Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sharp intros HDD-equipped AQUOS Blu-ray 3D players, complete with BDXL support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/sharp-intros-hdd-equipped-aquos-blu-ray-3d-players-complete-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/sharp-intros-hdd-equipped-aquos-blu-ray-3d-players-complete-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/sharp-intros-hdd-equipped-aquos-blu-ray-3d-players-complete-wit/#comments You won't find this trio hitting US shores anytime soon, but those situated in Japan have a new gaggle of Sharp BD decks to ogle. The BD-HDW65 and BD-HDW63 both include a pair of TV tuners, BDXL support and compatibility with Blu-ray 3D titles, with the only difference being the hard drive -- there's a 500 gigger in the former and a 320GB drive in the latter. The BD-HDS65 goes with a single digital tuner, a single analog tuner and a 500GB hard drive, which might prove useful for storing copious amounts of drama from Sky TV. You'll also find WiFi integrated throughout, not to mention an Ethernet jack, HDMI output, component jacks and DLNA support. We're told that the first two should ship in around a month, with the last fellow going on sale in Japan this November; as for pricing, we're hearing a range from ¥90,000 ($1,066) to ¥120,000 ($1,422), which ain't cheap no matter how you slice it.

Sharp intros HDD-equipped AQUOS Blu-ray 3D players, complete with BDXL support originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daquosbdBD-HDS65BD-HDW63BD-HDW65bdxlblu-rayblu-ray 3dblu-ray playerBlu-ray3dBlu-rayPlayerjapanjapaneseSharpsky hdSkyHdSat, 25 Sep 2010 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK couch potatoes switch to HD in growing numbers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/report-uk-couch-potatoes-switch-to-hd-in-growing-numbers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/report-uk-couch-potatoes-switch-to-hd-in-growing-numbers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/report-uk-couch-potatoes-switch-to-hd-in-growing-numbers/#comments
 According to Ofcom's latest Communications Market Report, 24 million HDTV sets were sold in the UK over the past 12 months, meaning about 20 percent of the population took home a new box in the past year. Yet despite watching nearly four hours of "telly" a day in 2009, in first 3 months of 2010, nearly a third of all households with internet access used on-demand catch-up services like the BBC's iPlayer, which represents an 8 percent growth over the same period last year. This data isn't all that surprising though considering the how much HD content has been made available in the UK over the last few years through free options such as Freeview HD, or premium services like Sky HD or Virgin Media. It's also still far behind US HDTV penetration, which stood at 33 percent back in 2009 and saw 5.5 million HDTVs sold during the 2008 / 2009 holiday season alone. That fact shouldn't stop electronics manufacturers from diving Scrooge McDuck style into their newly acquired money bags, or prevent newly minted British HD households from marveling at how ugly Jeremy Clarkson is in 1080p.

Report: UK couch potatoes switch to HD in growing numbers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Communications Market ReportCommunicationsMarketReportFreeview HDFreeviewHdhdHD contentHD TVHD TV salesHdContentHdTvHdTvSalesHigh DefinitionOfcomofcom Communications Market ReportOfcom reportOfcomCommunicationsMarketReportOfcomReportSky HDSkyHdVirgin MediaVirginMediaTue, 24 Aug 2010 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky+HD issues limited edition 1TB set-top boxes for World Cup watching]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/sky-hd-issues-limited-edition-1tb-set-top-boxes-for-world-cup-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/sky-hd-issues-limited-edition-1tb-set-top-boxes-for-world-cup-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/sky-hd-issues-limited-edition-1tb-set-top-boxes-for-world-cup-wa/#comments Sky just can't quit with the limited edition set-top boxes, issuing its latest edition in honor of the 2010 World Cup. these Sky+HD boxes feature a 1TB hard drive inside and prints from fashion designer Wayne Hemingway, illustrator Gerald Scarfe and actor Phil Daniels on the outside. The pricetag is £249, plus installation fee, but we guess the real question is you can afford not to have a box celebrating 1966 when the games kick off June 11. Think about it.

