version (that's the 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S) is any different, here's your sign. Reviewers at PC Mag were able to get the $11,999 (list price) set into the labs for testing, and while the contrast and HD detail were both lauded, the overall package just didn't warrant such a stratospheric sticker. In fact, critics asserted that the unit actually "required professional setup" in order to achieve results that were even close to desirable, and while there are a lot of details behind it, we think this all-compassing quote pretty much settles things: the flagship LC-52XS1U-S is "like a cool science experiment gone awry." Steer clear, people.

Sharp's LC-52XS1U-S reviewed: "a cool science experiment gone awry" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/12/2008 - Sanyo's Xacti technology tapped for Full HD VCC-HDN1 surveillance camera

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The unforgettable words of Rockwell have never been truer, and now, those watching you will have one more opportunity to do so in high-definition. Sanyo has just delivered its VCC-HDN1 network surveillance camera, and interestingly enough, it utilizes the same technology that's currently used in its line of Xacti HD camcorders. Predictably, the device has a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 along with a 10x optical zoom and other specifications "comparable to those of the camcorder." Sanyo's offering these up to parking garage owners, governments, spy agencies and all sorts of people with false names for upwards of $3,200 apiece. So much for that birthmark not being noticeable on CCTV, huh?

Sanyo's Xacti technology tapped for Full HD VCC-HDN1 surveillance camera originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/12/2008 - Blu-ray releases on December 30th 2008

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The DuchessIt's been a weird week with the holidays so this week we have a few titles from last week mixed in with the new releases for tomorrow. While most of this week is full of catalog titles -- that are probably meant to help you use up all those gift cards you got over Christmas -- there is at least one day and date title, The Duchess. But this isn't the only title for Paramount, in fact over half the movies out this week are from said studio. This includes a few of our old favorites like Days of Thunder and The Truman Show -- and although we aren't looking forward to it, we're sure someone really wants to see Ghost. Universal continues it's trend of catchup titles on Blu-ray with the Sci-Fi cult classic Serenity. Also, Sony had the latest Resident Evil last week and finally Warner has the hilarious Wedding Crashers which will go very nicely on the shelf next to Old School from a few weeks ago.

Blu-ray releases on December 30th 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/12/2008 - Deluxe Lounge HD music channel launches on Germany's Deluxe Television

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Munich-based Deluxe Television has just launched an all new music channel in high-def, Deluxe Lounge HD. For now, the station is being broadcast on Kabel BW's cable systems in the region-state of Baden-Württemberg, and while it's currently being distributed free-to-air, the signal is scheduled to be encrypted in early 2009. The station is said to be completely commercial free and shows only content that was originally produced in high-definition; according to founder and CEO Markus Langemann, the channel aims to "offer pure relaxation for eyes and ears." If Deluxe Television has its way, it'll be available on many more systems in the near future, and we can't imagine any HD-lovin' German being opposed to that.

Deluxe Lounge HD music channel launches on Germany's Deluxe Television originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/12/2008 - NAD coming to CES bearing gifts for AV enthusiasts

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NAD logoNew two-channel gear aside, you just know NAD wouldn't turn its back on components for this fad of moving pictures with audio. Sure enough, New Audio Dimensions is bringing out updates to its T-series of AV receivers (T 785, T 775, T 765), T 175 AV Tuner-Pre-Pro and Master Series M15HD Pre-Pro. The most notable new tech here is the use of Modular Design Construction (MDC) -- a design that allows NAD to build new functionality into products module-by-module for tasks like audio decoding and image processing. The $4,000 T 785 receiver packs in the top of the line AM 200 and VM 200 modules for audio and video, respectively, and things step downward to the AM 100 and VM 100 modules by the time you get to the $3,000 T 765 receiver. Follow the link for full model line pricing info.

NAD coming to CES bearing gifts for AV enthusiasts originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25/12/2008 - Sharp's pricey 52-inch LC-52XS1E LCD HDTV gets reviewed

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Sharp's 52-inch LC-52XS1E is absurdly expensive -- around £8,999 at last check in the UK -- but it's easily one of the most sophisticated, awe-inspiring sets that (lots of) money can buy. The critics over at TechRadar were able to give it a look, and while they were thoroughly impressed with pretty much every aspect, they couldn't justify the price for those not completely and utterly loaded. Words like "sensational," "stunning" and "superb" were littered throughout, and reviewers even stopped to notice that SD material still looked good on this expansive LCD. That said, we simply can't fathom a set looking good enough to make the price tag here understandable, so until the sticker starts to come back to down closer to reality, we'd probably wipe the drool from our lips and hold tight.

Sharp's pricey 52-inch LC-52XS1E LCD HDTV gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/12/2008 - There's no Engadget HD Podcast this week

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The holiday travel plans were just too much for us so we're canceling the show this week. We should still be on for next week though. We wish everyone a merry Christmas -- or whatever holiday you might be celebrating this time of year -- and a happy New Year.

There's no Engadget HD Podcast this week originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/12/2008 - Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650 RPTV HDTV reviewed

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Let's face it: there aren't too many new RPTVs hitting the market these days, but for those looking to save a little coin at the expense of a little depth, Samsung's HL61A650 is worth a look. The reviewers over at Home Theater Mag were able to take this beast in for a sit-down, and overall, they were duly impressed. The 61-incher included a respectable amount of ports, sufficient picture controls, very accurate colors and a swell remote. The main knock (outside of the bulky size) was the lackluster black level; in fact, critics noted that it was "among the worst that it had measured." That aside (if you can overlook it), but HDTV was said to perform "well above its pay grade," meaning that it could be an "ideal set at the right price for the casual viewer who will leave it in Dynamic mode and watch a heavy dose of sports in a brightly lit room."

Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650 RPTV HDTV reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/12/2008 - YouTube HD Videos Now In Widescreen

After weeks of trialling its new HD capabilities YouTube has officially launched its high-def channel.
Users clicking on the newly added "watch in HD" option will automatically see the videos play in widescreen (16:9 aspect).

22/12/2008 - Blu-ray Growing In Popularity - Except With Yahoo

It's fitting that after a roller-coaster year for Blu-ray the high-def format should end 2009 on a high AND a low.
With sales in the US encouraging, a poll by Zogby International shows that Blu-ray players are one of the most wanted holiday gifts this season for HDTV owners.
The high-def players are only beaten by consumers looking for a second HDTV.

22/12/2008 - Panasonic's 37-inch VIERA TC-37LZ85 LCD HDTV reviewed

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Panasonic's first 37-inch VIERA didn't live up to the family name, or at least that's the gist of CNET's recent review of the TC-37LZ85. Sure, black levels were "relatively deep," screen uniformity was "solid" and off-angle viewing was commendable, but "being saddled with inaccurate color" caused it to fall quite sharply in the eyes of critics. More specifically, the "inaccurate grayscale" led to an evidently annoying reddish tinge, and the inability to adjust the color temperature or plug in an HTPC via VGA were just two more reasons to look elsewhere. At the end of the day, it was still deemed a "decent entry" into the smaller-screen 1080p realm, but 3 out of 5 stars just doesn't put forth the kind of satisfaction we'd like to see.

Panasonic's 37-inch VIERA TC-37LZ85 LCD HDTV reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22/12/2008 - Nominations Open For The Outstanding HDTV Person and Product Of 2008

With 2008 fast drawing to a close biz-news.com is seeking YOUR help in choosing outstanding candidates for the titles of Man/Woman of the Year and Product/Service of the Year.
We would like you to nominate an individual and/or product/service that you feel has contributed greatly to the HDTV sector over the past 12 months.
The winner will be selected from the nominations submitted by our readers - professionals and technology enthusiasts in the industry.

17/12/2008 - Movial Launches HD Video Calling for PCs

Movial has announced a new software application that offers PC-to-PC, and PC-to-Mobile HD video.
Victor Donselaar, president of Movial, said the Communicator PC 7.2 HD video calling technology significantly reduces the CPU and bandwidth utilization compared to other technologies.
He said this enables users to run multiple applications at the same time.

17/12/2008 - XStreamHD Beams "Blu-ray" Quality Video Direct-to-Home

XStreamHD has successfully tested a transport system that delivers Full HD movies, music, and games directly to subscriber homes via satellite.
The system, tested on the AMC-16 satellite at 85 degrees west longitude, will be able to provide content throughout North America.

17/12/2008 - Growth Strong In HD Videoconferencing and Telepresence

A third of videoconferencing managers report that the economic crisis is likely to lead to an accelerated deployment of equipment rather than a slowdown.
A survey from Wainhouse Research reports that customers are continuing to invest in "visual collaboration solutions", even in the current economic climate.
It says the two largest drivers for this are travel reduction and improved decision making.

17/12/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 115 - 12.17.2008

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Other responsibilities nixed last week's show, but we're back with a long show this week to make up for it. We start out with the sad news of DirecTV "suspending development" on the HDPC-20 tuner; lots more time is spent parsing those two words than on Asus' Xonar HDMI sound card, at least. Our review of Samsung's MediaLive is mixed -- plenty of promise, but it came up just a little short to get an unconditional thumbs up. Thanks to the 29-state analog shutoff test scheduled for the same day this podcast is released, a lot more of you should know if you're living on the digital cliff -- let us know if you fall off unexpectedly. Lots of attention has been given to the Popcorn Hour products, and the release of the wireless adapter should make it even more appealing to those in the know. The Moxi HD DVR, however, might have a chance of breaking out of the enthusiast niche; but could it take a bite out of the product that's synonymous with "DVR," the TiVo? Maybe, but now Digeo will have to add in Netflix HD streaming capability to even up the score, too. A few bits of news this week make us think that Blu-ray is really moving out into the mainstream consciousness, if not flying off shelves into every home. VUDU is opening up to third party developers, so hopefully soon its "one trick pony" knock will be a distant memory as more content flows through the box, including YouTube HD. We wrap up with sports talk -- "Top 10" lists often miss the mark in our opinion, so we give our own take on the Top 10 HD sporting events of 2008; but Ben is already planning to start off 2009 on a high note with some 3D HD BCS viewing at CES.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:05:41 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 114 - 12.03.2008
00:20:26 - DirecTV "suspends development" on HDPC-20 tuner
00:31:06 - DirecTV puts away the checkbook, plans to raise rates in 2009
00:31:17 - ASUS demos Xonar HDAV1.3 HDMI Deluxe sound card
00:34:26 - Samsung MediaLive Digital Media Adapter review
00:38:41 - 29 States to participate in analog shutoff test next week
00:40:35 - Poll: Would you switch carriers if fiber came to town?
00:43:12 - Popcorn Hour's WN-100 dongle brings WiFi to your A-100, A-110 or B-110
00:44:14 - 500GB Moxi HD DVR now available, really
00:48:51 - Netflix HD streaming comes to TiVo
00:52:04 - Analyst finds DVD sales down, Blu-ray trends "encouraging"
00:53:42 - Standalone Blu-ray player sales triple over Black Friday
00:54:21 - Poll: Do you rent or buy your Blu-ray Discs?
00:57:27 - VUDU gets official with some internet content
01:00:48 - YouTube goes HD, finally!
01:02:20 - Top 10 HD sports broadcasts of 2008 -- do you agree?
01:05:17 - BCS Championship game live 3D broadcast coming to CES, movie theaters



LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Engadget HD Podcast 115 - 12.17.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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16/12/2008 - Mvix quietly reveals media playing / recording MvixPVR

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Mvix has a history of pumping out reliable, multi-faceted media streamers, but it has evidently decided to branch out a touch with its latest piece. Taking a note from the HD PVR from Hauppauge, the box packs component video inputs that will likely capture high-def video from set-top-boxes and the like. It's also an HDD-based media player (bring your own hard drive, of course), which outputs content up to 1080p via HDMI. You'll also find integrated WiFi, a USB port for streaming files on external drives and UPnP / BitTorrent functionality. Mvix hasn't stated when this puppy will go on sale nor how expensive it will be, but those looking for a multi-purpose media streamer / recorder should probably keep a check on this one.

Mvix quietly reveals media playing / recording MvixPVR originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15/12/2008 - Tried PC Videoconferencing - Well How About On An HDTV?

With webcams now commonplace on PCs and laptops it seems natural that they should take the next step - to HDTVs.
Videoconferencing expert Emblaze VCON says it has developed technology that allows up to six different users to interact through home TV screens.

11/12/2008 - Emblaze: Growing Global Demand For Desktop Videoconferencing Solutions

As the global appetite for videoconferencing solutions grows, so do the possibilities they offer.
hdtv.biz-news spoke to Linor Shachar, VP sales and marketing for videoconferencing experts Emblaze VCON, about the latest market trends and developments.

11/12/2008 - HD Video Download Service Allows Blu-ray Recording

Japan is to get the world's first HDTV video download service that allows users to export high-def content from HDDs to Blu-ray Disc.
Tsutaya online provides video content from a server to compatible digital home appliances and allows the content to be copied on Blu-ray Disc, iVDR-S and memory cards.

10/12/2008 - Philadelphia's NBC 10 brings the high-def love to its newscasts

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Philadelphia residents, NBC 10 loves you. We mean, it really digs you. So much, in fact, that it has taken to heart all those surely kind letters you've sent in over the past few months regarding high-def news. Starting tonight, The City of Brotherly Love has another place to turn for high-definition newscasts, and that place is NBC 10. Reportedly, the station has been constructing an HD studio for months, and it has just now taken the wraps off of everything. Enjoy, Philly, and let us know if you're pleased in comments below.

Philadelphia's NBC 10 brings the high-def love to its newscasts originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/12/2008 - USB Device Plays HD Content On PC

DiBcom has launched an HD-ready digital terrestrial decoder in a USB key device that gives viewers free high-def content on their PCs.
The French mobile TV hardware maker claims the device is a world first - other manufacturers are already offering USB devices that receive over-the-air HD broadcasts although not in such a small package.

05/12/2008 - HD Webcam Shoots Real-time 720p at 30fps

Samsung is expanding its range of CMOS image sensors with a new high-definition 1/4-inch, 1.2 Megapixel (Mp) system-on-chip (SoC) webcam.
The S5K4AW is intended for embedding in both notebook and desktop computers.

05/12/2008 - NXP Chip Brings High-end HDTV Quality Into Mainstream

NXP has launched a new global single-chip LCD TV platform that it claims will give mid-range TVs an HD viewing experience previously only available on higher end sets.
Founded by Philips, the semiconductor company believes its new platform will allow manufacturers and content providers to bring a broad range of Internet and digital video content to a significantly wider audience.

03/12/2008 - Panasonic's VIERA TH-50PZ850U plasma gets reviewed

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We've seen a couple of Panasonic's plasmas reviewed in recent months, but the 50-inch TH-50PZ85OU has somehow eluded us thus far. The cats over at E-Gear just got ahold of this very unit and spent the bulk of its time testing things out over the Thanksgiving holiday. Right from the top, the HDTV was praised for its image quality, with critics noting that it "soared above most of the competition, both in feature offerings and in performance." Blacks were black, Blu-ray Discs were stunning and the colors were vivid. Sure, the bundled remote left a bit to be desired, but it's not like you don't have a universal remote to handle that "on / off stuff" anyway, right? We must say, we're a bit shocked that a Panny PDP was regarded this highly, but it's good to see the current king bringing out the best in all of the rivals.

Panasonic's VIERA TH-50PZ850U plasma gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/12/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 114 - 12.3.2008

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Back from Thanksgiving, and Netflix's addition of certain Samsung and LG Blu-ray players to the Watch Instantly HD party shows it hasn't slowed down its HD rollout. This makes us wonder where Blockbuster's own offering fits between Netflix and VUDU -- three may be a crowd in this case. Speaking of VUDU, they're back again; this time with capabilities that just manage to lift the device from its "one trick pony" pigeonhole. We talk a bit about Blu-ray disc pricing, which leads us to the natural topic of whether we see The Dark Knight as a must-buy. ESPN's purchase of the BCS starting in 2011 gets us talking about whether they'd really want to lose the OTA-only eyeballs. We also find time to shoot off on the BCS tangent, of course. This week's MOTO award goes to the study that concludes that pay-TV should keep an eye on digital downloads coming up in the rearview mirror. We wrap up with news of full screen Flash support on the PS3, SageTV's new HD200 media streamer and a long response to a short listener question about getting HD streamed wirelessly from a computer to a TV.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:03 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 113 - 11.26.2008
04:21 - HD Netflix streaming coming to Samsung's BD-P2500 / BD-P2550 Blu-ray players
06:05 - LG's BD300 next in line for HD Netflix streaming
07:10 - Blockbuster CEO talks up 2Wire MediaPoint, says rentals coming to BD decks in Q1 2009
11:23 - VUDU rolls out YouTube, Flickr, Picasa and games
14:28 - Hey Hollywood, how about some Blu-ray Disc price cuts?
19:09 - The Dark Knight Blu-ray Disc review roundup
20:49 - ESPN snaps up BCS rights starting in 2011, antenna viewers SOL?
27:52 - Survey finds over half of football fans would take an HDTV over vacation
27:52 - Report asserts that pay-TV should watch out for digital downloads
31:23 - Full screen Flash-enabling v2.53 PS3 firmware available now
35:01 - SageTV launches HD Theater (HD200) media streamer


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Engadget HD Podcast 114 - 12.3.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/12/2008 - JVC's iPod-lovin' LT-47P789 LCD HDTV gets in-depth review

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It's nearly time for JVC to drop yet another iPod dock-infused HDTV on us at CES 2009 (just a guess, is all), but for those looking for the model first introduced in January 2008, here's a bit of introspective. If you'll recall, we already heard pretty positive things about the 42-inch version of this same set, but AV Revolution took things much, much deeper with its look at the 47-inch LT-47P789. We'll save the details for those who care, but the long and short of it is this: in the case of this particular unit, "neither the TV's performance nor the TeleDock implementation is as good as it could be." That said, the street price of around $1,500 isn't half bad, and while it won't put a smile on the face of a videophile, it should function just fine as an "everyday or second-room TV" for those who can't seem to escape their iPod.

JVC's iPod-lovin' LT-47P789 LCD HDTV gets in-depth review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/12/2008 - Blu-ray releases on December 2nd 2008

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Wanted Blu-rayAlthough we all still have to wait until next week to finally get our hands on what is almost sure to be the best selling Blu-ray title of all time, the first week of December has a lot to offer the HD movie fan. Universal takes a break from it's normal slate of catch up titles and has the arguably best offering of the week in the way of Wanted. But the best movie this week in our heart -- and many other based on the fact that it is the #1 movie of all time according to IMDB -- is The Shawshank Redemption from Warner. The ol' WB also has the popular Austin Power Collection as well as the classic Casablanca and the comedy from Bam Margera. Fox has a day and date that many will be interested in with The X Files as well as a few holiday classics like Home Alone. Sony also has a day and date this week mixed in with a few catalog titles with Step Brothers which we're sure is as silly as it is funny.

Blu-ray releases on December 2nd 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/12/2008 - Samsung Blu-ray Players First To Offer Netflix HD

Blockbuster may be hinting at offering its download service on Blu-ray players - Netflix is actually doing it.
From next week two Samsung Blu-ray players are to provide Netflix videos in high definition.

29/11/2008 - Canon's HG21 HD hybrid camcorder gets hands-on treatment

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The flow of HD camcorders has slowed dramatically since CES 2008, but Canon bucked the trend by introducing a new pair smack dab in the middle of summer. The brawny (and capacious) HG21 was recently handled by the mates over at CNET's UK branch, and a host of hands-on photos have magically appeared. At first glance, the general build reminds us a lot of JVC's Everio HD40, but it's probably that 120GB HDD flanked on the side that does it. At any rate, have a gander yourself down in the read link.

Canon's HG21 HD hybrid camcorder gets hands-on treatment originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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27/11/2008 - Could Savings Ratios Give A Clue To Market Robustness?

Black Friday has arrived in the US and many retailers are hoping fears of prolonged economic difficulties will not hamper consumers' appetite for spending - not least for HDTVs.
Paul Gray, Display Search's director of European TV research, has added some intriguing analysis to the various predictions about how robust consumer demand is likely to be in key markets in the coming months.

27/11/2008 - Growth Towards 3D HDTV Gains Pace

Panasonic has submitted a proposal for a 3D Blu-ray standard to the Blu-ray Disc Association.
The submission comes as Korea's LG announces its intentions to bring 3D TVs to some markets in 2009.

27/11/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 113 - 11.26.2008

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Hot from the Thanksgiving oven, another Engadget HD podcast. The economy has put a damper on purchases across the board, and even old DVD hasn't been spared. Rentals might be more the right speed, and with Blu-ray coming to Redbox, we've got a reason to check out those kiosks. One feature to look for is "The Dark Night," but will Denon Blu-ray buyers who score a free copy find the transfer quality lacking? Even if Denon's players aren't as popular as the PS3, that doesn't mean we're in agreement with typical "Best Blu-ray player" headlines, and we discuss why some questions aren't served well by simple answers. We couldn't go without a VUDU mention, and we're actually pretty excited to see HD titles (and HDX, too) up for sale, not rental. TiVo has rolled out its mobile scheduling, which is nice, but maybe we don't fit the typical user profile. As CES rolls around, one thing we'll keep an eye out for is Philips' KURO-beating LED backlit LCD, especially after reading some initial favorable reactions. The analog shutoff is right around the corner, and two-thirds of OTA households have requested DTV coupons -- what's that last third going to do in a few months? Maybe that part of the nation is planning on soaking up HD Netflix on their Xbox 360s, which seems to be registering favorable reactions based on our poll. We call "hype expiration" on Digeo -- not counting it out, but we've definitely moved to a "believe it when we see it" frame of mind, just like our feelings on NFL in 3D. We wrap up by coming full circle -- the slow economy has everyone searching for deals, even as Sony would like to make our lives easier by not offering any discounts.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
03:29 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 112 - 11.12.2008
13:04 - DVD sales also feeling the pinch, down 4% on the year
14:13 - It's official: Redbox welcomes Blu-ray with open arms
16:36 - Denon rewards buyers of its pricey Blu-ray decks with free Batman BDs
19:02 - The Dark Knight Blu-ray disc leaking out, complaints already rolling in
22:57 - Sony's PlayStation 3 tops another "Best Blu-ray player" list
26:24 - VUDU offering select HD / HDX titles for $4.99 purchase on Black Friday
29:03 - TiVo Mobile enables remote scheduling, program searches
34:06 - Philips LED-backlit 42PFL9803H gets hands-on treatment
37:39 - Two-thirds of OTA households have requested DTV coupons
40:56 - Poll: How are you enjoying HD Netflix streaming on the Xbox 360?
43:43 - Charter nearly ready to deploy Digeo's 3012 HD DVR
44:27 - Live NFL broadcast to air in 3D as "proof of concept"
47:34 - Sony says non-discounted goods make life easier for you


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Engadget HD Podcast 113 - 11.26.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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26/11/2008 - Orange Brings Mobile HDTV to Hybrid Phones

Orange is to offer high definition mobile TV to users of hybrid mobile/fixed Unik handsets.
From next month, its customers in France will have access to more than 60 HD mobile TV channels, 20 of which will be with unlimited access.

26/11/2008 - YouTube Offers Widescreen HD Videos

YouTube has finally moved to a default widescreen player with an HD-friendly 16:9 aspect ratio.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the announcement follows the video sharing giant's recent decision to start hosting full-length Hollywood movies.
Not that anyone will be complaining.

