Engadget

Londoners mourn as teletext goes dark, a victim of the DTV transition

Zachary Lutz — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:42:00 EST

Despite the many advantages of digital broadcast television, the transition is separating Europeans from a reliable source of information known as teletext. Citizens of London are the latest to experience the loss, as analog signals in the region were switched off just yesterday. Ceefax, a service of the BBC, has provided millions of Britons with news, sports, weather, television listings, subtitles and games for the past 38 years, and is now accessible only in Kent, Sussex, north-east England and Northern Ireland. Soon, it may cease to exist altogether.

Seen as a precursor to the internet, teletext is a free service that's heavily rooted in analog PAL signals, where small packets of data are sent in the vertical blanking interval, which is otherwise unnoticed by viewers. Because the information is broadcast, users were never subject to network congestion, and only needed to wait a brief moment for their desired page to be transmitted -- more advanced televisions even cached this information locally. As part of the airwaves, the service is naturally free, and in that sense, it lacks a suitable replacement. As with all progress, however, there are casualties, and teletext was an unfortunate bystander. Those who cherished the service can take a moment to relive the memories in the links below.

Londoners mourn as teletext goes dark, a victim of the DTV transition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's Mobile DTV tech used in Tweet-TV and emergency alert systems

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Among other things, LG is broadening the capabilities of Mobile DTV here at CES, with a social media aspect in particular striking us as particularly helpful / wacky. Tweet-TV, as it's called, brings together public comments about specific broadcasts and retransmits them for all viewers to see. We're told that viewers engaged with Tweet-TV would be able to interact with program content and submit their comments on programs. The broadcaster consolidates the real-time comments and transmits those short messages with the video and audio, enabling a transparent conversational overlay; in essence, the Mobile DTV application enables viewers to carry on an open discussion of program content or reply to questions that could be part of an "audience quiz." The program's also being used to display pertinent information on digital signage, not to mention an M-EAS project that'll use Mobile DTV to get emergency alerts to those with compatible equipment. Head on past the break for the rest of the details -- sadly, there's no real information on how soon Mobile DTV will be spreading to your neck of the woods.

Continue reading LG's Mobile DTV tech used in Tweet-TV and emergency alert systems

LG's Mobile DTV tech used in Tweet-TV and emergency alert systems originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BPG Werks shows first DTV Shredder Sport production model, preps for the apocalypse

Billy Steele — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:43:00 EST

Back in the spring, we spent some time with two BPG Werks DTV Shredder models in the sands of New Mexico. Ben Gulak and crew have been hard at work on production-ready, souped-up Segway / tank hybrids that would make Rambo jealous. An image of the first production model of the Shredder Sport has been posted on the outfit's Facebook page in all its folding glory. No word on when these bad boys will be hitting the ~~streets~~ dirt just yet and the sub-$3,500 pricing is sure to have fluctuated since April. Soon enough, your Mad Max reenactments could get a lot more entertaining.

BPG Werks shows first DTV Shredder Sport production model, preps for the apocalypse originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FilmOn finds another way to put live TV on your mobile, but it's still awkward

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:29:00 EST

FilmOn's TV streaming ambitions haven't exactly gone according to plan since it got into legal hot water with a bunch of not-so-minor broadcasters last year -- including CBS, FOX and plenty others. Until that dries off, the company wants to bring TV to your phone, tablet or laptop using an additional route: a portable ATSC tuner. It's shown off a receiver dongle that it claims can enable watching and recording of free-to-air shows on iOS, Android, PC and Mac, with an in-built five-hour battery and pass-through charging. The FilmOn AIR device will start shipping in February with a $95.95 standalone price tag, or $149.95 when packaged with a year's subscription to the main FilmOn service that streams 120 channels over the web -- well, for now at least.

