Engadget HD Podcast 153 - 09.2.2009
By Trent Wolbe 
posted September 2nd 2009 1:28PM
posted September 2nd 2009 1:28PM
We've probably never been more excited about CEDIA, and even though next week looks like it might deliver goods at Joe Six Pack prices, we'll just have to see. Meanwhile, this week we're happy to report Blu-ray prices are falling -- both for the hardware (PS3 slim) and software (you know, discs) -- while shoppers are getting familiar with the newfangled HD craze. If only digital downloads would follow suit in terms of pricing, terms, or both. Other than that, we managed to steer clear of too many rants, and Ben even took advantage of the helpful folks at the FCC to set the record straight on clear QAM. Speaking of setting the record straight, we'll be at CEDIA next week, so the show will come out later than usual, and probably without the live Ustream participation. Stay tuned for details.Get the podcast
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim, Richard Lawler
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Program
00:03:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 152 - 08.26.2009
00:12:50 - The PS3 slim as a Blu-ray player covered in the Engadget review
00:17:20 - Poll: Will you buy a PS3 Slim to use as a Blu-ray player?
00:23:39 - Surprisingly, cheaper Blu-ray movies make everyone happy
00:28:10 - Amazon & iTunes drop digital download prices. Still cost too much
00:36:15 - Bobby Universal Remote for the iPhone review
00:43:00 - Ask Engadget HD: Best way to feed HD to two TVs?
00:46:12 - DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR
00:51:10 - S1Digital adds networked CableCARD tuners to its media server
00:54:10 - Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere!
01:03:01 - The next Batman flick could be all-IMAX
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Ben concerning Clear QAM HD, as they say the devil is in the details. The answers to your questions were correct, but your assumption was incorrect.
First the FCC has made no differentiation between SD and HD only Digitial vs NTSC.
Second the mandatory rule applies to any station that request that the cable system carry it's signal within it's broadcast area. Now if the station requests compensation for carriage, then it loses the mandatory status. If you do a google search of Engaget HD you'll find stories where cable systems have either threatened to drop or dropped OAT stations from their line-up when the station demanded more compensation that the cable company was willing to give.
But the bottom line is this: Comcast provided the DTA to any subscriber who requested it for free and once the boxes were in place and available and the waiver granted, they would be within their rights to apply the privacy coding to the channels. Will they? Who knows. If they do, then the FCC would have to fine them and then they would have to go to court to get the fine overturned--much like the wardrobe malfunction during the Super Bowl Half Time show a couple of years ago.
If you ask your FCC contact if a cable system is even required to carry a local station that demands compensation, I think you'll get a different answer. Also here, as we learned as fire spread up Mt. Wilson to the antenna farm for all of Los Angeles, the cable companies don't receive the local stations OTA and the stations would not go off the cable systems here if the transmitters went down, but all the rabbit ear viewers would lose their signals.
John,
Thanks, but I have to say the more I research this, the more I am confused. For starters the quote I used above says that any channel that is eligible for must carry, not just those not getting compensated.
But further more, 47 CFR 76.630 (a) states that the basic tier has to be in the clear.
At this point I don't know what to think, and now realize why attorneys charge so much.
With regards to the question of the forum post about an argument where the cable company gives you a free set-top box: my understanding was that the FCC had ordered cable companies in 1998 to physically seperate the security features of their network, and that Section 629 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandated the ability for consumers to access cable content over third party devices. So even if they argued that the free cable box allowed access, they would still have to abide by §629 mandating third party access.
You're right, that's why Comcast requested and received a waiver to by pass this requirement for the DTA distribution. The FCC has the power to modify their rulings much like extending CP for transmission towers.
You see, that's what I hate about a law that says the FCC has to act in consulation with industry. I don't want to get too political here, but that law really did stray over the line with regard to special interest influence.
I give you 10 good talking points about Sage, and all you say is Windows Mobile isn't popular? :-)
PF
Ben,
Regarding the LG BD390, I think it has gotten some pretty decent love in the online press. CNET has it rated the best overall Bluray player and HD Nation's Robert Heron gave it a huge thumbs up as well. But you are right, even more would be better!
It is also continuing to add new features. In addition to the Netflix and CinemaNow (and YouTube), it looks like it is getting Vudu support soon.
And, in addition to being DNLA certified, it also just added (via a firmware upgrade), the ability to stream content from your computer simply by "sharing" that file or folder using Windows! No need to use server software.
It does have very fast load times for Bluray, but with the Netflix Watch Instantly and the ability watch mkv, mp4, ts, etc, etc, the BR is almost a secondary use for us!!
The problem with all of this Sage vs. WMC talk is that most people who use either has not used the other as their full time solution. No matter how awesome I think Sage is, I still have to admit that I've never used WMC for more than a day. There are a few converts, but they're few and far between. It's like owning a car. I can make fun of Toyotas all I want and think Hondas are great, but if I never had a Toyota or driven one to work every day than my opinion is pretty worthless.