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HDTV Listings for March 19, 2010

Richard Lawler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST

What we're watching tonight:

CBS (1080i) continues NCAA Basketball Tournament first round action at 7 p.m.
MyNetworkTV (720p) has WWE SmackDown at 8 p.m.
NBC (1080i) has Who Do You Think You Are? at 8 p.m.
Syfy (1080i) has Caprica at 9 p.m.
Starz (1080i) has Spartacus: Blood & Sand at 10 p.m
TLC (1080i) brings What Not to Wear at 9 p.m. and Four Weddings at 10 p.m.
HBO (1080i) has The Ricky Gervais Show at 9 p.m., The Life and Times of Tim at 9:30 p.m., Real Time with Bill Maher at 10 p.m. and Funny or Die Presents at 11:59 p.m.
History (720p) has Gangland at 9 p.m.
Discovery (1080i) has American Loggers at 10 p.m.
Food (1080i) airs The Best Thing I Ever Ate at 10 p.m.
NBATV (1080i) has Celtics/Rockets at 8:30 p.m.

HDTV Listings for March 19, 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast's 3D Masters broadcast explained

Richard Lawler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:49:00 EST

Still wondering how the first live broadcasts for the new 3DTVs will work? Comcast Fellow Mark Francisco has been working on bringing 3D home for several years now, and was able to clear up some of the questions that you've been asking about what takes place before home viewers slip on those "beautifully styled" glasses for the first time. Whether you'd want to, can afford to with the first generation of compatible HDTVs, or why it's expanding the use of that silly Xfinity name weren't among them, so for that you're on your own.

What format/compression will Comcast use on its Masters broadcast and going forward?

Just like DirecTV, Comcast is planning on a side-by-side 1080i (not sure what that is? Check out our breakdown of the different ways to send 3D) MPEG-2 transmission. Mark confirmed what we'd heard previously in our discussion with Bob Wilson from Motorola, on the backend, very little needed changing or updating to enable this transmission, which will take up a 6MHz channel, other than their frame multiplexers. There will also be an h.264 stream and VC-1 (for the Masters.com feed) and for broadcast within hospitality tents at Augusta National.

Will I need a new cable box or have to get a firmware update of some kind to watch 3D?

All of Comcast's HD set-top boxes connected through HDMI already capable of handling the signal, so don't expect a firmware upgrade (unless you're waiting for remote DVR features, of course) between then and now, although future upgrades will include 3D menus and guide information, which are currently still 2D.

Continue reading Comcast's 3D Masters broadcast explained

Comcast's 3D Masters broadcast explained originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Book of Eli Blu-ray disc arrives June 15 with plenty of extras

Richard Lawler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:34:00 EST

It seems that without plans for a double or even triple dip on the horizon, Warner's somehow found a way to squeeze lots of extras on the home release of its recent blockbuster, Book of Eli. Denzel Washington and the Hughes brothers will chime during a picture-in-picture Maximum Movie Mode, and "more than 90 minutes" of Blu-ray exclusives are in store. Besides being a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital copy combo pack it's listing extra scenes and several featurettes, but with a BD-Live logo prominently featured in the ad, we're hoping that maybe 2010 has another new wrinkle over 2009's top home movie releases (other than 3D.)

Book of Eli Blu-ray disc arrives June 15 with plenty of extras originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision bumps Comcast to the back, 3D sports at home starts next week

Richard Lawler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST

Just as Comcast leapfrogged DirecTV's 3D plans, its claim to the first live HD 3D event has been stolen away by Cablevision, which will broadcast a Rangers/Islanders NHL matchup Wednesday, shown both in a special viewing party in the Theater at Madison Square Garden and on iO TV channel 1300 (if you already have a 3DTV but not Cablevision then keep an eye on your channel guide as, like the Masters broadcast, it may be shared with other networks.) While this is probably just the beginning of another FCC battle over who it will have to share the broadcasts with, MSG is just focusing on keeping a trend going since it was one of the first to jump on HDTV production of NBA and NHL games way back in 1998 and plans to keep 3D broadcasts coming over the next year with more games and concerts. Production is being handled by 3ality Digital, previously responsible for the BCS game that turned some of our preconceived notions about 3D with its BCS National Championship broadcast a little over a year ago, which plans to use 5 cameras from a lower angle than usual to resemble the perspective of the actual players -- minus concussion-inducing blindside hits to the head. Anyone willing to host a viewing party? We're totally down to bring snacks... if you'll cover our 3D glasses.

[Thanks, William & Vinny]

Cablevision bumps Comcast to the back, 3D sports at home starts next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster's latest SEC filing shows a future still very much in doubt

Richard Lawler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:11:00 EST

Different year, same story for Blockbuster. Though it's made strides in shifting from its old business model to a new kiosk, delivery and online approach, it still felt it was necessary to use cautionary language like "substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern" in an SEC filing this week. We'll see if its new plans to handle the debt problems that have put it in such a hole allow it enough flexibility to fight back against Netflix and Redbox, but 2010 figures to be yet another uncertain year for the former rental champ.

