Engadget

Hands-on with Dyle Mobile TV, broadcasting live to a handset near you (video)

Edgar Alvarez — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST

Dyle couldn't have found a better showcase than CES to exhibit its next gem. It's only been a few days since we first heard that the joint venture between MetroPCS and the Mobile Content Venture would bear fruit in 2012, and, well, we're in Las Vegas and we've seen it take its first steps. Although live TV broadcasting to mobile devices couldn't exactly be considered cutting-edge, judging by our time with the handset, this is one of the greater implementations of the concept. The company tells us that the app is set to hit its beta stage within the next few months at no cost, but that might change depending on partners and networks. Speaking of partners, Samsung alongside the Metro carrier will be the first to have the chipset-embedded smartphones on the market -- yes, that means you won't actually see the circa 1990's antenna. Dyle's also partnered up with Belkin to bring the service past phones and onto tablets, however, unlike the Sammy-branded phone that's expected to use the chip, the tablets will be able to pick up the airwaves by doubling the headphones as a receiver. Jump past the break to see the mobile telecast in action.

Gallery: Hands-on with Dyle Mobile TV, broadcasting live to a handset near you

Continue reading Hands-on with Dyle Mobile TV, broadcasting live to a handset near you (video)

Hands-on with Dyle Mobile TV, broadcasting live to a handset near you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belkin teams with Mobile Content Venture to bring Dyle Mobile TV to your phone, iPad (hands-on)

Billy Steele — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

Hot on the heels of its agreement with MetroPCS, Mobile Content Venture (MCV) is now teaming up with Belkin. The duo will collaborate on new products and application designs for tech that will bring broadcast TV to 120 million existing devices -- and a plethora of new gadgetry, we'd surmise. Live programming will be enabled through MCV's Dyle Mobile TV service which gathers content from 15 major broadcast groups including Fox, NBC and ION Television, just to name a few. Product prototypes are said to be on display this week at CES, and further details on the partnership should be on the way as well.

Update: We got some hands-on time with the setup at CES Unveiled, and spotted the digital TV watching software not only running on an unnamed MetroPCS handset, but on a Belkin dongle-equipped iPad as well. Check out our in-person pics in the gallery.

Gallery: MetroPCS and Mobile Content Venture for live TV hands-on

Continue reading Belkin teams with Mobile Content Venture to bring Dyle Mobile TV to your phone, iPad (hands-on)

Belkin teams with Mobile Content Venture to bring Dyle Mobile TV to your phone, iPad (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MetroPCS hooks up with the Mobile Content Venture for live TV on the go

Edgar Alvarez — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:53:00 EST

The wireless-for-all carrier's been agreeing to all sorts of partnerships of late in an effort to keep its users content, the latest one being the tie-up with Mobile Content Venture that'll bring local broadcast TV live to your MetroPCS handset. The service, which is said to be coming later in the year, will be offered via a Dyle Mobile TV app, and the companies are guaranteeing that you'll be able to watch the content "right out of the box." There's 15 total broadcasters named in the deal, some of which are: FOX, ION Television, NBC, Telemundo and Univision (for all your novela needs). We've seen a plethora of mobile devices come and go since we first heard of the Mobile DTV promise, but they did say 2012 would be the year, and, well, here we are. A peek at the PR below tells us we'll see this in action next week at CES, so we'll let you know if it's as marvelous as it sounds.

Continue reading MetroPCS hooks up with the Mobile Content Venture for live TV on the go

MetroPCS hooks up with the Mobile Content Venture for live TV on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK sets analog TV cutoff for October 2012, finally sees a show after US viewers

Richard Lawler — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:21:00 EST

It's not that we're upset UK viewers get to watch series like Luther, Misfits and Bedlam long before they officially air here (or in the case of Doctor Who, hours), but we are finally glad to know how a story ends before they do. In this case, regulators have decided that after analog broadcasting shutoffs have already taken place across much of the region, the final transmitters will go dark next year. Just as occurred here, the unused spectrum will then be auctioned off, while most TV viewers will survive, whether on digital OTA broadcasts, pay-TV or otherwise. We made it through with only one TV shot dead in cold blood, here's hoping our counterparts across the Atlantic can handle the changeover as smoothly.