Gallery: Sky+ HD Limited Edition World Cup STBs

Continue reading Sky+HD issues limited edition 1TB set-top boxes for World Cup watching

Sky+HD issues limited edition 1TB set-top boxes for World Cup watching originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19661tbdesignerdesigner set-top boxDesignerSet-topBoxenglandGerald ScarfeGeraldScarfehdhd dvrHdDvrPhil DanielsPhilDanielsskysky hdsky tvSky+SkyHdSkyTvukwayne hemingwayWayneHemingwayworld cupWorldCupTue, 18 May 2010 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[International HD news roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/19/international-hd-news-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/19/international-hd-news-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/19/international-hd-news-roundup/#comments
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, até à próxima!

Read - Sky HD EPG relaunched
Read - Fox Pan American Sports Establishes Its First HD Platform on the Intelsat Network
Read - Portugal goes for Zen
Read - Movies debut on German iTunes store

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International HD news roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epgfox pan american sportsFoxPanAmericanSportsgermanyglobalhdintelsatinternationalitunesnews roundupNewsRoundupportugalsky epgsky hdSkyEpgSkyHdzen hdZenHdSun, 19 Apr 2009 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky+ HD maps out a plan to beat downturn depression with HDTV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/sky-hd-maps-out-a-plan-to-beat-downturn-depression-with-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/sky-hd-maps-out-a-plan-to-beat-downturn-depression-with-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/sky-hd-maps-out-a-plan-to-beat-downturn-depression-with-hdtv/#comments

Tough Economic times, layoffs and bad news from Pioneer can all be enough to affect a person's mood for the worse, but don't give up yet since Sky+HD has apparently found a link between watching HDTV and improved psychological well being. Sure it's partly marketing fluff aimed at improving HD penetration, but it does jibe with our extensive "watched Sunrise Earth for hours" research. as such, we think UK residents should give psychologist Donna Dawson's viewing guide a shot, based around using key visual factors to stimulate the brain, it might give one a different viewpoint on the current state of things. Of course, U.S. viewers are on their own, but why not grab the PDF and work up a lazy DVR weekend mental health break of your own.

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Sky+ HD maps out a plan to beat downturn depression with HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>depressiondownturn depressionDownturnDepressionendorphinsenglandhdmoodskysky hdSkyHdukFri, 06 Feb 2009 23:47:00 EST<![CDATA[First Sky News HD broadcast is the Obama inauguration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/first-sky-news-hd-broadcast-is-the-obama-inauguration/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/first-sky-news-hd-broadcast-is-the-obama-inauguration/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/first-sky-news-hd-broadcast-is-the-obama-inauguration/#commentsThe first Sky News HD broadcast will be the swearing in of Barack Obama January 20, 2009. Interested Brits can catch the broadcast on Sky Arts HD channel 258, presented by Jeremy Thompson and Adam Boulton. After the first real HD election, it's only fitting to see the result properly, unfortunately there's still no word on when the news will its own HD feed.

[Via HDTV UK]

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First Sky News HD broadcast is the Obama inauguration originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 06:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandhdnew contentnewcontentsatelliteskysky arts hdsky hdsky news hdSkyArtsHdSkyHdSkyNewsHdukWed, 10 Dec 2008 06:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney brings Cinemagic HD to UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/disney-brings-cinemagic-hd-to-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/disney-brings-cinemagic-hd-to-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/disney-brings-cinemagic-hd-to-uk/#commentsDisney 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.

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Disney brings Cinemagic HD to UK originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinemagic hdCinemagicHddisneyenglandhdnew contentnewcontentsatellitesky hdSkyHdukMon, 24 Nov 2008 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gorilla gets Sky+ HD service in its enclosure, wouldn't return to the wild if he could]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/28/gorilla-gets-sky-hd-service-in-his-enclosure-wouldnt-return-t/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/28/gorilla-gets-sky-hd-service-in-his-enclosure-wouldnt-return-t/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/28/gorilla-gets-sky-hd-service-in-his-enclosure-wouldnt-return-t/#comments
There's spoiled, and then there's Nico. The 47-year old Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla, which is currently being held at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, England, grew quite fond of television during a six-month UK quarantine period spent indoors. Now, officials have upgraded the animal's living quarters to include a Sky+ HD box and an HDTV. According to Nico's head keeper, "television has proved a great environmental enrichment tool for Nico over the years," and now, Nico can sit back [and] enjoy the greater picture detail of HD and the surround sound experience." Before you get too jealous, you should know that the creature's viewing hours are limited -- you know, so it doesn't morph into an "archetypal couch potato."

