Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[TiVo Premiere DVRs in the Bay Area get Comcast VOD starting today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/tivo-comcast-vod-launch-bay-area/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/tivo-comcast-vod-launch-bay-area/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/tivo-comcast-vod-launch-bay-area/#comments TiVo DVRs in the Bay Area updated with Comcast video on-demand starting todayJust one month shy of a year after we first heard it would happen (not counting the icon flub during the original Premiere announcement) TiVo has announced its DVRs will be able to access Comcast's Xfinity On Demand library. The blog and product page feature several screenshots flashing the Xfinity VOD icon and showing off the TiVo Premiere UI's universal search pulling from Comcast's library alongside other sources like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu Plus. Until now, switching to third party DVRs exclusively meant largely foregoing access to Comcast's VOD, but with this customers who dig the TiVo experience can switch without making compromises. Naturally, to make use of this customers will need to be Comcast TV subscribers, although we hear the video will be delivered via QAM just like on cable company owned boxes instead of IP, which might provide higher video quality than the Xbox 360's recently launched app. The update will be made available to customers in the San Francisco Bay Area to start, delivered "today and over the next few weeks" -- no word yet when we'll see this roll out elsewhere.

Continue reading TiVo Premiere DVRs in the Bay Area get Comcast VOD starting today

TiVo Premiere DVRs in the Bay Area get Comcast VOD starting today originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appbreaking newscomcastdvrhd dvrhd vodHdDvrhdpostcrossHdVodipqamtivotivo premiereTivoPremierevideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodxfinityxfinity tvxfinity video on demandXfinityTvXfinityVideoOnDemandTue, 10 Apr 2012 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxee and the NCTA debate if ClearQAM is good for us]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/boxee-and-the-ncta-debate-if-clearqam-is-good-for-us/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/boxee-and-the-ncta-debate-if-clearqam-is-good-for-us/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/boxee-and-the-ncta-debate-if-clearqam-is-good-for-us/#comments ClearQAM delivered HDThe National Cable & Telecommunications Association and Boxee don't see eye to eye on whether or not ClearQAM is good or bad for us. Boxee argues that encrypting even those channels free and clear via an antenna, as a few cable companies have requested permission from the FCC to do, will increase your bill and limit competition. The NCTA alternatively claims that eliminating ClearQAM will enable self installs, thus reducing costs and truck rolls, because the coax outside your house will no longer need to be disconnected when you cancel service, and that Boxee should just adopt CableCARD if it wants the Boxee Box to access live cable TV -- of course most anyone who has had a CableCARD setup knows that a simple truck roll to connect a cable outside is child's play. While this struggle has played out in public with FCC filings, social media and blog posts, we all just fondly remember a day when setting up a TV was as simple as connecting a single coax cable and running a channel scan. Of course, it would be nice if the FCC would actually force more QAM to be sent in the clear and require accurate PSIP data while it's at it, but we gave up on that dream years ago.

Boxee and the NCTA debate if ClearQAM is good for us originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoxeeCableCARDclear qamClearQAMFCChdpostcrosshdpostminiNational Cable Telecommunications AssociationNationalCableTelecommunicationsAssociationNCTAQAMThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Simple.tv DVR / placeshifter frees free TV from the constraints of location, time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/simple-tv-dvr-placeshifter-frees-free-tv-from-the-constraints/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/simple-tv-dvr-placeshifter-frees-free-tv-from-the-constraints/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/simple-tv-dvr-placeshifter-frees-free-tv-from-the-constraints/#comments One of the many innovative products we checked out tonight was this ViXS XCode 4210 powered Simple.TV box, which tunes into free, unencrypted channels (even in HD) via cable or antenna. Where it starts to differ from other boxes like Sling and Monsoon however, is that it eschews any direct video out or even passthrough, working solely to transcode those feeds to variable bitrate MPEG-4 streams for playback on internet-connected mobile devices and TV boxes. Besides the missing TV out, this headless unit also only supports DVRs courtesy of whatever storage you may add yourself, since it doesn't contain any. The Simple.TV box is set to launch this spring and initially should have viewing apps available for Roku and iPad, with Boxee Box and Google TV viewers eventually planned as well (there is also a $29 Windows Media Center app). Currently the pricing is set at $149, and while streaming to another device in the home and simple DVR function are free to use, adding a guide and allowing streaming to up to 5 devices over the internet will require another $4.99 per month. If you're interested, check out the video after the break and keep a spot near your coax line open.

Gallery: simple.tv DVR hands-on

Continue reading Simple.tv DVR / placeshifter frees free TV from the constraints of location, time

Simple.tv DVR / placeshifter frees free TV from the constraints of location, time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscesces 2012Ces2012connected tvConnectedTvdvrhands-onhdpostcrosshdtvotaplaceshifterPlaceShiftingqamsimple tvsimple.tvSimpleTvstreamerstreamingtranscodetvvideovixsxcodexcode 4210Xcode4210Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:47:00 EST<![CDATA[DVBLink turns any ATSC or clear QAM tuner into a networked tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/dvblink-turns-any-atsc-or-clear-qam-tuner-into-a-networked-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/dvblink-turns-any-atsc-or-clear-qam-tuner-into-a-networked-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/dvblink-turns-any-atsc-or-clear-qam-tuner-into-a-networked-tuner/#commentsDVBLogic A craze that was started by Silicon Dust years ago is very popular for a very good reason -- network tuners are incredibly flexible -- and it just came to any ATSC or clear QAM tuner. The company DVBLogic has made it possible to turn any DVB tuner into a network tuner for some time, but since we don't DVB in the US, it hasn't been very useful on this side of the Atlantic. The latest release of DVBLink includes said ability which might be just the way for you to watch live HD on your laptop using the existing tuner in your HTPC. It isn't free software, but we're betting if you have the need the ~40 Euro price won't keep you from it -- assuming the free 30 day trial works as advertised.