UK sets analog TV cutoff for October 2012, finally sees a show after US viewers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita's Torne app pulls in live TV streams served up from a PS3

Richard Lawler — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:19:00 EST

Need another reason to be interested in the PlayStation Vita? Sony announced during tonight's press conference that it will tie in with the only-available-in-Japan Torne DVR adapter (PlayTV in Europe and nonexistent in NA) for the PlayStation 3. Once synced up, it allows users to remotely tune into live TV streams Slingbox-style, browse listings and remotely schedule recordings via an app on the portable device. It should be ready to go at launch, while the ability to export recorded shows to the Vita like one of Monsoon's boxes will be added later. For now however, we can only look on in envy and hope rumors of a PlayTV 2 eventually come true, and come out here.

PlayStation Vita's Torne app pulls in live TV streams served up from a PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spotify partners with Virgin Media to stream music to UK TVs, smartphones

Zach Honig — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:58:00 EST

Spotify, the Rhapsody of Europe, may still be an unfamiliar brand stateside, but the service just inked a deal with Virgin Media to bring streaming music to Virgin's broadband customers, set-top boxes, and mobile phones in the UK. The deal will bundle Unlimited (£4.99) or Premium (£9.99) monthly Spotify tiers, at to-be-determined discounted rates, allowing new and existing subscribers to access millions of tracks from any of their compatible home and mobile devices. Open (free) Spotify customers will reportedly need to upgrade to a paid version, but only to access the service on Virgin's set-top boxes, we presume -- don't expect to see a blanket ban on all devices. Until pricing is announced, the partnership appears to be more of a win for Spotify than for customers, who will still need to pay up before rockin' out, but set-top integration is likely to be a boon with digital TV subscribers, letting them bring those infamous Euro house music raves to an actual house.

Spotify partners with Virgin Media to stream music to UK TVs, smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 1.4 GHz dual-core Smart TV chip is industry's fastest, should load Netflix quicker

Richard Lawler — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:41:00 EST

The next step for Panasonic's UniPhier family of processors for HDTVs and Blu-ray players has been unveiled, taking form as a 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 based design that it claims is the industry's fastest for TVs. The MN2WS0220 will begin sample shipments this month and it can handle two HDTV streams, plus internet content and smart TV apps all at once while cutting power consumption from the previous generation by 40%. This follows in the footsteps of Toshiba's Cell-based CEVO TV processors that also bring multiple cores and high speed memory to bear. The other question of course is backwards compatibility, while some of the new Viera Connect apps for 2011 were also compatible with 2010 HDTVs, it'll be interesting to see if Panasonic's platform can take advantage of the new chip without making televisions that are currently on shelves obsolete, or if it considers joining forces with the Google TV cadre for apps like SlingPlayer and OnLive.

Continue reading Panasonic's 1.4 GHz dual-core Smart TV chip is industry's fastest, should load Netflix quicker

Panasonic's 1.4 GHz dual-core Smart TV chip is industry's fastest, should load Netflix quicker originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cydle i30 cradle delivers digital TV to your iPhone, finally lands at FCC

Christopher Trout — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:21:00 EST

Back in 2010, when we caught a glimpse of Cydle's M7 Android tablet at CES 2010, the company was also touting the i30, an iPhone cradle capable of delivering real-time digital TV to the smartphone. That cradle caught a little bit of air time at CES the following year, but still wasn't ready for market. Well, it looks like that's about to change -- now, just a few months shy of two years since the Mobile DTV standard was minted, the i30 is finally rearing it's antenna-sporting head over at the FCC. According to the User Manual, outed in the filing, the iPhone case uses its antenna to catch local mobile channel signals and shoots them to the iPhone via WiFi. The case is also packing a rechargeable battery, and when connected to the supplied AC adapter, pumps juice to both the dock and your iPhone. Of course, you'll need the Cydle ATSC M/H Mobile TV app (we know, it's a mouthful) to get the whole thing going, but getting your digital TV on is apparently relatively simple from there. For more photos of the Cydle i30 cradle, including shots of its exposed guts, follow the source link below.