Blockbuster's latest SEC filing shows a future still very much in doubt originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Research firm shocks the internet, says most viewers loved NBC's Olympics coverage

Richard Lawler — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:41:00 EST

We're not sure where the Americans Q & A Research polled live, but they must not have a decent network hookup out there because they appear to represent the most silent of majorities: the ones who absolutely loved how NBC handled the Winter Olympics. Also reported was an average of 20 hours of viewing each, with figure skating, hockey and speed skating taking top spots on the most watched events list. Even though the often ridiculous tape delay strategy was one of the most often heard complaints around these parts, it only warranted a single line in summary, noting "some" found it frustrating, but that the most notable problem was actually too much studio commentary. Are we that out of touch with the mainstream, with our DVRs, HDTVs and interest in interactive and online content, or is this study just completely off base?

Research firm shocks the internet, says most viewers loved NBC's Olympics coverage originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PowerDVD Ultra 10 bring 3D Blu-ray to HTPC fans

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:35:00 EST

Never wanting to be a step behind the stand alone Blu-ray players, Cyberlink just released the latest version of PowerDVD that adds a few nice features including support for 3D Blu-ray Discs. Now of course you'll still need a 3DTV and a video card that supports stereoscopic output -- which are actually pretty common -- and of course a 3D Blu-ray Disc. The last might be the toughest to come by though as none have reached retail shelves by themselves yet. Both Samsung and Panasonic are including 3D Blu-ray Discs with their 3D bundles, but that isn't much help to HTPC fans who might already have a 3D display. Assuming you have everything else, the $99 for the Ultra 3D version shouldn't be too hard to swallow but if you still aren't sure, you can try it out the 14 day trial before you buy.

PowerDVD Ultra 10 bring 3D Blu-ray to HTPC fans originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analog HD from Blu-ray isn't going anywhere

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST

People just love to hate on DRM and honestly we understand, in fact we hate DRM as much as anyone. But like we've said in the past, as much as we hate it, we aren't willing to lie to paint it in a bad light -- the facts do a good enough job by themselves. The latest from a few chicken littles is that after December 31st 2010, Blu-ray Discs won't play in HD via analog outputs. Now anyone who's followed Blu-ray and AACS knows that the analog sunset is nothing new and is not good news. But the fact is it only applies to new Blu-ray players released after said date. So in other words it does NOT apply to all the players currently on the market. This of course means that the Blu-ray player you installed today will continue to work the same ways it does today for years to come. Now to make matters worse, some have confused the AACS's analog sunset policy with the Image Contraint Token. While both are bad for consumers, they aren't related. The analog sunset defines the types of outputs a Blu-ray player has, while the ICT is per title and affects all Blu-ray players no matter when they were manufactured. The other important point about the ICT is that studios have had the ability to implement since it since the first HD DVDs shipped, but has never been used. Each studio announced its plans not to use the ICT for the foreseeable future, but the rumor is that the ride might be over this year, or next. The only good news about the ICT is that the outside of the box must be marked if its used, so at least you know before you buy.

Bottom line is that any player or disc you buy today will be playable as long as you own it. So as long as the player doesn't break, it'll continue to output HD via its analog outputs and any Blu-ray disc will continue to work the same way it did when you bought it. Everyone knows that analog will die one day -- and for good reason -- but lets not run around and pretend that the Blu-ray players and discs we buy are going to somehow self destruct any time soon.

Analog HD from Blu-ray isn't going anywhere originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDTV Listings for March 18 , 2010

Richard Lawler — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:35:00 EST

What we're watching tonight:

NBC (1080i) has Community at 8 p.m., Parks & Recreation at 8:30 p.m., The Office at 9 p.m. and 30 Rock at 9:30 p.m.
CBS (1080i) has NCAA Basketball tournament first round action at 7 p.m.
ABC (720p) brings FlashForward at 8 p.m.
WGN (1080i) has WWE Superstars at 8 p.m
FX (720p) has the season finale of Archer at 10 p.m.
TLC (1080i) has Police Women of Maricopa at 9 p.m. and L.A. Ink at 10 p.m.
HGTV (1080i) brings the season premiere of Selling New York at 9 p.m. and Tough as Nails at 9:30 p.m.
A&E (720p) has The First 48 at 9 p.m. and Manhunters at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
Speed (720p) brings Bullrun at 10 p.m.
HBO (1080i) presents Afghan Star at 9 p.m.
TNT (1080i) has an NBA doubleheader with Heat/Magic at 8 p.m. and Hornets/Nuggets at 10:30 p.m.