DVBLink turns any ATSC or clear QAM tuner into a networked tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscDVBLinkDVBLogichdMCMedia CenterMediaCenterqamWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCFri, 18 Jun 2010 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[ZeeVee adds remote management to ZvBox line, QAM 64 broadcasting and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/zeevee-adds-remote-management-to-zvbox-line-qam-64-broadcasting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/zeevee-adds-remote-management-to-zvbox-line-qam-64-broadcasting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/zeevee-adds-remote-management-to-zvbox-line-qam-64-broadcasting/#comments ZeeVee as a whole has transformed mightily as a company since we saw 'em debut back in May of 2008, now catering its hardware business towards enterprise customers and the occasional high-end home owner. That said, there's still reason to pay attention, particularly if you're an existing owner of a ZvBox. The company recently made known that a trio of gratis updates were being made available, the first of which added remote management capabilities to the entire line. Essentially, this upgrade allows multiple ZvBoxes to be simultaneously connected to a single computer at the ZvBox deployment site, and then access is granted to said computer via the web. In turn, an administrator can completely control distribution and the like, adding a bit of Sling flair to the whole ordeal. In lesser news, all ZvBoxes can now also broadcast using QAM 64 (in addition to the traditional QAM 256 method), and the ZvPro 250 can now deliver a single video stream with split-audio, which could be helpful in serving up multilingual streams. Or, you know, a censored version of that R-rated movie for your kid's room.

ZeeVee adds remote management to ZvBox line, QAM 64 broadcasting and more originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HAhdhome automotionHomeAutomotionQAMqam tunerQamTunerRemote ManagementRemoteManagementRF modulatorRfModulatorZeeVeezvboxZvPro 250Zvpro250Tue, 18 May 2010 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/#commentsClear QAM tuner
Oh we just love the echo chamber that is the internet these days -- some genius reads about something as harmless as a integrated security waver for cheap digital SD set-top-boxes and automatically predicts the end of clear QAM as we know it. Now we hate all the feet dragging by cable operators in the US as much as the next, and wish the FCC would enforce the Telecommunications Act of 1996 already, but that doesn't mean that everything big cable does is evil, or that the FCC is useless.

The bottom line is that local broadcast channels are available in HD to any cable subscriber with a clear QAM tuner, whether you have a set-top-box or not. The recent news changes nothing, except maybe a very select few who were lucky enough to receive more than locals via clear QAM. We dropped the FCC a line to make sure we had our facts straight -- wouldn't want to call people out without checking our own first -- and the very prompt answer we received was that this statutory requirement goes all the way back to the to the Communications Act of 1934 (Section 614(b)(4)(B).

More recently, the FCC addressed the issue when laying down the digital transition rules which "states that broadcast signals that are subject to mandatory carriage must be "viewable via cable on all television receivers of a subscriber which are connected to a cable system by a cable operator or for which a cable operator provides a connection." Now obviously we're not lawyers, but it seems pretty clear that local cable operators are not allowed to encrypt any locally broadcast HD stations. Now we've heard reports that some cable companies do indeed encrypt these signals, but while you might be willing to complain on some forum about it, have you taken the time to file a proper complaint with the FCC? If not, then you really don't have anything to complain about.

Read (doc) - The 2007 Report to set the transition rules (paragraph 15)

**UPDATE** As you can see from the comments, with anything legal it isn't exactly cut and dry. In fact the only thing we've managed to accomplish is to be confused. So while some level of broadcast TV has to be free, we're not sure if it's free as in beer or what. Stay tuned for a follow up just as soon as we figure it out.

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Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableclear QAMClearQamFCChdQAMFri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-what-is-atsc-psip-qam-and-8-vsb/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-what-is-atsc-psip-qam-and-8-vsb/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-what-is-atsc-psip-qam-and-8-vsb/#commentsHD master control
Once you buy an HDTV it doesn't take long before you get confused by all the acronyms. We love us some HD, but the days of simply bringing a new set home and plugging into a coax cable are long over -- at least for most. It is pretty obvious by the latest surveys that most people don't understand exactly what it takes to enjoy HD on their HDTV, but even if you do, you may not understand what most of it means. Now while this isn't the typical make sure you have your HDTV configured to watch HD post, it will help you understand the different ways HD is delivered.

Continue reading HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?

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HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-VSB8VSBAC3ATSCbroadbandcableCableCARDFCCfeaturedfeatureshdHD 101HD-101HD101modulatorNTSCotaPSIPQAMQAM256SDVUHFVHFFri, 08 May 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's QUE100 MicroEncoder lets analog sources and digital displays to play nice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/motorolas-que100-microencoder-lets-analog-sources-and-digital-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/motorolas-que100-microencoder-lets-analog-sources-and-digital-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/motorolas-que100-microencoder-lets-analog-sources-and-digital-d/#commentsMotorola QUE100 MicroEncoder
We were pretty excited to see analog TVs disappear from store shelves; delays in the analog shutoff aside, it was a big move in the right direction. But wouldn't you know it, there's a niche market that still legitimately needs to move video around to analog-only endpoints -- security cameras, commercial distribution systems and MDU (multiple dwelling units) setups, for example. Users of such systems who haven't stocked up on analog sets will be glad to know Motorola's got them covered with the QUE100 QAM MicroEncoder. The svelte rack-mountable units will soak up 2, 4, 8 or 12 (depending on model) standard definition MPEG-2 analog video feeds along with their audio and put them all into a single MPEG-2 QAM output that can be tuned on those newfangled digital tuners.

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Motorola's QUE100 MicroEncoder lets analog sources and digital displays to play nice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analoghdmicroencodermotorolaother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareothersqamque100Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Cable HD compression gets turned up a notch in the Electra 8000 encoder]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/cable-hd-compression-gets-turned-up-a-notch-in-the-electra-8000/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/cable-hd-compression-gets-turned-up-a-notch-in-the-electra-8000/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/cable-hd-compression-gets-turned-up-a-notch-in-the-electra-8000/#comments
We haven't talked about QAM cramming much recently, but we have a feeling its ugly, pixelated head will soon be raised once more, now that Harmonic is launching the DiviCom Electra 8000 encoder, capable of stuffing four MPEG-2 HD streams in one QAM channel. It might be an interesting bit of hardware if you're a head end tech, capable of delivering 1080p60, MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 video capable of three encoding passes, but all we can see at the end is too many channels slotted into too little frequency and the potential for compression artifacts. Anyone stopping by Cable Show '09 this week should be able to get a demo, with the first units shipping in June, we'll be keeping a close eye on both our channel lineup and picture quality.

