Engadget HD Podcast 157 - 09.29.2009

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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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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[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 1:44PM]

All of the links go to #156

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 2:13PM]

Thanks for the heads up! Fixed

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 6:48PM]

I am not a programmer so hopefully someone can help me out. Would it be impossible to create a media center plugin that would let you choose a TV show (within the Media Center interface) with an option to send to Zune, using DVRMS toolbox or other software to make the conversion in the background and place it in the Zune folder? Also could you make a strip called "Zune" which would let you browse all of your purchased or downloaded Zune content? Thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 30th 2009 3:02PM]

The disappointment with the Zune HD lacking the AC3 conversion with HDTV content was the nail in the coffin with respect to a portable players purchase decision. I was so excited to finally receive the ability to simply convert content, (Hey, it’s a boon for the kids during long road trips!) The idea of “grab the device and go”, knowing you have your latest recorded TV programs from Media Center in-hand without effort was very appealing!

Today, I receive delivery of my new iPod Touch 3G. I figured that since I have to do the conversion of programs manually anyway (via MCE Buddy or DRVMSTOOLBOX), I might as well receive the benefits or a developed appz platform as well. I have to admit, I feel “dirty” in purchasing the iPod Touch; this is my first-ever apple product purchase, but honestly Microsoft, I am tired of waiting.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 30th 2009 7:23PM]

sounds like the ati tuner still sucks, ben says the tuner adapter doesnt even work half the time, should I just ebay the tuner and get the new ceton one

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 30th 2009 10:25PM]

I got sick of wait too. I found BeyondTV will turn any show into a podcast feed so you can watch it on the IPhone/Itouch/Ipod/Itunes with No DRM!....I just sayin.

I know the interface isnt as good as Media Center but if you are looking to take shows on the road without streaming this works.