HDTV Listings for March 18 , 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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i-Got-Control IRB1 dongle gives your iPhone / iPod touch universal remote functionality

Darren Murph — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:21:00 EST

No need to spot clean your spectacles, and no need to brush the cobwebs out of your dome -- you really are seeing yet another IR dongle for Apple's dear iLineup. Hot on the heels of New Potato's FLPR, ThinkFlood's RedEye mini and Power A's solution comes this: an all-too-similar way to convert your iPod touch, iPhone or forthcoming iPad into a universal remote. Functionality wise, there's really nothing here that the other guys don't provide, though the beefed-up database of over 40,000 IR codes should make setting up your system a breeze. Users simply plug this into their dock connector, download the free application from the App Store and then dial up whatever components they have; once loaded, the IR beamer should do the rest, nixing the need to keep those 40 remotes around. It's expected to start shipping any day now for $69.95.

i-Got-Control IRB1 dongle gives your iPhone / iPod touch universal remote functionality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SlingPlayer for Android coming this summer, demoed on video

Donald Melanson — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST

Good news, Android fans. It looks like you'll soon have a SlingPlayer to call your own. While complete details are still pretty light, the company was showing off the app at the recent GDGT Live event in Austin, and confirmed that it will be available sometime this summer, and support streaming over both 3G and WiFi -- yes, even Friends streaming. Head on past the break for a quick demo video.

[Thanks, Kevin]

Continue reading SlingPlayer for Android coming this summer, demoed on video

SlingPlayer for Android coming this summer, demoed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's portable Digital Viera TVs handle more than prime time

Tim Stevens — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:05:00 EST

The whole portable TV thing never really caught on in the States, so we're left looking longingly from afar at offerings like the Panasonic DMP-HV100 and DMP-BV200. Both are 10.1-inch sets that sport 1024 x 600 resolutions and, while either can tune DTV over the airwaves, they can also connect wirelessly (with an optional WiFi dongle) to a Panasonic DVR and stream content. The 200 model can also act as a sort of bulky PMP, playing back a variety of media formats from an SD card, including DivX and H.264. It's good stuff, but there's no price attached and, at this point, no release date either -- not that they're likely to ever hit the US, anyway.

Panasonic's portable Digital Viera TVs handle more than prime time originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman Kardon, JBL spring forward with refreshed audio lineups for 2010

Richard Lawler — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Say hello to Harman International's home, media and mobile updates for the spring, bringing its audio expertise to those who aren't quite ready to step up to its higher end line of standalone receivers and the like. Promising to perfect the audio performance of any car audio setup in just 10 minutes, the $799 JBL MS-8 is as interesting as it is specialized. The HKTS 20 and HKTS 30 ($799 / $999, March) are standard 200w 5.1 surround sound setups, and while they promise improvements over their predecessors the Go + Play Micro boombox ($399, March), On Time Micro & 200P clock devices (both $249, April) and On Stage Micro II ($129, April) probably aren't hiding anything too surprising underneath those iPod docks, but we'd suggest perusing the gallery just to be sure.

Harman Kardon, JBL spring forward with refreshed audio lineups for 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo Premiere spotted in Best Buy with March 28th retail date

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:02:00 EST

If the miniature box doesn't give it away then the word "Premiere" certainly does. That's the first in the wild shot of TiVo's inaugural Series 4 shifter riding the shelves of Best Buy. We're told that the units are definitely in-house but are being withheld from shelves until March 28th (not the 27th as originally rumored but ahead of the official "early April" date) with a list price of $2,000 to prevent enthusiastic clerks from breaking the street date. So don't go in demanding a $149.99 take home price (MSRP is $299) this morning just 'cause you saw it on Engadget, ok?

[Thanks, DS]

TiVo Premiere spotted in Best Buy with March 28th retail date originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy's 3D bundle pricing isn't as much of a deal as it appears

Richard Lawler — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:13:00 EST

It's no surprise that Best Buy is encouraging customers to pick up Samsung's 3DTV and Blu-ray player at the same time, but smart buyers should doublecheck to make sure they're actually saving money before they walk out of the store. Next week's advertisement does feature Best Buy's price on the UN55C7000 that's $300 lower than the MSRP, and grabbing the display and player all at once gets a free Starter Pack throw in with two pairs of glasses and the Monsters vs. Aliens flick, but the $3,419 package deal at the lower right and its "$780" savings?. That claimed price throws in a $150 Geek Squad install to set up the TV, connect WiFi and "sync your 3D glasses," while also including the TVs price and $349 estimated Starter Kit value. While there might be some customers who don't know their HDMI from their WEP key who can save that way, we're figuring most Engadget readers can keep a few bucks in their pocket and hook things up themselves, and if you're looking to grab another pair of glasses, it's probably important to save anywhere you can. The real insult here however, can be found to the right, encouraging buyers to pick up The Blind Side right away, instead of waiting to rent from Redbox or Netflix.