[Thanks, Larry]

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Cable HD compression gets turned up a notch in the Electra 8000 encoder originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable showCableShowcompressionelectra 8000Electra8000harmonichdmpeg-2qamMon, 30 Mar 2009 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest CE Pro Magazine reveals the ZeeVee ZvPro]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/latest-ce-pro-magazine-reveals-the-zvpro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/latest-ce-pro-magazine-reveals-the-zvpro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/latest-ce-pro-magazine-reveals-the-zvpro/#commentsZvPro add in CE Pro
Well looky here, the wonders that is print media isn't useless just yet -- thanks to very long lead times and an ambitious postal worker, the latest edition of CE Pro Magazine reveals the evidently soon to be announced ZvPro. The ad doesn't offer up enough details for us, but it does look like some of our biggest gripes about the original ZeVee Box are addressed. For example, now we have component and Toslink input as well as RS-232 control and an IR port -- no indication if that is an input or an output. The rack mountable device is obviously geared towards the prosumer so it isn't too much of a stretch to assume this little baby will demand a premium price -- if we were the betting type, we'd have our money on over $800. But even at that price, we're sure this box will find at least a few homes as there are plenty of people trying to figure out how to send HD over the existing coax in their home without mounting a STB on the wall below the HDTV.

[Thanks, Utah]

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Latest CE Pro Magazine reveals the ZeeVee ZvPro originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CE ProCeProHDTVQAMRF-ModulatorZeeVeeZeeVee ProZeeveeProzvproSat, 03 Jan 2009 21:19:00 EST<![CDATA[ViewSonic's 22-inch N2201w LCD TV packs inbuilt DVD player, TV tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/viewsonics-22-inch-n2201w-lcd-tv-packs-inbuilt-dvd-player-tv-t/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/viewsonics-22-inch-n2201w-lcd-tv-packs-inbuilt-dvd-player-tv-t/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/viewsonics-22-inch-n2201w-lcd-tv-packs-inbuilt-dvd-player-tv-t/#comments
We still haven't been able to shake the ViewSonic dragon from our memory, but we're attempting to move on with our lives by directing our attention (however briefly) to the N2201w. This so-called "3-in-1" LCD TV packs a 22-inch 1,680 x 1,050 resolution panel, a 5-millisecond response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a built-in NTSC / ATSC / QAM TV tuner. You'll also find an integrated DVD player and an HDMI port, and just to prove it really is multifaceted, there's a PC input to boot. No telling if the picture quality is anything to write home about, but the $429 price tag sure is palatable.

[Via CEPro]

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ViewSonic's 22-inch N2201w LCD TV packs inbuilt DVD player, TV tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscclearqamdvd lcd comboDvdLcdCombohdlcdlcd tvLcdTvmonitorN2201wotaother formatsotherformatsothersqamViewSonicWed, 24 Sep 2008 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[ViewSonic's 22-inch N2201w LCD TV packs inbuilt DVD player, TV tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/viewsonics-22-inch-n2201w-lcd-tv-packs-inbuilt-dvd-player-tv-t/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/viewsonics-22-inch-n2201w-lcd-tv-packs-inbuilt-dvd-player-tv-t/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/viewsonics-22-inch-n2201w-lcd-tv-packs-inbuilt-dvd-player-tv-t/#comments
We still haven't been able to shake the ViewSonic dragon from our memory, but we're attempting to move on with our lives by directing our attention (however briefly) to the N2201w. This so-called "3-in-1" LCD TV packs a 22-inch 1,680 x 1,050 resolution panel, a 5-millisecond response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a built-in NTSC / ATSC / QAM TV tuner. You'll also find an integrated DVD player and an HDMI port, and just to prove it really is multifaceted, there's a PC input to boot. No telling if the picture quality is anything to write home about, but the $429 price tag sure is palatable.

[Via CEPro]

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ViewSonic's 22-inch N2201w LCD TV packs inbuilt DVD player, TV tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscclearqamdvd lcd comboDvdLcdCombohdtvlcdlcd tvLcdTvmonitorN2201wqamViewSonicWed, 24 Sep 2008 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[ZeeVee ZvBox review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/zeevee-zvbox-review/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/zeevee-zvbox-review/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/zeevee-zvbox-review/#comments

There aren't many things we love more than when a new gadget comes along that is nothing like anything we've ever seen, so when we first heard about a box that streams HD around the house on the existing coax that is in just about every abode in America, we got pretty excited. Lucky for us, we were able to pull a ZeeVee ZvBox in for review, and after a few setbacks during setup, we were left playing with something pretty unique. The problem of course is that unique isn't really a compliment, but it can be if it just happens to be the solution you're looking for. So if you've been scouting a way to get web content on your HDTV without running any wires and without being forced to deal with a STB or the headaches that come with a wireless device, click on through to see what all the fuss is about.

Gallery: Hands-on and unboxing: ZeeVee'z ZvBox


Continue reading ZeeVee ZvBox review

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ZeeVee ZvBox review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshdhd media streamerhd streamingHdMediaStreamerHdStreaminglocalcastlocalcastingmedia streamerMediaStreamerQAMreviewreviewedReviewsstreamstreamingZeeVeeZvBoxTue, 23 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget HD: What is switched digital video (SDV)?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/#comments
With scads of cable providers slowly but surely converting markets and delivering channels via switched digital video, we reckoned now was an excellent time to dust off the terminology dictionary and dig in deeper. Fittingly, Jarad agreed:

"I've seen that lots of markets are being switched over to SDV lately, and I've noticed CableCARD users are generally upset whenever this happens. Why is that? I thought SDV was supposed to free up space so that more high-definition channels could be distributed on the current network?"

If you've suddenly found yourself wondering the same, head on past the break for the low-down.

Continue reading Ask Engadget HD: What is switched digital video (SDV)?

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Ask Engadget HD: What is switched digital video (SDV)? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadget dhask engadget hdAskEngadgetHdbandwidthbroadcastbroadcastingcablecoaxfeatureshdqamsdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotechnologyWed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 TV tuner gets reviewed, loved]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/21/hauppauge-wintv-hvr-2250-tv-tuner-gets-reviewed-loved/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/21/hauppauge-wintv-hvr-2250-tv-tuner-gets-reviewed-loved/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/21/hauppauge-wintv-hvr-2250-tv-tuner-gets-reviewed-loved/#comments
Just about the pull the trigger on that warmly received AVerTV Bravo Hybrid, are you? Hold your horses just a moment. Hauppauge's WinTV-HVR-2250 recently hit the test bench over at PC Magazine, and we'll just get right down to the dirt: it was called "the gold standard of home theater PC TV tuners." That's right folks, the gold standard. Said card boasts twin hybrid tuners, dual hardware MPEG encoders and integrated QAM support, and apparently, using it was a real joy. Setup and installation was "a snap," and image quality was "crisp and clear." Really, the only dig reviewers had was that the QAM plug-in was still a bit unstable, but given that it is still in beta, that really shouldn't come as a surprise. Of note, this card will run you a touch more than the aforementioned AVerTV at $129, but it just might be worth it based on this glowing review.