Cydle i30 cradle delivers digital TV to your iPhone, finally lands at FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 May 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nielsen estimates show first drop in TV ownership in 20 years, Mayans nod approvingly

Richard Lawler — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:52:00 EST

The Nielsen Company has announced that its estimated number of TV households for 2012 is dropping to 114.7 million (96.7 percent), down from 115.9 million (98.9 percent) the year before which is the first time it's gone down in two decades. While some will say this marks the end of the TV era as we've known it, there are a couple of factors to take into account, starting with how the numbers are gathered -- Nielsen only counts TVs that are capable of tuning into at least one channel. If you've cut the cord and gone all internet / Blu-ray / DVD without putting up an antenna or never upgraded for digital broadcasts (as some rural or low-income homes have not) then your TV doesn't count. After reviewing the numbers and watching Apocalypto twice we still can't tell if this means it's already over for linear TV or if it's more of a temporary bump due to an uncertain economy like it was in 1992. Of course, the fact that we rented the movie on iTunes may be telling.

Nielsen estimates show first drop in TV ownership in 20 years, Mayans nod approvingly originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hauppauge debuts Broadway live TV streamer for iPhones and iPads, WinTV-Aero-m receiver for PCs

Donald Melanson — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:33:00 EST

It may look vaguely like an accessory to a late-80s PC that's sprouted antennas, but Hauppauge's new "Broadway" live TV streamer does have a few more modern tricks up its sleeve: it can stream live TV to your iPhone or iPad. That can be done over WiFi in your house or over the internet anywhere else, and the device packs a multi-format receiver that can tune in both digital cable TV channels and ATSC over-the-air broadcast channels (or analog TV, for that matter), which are all conveniently compressed for streaming. Alongside it, Hauppauge has also rolled out its new dual-format WinTV-Aero-m USB receiver for PCs (pictured after the break), which will let you receive Mobile Digital TV broadcasts designed for mobile TV reception, as well as high definition ATSC digital TV broadcasts. Look for it to be available soon for $69, while the Broadway streamer will be available in "about six weeks" for $199.

Continue reading Hauppauge debuts Broadway live TV streamer for iPhones and iPads, WinTV-Aero-m receiver for PCs

Hauppauge debuts Broadway live TV streamer for iPhones and iPads, WinTV-Aero-m receiver for PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG looks set to unveil mobile 3DTV at CES

Tim Stevens — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:46:00 EST

We don't know much about it yet, but it's looking like we might be getting a taste of 3D on the go after all at CES. We'd hoped it would be with Nintendo's 3DS, but that report turned out to be a bust, and now LG is apparently going to pick up the slack with a new mobile digital TV that has a 3D display. We know virtually nothing about the set at this point, but we're thinking it will be glasses-free and are speculating that, after its appearance in Vegas next week, it'll never be seen in the US again.

LG looks set to unveil mobile 3DTV at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surewest adds Online DVR access, Caller ID on TV for IPTV customers in Sacramento

Richard Lawler — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:18:00 EST

SureWest announced it would migrate its platform to Microsoft Mediaroom late last year starting with its Sacramento customers, and now its added a few more "advanced digital TV" features to go along with the Whole Home DVR and four tuner DVR features (not to mention lightning fast channel change times) launched in January. Now subscribers can log into the website and schedule edit, or delete recordings just like they were at home, while Caller ID on TV resolves that minor annoyance of having to actually see the phone to know who's calling. It's far from the first provider to add such features, but we're figuring Kevin Johnson and Tyreke Evans appreciate the effort. Now SureWest, let's talk about some Windows Media Center and Xbox 360 integration, ok?