Best Buy's 3D bundle pricing isn't as much of a deal as it appears originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST

While most of the FCC's new Broadband plan has been about, well, broadband, there's also some great news for HDTV fans. We expected a few mentions about CableCARD and its future when the FCC requested comments and declared it a failure, but we're still glad to see that the FCC listened to consumer electronics companies like TiVo and Sony -- among others. The biggest news is that the FCC has asked the industry to come up with a residential IP gateway that is open and that will provide same abilities as your provider's equipment, and most importantly, it should enable the very same gear to work no matter what type of service you prefer, whether it be satellite, cable or fiber -- for example, via various gateways the same TiVo would work with either DirecTV or Comcast. But while the FCC has given the industry until December of 2012 to define and deploy these IP gateways before implementing an "appropriate enforcement mechanism," in the meantime the FCC wants to see the biggest issues with CableCARDs resolved by this Fall. The list below of immediate fixes is pretty impressive, and other than the persistent lack of video on demand support, it'll help make CableCARD a pretty respectable solution.

Ditch Tuning Adapters and let devices with Ethernet ports communicate upstream via IP to tune SDV channels.
If a customer has a CableCARD in their leased set-top box, it must be reflected on the bill like any other CableCARD would.
If the provider offers a self install for leased set-top boxes, they must also allow self install of a CableCARD.
Software shouldn't require the same CableLabs certification hardware does.

Continue reading A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall

A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google TV: Android-based web platform for the living room, with help from Intel, Sony, and Logitech

Ross Miller — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:14:00 EST

There's not a lot to see here -- in fact, there's nothing at all to see at this point -- but The New York Times has it on good authority that Google, Intel, and Sony have teamed up to develop an Android-powered internet platform using Atom processors for televisions and set-top boxes. Dubbed Google TV, the apparent mantra seems to be making web app navigation (Twitter, Picasa, etc.) as easy as changing the channel. Joining the fun will be the peripheral casanovas at Logitech for, you guessed it, peripherals. It certainly isn't novel territory, from as far back as WebTV to as recent as Yahoo! widgets -- and from Google itself, be it Motoblur boxes or Dish Network trials -- but the proof will be in the pudding, and for now, mum's the word on any more concrete details. As they say, stay tuned.

Google TV: Android-based web platform for the living room, with help from Intel, Sony, and Logitech originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDTV Listings for March 17, 2010

Richard Lawler — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:44:00 EST

What we're watching tonight:

ABC (720p) has the season (series?) finale of Scrubs at 8 p.m. and Ugly Betty at 10 p.m.
Fox (720p) has Human Target at 8 p.m. and American Idol at 9 p.m.
CBS (1080i) has the season finale of Gary Unmarried at 8:30 p.m.
NBC (1080i) has Mercy at 8 p.m. and Law & Order: SVU at 10 p.m.
Comedy Central (1080i) has the season premiere of South Park at 10 p.m. and series premiere of Ugly Americans at 10:30 p.m.
TLC (1080i) presents the series premiere of Addicted at 10 p.m.
CW (1080i) has High Society at 9:30 p.m.
Syfy (1080i) has Ghost Hunters at 9 p.m. and the spring premiere of Destination Truth at 10 p.m.
DirecTV (1080i) has Underbelly at 10 p.m.
History (720p) has MonsterQuest at 9 p.m.
Showtime (1080i) has Inside NASCAR at 10 p.m.
TBS (1080i) brings House of Payne at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
Brave (1080i) has Shear Genius at 10 p.m.
A&E (720p) has dog the Bounty Hunter at 10 p.m. and Billy the Exterminator at 10:30 p.m.
ESPN (720p) has an NBA doubleheader with Spurs/Magic at 8 p.m. and Hornets/Warriors at 10:30 p.m.
ESPN2 (720p) has NIT tourney action with Weber State/Cincinnati at 7 p.m. and St. John's/Memphis at 9 p.m.

HDTV Listings for March 17, 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon, AT&T and Dolby join the exclusive group of DLNA Promoting Members

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST

Digital Living Network Alliance is one of the biggest media groups out there and for good reason. But while there are over two hundred members of the alliance, there are only twenty one Promoting Members. That exclusive group that "signifies a strong commitment to the work and mission" of the alliance just got bigger as AT&T, Dolby Laboratories, Qualcomm, Technicolor and Verizon have signed on. This is great news since each is a big player in the digital space and getting behind DLNA is getting behind something we love; enjoying our media on every device we own. There's no word on when this new found commitment will bear fruit, but that doesn't stop us from dreaming about seeing HD content with Dolby surround sound from Verizon FiOS TV, on our media streaming game console.