25/11/2008 - Gefen intros $499 1:5 Splitter for HDMI 1.3

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Anyone remotely familiar with Gefen gear will understand that "inexpensive" isn't really an option, so we suppose that explains the lofty $499 price tag attached to the outfit's freshest splitter. Designed to take a single HDMI 1.3 source to five different displays without a loss in quality, the 1:5 Splitter for HDMI 1.3 is fully HDCP compliant and supports resolutions as high as 2K (so yeah, 1080p is totally covered). It's available now with a 2-year warranty.

Gefen intros $499 1:5 Splitter for HDMI 1.3 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24/11/2008 - Disney brings Cinemagic HD to UK

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Disney CinemagicNo longer just something for French children, Disney's Cinemagic HD channel will be coming to the UK this December on Sky Digital. Sky's HD count will hit 29 with the addition when it debuts in time for Christmas screenings of "Ratatouille" and "Tinkerbell." In case you're wondering what those two flicks have to do with Christmas, we have to say, "Get over it, Scrooge." Seriously, at least here in the US, we'll take anything HD that breaks up the "It's a Wonderful Life" - "Miracle on 34th Street" - "A Christmas Story" marathon that is the Christmas season and is kid-friendly! Hopefully the offerings on the HD movie-centric channel will grow quickly out of the gate for our UK friends.

Disney brings Cinemagic HD to UK originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/11/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 112 - 11.21.2008

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We're coming at you a few days late this week, but we promise we weren't slacking off -- Ben took a trip to Microsoft to get the lowdown on Media Center initiatives, which he shares on this show. During his trip, he saw the DirecTV HDPC-20 in action alongside a smorgasbord of other gear, some identifiable and some not so much. Speaking of Microsoft, we talk about the Xbox Experience and the appearance of HD Netflix's Watch Instantly titles -- the selection isn't great yet, but the quality is there. This move really gives Xbox 360 a leg up on the competition, and Microsoft's Shane Kim (no relation to Steve, by the way) crowed about that this week; and our readers seemed to agree with him in this week's Ask Engadget feature. DISH will let you add USB storage to its ViP211 DVR for a "mere" $40, which while pricey is still better than a stick in the eye. And that's exactly what the newspaper editor who claims he can't see an improvement in Blu-ray picture quality must have caught, in our opinion. We admit that even price cuts may not be making Blu-ray decks fly off the shelves, but picture quality isn't a valid reason to hold off on the purchase. Apparently, people don't feel that being "bound" to physical media is a reason to nix Blu-ray, either, as this week's MOTO (master of the obvious) survey finds that people actually prefer discs to streaming. That's good news for Oppo's rumored BDP-83 Blu-ray player; but even if it decodes every format under the sun, a pricetag upwards of $400 might put a damper on things. Netflix has officially declared the format war is over, and will stop carrying HD DVDs in mid-December. No week would be complete without mention of VUDU, this time the rack-mountable XL2 version gets mention on the podcast. LCD prices are definitely in a free-fall, but we wonder what they would be if not for the price fixing that LG and Sharp admitted to. No such luck for those hoping to join club KURO, however, as Pioneer's rebranding of Black Friday as "KURO Friday" rings utterly hollow.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:10 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 111 - 11.12.2008
12:16 - The Media Center DirecTV HDPC-20 caught in action
22:10 - Xbox Experience now available to all who signed up, Netflix HD streams too
25:05 - Microsoft exec touts HD streaming over discs, suggests Xbox 360 will outlast PS3
28:09 - Ask Engadget HD: Best gaming / movie console: Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3?
29:49 - DISH Network (finally) offers ViP211 DVR Upgrade option
31:46 - Editor ponders: Do you need a Blu-ray player?
36:16 - Blu-ray player price cuts not spurring huge sales... yet
38:05 - Research finds that people still heart physical discs, greatly prefer Blu-ray to streaming
39:55 - Oppo teases BDP-83 Blu-ray player, offers no vital information
42:31 - Netflix no longer carrying HD DVDs as of December 15th
44:03 - VUDU XL2 brings on-demand films to rack-mountable enclosure
47:04 - LG, Sharp plead guilty to LCD price-fixing, take $585m fine
48:58 - Pioneer rechristens Black Friday "KURO Friday," won't lower prices


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Engadget HD Podcast 112 - 11.21.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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21/11/2008 - Zoran's New Processors Spell Thinner HDTVs

HDTVs may seem wafer thin already but don't expect the drive for even slimmer models to stop anytime soon.
The Zoran Corporation has just announced a pair of new HDTV processors that should help set manufacturers shave a tad more off their future sets.

19/11/2008 - How will Xbox's streaming HD Fare Against PS3's Blu-ray?

For a while now, Sony's PS3 has done very well out of being the best Blu-ray player in its price range - oh, and you can play games with it too.
So it will be interesting to see how it fares now that Microsoft's Xbox is offering US users streaming HD content from Netflix.
That, and the fact that Blu-ray player prices generally are falling, may have some impact on the Sony console.

19/11/2008 - Funai Seeks To Ban US Imports Of TV Makers

A US judge has ruled that the digital television products of 14 companies, including Vizio, infringe patents held by Funai.
The Japanese company is seeking a limited exclusion order barring importation of the infringing products into the US as well as a cease and desist order to prevent sale or distribution of infringing products there.

19/11/2008 - IXOS busts out XHE228 2-way auto HDMI 1.3 switcher

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No need for a half-dozen HDMI inputs in your HDMI switcher? No worries, as IXOS has you covered. The outfit's XHE228 is a minuscule auto-switching box with two HDMI 1.3 inputs and a single HDMI 1.3 output, and it's capable of handling 1080p material up to 15-meters without signal degradation. Sadly, Americans will have to swallow the conversion fees and inflated shipping costs when paying €59 ($75) to bring it home, but those living in Europe are a-okay.

[Via HDTV Info]

IXOS busts out XHE228 2-way auto HDMI 1.3 switcher originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2008 - Blu-ray releases on November 18th 2008

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WALL-EPIXAR's WALL-E is sure to be at the top of most Blu-ray fan's list this week, and while it won't be the biggest release of the year, we expect it to move the Blu-ray charts. The next big title probably won't be that popular with the Blu-ray demographic, but we have given up on predicting the popularity of titles like Warner's sequel to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. For those always looking for a laugh, Paramount is offering up Tropic Thunder, which we hear includes a few references to our favorite HD format. Also this week, Blu-ray continues to get some catch up titles that HD DVD fans have enjoyed for some time like Lucky Number Slevin. This is about the best that November has to offer though, as the rest is filled with unexciting releases, but don't worry, December picks it back up again.

Blu-ray releases on November 18th 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2008 - Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping

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It took 'em long enough, but Netgear has at long last decided to ship the two powerline adapters it announced way back at CES in January. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101; pictured above), which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based HDXB111 Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (which is obviously capable of transmitting HD footage) can both be snapped up in time for the holidays. Each set is designed for plug 'n play action and for those who'd rather network their wares via installed cabling instead of running something new. Of course, performance is always the questionable aspect of these type devices, but those with faith (and a North American address) can finally lay down their $149.99 / $169.99 and get busy. The full release and a shot of the HDXB111 can be found after the break.

Continue reading Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping

Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17/11/2008 - HDTV Owners Prefer Blu-ray....They're Just Not Buying Them

The latest survey from SmithGeiger shows that HDTV owners would rather watch movies on Blu-ray Disc than stream content directly to their TV.
Well, hardly any surprise there. There's never been any doubt about the phenomenal quality of Blu-ray images - but that still doesn't seem to be translating into sales.
Even with price drops in the US of between USD $200 and $300, the HD players aren't rushing off the shelves.

15/11/2008 - Sony's compact HD HXR-MC1 POV camera provides oodles of mobility

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No matter your definition of small, Sony's HXR-MC1 is apt to fit the bill. This minuscule HD POV camera seeks to provide high-def capture abilities in just about every nook and cranny you can imagine, providing increased mobility when filming extreme sports, reality TV, documentaries, nature, wildlife, etc. The camera can log footage at a native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and store it on Memory Stick PRO Duo media using AVCHD compression; just 16GB of space can hold six hours of HD content. You'll also find a 10x optical zoom, built-in microphone and a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, all within a 1.5- x 1.69- x 3.5-inch package. Pricing has yet to be announced, but we'd expect to pay quite the premium for the compactness come February.

Sony's compact HD HXR-MC1 POV camera provides oodles of mobility originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/11/2008 - HDTV Now In Over A Third Of US Households

HDTV penetration has doubled in the past two years with 34 per cent of US households having at least one high definition television (HDTV) set.
Representing about 40 million households, this figure is set to double again over the next two years, according to consumer research from the Leichtman Research Group.

12/11/2008 - HDTV penetration rises to 40 million, 34% of U.S. households

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The Leichtman Research Group is back again, with its sixth annual study on all things HDTV, extrapolating from a 1,302 household survey that the number of homes with an HDTV has reached 40 million. Overall, HDTV penetration has crossed a third of households, up to 34% from 20% last year, while those with an HDTV set who thought they were watching HD, but actually weren't, dropped slightly to 18%. Also less than pleasing to our eye is the finding that just a 1% increase from last year in the number of customer reporting they were told how to get high definition programming, but the percentage of homes watching HD jumped 5 points to 58%. The read link has a few more numbers for those seeking their yearly update, but we're already wondering how things will read next year.

HDTV penetration rises to 40 million, 34% of U.S. households originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/11/2008 - Flip Launches HD Version Of Mino Camcorder

The incredibly popular Flip camcorder is going high def with the launch of the MinoHD.
Flip makers Pure Digital says its new baby is the the world's smallest HD camcorder - and at a mere 3oz it's hard to disagree.

12/11/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 111 - 11.12.2008

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We spend some time digressing on listener feedback before diving into a double-header of Windows 7 news -- evidence of DirecTV USB tuner support and native support for DivX and on-the-fly transcoding. Our story about the digital transition video gets us talking about the fast-approaching date, and we suspect that after CES in January we'll be seeing a torrent of more news on the topic. It's hard to believe the election was only a week ago, but we spend a little time talking about the coverage we took in to watch the results come in. Our newly-elected officials definitely will have to contend with getting consumer confidence back up, and we saw a reflection of this in our poll where about a third of you said the economy has made you diall down your HD purchasing frenzy. But even in a downturn, you've got to have some content to watch, and this week's "Ask Endgadget HD" feature saw a lot of you chime in on your preferred movie rental source. With Vudu claiming the HD title lead, the little box that could might be a contender for some of you; but unfortunately for us, disposable income (specifically, lack thereof) has put the Vudu in the "not right now" category.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:49 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 110 - 11.05.2008
19:05 - Windows 7 includes a driver for the DirecTV HDCP-20 USB tuner
22:01 - Windows 7 to natively support DivX and transcoding?
25:43 - Digital TV transition spoof video is both informative and hilarious
32:52 - A look at Election Night ratings: ABC gains, others lose
39:04 - Poll: Has "the economy" shaken your HD purchase plans?
40:34 - Ask Engadget HD: What's the best movie rental service?
41:47 - VUDU now home to 1,100 HD titles: "largest HD library in existence"


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Engadget HD Podcast 111 - 11.12.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12/11/2008 - Western Digital's WD TV HD Media Player reviewed: pretty good, but has its quirks

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Western Digital's WD TV HD Media Player is an interesting contraption. Rather than being a self-sufficient media server, it simply acts as a bridge between your hard drive / USB key and your television. PopPhoto was able to corral a unit for review, and overall, they appreciated the media liaison's abilities. The actual connection was "pretty much plug 'n play," though the omission of an HDMI cable in the box was a bit of a bummer. The unit did a satisfactory job of parsing the information on the HDD and finding photos, songs and video clips, and the on-screen result was fantastic. Not everything was peachy, though -- for instance, large files introduced lag when rotating / changing, and DRM-laced material wouldn't play back at all. Furthermore, it chose to truncate iPod song names, which could obviously be annoying to some. All in all, the WD TV showed some promise but feel short in a few key areas, so you'd better give it some serious thought before plunking down $130.

Western Digital's WD TV HD Media Player reviewed: pretty good, but has its quirks originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11/11/2008 - When Will Wii Go HD?

Nintendo's lead game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, has been making comments that suggest Wii could go HD sometime soon.
The ability to support true next-gen graphics on HDTVs is one area the Wii falls down on compared to competitors Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

11/11/2008 - Toshiba's 1080p REGZA ZV series LCD HDTVs get priced and dated

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Ready for some Resolution+ in your LCD HDTV? Yeah? Then get ready for Toshiba's REGZA ZV series, which is gearing up to take the UK by storm and completely change the way you see SD content. Okay, so maybe that's a touch overblown, but the upscaling sets are slated to launch in the UK on November 29th. The 42-inch 42ZV555D will sell for £899.99 ($1,419), while the 46-inch 46ZV555D will go for £1199.99 ($1,893), and both will make your collection of HD footage immensely envious.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Toshiba's 1080p REGZA ZV series LCD HDTVs get priced and dated originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10/11/2008 - Canon Upgrades High-End HD Camcorders

Canon is to launch a pair of updates to its pro HDV tape camcorders in December.
The XH A1S and XH G1S have had their 20X zoom lenses upgraded, with improvements to focus, irising and zoom.
They are also to get upgraded camera firmware that allows users to adjust the zooming speed during pull-in or pull-out shots.

08/11/2008 - Cox launches AMC HD in San Diego, California

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There's really no telling why Cox didn't just lump AMC HD into its last San Diego expansion effort, but regardless, we're sure customers in the city will take what they can get. Starting this week, AMC HD will be available in the sunny California town on slot 757, and Cox also proclaims that Comedy HD and 20 more HD video-on-demand stations are just around the bend. Oh, and one last thing -- Palladia HD has relocated from slot 730 to slot 732, so don't freak out or anything.

[Thanks, Jason]

Cox launches AMC HD in San Diego, California originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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06/11/2008 - HDTV Was Too Far From HP's Core Business

Hewlett-Packard is just the latest PC OEM to learn a lesson about straying from its core business, according to Michael Wolf, Digital Home research director at ABI Research.
Citing the experiences of Dell and Gateway, he asserts that it's hard for a PC company to make a business in living room consumer electronics.

05/11/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 110 - 11.05.2008

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On the eve of the presidential election, we still got together to talk up the latest in HD news. What easily turned out to be the topic of the week was Netflix. We covered the HD announcements, the TiVo partnership, and finally, Watch Instantly for Mac users. And although you'd think we got enough downloads vs discs talk in our round table last week, think again, as we rehash a bit about our latest poll on the debate, as well as the recent misguided predictions about the death of Blu-ray. Finally, we finish up with a little Slingbox HD streaming and of course the required mention of Windows Media Center.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:30 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 108 - 10.29.2008
12:52 - Roku's Netflix Player handling HD content "by the end of the year"
16:14 - Poll: What's your preference -- digital downloads or discs?
19:19 - Netflix Watch Instantly coming to TiVo
24:14 - Netflix opens 'Watch Instantly' to Mac owners who opt-in
29:30 - The rumors of Blu-ray's death are greatly exaggerated
35:30 - Sherwood might cancel Blu-ray players due to competitive prices
38:30 - Blu-ray hits a milestone: 1,000 titles on the format
39:37 - VUDU's HD selection now outnumbers Apple TV's, Blu-ray might be next
44:30 - The Slingbox Pro HD review addendum
47:14 - What's new in Windows 7 for Media Center

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Engadget HD Podcast 110 - 11.05.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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04/11/2008 - Price Deals Fuelling Surge in HDTV Sales

Sales of high definition plasma TVs have risen by 37 per cent in the third quarter compared to last year's figures.
A survey by DisplaySearch has shown that consumers are being enticed to buy plasma sets by sweeping price cuts, especially on 32-inch sets.

04/11/2008 - WD Brings Simplicity To Streaming

Storage expert Western Digital has launched a standalone media box that streams content from your USB drive.
Rather than hooking your computer to your HDTV and streaming video and other multimedia files, the WD TV HD Media Player accepts content from a separate WD portable backup drive.

04/11/2008 - WD TV HD Media Player smacked up, flipped, rubbed down

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Western Digital's WD TV HD Media Player kept a low profile before hitting shelves this month, but with only $99 separating MaddHat.com from a thorough teardown, the inevitable next step was taken. Besides snapshots inside and out -- and the ubiquitous iPhone size comparison photo -- a quick runthrough with a variety of MKV-packed videos revealed delightfully nerdy results. The 1080p h.264 decoding was smooth, although some odd sharpening on 720p files while in 1080p output mode, and less than optimal results with 1080i-encoded files were noted. 1080p24 support didn't make it into the box, same for .ISO direct support -- no worries though, as it wasn't enough to stop the .m2ts files in the Blu-ray backups from playing directly. Good for the price, but with stiff competition -- Popcorn Hour anyone? -- being "good enough" in this sector is getting harder, pics and details are beyond the read link.

WD TV HD Media Player smacked up, flipped, rubbed down originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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03/11/2008 - Pioneer's 37-inch KRL-37V KURO LCD reviewed: other LCDs should be scared

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Anyone remotely familiar with the KURO brand knows that with it comes the expectation of awesomeness (and a large price tag), and the question on everyone's mind has been: will the KURO LCD line live up to the name? According to TrustedReview's critique of the 37-inch KRL-37V, the answer is a resounding "yes." The reviewers put together five long-winded pages detailing the ins and outs of this here set, but in general, they found that it produced better pictures than most other LCDs on the market today, and that's saying something. Sure, it wasn't without its flaws -- there were occurrences where odd color tones popped up in SD footage, black levels weren't astonishing and the viewing angles weren't the greatest -- but the colors in HD were simply terrific. 'Tis a shame we North Americans will have to wait until sometime next year before we can even have a look for ourselves, but those in Europe may want to give this one some serious attention.

[Via HDTV Lounge]

Pioneer's 37-inch KRL-37V KURO LCD reviewed: other LCDs should be scared originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/11/2008 - French national HD channels first to implement Dolby Digital Plus

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You know those four French national channels that decided to recently made the leap to high-def? Yeah, well those four are the first HD terrestrial TV channels to implement Dolby Digital Plus. In fact, both Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Digital were chosen by those broadcasters for the Television Numerique Terrestre platform, and viewers tuning into TF1 HD, France 2 HD, ARTE HD, Canal+ HD and M6 HD will be able to listen to 5.1-channels of audio so long as they have the requisite decoding equipment. Interestingly enough, the French HD forum specification "requires that by December 2008 HD-ready TVs for sale in France must include Dolby Digital Plus and High Efficiency AAC (HE AAC) audio." Atta way to be proactive, France!

French national HD channels first to implement Dolby Digital Plus originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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02/11/2008 - Western Digital quietly intros WD TV HD Media Player

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Well, what do we have here? With no fanfare whatsoever, Western Digital has apparently strayed from its platter-based roots and delved into the wide, murky world of HD media streaming. The WD TV HD Media Player purports to "turn your USB drive into an HD media player, allowing you to watch your favorite HD movies on your TV." For those still befuddled, look at it like this: it enables you to plug in your USB key or USB hard drive and play back multimedia clips up to 1080p on your HDTV via the HDMI / composite outputs. The 1.6- x 4.9- x 3.9-inch box ought not bog you down too much when looking to take it on a journey, and the $129.99 price tag isn't too painful either.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Western Digital quietly intros WD TV HD Media Player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/10/2008 - Nickelodeon's iCarly movie debuts early on HD VOD

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iCarly iGo to Japan doesn't air until November 8, but it's available early on Comcast video on demand, along with four episodes in standard and high definition, plus behind the scenes clips. Enough to keep your tween from demanding a switch to another provider that has the Nickelodeon HD channel available? Maybe not, but we expect this won't be the last cross promotion run while Comcast uses Project Infinity to narrow the HD gap.

Engadget HDNickelodeon's iCarly movie debuts early on HD VOD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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30/10/2008 - Mitusbishi iSP LT-52149 LCD TV with integrated soundbar hands-on

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No, it's not the hot new LaserVue set, but we've gotten to play with Mitsubishi's new LT-52149 120Hz LCD with integrated soundbar for a week or so now, and while we're impressed with the soundbar's simulated surround, the picture quality just isn't there on the $3,799 display. First off, we're not at all sold on the value of 120Hz dejuddering -- it makes everything look like it was shot on VHS on a soap opera set. We're totally unclear on who likes this, since we think it's pretty nasty. It does work well with sports programming, but for the most part we just left it off and didn't miss it. We also saw some gradient banding issues on HD content, and SD looked terrible, leading us to believe the built-in scaler isn't all that great -- an issue on a large 1080p set where almost everything has be scaled or deinterlaced in some way. That said, there's always a chance we didn't spend enough time tweaking settings, since Mitsu lets you get pretty deep -- we liked the PerfectColor adjustments, and the discrete brightness and backlight controls were much appreciated. Speaking of which, the LED backlight is one of the brightest we've ever seen, and it makes a huge impression when you first see the display -- it's incredibly vibrant. Too bad the image quality didn't hold up to harsher scrutiny -- the integrated soundbar is super easy to set up, sounds good, and would have made this set a perfect choice for rooms where traditional surround systems don't work. As it is, however, we just can't see dropping nearly four grand on a less-than-perfect picture. Check the gallery for some more hands-on shots.

Engadget HDMitusbishi iSP LT-52149 LCD TV with integrated soundbar hands-on originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29/10/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 108 - 10.29.2008

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We start off talking about Baraka getting treated to an 8k transfer process en route to Blu-ray, which should make the title appeal to videophiles; which isn't to say we think Blu-ray is for "videophiles" only. With Blu-ray players coming down in price and features like Netflix "Watch Instantly" being added to decks -- two Samsung units added the feature this week -- we think Blu-ray will catch on. Speaking of Netflix, Macs are getting "Watch Instantly" functionality as well, thanks to Microsoft's Silverlight plugin. But the Xbox 360 takes top honors among media streamers this week again, for first out of the gate to support Netflix HD streaming. Not one to be left out of the set-top-box streamer race, TiVo added Jaman and CinemaNow capabilities as well, just as the device TiVo killed -- the standalone VCR -- got the axe from JVC this week. That takes you back, eh? Well, the HD Guru got us all caught up again with his review of the Mitsubishi LaserVue, and he has great news to report -- lots of color, lots darkness and lots of contrast, too. Ben and Steve go into a little more detail on their equipment reviews this week, with Ben putting EA's mPanel through its paces and Steve giving new speakers from Paradigm a listen. We know we're a biased bunch, but this week's poll really highlighted it, with almost 50-percent of you guys switching carriers due to a lack of HD. And that's a perfect springboard for Ben to go off on the NFL Network's use of stale SD material when HD crispness of the same content is available. We end up on a happy note, though -- CES is approaching, and with or without the incorporation of EHX Fall, we always look forward to covering the Christmas-after-Christmas that is CES.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:24 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 107 - 10.22.2008
03:50 - Baraka: first ever 8K HD restoration Blu-ray Disc gets ship date, reviewed
05:07 - Is Blu-ray destined to become a "videophile niche?"
07:11 - Samsung partners with Netflix: P2500 and P2550 Blu-ray players updated for free
08:16 - Netflix finally brings 'Watch Instantly' to Macs via Silverlight
09:59 - HD Netflix streaming comes to Xbox 360 first
10:52 - TiVo uncorks movie downloads via CinemaNow and Jaman
12:23 - Standalone VCR party finally ends, JVC shuts the door as it leaves
14:22 - HD Guru: Mitsu's LaserVue L65-A90 among the best HDTVs ever tested
19:12 - Embedded Automation's mPanel Review
21:43 - Paradigm "Phantom" Cinema Gaming speaker system review
23:34 - Poll: Have you switched carriers due to lack of HD?
29:19 - NFL Network launches HD information screen to jazz up SD material
35:18 - EHX Fall moving in with CES, fight over top bunk begins in 2010

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Engadget HDEngadget HD Podcast 108 - 10.29.2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/10/2008 - Global TV pricing sinks 22% year-over-year in September

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Those price drops you've been noticing are more than a figment of your imagination. In fact, they're very, very real. According to hot-off-the-press research from DisplaySearch, global TV internet pricing for TVs declined 22% on average this September compared to a year ago. More specifically, plasma prices sank (on average) 27%, while CRT stickers actually rose 4%. When looking at the all-important LCD TV category, we're told that prices in Europe declined the most at 30%, while China, North America and Japan were down 20 percent, 16 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Also of note, it was the big screen sets plummeting the most, as 52-inch LCD TVs sank nearly 30% year-over-year while 20-inch LCD TVs dropped just 4%. Oh, and we'd totally expect to see things head further south exactly one month from today -- at least in America.