Continue reading Surewest adds Online DVR access, Caller ID on TV for IPTV customers in Sacramento

Surewest adds Online DVR access, Caller ID on TV for IPTV customers in Sacramento originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Sony developing PlayTV2? And will we get to play in the states?

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:49:00 EST

Sure, it's only one word in a long and involved interview, but according to Sony Cambridge Studio's Mark Green (who's been talking shop with Spong) it seems that a little something called PlayTV2 is in the works. "We're still working on PlayTV, PlayTV 2," he says, while the shop has "other guys working on other concepts." And while that's all well and good, but is there any chance that the digital tuner / DVR for PS3 might make it to the states some time soon? To be honest, we're beginning to lose interest.

Is Sony developing PlayTV2? And will we get to play in the states? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3's Torne digital TV tuner / DVR adapter gets 2.00 software update next month

Richard Lawler — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:31:00 EST

Japan hasn't had a lot of time to get used to the PlayStation 3's Torne digital TV tuner since it launched in March, but it's already getting an update which will add a few more DVR features to improve the experience. Coming in June, v2.00 will enable MPEG-4 AVC compression to squeeze HDTV recordings by as much as 3x their original size as opposed to just copying the original MPEG-2 stream even while playing a game, plus the ability to start watching a program and fast forward/reverse while it's still recording and update the user's PSN status. The free update will be issued in June, until then Torne fans can argue with European and Australian PlayTV owners about whether or not their new features are better than Facebook integration while the U.S. sits out like the ginger kid of a previous marriage it is.

Gallery: PS3 Torne DVR 2.00 features

PS3's Torne digital TV tuner / DVR adapter gets 2.00 software update next month originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile DTV gains national mobile content service, broadcast group support

Darren Murph — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:52:00 EST

If there's one thing a fledgling technology needs, it's good marketing. That aside, the next most vital thing is industry support. Today, an even dozen broadcast groups have banded together in order to back the soon-to-launch Mobile DTV format (ATSC-M/H), with Belo, Cox, E.W. Scripps, Fox, Gannett, Hearst, ION, Media General, Meredith, NBC, Post-Newsweek and Raycom forming a joint venture to develop a "new national mobile content service." The service will utilize the broadcast spectrum already set aside in order to allow member companies to "provide content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming." That's pretty big news for a tech that's been struggling to gain acceptance in America, and if all goes to plan, Washington, DCers will get a chance to indulge first when it goes live in the nation's capitol on May 3rd. A showcase on that date will demonstration a Mobile DTV-capable Samsung Moment and Dell Mini 10 (amongst others), though we're still having a tough time digging up firm pricing for any of those. Get ready, folks -- Pimp My Ride is about to get a huge second wind.

Mobile DTV gains national mobile content service, broadcast group support originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tivit promises to bring Mobile DTV to the iPhone and other WiFi-equipped mobile devices

Ross Miller — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:42:00 EST

The Mobile DTV standard is official, sure, but the device selection at this point isn't what we'd call plentiful or even appealing -- so leave it to CES to attract a virtually unknown company with an attractive alternative. Dubbed Tivit, the pocketable box is a said to be a bit smaller and lighter than a deck of cards and claims to stream television to a number of WiFi-enabled devices, including Windows laptops, Motorola Android phones (no clue why other Android devices wouldn't be in the running here), WiFi-equipped BlackBerrys, and even iPhone 3G / third-gen iPod touch (software via related App Store download). One charge gets you three hours of reception, and while that $120 price tag isn't too terrible a fee for keeping the phone you like, when the dongle launches in Spring, it better hope the channel selection is more interesting. Press release after the break.