Verizon, AT&T and Dolby join the exclusive group of DLNA Promoting Members originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech Harmony 650 remote review

Tim Stevens — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:49:00 EST

Fewer products are more appropriately named than the Logitech Harmony series of smart remotes. They do wonderful things to take home entertainment systems, comprised of a disparate jumble of mismatched devices, and turn them into peaceful entities that work together for the betterment of your living room -- you half expect doves with olive branches in their mouths to fly out of the box when you get one. Alas, there are neither birds nor branches included with the company's latest entrants to the series, the 600 and 650 announced two weeks ago, but still they offer the best value amongst the current Harmony lineup. Can they broker successful negotiations amongst all your devices? Read on to find out.

Continue reading Logitech Harmony 650 remote review

Logitech Harmony 650 remote review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Touch the Future Tour lets production Full HD 3DTVs hit the public stage

Richard Lawler — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST

Panasonic has never needed to wait for a new studio album before putting together another major tour, the latest of which it's dubbed Touch the Future. Trading in the traveling truck exhibition for a more intimate indoor setting, the real production Full HD 3D televisions are available and on display, along with glasses, Blu-ray players plus a few other products for good measure. We took a look as soon as the doors opened in NYC (the display runs through today at the Penn Plaza Pavilion and other locations in Chicago and Los Angeles, check the schedule for 12 more cities on deck) and got an eye full of the same 50-inch plasma 3DTVs on sale at Best Buy stores around the country. One major new look for this demo was an NVIDIA PC running the 3DTV Play solution, as you can see from the pics even New York's finest enjoyed turning a lap or two of Need for Speed: Shift in 3D. The action was smooth and easy compatibility with 3D gaming on the PC should provide plenty of content while we wait for more true 3D games to hit consoles (which should ramp up after the PS3 update this summer) while checking out Blu-ray demos on a 50-inch television proved every bit as engaging this time as it did on the 152-inch CES display.

Gallery: Panasonic Touch the Future Tour

Continue reading Panasonic Touch the Future Tour lets production Full HD 3DTVs hit the public stage

Panasonic Touch the Future Tour lets production Full HD 3DTVs hit the public stage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 3D BD-C6900 Blu-ray player now shipping, for real

Tim Stevens — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:51:00 EST

The last we heard of Samsung's BD-C6900 Blu-ray player it was up on Amazon for a pre-order -- and then it was mysteriously gone again. We're not sure whether anyone clicked the button quickly enough to get one of those into their shopping cart and onto their credit card statement back then, but even if you missed out then it is actually shipping now. At least, it is according to Amazon, which lists the thing as "In Stock." The price is still $399.99 and for that you get 1GB of integrated memory, "explosive 3D capabilities," DLNA streaming, and of course that lovely skylight to show off the spinning blur of your latest library addition -- or Netflix rental.

Samsung's 3D BD-C6900 Blu-ray player now shipping, for real originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ARRI Alexa joins RED to kill celluloid in 2010

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:52:00 EST

Got 50k to spend big daddy? Good, then meet Alexa from ARRI, a German company founded in 1917 that just happens to be the world's largest motion picture equipment manufacturer. Alexa is ARRI's answer to the RED ONE digital, so don't be held captive by your consumer-based experience of what a camera is or what it should look like. ARRI has a trio of cams slated for release in 2010 offering a 3.5k pixel count, 800+ El equivalent sensitivity, 1 to 60fps frame rate, electronic viewfinder and on-board HD recording. The A-EV Plus model adds uncompressed on-board recording and wireless remote control to the 16:9 aspect ratio shooting A-EV. The A-OV Plus switches things up to a 4:3 aspect and adds an optical viewfinder to the mix. The rest of the details will arrive during an April 6th launch event where ARRI will reveal the complete media, format, and what's promised to be a "super fast workflow."

Until then, check a side-by-side test done by the cats over at Animation World Network pitting a prototype Alexa against a RED One equipped with a new MysteriumX sensor and software. AWN was so enthusiastic by the results of the two cams that it proclaimed, "2010 is the year that celluloid died." Jim Jannard, RED CEO, graciously responded to the test by saying, "We had expected the images to be very similar and it appears that this test confirms that." He then added the following:

"We have believed, since IBC last year, that these two platforms would be the ones standing for the future. We are very proud to be in such good company. But for the moment, we tip our hats to Arri."

Now hit the source links for the full read because the future of film looks set to become historic.