FilmOn finds another way to put live TV on your mobile, but it's still awkward originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:29:00 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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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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From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan

Sean Buckley — Fri, 06 May 2011 21:00:00 EST

The Arc's Japan-bound baby brother hasn't exactly been a well kept secret. After last month's website and image leaks, we've been waiting for Sony Ericsson to make it official. And now they have. The Xperia Acro, flaunting a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8.1 megapixel camera, and Adreno 205 GPU is heading to Japan this summer -- making it a possible match for the Azusa, uncovered by NenaMark earlier this week. The new kid in Akihabara was designed specifically for the Japanese market, runs Android 2.3.3 on a 4.2-inch touchscreen, and adds unique features like a mobile wallet and TV functionality. Hit the break for some quick and dirty PR.

Continue reading From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan

From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 21:00:00 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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BPG Werks DTV Shredder test-ride (video)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST

We first heard of the Shredder back in September, a crazy, treaded contraption that looked fit to appear in the next Starship Troopers film -- or maybe a TMNT reboot at least. It's the product of the overactive mind of Ben Gulak, the guy behind the Uno transforming and self-balancing motorcycle that we saw at CES. When Ben showed us some videos of the DTV Shredder at the show we knew we had to ride it, and so we did, hitting the sand in New Mexico and managing to come away from the experience unharmed and only a little dehydrated. Come on in to check out our experience on both the consumer-friendly Sport and rather brawnier Military edition, both of which could be in production by the end of the year.

Gallery: BPG Werks Shredder

Continue reading BPG Werks DTV Shredder test-ride (video)

BPG Werks DTV Shredder test-ride (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xperia Acro images leaked, Arc's Japan-bound sibling puts on a little weight at the circus

Zachary Lutz — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:29:00 EST

If you'll remember last week's funny when Sony Ericsson accidentally outed the Xperia Acro on their PC Companion software, we were at an utter loss for quality shots of the device... happily, that's now changed. Yes, dear readers, we present you with a multi-angle look at the Acro, and if it appears decidedly similar to the Arc, you're close to understanding Sony's intent. As expected, this Japanese Xperia has bulked up after tossing on NFC, IrDA and DTV features. If this weren't enough, SE's show-off gets another bonus over its svelte sibling and is expected to ship with Android 2.3.3, (you know, for all that NFC-writing you were planning).

Xperia Acro images leaked, Arc's Japan-bound sibling puts on a little weight at the circus originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCA's line of portable hybrid televisions now available

Donald Melanson — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:59:00 EST

RCA announced these way back at CES, and it's now finally rolled out its new line of portable "hybrid" televisions, which are able to receive both Mobile DTV and standard digital TV signals. Those include in two different 3.5-inch models that run $119 and $159 (the latter includes an FM tuner and lithium ion battery back instead of AAs), as well as a 7-inch model that will set you back $179 -- somewhat curiously, those prices are all $10 higher than those originally announced. Those looking to fully round out the package can also snag a car kit that includes a charger, remote control and monopole antenna for $129. Full press release is after the break.

Continue reading RCA's line of portable hybrid televisions now available

RCA's line of portable hybrid televisions now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:18:00 EST

Whoa there, Mister Clickety-click, contain that check-box excitement just a tick. Thanks to a keen set of eyes (and an overly-eager Sony Ericsson employee), we present SE's latest unreleased Xperia, the Acro -- a refinement to its recent Gingerbread-wielding Arc that you most certainly weren't meant to see. Duplicating the core specs of its sibling, Sony's future stuntman takes it a step further, performing infrared and NFC communication, while also showcasing its DTV reception skills -- you know, so the locals can get their fill of zany game shows on the commute. Like its kin, the Arc features a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255, 4.2-inch display and an 8.1 megapixel Exmor R sensor, just like the one you may or may not see in future iPhones. Even though the TV function is decidedly intriguing, we know you're just considering beaming bits of IrDA glory to your graphing calculator. Hey, there's no shame in that.

Update: Based on the model number, we're pretty sure the Acro is destined for KDDI's au brand.