Gallery: Tivit promises to bring Mobile DTV to the iPhone and other WiFi-equipped mobile devices

Continue reading Tivit promises to bring Mobile DTV to the iPhone and other WiFi-equipped mobile devices

Tivit promises to bring Mobile DTV to the iPhone and other WiFi-equipped mobile devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG goes nouveau nostalgic with first US Mobile DTV devices

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:19:00 EST

LG just announced its first commercial products for the fledgling US Mobile DTV standard approved in October. First up is what appears to be a DTV-ified LG Lotus clamshell -- a phone first introduced in 2008 but now capable of extracting digital TV from the aether with an assist from that telescoping antenna. Also set for a CES launch is that DP570MH portable DVD player that lets viewers watch up to 4-hours of ATSC-approved Mobile DTV broadcasts before heading back for a charge. LG's also promising more ATSC Mobile DTV devices from Dell (laptops), Kenwood, and others including in-car receivers all using LG's LG2160A ATSC-M/H tuner chip. Still, mobile antennas and DVD players... how can something so new feel so retro?

LG goes nouveau nostalgic with first US Mobile DTV devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NAB has a new ad in the hopes to retain spectrum

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:16:00 EST

We just knew that although re-appropriating the DTV spectrum for broadband might be in our best interest, the broadcasters wouldn't agree. So in the hopes to bring their perspective to the people, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has distributed a 30 second ad that it is encouraging broadcasters all over the country to play as often as possible while most people are at home enjoying their holiday break in front of their HDTVs. We tried really hard to find it online because we just can't wait to see this one. We suspect that one thing it won't say is "help your poor local broadcasters who's antiquated business model is in jeopardy because the FCC doesn't want to artificially make us valuable anymore." Don't get us wrong, we love us some free HDTV, but we can't stand behind any entertainment industry if it requires government backing to make it economically viable.

NAB has a new ad in the hopes to retain spectrum originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Broadcasters predictably unsettled about FCC taking away spectrum

Richard Lawler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:18:00 EST

You had to know that the FCC's investigation into other uses for current broadcast DTV spectrum wouldn't be met warmly by broadcasters, now the NAB has come out and said it needs every bit of frequency available. Apparently up for discussion are its reasons why, as the group is at odds with FCC advisor Blair Levin over whether retrans fees are the only issue or, as NAB VP Jane Mago states, preserving HD for consumers is key. We're sure OTA viewers of channels leaving bandwidth on the table for multicasting, or worse simply unused as we discussed on the podcast would beg to differ, but the one thing that is for sure is the current broadcast TV system won't go quietly into the night, no matter what potential a new paradigm might hold.

Broadcasters predictably unsettled about FCC taking away spectrum originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date

Darren Murph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST

Mmm, nothing like a pinch of predictability to wake us in the morning. Just days after the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) finally announced that a North American mobile DTV standard was struck, Samsung has jumped in with what it's calling the planet's first single chip solution designed to handle those very transmissions. All we're told is that the solution combines RF and "digital chip components" into one 65 nanometer chip, making it ideal for smaller devices such as smartphones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players. Of course, Sammy doesn't even bother to mention a mass production date, so we're guessing we all just rise awkwardly and start a roaring slow clap to celebrate the accomplishment.

Filed under: Handsets, Multimedia, Samsung

Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date

Darren Murph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Media streamers, Other formats

Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date

Darren Murph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Video, Wireless

Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic including DivX Plus HD (MKV) support into next gen Blu-ray players, TVs

Richard Lawler — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:42:00 EST

Nearly a year after Panasonic stepped the UniPhier chips at the heart of its Blu-ray players up to DivX HD, comes word that the company is moving on up to DivX Plus HD (read: Up to 1080p h.264 video in an MKV container) next time around. That includes not only its next line of Blu-ray set-top players we're sure to see unveiled at CES, but also digital TVs and in-car players, so between Panasonic and NEC MKV fans should be able to take their videos even more places without the extra step of transcoding in 2010.