ARRI Alexa joins RED to kill celluloid in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oculus3D vies to be the greener solution in disposable 3D shades

Sean Hollister — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:46:00 EST

As of December, RealD cinemas alone served 100 million moviegoers, and even if the vast majority recycle, that's still a ton (probably several thousand tons, in fact) of plastic 3D glasses. According to a company called Ceroplast, those glasses aren't biodegradable; if so many as 10 million pairs end up in a landfill, it would result in C02 emissions equivalent to burning 50,000 gallons of gasoline. Of course, Ceroplast wouldn't be quoting statistics if it didn't have a greener solution. Under the brand of partner Oculus3D (whose co-founder Lenny Lipton is RealD's former CTO), it's presently making biodegradable polarized shades out of polylactic acid that it intends to deploy -- along with the company's proprietary OculR projectors -- as early as summer of this year. As for which theatres you should expect to see them in, well, we're still in the dark on that one.

Oculus3D vies to be the greener solution in disposable 3D shades originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XpanD X103 3D glasses universally compatible with 3DTVs, but not all wallets

Richard Lawler — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:58:00 EST

During CES 2010. RealD managed to slide its 3D glasses in with most of the new televisions coming our way this year, but XpanD is continuing its promise to work with any IR-enabled set from any manufacturer (Samsung has already stated its glasses will only work with its TVs, Panasonic couldn't confirm cross compatibility with other brands when we asked) with the X103 series. XpanD is claiming compatibility with "virtually any monitor capable of displaying 3D content". Even with plans for 12 different colors and sizes for kids or adults it's more likely you'll end up in a caption contest than a look book rocking these, but as long as they get the job done they seem like a natural go to for additional pairs when they launch in June. The main problem? Pricing isn't final but Chief Strategy Officer Ami Dror told PC Mag he expects them to run $125 - $150 -- even if the local cinema uses active shutter technology, that's a lot of 3D flicks before you recoup the cost and makes it nearly out of the question to grab a few spares for friends to watch.

XpanD X103 3D glasses universally compatible with 3DTVs, but not all wallets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD Podcast 183 - 03.16.2010

Trent Wolbe — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:55:00 EST

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.

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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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Filed under: Podcasts

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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HDTV Listings for March 16 , 2010

Richard Lawler — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:43:00 EST

What we're watching tonight:

ABC (720p) has Lost at 9 p.m. and a FlashForward recap episode at 10 p.m.
CBS (1080i) has NCIS at 8 p.m., NCIS: LA at 9 p.m. and The Good Wife at 10 p.m.
Fox (720p) has American Idol at 8 p.m.
NBC (1080i) airs Parenthood at 10 p.m.
CW (1080i) airs 90210 at 8 p.m. and Melrose Place at 9 p.m.
History (720p) has Samurai at 8 p.m. and the season finale of Life After People at 10 p.m.
TLC (1080i) brings 19 Kids & Counting at 9 p.m.
Spike TV (1080i) airs Blue Mountain State at 10 p.m. and Players at 10:30 p.m.
TNT (1080i) has Southland at 10 p.m.
Travel (1080i) has Food Wars at 10 p.m.
Syfy (1080i) has WWE NXT at 10 p.m.
FX (720p) has the series premiere of Justified at 10 p.m.
ESPN (720p) has Winthrop/Arkansas-Pine Bluff NCAA tourney play in game at 7:30 p.m.

HDTV Listings for March 16 , 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Avatar Blu-ray & DVD official for April 22, "ultimate version" in November and 3D...?

Richard Lawler — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:09:00 EST

It's really no surprise, since Fox was quick to dispute Jim Cameron's prediction of November for a 3D home release of Avatar but didn't say anything about the now confirmed release of April 22 (check the press release after the break for worldwide release info) for the standard 2D DVD & Blu-ray. The L.A. Times reports we can expect one first for this version -- a new release Blu-ray movie with no trailers or promo content of any kind. No extras, no nothing, with the justification that they'll use all the space on the disc for the highest quality audio and video transfer possible. Whether you buy that one (literally or just the idea that 50GB isn't enough for a beautiful movie and a featurette or two) get your wallet ready as an "ultimate version" multi disc release is already on deck due in, wait for it... November. The "ultimate" tag might be a bit much if it can't present an extra dimension to the visuals, but we should find out more during a press event planned for March 23 featuring producer Jon Landau and director James Cameron (the Black Eyed Peas are regrettably not scheduled to attend.)

Continue reading Avatar Blu-ray & DVD official for April 22, "ultimate version" in November and 3D...?

Avatar Blu-ray & DVD official for April 22, "ultimate version" in November and 3D...? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pogoplug now streaming to Xbox 360 and PS3, handling offsite backups

Darren Murph — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

It's been a long and painful four months since Pogoplug introduced its second generation NAS-ifier, but those who've been holding out for additional functionality can finally buy in. In an effort to cater to these so-called "gamers," the company has enabled its device to stream multimedia content directly to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game consoles; users will be able to access, share and stream media directly to their console from any local or remotely located Pogoplug, and if all goes well, your console should actually see the drives connected to the Pogoplug and the contents of other shared Pogoplugs automatically. In related news, the unit is also now capable of pushing out offsite backups through a new version of Active Copy (shown above), so all that's left to do is hop online and suck down that tasty firmware update that should be waiting. Enjoy!

