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Ask Engadget HD: Best Blu-ray optical drive for my PC?
This week's Ask Engadget HD question touches on a subject that's rarely covered in the mainstream flow of Blu-ray news, but matters much to those with HTPCs or big-screen monitors attached to their towers. Have a look at a Kerry's concerns: "I'm looking to upgrade the optical drive in my HTPC with a Blu-ray drive. My hardware is new enough to support the demands of BD, but I want to make sure I get the best value in a Blu-ray burner. Obviously, speedier drives would be nice, but I'm okay with the next quickest thing to save a few bucks. Which drives have readers had success with?" So, there you have it. What BD drive is currently packed tightly within your living room PC? Have you had any playback / compatibility issues? Spill the beans below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Which Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player loads discs the quickest?
CNET's UK branch already ran a number of Blu-ray players through a timed gauntlet, but this week's Ask Engadget HD question places the responsibilities squarely on your shoulders. We're hoping Mick's question enables us to compile some pretty meaningful data, so break out the stopwatch and contribute! "Which current Blu-ray player (Profile 2.0, of course) has the quickest load time? I'm looking for something that loads much faster than my BDP-S300. Manufacturers don't bother listing load times on their decks, so I'm looking for some help from the audience." You heard the man -- we want model name, startup time and disc load times, along with any other tidbits you feel like tossing in. Get to it, partners.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Best CableCARD-equipped HTPC?
Here we are. The final Ask Engadget HD posting of the year two-thousand and eight. And if you thought you were getting off easy here on New Year's Eve, you thought wrong. "I am looking to purchase a HTPC with CableCARD and bitstreaming audio via HDMI. Normally I would build my own computer, but since you can't get a CableCARD device after the fact (actually, you can), I am stuck buying one already made. I am looking for one in a home theater case that can sit in my rack, not a tower. Any suggestions?" For those of you who've splurged on a pre-fabricated media PC with CableCARD capabilities, how do you like yours? Any major gripes? Thumbs up / down? Make sure Jordan doesn't start 2009 off with a sour purchase, alright?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Best stereo receiver / amplifier?
This week's Ask Engadget HD inquiry caught us completely off guard -- we mean, how often do you hear of someone these days looking for the best of the best in pure stereo sound quality? Rather than buy a janky 5.1 system via a HTIB bundle, Thaddius is looking to make the best of a stereo situation. Help him out, won't you? "I have some nice speakers left over from a recording facility, and I'm looking to find a great receiver / amplifier that does stereo right. I'll be relying on two towers and possibly a subwoofer in the future, and I'm hoping for something known for excellent sound quality and a nice feature set. Any 2.1 aficionados out there care to chime in?" Surely this fellow isn't the only one looking to make their 2.0 / 2.1 system shine due to a lack of space for a full blown multi-channel setup, so why not provide a bit of assistance if you're in the same boat? Santa will love you forever, you know.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: DTV converter, or a new TV?
Hard to believe, but in just over two months, analog signals will be a thing of the past in the USA. Okay, so we're sure a small grace period will be enacted, but the digital TV transition is coming at a furious pace. Devin has written in this week with a question that we reckon many are pondering, so here's your shot at discussing it: "I know I could redeem my $40 voucher for a digital TV converter, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's the best thing for my garage TV. I'm not really fond of cluttering the area up with another set-top-box, and really, I'm wondering if this is the perfect excuse to pick up a small HDTV. I'm wondering what other readers in this situation are doing, and if so, which small HDTV should I pick up to replace my existing analog set?" Sure, we should all feel absolutely terrible about junking that perfectly good analog set and using this as an opportunity to get yourself a new HDTV, but hey, why not donate the old set, take a tax write-off and get a warm, fuzzy feeling in exchange? That's our advice, what's yours?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: A second Blu-ray deck, or an upscaling DVD player?
We've always heard that treating your guests well pays off in the end, but giving them their own Blu-ray player? Hmm... "I've got a PlayStation 3 in the living room, but I'm on the fence with what kind of player to get for our guest room. Should I spring for a second Blu-ray player of some kind, or should I just get an upscaling DVD deck? With prices of the entry-level BD machines just barely more than a decent upconverting DVD player, I'm leaning Blu. But, if I opt for another BD deck, which low-end one is the best choice?" We wouldn't hesitate to offer our recommendations of investing in a second BD deck -- after all, you never know when you'll need one for travel or loan -- but there's a whole heap to choose from in the entry-level sector. Any advice for our pal Gregory?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best home theater subwoofer under $500?