[Thanks, Chris]

Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCA debuts new line of portable ATSC / Mobile DTV hybrid televisions

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:31:00 EST

Mobile DTV is finally making inroads stateside, and now RCA has announced a new line of portable TVs that not only take advantage of the technology, but also throw in regular digital TV reception t'boot. The four devices include: 3.5-inch Hybrid Portable Television DMT335R (including a LED backlit LCD screen and both AC power and 4 hours of playback on AA batteries for an MSRP of $109), 3.5-inch Hybrid Portable Television DMT336R (same as above, with additional FM receiver and internal Lithium Polymer battery, for an MSRP of $149); 7-inch Hybrid Portable Television DMT270R (800 x 480 LCD screen with 500:1 contrast ratio, AC power and built-in Lithium Polymer battery, and more for $169), and a car tuner receiver DMT3BR, featuring a car charger, remote control, and more, for a suggested retail price $119. Psyched? We bet you are! Check out the gallery below or the PR after the break.

Gallery: RCA DMT hybrid digital TV line

Continue reading RCA debuts new line of portable ATSC / Mobile DTV hybrid televisions

RCA debuts new line of portable ATSC / Mobile DTV hybrid televisions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile DTV ready to roll out, upgrading 20 major metros to portable TV by 2012

Sean Hollister — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:10:00 EST

Slowly but surely, the biggest US cities are catching up to the rest of the world -- just imagine, by this time next year, we might even have broadcast television beamed to our tablets and cell phones. That's because the Mobile Content Venture formed from twelve media giants in April has just promised to start upgrading TV stations to deliver Mobile DTV (aka ATSC-M/H) around the country, with the intent of reaching 20 major markets and a total of 40 percent of the US population by "late 2011." Each of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Tampa, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando, Portland, Cincinnati, Greenville, West Palm Beach, Birmingham and Knoxville can expect to have a pair of ad-supported TV channels before long, assuming citizens are willing and able to pick up hardware with a old-school RF antenna sticking out -- and that whole "streaming" thing doesn't take off. PR after the break.

Continue reading Mobile DTV ready to roll out, upgrading 20 major metros to portable TV by 2012

Mobile DTV ready to roll out, upgrading 20 major metros to portable TV by 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What happens when you leave a skateboard and a tank alone in a dimly lit room? (video)

Vlad Savov — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 05:53:00 EST

You get all-terrain vehicle babies, is what. Ben Gulak, the youngster that brought us the Uno electric unicycle, is back with a new transportation device, this time aiming to woo military procurement types with a rugged and extremely versatile one-man transporter. The DTV (Dual Tracked Vehicle) Shredder has enough torque to tow an SUV, but is also flexible enough to turn within a circle of four feet and scale slopes as steep as 40 degrees. To be honest, though, nothing we say can do justice to just how badass this thing really is, you'll want to see the videos after the break for that. Our favorite part? The Shredder can be remotely operated and its makers even advertise its ability to carry offensive weaponry and serve as a "robot attack platform." What self-respecting supervillain wouldn't want an army of those?

Continue reading What happens when you leave a skateboard and a tank alone in a dimly lit room? (video)

What happens when you leave a skateboard and a tank alone in a dimly lit room? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 05:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony launches six new DVRs, all write to BDXL and play back in 3D

Tim Stevens — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:19:00 EST

Well, Sony is a little late to the party on this one, two days behind Panasonic announcing six new BDXL-writing DVRs. But, the company is definitely still on the BDXL bleeding edge, announcing its own suite of six devices, ranging from 320GB to 2TB of internal storage and all but one offering dual tuners. When those tuners have filled that storage they can all write to 100GB BDXL discs, which we'll remind you one more time are not backwards compatible with current Blu-ray players. Finally, all six of them support 3D playback, because if you're already jumping on the BDXL bandwagon you surely have your 3D HDTV well and truly dialed in by now. Sony isn't saying just how much these six will cost, but the premium model with 2TB of storage ships in Japan on September 25. For the rest you'll have to wait until October 22.

Sony launches six new DVRs, all write to BDXL and play back in 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:19:00 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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PS3's Torne DVR adapter gets moved up to March in Japan

Tim Stevens — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:19:00 EST

Well, look at that. After a suite of delays and a confirmed launch in May, the Torne DTV DVR adapter for the PS3 (OMG, TLA overload) is actually getting released two months ahead of schedule. It'll ship on March 18, to be exact, which just so happens to be the birthday of a certain Engadget editor -- a certain editor who certainly won't be expecting one of these as a present, as it's highly unlikely that this device, or the all-inclusive bundle with a 250GB PS3, will ever see American shores. Meanwhile those in Japan can expect to pay ¥9,980 ($110) or ¥42,800 ($466.52) for the "limited edition" bundle, which we hear makes a lovely unbirthday present.