Continue reading Pogoplug now streaming to Xbox 360 and PS3, handling offsite backups

Pogoplug now streaming to Xbox 360 and PS3, handling offsite backups originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blu-ray releases for March 16th 2010

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:36:00 EST

Another pretty good week which features the first hand animated movie in a long time, The Princess and the Frog. A few TV shows that are always welcomed additions as well as some classics like The Wizard of Oz. Nice.

The Princess and the Frog (Disney)
Armored (Sony)
Breaking Bad: The Complete First Season (Sony)
Breaking Bad: The Complete Second Season (Sony)
Broken Embraces (Sony)
Did You Hear About the Morgans? (Sony)
Astro Boy (Summit)
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (MPI)
Fallen Angels (Kino)
The Fourth Kind (Universal)
New Moon (Summit)
Ninja Assassin (Warner)
The Wizard of Oz (Warner)
Paris (MPI)
South Park: The Complete Thirteenth Season (Paramount)
Suicide Girls: Guide To Living (First Look)
Unrivaled (Lionsgate)
Wonderful World (Magnolia)

Blu-ray releases for March 16th 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AUO's 65-inch 3D HDTV panel headed for the conveyer belt in 2H 2010, boasts polarized specs

Sean Hollister — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:16:00 EST

While it might have been a pipe dream back in '09, Taiwanese display manufacturer AU Optronics is firmly committed to blasting our eyeballs in 2010, with a monstrous 65-inch HD LCD panel ready for all the 3D and pseudo-3D content (we're looking at you, G-Force) you have on offer. AUO isn't hedging its bets on this one, either; at FPD China 2010, the company announced that they're using a polarized solution with cheap, $2 to 3 glasses to generate the 3D effect. Sure, polarized is the preferred method for most theatres, but it's often more expensive than active shutter tech for an in-home user -- and can come with some serious visual tradeoffs like permanent ghosting or halved vertical resolution. We won't know for sure until we get hands-on, but either way, expect to see AUO's panels in a branded 3D HDTV near you early next year, or just a few months before HDI drops a 103-inch monster of its own.

AUO's 65-inch 3D HDTV panel headed for the conveyer belt in 2H 2010, boasts polarized specs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sky TV buys 15,000 3DTVs from LG for live sports broadcasts in public venues

Vladislav Savov — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:24:00 EST

LG is today proudly boasting that it has sealed the biggest sale of 3D television sets so far, thanks to its partnership with UK broadcaster BSkyB. Following a surprisingly successful trial run of broadcasting the Arsenal versus Man United match in 3D this January, Sky clearly sees its future through polarizing glasses and has ordered up the big batch of tubes so that it can provide weekly 3D broadcasts of Premier League games. The plan is for a rapid rollout this spring -- which is right about now -- meaning that your local pub should be getting all glitzed up just in time for the end of season excitement. It remains to be seen whether Brits will swarm to the new tech or lose interest once the novelty wears off, but judging from the size of this investment, it would seem the bigwigs in charge of our entertainment are already convinced that 3D will be a win.

Sky TV buys 15,000 3DTVs from LG for live sports broadcasts in public venues originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell joins dog pile, sues five LCD makers over price-fixing allegations

Ross Miller — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:05:00 EST

Looks like Dell is getting itself a membership in a club of which AT&T, Nokia, and the US Department of Justice are none too pleased to say they're members. The company has filed suit in a San Francisco court today against four Japanese LCD makers - Sharp, Hitachi, Toshiba, and Seiko Epson - and Taiwan-based HannStar. The crime at hand? None other than the much-chronicled LCD price fixing cartel. At least two of the aforementioned companies (Sharp and Hitachi) have already come forth to admit involvement and pay fines elsewhere, and now it looks like the troubles are still coming for them and others. If only there was some way the companies could band together to increase profits and help pay for these suits... oh, wait.

Dell joins dog pile, sues five LCD makers over price-fixing allegations originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast will beat DirecTV to the punch by broadcasting the Masters Tournament in 3D April 7-11

Richard Lawler — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:56:00 EST

Very cagey way to play it Comcast. While DirecTV, ESPN and Discovery were first to say they would have 3DTV broadcasts back at CES, the cable company will actually be the first to deliver it, starting with the Masters Tournament (but why not the 3D broadcast of the Final Four?) April 7-11. That's right, the first "live next-generation 3D broadcast of a major sporting event on TV, the first live simulcast of a next-gen 3D event online, and the industry's first live multi-camera next-gen 3D production" will be on cable (& internet), not satellite or telco. Again, that's right, if you don't have a 3D television set up yet, it will also be streamed at Masters.com (~~no word whether this is a Comcast only or if it will be open to all~~) for all those with a 3D setup on their PC. We'll temper our expectations until we see what kind of quality is able to squeeze through Comcast's fiber backbone and down our neighborhood coax wires, but this should certainly blow away the anaglyph stuff currently offered on VOD. Of course, the old school HD streams will still be broadcast on ESPN and CBS, but if Tiger really does make his comeback at Augusta this should give us a better view of the course (and any residual damage from that "car accident") than ever before.