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Gorilla gets Sky+ HD service in its enclosure, wouldn't return to the wild if he could originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>globalgorillahdhdtvNicosatelliteskysky hdsky plusSkyHdSkyPlusukTue, 28 Oct 2008 21:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky extends half-off HD box promo, launches £10 million ad campaign]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sky-extends-half-off-hd-box-promo-launches-10-million-ad-campa/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sky-extends-half-off-hd-box-promo-launches-10-million-ad-campa/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sky-extends-half-off-hd-box-promo-launches-10-million-ad-campa/#comments
If you thought Sky+ HD's lower £150 set-top box was nice, imagine the reaction to its just-extended £75 (plus £60 installation) offer. Available until the end of October, Sky's apparently hoping that in combination with an ad campaign featuring Cyndi Lauper's True Colors will push Britons to make the jump to HDTV. That it will also cause us to relive a particularly embarrassing middle school dance is apparently of no consequence to this heartless media juggernaut. Enjoy your half price high definition boxes, no matter the emotional cost.

Read - Sky Extends Half Price Sky+ HD Deal
Read - Sky backs HD service with £10m campaign

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Sky extends half-off HD box promo, launches £10 million ad campaign originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbritainenglandhdsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdukFri, 03 Oct 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky+HD bringing limited edition designer STBs this Christmas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/10/sky-hd-bringing-limited-edition-designer-stbs-this-christmas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/10/sky-hd-bringing-limited-edition-designer-stbs-this-christmas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/10/sky-hd-bringing-limited-edition-designer-stbs-this-christmas/#comments
We're beginning to think this is some sort of odd annual tradition, but just as it did last year, Sky+HD is launching a small collection of limited edition designer set-top-boxes for the artsy type. Designed by four of the UK's "most visionary designers and image makers," the units will go on sale in mid-October and range in price from £75 to £150 when taken with a Sky TV and HD Mix subscription from £27 / month (hey, that's news to us!). Best of all, we're also told that the service will be delivering 30 dedicated high-def channels by the end of 2008, so we suppose a boisterous "huzzah!" is in order here. Full release copied after the break.

Continue reading Sky+HD bringing limited edition designer STBs this Christmas

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Sky+HD bringing limited edition designer STBs this Christmas originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designer boxesDesignerBoxesdvrhdlimited editionLimitedEditionotherssatelliteset-top-boxesskySky HDSkyHdstbWed, 10 Sep 2008 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky launching Real Lives HD channel October 20]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/20/sky-launching-real-lives-hd-channel-october-20/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/20/sky-launching-real-lives-hd-channel-october-20/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/20/sky-launching-real-lives-hd-channel-october-20/#commentsBrits needing their reality TV in high definition get a boost October 20, when the Real Lives channel on Sky goes HD. Hook your HDTV up to Sky+ HD and enjoy Lorraine Kelly's DNA Stories, Toy Boys , Fashion Avenue. Sounds good, we'll be checking out The First 48 and awaiting the HD debut of Survivor in the meantime, although it does bring into question how much of reality TV do we really want to see in HD.