PS3's Torne DVR adapter gets moved up to March in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan gets Torne PS3 DTV DVR adapter in May, all is right with the world

Tim Stevens — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:51:00 EST

When the PS3 was announced so many moons ago, one of the major functions that was touted about the thing would be its ability to record and process high-definition video. It's taken quite some time to get there, with the oft-delayed PlayTV tuner finally hitting Europe in late 2008, though the rest of the world still got left out in the cold. Sony's finally taking care of its home crew, announcing Torne, a DTV adapter for Japan that will enable recording of television and even video playback while surfing the web. The Torne will ship in March, priced ¥9980 ($110) on its own or ¥42,800 ($465) as part of yet another PS3 bundle. When will we in the US get a little tuner love? Probably never, at this rate.

Japan gets Torne PS3 DTV DVR adapter in May, all is right with the world originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tivit Mobile DTV to WiFi device hands-on: it works!

Paul Miller — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST

While devices dedicated to DTV or bulked up for DTV have rarely struck our fancy, there's something pretty compelling about this new Tivit unit, for whatever reason. A bit like a single-minded MiFi, the device pulls in Mobile DTV video and then pumps it out over WiFi to a single device at a time. Based on how you're accessing it, the Tivit might appear just as a web page of channel listings to choose from, or in a fancier custom-built app on the iPhone, but to all of those devices it streams h.264 video at a pretty good quality. We tested it with the iPod touch, and while the 20 second channel change times were a little frustrating (they claim they'll be able to get it down to 8, and that it's Apple's fault), everything else worked flawlessly. We had a bit less luck with the Droid, due to what appeared to be a missing codec on our end; we'll have to investigate further. Perhaps the best part is that there's no additional power drain on our primary device, though remembering another USB charger at the end of the day might get annoying. All in all we wholeheartedly support an effort such as this to bring new content to our existing phone, laptop and desktop screens, and if they can sell this for the $90 to $120 suggested price range unsubsidized, we might just be looking at Mobile DTV's best shot at life yet. There's video after the break of the thing in action.

Gallery: Tivit Mobile DTV to WiFi device hands-on

Continue reading Tivit Mobile DTV to WiFi device hands-on: it works!

Tivit Mobile DTV to WiFi device hands-on: it works! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:32:00 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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Ask Engadget HD: Should the FCC kill DTV for better technology?

Ben Drawbaugh — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:41:00 EST

There aren't many around that're bigger fans of free over-the-air HD than us, but we're also really big fans of wireless technologies. So when we originally heard that the FCC was considering commandeering broadcast DTV spectrum for wireless broadband we weren't so keen on the idea. But then we saw this Multichannel News story and it really got us thinking about the ramifications of killing free HD as we know it. The fact is that HD via ATSC only works in applications where the antenna is stationary, which means that cable or satellite work just as well, but of course aren't free. Which means that the only real benefit of broadcast DTV is it is free. This makes us wonder, considering only 10 percent of America relies solely on over-the-air TV, is this really the best use of this valuable wireless spectrum? Or would it be better to use it for wireless broadband? Just think, ATSC uses a 15 year old modulation technology and still manages to pump almost 20 Mbps across one channel. If we freed even part of this for wireless broadband, we could have as much throughput as we wanted to our phones and laptops almost anywhere in the country. So we want to know.

What would the FCC have to do in order to make you happy to give up your free HD? Would free basic cable (with HD of course) make it ok? Or maybe some restrictions are wireless broadband that would make it more affordable for consumers? Maybe just reducing the number of channels in each area by restricting their use to actual public benefits (no infomercials etc) would be a good compromise.