[Via CNET, image courtesy of DayLife]

Engadget HDGlobal TV pricing sinks 22% year-over-year in September originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28/10/2008 - Consumers Driving Indian HDTV Market

The secret to success of the HDTV market in India depends mainly on the intense desire of the consumers. In fact, the women are keener about getting these high definition televisions just like the other consumer durable products.

27/10/2008 - HD Option A Big Hit For MyToons

MyToons only launched its high definition channel a few months ago but already it's attracting attention from several major TV and film studios.
Paul Ford, president of the animation website, spoke to HDTV.biz-news.com about the burgeoning HD animation community and the challenges of offering high def cartoons on the internet.

27/10/2008 - Blu-ray releases on October 28th 2008

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Hell RideThis could be the weirdest week of releases we've seen to date, because there are like 20 titles released (15 mentioned below) but not one that we are really interested in. If you can't wait for Christmas movies, then Warner has Elf and the Essential Holiday Collection which also includes Elf and other Warner movies like our favorites -- which were previously released -- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story. We really had a hard time deciding which title was the best this week, and ultimately just picked Hell Ride for no good reason. We also considered Zombie Strippers or Tinker Bell, but didn't want the stigma. If you're a 3D fan then this is an exceptionally good week for you, as we can't ever remember another week with not one, but two movies were released in 3D (Polar Express and Journey to the Center of the Earth). If there's nothing for you this week maybe next week will have something, but it might depend on how much you like Planet of the Apes' movies.

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23/10/2008 - Kansas City's KCTV takes local news HD, leaves WDAF holding the egg

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Yep, as of this week, KCTV (CBS) is broadcasting its local newscasts in high-definition, which gives Kansas City residents not one, not two, but three different networks to choose from when scouting HD news. The only holdout? The local FOX affiliate WDAF-TV, which apparently has no current plans to join its rivals in showing off anchors in 720p / 1080i. Good luck with that.

[Thanks, Michael]
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22/10/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 107 - 10.22.2008

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The delayed show last week left us with a light list of topics, but we still had plenty to say. Like, as much as we've waited for tru2way, we really aren't interested in using it anytime soon, because ultimately it is the same cruddy software anyways. But no matter how you tune in to HD, it probably takes you longer to change channels then the good ol' days of analog, but not that it really matters anyways with DVRs eliminating the need to channel surf. Finally we talk up our favorite new topic, discs vs downloads, as we assess the adoption of Blu-ray using Netflix's numbers and give Vudu props' for really stepping up and releasing tons of new HD titles. Oh, and while Apple TV is still just a hobby, we don't let it stop us from enjoying some Hulu on our big screen TV.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:39 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 106 - 10.17.2008
09:48 - Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer
12:57 - Poll: Are you planning to get tru2way?
16:10 - How long does it take to change the channel? About 1.9 seconds
20:14 - Is Netflix a better indicator of Blu-ray's success than Nielsen?
25:00 - A new HD tide is rising at VUDU
33:26 - Boxee delivers Hulu to Apple TV

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21/10/2008 - WISC-TV to finally deliver HD news in Madison, Wisconsin

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Get ready, Madison -- HD news is just around the bend. Starting on Sunday, October 26th, WISC-TV will become the first in the region to air all of its regularly-scheduled newscasts in high-definition. Of note, the CBS affiliate has been airing feature stories within its newscast in HD since January of this year, but on Sunday, it will become the first in the area to go wire-to-wire in high-def. The first completely HD newscast will air at 5:30PM on the aforementioned day, and in preparation for the change, the regularly scheduled "News 3 at 5:30" will be preempted for an original special on HDTV and the February 2009 digital television conversion.
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20/10/2008 - Blu-ray releases on October 21st 2008

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Sweeney Todd Blu-rayThe fourth quarter continues to hit on all cylinders for Blu-ray this week with yet another nice slate of titles. At the top of the list is two pretty good movies, Sweeney Todd and The Incredible Hulk. When Johnny Depp stars in a Tim Burton flick, it is almost always worth the cost of admission and at the same time, Edward Norton tries his hand at being the Hulk, and considering how bad the last Hulk movie was, and how Norton has never done a bad movie, it shouldn't disappoint. The remaining titles are just about all James Bond movies, as MGM releases all the classics on Blu, and in addition, Sony is double-dipping with Casino Royale. Looking ahead, there isn't that much to get excited about in the immediate future, but things do get rolling again in about a month when WALL-E hits in mid-November.

Blu-ray
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17/10/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 106 - 10.17.2008

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We kick off with the brouhaha Steve Jobs raised with the Blu-ray "bag of hurt" remark; as always, Apple keeps us guessing what it's really up to. Netflix removed any mystery behind its Blu-ray allegiance, though -- kick in a buck more each month for all the Blu you can eat. The BDA is looking forward to a strong holiday showing, and with falling player prices and titles like The Matrix, Iron Man and The Dark Knight, we can't blame them; let's see if the VideoScan numbers can keep up the good performance. You guys picked Sony as the winner of favorite Blu studio, but we like Warner for trying out new things, like DivX distribution -- who knows if it'll stick, but at least Warner is trying some new tricks. LG's new BD300 Blu-ray/Netflix combo is also trying some new things, but we'll see if consumers pay for the single-box convenience. Next up is Vudu's new HDX format -- the tech and quality is good, but we think it'd be better served by a subscription model and blame Hollywood for keeping that from materializing. We spend a little time talking over DIRECTV2PC local placeshifting and NBC's Universal Sports, and once Ben vents about how NBC has ruined his Sunday evenings, we turn to the Nero LiquidTV / TiVo PC review. Basically, we thought it came up a little short. Tru2Way is a-coming, and even though Bright House customers may have to suffer Mystro software to get it, at least Panasonic has held up its end of the deal by rolling out Tru2Way sets in time for the holiday. We wrap up with a slightly happier TiVo note -- the Hawk software is going through testing -- but as much as we'd love to get a hands-on, we won't sign an NDA that keeps us from sharing with you all.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:27 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 105 - 10.08.2008
01:48 - Apple's Steve Jobs calls Blu-ray "a bag of hurt"
06:04 - Netflix implements $1 per month Blu-ray premium charge
11:59 - BDA unsurprisingly bullish for holiday season
15:49 - Poll: Which Blu-ray studio is your favorite?
18:24 - Nielsen VideoScan High-Def market share for week ending October 5th, 2008
20:47 - LG's BD300 available and in the wild
22:45 - Warner Bros. gives green light for DivX distribution
24:06 - VUDU's HDX titles compare to Blu-ray's picture quality
29:56 - Poll: Which HD download service do you prefer?
34:34 - DIRECTV2PC launches in beta form, brings HD recordings to your local PC
37:37 - NBC replaces Weather Plus with Universal Sports
41:34 - Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC review
44:53 - Bright House bigwig acknolwedges complaints about Mystro Digital Navigator
47:24 - Panasonic reveals first tru2way HDTVs in Chicago and Denver
49:45 - TiVo soliciting beta testers for "Hawk" Series3 / TiVo HD software update

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16/10/2008 - First US Cities Get Tru2way Digital Cable Service

Consumers in Chicago and Denver will be the first in the US to experience Comcast's video-on-demand without a set-top box.
Panasonic and Comcast today unveiled a tru2way digital cable service for the two cities with additional cities expected to go live in the coming months.

15/10/2008 - LifeSize Launches Full-HD Telepresence System

LifeSize Communications has unveiled what it describes as the next generation in video communications - a full HD telepresence solution called Room 200.
The system provides life-size HD images and audio for as many as six participants at one time.

14/10/2008 - HDTV Has Become Simply TV

HDTV penetration in US households is climbing so steadily that it's apparently no longer deemed necessary to mention the high-def part.
According to Paul Gagnon, director of North America TV Market Research for DisplaySearch, “HDTV has simply become TV, with nearly every consumer either owning or understanding the benefits of HDTV and desiring to become an owner”.

13/10/2008 - Blu-ray releases on October 14th 2008

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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal SkullBlu-ray's incredible fourth quarter of new releases continues this week as some of the biggest blockbusters of the summer debut. The biggest title this week is very easily Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, with almost no other day-and-date release coming in second. The other big news this week is all the HD DVD catchup titles from both Warner and Universal, the biggest of which is easily The Ultimate Matrix Collection. But Neo's trio isn't the only title Blu fans have been waiting on for way to long, Warner also has Constantine, while Universal has American Gangster and the classic Casino. 6 out of the 22 titles this week are IMAX movies which we're sure someone can't wait to enjoy -- sans nausea. Fox has a couple catalog classics from the 80's with The Jewel of the Nile and Romancing the Stone. Meanwhile, we'll all wait until next week when MGM will deliver more James Bond flicks in HD than any single human can possibly watch in a week.

Blu-ray

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08/10/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 105 - 10.08.2008

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Somehow we continue to find things to talk up despite the fact that this time of year is traditionally slow for tech news. We do find it a relief that Panasonic finally solved it's identity crisis, and that it might get back into the Audio AVR market. Meanwhile, Ben finds something to complain about FiOS monumental HD rollout -- yeah seriously. Iron Man breaks the Blu-ray sales record so we decide to speculate on which title will replace it as the number one selling title ever using IMDB logic. Finally we talk up some hardware as the Apple TV gets an update, XStreamHD is less than three months away from officially becoming vaporware, and finally Steve complains because he isn't one of the lucky ones able to obtain a Tuning Adapter, despite the fact that he actually needs one.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:48 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 104 - 10.01.2008
03:55 - Matsushita Electric becomes Panasonic, like, for real
04:46 - Panasonic gearing up for re-entry into the receiver market?
07:57 - Verizon rolls out price increase with monumental HD rollout
11:05 - MOJO HD gets canceled, should vanish by year's end
12:19 - VidaBox's RoomClientHD streams Blu-ray, other 1080p content to your HDTV
14:24 - Samsung BD-P1500 update finally enabled BD Live
17:28 - Iron Man lives up to expectations, breaks all Blu-ray records
21:37 - Apple TV update finally lets you buy hi-def TV shows from the couch
27:52 - XStreamHD licenses audio processing from ARC, resumes radio silence
31:35 - The first Tuning Adapter is unleashed by Comcast

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audio/mpeg ; 20.56 Mb


07/10/2008 - Solar-powered and Wireless - HDTV Doesn't Come Much Cleaner

Japan’s cutting edge electronics fair CEATEC just ended but it tossed a few interesting titbits into the mix, including a solar-powered HDTV from Sharp.
The LED-backlit 52-inch set receives up to 220kWh of power from a solar floor panel.

07/10/2008 - BitGravity To Support Interactive HD Video Applications

BitGravity has announced the release of an application programming interface (API), capable of supporting cutting-edge interactive video applications.
The company claims the updated API unlocks the ability to create affordable and scalable interactive HD video applications for the first time.

07/10/2008 - Jewelry TV goes HD on October 15th

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Jewelry TV logoAlthough we have to admit we've never been big on doing our shopping on TV, as we prefer the interwebs for that type of thing, we could really see where HD would be the perfect application for selling jewelry to those who are too lazy to get off the couch. But even if you do enjoy a nice trip to your local jewelry store, you might like the idea of being able to check out that new ring blown up in glorious HD on your 60-inch HDTV. Either way, Jewelry TV is hoping that with a little help from its new HD channel, it can sustain its $500 million in revenues it enjoyed last year. We're not sure about that, but we'll bet at least one guy will use this as leverage when convincing his wife it's time to make the jump to HD, but we have feeling he just might live to regret playing that card.
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06/10/2008 - Verizon rolls out price increase with monumental HD rollout

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FiOS IMG
You didn't think that Verizon was just going to over double the FiOS TV HD lineup -- and become one of the only wired providers in the country with 100 HD channels -- and keep the price at $48 a month did you? Because if you did, you were being a little naive, as the way we see it, a $10 a month increase for all that HD isn't too bad. Verizon definitely gets points for creativeness on this one though, instead of just raising the rates for everyone, the HD channels we all have grown to love have been moved to the Extreme HD tier, along with all the new ones, which goes for $10 a month -- interestingly there are a couple of SD channels on the Extreme HD tier, which makes no sense to us. But if you think this is bad, just be glad it isn't like DirecTV's HD policy which requires you to pay $10 a month to access the HD version of any channel you already pay for, like the NFL Sunday Ticket or HBO.
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06/10/2008 - Blu-ray releases on October 7th 2008

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Sleeping BeautyThere are a few day and date releases this week, but we don't think any of them are the biggest title of the week. Sure Sleeping Beauty doesn't fit in the Blu-ray demographic, it does mark a significant milestone in Blu-ray's path to replacing DVD. In fact it marks the very first Disney Classic to be released on Blu-ray, which we're sure will help more than one father convince his wife they need to go Blu. Next up is You Don't Mess with the Zohan, which although it looks down right silly, it is sure to be good for a few laughs. The rest of the lineup this week is all Halloween, all the time, as just about every studio goes into its catalog to release every horror classic we can think of. But if you think this is a big week, just wait until next week. For starters The Matrix Trilogy finally drops on Blu, but there are also plenty of other catch up titles from Universal and one or two more from Warner. Those alone would make some week for Blu, but we haven't even mentioned the latest Indiana Jones movie which is sure to be a hot seller. While no one truly knows the future of Blu-ray, there's little doubt that we will have a much better look into the future after this holiday season thanks to every studio throwing everything they have to make Blu-ray successful.

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05/10/2008 - Samsung implements InstaPort HDMI port switching on next-gen HDTVs

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We heard about Silicon Image's InstaPort fast HDMI switching tech back in July, and now it seems we're finally seeing implementation. Samsung has emerged as the first manufacturer to buy in, with its next-generation HDTVs to include the sub-second HDMI port switching functionality. Also, we're told that nine of the top ten TV makers are currently testing the product, which means they should be ready to roll by next year. Unfortunately, we're not clued in on what exact models will include the port / input processors, so here's hoping this means "all" Samsung sets.

[Via Digital Science]
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04/10/2008 - PIE United cranks out HD-0310 1080p Digital Photo Viewer

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If you don't have quite enough set-tops sitting underneath your HDTV, we've got one more to fill that tiny gap over there on the right. PIE United has introduced a rather quizzical device aimed at folks who love to show off photos of their journeys around the world on the big screen. The HD-0310 1080p Digital Photo Viewer connects up via HDMI and supports 12 types of flash cards along with USB drives; in addition to photos, it'll play back video clips and MP3 files. Oh, and just in case you're fresh out of HDMI ports, this thing packs a single input in order to connect another HDMI device and switch between the two. Not too sure how much this will run the layman, but outfits looking to buy in bulk should be able to land a killer deal.
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02/10/2008 - Hitachi Camcorder Wirelessly Streams HD

Hitachi have been showing off a prototype digital camcorder that can stream HD video on a TV via a wireless LAN, according to Tech-On.
The camcorder, which was being exhibited at CEATEC JAPAN 2008, can output video recorded on its HDD or video being shot live to a Hitachi HDTV.

01/10/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 104 - 10.01.2008

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Looks like the BDA needs to tighten up its messaging on falling Blu-ray player prices, as the new Panasonic players came in under our estimates and Sony put a price cut on its BDP-S350. We look forward to some good deals this holiday season, but according to our poll, almost a third of you need prices to head south of the $200 mark before you'll pull the trigger. We call "cherry picking" on this week's spate of news regarding Blu-ray's demise, and Hollywood seems to think enough of the format to send Academy screeners on Blu. What is more interesting in download/streaming space is Roku's open attitude to getting content onboard. Cannon PC introduced internal CableCard tuners for the HTPC crowd, which might help make them look more HT and less PC. We talk a little about our hands-on time with the long-awaited Slingbox PRO-HD, and then bat around plans for putting Nero's LiquidTV/TiVo PC to the test. But on the TiVo front, the new UI that leaked out this week took top honors -- it struck close to home for TiVo (the videos disappeared quickly) and close to our hearts (we want it now). Finally, we talk about the HD Guru's latest roundup of TVs -- the specs don't lie, Samsung's LN-46A950 delivered 1080 lines of resolution in motion (in one mode); but as always, let your own eyes be the final judge.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
04:33 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 0103 - 09.24.2008
10:10 - Panasonic's Profile 2.0 DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player priced at $299
10:36 - Panasonic's Profile 2.0 DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player gets priced: $399
10:48 - Sony gifts BDP-S350 with BD-Live via firmware update
11:33 - Poll: Are $200 Blu-ray players cheap enough for you?
13:36 - Blu-ray's market share has almost doubled since HD DVD's demise
18:01 - Roku reaffirms desire to work with other content providers
20:53 - Cannon PC starts offering internal CableCARD tuners for sale separately
24:25 - Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD unboxed and tested
26:03 - Nero LiquidTV / TiVo PC brings TiVo interface to the PC
32:50 - Potential new TiVo user interface shown on video
38:13 - HD Guru evaluates 125 HDTVs in the resolution loss test


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01/10/2008 - JVC's iPod-friendly LT-42P789 LCD HDTV gets reviewed

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JVC's iPod dock-infused LT-42P789 was announced way back when at CES 2008, but we're just now starting to see the flat-panel leak out onto the market. The cats over at E-Gear were able to house one for a review, and all in all, they were quite pleased. Image quality while watching Blu-ray Discs was exceptional, the iPod playback / UI navigation was satisfactory and the inbuilt speakers were actually not half bad. To be frank, we don't see many potential LCD HDTV buyers looking heavily at this one unless they're simply dead-set on having integrated iPod support -- but hey, if that's you, this one may be the next set you want consuming your den.
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30/09/2008 - Hauppauge adds 5.1 support to the HD-PVR

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Hauppauge HD-PVR
One of the most exciting products of 2008 is the Hauppauge HD-PVR, because it enables you to record any HD source you want by exploiting the analog hole. The problem up until now has been that while you can already enjoy DirecTV HD on your SageTV setup in all its glory, you've had to settle for stereo audio. That is finally changing as Hauppauge as the latest beta driver now adds support Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC3), and AAC to top it off. But even if surround sound isn't your thing, you may still want to check out this update as it also resolves a few other miscellaneous issues that might be bothering you.
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30/09/2008 - Comstar Launches Stream-branded HDTV

Russian telecomms operator Comstar-UTS has fully launched Stream-branded HDTV services in Moscow in the upgraded sections of the MGTS network.
It has also introduced a package offering broadband internet access at speeds of up to 20Mbps.

30/09/2008 - HD Drives Freesat Sales to 100K in Five Months

The UK’s free-to-air satellite service Freesat has racked up 100,000 sales since its launch in May.
Developed by the BBC and ITV, Freesat said high definition coverage of major sporting events over the summer played a key role in encouraging people to buy HD set-top boxes.

29/09/2008 - "Better-Then-Blu-ray" Movies For Select SIM2 Few

SIM2 has teamed up with the US's Entertainment Experience, LLC to offer just-released movie blockbusters as part of a better-than-blu high-def home-cinema package.
hdtv.biz-news.com spoke to the high-performance HD projector specialists to find out why they've launched what appears to be yet another HD format when the public is still wavering about Blu-ray.

25/09/2008 - Strategy For HDMI Success Now Being Applied to Wireless HD

Wireless High Definition Special: In the second of our articles looking at the competing next generation wireless high definition TV systems hdtv.biz-news.com spoke to John LeMoncheck, president and CEO of SiBEAM, and a leading member of the Wireless HD (WiHD) consortium.

25/09/2008 - Tiny LCD Step Closer to Mobile HD

Casio has unveiled a two-inch LCD that brings the arrival of HD video on mobile devices a large step closer.
With a resolution of 960x540 the company is rightfully excited that its latest offering gives its sharpest display yet.

25/09/2008 - AT&T To Boost HD Line-up With MPEG-4

AT&T is to continue growing its high-definition channel line-up in the US with the help of increasingly efficient MPEG-4 compression.
The efficiency gains will allow the telco to support more simultaneous IPTV streams, upping the live HD streams to three and the recorded HD streams to four in 2009.

24/09/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 103 - 09.24.2008

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The BDA says prices won't be falling soon, but thankfully retailers broke ranks this week and Blu-ray players sank below the $200 mark. Player pricing may be falling into line with Joe Six Pack budgets, but who's to say when Apple's OSX will get the memo. Based on our poll, Profile 2.0 support isn't necessary, we're just asking for some basic playback here, Apple. We move on to talk about the dearth of OTA HD DVRs; we think it's got a lot to do with the limited OTA offerings here in the US. Maybe a HTPC would be the way to record your OTA HD, but one thing made loud and clear by our poll is that folks won't be paying $5,000 for that pleasure, even if it comes in the form of a headless Windows Media Center. Speaking of HTPCs, we talk a little about DisplayPort and HDMI and wonder if a divide between CE and PC gear is brewing on that front. An easier way to get your PC content on your TV might be the ZvBox, which we reviewed this week. ATSC 2.0 with H.264 encoding is too far off to even think about, so we take a shorter view and focus on Verizon's HD MLB coverage on TBS and the debut of HD on 60 Minutes this past weekend. Finally, we can't pass up the opportunity to thank iTV for setting the vision that has guided us all to the interactive TV wonder we know as Ben-o-Vision.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:33 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 0102 - 09.17.2008
14:19 - BDA sez Blu-ray player prices aren't sinking anytime soon
14:35 - Samsung's BD-P1500 Blu-ray player dips under $200
18:14 - Blu-ray support destined for Mac OS X 10.5.6?
20:03 - Poll: Are you sold on Blu-ray Profile 2.0?
22:43 - Ask Engadget HD: Where are all the standalone OTA HD DVRs?
29:08 - Poll: What's the most you'd pay for the ultimate HTPC?
32:40 - Microsoft planning La Veuve de Media Center?
37:48 - DisplayPort and HDMI square off in uber-thorough comparison
42:19 - ZeeVee ZvBox review
50:01 - ATSC 2.0 includes support for H.264
50:01 - Verizon FiOS adds TBS HD in time for the MLB playoffs
52:39 - 60 Minutes pulls out the HDTV cams for Obama & McCain Sunday
57:01 - Ins and Outs: Whatever happened to iTV?