[Via HDTV UK]

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Sky launching Real Lives HD channel October 20 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandhdnew contentnewcontentreal live hdreality tvRealityTvRealLiveHdsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdukWed, 20 Aug 2008 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky HD gets new name and price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/sky-hd-gets-new-name-and-price/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/sky-hd-gets-new-name-and-price/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/sky-hd-gets-new-name-and-price/#commentsSky+ HDA note to those on the product naming committee -- when adding HD capability to an existing product, simply add "HD" to the old name. Consider it a lesson learned by Sky, which will rebranded its well-regarded HD service as "Sky+ HD" starting July 1. That little "+" symbol will hopefully alleviate confusion amongst shoppers who thought that "Sky HD" did not have the DVR capabilities of the "Sky+" service. As if to make up for the confusion, Sky is cutting £100 ($200) off the price of the set-top box, bringing it to £149 ($295). Both of these are good moves, we think -- anything that can cut down on consumer confusion and spread HD is welcome in our book.

[Via TooCheap]

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Sky HD gets new name and price originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdsatelliteskysky hdSky HdukWed, 02 Jul 2008 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky HD service goes live in New Zealand]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/sky-hd-service-goes-live-in-new-zealand/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/sky-hd-service-goes-live-in-new-zealand/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/sky-hd-service-goes-live-in-new-zealand/#commentsJust under two months after Freeview HDTV launched in New Zealand, in comes word that the long-awaited Sky HD service has done likewise. Dubbed My Sky HDi, the service is hosting (at least initially) Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 2, Sky Movies, Sky Movies Greats and TV3 in high-definition. Those who are already subscribed to My Sky can make the very worthwhile leap to high-def by handing over $49.95 for the revamped (and doubly capacious) set-top-box. Reportedly, those who join will see 104 live sporting events in HD before the close of 2009, and Sky has already secured the rights to both the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. For more details on the whole thing, just give that read link a little love.

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Sky HD service goes live in New Zealand originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We already received confirmation that Sky would be freshening up its universally frowned upon EPG with something a bit sweeter, and now UKers are getting a first look at what to expect. Reportedly, the new guide will be entirely in HD and launched in August -- unfortunately, the image above may be the only tease you get (from Sky, anyway) all summer.

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Sky's new HD EPG gets peeked originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Given that our place of residence is most certainly not in the UK, Sky wasn't included in our recent breakdown of HD carriers. Thankfully, the kind blokes / dames over at HDTV Lounge were able to sit down with the Sky HD service and write up a fairly thorough review. For those on the fence, Sky HD has become a fair bit more attractive here of late with the addition of three new HD channels and a price cut to boot. The long and short of it is that the Sky HD DVR is more than satisfactory, and as for the programming quality, reviewers were left with all sorts of positive vibes. Best of all, there's even a few comparison shots to give SD subscribers a look at what they're missing out on. Go on, check out the read link for the full spill.

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Sky HD service gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainenglandhdreviewreviewedsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdukTue, 18 Mar 2008 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky cuts setup price on HD package]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/07/sky-cuts-setup-price-on-hd-package/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/07/sky-cuts-setup-price-on-hd-package/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/07/sky-cuts-setup-price-on-hd-package/#commentsOne of those European HDTV owners that doesn't actually watch HD? That survey may hold some weight, as Sky is cutting prices on its Sky+ and Sky HD services. The Sky HD box now costs £249, or £199 bundled with internet and phone, although the monthly HD charge is still £10. With the entry costs lowered a bit and a few new channels, we'll see if that is enough to get people upgrading to HD.

[Via HDTV UK]

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Sky cuts setup price on HD package originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehdsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdukFri, 07 Mar 2008 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyHD pushing HD remasters of classic British films]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/skyhd-pushing-hd-remasters-of-classic-british-films/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/skyhd-pushing-hd-remasters-of-classic-british-films/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/skyhd-pushing-hd-remasters-of-classic-british-films/#commentsSir Michael Caine finds HD quality "unforgiving", but we're sure more than a few movie buffs will appreciate a clearer look at classics like Zulu and The Italian Job (not the one with Marky Mark in it) prompted by Sky's need for movies to fill its new HD channels. Of course many films have already been remastered for HD, but as HD adoption grows worldwide, we can look forward to high quality transfers of more international flicks.