Ultimately we believe that DVRs are going to eventually invalidate non-live linear TV as we know it -- and broadcast TV and its affiliate model along with it. In fact this buyout by the FCC might be the perfect exit strategy for them. The question is will it take 5 years or 25? And will the public or corporate America come out better off as a result.

Filed under: Ask Engadget HD

Ask Engadget HD: Should the FCC kill DTV for better technology? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nielsen reports the effects of the digital transition

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

This is a really interesting report of the affects of the digital transition on ratings. Like the fact that "TV stations that transitioned to digital only experienced an 8 percent share decline immediately following the analog shut-off." But even more interesting is this that same number goes up to 13 percent if the broadcaster switched from UHF to VHF because of reception problems -- no wonder some broadcasters are going back to UHF. The other thing that piqued our interest was that cable companies seemed to be the real winners here as 18.2 percent of those facing the decision to buy a converter box, just ordered cable instead -- little do they know that they are just putting off getting a box.

[Via TVB]

Filed under: Industry

Nielsen reports the effects of the digital transition originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest antenna selector is pretty slick, knows nothing about DVRs

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:19:00 EST

We really love us some free over-the-air HD, in fact even when we do subscribe to cable or satellite, we still prefer to use an antenna for the locals because the picture quality tends to be better. At the same time we understand that antennas aren't for everyone, but we still continue to help everyone else find the best antenna for their location. This latest site is really little more than a cool Google Maps mashup like others we have seen before, but from an online antenna retailer. We really liked how it automatically determined our location -- somehow -- and it makes it easy to see where the towers are in your area. What we didn't like was that it suggested a rotator, which is just silly in the days of DVRs -- seriously, like a DVR would be able to turn the antenna to record your favorite show? Just for starters we don't even use a rotator and get every station without issue, but even if we did need one, we'd recommend you go with two antennas and a Jointenna instead. Yeah, it costs a little more, but works perfectly with DVRs, even when they have the ability to record from more than one channel at a time.

Filed under: DIY, OTA

Latest antenna selector is pretty slick, knows nothing about DVRs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:19:00 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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US Mobile DTV standard finally approved

Nilay Patel — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST

Well freaking finally. The Advanced Television System Committee just approved the Mobile DTV standard, meaning we're finally about to see for-real mobile television in the US. LG and Samsung have already made gear for the new standard, and the tech will be demoed later today before a rollout... sometime. Still, it's heartening news to hear that it's finally ready -- over 800 stations are signed up to broadcast the new signal, which makes use of existing 6MHz airwaves to do everything from straight TV to video-on-demand and targeted advertising. Cool, so now we're what, just a billion years behind DVB adoption?

Filed under: OTA

US Mobile DTV standard finally approved originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Mobile DTV standard finally approved

Nilay Patel — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Misc

US Mobile DTV standard finally approved originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Mobile DTV standard finally approved

Nilay Patel — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Portable Video, Wireless

US Mobile DTV standard finally approved originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 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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FCC says DTV transition going smoothly, few TVs shot up

Nilay Patel — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:41:00 EST

Well, the DTV transition finally went down, and after the endless delay and countless arguments, it seems as though June 12 hit with more of a whimper than a bang: the FCC says there haven'y been any widespread service disruptions, and although the agency's toll-free help lines recorded 700,000 support calls between June 8 and June 12, most converter box issues were resolved in less than five minutes by a simple channel re-scan. Similarly, we can't say we've heard of any particularly big problems out there, so really, we're just wondering what the hell took so long.

Filed under: Industry, OTA

FCC says DTV transition going smoothly, few TVs shot up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC says DTV transition going smoothly, few TVs shot up

Nilay Patel — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:41:00 EST

Well, the DTV transition finally went down, and after the endless delay and countless arguments, it seems as though June 12 hit with more of a whimper than a bang: the FCC says there haven't been any widespread service disruptions, and although the agency's toll-free help lines recorded 700,000 support calls between June 8 and June 12, most converter box issues were resolved in less than five minutes by a simple channel re-scan. Similarly, we can't say we've heard of any particularly big problems out there, so really, we're just wondering what the hell took so long.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

FCC says DTV transition going smoothly, few TVs shot up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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