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Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 TV tuner gets reviewed, loved originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clear-qamHauppaugehdhd tunerHdTunerotaotherspcieQAMreviewreviewedtunertv tunerTvTunerwintvWinTV-HVR-2250Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Hauppauge tuners net QAM support in Vista MCE, thanks to beta plug-in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/16/hauppauge-tuners-net-qam-support-in-vista-mce-thanks-to-beta-pl/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/16/hauppauge-tuners-net-qam-support-in-vista-mce-thanks-to-beta-pl/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/16/hauppauge-tuners-net-qam-support-in-vista-mce-thanks-to-beta-pl/#comments
Folks possessing a Hauppauge HVR-1250, HVR-1600, HVR-1800 or HVR-2250 -- have we got an interesting tidbit for you. A fresh new beta plug-in has surfaced, which promises to give the aforementioned cards ClearQAM support within 32- and 64-bit Vista Media Center environments. Initial reports are somewhat disappointing, but encouraging nonetheless. Those with nerves of steel can hit the read link and proceed to download the beta -- but only if you promise to tell us how it goes in comments below.

[Via Chris Lanier's Blog, thanks Will]

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Hauppauge tuners net QAM support in Vista MCE, thanks to beta plug-in originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 May 2008 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadownloadHauppaugehdmedia centerMediaCenterotaplug-inqamsoftwarevistavista media centerVistaMediaCenterwindowsFri, 16 May 2008 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast rolling out Science, Disney and ABC Family HD channels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/comcast-rolling-out-science-disney-and-abc-family-hd-channels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/comcast-rolling-out-science-disney-and-abc-family-hd-channels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/comcast-rolling-out-science-disney-and-abc-family-hd-channels/#commentsComcast is stepping up its busy HD rollout (and channel squeezing) schedule, with several new channels spotted today in the Detroit and Chicago areas. Science HD, Disney HD and ABC Family HD are probably in your local channel guide -- Discovery HD is now listed DSCHD, while Disney is DISHD, confused yet? -- and word is they should hit many other areas Wednesday. Posters at AVSForum indicate more of the 3 channels-on-one-QAM compression tactics are afoot, take a look and let us know if having High School Musical 2 in HD still satisfies.

[Thanks, Nathaniel]

Read - Detroit, MI HDTV
Read - Chicago, IL Comcast

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Comcast rolling out Science, Disney and ABC Family HD channels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abccablechicagocomcastcompressiondetroitdiscovery hddiscoveryhddisney channel hddisney hdDisneyChannelHdDisneyHdhdnew contentnewcontentqamscience hdScienceHdWed, 02 Apr 2008 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[QAM gets explained in quick-and-dirty fashion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/qam-gets-explained-in-quick-and-dirty-fashion/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/qam-gets-explained-in-quick-and-dirty-fashion/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/qam-gets-explained-in-quick-and-dirty-fashion/#comments
If you've noticed, quite a few Comcast users have been grumbling over the quality of their HD programming recently, and they're attributing the artifacts / compression to the squeezing of three high-def channels onto a single QAM. Granted, delving into technical aspects typically isn't our bag, but given the constant talk of HD Lite, we figured it prudent to pass along a rough 'n dirty explanation that details why cramming more than two HD channels onto one QAM is a bad idea (in the consumer's eye). Quadrature amplitude modulation, as it's formally known, equals 6MHz of bandwidth, which equals 38.8Mbps of broadband data, which equals thousands of voice conversation, which equals "enough" space for two to three HD nets. Granted, just because three will fit doesn't mean things will look as good as if only two were allocated to one QAM. Quite frankly, we're just scratching the surface in this space, but hit up the read link if you're itching to know more.

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QAM gets explained in quick-and-dirty fashion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabledefineexplainexplainationexplainedhdQAMTue, 25 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[MythTV 0.21 available, adds ClearQAM support via HDHomeRun]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/10/mythtv-0-21-available-adds-clearqam-support-via-hdhomerun/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/10/mythtv-0-21-available-adds-clearqam-support-via-hdhomerun/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/10/mythtv-0-21-available-adds-clearqam-support-via-hdhomerun/#commentsIt's been a while since we checked in on the MythTV project, just updated to version 0.21, most notably adding QAM recording for HDHomeRun owners. If merely recording unencrypted HDTV via cable isn't enough, upgraded users may notice lowered memory consumption, the ability to record main and/or secondary audio channels, a couple new official plugins and a bunch of other tweaks. Check the wiki for the full list and get your Linux DVR going.

[Via TV Squad]

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MythTV 0.21 available, adds ClearQAM support via HDHomeRun originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.21cabledvrhdhdhomerunlinuxmyth tvMythTvopen sourceOpenSourceqamMon, 10 Mar 2008 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[AVerTV Bravo Hybrid PCI-E tuner handles Clear QAM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/27/avertv-bravo-hybrid-pci-e-tuner-handles-clear-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/27/avertv-bravo-hybrid-pci-e-tuner-handles-clear-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/27/avertv-bravo-hybrid-pci-e-tuner-handles-clear-qam/#comments
AVerMedia's latest PCI-E tuner isn't chock full of extras, but it's definitely packing quite a punch for $79.99. The unit plays nice with ATSC, NTSC and Clear QAM signals along with FM radio, and aside from letting folks tune into HD programs over-the-air, it can also record directly in H.264 format to save space on your hard drive and provide easy exporting to iPods / PMPs. Just what the doctor ordered? Fantastic -- it's available right now.

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AVerTV Bravo Hybrid PCI-E tuner handles Clear QAM originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscavermediaAVerTVBravo Hybrid PCI-EBravoHybridPci-eclear qamClearQamh.264hdntscotaotherspci-3qamtunertv tunerTvTunerWed, 27 Feb 2008 08:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Bresnan talks 50 HD channels by end of year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/bresnan-talks-50-hd-channels-by-end-of-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/bresnan-talks-50-hd-channels-by-end-of-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/bresnan-talks-50-hd-channels-by-end-of-year/#commentsBresnan CommunicationsIn the linked interview, Bresnan Communications' VP of strategic engineering, Pragash Pillai, doubles the company's earlier HD channel plans for 2008, moving the mark up to 50. He also indicates that figure does not include the couple hundred hours of HD VOD (video on demand) that's also planned for the year. The tech plans detailed by Pillai are interesting: Besnan has about 96-percent of its systems at 750 MHz and above, and will be moving to 256 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) to get the most out of its bandwidth. In the end, he expects 2.5 HD channels per 6 MHz QAM channel. Looking to 2009, he also expects to see rollout of MPEG4 to homes as necessary. This kind of long-term planning is encouraging to see, especially from a smaller player -- infrastructure improvements are costly, and only companies that see the HD future will be prepared to keep growing their offerings and feeding our appetite.