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24/09/2008 - VOX TV-R HDD Media Player / Recorder gets reviewed

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Never heard of VOX (outside of the guitar amplification company)? Fret not, as the critics over at TechwareLabs are about to introduce you two in fine fashion. The TV-R HDD Media Player / Recorder was recently reviewed over at the site, and outside of having a full-fledged media PC handling your PVR duties, this one was seen as the next best thing. The unit can be grabbed for well under two bills with 120GB of storage built right in, and aside from being able to capture TV shows, it can also act as a local multimedia player for those who like to run things through their entertainment center. We would've loved to see an Ethernet port or WiFi module added in for good measure, but if you're down with keeping it local, this one doesn't seem like a half bad option for the coin. Tap the read link to decide for yourself.
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23/09/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 103 - 09.24.2008

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The BDA says prices won't be falling soon, but thankfully retailers broke ranks this week and Blu-ray players sank below the $200 mark. Player pricing may be falling into line with Joe Six Pack budgets, but who's to say when Apple's OSX will get the memo. Based on our poll, Profile 2.0 support isn't necessary, we're just asking for some basic playback here, Apple. We move on to talk about the dearth of OTA HD DVRs; we think it's got a lot to do with the limited OTA offerings here in the US. Maybe a HTPC would be the way to record your OTA HD, but one thing made loud and clear by our poll is that folks won't be paying $5,000 for that pleasure, even if it comes in the form of a headless Windows Media Center. Speaking of HTPCs, we talk a little about DisplayPort and HDMI and wonder if a divide between CE and PC gear is brewing on that front. An easier way to get your PC content on your TV might be the ZvBox, which we reviewed this week. ATSC 2.0 with H.264 encoding is too far off to even think about, so we take a shorter view and focus on Verizon's HD MLB coverage on TBS and the debut of HD on 60 Minutes this past weekend. Finally, we can't pass up the opportunity to thank iTV for setting the vision that has guided us all to the interactive TV wonder we know as Ben-o-Vision.


Get the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim
Guest: Brent Evans

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:33 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 0102 - 09.17.2008
14:19 - BDA sez Blu-ray player prices aren't sinking anytime soon
14:35 - Samsung's BD-P1500 Blu-ray player dips under $200
18:14 - Blu-ray support destined for Mac OS X 10.5.6?
20:03 - Poll: Are you sold on Blu-ray Profile 2.0?
22:43 - Ask Engadget HD: Where are all the standalone OTA HD DVRs?
29:08 - Poll: What's the most you'd pay for the ultimate HTPC?
32:40 - Microsoft planning La Veuve de Media Center?
37:48 - DisplayPort and HDMI square off in uber-thorough comparison
42:19 - ZeeVee ZvBox review
50:01 - ATSC 2.0 includes support for H.264
50:01 - Verizon FiOS adds TBS HD in time for the MLB playoffs
52:39 - 60 Minutes pulls out the HDTV cams for Obama & McCain Sunday
57:01 - Ins and Outs: Whatever happened to iTV?

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23/09/2008 - Canon Rises To Nikon's HD DSLR Challenge

It has been described by Vincent Laforet, one of the world’s top professional photographers, as having the “potential to change our industry”.
The soon-to-be-launched Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR can record full 1080p video clips at 30 frames-per-second.

23/09/2008 - TV3 stops HDTV transmissions

Catalan public broadcaster TV3 has halted its HDTV transmissions via digital terrestrial.
The broadcasts were the first of their type in Spain.

23/09/2008 - General Electric To Make Premium HDTVs

After a 20-year gap, General Electric is returning to television-set making in partnership with a Taiwanese company to launch high definition TV sets.
Among the joint venture’s various intentions are plans to produce a Blu-ray Disc player with BD-Live capability.

22/09/2008 - Blu-ray releases on September 23rd, 2008

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The Godfather Blu-rayWith September finally nearing to a close, we are finally starting to see some big titles on Blu-ray. The biggest of those this week is arguably the biggest catalog title of all time, The Godfather. Some have even stated that the fact that Paramount brought the historic series to Blu-ray in half the time it took for it to come to DVD, is proof that Hollywood is really putting all its weight behind Blu-ray. Dreamworks also has a few popular catalog titles with Madagascar and Shrek the Third. The biggest day-and-date title this week is Sex and the City, but we'll pass. We won't pass on Leatherheads or Run Fatboy Run, as they look more up our alley. If you tend to like movies with really low IMDB scores, then you may want to check out Deception from Fox. Next week is similar with really only catalog titles to talk about, but the next few months will get really interesting as Hollywood will finally unleash it's holiday lineup.

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18/09/2008 - Pioneer to launch LCD HDTVs in North America next year

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On the whole, we'd say KURO plasma owners are pretty stoked about their sets. Those who'd prefer a KURO-branded LCD, however, have been waiting anxiously to hear something more from ole Pioneer for months. Thankfully, the firm has finally spoken, and while it doesn't mention any brand / model names specifically, we can assume that those LCD HDTVs we saw emerge in Europe will be gracing US shores in mere months. During the first half of 2009, Pioneer LCD HDTVs will be loosed in North America and Asia, and unless plans change, the panels within will actually be supplied by Sharp. Might we be on the lookout for a sneak peek at CES '09?
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17/09/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 102 - 09.17.2008

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We decided to kick off the new fall HDTV season with a little help, so we invited our friend Brent Evans from Geek Tonic on the show to fill us in on the new shows. But like us, Brent is also a HD geek, and had a thing or two to say about SageTV even though it wasn't on topic -- we don't mind one bit. After we got back on topic we talked up the new HD products from Sling and how we might use them, then once again we fell into the downloads vs disc debate as Vudu readies Blu-ray quality rentals and Blu-ray Discs start showing up in Red Box rental kiosks. Finally, we all talk up our favorite shows, including which we'll continue to watch from last year, as well as the ones we're planning on dedicating some DVR space to this year.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim
Guest: Brent Evans

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
02:02 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 0101 - 09.9.2008
21:26 - Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD / SlingCatcher up for pre-order
27:56 - VUDU readying Blu-ray quality rentals
34:59 - Blu-ray Discs popping up in Red Box rental kiosks
37:26 - DirecTV's Media Center Tuner still not on track for this year
43:30 - Vizio switches marketing gears from discount to high-quality
45:14 - Digeo readies two Moxi set-top-boxes for release
48:57 - The ultimate guide to the Fall HDTV schedule

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17/09/2008 - Suddenlink rolling out HD VOD

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Down in Lubbock, Texas -- which just so happened to get gifted with AT&T's U-verse a few days ago -- Suddenlink is attempting to stay competitive by rolling out HD VOD to its customers. It's unclear whether or not the rollout will affect more markets than this, but at least for those in the Lone Star state, you can expect lots of free SD material and "44 new high-definition [VOD] channels." As for costs, look to cough up between $0.99 and $3.99 for an SD film, while Hollywood titles in high-def will run $2.99 to $5.99. We appreciate this and all, but how's about some fresh HD channels while you're at it, Suddenlink?
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17/09/2008 - Humax FOXSAT-HD Freesat receiver gets reviewed

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Earlier this summer, CNET's UK branch was able to get a few precious moments of hands-on time with the high-end Humax FOXSAT-HD set-top, and now, the good lads over at Pocket-lint are following up with a full-blown review. The HDD-less receiver was dubbed "breathtaking," ensuring that it'll look quite fine underneath your tele. As for setup, it was coined "a breeze," and the very informative on-screen guide was seen as a pleasure to use. As expected, high-definition quality was "sensational," though we can't help but shed a tear at the lowly amount of HD channels available at the moment. At any rate, those content with just a receiver (or simply unwilling to wait for a DVR version) should be plenty pleased with this one, but you can tag the read link below if you're interested in the full review.
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16/09/2008 - Blu-ray releases on September 16th, 2008

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88 MinutesWe're switching up the format a bit on the weekly Blu-ray release post, because the number of titles being released each week is so great, and the total number of titles so insignificate, that from now on we're just going to focus on the movies we find interesting and drop the title count all together -- mostly because it's impossible to keep accurate anyways. The biggest news this week is that Weinstein is finally releasing its first Blu-ray titles, so for the first time ever, every major Hollywood studio is on the Blu-ray band-wagon. The biggest title this week -- which isn't saying much -- is Sony's date-and-date 88 Minutes. Following the catalog and TV show releases trend we expect to see the rest of the month we have one of our favorite shows, Pushing Daisies, if you haven't seen this show in HD, the picture quality and female cast members alone, make it worth your while to take a look. The big catalog this week is a movie from our youth, Risky Business, which we look forward to checking it out in HD for the first time ever, but next week's Godfather series is sure to be a bigger seller.

Blu-ray
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15/09/2008 - BBC to launch regular HD DTT broadcasts

Catherine Smadja, head of strategy at the BBC, said the Corporation is to start regular DVB-T2 HD broadcasts in November 2009.
The new multiplex should eventually be available to 98.5 per cent of the UK population.

15/09/2008 - The Future is 3-D HDTV

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of Dream Works, believes that 3-D HDTV is the future of the TV and movie industries.
Fittingly he made his comments in a speech that was beamed by satellite across the Atlantic and displayed in glorious 3D HDTV at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2008 in Amsterdam.

11/09/2008 - Coming Year Important for New Wireless HDTV Products

Wireless High Definition Special: Over the coming weeks hdtv.biz-news.com will be interviewing representatives from the competing wireless high definition TV systems to assess their current state of readiness and future viability.
To kick things off, Steve Wilson, principal analyst at ABI Research, which recently produced a report Wireless Video Cable Replacement Market and Technologies, gives his opinion on wireless HDTV developments.

11/09/2008 - HDTV sales surpass 10 million in UK

Cumulative sales of HDTVs to date surpassed 10 million in the UK, according to a report by GfK Retail and Technology.
In the first six months of 2008, more than 2 million were added and the market research firm expects the cumulative total to be approaching 15 million by the end of 2008.

10/09/2008 - Set-top Box Capable of HD Content Over DVB-T2

Pace plc, a developer of digital TV technologies, has made the first set-top box capable of receiving and displaying DVB-T2 HD content.
DVB-T2 brings efficiencies of between 30-50 per cent in its use of spectrum compared to DVB-T and is expected to be a key enabler to the roll out of high definition TV in the UK over Freeview.

10/09/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 101 - 09.9.2008

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Breaking past the century mark, we pull our own Darren Murph into the studio to give us the rundown on last week's CEDIA show. Highlights from Denver included Mitsubishi's LaserVue TV and Belkin's FlyWire wireless hub -- we're not sure we see the FlyWire device moving in large volume, but we wonder if the LaserVue's picture quality could give RPTVs a real shot in the arm. One thing that did show up at CEDIA was Blu-ray players; despite Samsung's call for a five-year Blu lifespan, units from Panasonic, Sony, Sharp and LG all got rolled out. Features are all over the map, but it's good to see that the product segment is getting some diversity. There also was a tru2way demo from Panasonic and Comcast, and again we find ourselves in the "glass half full" camp that wishes for more, but appreciates the baby steps being made. TiVo had a good week, with an spec-bumped HD model and the return of a DirecTV solution. But when it comes to whole-home media, Niveus still tugs at our hearts -- unfortunately, it also tugs a little too hard at our wallets. And with that, the show moves on to the new items we're not so enthusiastic about: Sony and Samsung's 200/240Hz TVs, SIM2's $40 hard drive movie mailers, Pioneer's Kuro in-wall speakers, and Philips' purported "better than Kuro" LCD. File all these under, "return to sender." We wrap up on a good note, the appearance of Seinfeld on TBS HD, remastered from film-stock for a quality 16:9 HD experience.



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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:06 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 0100 - 09.3.2008
09:48 - Mitsubishi's 65-inch LaserVue priced at CEDIA: $6,999
13:57 - Belkin's FlyWire hands-on at CEDIA
19:11 - Panasonic's DMP-BD35 / DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players hands-on
21:07 - Hands-on: Sony shows off prototype 400-disc Blu-ray Mega Changer
24:23 - LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck ships next month for $399.95
28:17 - Sharp's AQUOS BD-HP50U / BD-HP21U Blu-ray players eyes-on
30:22 - Samsung UK exec says Blu-ray "has five years left"
33:53 - Panasonic & Comcast to demonstrate "real" tru2way at CEDIA
38:37 - Hell freezes over, new DirecTV HD TiVo on the way
40:58 - TiVo HD XL DVR: 150 hours of HD recording, $599.99, available now
43:23 - Niveus says "never enough," adds support for eight CableCARDs / ten Extenders
47:56 - Sony, Samsung both claim "world's first" 200Hz LCD TV
49:54 - SIM2 tag-teams with Entertainment Experience to bring you movies on hard drives
52:26 - Pioneer goes crazy with 16 new speaker models, KURO brand push
55:30 - Philips LCDs better than Kuro plasmas...at least according to Philips
57:35 - Seinfeld goes HD on TBS HD


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09/09/2008 - Blu-ray releases on September 9th, 2008

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Baby Mama Blu-rayAs we push closer and closer to the one thousand title mark for Blu-ray, during this season of TV shows, catalogs, and B+ movies, we get more and more excited for what's to come. But for now we'll have to appreciate what we have, and we only wish we though Baby Mama looked funny. That's not to say there isn't at least one good title in this week's slate of eighteen, just nothing new. For example, who doesn't like Kill Bill, Cool Hand Luke, or Jerry Maguire? And that's not to mention one of the most inspirational sports movies of all time, Rudy. If none of these interest you, just wait until next week, which has a pretty impressive lineup to offer. Personally we're looking forward to a few of 'em like Leatherheads, The Love Guru and the very first two Weinstein Blu-ray movies ever.

Blu-ray 774

Blu-ray
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07/09/2008 - Netflix focuses on video-streaming

Netflix has hired Bill Holmes, a five-year veteran of digital-media company DivX, to help build its video-streaming business.
His appointment is the latest in various moves by the company to build on its 8.4 million subscriber base with its streaming services.

04/09/2008 - HD test success spells bandwidth boost

Test transmissions in the UK have successfully received high def pictures compliant to the DVB-T2 standard using a real-time demodulator.
The BBC, which performed the tests, says this is the first time anywhere in the world that a live end-to-end DVB-T2 chain has been demonstrated.

04/09/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 100 - 09.3.2008

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This has been a long time coming, but after false starts, a long hiatus, and who knows how many hosts, here we are at the Engadget HD Podcast episode 100. We start the show way back in 2005 by talking about what ended up being the warm up to the first podcast, as Ben and Warren talk up the origins and motivations. Then, in early 2006 Ben joined the HD Beat team and with Kevin Tofel, they knocked out the very first weekly HD Beat podcasts. But only after ten episodes, Kevin moved on and Matt moved in as the co-host for the next 34 episodes before the long hiatus. Finally, after about a six month break, Steve step in and helped step up the podcast's game, as we cranked out more consecutive shows than ever before, ultimately bringing us here to episode 100. But during this walk down memory we lane we make a couple stops as Warren reminds Ben that HD.net didn't end up being the HD powerhouse he predicted, Kevin tells how he moved on from HD DVD to digital downloads, and finally Ben reminds Matt while he was right about the price of the HD DVD add-on drive for the 360, he was wrong about his prediction of the outcome of the format war. So while this show doesn't include the usual HD news you've come to expect, it does have four times the witty banter -- especially if you like to hear it when Ben is given a hard time -- and a historical perspective on the show.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:29 - Warren Wiltshire
18:51 - Kevin Tofel
42:06 - Matt Burns


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01/09/2008 - Blu-ray releases on September 2nd, 2008

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Transformers Blu-rayWe close the book on August and get started with September as we barrel down on the holiday season when the real blockbusters start to hit the streets. But for now, we'll take what we can get and the biggest this week for Blu-ray fans was arguably the biggest titles ever released on HD DVD. Although Transformers didn't win any Academy Awards, it is two hours of fun and has some of the best audio and picture quality movies can offer. The HD DVD version was very highly rated and the Blu-ray Disc is no different. In fact, effectively the only difference between the two is all the extra audio goodness. While the HD DVD version was limited to a Dolby Digital Plus track (allegedly because of space limitations) Blu-ray sports Dolby TrueHD as well as a few foreign language surround sound tracks -- although this is really the only difference, the reviewers appreciate it. Not much else to get excited about, which is pretty much the same again for next week. Things do start to heat up towards the middle of September though as Weinstein finally goes Blu and a few titles you've actually heard of that were in theaters in the past year are on the calendar.

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29/08/2008 - Blu-ray is an unstoppable train

Why upgrade to Blu-ray when the old DVD player still manages to churn out a pretty good picture?
That was one of the issues addressed by the Blu-ray Disc Association at the IFA 2008 electronics trade show in Berlin.

28/08/2008 - Sanyo uncorks $1,295 720p PLV-Z60 projector

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As the pre-CEDIA releases continue to roll, we've got yet another projector from Sanyo. The PLV-Z60 offers up a native 720p resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,200 ANSI lumens, 3D color management system, 12-bit processing IC for video decoding, scaling and gamma curve generation and a 2x optical zoom. You'll also find VGA, HDMI (x2), component (x2) and S-Video connections, and you can find the PJ itself next month for $1,295. [Warning: PDF read link]
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28/08/2008 - The Hi-Def History of the NFL

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NFL logoWith the first all HD NFL season set to kick off in about a week, our friends over at HD Sports Guide thought it was a good time to look back on the history of the NFL in HD, and we couldn't agree more. No matter if you were there when CBS pioneered football in HD in the New York market way back in 1998 or just got your first HDTV a few weeks ago, we think you'll enjoy the short walk down memory lane that includes a number of stats like the total number of HD games produced by CBS (270), or the teams who've gotten the biggest shaft over the years -- sorry Texan fans. So before you start enjoying every professional football game in HD this season, have a read so you can really appreciate all the SD suffering some of us have endured over the past ten years.
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27/08/2008 - Toshiba's hanging on to those HD DVD patents

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Toshiba almost had to mess up its thirty-seven hundred dollar lynx coat, at the thought of seeing its HD DVD walking in the rain with some alley-cat-coat wearing hush-puppy-shoe-wearin' Taiwanese crumb cake. According to China's Economic Daily News, some Taiwanese manufacturers apparently sought to buy out the company's blue laser patents and use them negotiate a reduction in the cost of Blu-ray licenses. Whatever the master plan was, it's all for naught since Toshiba's not keen on giving up its licenses, which EDN sees as related to the upcoming China Blue High Definition discs still set to roll out based on HD DVD. HD DVD without Toshiba is like corn flakes without the milk, so it's unlikely we'll ever see it with anyone else, Tosh's own XDE dalliances notwithstanding.
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27/08/2008 - Sony debuts $1,500 SACD player with HDMI output

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We have to admit, that headline makes us a little bit giddy, and Sony seems to be betting there's enough folks giddy enough to throw down their credit card to snag its new high-end SACD player, which has just made its debut in Japan. In addition to making a bold statement of non-conformity in your A/V rack, the SCD-XA5400ES is particularly notable for its inclusion of an HDMI output, which nicely complements the usual digital optical, coax, and analog audio options. According to Sony, you can also expect nearly zero distortion from the twin R-core transformer and D/A system, which is independent from the general processing chipset. What's more, unlike many such product announcements, while this one made its debut in Japan, it's already available for pre-order from at least one US retailer (JR.com), although there's no promised release date just yet (it lands in Japan in October).
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27/08/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 099 - 08.27.2008

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We start off by talking Blu-ray players -- Samsung, Pioneer and Yamaha all introduced new models this week. We're not ones to complain about increased choice in the market, but we sure do wish that the lower price points would open up. Rumors have been swirling around VUDU this week, and we sympathize with the small company duking it out with much bigger players. Speaking of which, Sony's PlayTV DVR accessory for the PS3 came out, but is it too little, too late? Another company we like to pull for is DISH, which has made the leap (in certain markets) to 100-percent MPEG-4 encoding, which leads us talk about how much (or little) the encoding has to do with ultimate picture quality. That's one area we think ABC needs to step up in its World News Tonight and Nightline productions, so we'll keep hoping for the day that all newscasts get treated to high-quality HD. Finishing up, it's the beginning of football season, which promises lots of joy for college and pro fans alike.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:04 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 098 - 08.20.2008
16:43 - Samsung gets official with BD-Live-ready BD-P2500 Blu-ray player
18:10 - Best Buy unveils the Samsung BD-P2550
20:53 - Pioneer Elite BDP-09FD Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player leaks out
22:45 - Audioholics sets loose Yamaha BD-S2900 Blu-ray player for less than $1,000
25:20 - Double toil and trouble, VUDU rumor pot bubbles over
34:43 - Sony's PlayTV DVR for PlayStation 3 reviewed on video
37:59 - DISH Network calls first to 100% MPEG-4
41:46 - ABC's World News Tonight and Nightline enter high definition tonight
45:00 - ESPNU HD preps for launch Thursday


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27/08/2008 - Full HD broadcasting claims mislead consumers

Satellite and cable providers on both sides of the Atlantic have recently claimed they are offering full HD - or 1080p - programming.
The Blu-ray Disc Association is objecting to these claims of equality, suggesting the comparisons are irresponsible and misleading, and says it will take “appropriate action”.

26/08/2008 - DISH Network first to offer all HD programming in MPEG-4

Dish Network is claiming a pay-TV industry first with its announcement that it is to transmit all standard and HDTV programming in the MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Standard.
Always keen to stress any competitive advantage over its rivals, the satellite provider asserts this is just the latest in a series of market-leading offerings.

25/08/2008 - Blu-ray releases on August 26th, 2008

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Redbelt Blu-rayHere we are at the last week of August, and although there hasn't been that many titles to get excited about, there have been more titles released then ever before. Starting with September, the rest of the year looks like the trend of more than ten titles a week will continue, but more interestingly, there are quite a few to look forward to. But before we get ahead of ourselves, we can enjoy a few day-and-date releases like Sony's Redbelt and Fox's What Happens in Vegas. At the same time Warner has a few classics to share, including a personal favorite, Pale Rider. Universal continues to play catchup by releasing previous HD DVD titles on Blu-ray with Heroes (season 1 and 2) U-571 and End of Days. Overall it's not as bad as it's been, but looking forward to September, there are over eighty titles on the calendar and with Weistein finally getting in the mix in a couple of weeks, the time is finally arriving for Blu-ray to put up or shut up.

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21/08/2008 - Samsung expands lead over global TV makers

Samsung is the leading global TV brand in revenue terms for the tenth straight quarter, expanding its market share to a record 22.8 per cent.
North America enjoyed strong Q2 TV shipments growth in Q2, helping global TV shipments to improve by 11 per cent Y/Y to 47.5M units.

20/08/2008 - Corel WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray Update Pack ready for download

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Ooh, goodie! A full five months after Corel released its WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray application, the first major update pack has arrived. The unimaginatively named WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray Update Pack checks in at just under 50MB and size and promises to resolve the "Enable S/PDIF Out" / "HDMI output to speaker" issues while expanding the list of compatible commercial titles and enhancing compatibility for a slew of VGA chipsets within Windows Vista / XP. There's no direct mention of BD-Live support, but for those who purchased the original, why not give the update a go and report back?

[Thanks, Tyler]
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20/08/2008 - PC disc drives to boost Blu-ray growth

Blu-ray Disc drives installed on PCs are expected to help “convert” more consumers to the format, with growth forecast at 117 per cent annually through 2013.
According to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a report from IMS Research shows that non-broadcast HD video households are expected to increase 90 per cent annually through 2013, reaching 38 million homes worldwide.

20/08/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 098 - 08.20.2008

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We kick things off with a little Olympics, and based on our poll, we're not the only ones talking about the Chinese HD smorgasbord. With so much content, it's only natural that we talk about DVRs, and Verizon is looking to score a win with its DVR promotion, which would go great with the its plans to make NFL interactive via TV. Speaking of Verizon, only last week it took issue with tru2way, and the war of words spilled over to this week. We talk a little Blu-ray with the upcoming re-release of "Casino Royale" and Paramount's rebate plan to upgrade you from DVD to Blu-ray on select titles this holiday. If you're not into buying, how about rental? That's normally synonymous with Netflix, but not this past week. Mail carriers missed the daily flow of red envelopes, but everything was righted by week's end. If internet delivery is more your style, maybe Vudu can get you interested with its $0.99 rental promotion. But considering the price of entry, maybe not. We wrap up with talk about disc spinners from Sony, Panasonic and Toshiba. Two of them are blue, one not so much; guess which ones we're enthused about?