So, you're one of those "build your own multi-channel surround system" folks, are you? If so, we'll bet you're a lot like Jeff (and you didn't even know it). "I'm in the process of assembling a 5.1 system for my den, but I'm really concerned about making the right decision on a subwoofer. I'm putting a cap of $500 on it, but I want the most boom (and tightest boom) for my buck. I haven't purchased my towers or surrounds yet, so I'm open to any brand / model / etc." Ah, starting with the low-end, are we? Probably not a bad place to begin, quite honestly, and we're hoping that you readers can chime in with a few recommendations for this here bass lover. Rumble away in comments below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What should I get on Black Friday?
This glorious day only comes once per year here in the United States, so you should know we're going to harp on it 'til it's over. We've ditched the usual Ask Engadget HD routine this week in favor of sparking up conversation about shopping, so have a read below: "No surprise, Black Friday 2008 is tomorrow. I don't particularly need anything, but I'm always down for an HD-related deal. I don't have time to shuffle through all those ads -- what are the best items to get, and where do I head to get 'em?"You've seen our breakdown of HD-related sales for Black Friday, but now it's time to toss in your votes for the best deals around. We know, it's slim pickings this year, but show us what ya got in comments.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.[Image courtesy of Sun-Sentinel]
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best HDD-equipped HD media server?
For some, HD media streamers are the answer. For others, a dedicated HTPC does the trick. For Nick, it's an HDD-based HD media server that he's after -- you know, those HDD enclosure-sized boxes that provide local multimedia for your HDTV to play back. "I'm in the market for a hard drive-based HD media server, as I'm not really interested in messing with a network in order to stream content from a PC to my TV. Local storage of my content is fine, so I'm looking for the box with the most user friendly interface and the widest format support. Any tips?" Surely someone out there has a bit of advice for ole Nick here. Don't let him down -- he's really putting himself out there.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
What's the best HTPC under $3,000?
We had a lively Ask Engadget HD this week, so figured we'd point our dear readers in the direction of Engadget Classic for another HD-related inquiry. This week's question is about HTPCs, particularly ones that won't absolutely shatter the bank. We know you've got some creative thoughts as to how to get a robust system without blowing north of three large, so head on over and chime in, won't you?
Ask Engadget HD: Best gaming / movie console: Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3?
Put those controllers down nice and easy for a second and have a look -- we've some real work for you to do. Jonas has chimed in to solicit the opinions of you wise readers before he selects a console to purchase this winter. Have a look: "Now that the Xbox 360 is the cheapest console out and can stream HD Netflix titles [not to mention play HD DVDs - Ed.], I'm beginning to question my to-be PlayStation 3 purchase. I realize that the PS3 can also play Blu-ray Discs and stream all sorts of media, but I'm really torn between the two. Which would you recommend for someone who will use the machine for half movies and half gaming? And yes, price is an issue, so obviously I favor the Xbox 360 in that area." We can't imagine that Jonas is alone in this one. The whole HD Netflix announcement was a huge win for Microsoft, and while we know it's coming to other devices soon, there's been no direct announcement made regarding the PS3. Let the debate begin!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best movie rental service?
Ah, the age old question of which rental service is superior. A lot has changed since Netflix and Blockbuster (among other smaller outfits) decided to get into the DVD-by-mail rental game, so we figured Chuck's question on the matter was ripe for some fresh takes. "Now that I'm hearing that HD Netflix streaming is fast approaching for other items outside of the Xbox 360, I'm tempted to sign up. But first, I wanted to know from current subscribers how their experience currently is with Blockbuster, Netflix or anyone else. Are the wait times for movies (and Blu-ray Discs, in particular) always too long? Is one noticeably better than the other? Thanks in advance!" No, thank you, Chuck. So, movie renters of all shapes, sizes and genders -- how do you like your current company? Are you thinking of switching? Rant aloud below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.[Image courtesy of Unfocused Content]
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best outdoor HDTV?
Granted, it's not the most fitting time to ask this question in the majority of North America, but they always say the best sales are in the off-season. Have a look at Jonathon's request regarding outdoor sets:"We just put in a new deck and pool this summer, and now I'm looking for HDTV options for the outdoors. Ideally, I'd like a set that could withstand the rain and elements so I'm not stuck hauling it in and out each time we want to use it. Obviously, I'm trying to spend the least amount possible while still getting a good product, but I've had zero experience with those rugged, waterproof HDTVs. Anyone out there who could help?" We know a few of you have splurged on a set to sit by the pool, so let's hear it! Are you happy with your Runco / Pantel / etc.? Had any problems with it standing up to the elements? Chime in below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best pre-fab HTPC?
