Engadget HD Podcast 151 - 08.19.2009
By Trent Wolbe 
posted August 19th 2009 2:30PM
posted August 19th 2009 2:30PM
Plenty of Microsoft news this week as we just can't stop talking about the company that we love as much as we hate. For starters the Zune isn't even out yet and we are already starting to think it won't live up to its HD name. We roll right along from there into some Media Center news including how to import HD movies into Media Center, and the interesting details of the RVU alliances as potentially competing product. Sony was next on our list as we discussed the new PS3 and what it is and what it isn't. Finally the show rounds out with a little Netflix Movie Party, Redbox, ripping DVDs and finally FOOTBALL! Get the podcast
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Program
00:01:20 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 150 - 08.12.2009
00:05:17 - Zune 4.0 software won't play nice with HDTV Media Center recordings
00:16:22 - Windows 7 includes support for Dolby Digital Plus
00:20:09 - How to import HD movies into Windows Media Center
00:33:00 - DirecTV, Cisco and Samsung have whole house DVR plans with RVU alliance
00:43:30 - Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!)
00:47:45 - A first hand look at the Netflix Movie Parties on the Xbox 360
00:55:52 - Fox and Warner want 30 day kiosk rental windows, maybe Netflix too
01:03:31 - Kaleidescape gets in line behind RealDVD for rough treatment
01:08:00 - Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way?
01:13:40 - A few broadcasters are moving back to UHF
01:17:40 - Poll: What's better than the return of football to our HDTVs?
01:20:05 - NFL's new RedZone channel won't be seen by most
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I hope you guys are right about the Zune HD and Microsoft just not posting the correct specs for the transcoding of HD shows. Tivo HD and EyeTV on Apple both support this feature. It just makes no sense to develop a product call Zune HD, but not allow transcoding to the device.
I tested the Home Server PP3 beta and it too does not transcode HD recording. In fact it completely skips any HD recordings and even digital SD recordings.
Steve,
congrats on the new TV!
Steve, Congrats on the new TV. Just wondering what the difference is between the KRP-500M\600M and the PRO-101FD\141FD. THE PRO monitors are currently on pioneers US website. Are the KRP models their newer or older models? Are they the same models just named differently?
Thanks
Joe
hey guys, it's been awhile!
I'm using my Xbox360 as an extender to media center, and I've been looking for a good podcasting solution. Video podcasts are easy enough, but audio podcasts can be a pain, because I don't want them to show up as part of my music library.
After Googling and checking out TheGreenButton, I couldn't help but think there isn't much demand for podcasts on Windows Media Center. There's very little in the way of support outside of MCE RSS Reader, and nobody seems to have much information. Why might this be the case?
RE: Redbox
You know as well as I do when you buy a dvd you are not purchasing the movie, you are purchasing limited viewing rights to that film. If you start charging admission to people that come to your house to view films you open yourself to legal action. Rental businesses must be under a special license that allows then to generate revenue from renting movies. Most likely why they generally need to pay more for the movie than at retail.
In regards to your comments about Redbox and the industry wanting to delay/prevent sales to them because of their rental rate. This is not unusual in the retail industry. If a manufacturer sets a minimum MSRP, it has the right to not sell to those businesses that violate the dealer terms. I don't necessarily approve of the policy, but it's a fact of life. The supplier feels they have the right to protect the value of their product.
haha, i just saw this commericial on TV.
"HD" Vision sunglasses! You have to be kidding what a rip:
https://www.gethdvision.com/
How can you make something that is real be high definition? Man i hope my eyes can pick up better then "HD" on my TV. Maybe if i wear these while watching HDTV ill get Ultra HDTV or 4K TV!!!!!!
LOL
Hi Ben, Steve and Richard,
I was at the Bellevue, WA Best Buy this Saturday morning and was present during a ZuneHD demo. Frustrated after reading on Engadget/HD of the lack of Zune support of HDTV recordings, I thought this was a good opportunity to hear this news (disappointing) information from the Rep myself. When I explicitly asked the Zune Rep “Will the Zune HD support OTA HDTV content recorded from Media Center?”, he responded “Yes, it will.” I immediately clarified my question to be very specific in my questioning asking “So, that means the Zune HD will convert or support AC3 audio?”, and the Rep affirmed my question again with a “Yes” and affirming his own frustration of previous Zune’s lack of this capability.
Now I stand with a little confusion in finding the "true truth"…. Time will quickly tell as this impressive device comes out.
Other notable items I learn today were:
- The Zune HD screen seemed to dim (the gorgeous) OLED screen during video playback. Possibly a way of extending the battery life? Which was cited at 8 hours during video playback.
- The Zune HD dock seemed to have a secondary processor contained within it. The Zune HD will not output any video w/out the dock as previous versions could. (The HD Dock was cited at $70 and IF there is a processor contained within it, could somewhat justify this outrageous price)
- The Zune earbuds act as an antenna to assist in the capturing of the HD Radio signals. (So much for my old buds while listening to HD radio! :-( I wonder how I am going to hook this up to my car’s 3.5 input jack and listen to the Zune's HD radio?
- There is a SECRET contained within the browser – the Rep refused to show us the browser stating that it was the only thing they were not allowed to show. He also said they needed to withhold some information (for marketing reasons?) and that more information is forthcoming. I am not sure what this “secret” is, but I doubt it is Flash or Silverlight support as those two suggestions were hinted at by the crowd, and quickly denied by the Zune Rep.
Any idea what this could be?
Great Show! Keep up the good work!
Joe