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:46 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 097 - 08.13.2008
13:41 - Poll: Due to HD, have you tuned into the Olympics more?
16:55 - Verizon pushes HD DVRs in new FiOS TV promotion
19:34 - Verizon and the NFL get serious about interactive television
25:19 - tru2way camp reassures FCC this is the open standard they are looking for
28:40 - EchoStar lines up to make tru2way boxes too
32:42 - 007: Casino Royale Collector's Edition first Blu-ray Disc to double-dip
36:49 - Paramount to offer $10 rebate for select Blu-ray Disc upgrades
38:54 - Netflix shipping systems act a fool -- have you been delayed?
40:33 - Netflix shipping woes fixed, rentals flowing freely again
41:00 - VUDU announces $0.99 extended rentals, "99 for 99" movie channel
47:38 - Sony BDP-S350 review
50:14 - Panasonic prepping DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players?
52:50 - Toshiba stubbornly launches the un-Blu-ray, XD-E500 DVD player


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19/08/2008 - Blu-ray releases on August 19th, 2008

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Street Kings - Blu-rayAnother slow August Tuesday for Blu-ray releases this week, as there are only a few day-and-date titles. Of those, the best we can think of is Street Kings, but it isn't a hard decision when a title like Prom Night has a IMDB score of 3.1.We have another TV series on Blu-ray this week though, with Fox's Terminator show which oddly enough is distributed by Warner -- those TV rights are always much more complicated then they should be. Next week looks to be better though, as Universal has a whole slew of catch up titles, including Season 1 and 2 of Heroes, and Fox's new fun comedy What happens in Vegas.

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19/08/2008 - Impressive growth for Asian LCD HDTVs sales

Demand for consumer electronics in the Asian market is growing strongly despite reports of a gloomy economic outlook, according to research company GfK.
Its Pan Asia Consumer Electronics Data Summary shows a retail spend of approximately US$ 11.5 Billion dollars in the first half of 2008, which is an increase of 13 per cent year on year.

18/08/2008 - Tributaries Cable's HX101 joins the 130-foot HDMI extender club

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Tributaries Cable HX101 HDMI extender
For all of HDMI's promises of "one cable to rule them all," there sure seem to be large number of accessories to go along with the format, many of them for supporting longer runs. Tributaries Cable has added its HX101 to the growing number of repeaters/extenders that will stretch the not-so-long arm of HDMI to 40-meters (130-feet). The HX101 will pass all kinds of good bits you might be using, like HDMI 1.3 with HDCP, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD MA; and you can rest easy knowing features you're probably not making any use of -- 1440p resolution, Deep Color and xvYCC -- are just fine, too. Sure, the device is a little more portly than some we've seen recently, but this kind of thing isn't really system showoff material anyways, and the $150 price will save you a little money.
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18/08/2008 - NextComputing adds Blu-ray option to portable workstation line

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Just because you need a PC that can withstand an impromptu war doesn't mean that you aren't interested in watching a Blu-ray flick once the fighting has subsided. NextComputing, best known for its, um, uniquely rugged machines, has just announced that a Panasonic recordable Blu-ray drive is now available on its entire line of mobile workstations. Just for clarification, that includes the NextDimension Pro and Pro HD, NextDimension Evo and Evo HD, Vigor Pro SD, and the Vigor Evo HD. Meanwhile, we think Rock is still trying to unload all that excess HD DVD inventory...
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15/08/2008 - Details emerge on Sony's first WHDI device


Information is beginning to emerge about Sony's first device harnessing the new standard for wireless high-definition video connectivity – WHDI.
The DMX-WL1T will allow uncompressed 1080p HD video and audio signal to be transmitted to any Dmex compatible Sony Bravia HDTV.

13/08/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 097 - 08.13.2008

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Not much exciting news this week but plenty to talk about, as the Olympics have been occupying much of our time with all the HD goodness that's on almost 24 hours a day. The other topic that got more than its fair share of time this week was the TV Pack. We talk up the good and the bad and although we are enjoying the new features, we still don't understand why it is OEM only. Finally we really show our age as we take a walk down memory lane and tell our sad stories of college -- sans HDTVs in our dorm room of course.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
02:54 - Ready to watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
08:25 - Olympics viewership through the roof, HDTV / internet to thank?
10:46 - Hands-on with the Vista Media Center TV Pack
22:43 - Did Microsoft intentionally break commercial skipping in Media Center?
27:14 - DISH Network might attempt DirecTV merger again?
28:24 - SlingPlayer 2.0 enters public beta -- without Clip+Sling
37:47 - Poll: Do you still visit the store for movie rentals?
40:30 - Colleges throwing in high-def amenities to lure in millennials


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12/08/2008 - DisplayPort offers serious challenge to HDMI dominance


High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has become the dominant interface technology for connecting HD devices, featuring in more than 70 per cent of digital televisions sold worldwide in 2007.
hdtv.biz-news.com asked Randy Lawson, senior analyst with iSuppli Corporation, about his new report Hogging the Spotlight: HDMI Growth Continues in Spite of DisplayPort.

12/08/2008 - Mitsubishi's 1080p LT-52148 LCD HDTV gets reviewed

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If Mitsubishi's WD-65735 proved a bit too, shall we say, bulky for your needs, those loyal to the brand may be wondering how the remarkably thinner LT-52148 performed. PC Magazine was able to get a set over on the test bench, and while the 52-inch 1080p panel was stunning (as was the ultrathin bezel), the excessive sharpening artifacts, elevated greens and above average (read: more than desired) power consumption left reviewers underwhelmed. Furthermore, the speakers consistently distorted when pushed over halfway on the volume scale, and the menu navigation was deemed "sluggish" at best. Overall, the set was a perfectly mixed bag, with just enough negatives to persuade prospective customers to check other options first. Think we're bluffing? Check out the read link below and see for yourself.
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11/08/2008 - Blu-ray releases on August 12th, 2008

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Prison Break: Season 3Yet another slow release week for both DVD and Blu-ray, as the HD format has 15 new titles and nothing to watch. Okay, saying they are nothing is a little much, but a week where just about every title is a catalog title, and the biggest news is that Fox is finally releasing a TV show on Blu-ray, isn't anything to call home about. Although we're not big Prison Break fans, we are happy to see more TV shows being released on Blu-ray day date with DVD. The only other title that is really standing out is Smart People, which is also day and date and at 6.6, has a decent enough IMDB score. Looking forward towards the rest of the Summer, it looks like much of the same, there are some good catalog titles on the horizon though, as well as plenty of catch up titles from Universal like the anticipated Heroes, seasons one and two.

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07/08/2008 - Anixe HD joins Kabel Deutschland lineup just in time for Olympics

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We already knew that Anixe HD would be covering select parts of the 2008 Olympic Games this month, but until recently, Kabel Deutschland customers have been left in the dark. Now, Germany's largest cable operator will be adding the aforementioned channel to its lineup just before the festivities begin, enabling subscribers to catch the action in athletics, triathlon, equestrian, cycling and sailing events. When the digital free-to-air station goes live this Friday, it will be the third HD channel offered by KDG next to Premiere HD and Discovery HD, both of which are pay-TV stations.
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07/08/2008 - Mediacom joins the big boys with its Olympics HD package

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Mediacom subscribers won't totally miss out on the Olympics (although you might be, unless you got up early to catch the U.S. Women's Soccer team take on Norway this morning), since the cable company signed up for the NBC HD VOD package seen on so many other systems. You should be able to grab more than 800 hours of HD on NBC, Universal HD and USA HD on the HDTV Family Package, and plenty of daily update from Beijing on video on-demand. Better get that DVR ready.
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06/08/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 096 - 08.06.2008

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We're closing in on the century mark, and we'd like to hear from you about what format that magical episode should take, so let us know in the comments. DISH continues to roll right along and doesn't look to be letting off the gas with 150 HD channels and 1080p VOD in the works. DirecTV isn't backing down from the challenge, however, and has been using some its ample DirecTV 11 bandwidth to simulcast MPEG2 HD channels. We talk a bit about Netflix's Blu-ray premium, and the small upcharge of one or two dollars seems like a pretty good deal to us -- doubly so in these times when consumers are having a hard time pulling the trigger on Blu-ray media purchases. The NFL pre-season is kicking off in HD, and even certain season ticket holders can get excited about that. We take a rare moment to side with Verizon on its tru2way stance -- see, we're not always hating on the big red! We wrap up with a couple of bits on the PC front -- the ZvBox and some new 720p Hulu content sure could make bringing the PC into the living room easier and more enjoyable. Again, don't forget to tell us what format you want to hear in episode 100!


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:45 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 095 - 07.30.2008
04:57 - DISH to have 150 HD channels this year and 1080p VOD in August
05:06 - DISH Network 1080p VOD preview
07:56 - DirecTV 11 starts broadcasting HD, simulcast of MPEG2 HD channels are live
09:51 - Poll: With over 100 HD channels, are you switching to satellite?
10:53 - Details of Netflix's Blu-ray premium emerges: $1.00 per month
12:59 - Consumers delaying Blu-ray purchases, can't find value proposition
17:20 - Kicking off the NFL pre-season in HD -- of course
19:24 - Verizon to the FCC: We're not down with tru2way
22:21 - Hands-on and unboxing: ZeeVee's ZvBox
26:40 - Hulu refreshes HD Gallery with 720p TV shows


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04/08/2008 - Blu-ray releases on August 5th, 2008

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The CounterfeitersAfter the 24 new releases last week, just about any other week would be a let down, but this week's measly ten titles don't really have much to get excited about. Of course if you're a big Starship Troupers fan, then you got the trilogy out on Blu today, but we're betting you're not. The other sign it's a slow week is that the biggest title we can find is a foreign film with English sub-titles. Don't get us wrong, we still think it'll be good, we're just saying, we generally prefer not to read while we watch our movies. But we do have to say that the last time Sony brought us an import like this (The Lives of Others) we really enjoyed it. The BBC has a couple of titles that might be worth a shot though-- although we doubt anything could live up to Planet Earth -- most interestingly is Wild China, which is great timing with the Beijing Olympics right around the corner.


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04/08/2008 - Sky now boasts 500,000 HD subscribers

Sky+ HD was taken by 33,000 new customers in the UK over the last three months, pushing the premium high-definition PVR to a total customer base of nearly 500,000.
Publishing results for its full financial year, Sky said it had 8.98m subscribers in total with net customer additions over the last three months coming in ahead of analyst expectations at 92,000.

03/08/2008 - Kicking off the NFL pre-season in HD -- of course

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NBC Sunday Night FootballOh yeah, it's that time of year again as this Sunday will kick off the NFL pre-season with the Hall Of Fame game in HD. Every season since we hopped on the HD bandwagon, we've seen more and more games get the HD treatment and the NFL pre-season isn't any differnt. Unlike regualar season NFL games that are produced by CBS, NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network; pre-season games are usually produced by a local station which can sometimes mean, no HD for you. Some are stepping up to the plate to deliver all the HD goodness for the first time this year, and proud of it, but others, not so much. As always, you can check out HD Sports Guide to find out which games will be in HD in your area -- even though they still don't believe CBS is producing all of their NFL games in HD this year -- but it will also be worth your time to check out the NFL Network from time to time which replays just about every pre-season game in the league -- but not all in HD.
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01/08/2008 - Kodak offers HDTV answer to photos "lost" in the PC

Kodak has long been known for producing imaging and photographic material.
hdtv.biz-news.com asked Matthew Yarrow, Kodak country business manager for the UK and Ireland, to explain the rationale behind his company’s decision to move into new territory with the launch of a set-top box.

01/08/2008 - HDTV to grow to 255m by 2013

The number of households worldwide viewing HDTV is set to rise from 45 million today to 255 million in 2013, according to a study by IMS Research.
It estimates that 45 million households worldwide received HDTV service via Direct to Home (DTH), cable, IPTV and Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) at the end of 2007, with approximately the same number of HDTV sets shipping during the year.

31/07/2008 - DISH first to broadcast live Blu-ray quality video

Subscribers to America’s DISH Network who have its MPEG-4 HD DVR boxes are to be offered full 1080p (1920x1080 progressive) resolution wherever content is available.
Starting on August 1 with a Video On Demand option for the movie I Am Legend, the new high resolution programming will supercede the 1080i (interlaced) or 720p which until now was usual HD fare for DISH and other services.

31/07/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 095 - 07.30.2008

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Finally, the Matrix collection gets a Blu-ray release date. We're not scared off by the $130 MSRP, but we do manage to disagree over the merits of the collection as a whole. Netflix looks to be raising Blu-ray prices soon; and despite the protests, we doubt the price bump will be repealed like the Profiles feature removal. And what are you going to do -- haven't you heard that brick-and-mortar rental is on the way out? The TV distribution game is all about padding the HD channel counts, and the bar has been raised to the magical 100 number by Verizon FiOS TV, DirecTV and even locally-originated news. We're intrigued by Samsung's Media Center Extender, but really want to see the electronics giant merge this functionality with a Blu-ray player. Wrapping up, we puzzle over the analog hole, ultra widescreen TV formats and LG's presence in the tru2way arena. But one thing that didn't have us confused was the inflated plasma power consumption numbers put up by Good Magazine.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:32 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 094 - 07.23.2008
15:23 - The Ultimate Matrix Collection to make Blu-ray debut on October 14th
18:37 - Netflix CEO says Blu-ray premiums coming "very soon"
20:19 - Survey finds most Americans think in-store movie renting is fading out
22:27 - Verizon posts official FiOS HD channel rollout dates
23:19 - New York City officially gifted with Verizon's FiOS TV: 100 HD channels
24:57 - DirecTV to boast 130 HD channels on August 14th, 1080p movies later this year
27:23 - America finally claims 100 local HD news stations
30:42 - Poll: Do you receive your local news in HD?
31:35 - Samsung reveals $200 MediaLive Media Center Extender
33:49 - Who cares if the analog hole is closed?
35:56 - Could we see ultra widescreen HDTVs in the future?
39:06 - LG, Funai officially jump on the tru2way bandwagon
40:37 - How much does it cost to just leave your HDTV plugged in?


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29/07/2008 - HDTV-enabled receivers boost Pace's STB shipments

UK set-top box specialist Pace saw box shipments rise 55 per cent in the first half of this year with HDTV-enabled receivers with built-in hard drives fuelling the growth.
Pace is now working with 17 of the world’s top 25 pay-TV operators, and reported a CAGR of its HD-PVR shipments up 49%.

29/07/2008 - Sales of Full HD TVs rising in UK

Demand for Full HD TVs is helping to offset the declining market value for UK consumer electronics products, according to a report from market research specialists GfK.
The total market for electrical goods fell in value for the first time for years in May, with A/V turnover down 7 per cent compared to the same period last year.

28/07/2008 - Blu-ray releases on July 29th, 2008

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Stargate Continuum Blu-rayHere we are just two years after the launch of Blu-ray and for the first time ever there are 24 titles released in one week. We wish this is a glimpse of what it's like to have amost every studio on baord (Weinstein's first release is next week), but looking foward, we don't expect to have another week this big again until September. Either way, every studio has something this week, including a few day-and-dates from Sony, Universal, MGM, and Warner. Stargate: Continuum looks like it'll be the biggest Blu title this week, but the ones we're most looking forward to is the Jack Ryan Collection from Paramount. These are just a few of the titles that HD DVD fans had access to for some time, and are finally finding their way to Blu-ray. August looks like it'll breat records in the shear number of titles released, but none that really jump out at us as hot titles, but either way the holiday season can't get here fast enough for ol' Blu.


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28/07/2008 - Chinese rival to Blu-ray squares up for fight

Volume production of China’s self-developed high-definition optical disc format - China Blue High-definition Disc (CBHD) – is to begin in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Shanghai United Optical Disc has completed its first production line and its output is initially expected to sell only in the Chinese market.

27/07/2008 - Loewe taps NXP for LCD TV video processing

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Loewe Individual Compose Full HD+ 100
European outfit Loewe is known for its industrial design chops, but the company is hoping that the Euro-sleek beauty of its 37-inch Spheros and 40-inch Individual LCD TVs will be more than just skin deep. To this end, it has chosen to incorporate NXP's top-of-the-line PNX5100 video processor into select models. The processor promises all manner of video optimization, but emphasizes tech to maximize motion resolution in both native HD and upconverted signals, a problematic performance area for many LCD TVs. Sounds good, but we really wish Loewe would carry some of that sleek, minimalist design to its product naming -- the models that are set to get the NXP brains are the Spheros R37 Full HD+ 100, the Individual 40 Selection Full HD+ 100 and the Individual 40 Compose Full HD+ 100 (pictured).
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26/07/2008 - Pantel readies trio of weatherproof Mirror TVs

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Just because you haven't been remotely interested in seen a mirror TV in, oh, years, doesn't mean that companies aren't still interested in exploiting the niche. Take Pantel, for instance, who is totally stoked about debuting a trio of 'em at CEDIA 2008. Set to launch in 20-, 32- and 42-inch flavors, the Mirror TV line is aimed at folks looking to add a multipurpose display in their bathroom, shower or sauna. The 20- and 32-inch editions arrive with a 720p panel, while the 42-incher checks in with a full 1080p resolution. Price wise, you're looking at $1,200 for the little guy, $2,755 for the 32-inch sibling and $5,800 for the mack daddy.
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24/07/2008 - Race towards wireless HD hots up

A group of consumer electronics manufacturers and wireless technology firms has joined forces to develop a new standard that could send HD video signals wirelessly from a set-top box to screens around the home.
Sony and Samsung are among a consortium backing Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) technology.

23/07/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 094 - 07.23.2008

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It wasn't easy to find things to talk about this week, but wouldn't you know there was not stopping as once we got started. As you can expect we got a little riled up about sales people recommending LCDs over Plasmas by three to one, even though they don't know why. Then we talked some Hollywood vs the consumer as we shared our ideas and personal ethics when it comes to copyright. That brought us to some more Vista Media Center news, and our dismay with Microsoft and its OEM only updates. Finally, we talk a little Engadget as we're both sorry to see our fearless leader move on.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:42 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 093 - 07.16.2008
06:24 - DISH Network's EchoStar XI successfully reaches orbit
08:11 - Research finds that salespeople recommend LCD TVs more than plasmas
13:00 - Motorola / Cisco see Tuning Adapters certified
14:39 - Hollywood can already control what you record on your DVR
25:25 - CableLabs loosens up on PC CableCARD tuner restrictions
27:06 - Windows Media Center TV Pack was released yesterday
35:14 - FiOS TV quietly adds USA HD and CNBC HD all around the country
38:55 - CBS Evening News goes HD July 28
43:13 - Some News From the Editor's Desk


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22/07/2008 - Samsung's 61-inch Samsung HL61A750 RPTV gets reviewed

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You're probably dusting the dirt from your spectacles as we speak, but yes, the set you see above is an RPTV. You know, those not exactly wafer-thin rear-projection TVs that used to be all the rage? This 61-inch set provides an awful lot of screen space for not a lot of dough (comparatively speaking), and as with most sets with a little junk in the trunk, picture quality was seen as "excellent" in a recent CNET review. On the downside, off-angle performance was expectedly poor and there was no 2:3 pulldown for SD sources, but the positives here far outweighed the negatives. For under $1,800 (way under in some places), you can get 61-inches of LED-backlit goodness in your den -- just have to make room for it, is all.

[Thanks, Matthew]
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22/07/2008 - AT&T splitting 2 HD / 2 SD and 1 HD / 3 SD into separate service levels?

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We're still trying to decipher all of this, but we've received word that AT&T is intending to create two different service levels for its U-verse customers. Essentially, it will be extending the current loop limitation from around 3,000 feet to 3,400 feet from the VRAD, which sounds as if this could enable more customers to receive service in U-verse areas. For folks less than 3,000 feet away from the VRAD, 2 HD / 2 SD service will be available; for individuals between 3,001 and 3,400 feet away, you'll be stuck with 1 HD / 3 SD -- but at least you've have the option of signing up, right? Early signs show the two-tiered service kicking off in St. Louis real soon, with a dozen or so other markets following suit by October.

[Thanks, Anonymous]
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22/07/2008 - Canon churns out HF11 / HG21 HD camcorders

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No sooner did we have a chance to wrap our mitts around JVC's Everio GZ-HD40 and Samsung's SC-HMX20C than Canon comes out with a pair of its own. Kicking things off is the iVIS HF11 (which turned up in name back in April) -- an HD camcorder with 32GB of built-in memory, an SD / SDHC card slot, Full HD recording capabilities (using the polarizing AVCHD format) and a 12x optical zoom. The iVIS HG21 (pictured after the break) relates most closely to the aforementioned HD40, as it packs a capacious 120GB internal HDD, 2.7-inch flip-out LCD and most of the same specifications as its sibling. Expect 'em both to land next month (at least in Japan) for ¥140,000 ($1,317) apiece.

Continue reading Canon churns out HF11 / HG21 HD camcorders

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21/07/2008 - Blu-ray releases on July 22nd, 2008

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Mummy Returns Blu-rayThis week is finally the week, it's finally the week when Universal Studios releases its first Blu-ray Disc, and by the looks of the reviews, the big U is getting started with a bang. The biggest two titles from the new Blu studio are the first two installments of the Mummy franchise, released in preperation for the third movie due in theaters next week. We've seen over and over again this summer, that there is no better time to release a catalog title then just before the sequel is released on the big screen. But even if you aren't the biggest Brendan Fraser fan, you may want to check this out as the reviews seem to indicate that Universal didn't slouch on its first Blu-ray titles. The specs are a good start with BD-50, VC1, and the best in audio at DTS-HD MA 48kHz/24bit; but Hi-Def Digest review sums up the picture quality with "It's as close to a reference-caliber disc as any catalog title I've seen," while the audio was "absolutely excellent -- this is a demo-worthy presentation." But even if Mummy movies are your thing, you can check out Sony's date-and-date 21, or maybe a few older horror titles like Urban Legend or I know What You Did Last Summer. As big as this week is though, next is even bigger as just about every studio has something on the calendar with a total of 24 new releases in one week.


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21/07/2008 - FiOS quietly adds USA HD and CNBC HD all around the country

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You'd think that if a provider had only added one HD channel in the past year -- and was falling behind its competition in the HD arms race -- that it'd be the first to proudly announce any new additions, but you'd be wrong. FiOS subscribers around the country started reporting on Saturday that USA HD and CNBC HD showed up in the guide as channels 884 and 879, respectively. The rumor is that this is in preparation of all the Olympics coverage in HD on those channels, and this makes sense as in addition, there were also two dedicated Olymipics HD channels added to the guide at 896 and 897, which are currently displaying nothing more than color bars now.
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20/07/2008 - SunBriteTV reveals 3220HD / 4610HD all-weather outdoor LCD HDTVs

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CEDIA 2008 is still over a month away, but the pre-expo news is already starting to trickle out. SunBriteTV, the firm responsible for last year's 46-inch 4600HD all-weather outdoor LCD, has just announced that it will be bringing two new ones to Denver this year, though there's no word on whether a dunk tank will also be in tow. The 32-inch 3220HD (1,366 x 768 resolution; 1,500:1 contrast ratio) and 46-inch 4610HD (19,20 x 1,080 resolution; 2,000:1 contrast ratio) both feature "corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior that protects the internal components from extreme weather and temperatures ranges," not to mention an interior heater to keep things toasty when it's snowing outside. The two sets are actually becoming available as we speak for $3,295 (3220HD) / $5,495 (4610HD), while a third unit -- the 23-inch HD-ready 2310HD -- can also be acquired now for "just" $1,995.
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18/07/2008 - HD coverage lures anglers

To those not converted to fishing, just the prospect of watching the sport on TV – let alone in high def – would be enough to have them rushing for the remote control.
Yet for converts – and there are millions out there – fishing programmes in HD are a huge draw.
Now soaring ratings for high definition fishing programmes has led the Outdoor Channel to add to its angling schedule.