Filed under: Panasonic

Panasonic including DivX Plus HD (MKV) support into next gen Blu-ray players, TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CEA president Shapiro talks DTV transition

Steven Kim — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:46:00 EST

With the analog shutoff safely in the rear view mirror, CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) president Gary Shapiro took some time to talk about the move to our new digital airwaves (and also looked ahead to our 3D futures). All in all, some pretty interesting reading, but he makes a great point in chiding the broadcast industry -- by waiting until the last minute to get onboard the HD bandwagon, broadcasters missed out on what could have been positive market differentiation for their services versus cable and satellite. All's well that ends well, though, and we're just gad the plug got pulled on analog (with few casualties to boot), and we'd like the CEA president should know we celebrated the move.

[Via DailyWireless, image courtesy CEA]

Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

CEA president Shapiro talks DTV transition originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nielsen sees DTV unreadiness drop to just 1.1%

Richard Lawler — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST

According to Nielsen's surveys, only 1.1% of U.S. households still aren't able to receive TV signals since the digital TV switch June 12. That's 1.3 million homes that have made the necessary changes since analog said goodbye, with 229,000 doing so just in the last couple of weeks. If you're reading this and somehow still aren't ready, don't forget to pick up a coupon now. Need all the dirty details? Click over for the full PDF report.

Filed under: OTA

Nielsen sees DTV unreadiness drop to just 1.1% originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DTV converter coupon deadline is July 31, anyone still need one?

Richard Lawler — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:49:00 EST

In case you still needed a digital TV heads up, the end of this month is your last opportunity to nab a $40 coupon for a converter box. Seeing as how they're actually available, and the DTV switch has been in effect for a few weeks you'd think anyone in need would have long looked into this already, but just in case you're waiting until the last moment, the L.A. Times mentions July 31 is the cutoff. Anyone know someone that went from OTA bliss to a blank TV June 12 and still hasn't upgraded yet?

[Via L.A. Times]

Filed under: Misc, OTA

DTV converter coupon deadline is July 31, anyone still need one? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analog TV says goodnight

Steven Kim — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST

Did you catch the sound of a falling tree in an empty woods this past weekend? In case you didn't hear it, analog "nightlight" transmissions went dark Sunday -- which amounted to 121 stations in 87 markets signing off for the last time. Absent the nightlight info screens, rock-dwellers will now have to emerge from their hermitages to figure out what happened to their TVs, but as we say in the 21st century, "them's the breaks." Aside from areas being served by analog translator and/or low power service, this marks the end of the analog broadcast TV era. Way to go, America -- we haven't heard any reports of riots or mass hysteria, and we'd dare say the citizenry handled this tech transition better than the millenium bug.

Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

Analog TV says goodnight originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?

Richard Lawler — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST

The day is finally here, after the pushback and staggered changeover, analog television broadcasts across the country are giving way to a future of digital TV and making room for new services to take over the airwaves soon. Still, after months of announcements, coupons sent and many dollars spent there are still millions who will be caught unawares as their television blinks off today. It's been an incredibly long time coming, so take a look back at some of our coverage of the run up to the digital TV switch, and why not drop us a line to let us know of any interesting local coverage in your area or experiences (procrastination-fueled runs on converter boxes, transition gaffes, mob violence) going on. A roundup of FCC links and national press coverage is after the break.

Engadget's lead-up coverage:

T-minus one year till the US analog shutoff: are you ready?
The original DTV transition: what could've been
President Obama signs DTV delay bill into law
Digital TV transition spoof video is both informative and hilarious
Wilmington, NC kills analog dead as broadcasters go all-digital

Continue reading Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?

Richard Lawler — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST

Continue reading Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?

Filed under: Misc, Regulatory, OTA

Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the DTV transition get more people watching OTA television?