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Bresnan talks 50 HD channels by end of year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BresnanBresnan CommunicationsBresnanCommunicationscablehdMPEG4QAMVODMon, 25 Feb 2008 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey FCC, force big cable to clear our QAM!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/hey-fcc-force-big-cable-to-clear-our-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/hey-fcc-force-big-cable-to-clear-our-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/hey-fcc-force-big-cable-to-clear-our-qam/#commentsClear QAM channel with Info
Part of the job of the FCC is to protect the interests of us, (the common HDTV enthusiast) but there are a few ways in which they leave us in the cold and the one itching at the moment is the lack of clear QAM. For as long as cable TV has existed we've been able to simply plug in our TVs and enjoy a pretty decent selection of programming, and as we move into the world of digital we are losing this ability. The problem is that almost all cable co's encrypt all their digital channels and in most areas the only digital signals not encrypted, are the ones that are also available OTA, and this only because the FCC forbids it. Sure, CableCARDs allow us to unencrypted these signals, but big cable has proven they don't want to support 'em and as a result most HDTV manufacturers have abandoned them. But, what is still included, is a clear QAM tuner and if the FCC would force big cable to send any channel in the basic tier, in the clear, then most TVs sold today could subscribe to basic digital cable without a STB or CableCARD -- and to us that'd be, real nice. The other piece of the puzzle is programming information, the broadcast industry is forced to use what is called PSIP for this and more often than not, cable co's strip this information out when they pass the signal on to the customer. The FCC should not only require cable co's to pass on PSIP info, they should force them to include -- valid and usable -- PSIP information for all clear QAM channels. This would allow TV manufactures to display the clear QAM channels -- just like analog ones have for years -- at the correct channel location and with current program information and retain the same "basic cable" experience that we've had for years. As for DRM, we don't see any reason that the FCC couldn't enforce a broadcast flag on QAM tuners, and since we're not talking about free OTA TV here, we'd bet the mandate would stick this time.

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Hey FCC, force big cable to clear our QAM! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableClear QAMClearQamFCChdQAMFri, 14 Dec 2007 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast Media Center gets creative with compression]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/comcast-media-center-gets-creative-with-compression/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/comcast-media-center-gets-creative-with-compression/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/comcast-media-center-gets-creative-with-compression/#commentsMake no mistake about it, as the bandwidth belt tightens around cable, carriers are grasping for ways to cram more channels into an increasingly small space. Reportedly, Comcast Media Center has devised a method to stuff three HD signals into a single 6MHz carrier, which is typically just enough to handle two HD channels without picture quality taking a dive. Though the process sounds quite technical, the long and short of it is that a "second-pass MPEG-2 encoding system from startup Imagine Communications" is reportedly being used to "stack together three signals at variable bit rates into one 6MHz QAM channel." Of course, it's hard to say if this clever methodology results in noticeably poorer picture quality, but unless something drastic happens in the world of coax, you can count on seeing a whole lot more where this came from.

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Comcast Media Center gets creative with compression originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecmccomcastComcast Media CenterComcastMediaCentercompressionhdhd liteHdLiteImagine CommunicationsImagineCommunicationsmultiplexmultiplexingqamstatistical multiplexingStatisticalMultiplexingFri, 14 Dec 2007 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Envision kicks out trio of Omni-series LCD HDTVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/envision-kicks-out-trio-of-omni-series-lcd-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/envision-kicks-out-trio-of-omni-series-lcd-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/envision-kicks-out-trio-of-omni-series-lcd-hdtvs/#commentsEnvision understands that the people need choices, and just in case neither of the two LCD HDTVs that the firm unleashed last month tickled your fancy, here comes a trio of new ones to pore over. All three units sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, eight-millisecond response time, ATSC / Clear QAM tuners, integrated speakers, a headphone jack, S/PDIF port and a glossy black finish. On the high(er)-end, we've got the 42-inch L42W761, which features a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI inputs and a respectable $999 pricetag. The 32-inch L32W761 differs from its big bro by offering up a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, while the 26-inch L26W761 musters an 800:1 CR. These two will ring up at $649 and $479, respectively, and are available as we speak from a number of fine retailers, but if you've got your eye on the 42-incher, you'll be waiting till the 23rd -- yeah, Black Friday -- to take one home.

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Envision kicks out trio of Omni-series LCD HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>26-inch32-inch42-inchatscclear-qamEnvisionEnvision PeripheralsEnvisionPeripheralshdhdtvL42W761lcdlcd tvLcdTvOmniothersqamtunertv tunerTvTunerThu, 15 Nov 2007 08:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Envision kicks out trio of Omni-series LCD HDTVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/envision-kicks-out-trio-of-omni-series-lcd-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/envision-kicks-out-trio-of-omni-series-lcd-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/15/envision-kicks-out-trio-of-omni-series-lcd-hdtvs/#commentsEnvision understands that the people need choices, and just in case neither of the two LCD HDTVs that the firm unleashed last month tickled your fancy, here comes a trio of new ones to pore over. All three units sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, eight-millisecond response time, ATSC / Clear QAM tuners, integrated speakers, a headphone jack, S/PDIF port and a glossy black finish. On the high(er)-end, we've got the 42-inch L42W761, which features a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI inputs and a respectable $999 pricetag. The 32-inch L32W761 differs from its big bro by offering up a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, while the 26-inch L26W761 musters an 800:1 CR. These two will ring up at $649 and $479, respectively, and are available as we speak from a number of fine retailers, but if you've got your eye on the 42-incher, you'll be waiting till the 23rd -- yeah, Black Friday -- to take one home.