16/07/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 093 - 07.16.2008

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We kick things off talking about the Playstation Network's video downloads to the PS3 and PSP; it's a new service, but with pricing and terms that seem oddly familiar. Not as familiar, though, as ripping your own content -- which seems unlikely to ever go away, no matter how low the prices on recorded media gets. Our online Engadget HD community turned out in big numbers to make Amazon the favorite place to get Blu-ray discs, easily outpacing brick and mortar giant Best Buy. No tech podcast this week would be complete without mention of the iPhone, and we talk about the state of apps for the uber-gadget to automate your home, both commercial and open-source. For PCs, TotalMedia Theatre seems like a winner, even though it alienates the 64-bit crowd -- it's unfortunate, but we don't see much need for 64-bit addressing in Vista MCE, anyways. Despite losing AMC-14 earlier this year, DISH keeps rolling out HD channels, and by some counts has even pulled ahead of DirecTV. Also getting off the ground is CBS's new HD production studio, and we're waiting for the goodies that are to come after the premiere of CBS Evening News in HD. Like, for example, more Olympic coverage in HD! We all know HD sports are preferable to being at the live event, and it might be double true given the smog in China. We wrap up by giving our old pal TiVo a critical look -- the latest features are welcome, but they have a note of "what took you so long" to them.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:54 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 092 - 07.09.2008
07:09 - Playstation Network gets movie / TV download service, single sign-on across devices
11:38 - Study finds that one-third of consumers copy DVDs
16:39 - Warner set to lower Blu-ray Disc prices for the holidays
18:24 - Poll: Where do you buy your Blu-ray Discs?
19:49 - Microsoft adds Universal, NBC to Xbox Live Marketplace, calls #1 in HD
22:02 - iPhone App Store to host loads of home automation programs
27:25 - ArcSoft's TotalMedia Theatre gets reviewed, loved
30:37 - DISH to roll out 17 new HD channels on August 1st
33:38 - CBS News fleshes out high-def plans
35:10 - NBC lays out 2008 Beijing Olympics coverage plans
39:04 - TiVo's 9.4 update trickling out to Series 3 / TiVo HD users

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16/07/2008 - Mark Cuban figures out how to "save internet video"

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We won't restate the irony found in an internet tycoon bashing online TV (oops...), but Mark Cuban has seemingly come up with a few brilliant ideas since claiming that internet video was a failing enterprise back in March. Essentially, Mr. Cuban reckons that HDTV currently being delivered over the internet to LCD monitors around the globe should actually not be transmitted via the compressed methods currently used. Rather, he asserts that we should "move the video cloud to the node and encode and insert into traditional video distribution systems." In other words, deliver internet TV to your existing cable / satellite set-top-box, giving end-users the ability to create playlists and customize shows. We'll admit, we're warming to the idea in general, but trapping users into a cable / satellite bill isn't that appealing for those who lavish the ability to watch some of their HD via OTA and some of it via the 'net. Still, we're sure he's got that niggle all figured out too -- but why would he reveal his secrets before taking it to the bank?

[Thanks, VANBROTHERS]
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16/07/2008 - Sony adds HD downloads to PS3

Sony has signed up the major studios, including Fox, Disney and Warner, to offer HD movies on its US download service.
The downloads can be transferred from the console to the Play Station Portable handheld device.
This latest development follows Microsoft's announcement that it will add a NetFlix movie streaming service to its XBox 360 video game console.
The continuing rivalry between the console makers is good news for consumers.

16/07/2008 - AT&T: Where is our whole-home DVR (WHDVR)?

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We can't say for certain how long the above pictured splash screen has been around on AT&T's website, but if "2 room DVR service" means "whole-home DVR" service, we're left with just one question: where? One of the U-verse issues that has long since held it back from being viewed as a killer programming service was the inability to serve up various DVR recordings around the home, and while AT&T has been promising that said feature was on the way for nearly a year, there's still nothing to show for it. You only need shuffle through a few pages of the U-talk forums to find a plethora of angered individuals, and while some are optimistic that WHDVR is imminent now that 2 HD / 2 SD is spreading across the land, others are understandably skeptical (and bitter, too). So, AT&T -- when can these loyal users expect WHDVR to really be implemented? And for those on the fence, is this limitation the primary thing holding you back from embracing fiber?

[Thanks, Todd]
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14/07/2008 - Blu-ray releases on July 15th, 2008

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The Bank JobAnother slow week for blu-ray, but not as slow as last week as there are a few day and date releases. The biggest title this week is from the British imported Jason Statham, who has made quite a few fun action movies lately, but surprisingly The Bank Job did pretty well on IMDB too, with a score of 7.6 out of 10. Fox's new release on the other hand, is at the other end of the spectrum with a pitifullly low 4.7. Disney has a couple of movies this week that look funny; if you like Martin Lawrence you may look past the bad reviews College Road Trip received, and laugh anyways. Or, maybe you'd prefer -- we doubt it -- Step Up 2: The Streets, since part one was so unforgetable. Meanwhile, Warner has a classic catalog, that must be before our time with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Next week the real fun starts as Universal finally goes Blu, but we wish the big U would've launched with a better franchise than the Brendan Fraser Mummy series.


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14/07/2008 - Westinghouse's 40-inch VK-40F580D LCD HDTV / DVD combo gets reviewed

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While we tend to view a built-in, non-upscaling DVD player as a bit of a waste, CNET reviewers felt otherwise. Westy's latest 40-incher, the VK-40F580D, recently hit the test bench at the aforementioned site, and while nothing seemed to drop jaws, the entire package appeared decent enough for the casual buyer. The relatively inexpensive sticker, deep blacks, accurate colors and satisfactory picture controls will likely be everything the HDTV novice is looking for, but those with loftier demands may be put off by the limited port selection (two HDMI, one component) and lackluster remote. All in all, it sounds like this one's not too bad for the price, but unless you're actually intending to pay a bit more for integrated DVD support, you could probably do better elsewhere.
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10/07/2008 - Soaps at the fore of switch to HD

Emmerdale has become the British network ITV’s first soap production to be recorded in high def.
It joins Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and the BBC’s Doctors, while the long-running Coronation Street is expected to make the change from SD shortly.
The show’s stars were reportedly concerned about the transition, worried that the new HD video would draw attention to facial wrinkles.

10/07/2008 - Kodak Theatre HD Player: at last, a reason to sit on your ass and stare at the TV

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Many have tried to be that other box that sits under your TV. You know, the DVD player, the cable box, the TiVo, the consoles are all well and good, but somebody somehow needs to solve they mystery of getting web and PC content onto your TV, and Kodak might be on the cusp of cracking it. Kodak's new Kodak Theatre HD Player is a simple, slick little box with multiple flash card slots, a USB port, and all the requisite home theater outputs like HDMI, component and all that. The unit can naturally shuffle through photos like there's no tomorrow, and includes wireless access to pull stuff off of Flickr feeds or your PC's hard drive, but there's also 720p video playback, online radio and what have you. The real clincher is that you won't be interacting with all this via a clunky d-pad remote, but instead there's an amazingly great gyroscopic mouse that makes the whole thing a joy to use. The $300 price tag might turn some people off when this lands in September, especially with no built-in storage, but we still think Kodak might have a winner on its hands.
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09/07/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 092 - 07.09.2008

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This week, we get our grumpy on by attacking some news stories -- the portion of PS3 owners using their console to watch Blu-ray movies, those terribly loud and annoying commercials, the impending shift to 16:9 LCDs for notebooks and analyst predictions of a "tough road ahead" for tru2way. Our summertime crankiness sated, we then head into gear news: reviews of the Pioneer Elite plasma and HP's MediaSmart Media Center Extender. Speaking of Media Center, we spend some time covering impending changes coming this year, hopefully in two rollouts (with the first one as soon as this month). Finishing up, don't be fooled by the last NFL story -- it's really just an excuse to complain about HBO's lack of content.

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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
02:34 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 091 - 07.02.2008
06:37 - 87% of PlayStation 3 owners watching Blu-ray movies? Survey says yes
09:20 - Loud commercials actually not that loud, just startling
12:49 - Widescreen LCDs going widescreen by 2010
17:56 - Analyst sees tough going for tru2way
22:18 - The HD Guru puts Pioneer's Pro-111FD plasma to the test
24:33 - HP's MediaSmart Connect gets reviewed
26:28 - No DirecTV HD for Vista Media Center until 2010?
31:45 - Are there two Vista Media Center updates due this year?
35:45 - Inside the NFL switching to HD on Showtime


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08/07/2008 - JVC Everio HD40 HD camcorder review

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Just last month, we had the absolute pleasure of reviewing Samsung's SC-HMX20C -- which, if you couldn't tell, we really liked. This month, JVC's GZ-HD40 arrived, and we set out to put it through the same paces. Upon ripping the box open and wrapping our paws around it for the first time, we were simultaneously pleased with how light it felt and somewhat dismayed by the bulky design. Still, there's more to a camcorder than external pizazz, so join us after the break as we test out this dual-format device on a fantastic weekend filled with sun, sand and sunburn.

Continue reading JVC Everio HD40 HD camcorder review

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07/07/2008 - AT&T's U-verse scoots into Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Look out Cox -- a new competitor just rolled into town, and it's rolling in on fiber. AT&T has just announced the launch of U-verse in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bringing high-speed internet, digital phone and fiber-based television programming (2 HD / 2 SD included) to one of OK's largest cities. As of right now, the service can be ordered by select customers in Tulsa, Jenks and Owasso, and while AT&T isn't handing out a timetable, it is stating that U-verse services will be made available to "more homes throughout the area on an ongoing basis." So, anyone going to give it a shot?
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07/07/2008 - Blu-ray releases on July 8th, 2008

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Batman BeginsAfter nine months of waiting, Blu-ray fans will finally get to watch Batman Begins in HD on their preferred format. And just in time too as the new Batman movie hits theaters in a few weeks. Sure it's hard to call Batman Begins the hottest new release when it is barely a new release, but when you look at the rest of the titles this week, it isn't hard to understand. In fact, the only other title we considered was The Ruins. Sleepwalking also looked like a decent flick, but we just don't think it has that much appeal for the average HD junkie. Next week's lineup isn't much better though, but the week after, Universal jumps in with three new titles including two installments from the successfully Mummy franchise.

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07/07/2008 - Pantel's 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs now shipping

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Unlike Sanyo, Pantel has a pretty good idea of when outdoor displays will sell: summertime. That being the case, Pantel has jubilantly announced that its 20-, 52-, and 65-inch models are all shipping. Each display boasts a "weatherproof" enclosure that keeps the panel within safe from unpredictable weather. These units were designed to withstand water, extreme heat / cold, wind and dust, and judging by a few unofficial tests, they'll hold their own against sugary beverages as well. Grab yours now for $2,999, $9,999 or $25,999 (respectively) and make your way over to the deep end.
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04/07/2008 - Sony to push Blu-ray, HD recording abilities of VAIO machines

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Sony's been pretty big on its HDNA marketing scheme. Even at last year's CEDIA the message was everywhere, asserting that its home theater gear shared some sort of double-helix bond with the root of all high-definition. Now, the outfit is pulling its HD-equipped VAIO machines under the same marketing umbrella in an attempt to convince prospective buyers that these systems are "born out of" other high-def products. In particular, Sony will push the HD OTA tuning and BD playback abilities in its all-in-one PCs and Blu-ray-equipped laptops, though we don't expect any new rigs to emerge as part of the deal. Sure, this is little more than a trivial way to tack "HD" onto yet another product, but we can't harsh too much on anything that gets high-def into the mainstream.
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04/07/2008 - Commuters on London Underground to be shown adverts on giant HD screens

Passengers waiting for the tube will have no shortage of distractions now that 14-foot HDTV screens are being installed in stations.
The cross-track projection (XTP) system, which allows high-quality digital images to be projected on to the walls opposite platforms, has been installed by advertising company CBS Outdoor for London Underground.
The system, which formally went live on Monday, means that commuters waiting for trains are now faced with moving advertising images displayed on the biggest screens in Europe
Any profits London Underground receives from XTP will be reinvested to improve the Tube. Before rolling out the ads to other stations the system was tested at Euston Tube station.
Following the success of the pilot, stations at Piccadilly Circus, Euston, Bank, Liverpool Street and Bond Street have now been kitted out with 23 high definition projectors and giant soundless screens that will show trailers for new film releases and other advertising.

04/07/2008 - High definition sports schedules continue to grow as coverage of major sporting events like Wimbledon and Beijing Olympics become more commonplace

The US’s NBC network is to broadcast both the women’s Wimbledon final between the Williams sisters and the men’s match between Nadal and Federer on its HD channel.
The addition of this year’s Centre Court battles is just the latest addition to a growing selection of sporting events being shown in high def.
Sports programming is perfectly suited to high definition because of the fast motion and action in sports.
The 16:9 aspect ratio of HD provides a vastly better perspective and coverage of a game than SD.
Viewers can see, for instance, the entire ice in a hockey game or the baseball field in a baseball game.
So impressive are the results that they influenced an estimated 2.4 million high-definition television sales prior to this season’s Super Bowl in the US.

03/07/2008 - RCN delivers 10 more HD channels to New York City

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Possibly in response to competition from Verizon's FiOS or just as part of its general expansion plans, RCN put ten new stations in its NYC lineup today. Starting with the usual HD VOD expansion, the new channels are Discovery Channel-HD, Animal Planet-HD, The Learning Channel-HD, HGTV-HD, The Science Channel-HD, Lifetime Movie Networks-HD, Food Network-HD, Travel Channel-HD, VERSUS/Golf-HD and NFL Network-HD. RCN's New York City service covers parts of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Sounds to us like its time to invite Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz over to watch some TV.
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03/07/2008 - Delta to begin volume shipments of HD projectors with positive outlook for remainder of 2008

Delta Electronics will soon begin volume shipments of full HD projectors, according to company CEO Yancey Hai.
He expects its business outlook for the second half of 2008 to remain “guided positive”.
Hai said orders for Delta’s power supply products from segments such as desktops, notebooks and LCD TVs have remained strong, with order visibility extending at least three months.
The CEO said Delta had recently begun production of full HD projectors and the company is now in talks with a number of brand vendors for ODM orders.
Delta’s projector will deliver a full HP 1080P resolution and brightness of 6,000 lumens.

03/07/2008 - Gas released from HDTVs potentially far worse for climate change than CO2

A gas used in the production of flat-panel displays for HDTVs is 17,200 times better at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a hundred-year period than carbon dioxide, the gas most associated with global warming.
Michael Prather, of the University of California at Irvine, has completed a study into nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), which he describes as the “missing greenhouse gas”.
Yet the synthetic chemical produced in industrial quantities is not included in the Kyoto Protocol’s basket of greenhouse gases or in national reporting under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Concerns have led Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology to avoid using the gas, although Air Products, which produces it for the electronics industry, said very little NF3 is released into the atmosphere.
Prather argues that as the gas is not controlled in the same way as other greenhouse gases, companies may be careless with it.
The scientist, whose findings are reported in the latest issue of the journal Geophysical Research Letters, is calling for NF3 emissions to be monitored.

03/07/2008 - Samsung launches programme to ensure compatability of HDMI-enabled products

The Korean electronics giant has begun a pilot programme of Simplay HD testing and verification at its facilities.
The scheme aims to ensure customers can simply “plug-and-play” any new device without the frustration of getting home and finding it isn’t compatable with existing equipment.
The testing ensures interoperability between electronic components such as set-top boxes (STBs), high def televisions (HDTVs), digital video disk (DVD) players, cables and audio/video (AV) receivers.
By taking the guesswork out of shopping for HDMI-enabled components it’s hoped that consumer satisfaction will be boosted and return rates reduced.
The pilot programme of Simplay HD testing and verification will be administered by both companies.

03/07/2008 - High definition broadcast of 4th of July fireworks from US capital promises to be a spectacular affair

It’s billed as America’s biggest birthday party and one that even those not able to attend in person will be able to enjoy on HDTV.
Demand from viewers has led to coverage of this year’s Capitol Fourth celebrations from Washington DC being given extended coverage on the US public broadcast network PBS.
The Independence Day fireworks will be captured live by 18 cameras positioned around the capital as national landmarks such as the US Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are silhouetted on the skyline.
An estimated 100 million homes in the US own HDTVs – around 41 per cent of TV owners.
Jerry Colbert, executive producer of Capital Concerts, said that if you couldn’t be in Washington, DC for the event, watching it on HDTV would be the next best thing.

03/07/2008 - Mvix's MX-780HD wireless HD media streamer gets reviewed

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If you've been putting off that impending HD media streamer purchase, you may have waited just long enough to find the one you'll be picking up "next week." Mvix's MX-780HD wireless HD media streamer was recently reviewed over at TweakTown, and aside from a few minor gripes, critics were overwhelmingly pleased with its performance. So much, in fact, that they stated the unit could actually take the place of a dedicated HTPC. All in all, the only thing really holding this format-lovin', HDMI-packin' device from approaching media streaming stardom is the relatively lofty price tag ($320), but if that figure is well within your budget, it seems the MX-780HD is a pretty safe bet.
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02/07/2008 - Former backer of Toshiba's "defeated" HD DVD format to release first Blu-ray Disk player

Onkyo, the A/V manufacturer that backed the high def DVD format and sold around 2,000 players, is to launch its first BD player later this year.
The company had flagged up its intention to let bygones be bygones and join the other “side” shortly after Toshiba announced that it would concede the format war last February.
It discontinued production of its HD DVD players, while assuring existing customers they would continue to receive full product support and service.
A company statement also said it’s R&D team had “maintained a parallel development programme for the competing Blu-ray technology”.

02/07/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 091 - 07.02.2008

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The summer of slow HD news continues but there is some Blu-ray buzz as things are really starting to ramp up for the holiday season. So we cover how Blu-ray is poised to take over the packaged media world, but at the same time, we still have our doubts. There's some programming news as well, as we once again go over the age old -- in the HD world anyways -- debate of satellite vs cable. Finally, we throw in a little home automation for a change and long for more MKV support in our hardware.

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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
02:30 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 090 - 06.26.2008
07:35 - Weinstein to finally go Blu in August with The Mist
09:52 - Warner includes download-only iTunes Digital Copy with 10,000 B.C. Blu-ray
13:11 - Japanese researchers devise method for cramming 42GB on a DVD
16:21 - Satellite customers more satisfied than cable customers?
19:03 - Verizon rolls out 23 new FiOS TV HD channels in Fort Wayne
21:29 - Poll: Do you tune into OTA programming?
25:03 - Orlando passes its simulated analog shutoff
28:17 - Netflix reverses decision, Profiles here to stay
30:03 - The mystery of Netflix's queue system gets tackled, throttling all but confirmed
31:58 - Control4 announces 7-inch POE wall-mounted touch panel
35:41 - DivX 7 to officially support MKV

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01/07/2008 - HDTV coverage of Beijing Olympics offers athletics action in immediate slow motion
Belgian company I-Movix is to provide its SprintCam Live 2 HDTV cameras to cover much of the action from the Olympic games in Beijing.
Able to record events at speeds up to 8,000 frames per second, a rate which is more than 260 times that of normal video.
And while the cameras produce incredible slow-motion images, there is nothing slow about replay times - clips are available for immediate re-viewing.
The HDTV cameras will be deployed with mobile units at all the major games venues.

01/07/2008 - Cable operators will continue to shoulder the cost of STBs unless testing is adopted to ensure all devices work in all cable systems.

A retail market for tru2way compliant set-top boxes (STBs) in the US will never emerge unless they are portable across cable systems.
That’s the conclusion of Steve Wilson, principal analyst with ABI Research, who expects the biggest challenge to tru2way to be interoperability.
In his research brief, “The Outlook for tru2way”, Wilson describes it as a “double-edged sword” for operators.
“On one hand, cable operators want to ‘own’ the customer’s entire user experience and they aren’t ready to allow others to start loading applications into the STB,” he said.
“On the other, an open cable standard will reduce the tremendous cost burden custom systems and STBs place on the entire cable business.”

01/07/2008 - Reminder: TWC's Start Over going live in New York / New Jersey

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Something actually launching on the very day it was supposed to? Say it ain't so! According to the New York Post, Time Warner Cable actually is rolling out its Start Over feature -- which gives users a chance to "restart a show they may have missed from the beginning with the press of a button" -- in areas of New York / New Jersey on July 1st. Reportedly, it'll hit HD subscribers first in Staten Island, with other systems to follow shortly. It should be noted, however, that the feature will only be offered "up to one minute before the program is over, and as part of an agreement between Time Warner and broadcasters, unlike a DVR, viewers cannot fast forward through commercials." Give it a go here in a few hours and let us know how it turns out. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
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30/06/2008 - Japan to use audience rating system to discover IPTV programme preferences
A viewer rating system developed by Oki Electric Industry is to be used in Japan to collect information on the viewing habits of IPTV users.
Existing ground-based broadcasting systems have the means to gather viewership data, such as user preference and viewer history.
Broadcasting companies say this information is important in enabling them to improve services.
However, until now there has been are no equivalent user information collection functions for IPTV services.
OKI’s IPTV Audience Rating Information System allows service providers, with the authorisation of users, to obtain information about when and which channel and programs the users watched.

30/06/2008 - Survey shows viewers shifting towards web but preference is still for television screen

Over a third of all US broadband users have watched at least one TV show on the Internet, according to a study conducted on behalf of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM).
But the research found that while broadband users are increasingly turning to the web for their video content fix, 94 per cent still prefer to do their viewing on a television screen.
For cable and satellite networks concerned about the growing threat of online TV shows and movies, the survey provided some comfort.
Of those who watched online shows, 82 per cent did so because they had missed a specific programme on TV.
Based on this, the report points out the “critical importance of strong marketing for the initial TV showing".

30/06/2008 - LCD HDTV to be sold in Japan which allows simple transfer of high def content from the PC to the TV

Watching high def content downloaded from the Internet is going to get a whole lot easier for viewers in Japan.
A liquid crystal display high-definition television made by byd:sign Corporation is to be the first with DivX Certification sold in the Japanese market.
The video format will let viewers watch digital content from PCs on the HDTV – rather than on a PC monitor.
Katsumi Iizuka, chief executive officer of byd:sign Corporation, said DivX videos had enabled consumers to enjoy high-quality content through the internet.
“DivX Certification enhances our HDTV features and gives added value,” he said.

30/06/2008 - Blu-ray releases on July 1st, 2008

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Vantage Point Blu-rayWe have fourteen new titles for Blu-ray this week and believe it or not it is a slow start to the biggest Blu month to date. The biggest week is at the end of the month, when twenty four new releases hit the streets thanks to some help from Universal's first Blu-ray titles. Although there are plenty of new titles this week, there really isn't much to talk about. The biggest title is easily Vantage Point, but that isn't saying much as one of the only other day-and-date releases up against it was Meet the Browns, which with its IMDB rating of 2.2 puts it at number seventy on the list of all time worst movies. There are a few good catalogs this week though, like In the Line of Fire, there are also a few concerts. Next week doesn't have as many new releases with only eight, but it is Batman week as the nine month wait for a Blu-ray version of Batman Begins is finally over. Now Warner, about The Matrix...