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SkyHD pushing HD remasters of classic British films originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britishenglandhdnew contentnewcontentotasatellitesir michael caineSirMichaelCaineskysky hdSkyHdukMon, 03 Mar 2008 22:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky HD adding three new HDTV channels for a total of 17]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/28/sky-hd-adding-three-new-hdtv-channels-for-a-total-of-17/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/28/sky-hd-adding-three-new-hdtv-channels-for-a-total-of-17/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/28/sky-hd-adding-three-new-hdtv-channels-for-a-total-of-17/#commentsWith its troubles in the past, Sky is ramping up its HD service, with plans to add three new stations soon for a total of 17 HD channels. Viewers can expect Sky Sports HD 3, Sky Movies Premiere HD and FX HD. Sky Sports HD 3 will kick off with Monday Night Raw in March and the PGA European Tour, while FX HD is a "bespoke" custom channel, Sky Movies Premiere is a simulcast of the SD channel. Sky says its signed up more than 400,000 subscribers since launch, and once these channels are added, they'll have access to 6,500 hours of HD programming per month. We know it was rough for a while, any Sky HD users out there got a report about the service these days?

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Sky HD adding three new HDTV channels for a total of 17 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandfx hdFxHdhdnew contentnewcontentotasatelliteskysky hdsky movies premiere hdsky sports hdSkyHdSkyMoviesPremiereHdSkySportsHdukThu, 28 Feb 2008 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky confirms HD boxes will soon receive new EPG]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/17/sky-confirms-hd-boxes-will-soon-receive-new-epg/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/17/sky-confirms-hd-boxes-will-soon-receive-new-epg/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/17/sky-confirms-hd-boxes-will-soon-receive-new-epg/#commentsRumors of a facelifted electronic programming guide to Sky's receivers / DVRs have been swirling for quite some time, and apparently, the satellite provider has finally come clean and doled out the skinny. According to Digital Spy, only Sky HD boxes will be receiving the upgrade, which will replace the current four top-level options with ten. Purportedly, "television, radio and interactive services will be listed separately," and it's also stated that a small box will be added to show content from channels as they are browsed through in the guide. As for when Brits can expect the new EPG? "Sometime during 2008" -- sadly, that'll have to do for now.

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Sky confirms HD boxes will soon receive new EPG originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epghdsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdThu, 17 Jan 2008 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Channel 4 launches HD simulcast on Sky]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/channel-4-launches-hd-simulcast-on-sky/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/channel-4-launches-hd-simulcast-on-sky/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/channel-4-launches-hd-simulcast-on-sky/#commentsGood news for those with Sky: Channel 4 is now available to you in glorious high-definition. The channel has officially launched an HD simulcast on the sat provider, with crisper versions of Holloaks and Ugly Betty being highlighted. Apparently, the former show will be committed to HD as of next Spring, and Channel 4 HD will also air "a number of live music specials" including ones that feature The Scissor Sisters and Keane. At first, the channel will be a mixture of HD and SD programming, and it will purportedly air "around 10 films and series episodes in HD per week." This addition brings the total of dedicated HD channels on Sky to 14, and it should be available right now to anyone with a Sky HD box and an active Sky viewing card.

[Via Digital Spy]

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Channel 4 launches HD simulcast on Sky originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>channelChannel 4Channel4expansionhdlineupnew contentnewcontentsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdukTue, 11 Dec 2007 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky to broadcast Super Bowl XLI in HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/31/sky-to-broadcast-super-bowl-xli-in-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/31/sky-to-broadcast-super-bowl-xli-in-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/31/sky-to-broadcast-super-bowl-xli-in-hd/#commentsWe know, this weekend (and next) is all about seeing which professional teams squeeze their way into the playoffs, and moreover, seeing which college teams score bowl victories in their respective contests, but for the Brits over in England seeing less pigskin and more round ball, we've got some news for you. Reportedly, Sky is set to broadcast America's most-watched sporting event to its customers in crisp high definition, which would make it the first major US-centric sporting event to be shown in such clarity by the company. This past September, Sky Sports purportedly nailed down a deal to show live NFL games and "supporting programs," and we see no better way to take advantage of the newfound partnership than giving the blokes across the pond an HD taste of the sport so well loved here in the States. So for you Sky customers with absolutely nothing else to do on February 4th, be sure to take a gander at Super Bowl XLI, if for no other reason than seeing our football in a whole new dimension.