[Thanks, Simon]

Comcast will beat DirecTV to the punch by broadcasting the Masters Tournament in 3D April 7-11 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:05:00 EST

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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HDTV Listings for March 15, 2010

Richard Lawler — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST

What we're watching tonight:

ABC (720p) has a 20/20 The Bachelor special at 8 p.m. and Castle at 10 p.m.
NBC (1080i) has Chuck at 8 p.m., Trauma at 9 p.m. and Law & Order at 10 p.m.
Fox (720p) brings House at 8 p.m. and 24 at 9 p.m.
CBS (1080i) has Rules of Engagement at 8:30 p.m.
ABC Family (720p) has The Secret Life of the American Teenager at 8 p.m., Make It or Break It at 9 p.m. and Greek at 10 p.m.
CW (1080i) lines up Life Unexpected at 8 p.m. and Gossip Girl at 9 p.m.
USA (1080i) has WWE: Raw at 9 p.m.
Spike (1080i) has TNA: Impact! at 9 p.m.
History (720p) has American Pickers at 9 p.m. and Pawn Star$ at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
TLC (1080i) has Ultimate Cake Off at 9 p.m.
FX (720p) has Damages at 10 p.m.
Showtime (1080i) brings the season finale of Secret Diary of a Call Girl at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
Travel (1080i) airs Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations at 10 p.m.
ESPN (720p) has the Women's College Basketball selection show at 7 p.m. followed by an NBA doubleheader with Pistons/Celtics at 8 p.m. and Lakers/Warriors at 10:30 p.m.
Versus (1080i) has Bruins/Devils hockey at 7 p.m.

HDTV Listings for March 15, 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD lays out Open Stereo 3D Initiative at GDC

Donald Melanson — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST

NVIDIA has certainly been more active in 3D than ATI/AMD has as of late, but it looks like the situation may be starting to change, as AMD has taken advantage of the just concluded GDC to lay out its new Open Stereo 3D Initiative. While the company isn't yet drumming up too much fanfare about it (or even issuing a press release), it does seem to have gotten things started on an ambitious note, with the initiative promising to provide consumers with "more choice, more innovation, and lower cost." In the nearer term, that will apparently translate to products like 3D-enabled ATI Eyefinity technology, 120Hz displays, stereo 3D notebooks, and various bundled solutions and shutter glasses. Of course, any actual product announcements are still a little ways off, but it looks like AMD does already have quite a few partners lined up.

AMD lays out Open Stereo 3D Initiative at GDC originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix prototyped for Windows Phone 7 Series

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:27:00 EST

We just got a quick look at Netflix for Windows Phone 7 Series, one of the third-party apps Microsoft's showing off here at MIX10, and it looks... well, very Netflixy -- it's red to the bone. Unlike other mobile Netflix apps, this one's got Watch Instantly support and it looks great -- a real testament to the capabilities Microsoft's bringing to the table with it Silverlight-based dev platform. Video after the break!

Continue reading Netflix prototyped for Windows Phone 7 Series

Netflix prototyped for Windows Phone 7 Series originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Will you still buy home theater equipment that isn't 3D-ready?

Richard Lawler — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

3D isn't just for TVs, among 2010's Blu-ray players and receivers the tag of "3D ready" has crept in ahead of the coming storm. So, are you looking for those two characters on the bullet point list of features before you even have a 3D home theater setup (if you plan on ever getting one)? Make a choice, then let us know why in the comments.

View Poll

Poll: Will you still buy home theater equipment that isn't 3D-ready? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNN preparing new HD-ready studio for daytime programming

Richard Lawler — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:04:00 EST

Hopefully the remnants of SD programming in CNN's daytime lineup haven't been too distressing, but now you can go back to merely being freaked out by whatever fear mongering headline is hot today when the network goes HD 24/7 in the next few months. Multichannel News mentions a new studio in Atlanta is located two floors above the current home of CNN Newsroom and other daytime talking head shows, upping the size from 1,500 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft and, of course, ready for HD. With field production trucks already HDTV-prepped only affiliate footage can potentially interrupt our 1080i bliss, but honestly, we're just waiting for the return of the holograms.

CNN preparing new HD-ready studio for daytime programming originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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