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30/06/2008 - Mitsubishi's new iSP 149 series LCDs have it all in one place

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If you're a lazy ass consumer (the very best kind), bent on pulling a device out of the box, plugging it into a wall, and never messing with another bit of "setup" again, you're certainly not alone. In fact, most folks never lift a finger to calibrate their displays, plug better speakers in, or place those speakers in actually advantageous spots. To that end, Mitsubishi is debuting its new LT-46149 and LT-52149 LCDs with integrated 16-speaker sound projectors. Similar to the sound bars offered up by many home audio manufacturers, the "Integrated Sound Projector" (iSP) is designed to bounce sound off walls and around the room to give the illusion of surround sound. The perk of TV integration is an easy to use room configuration on-screen tool to specify your room's dimensions, couch placement and preferred sweet spot size. At the end of the day, your sound is all coming from one spot, so directionality isn't going to quite match a for-realsie surround sound setup, and the system we listened to was a little sharp in the high end, but it's certainly a unique and appealing offering from Mitsu to the everyman TV watcher. The TV itself is CableCard ready, can support sound over HDMI and PCM inputs, and offers Mitsu's 120Hz film dejuddering -- that rather awkwardly makes your favorite films look like they were shot by a TV news crew. The 46-inch and 52-inch LCDs will sell for $3,299 and $3,699, respectively.
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27/06/2008 - Movies from every major Hollywood studio now available in HD

The Weinstein Company became the final major studio in Hollywood to release movies in high def.
It has announced that its first offering in HD is to be the horror movie The Mist, which will be released in Blu-ray this August 5th.
The Weinstein company, distributors of Dimension Films, briefly supported HD DVD, but pulled out before releasing a title after the format’s downfall.
The extensive extras present on the standard DVD are set to be included on the Blu-ray.

27/06/2008 - Olympics and Tour de France to be aired as Europe's public channels add to their high definition options

The UK’s BBC has begun testing the transmission of high def services over Freeview in a move that could see the introduction of full HD terrestrial by the end of 2009.
The broadcaster has started transmissions from a Guildford-based transmitter using the second-generation DVB-T specification DVB-T2.
Justin Mitchell, leader of the DVB-T2 modem development team at the BBC, said the trial could enable the introduction of HD onto Freeview by December next year.
DVB-T2 is said to offer 30 per cent more data carrying capacity as DVB-T under the same conditions.
Across the Channel, the HD version of public channel France 2 has been launched on several platforms, including CanalSat DTH and Numéricable.
As has been the case with other broadcasters across Europe, including VRT in Belgium and Nederland 1 in The Netherlands, France 2 will show sport events such as the Tour de France and the Beijing Olympics in HD.

26/06/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 090 - 06.26.2008

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Although the show is a little late this week, we have plenty to go over. For starters, we once again enjoy laughing at Toshiba and Kaleidescape for trying to tell us to stop trusting our eyes and start trusting them instead. Next, we try to figure out how long it'll take for Blu-ray discs to start out selling DVDs. We talk a little Vista Media Center, some digital transition, and finally a budget HT system that evidently is well worth the cost of admission.


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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:44 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 088 - 06.11.2008
02:56 - Toshiba remains stubborn, looks to DVD upscaling while brushing Blu-ray off
04:05 - Kaleidescape's overpriced upscaling DVD players get reviewed
08:52 - Blu-ray Disc sales estimated to exceed DVDs in 2012
12:00 - SlySoft keeps AnyDVD HD current, circumvents latest BD+
16:21 - Ask Engadget HD: Using a HDTV to distribute audio
18:56 - Poll: Do you utilize picture-in-picture functionality?
21:27 - The Media Center Extender shootout
30:20 - Netflix to do away with Profiles
33:41 - Comcast plans to go all digital in 20% of its markets by year's end
36:04 - NFL Network to become ESPN 8, THE "OCHO"?
39:50 - Cannon PC showcases Media Center with six CableCARDs
41:22 - $50 JVC SXXSW6000 5.1 surround system gets reviewed


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25/06/2008 - Report says HDTV will not become the new "normal" television until around 2015

The uptake of HD technology in Europe is accelerating rapidly but there remains a “significant” content gap caused by the lack of HD programming on free-to-air platforms across the region.
That’s the conclusion of the latest report from media analysts Screen Digest which says that by the end of 2007, 18 per cent of the 165 million European TV households were equipped with HD displays.
But less than one per cent of these (approximately one million) were fully “HD enabled” – that is equipped with an HD set-top box and an HD subscription enabling them to watch HD broadcasts.
The report forecasts that by 2012 the situation will have improved little – only 20 per cent of the 85 per cent of European households with HD displays will actually be watching in HD.
It says that ultimately HD will become the default choice of TV viewers but in the most part they will have to wait at least until 2015 to enjoy the content for free.

24/06/2008 - DVD still dominates the movie market but Blu-ray set to overtake by 2012

The Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) expects sales of Blu-ray disks in the US to exceed those of standard DVDs by 2012.
In its latest Annual Report on the Home Entertainment Industry, the EMA reports that home video continues to dominate the movie market.
This segment of the market had sales of approximately US$24 billion, making it the largest segment of consumer movie spending by far, accounting for 49% of total consumer movie spending in 2007.
In the video game market, game software sales increased 34% in 2007, to a total of US$8.6 billion.

24/06/2008 - Could Angelina Jolie do for Blu-ray what Keanu Reeves did for DVD?

The idea that one movie could transform a technology from niche to mainstream may seem extreme.
Yet that is what Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios home entertainment, is suggesting will be the effect of the yet-to-be released new thriller starring Angelina Jolie.
The studio executive believes the film’s highly visual nature could be the trigger to mass sales of Blu-ray devices.
James McAvoy plays an average guy who’s recruited by Jolie to become a contract assassin.
Kornblau said he thought Wanted, which is released in US cinemas on Friday, could do for HD disks what The Matrix did for the standard-def DVD.

23/06/2008 - HDTV sets will need new features for sales to continue improving
Manufacturers will have to install features currently only available as paid-for add-ons in top-of-the-range HDTV models if sales growth is to be sustained.
That is the conclusion of a report by research firm DisplaySearch which suggests that sales of HDTVs will peak in the next two or three years.
It goes on to say that sales will then fall unless manufacturers can add compelling features that consumers are willing to pay for.
Calvin Hsieh, the director of research at DisplaySearch, said internet connectivity, full 1080p resolution, PVR capabilities and upgraded HDMI port specifications need to become standard fare by next year.

23/06/2008 - Number of LCD TVs being returned rises as viewers demand better quality for HDTV
The refund rate on LCD TVs has increased to 25-30 per cent in North America despite a drop in prices by branded TV retailers.
Many vendors reduced prices for 32-inch and 40-inch LCD TVs in May in an attempt to boost sales.
However, the move has led to a rise in the number of products being returned as viewer expectations about the quality of high-definition images rises.

23/06/2008 - Savor the carnival atmosphere of Cirque Du Sole as Blu-ray brings the excitement of the big top into your living room
Sony Pictures has announced that it is bringing one of the world famous Cirque Du Soleil’s performances to Blu-ray later this year.
“Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo”, by the celebrated troupe that has thrilled audiences on five continents, is due to be released on September 2nd.
Sony said disk would capture all the magic of the performance in stunning high definition. No specs or special features have been announced at this time.
The move is the latest digital venture by the circus, which has been seen by close to 80 million spectators in over 200 cities.

23/06/2008 - Blu-ray releases on June 24th, 2008

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10,0000 BCAfter last week's abysmal lineup, it is good to see a few good titles this week as we count down the last month before every major studio is releasing Blu-ray movies. But while we wait for Universal to get on board, we still have a good selection coming our way. This also happens to be the very last week with an HD DVD new release, but the last title from a major studio were about a month ago. 10,000 B.C. is probably the biggest title on this week's slate, but The Spiderwich Chronicles and Persepolis aren't slouches either. These titles help round out a pretty good month, but July should be the best yet -- but it does get off to a slow start.

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23/06/2008 - Free high definition content is the future as viewers grow accustomed to the new "normal" television

The head of the UK’s Freesat digital service believes viewers will begin to resent paying for HDTV as increasing numbers regard it as the new “standard”.
Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat, which launched in May, said there were already over 10m HD ready TV sets in UK homes.
But at the time of Freesat’s launch only around 5 per cent of those HD ready homes were actually watching television programmes in high definition – and by subscription.
Addressing the Broadcast Digital Channels Conference 2008 earlier this month, she said consumers and retailers wanted HD content– but it was the broadcasters that had taken a while to catch up.
“Free HD is a long term opportunity for broadcasters and for Freesat,” she said. “HD is not a gimmick, it’s a new standard for television and one which every broadcaster I’ve met would love to deliver its content in."

23/06/2008 - DirectTV says high definition content is helping attract new subscribers
The US’s leading provider of HDTV has credited its 95 channels of HD content as one of the main reason for increasing subscribers even as the economy falters.
Paul Guyardo, DirecTV’s chief marketing officer, said the company had not been greatly affected by the US economic slowdown.
DirecTV added 275,000 subscribers in the first quarter, compared to just 35,000 for rival Dish Network.
He attributed the satcaster’s market-leading HD offering as a major factor in the increase.
“I don’t want to say that we are recession-proof, but I will say that we have not been dramatically affected by the recession,” he said.

21/06/2008 - NHL Network HD skates onto IP-PRIME IPTV

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Okay, so maybe this deal is going down a little later than we would have liked (considering the NHL season is over and all), but there's always next year, right? Not quite two months after the NFL Network landed on IP-PRIME's IPTV network, NHL Network has followed suit. For hardcore fans using this service, you can look forward to blowout coverage of the NHL Entry Draft on June 20 - 21, and better still, 75 games during the 2008 - 2009 season will be broadcast in high-definition. The recently inked agreement ensures that each and every IP-PRIME operator in the United States will have access to the SD and HD feeds, and it sounds like the channel should be live as we speak.
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20/06/2008 - No mention of Olympic factor as US market for flat-panel HDTVs remains strong despite economic down-turn

Sales of LCD and plasma TVs showed a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in the US for the first quarter of 2008, with more than 7.5 million units sold.
This represents a 7 per cent increase over industry projections for the period.
While analysts in Japan have attributed a 35 per cent increase in flat-panel TV sales during the first half of June to the upcoming Beijing Olympics, industry executives in the US are being more cagey.
But what those attending the DisplaySearch TV Supply Chain Conference in San Diego did agree on was that despite the state of the US economy, the North America TV market remains robust - so far.

19/06/2008 - Shift towards wireless HDTV expected to be gradual as technology evolves

The race to perfect a wireless HDTV system is being contested by three competing technologies, each one with particular advantages without offering the complete package.
But within three years one will have emerged as the dominant system, according to a study by ABI Research.
This is expected to take global installations from an estimated 100,000 this year to the milestone one million by 2012.
Steve Wilson, principal analyst on the report “Wireless Video Cable Replacement Market and Technologies”, said the wireless HDTV market was still in its “incubation” stage.
He said a “battle of technologies” was being fought by the three contending systems, loosely characterised as 5 GHz, 60 GHz, and ultra wideband (UWB).

19/06/2008 - Sony HDR-CX12 AVCHD camcorder captures smiles and scowls for $900

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Sony just outed its newest HD camcorder dubbed the HDR-CX12. We're looking at 1,920 x 1,080 AVCHD video from a 10 megapixel ClearVid 1/3.13-inch CMOS sensor, BIONZ image processing, image stabilized Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 12 optical zoon lens, a 2.7-inch LCD, 5.1 surround sound mic, and Memory Stick PRO Duo (4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) in the box) storage. It's not the world's smallest, but it's only the size of a soda can, AKA, pop can for you mid-westerners. This camcorder also packs Sony's Smile Shutter tech which automatically throws the shutter (even when in standby) when your subject smiles... or grimaces at having to stand around taking yet another family photo. Smiles can even be prioritized by children or adults. $900 starting tomorrow or early August for brick-n-mortarers.

Update: Another glamor shot and now video of Smile Shutter working on the Japanese CX12 posted after the break.

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading Sony HDR-CX12 AVCHD camcorder captures smiles and scowls for $900

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18/06/2008 - Surging demand for mobile connectivity and services such as HD streaming IPTV poses dilemma for broadband network operators in Europe

The number of notebook PCs with HSPA/LTE mobile broadband connectivity in Europe will grow from 8.4 million in 2007 to 49 million in 2013, according to researchers.
A study by analyst firm Berg Insight says the development will be driven by consumer demand for ubiquitous internet access.
It forecasts that rather than replacing fixed networks for internet access, mobile broadband will be a complementary access technology to the connection available at home.
But Tobias Ryberg, a senior analyst at Berg Insight, said the explosion in network utilisation – which equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.1 – will present the mobile network infrastructure with a “formidable challenge”.

18/06/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 089 - 06.18.2008

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It was a slow week for new in the HD world, so it makes for a short podcast. We are starting to get excited about the upcoming football season, with all the recent announcements of networks going all HD all the time in regards to America's most popular sport. We also talk up a bit of HD news locally and nationally. Vista Media Center gets a few mentions with a recent update and a new Extender becoming available for pre-order. And finally we talk up the iPhone as a remote, and a funky looking antenna.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:55 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 088 - 06.11.2008
08:14 - All live 2008 NCAA Football games on ABC / ESPN networks to air in HD
08:40 - All FSN's College Football games will be presented in HD
08:56 - Raycom airing all SEC football, select basketball games in HD
12:41 - CBS Evening News preps HD control room for debut
17:16 - Microsoft releases a patch for the "broadcast flag"
20:35 - HP MediaSmart Connect brings digital media to your HDTV
23:13 - Turn your iPhone into a remote for $250
29:35 - Antennas Direct taking preorders for ClearStream2 OTA antenna


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18/06/2008 - Hands-on with JVC Everio HD10, HD30 and HD40 camcorders

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As chance would have it, Philips wasn't the only outfit in the Big Apple showing off new kit today. Engadget Classic moseyed on over to check out JVC's newest line of handheld camcorders, and while there weren't any real surprises, you know you can't resist taking a look.
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17/06/2008 - Study says 2008 will be the year of HDTV in Asia

Seventy-five per cent of pay TV operators in Asia have, or expect to have, HDTV programming by the end of 2008.
But the lack of substantial HDTV content – both local and international – is seen as being the most important roadblock for developing the HDTV sector in the region.
These are among of the findings of a survey carried out for MEASAT Satellite Systems by Euroconsult into the development of high definition television in the Asia-Pacific region.
The study, which was conducted during May, polled the rationale, benefits, challenges and expectations of HDTV amongst the regions’ leading pay TV
operators.
A total of 25 operators in 15 markets, collectively serving more than 24 million subscribers, were interviewed.

16/06/2008 - Raycom airing all SEC football, select basketball games in HD

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Well, wouldn't you know it? After assuming that Raycom would follow in the footsteps of the ESPN networks and FSN, along comes a tipster to show that said network already has upped its commitment to HD. This season, Raycom has promised to deliver every single one of its SEC football matchups in high-definition, while "most" of the SEC basketball tilts will also air in HD later this year. Granted, we haven't heard anything further about how it'll handle ACC battles, but we can only hope it treats both conferences similarly.

[Thanks, David]
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16/06/2008 - HDTV poses challenge to crowds at live sports events as fans opt for armchairs
It used to be that fighting your way through crowds to get a close-up of sporting stars such as Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal was infinitely better than sitting at home watching the TV coverage.
But as growing numbers of sports fans upgrade to HDTVs it would appear that the lure of live events could be diminishing.
In the US, a top football club is experiencing what is likely to be a growing trend: a fall in season tickets sales as supporters decide they get a better view staying at home and watching games on their HDTVs.
Steve LaCroix, the Minnesota Vikings’ vice president of sales and marketing, said that HDTV is making his job more difficult.

16/06/2008 - JVC launches HD camcorder with ability to record up to 50 hours of video

The first ever AVC/MPEG-2 HD camcorders are to go on sale this summer.
JVC’s Everio HD30 and HD40 are the first camcorders that capture picture in AVCHD (H.264) or MPEG-2 format with the ability to use either.
The dual-format provides access to the superior long time compression afforded by AVCHD, as well as MPEG-2’s superior editing and post-production environment.
With the ability to record up to 50 hours of 1920x1080 video in Extended Play mode, the HD40 also claims to be the “longest-running HD camcorder available”.

16/06/2008 - AT&T's U-verse expanding to Northeast Wisconsin

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Not even two full months after AT&T announced its intentions to spread U-verse to more of Southeastern Wisconsin, Fox Cities TV has confirmed that the carrier will be launching the services in the Northeast portion of the state as well. According to AT&T Wisconsin's Jon Hayden, the region-wide launch will occur on June 30th and cover areas of Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond Du Lac. Reportedly, the operator will start taking orders for service in these locales today, and best of all, you can look forward to having 2 HD / 2SD activated when the service flips on. Not a bad way to start the summer, huh?
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16/06/2008 - Blu-ray releases on June 17th, 2008

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Be Kind Rewind, Blu-rayAfter an impressive run the past month, we have the weakest lineup of releases in some time. We thought Be Kind Rewind was due last week, but evidently it was pushed back. So while it was just a foot note last week, it is the biggest title this week, with only Fool's Gold giving it any competition. This might not be that bad of a week for Blu though in the DVD vs Blu front, as DVD really doesn't have any releases worth mentiong either. There are two catalogs this week as well, and while we sure someone wants to see So I Married an Axe Murderer, we're more interested in seing Men in Black in HD for the first time. Next week will have a few hot titles in store for us though, and also happens to be the last week there are any HD DVD titles left on the schedule -- although not from a big studio. With the summer in full swing, we have a nice lineup looking fowrad to July including the very first Blu-ray titles from Universal set to hit the streets in just over a month.

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16/06/2008 - JVC's trio of AVCHD 1080i Everio hard disk camcorders

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JVC's disk-based Everio lineup of HD camcorders are being met by a trio of newcomers this morning. The 120GB GD-HD40 ($1,300) and 80GB GZ-HD30 ($1,000) offer 10- and 6-hours of full 1,920 x 1,080 / 17Mbps AVCHD recordings, respectively, from a 1/3-inch, 2.68 megapixel CMOS sensor -- a first for the previously all-CCD based family. They can also record in an editing software-friendly 27Mbps MPEG-2 TS format if desired. The AVCHD-only GZ-HD10 model scales back the lens, LCD, and sensor to achieve the lower price tag. All three offer 10x, Konica Minolta HD optical zoom lenses, an accessory shoe, up-converted 1080/60p HDMI out, and a microSDHC slot. Available in August, that's when.
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15/06/2008 - Deal signed with Intelsat to provide HD transmissions from Beijing Olympic Games
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has signed a multi transponder deal with Intelsat Ltd for the video carriage of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to Europe.
C-/Ku-band cross-strap capacity on the Intelsat 706 satellite, located at 50.2 degrees East, will be used to distribute the all high definition event to EBU members.
Intelsat is the only global satellite operator to have provided coverage of every Olympic Games since 1968.

15/06/2008 - The iPhone takes on new role as universal remote control

A new application is to go on sale in July that turns the iPhone into an all-purpose remote control capable of operating everything from your HDTV to audio, video and lighting.
While the iPhone is popular as an interface for home-control systems such as home automation (HAI, Savant), multiroom audio (SpeakerCraft) and media servers (Sooloos), so far there hasn’t been a low-cost solution for using the iPhone (or iPod Touch) as an ordinary universal remote control.
Now London-based integrator, Steve Moore, has launched the AirRemote application which he modestly describes as “the greatest little TV remote you’ve ever used”.

14/06/2008 - Geek Brief star calls for low-cost live streaming hardware to satisfy growing network of internet broadcasters

First there were YouTube videos and podcasts made on webcams and camcorders, now there’s a growing network of video-podcasters streaming out near-professional HDTV quality live shows.
Some – like Leo Laporte and Diggnations’s Kevin and Alex – attract many thousands of viewers to their live network-style webcasts using portable productions systems such as Tricaster.
Yet while this technology has plumetted in price it’s still out of the reach of the new generation of low-budget producers – everyone from churches and community organisations to individual bloggers.
Now the American internet podcaster Cali Lewis has launched an appeal on her popular Geek Brief show.
She is calling for someone in the industry to come up with switching hardware aimed at this emerging market.

14/06/2008 - Voom goes HD VOD

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We're still not sure how the Voom / DISH Network spat will end, but Voom is moving on, unveiling a companion HD VOD service for the Voom HD and Rush HD channels it distributes around the world. There's apparently no word on any operators actually signing on to the service yet, but once available viewers can expect just five hours of content per month. Hopefully that number can grow as the channels add more original content, but if it doesn't, we don't see too many people beating the door down asking for this on demand network to be added.
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13/06/2008 - Hispanics in the US more likely to buy HDTV in next 12 months than non-Hispanics

Twenty-eight per cent of Hispanics questioned in a US survey say they will buy a large-screen television or HDTV in the next 12 months.
They also say that TV advertising is the medium that mostly influenced their decision, according to research by Vertis Communications.
This compares to just 23 per cent of non-Hispanics planning to purchase a large-screen or HDTV in the next 12 months.
The study - Customer Focus® OPINIONES – also showed that Hispanics found inserts and circulars to be the second most influential form of advertising.
Internet marketing was the third-most selected medium.

12/06/2008 - Wireless high definition transmitter removes clutter of cables

Monster Cable has unveiled a transmitter that wirelessly sends HD video signals from a device such as a Blu-ray player to a high definition TV up to 10m away.
The transmitter sends the video signal using ultra-wideband, or UWB, technology from Sigma Designs Inc.
It will also upscale non-HD signals to high-def resolution before displaying on screen. A receiver plugs into a HDMI port on the back of the TV.
To back up the short-range wireless capability, the boxes can also connect via coaxial cable to reach each other in different rooms, up to 110m away.

12/06/2008 - Up close and personal - porn industry turns on to high definition

A leading maker of adult movies is to release all new titles on Blu-ray Disc as well as on standard definition DVD.
Digital Playground says it is the first mainstream studio to opt for the “same day” treatment for HD discs.
The porn maker will also begin converting one previously released title to Blu-ray every week.
Such a move is likely to lead to a dramatic increase in the number of adult titles available on Blu-ray.

12/06/2008 - High Definition footage of action adventure game for iPhone released
Apple has released HD footage of a demonstration of the upcoming iPhone fantasy game Krull created by Barcelona-based Digital Legends Entertainment.
The 3D mobile game uses a combination of touch-based controls and accelerometer mechanics.
Dynamic shadows and other handheld-level effects are also on display in the footage received by Shacknews.
Xavier Carillo Costa, CEO of Digital Legends, said his team only got the iPhone SDK two weeks before the demo, and that the port itself took just four days to create.
Krull is expected to be available available from the upcoming iPhone App Store in September, following the July launch of                                                                                                                the new iPhone 2.0

12/06/2008 - Conceptronic ships Grab 'n GO Full HD media streamer

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In the quickly-growing realm of media streamers, there's at least a modicum of a chance that Conceptronic's oddly titled Grab 'n GO Full HD media player has slipped from the forefront of your mind. If so, the outfit is gunning to jar your memory by announcing that it is now shipping said piece to eager consumers. The release also noted that SAMBA and NFS clients have been added, and it's pretty much ready to "stream all digital media files to a TV in Full HD 1080p resolution." Furthermore, you'll find a gigabit Ethernet jack to handle all that data, and the built-in USB port enables external storage to be added locally. Sorry, still no price.