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Envision kicks out trio of Omni-series LCD HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>26-inch32-inch42-inchatscclear-qamEnvisionEnvision PeripheralsEnvisionPeripheralshdtvL42W761lcd tvLcdTvOmniqamtunertv tunerTvTunerThu, 15 Nov 2007 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD unveils trio of new ATI TV Wonders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/15/amd-unveils-trio-of-new-ati-tv-wonders/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/15/amd-unveils-trio-of-new-ati-tv-wonders/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/15/amd-unveils-trio-of-new-ati-tv-wonders/#comments
Those looking for a fresh way to capture OTA signals on their computer need to look AMD's way, as the firm is kicking out three new ATI TV Wonder devices today. Up first is the TV Wonder 650 Combo USB, which includes two TV tuners to pick up OTA HDTV signals / ClearQAM programming, analog TV and FM broadcasts. For those with desktops, the TV Wonder 600 PCI or TV Wonder 600 PCI Express should fit the bill quite nicely, as they offer up the same features as their USB sibling in less portable forms. Notably, all three units come bundled with Catalyst Media Center software, which enables the devices to quickly convert (read: "with two mouse clicks") recorded programming to formats suitable for use on the iPod, Zune, PSP, iPhone, Palm Treo, etc. Price wise, the 650 Combo USB will demand $149, while the other two (pictured after the jump) will run you just $99 apiece.

Continue reading AMD unveils trio of new ATI TV Wonders

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AMD unveils trio of new ATI TV Wonders originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>600 PCI600 PCI Express600Pci600PciExpress650 Combo USB650ComboUsbamdatiatscCatalyst Media CenterCatalystMediaCenterclear qamClearQamhdotaotherspci-epcieqamtunertv tunertv tuningtv wonderTvTunerTvTuningTvWonderMon, 15 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD unveils trio of new ATI TV Wonders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/15/amd-unveils-trio-of-new-ati-tv-wonders/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/15/amd-unveils-trio-of-new-ati-tv-wonders/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/15/amd-unveils-trio-of-new-ati-tv-wonders/#comments
Those looking for a fresh way to capture OTA signals on their computer need to look AMD's way, as the firm is kicking out three new ATI TV Wonder devices today. Up first is the TV Wonder 650 Combo USB, which includes two TV tuners to pick up OTA HDTV signals / ClearQAM programming, analog TV and FM broadcasts. For those with desktops, the TV Wonder 600 PCI or TV Wonder 600 PCI Express should fit the bill quite nicely, as they offer up the same features as their USB sibling in less portable forms. Notably, all three units come bundled with Catalyst Media Center software, which enables the devices to quickly convert (read: "with two mouse clicks") recorded programming to formats suitable for use on the iPod, Zune, PSP, iPhone, Palm Treo, etc. Price wise, the 650 Combo USB will demand $149, while the other two (pictured after the jump) will run you just $99 apiece.

Continue reading AMD unveils trio of new ATI TV Wonders

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AMD unveils trio of new ATI TV Wonders originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>600 PCI600 PCI Express600Pci600PciExpress650 Combo USB650ComboUsbamdatiCatalyst Media CenterCatalystMediaCenterclear qamClearQamhdtvotapci-epcieportable videoportablevideoqamtunertv tunertv tuningtv wonderTvTunerTvTuningTvWonderMon, 15 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun to bring DVB to Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/11/hdhomerun-to-bring-dvb-to-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/11/hdhomerun-to-bring-dvb-to-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/11/hdhomerun-to-bring-dvb-to-media-center/#commentsHDHomeRun
The HDHomeRun is our favorite networked HD tuner -- never mind the fact it's the only one. Having a tuner on the network instead of in the HTPC has a few advantages including the ability to use a smaller PC case, to use as many tuners as you want, and not having to run coax cables to the PC. But what might be the biggest advantage is, that it can add tuners that would otherwise be unavailable -- like QAM on Windows Media Center Edition. Now it seems the team at SiliconDust is working on a version for the rest of the world and will enable DVB-T and unencrypted DVB-C for various DVR packages on the PC including Microsoft's Media Center Edition.

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HDHomeRun to bring DVB to Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DVB-CDVB-ThdHDHomeRunQAMSiliconDustThu, 11 Oct 2007 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Envision's latest 32-inch LCD HDTVs handle ATSC, Clear QAM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/envisions-latest-32-inch-lcd-hdtvs-handle-atsc-clear-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/envisions-latest-32-inch-lcd-hdtvs-handle-atsc-clear-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/envisions-latest-32-inch-lcd-hdtvs-handle-atsc-clear-qam/#comments
Envision's latest duo of LCD HDTVs aren't apt floor anyone with cutting edge extras, but they do manage to pack enough features to satisfy a large chunk of those scouting a new 32-incher. Up first is the L32W661, which features a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, eight-millisecond response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 178-degree viewing angles and an integrated NTSC / ATSC tuner that supports Clear QAM. Furthermore, the set boasts built-in 16-watt speakers, two HDMI sockets, a pair of component / S-Video / composite jacks and a S/PDIF audio output. For those only needing a single HDMI port, the L32W698 (shown after the break) is available for the same price, but it sports a debatably sexier frame.

Continue reading Envision's latest 32-inch LCD HDTVs handle ATSC, Clear QAM

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Envision's latest 32-inch LCD HDTVs handle ATSC, Clear QAM originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscclear qamClearQamEnvisionEnvision PeripheralsEnvisionPeripheralsEPIhdtvL32W661L32W698lcdqamTue, 09 Oct 2007 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Envision's latest 32-inch LCD HDTVs handle ATSC, Clear QAM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/envisions-latest-32-inch-lcd-hdtvs-handle-atsc-clear-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/envisions-latest-32-inch-lcd-hdtvs-handle-atsc-clear-qam/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/envisions-latest-32-inch-lcd-hdtvs-handle-atsc-clear-qam/#comments
Envision's latest duo of LCD HDTVs aren't apt floor anyone with cutting edge extras, but they do manage to pack enough features to satisfy a large chunk of those scouting a new 32-incher. Up first is the L32W661, which features a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, eight-millisecond response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 178-degree viewing angles and an integrated NTSC / ATSC tuner that supports Clear QAM. Furthermore, the set boasts built-in 16-watt speakers, two HDMI sockets, a pair of component / S-Video / composite jacks and a S/PDIF audio output. For those only needing a single HDMI port, the L32W698 (shown after the break) is available for the same price, but it sports a debatably sexier frame.