[Via DigitalSpy]

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Sky to broadcast Super Bowl XLI in HD originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishdealenglandeuropefootballhdnflsatelliteskysky hdsky sportsSkyHdSkySportssportssuperbowlukSun, 31 Dec 2006 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky HDTV coming to New Zealand in 2008]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/28/sky-hdtv-coming-to-new-zealand-in-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/28/sky-hdtv-coming-to-new-zealand-in-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/28/sky-hdtv-coming-to-new-zealand-in-2008/#commentsSky revealed to investors recently it plans to roll out an unnamed -- here's a name, Sky HD -- HDTV service in early 2008 featuring broadcasts as well as video-on-demand via satellite or internet connection. Sounds a lot like the Sky HD service already rolling out in the U.K., hopefully by the time it launches down under all the bugs will be worked out. The broadcaster already launched a new satellite earlier this month to provide a stronger signal, and expects free-to-air digital broadcasting coming to the region in 2007 will actually help improve its market penetration. Makes sense, as people upgrade to new TVs they'll want more and more HD programming, if Sky can fill that gap then it should work out great for everyone except the Kiwi's waiting until 2008 to see their own country on Discovery Channel HD every other week.

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Sky HDTV coming to New Zealand in 2008 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitionnew zealandNewZealandsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdSat, 28 Oct 2006 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky adding another high-def sports station]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/17/sky-adding-another-high-def-sports-station/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/17/sky-adding-another-high-def-sports-station/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/17/sky-adding-another-high-def-sports-station/#commentsSky HD subscribers - got good news for ya. Sky Sports HD 2 (creative name) is going to launch on July 31st. The channel can be found on station 409 and be filled with tons of sports that most of us Yanks just don't understand like: domestic/international cricket, Guinness Premiership rugby, and Premiership and Coca-Cola league football. It's not that we don't want to understand cricket, it's just that most of us didn't play it in high school. That's all. Nothing against the sport it's just that most of us would rather watch something different.

But don't get us wrong, we always love hearing about new high-def stations!

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Sky adding another high-def sports station originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dtvhdhdtvsatellitesky hdSkyHdMon, 17 Jul 2006 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky HD Launch delayed for many]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/sky-hd-launch-delayed-for-many/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/sky-hd-launch-delayed-for-many/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/sky-hd-launch-delayed-for-many/#commentsThe BBC is reporting that many in the UK are facing delays in getting high definition set-top boxes installed due to shortages. While thousands of customers have been installed already, many are getting shuffled back as much as three weeks. As our friends at HDTV UK mention, anyone who didn't preorder their install from Sky already can look forward to an install date of August, after the World Cup broadcast that people there are so looking forward to.

HDTV UK however was one of the lucky few to get their high definition boxes installed already, and have a few impressions of it up. Now they finally join us in discussing such mysteries as why does every Discovery HD program feature something getting eaten? Honestly we don't know, but you get used to it after a while.

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Sky HD Launch delayed for many originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 May 2006 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdiscovery hddiscoveryhdhdhdtvhdtvukhigh definitionHighDefinitionsatelliteshortageskysky hdSkyHdstbworld cupWorldCupTue, 23 May 2006 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyHD is (almost) open for business]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/24/skyhd-is-almost-open-for-business/http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/24/skyhd-is-almost-open-for-business/http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/24/skyhd-is-almost-open-for-business/#commentsFor our UK readers, you can finally pre-order high definition service from Sky. A quick rundown:
  • Launch in May
  • £299 to buy the box
  • £10 per month subscription fee
Check the official website for more details or our previous post. Thanks to Ashley and choare for the tip!

