Engadget HD Podcast 154 - 09.10.2009
By Trent Wolbe 
posted September 10th 2009 2:30PM
posted September 10th 2009 2:30PM
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
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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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I really think Ben is underestimating the value of the lack of OEM requirement for Cablecard. Before yesterday I would never consider recommending Media Center to family and friends but with this change I would strongly consider it. #1 reason: Not only do you not have to buy an extremely expensive computer from an OEM, you don't have to buy a computer at all in most cases, only a Windows 7 upgrade. #2 reason: With increased competition from companies like Ceton, tuner prices will come down and you will be able to buy them at Newegg, Amazon, and Bestbuy which makes them more readily available to Joe six pack which they were not before.#3: You don't have to hack it. I know you don't seem to think this is a big deal but to the not so technically inclined it is. I consider myself an enthusiast and have never considered the hack because hacks are time consuming, not supported and are often buggy. My machine needs to be rock solid.#4: This makes MC much more competitive and on par with Tivo. Now you can buy a small form factor PC like a ASrock Ion 330, get a cablecard tuner and your set. Plus unlike Tivo you can do multiroom with extenders, and NO monthly fee!! #5: Many people already have all the pieces of the puzzle except the CC Tuner: PC, Xbox 360, & cable service. Many only use the cable box because it allows them to get premium content and thats it. Now it will no longer be a limitation.
I think the reason the MC CableCard announcement is so big is that some of us had held off due to a combination of the fact that tuners are pretty expensive combined with the fact that down the road MS might come up with some way to disable the hack. So do you sink $300 in a single channel tuner that may or may not work a month from now? I wouldn't.
Sometimes we just get excited when a big company does something right for its enthusiasts for a change. Something that makes life easier instead of harder.
Ben, any idea what was up with Fox's NFL coverage this Sunday? Here in the DC area on our local cox network the HD feed seemed to be dropping frames. At first it seemed kind of retro but then it got really annoying really quickly. Did you notice it during the Tampa Bay game (sorry about that, by the way)?
My Fox affiliate isn't affected by the issue, but there are plenty of others who are. If I were you I'd go to the AVS forum thread for that game and report it. Be sure to list the affiliate you are watching as well as if it is OTA or cable, etc.