Continue reading Envision's latest 32-inch LCD HDTVs handle ATSC, Clear QAM

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Envision's latest 32-inch LCD HDTVs handle ATSC, Clear QAM originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscclear qamClearQamEnvisionEnvision PeripheralsEnvisionPeripheralsEPIhdL32W661L32W698lcdothersqamTue, 09 Oct 2007 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[ViewSonic's Diamani DUO HDTVs handle OTA programming, word processing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/viewsonics-diamani-duo-hdtvs-handle-ota-programming-word-proce/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/viewsonics-diamani-duo-hdtvs-handle-ota-programming-word-proce/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/viewsonics-diamani-duo-hdtvs-handle-ota-programming-word-proce/#commentsViewSonic's Diamani DUO lineup claims to be a couple of widescreen HDTVs at heart that just handle monitor duties on the side, but we don't see any reason to neglect these two displays just because you don't have television on the brain. The 19-inch NX1932w offers up a 1,440 x 900 resolution, five-millisecond response time, 800:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, a pair of five-watt speakers, integrated ATSC / NTSC / QAM tuner, and a bevy of inputs including HDCP-compliant HDMI, VGA, component / S-Video / composite, and audio in / out. The 22-incher musters up a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, but otherwise mimics its smaller sibling in the specs department. The new duo is available immediately for $349 and $399 -- we'll let you guess which pricetag belongs to which.

[Via CNET]

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ViewSonic's Diamani DUO HDTVs handle OTA programming, word processing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscDiamani DUODiamaniDuohdhtsclcdNX1932wNX2232wotaothersqamviewsonicFri, 21 Sep 2007 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Zatz gets cozy with Moxi's forthcoming DVRs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/zatz-gets-cozy-with-moxis-forthcoming-dvrs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/zatz-gets-cozy-with-moxis-forthcoming-dvrs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/zatz-gets-cozy-with-moxis-forthcoming-dvrs/#comments
Unfortunately, we can't fill you in on hard pricing or availability information on Moxi's impending DVR lineup just yet, but Mr. Dave Zatz was able to get a feel for what they'll be like when that time finally comes. Swinging through Digeo's office, he was able to spend a little time with the firm's Home Cinema HD DMR -- which sports both ATSC and NTSC tuners, an integrated 5.1 audio amplifier, and strangely lacks CableCARD support -- and the Multi-Room HD DMR (read: the impressive one). The latter unit is CableCARD-friendly, comes bundled with a Moxi Mate extender for multi-room viewing, and will support HD streaming via 1394 over coax. Both devices include a built-in CD / DVD drive (no high-definition options?), can interface with networked PCs, and even feature eSATA expansion ports for upping the storage. Of course, nothing official has been leaked, but Zatz got the impression that a "fall release" was in the realm of possibility. Tag the read link for more of the hands-on goodness.

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Zatz gets cozy with Moxi's forthcoming DVRs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atsccableCableCARDdetailsdigeohdhd dmrhd dvrHdDmrHdDvrmoxintscothersqamFri, 06 Jul 2007 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian cable providers locking out Vista Media Centers?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/01/canadian-cable-providers-locking-out-vista-media-centers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/01/canadian-cable-providers-locking-out-vista-media-centers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/01/canadian-cable-providers-locking-out-vista-media-centers/#commentsNearly a month after Warner Bros. axed advanced screenings in Canada while tagging priacy as the scapegoat, now Canucks are facing another bout with DRM right inside their homes. According to a lengthy list of complaints over at TheGreenButton, it appears that some Canadian cable providers (Rogers and Shaw, namely) are seemingly throwing the broadcast flag onto a questionable amount of content. Essentially, users who are trying to record said programming via their own Windows Vista Media Center setup are receiving all sorts of errors and messages informing them that the material (even on basic cable) they are trying to record is laced with "restrictions set by the broadcaster and / or originator of the content." Interestingly, it seems that the blame here lies more with the cable companies and not some glitch within Vista, as more than a few customers have received responses from their providers suggesting that they ditch the whole PVR idea and instead rely on the company-provided DVR (at a cost, of course). So, dear Canadians, are any of you fighting this same battle?

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Canadian cable providers locking out Vista Media Centers? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadcast flagBroadcastFlagcanadacanadiancontent guardiansContentGuardianscopycopyrightdrmdvrHauppaugeissuemcemedia centermedia pcmedia pcsMediaCentermediapcmediapcsproblempvrqamrecordingshawstreamstreamingtv tunerTvTunervistaFri, 01 Jun 2007 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Hauppauge adds QAM support to the WinTV-HVR-1600 dual tuner card]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/hauppauge-adds-qam-support-to-the-wintv-hvr-1600-dual-tuner-card/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/hauppauge-adds-qam-support-to-the-wintv-hvr-1600-dual-tuner-card/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/hauppauge-adds-qam-support-to-the-wintv-hvr-1600-dual-tuner-card/#commentsWinTV-HVR-1600
There are never enough PCI slots to support all the tuners we want in a home theater PC . Sure if you are satisfied with one or two tuners you're fine, but if you go big with lets say 8, you need to get more than one tuner per PCI slot. The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600 does just that, and now they have added support for QAM, which is great for watching HD cable channels without a set top box or even a CableCARD. Sure you can't watch HBO or any of the other encrypted channels, but there is still plenty of great HD programming out there. As with anything else there is a catch, the QAM support is only available on the retail version of the product, and as we all know; Windows Media Center Edition and Vista Media center, don't support QAM. So you will have to use the bundled software to take advantage of the new feature.

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Hauppauge adds QAM support to the WinTV-HVR-1600 dual tuner card originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2007 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableHauppaugehdQAMWinTV-HVR-1600Fri, 18 May 2007 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola to demo cable STB with ATSC tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/motorola-to-demo-cable-stb-with-atsc-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/motorola-to-demo-cable-stb-with-atsc-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/motorola-to-demo-cable-stb-with-atsc-tuner/#commentsIn what can only make us scream: about time! Motorola announces that they will demo a new cable STBs that also includes an ATSC tuner, you know like the ones Dish and DirecTV have offered for years. Just like the satellite providers boxes, the OTA channels will integrate into the guide seamlessly. The obvious reason for this is to provide HD channels to customers that the cable company doesn't currently have a carriage agreement for. This is a win-win scenario for everyone except the local affiliate who will lose bargaining power when trying to charge the cable company for the same thing you can get for free with an antenna.