Richard Lawler — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:14:00 EST

With mere hours separating us from an analog TV broadcast-free existence, Harris has released poll results indicating many may switch to free OTA broadcasts, shutting off their current cable and satellite subscriptions. The way we see it, the 55 percent indicating they were either somewhat or very likely to switch to antenna probably represent many people who are only just finding out you can get HDTV without paying for service -- not to mention those who are paying and not even watching high definition at all. Still, with the channels available on digital TV broadcasts plus online streaming, there's a lot more choices, anyone else stepping back from their pay-TV habit?

Filed under: Misc, Cable, OTA, Satellite

Will the DTV transition get more people watching OTA television? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FLO TV to add 39 markets following DTV transition

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:02:00 EST

If we're using availability across AT&T's and Verizon's lineups as a benchmark, we'd venture to guess that FLO isn't doing terribly well -- but be that as it may, the Qualcomm subsidiary is rearing to expand its coverage just as soon as the remainder of the nation's analog television stations go dark on June 12. In fact, they're really, really serious about it: 15 new markets will go live the moment the analog signals turn off, adding Boston, Houston, Miami, and others, while another 24 will tack on by the end of the year. Existing live markets like Chicago and New York will enjoy expanded coverage, too, but the question remains -- where's FLO's meal ticket? More hardware helps, but it might ultimately take a transition to free services before mobile TV takes off.

Filed under: Multimedia

FLO TV to add 39 markets following DTV transition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With a week to go, Obama urges the remaining few to make DTV preparations

Richard Lawler — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:37:00 EST

Just in case you were living in fear of another last minute switch on the digital TV transition date, be at ease, President Obama issued a statement urging those who aren't ready yet to prepare as there will be no further delays, and for those of us in the know to make sure that people around the way are getting the message. With a week to go (again) is there anyone still reading this that hasn't gotten their digital TV future straightened out yet?

Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

With a week to go, Obama urges the remaining few to make DTV preparations originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget HD: What's the best digital TV converter box?

Richard Lawler — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:30:00 EST

As we can tell, not everyone is the type of person that gets ready for things ahead of time, there's always one guy waiting until the very end of the deadline to get things done and for once, it's not us. Enter Sam, owner of an older analog HDTV that isn't currently hooked up to satellite or cable. With a DTV converter coupon burning through his pocket, his question is simple, what's the best DTV tuner out there?

"I bought a brand new HDTV before the holidays and moved my old Toshiba down to the basement, right now there's just an antenna and an old DVD player connected to it. I figure a second Blu-ray player wouldn't hurt, and at least until I get another satellite receiver hooked up I'll just use an antenna to watch the game on Sunday. Of course, I didn't think of picking up a digital TV tuner until now and I'm already missing a few local stations, but there's so many to pick from, any suggestions?"

Alright, we know a few of you are still kicking it old school with strictly antenna setups and have been ready for the analog shutoff for quite some time, so you probably have plenty of experience with different digital TV converter boxes by now. Give Sam (and everyone else) the benefit of your knowledge before it's too late.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Filed under: Ask Engadget HD, Set-top boxes, Tuners, OTA

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best digital TV converter box? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC received record 55,000 calls after analog shut off test

Richard Lawler — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:56:00 EST

Want a preview of what things will be like June 12? A coordinated shut off soft test on May 12 spurred a record 55,000 calls to the FCC's help line on May 12. Even after the delay, of the 3 million or so estimated households still completely unready it's a far bet that the first few days of the transition to all digital television will bring even more calls to figure out what to do.

Filed under: Misc, OTA

FCC received record 55,000 calls after analog shut off test originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One month to analog shutoff: DTV Unreadiness drops below 3 percent

Richard Lawler — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:22:00 EST

We're finally within range of the DTV switch (and using this image again), and Nielsen is reporting it estimates only 3.3 million or 2.9% of U.S. households are still unready for the days after June 12. That's 200k less than when we last checked in and it looks like this should be the time everything actually happens. Got your switch throwing outfits all laid out?