[Thanks, KJ]
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12/06/2008 - Attention U-verse users: 2 HD / 2 SD rollout schedule gets leaked

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Up until now, AT&T's rollout of 2 HD / 2 SD -- which, for those unfamiliar, enables U-verse users to record two high-def programs at once rather than just one -- has been hit or miss. Now, however, we've received a list of locales coupled with dates that gives a little rhyme and reason to the sporadicalness. A number of cities will be seeing the service activated in waves (or so it seems), and while some folks should be noticing the change at any moment, others could be waiting for a good while still. We won't keep you wondering any longer -- head on past the break for the entire list.

[Thanks, TRHC]

Continue reading Attention U-verse users: 2 HD / 2 SD rollout schedule gets leaked

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11/06/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 088 - 06.11.2008

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Tons of fun this week for HTPC Blu-ray fans as they get new ways to enjoy the best audio quality the format has to offer, but we're still waiting for a better solution. Lots of video download boxes in the news this week, but we're still not sold on any of 'em. The other thing that isn't selling us, are those annoying commercials as we talk up our biggest gripes with the advertising industry. Finally we both lament in our own provider's news as Cox is starting to use SDV and FiOS is finally adding more HD channels.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
07:31 - With some help from Realtek, PowerDVD will support 24-bit lossless audio
09:44 - ASUS intros HDMI-equipped Xonar HDAV1.3 sound card
13:44 - Samsung BD-P1500 review
17:24 - How are back catalog titles chosen for Blu-ray release?
23:36 - Ask Engadget HD: Which movie set-top-box is best?
24:45 - Netflix Player, Apple TV and VUDU compared: movie STB shootout
26:42 - Poll: What's the most annoying form of advertising?
30:19 - Discovery's When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions series debuts tonight
32:09 - Just say no to HDTV?
33:31 - Cox to give Phoenix TiVo users free tuning adapter to cope with SDV
36:42 - Rumor confirmed: FiOS TV to add 27 new HD channels in July

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11/06/2008 - More HD titles needed to boost up-take of Blu-ray players

With Blu-ray sales still not setting the heather alight much has been made of the high cost of HD players and continued viewer satisfaction with standard-definition DVD.
Paul Erickson, director of DVD and HD Market Research at DisplaySearch, is in no doubt these are big factors contributing to Blu-ray’s slow shift into the living room.
Adding to the picture is the emergence of online content delivery as a viable source of HD programming, something that is seen as posing a real threat to Blu-ray’s long-term survival.

11/06/2008 - Aiptek's HDV21X brings 1080p HD video to the sub-$200 Wal-Mart market

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Aiptek Action HD
Aiptek is making a habit of bringing portable HD recording to some seriously affordable levels. The HDV21X Action HD 1080p High Definition Camcorder w/ Optical Zoom (known as the AHD Z500 Plus in Europe) records HD AVD HD (1,440 x 1080, 16 x 9) on a 5 megapixel sensor at 30 frames per second and 720P at 60 frames all for a paltry $199.99 at your local Wal-Mart. Expect to get up to 8 hours of 1080p video on a 32GB SDHC card. As for still images, the Z500 shoots at 8 megapixels and even sports a macro mode for both video and still. Also on board is a 3x optical zoom, CIF mode for easy YouTube uploads, a 2.4-inch swivel-mount TFT LCD, and component outputs for all the HD goodness. To top it all of, its diminutive size is worth mentioning: 4.4 x 2.75 x 1.3-inches.
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09/06/2008 - Blu-ray releases on June 10th, 2008

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Jumper Blu-rayAlthough any week would look weak compared to last's, we can't help but feel let down. Sure, there are a few pretty hot day-and-date titles like Jumper, The Bucket List and The Other Boleyn Girl; but of the three, only one has much Blu apeal and it has an unbelieveably low IMDB score of 5.9. But we still can't help but want to check it out based on the rave reviews that the audio and video got -- what's not to love about DTS-HD MA 48kHz/24bit? The best news for Blu this week though, is that unlike most other weeks, DVD doesn't have any exclusives to talk about. There are a few comedies that should be worth a look though, like Be Kind Rewind and Witless Protection, as well as a few catalog westerns like Broken Trail and The Professionals. This is pretty much what June has to offer though, as there are only 10 titles left on the schedule, and only two that we think people will get excited about.

Blu-ray 619*

Blu-ray
* Blu-ray total does reflect 32 Paramount titles that were previously officially unavailable.
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08/06/2008 - Europe must think globally if it wants to catch up with the US and Japan in HDTV

If Europe wants to benefit from the growing HDTV market, broadcasters and production companies must take a broader view.
That is the advice of Jaume Rey, director of Professional & Broadcast IT Systems Business Unit (PBITS), part of the Panasonic group.
Urging those involved in producing TV programmes to look beyond local markets, he noted that while European consumers have embraced HD acquisition technology, many viewers are still watching television on SD sets.
“In countries such as Spain, broadcasters and production companies must show a lead in the introduction of HD," he said. "In a growing market, manufacturers need to think globally instead of locally where content production and distribution is concerned.”

08/06/2008 - Soccer fans enjoy ITV's first HD programming as Euro 2008 matches broadcast on Freesat

The UK’s ITV network has launched its HD service on Freesat by broadcasting the opening games from Euro 2008.
Freesat is a subscription-free, digital satellite TV service from ITV and the BBC.
Viewers can see all the games the BBC has rights to in high definition on Virgin Media and Sky, but ITV announced that its debut HD programmes would be matches on the opening few days of the football tournament.
The first HD offering from ITV was the Portugal v Turkey match on Saturday.

08/06/2008 - Japan's HD offerings boosted by launch of new VOD service
The growing market for high definition television in Japan has received a further boost with the start of a VOD service by the country’s largest retail chain, Tsutaya.
Users will be able to download titles from home using the acTVila portal that is popular on Japanese plasma and LCD HDTVs.
They will have 48 hours to watch the films or TV shows as many times as they want.
The new service from Tsutaya, which counts 27.2 million members at its 1,330 branches across Japan, is the latest sign of the growing popularity of HDTV in the country.

08/06/2008 - Leading HDTV manufacturers take legal action against Vizio over patents

Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sony, and Philips have filed a patent suit against low-cost HDTV maker Vizio claiming the company is violating 15 patents key to supporting MPEG-2 video in its products.
The legal action is seeking an order to prevent Vizio from using the patents, as well as financial compensation.
According to the complaint – other parties to which also include Columbia University of New York, Victor Co. of Japan, and Thompson - the individual companies have pursued Vizio about licensing the patents, but the company has refused to deal with them.
It is claimed that Vizio has also declined to discuss the matter with the MPEG Licensing Authority trade group.

08/06/2008 - Chinese firm launches USB dongle for live HDTV

European viewers can now watch live high-definition television programming on their mobile devices using a USB TV dongle developed by the Chinese company Aigo.
The dongle, first released for the Chinese market in April, is compatible with European HDTV standards.
It will enable users to watch live HDTV on their laptops, desktop computers, portable video players and portable navigation (GPS) devices.
Viewers simply plug the device into their PC or portable video player’s USB port to capture HD programming wirelessly from local TV stations.
Feng Jun, president and founder of Aigo, said: “People across China, and now also in Europe, will have access to live HDTV on their laptops and portable video players.”

06/06/2008 - 2HD / 2SD U-verse service arrives in Austin, Texas

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Don't you worry, U-verse user -- AT&T hasn't ditched its 2 HD / 2SD initiative just yet. After quietly infiltrating areas of Missouri, Michigan and Georgia, we've located its latest target: Austin, Texas. According to a local, his service recently changed from 1 HD / 3 SD to 2 HD / 2 SD without so much as a peep from the carrier. For those unfamiliar, the change enables U-verse customers to record one HD program while watching another HD show live -- something that still cannot be done in most U-verse areas. C'mon AT&T, let's get this wondrous feature rolled out nationwide. Chop chop!

[Thanks, Tom]
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05/06/2008 - Planet Green HD coming to San Antonio TWC customers

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Planet Green HD
Time Warner Cable customers in San Antonio, TX will be treated to one more HD offering today when Planet Green HD comes into the homestead via the copper pipe. If your HDTV is going to gobble up electricity and also do battle with your air conditioner as it spills heat into your abode, the least you can do is take in some eco-lifestyle content. Consider it a kind of "awareness offset" to your carbon footprint, okay? That is, unless you've voted with your pocketbook and picked up a green TV; in which case you might want to truly minimize your footprint by turning it off altogether. Look for it on channel 140, and drink lightly from the 250 hours of content. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
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04/06/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 087 - 06.04.2008

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Ah, it feels good to get back into the swing of things as we crank out a second podcast two weeks in a row right after our long hiatus. We were a little more on the ball this week as we talked up some interestingly odd Toshiba news, that Ben refuses to believe. There are also a few more Blu-ray topics as we approach a Summer of Blu. We also get on to our new favorite topics, like trashing digital downloads and TiVo. Then we finish things up by cracking on our least favorite brand as one of Philip's latest HDTVs receives a pretty bad review.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
08:03 - Toshiba knows no shame, plans to release super-resolution DVD player
10:16 - Transformers Blu-ray edition gets detailed, confirmed for September launch
15:22 - Jack Ryan to finally go Blu in July
16:52 - Nielsen VideoScan High-Def market share for week ending May 25th, 2008
22:58 - Poll: Are you replacing your DVDs with Blu-ray Discs?
26:09 - VUDU's v1.5 firmware update brings along costly rental extensions
27:28 - TiVo's Tom Rogers speaks of "whole home model"
36:08 - DISH Network's EchoStar XI heads to Sea Launch for summer liftoff
37:13 - Hauppauge HD-PVR now shipping
39:21 - Philips' 42-inch 1080p 42PFL5603D LCD TV reviewed

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03/06/2008 - Starz Entertainment becomes latest cable network to adopt MPEG-4

The move towards the new compression standard continues as Starz Entertainment invests in a four-channel, HD MPEG-4/AVC encoding system from cable-equipment manufacturer Motorola.
The premium programmer has become the latest cable network to adopt MPEG-4 compression to conserve satellite bandwidth as it expands its HD offerings.
The new transmission system includes DVB-S2 satellite modulation gear, which can increase a satellite transponder’s output by up to 50 per cent.
Starz said upcoming HD channel Encore HD will also be launched using MPEG-4.

03/06/2008 - Blu-ray awareness and potential rising in the US but barriers remain

High cost and a belief that standard-definition DVD is “good enough” are the main barriers to US consumers purchasing Blu-ray players.
These are the conclusions of a study by the NPD Group, which found that manufacturers still face challenges despite rising awareness of Blu-ray.
The market research company found that 45 per cent of HDTV owners in the US now claim to be familiar with Blu-ray Disc (BD), up from 35 percent in June 2007.
And, while only 6 per cent of all consumers surveyed said they plan to purchase a BD device in the next six months, NPD found purchase intent to be higher among the growing population of HDTV owners, boding well for the future of the format.

02/06/2008 - Blu-ray releases on June 3rd, 2008

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There Will be Blood Blu-rayThis is the week that many have been waiting for. The week where Paramount finally opens the floodgates and officially releases all those titles on Blu that were previously available. The biggest Paramount release to make its HD debut is without a doubt There Will Be Blood (IMDB 8.5) followed by Cloverfield, but the rest are no slouch either. But while we wait until the end of July for the last previously Red studio to go Blu brining just about all of Hollywood together behind one format -- Fox, Warner, and MGM open the classics flood gates with some very famous titles like the Dirty Harry franchise and Patton. So while our total went up by 51 titles this week thanks to Paramount and others, there is still at least one good movie released exclusively on DVD this week in the way of Control (IMDB 8.0) thanks to Weinstein. Regardless of one missing title, we'd be surprised if there was any movie fan who couldn't find something to watch this week, so enjoy it until the next title drought.

Blu-ray 605*

Blu-ray
* Blu-ray total does reflect 32 Paramount titles that were previously officially unavailable.
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01/06/2008 - Australian market first to get recordable Blu-ray player outside of Japan

Panasonic is to roll-out sales of a range of Blu-ray recorders in Australia, making it only the second country after Japan to receive the devices.
A 500GB Twin High Definition Tuner and VIERA Link model is to go on sale this month as well as various lower-spec recorders, the first 46” plasma TV and new 37” Full HD LCD TV models.
Paul Reid, Panasonic Australia’s Director for Consumer Electronics Group, described the move as a “significant breakthrough” for Blu-ray.

31/05/2008 - Pantel reveals 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs

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You've already seen what kind of chaos Pantel's weatherproof HDTVs can live through, and now it's unveiled a trio of new panel sizes to complement the 32- and 42-inch variants already available. Set to debut at InfoComm 2008, the 20-inch PAN-200, 52-inch PAN-520 and 65-inch PAN-650 really help to flesh out the lineup. Aside from shedding water, dust, snow and Play-Doh (among other foreign objects), you'll find a 1,366 x 768 (PAN-200) or 1,920 x 1,080 (PAN-520 and PAN-650) resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, an anti-glare screen and a single HDMI port. The 20-incher checks in with a 700:1 contrast ratio, while the larger two offer 2,000:1, and the whole lot boasts an 802.11a wireless video package that claims to work up to 150-feet. Looking for prices? Try these on for size: $2,999 / $9,999 / $25,999 from smallest to largest.
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29/05/2008 - Higher sales of HD devices helps TiVo report soaring Q1 profits
Digital video recorder maker TiVo has reported soaring income for the first quarter of 2008 boosted by higher sales of HD devices and reduced advertising costs.
The California-based company said it earned $3.6 million, or 4 cents per share, for the three months ending April 30.
Tom Rogers, President and CEO of TiVo, said the most significant activity being worked on to boost stand-alone sales of HD devices was relationships with third parties.
He said tests were begun last quarter with bundling with HDTV set sales.

29/05/2008 - Freesat's mix of HDTV programmes and subscription-free service is likely to appeal to "millions" of customers unhappy with the UK's digital TV providers
Dissatisfaction with the UK’s top three digital TV providers is likely to make customers consider switching to freesat’s combination of HD programmes without subscription.
That is the conclusion of Steve Weller, communications expert at uSwitch.com, which carried out a customer satisfaction study on the UK’s top three digital TV providers - who hold 95% of the market.
Almost 9 out of 10 homes in the UK have now ‘gone digital’ and spend a total of £4.2 billion on receiving the service every year.
However, the independent price comparison and switching service found that more than 1 in 4 customers are not satisfied with their digital service.

28/05/2008 - Samsung HDTV earns top slot in customer loyalty survey
Samsung Electronics has come first in a customer loyalty survey in the US for both its HDTVs and DVD players.
The company was winner in the two categories in the Loyalty Engagement Index, a nationwide survey carried out by Brand Keys Customer.
It identifies brands that are best able to engage consumers by meeting or exceeding their expectations, which creates loyal customers.
The report forecasts which products consumers are most likely to purchase over the next 12 to 18 months.

28/05/2008 - European broadcasters expand HD capacity in advance of summer of sport

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken delivery of HDTV MPEG-2 encoder equipment in order to expand capacity on its contribution network.
Supplied by NTT Electronics Corporation, the Encoder HE5100 will allow the organisation’s members to cope with the rising demand for HD content.
This is expected to increase further over the summer with the expansion of HD broadcasts for various major sporting events.

28/05/2008 - Blu-ray recorder sales rising fast in Japan
Sales of high definition Blu-ray recorders are increasing rapidly in Japan as consumers take to the new generation of home movie entertainment.
Last month the more expensive Blu-ray recorders topped the old generation recorders in the value of sales for the first time.
The research firm BCN Ltd said that around a third of machines sold now carry the new format.

28/05/2008 - Engadget HD Podcast 086 - 05.28.2008

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After an almost two week hiatus, we're back to try and add some insightful commentary to all the HD news. The Cable Show was the biggest thing going down, and in retrospect there wasn't much to it. But moving forward with tru2way is kind of interesting and we can't wait to see how it all turns out. At the same time the Blu-ray news is pretty slow right now, but we are looking forward to all the releases in June. Blu-ray isn't the only way to watch movies these days as downloads are ramping up with a new player in the way of Ruku via Netflix, but we're not impressed. The other thing that doesn't impress us is the new ESPN WiFi remote, which we just don't understand, while at the same time wish the remote had a better button layout.


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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
05:01 - The Cable Show 2008 roundup
05:43 - Tuning Adapter support for Media Center imminent?
14:28 - Sony signs up to support tru2way
17:35 - Verizon's CableCARD waiver expires July 1
19:50 - Poll: Do you still watch SD programming?
22:16 - Broadcast Flag rides again, courtesy of NBC & Microsoft?
25:29 - Transformers 2-disc Blu-ray edition coming September 2?
27:53 - Amazon Unbox content going HD on TiVo
29:17 - Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in
33:37 - DirecTV HD, now with one wire!
35:36 - ESPN unveils The Ultimate Remote, is WiFi worth $300?
42:18 - All NFL games on CBS will be in HD this season, Finally!


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28/05/2008 - Sony commits to Tru2way TV
Sony has signed an agreement with the US’s six largest cable companies to produce a TV that will receive digital signals without the need for a set-top box.
The Japanese electronics company will make an LCD set based on the Tru2way cable platform introduced in January at CES by Comcast.
Kyle McSlarrow, president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, said: “This is a landmark agreement which will provide a national, open and interactive platform resulting in more choices of services and products for consumers.”

27/05/2008 - HDNet to get Adrenaline boost

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HDNet Fights
Rack up another collaboration for the MMA-centric HDNet Fights brand. The topsy turvy world of MMA has seen lots of M&A activity over the past year, which fits pretty well with HDNet Fights' come-one-come-all partnership attitude. Adrenaline MMA, formerly under the M-1 Global banner, will be bringing its first three cards to HDNet. The first event will be in Chicago on June 14, with a second show on September 6. Disappointingly, this agreement comes too late for those hoping to see top-ranked Fedor Emelianenko come to HDNet, as he split with M-1 before the restructuring; so any Emelianenko vs. Silvia matchup will have to be a cross-promotion. But like we said, it just might be possible in the "anything goes" operations of HDNet Fights.
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27/05/2008 - US firm signs deal to represent world's largest Beijing HD footage collection in advance of Olympic Games

MediaRecall is to represent a collection of more than 1,100 high quality HD clips shot in Beijing for licensing in advance of this summer’s Olympics.
The subject matter of the clips is diverse, ranging from Beijing lifestyle to footage of the venues and is being made available as stock footage for use in news and editorial programmes.
Taneoka Hiroaki, President of Contents Gate, a Japanese content aggregator and MediaRecall partner for Japan, said the cameramen had created something very special.

26/05/2008 - Blu-ray releases on May 27th, 2008

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RamboParamount has us all messed up again this week thanks to the fact that all its releases got pushed back to June 3rd. We tried our best to be accurate last week, but still managed to list two Paramount titles that we were unable to find at Amazon or at our local Best Buy. Not a big deal as all of the titles we were expecting last week, and the 32 previously released titles, should all be available by next week -- so we can finally get rid of the asterisks. On a slow week like this, it is easy to be the best release, but that doesn't mean we aren't excited to check out the latest in the Rambo franchise as well as enjoying part two and part three in HD for the first time. Interestingly, while the new Rambo movie includes a 7.1 PCM sound track, the older three all feature 5.1 DTS-HD MA. We find this very odd and really wonder why Lionsgate wouldn't go with DTS-HD MA on all of 'em. If you're not into anything this week, don't worry as next week has something for everyone with 18 new releases, 4 Paramount titles delayed from earlier this year, and we finally expect to see the 32 previously available Paramount titles on the shelf.

Blu-ray 553*

Blu-ray
* Blu-ray total does not reflect 32 Paramount titles that were previously officially available.
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24/05/2008 - Samsung continues re-structuring following management changes
Samsung’s home-theater, DVD and Blu-ray-player businesses will be merged with the TV section as part of moves to change the way it operates.
Samsung Electronics Co, the flagship company of South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group, said the re-organisation within the digital-media division was part of a wider re-structuring.

24/05/2008 - Blue Ray Technologies expansion includes Hollywood plant to serve new BD and HD demand

Blue Ray Technologies is planning to open multiple Blu-Ray disc production facilities across the U.S, starting with a facility near Hollywood to be close to the indie and major studios that have now all adopted Blu-ray.
The new facilities are designed to be capable of handling the next generation of movie and game discs, Blue-ray 2.0, which gives an interactive web dimension to the consumer, and offer up to “five layers of entertainment”, according to BRT founder Erick Hansen.

22/05/2008 - U-control picture-in-picture makes a comeback on The Mummy Returns Blu-ray disc

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When Universal releases The Mummy Returns July 22 on Blu-ray, expect a return of the studio's U-control features with exclusive content not seen on the previous HD DVD release. Accompanying all the previously seen extras, Blu-ray viewers get a special picture-in-picture track with behind the scenes footage and filmmaker interviews.The 50GB disc will also have a DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio track, whether or not any of this makes it a better movie this go-round remains to be seen.
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22/05/2008 - Poll: What's your favorite HD movie channel?

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Not all HD movie channels are created equal, and while there are a few that have the latest and greatest movies, for whatever reason those seem to be the same ones that choose to crop the video and normalize the audio. At the same time that there are more HD movie channels then ever, there are also more Blu-ray titles available to compete with your time; so with many choices out there what is your favorite HD movie channel?

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20/05/2008 - AT&T quietly enables 2HD / 2SD U-verse service in more cities

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Since activating dual HD streams in St. Louis earlier this month, AT&T has seemingly enabled the functionality in a handful of other cities without even an official peep. According to user reports stemming from Atlanta / Alpharetta, Georgia and certain sections of Michigan, they too are enjoying the luxury of recording one high-def program while viewing another live. We fully expect the carrier to spread the 2HD / 2SD service to more of the country here soon, but until it decides to open its own mouth, we'd highly recommend keeping an eye on your box for a certain surprise.
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19/05/2008 - Young adults aged between 16-27 are driving demand for HDTV, according to Motorola study

Research by Motorola shows that young adults have a huge influence on their parents' buying decisions for HDTV sets and programming packages.
The “always-on” generation are hungry for more control over when and where they access rich content such as high-definition (HD) programming and cable TV, the study found.
The ability to time-shift with DVRs and have access to HD programming were both highly desirable features.

19/05/2008 - Blu-ray releases on May 20th, 2008

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National Treasure 2Ah, Paramount why do you tease us? Just when we thought we were finally going to get rid of that annoying asterisks once and for all, you seemly move back all the re-issues to June 3rd, and to make it worse, the most highly anticipated Paramount titles like Bee Movie, There Will Be Blood and Cloverfield are delayed as well -- honestly we're not sure who's right at this point, but we're going to error on the side of caution on this one. But that doesn't meant it isn't a great week, as there are a number of titles to get excited about this week including what is easily the biggest in National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. Another title this week that happens to be near and dear to our childhood, that we look forward to enjoying for the first time all over again on Blu-ray is Short Circuit. And finally Warner catches Blu-ray up to HD DVD on one of the biggest titles -- still waiting for The Matrix -- with V For Vendetta. It should be noted that for the first time in a long time, DVD doesn't have any exclusives worth mentioning which should make for an interesting week when the Nielsen VideoScan numbers are released.

Blu-ray 546*

Blu-ray
* Blu-ray total does not reflect 32 Paramount titles that were previously officially available.
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18/05/2008 - US cable network leads the HD revolution

18 May 2008
Innovation and focusing on the customer is ensuring the US cable network leads the digital and high-definition revolution, according to the president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA).
Speaking on the eve of the 2008 Cable Show in New Orleans, Kyle McSlarrow said that in the space of a few years US viewers had gone from having just nine HD networks to more than 75 today.
“Our entire industry is leading the digital and high definition revolution,” he said.

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