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Motorola to demo cable STB with ATSC tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATSChdMotorolaother hardwareotherhardwareothersQAMThu, 26 Apr 2007 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Would dual must carry be good or bad for HDTV?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/would-dual-must-carry-be-good-or-bad-for-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/would-dual-must-carry-be-good-or-bad-for-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/would-dual-must-carry-be-good-or-bad-for-hdtv/#commentsWhile there is little doubt in how analog broadcast television is going to meet its demise, the jury is still out on analog cable. While some of use think that cable companies will use the DTV transition to move customers to digital cable, others aren't so sure. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is now proposing what is being referred to as dual must carry, which would require cable companies to carry both the digital and analog version of each local affiliate's feed, unless the cable companies switch to an all digital network. Sure all digital network seems great to us, but for all those without QAM tuners in their TVs, this means a converter box on every TV just like the OTA folks. The FUD is getting really deep in here, but somehow we think Kevin might be on to something. If cable companies are encouraged to go to digital and since digital SD channels use far less bandwidth than analog ones, that means more room for HD and other digital services we love.

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Would dual must carry be good or bad for HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabledual must carryDualMustCarryFcchdQAMFri, 13 Apr 2007 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Norcent readies new plasmas / LCD HDTV for CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/norcent-readies-new-plasmas-lcd-hdtv-for-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/norcent-readies-new-plasmas-lcd-hdtv-for-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/norcent-readies-new-plasmas-lcd-hdtv-for-ces/#commentsWhile it seems we really only hear from Norcent when CES is approaching, the California-based outfit is kicking it up a notch this year as well, as it plans to showcase a duo of new plasmas and a flagship LCD HDTV as well. Both PDPs will feature integrated ATSC / NTSC tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite, VGA, 160-degree viewing angle, SRS-enhanced stereo speakers, and a "3D digital comb filter" for color processing. Additionally, the 50-inch PT-5045HD plasma will sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000 cd/m2, and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, while the 42-inch PT-4246HD gets stuck with a 1,024 x 768 resolution and 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but picks up a Clear-QAM tuner and a 1,200 cd/m2 brightness rating. Over on the LCD side, the 37-inch VION LT-3790 one ups the LT-3725 we saw just recently by touting a larger panel, 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree viewing angle, built-in ATSC / NTSC (Clear-QAM) tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA, and the same SRS-enabled speakers as on the plasmas. For those interested in picking one up, the PT-4246HD is on the streets right now for a very reasonable $1,199.99, while the 50-inch flavor will land next month for $1,899.99, and the $1,199.99 VION LCD will hit stores sometime Q2 2007.

Read - Norcent's 42- and 50-inch Plasma displays
Read - Norcent's 37-inch VION LCD HDTV

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Norcent readies new plasmas / LCD HDTV for CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080iatsccesclear-qamhdmihdtvlcdlcd hdtvlcd tvLcdHdtvLcdTvLT-3790norcentntscpdpplasmaPT-4246HDPT-5045HDqamsrstunertv tunerTvTunerSun, 07 Jan 2007 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget HD Review: HDHomeRun]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/30/engadget-hd-review-hdhomerun/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/30/engadget-hd-review-hdhomerun/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/30/engadget-hd-review-hdhomerun/#comments
It isn't everyday that a new class of device is released, one that requires an explanation, it's a dual ATSC/QAM tuner network device, sorta like a NAS for OTA tuners, it's called the HDHomeRun and it's about the size of a small hub, has 2 coax inputs and a Ethernet port. You plug it into your antenna or cable and then into your home network and you can stream HD to any computer on your network and it even streams perfectly via WiFi, no it doesn't have WiFi built in, only Ethernet. Best of all you get all of this for $169.00. Some may call it the open source Slingplayer, and although there are some similarities there is no Slingplayer with a ATSC tuner.

Continue reading Engadget HD Review: HDHomeRun

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Engadget HD Review: HDHomeRun originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATSCfeaturesHDHDTVQAMMon, 30 Oct 2006 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[HDTVs connected to Media Center PCs to triple by 2007]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/08/hdtvs-connected-to-media-center-pcs-to-triple-by-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/08/hdtvs-connected-to-media-center-pcs-to-triple-by-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/08/hdtvs-connected-to-media-center-pcs-to-triple-by-2007/#commentsWe love market studies, they give us an idea of the reasons why companies are misled and fail to offer the right products and services at prices we want make the decisions they do. Pacific Media Associates believes their research indicates that in the three year period from 2005 to 2007 the number of HDTV-connected Media Center PCs will have tripled. Not entirely surprising considering all the features added over that period, the manufacturers who have started shipping Media Center PCs en masse and that whenever Windows Vista does launch, Media Center will be a part of the Home Premium and Vista Ultimate versions. While streaming and Xbox 360 integration is great, we're not totally sold on the Media Center PC dream just yet; we'll wait until the QAM, HDCP and CableCard questions have been settled before making any long term decisions.

[Via PVR Wire]

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HDTVs connected to Media Center PCs to triple by 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 22:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitionmarket researchMarketResearchmedia centerMediaCenterpvr wirePvrWireqamwindows vistaWindowsVistaTue, 08 Aug 2006 22:47:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs specs DOCSIS 3.0: IPv6, 160Mbps internet and more HDTV in 2008]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/07/cablelabs-specs-docsis-3-0-ipv6-160mbps-internet-and-more-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/07/cablelabs-specs-docsis-3-0-ipv6-160mbps-internet-and-more-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/07/cablelabs-specs-docsis-3-0-ipv6-160mbps-internet-and-more-hdtv/#commentsCableLabs announced today that the Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) 3.0 has been drafted. The new standard will allow cable operators to more efficiently use their frequency and offer speeds as high as 160Mbps downstream and 120Mbps upstream. Whether or not we get speeds 10 times higher than cable modems and DSL currently offer anytime soon, the new standard will also allow operators to use their bandwidth for stuff we will definitely enjoy, like more HDTV channels and VOD.

Unfortunately because of the major hardware changes required, we probably won't see this rolled out until at least 2008, so cable companies may use pre-3.0 equipment to roll out higher speeds and features to compete with fiber and satellite television offerings. It's worth mentioning that this also affects Blu-ray and HD DVD, if neither is able to make significant impact on the market consumers may be able to download high definition movies just as easily as buying them in a store in just a few years.

[Via Cable Digital News]

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CableLabs specs DOCSIS 3.0: IPv6, 160Mbps internet and more HDTV in 2008 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>160mbpscablecable labsCableLabsdocsishdhdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitionmodemqamvodMon, 07 Aug 2006 21:36:00 EST