Filed under: Misc, OTA

One month to analog shutoff: DTV Unreadiness drops below 3 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 May 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Senate intros bill to keep people from falling off the "digital cliff"

Steven Kim — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:57:00 EST

With less than 5-percent of US homes failing to make it under the analog shutoff limbo stick (and still a month to go), there's no reason that come June 12th a whole lot of stations won't be conducting their own shutoff festivities. Just to make sure that there won't be a pack of digital lemmings headed for a step function-like cliff, the US Senate has introduced the DTV Cliff Effect Assistance Act, which allocates $125 million through 2012 to help pay for digital repeaters and translators to fill in those areas that will go uncovered after the switch occurs. This is government money, so you know there's a few strings attached -- in this case, the new bits of infrastructure will also have to serve up wireless communications and broadband traffic where possible. Let's see -- more people with DTV and broadband wireless coverage? Add a tick in the "yes" column for us, please!

Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

US Senate intros bill to keep people from falling off the "digital cliff" originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 May 2009 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to know what the analog shutoff looks like on site?

Richard Lawler — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:03:00 EST

The digital TV transition is (finally) almost here (again,) but as frustrating as it's been for us watching TV, there's been considerable planning and equipment in place for broadcasters that is where the actual change happens. Check out this YouTube video (embedded after the break) of CET Cincinnati signing off of analog broadcasts for the last time just a few days ago. It's safe to assume this is the most excited you'll see people about a button press/lever pull all day.

[Thanks, Matt]

Continue reading Want to know what the analog shutoff looks like on site?

Filed under: Industry, Misc, OTA

Want to know what the analog shutoff looks like on site? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DTV preparedness now more than 95-percent

Steven Kim — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:16:00 EST

Here we are, a little more than a month away from the ~~February 17~~ June 12 analog shutoff date, and sure enough, more people have grabbed hold of a digital tuner in one device or another. According to Nielsen, the number of unprepared homes is now at 3.1-percent (3.5-million homes). To put that in perspective, recall that at the start of February, we were sitting at 5.1-percent. We're pretty impressed that the number has moved below the 5-percent mark, and certainly a lot of credit goes to stations that went ahead with the switch ahead of the June 12 deadline. Zeno and his paradox aside, we've got high hopes that the June 12th date is going to stick, folks!

Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

DTV preparedness now more than 95-percent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Number of DTV unready homes drops to 3.8 million

Richard Lawler — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:41:00 EST

The number of DTV unready homes continues its slide downward, with Nielsen reporting an additional 610,000 prepared as of April 1, leaving 3.8 million to go. Representing 3.4% of U.S. households still unready, that's only a slight uptick over the pace of previous months, but with coupons rolling out it certainly seems that everything is moving smoothly towards the new June 12 deadline.

Filed under: Industry, OTA

Number of DTV unready homes drops to 3.8 million originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayTV's NZ debut purportedly delayed to add Freeview HD support

Richard Lawler — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:43:00 EST

Bret? Present. Jemaine? Present. Murray? Present. PlayTV? ... Sony's PlayTV DVR add-on for the PlayStation 3 suffered through more than one delay before going on sale in Europe, and it appears thing will be no different in New Zealand, but at least with good reason - they're getting HD working this time. As it stands, the original version's dual HD DVB-T tuners are pretty useless since there aren't any Freeview stations broadcasting in that format in the UK and FreeSat HD support is still up in the air. David Hine from Sony revealed on the ButtonMasher podcast that a push back 'til the end of the year is related to the spread of high definition on the island, so that they can "work in" HD support before it launches, unleashing Remote Play and XMB powered HDTV watching upon the populace so they can catch season two of Flight of the Conchords as it was meant to be seen.

Filed under: DVRs, Other hardware, Set-top boxes, Sony, OTA

PlayTV's NZ debut purportedly delayed to add Freeview HD support originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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