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SkyHD is (almost) open for business originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Mar 2006 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bskybhdhdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitionsatelliteskysky hdSkyHdtelevisionukFri, 24 Mar 2006 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyHD details]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/27/skyhd-details/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/27/skyhd-details/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/27/skyhd-details/#commentsSky HD is launching soon and there has not been that many specific details so far but PVRWire sent us a great article. It is lengthy but is full of details. Here is a summery for ya.
  • They will carry both 720p and 1080i - depends on the station
  • There will be no 576p option - suprising
  • Everything will be 50Hz
  • Sky One HD will be simucasted with Sky One
  • The stations will carry true HD and up-converted SD
  • Sky Sports HD will combine HD programs from all 4 Sky Sports Stations
  • The Sky HD boxes will only be sold with installation - might change later
  • The box will have HDMI and SCART ports - HDMI cable included
Coolest feature:
  • Browsing the EPG via SMS. Simply text a specific number with the day and program and it will respond with when it is on.
[Thanks for the tip Martin!]

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SkyHD details originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2006 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dtveuropehdhdmihdtvsatellitescartsky hdSkyHdtvMon, 27 Feb 2006 19:19:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyHD plans SMS remote recording control]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/25/skyhd-planning-sms-remote-recording/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/25/skyhd-planning-sms-remote-recording/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/25/skyhd-planning-sms-remote-recording/#commentsSMSWe stumbled upon a great report of SkyHD's next and future plans for the high-definition service prepping to launch this year, and one interesting tidbit grabbed our peepers. Not out of the gate, but sometime after launch, SkyHD consumers can text or SMS a command to their set-top box to set a recording. The example given was an SMS of "24.Sky1.Sunday" indicating to record the show "24" on the Sky1 channel this Sunday. No deets on the service charge, but we'd expect it to be nominal. We use the MSN Remote Record service over the web as part of Windows Media Center on our box and while that works well, not everyone has an Internet connection every time they suddenly remember to record a show. Folks typically do have a mobile phone however, so we would spread some HDBeat luvin' if someone could find or develop an SMS recording service for WMCE!

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SkyHD plans SMS remote recording control originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Feb 2006 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DTVhdHD BeatHdBeatHDTVsatelliteSky HDSkyHdTVWMCESat, 25 Feb 2006 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[SKY HD preps HD launch with glitzy website]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/23/sky-hd-preps-hd-launch-with-glitzy-website/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/23/sky-hd-preps-hd-launch-with-glitzy-website/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/23/sky-hd-preps-hd-launch-with-glitzy-website/#commentsSKY HD might not have high-def just yet but they got a fancy new website about it. This site is going to give current and prospective SKY customers info about the new service they will be able to get later this year. The website is part of their "feel everything" campaign. If you visit the site, there is no way you can miss it.

Sky is shooting for the moon with an expectation of 2 million sets sold in 2006. Could be tricky if they haven't launched yet and only have a flashy website.

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SKY HD preps HD launch with glitzy website originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2006 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingdtvhdHD BeatHdBeathdtvsatellitesky hdSkyHdtvThu, 23 Feb 2006 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyHD clips available including National Geographic HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/skyhd-clips-available-including-national-geographic-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/skyhd-clips-available-including-national-geographic-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/skyhd-clips-available-including-national-geographic-hd/#commentsNational Geographic HD on SkyYes, we have Discovery-HD, but we're green with envy since Sky will be offering National Geographic HD to it's UK subscribers when it launches in the next month or two. If you're at all interested in what Sky will be offering, they have four high-def videos available for download; two are rugby-related and two are content from the new National Geographic HD channel. You'll need Windows Media Player 10 as well as a PC running Windows XP with a 3.0 GHz CPU, 512 MB of RAM, and a graphics card with 128 MB as well. Oh, a solid display would come in handy too.

To download and view the clips, visit Sky's site, click the "Explore Sky" Link followed by the "More to Explore" link.

[via HDTV UK]

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SkyHD clips available including National Geographic HD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2006 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discovery hddiscoveryhdDTVhdHDTVNational Geographic HDNationalGeographicHdSky HDSkyHdTVMon, 20 Feb 2006 08:13:00 EST