The dedicated HTPC may not be quite as "mainstream" as it was in years past, but there's still a solid sect of people who want a full-fledged box running beneath their HDTV. There's also a subset of those people with no extra time to build their own. Thus, we present Chester's question:"I'm tired of looking at media streaming options and I've decided I just want a dedicated HTPC connected to my HDTV. I'm not much into PC building, so I was hoping to buy a pre-fabricated unit from a company that sells media PCs. Which is my best option? CableCARD support would be preferred. Thanks for any advice."Time to drop the gloves and speak your minds, people. What HTPC should this fellow splurge on? One of Dell's boxes? What about Okoro Media Systems? Niveus for the ballers? Sound off below!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best plasma to pick up?
With plasma sets apparently gaining back some of that ground it has been losing to LCD for, like, ever now, this question from Raul seemed like the perfect fit for this week's edition of Ask Engadget HD. "I've got my heart set on getting a new plasma on Black Friday or as the holiday sales get going, but I'm running into too many options that I think will work. Obviously, I want deep blacks and the ability to hang it on my wall, but I'm trying to keep the cost down. Are these Vizio PDPs even worth looking at? Is the KURO really the end-all answer? Help!" Surely more than a few of you out there have plasmas -- KURO or otherwise -- and are willing to throw this guy a bone. No size was mentioned, but we're guessing he's looking in the 42- to 50-inch range. Have at it in comments below!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best remote for Sony's PlayStation 3?
With all these magnificent universal remotes coming down the pike, it's a tough pill for PS3 owners to swallow. That dreaded Bluetooth control protocol cuts out the vast majority of remotes from consideration, so we're putting the question out there for those that have already stumbled upon the ultimate solution."I'm in the same boat as so many others: I have a PlayStation 3 and would like a universal remote. I know I can get a Bluetooth remote to just handle the PS3, so I guess that's an option, but I would love to find one with Bluetooth and IR / RF to control multiple components. What's my best option here?" We'd also like to ask if anyone has any experience with the IR2BT Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter, though a sufficiently equipped BT / IR / RF remote would obviously be ideal. Let it rip, PS3 owners!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best HDMI splitter on the market?
Now that you know which cable(s) you're going to use, how's about giving Daniel a bit of advice on splitting up the signal? "What is the best HDMI splitter on the market? I want to split my signal to a 42-inch LCD TV (about 9-feet away from the source) and a projector (through a 50-foot HDMI cable). Considering the distances needing to be covered, would a powered splitter be better than a passive one?" We'll go ahead and assume Daniel's looking for one that can pass a 1080p signal without degradation, so recommending that Dollar Tree box you saw probably isn't the best thing to do. On the real, feel free to shout out any positive / negative experiences you've had with extenders and switches -- hopefully one of 'em will fit the bill here.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Which cable / interconnect brand should I rely on?
We've heard this question so many times that we've taken for granted the answer, but given the recent increase in competition in the cable market, we figured we'd pass along Josiah's question on the matter: "I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for those cables sold in Best Buy and Circuit City, but I want the best possible audio and video quality. I've got a pretty basic setup, and I just need a few HDMI cables, a set of component cables and a few optical audio cables. Where would I go to get the best for my money? Is there a particular brand I should look for? What has worked out for your readers?" Unload your experiences with cables -- however expensive (or cheap) -- below, and be sure to elaborate on which brand / store / etc. you found to be the best for the price. Oh, and make no mention of Furutech, we're trying to keep the cost-per-cable under a grand.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Where are all the standalone OTA HD DVRs?
This week's Ask Engadget HD question couldn't possibly be any nearer and dearer to our hearts. For years now, we've wondered why nobody is producing standalone OTA HD DVRs. Sony's DHG-HDD500 and LG's LST-3410A were the last two significant options that we could find, but hopefully our searching abilities are severely flawed. "In the continued theme of the recent question regarding To TiVo, or not to TiVo?, I have a question regarding standalone HD DVR's. My question is: Where are they? Seriously, I don't want to pay a monthly fee to TiVo nor do I want to have to boot up a HTPC all the time. All I want is a standalone unit with no monthly fees to record OTA HD. Does an animal like this even exist? Thanks!" Like we said, there are a few animals such as this if you don't mind scouring the secondhand market, but we'd love to hear from any relative newcomers that we've somehow overlooked. Oh, and where the heck is that EchoStar TR-50 we spotted at CES 2008?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best graphics card for my HTPC?
So, you've decided to build yourself an HTPC, huh? Splendid! Now, what GPU are you going to toss in there? That's the gist of Marcus' question: "I'm looking to assemble a living room PC to play back Blu-ray Discs, internet video, streamed HD clips, etc. I'm stuck when it comes to selecting a graphics card powerful enough to handle all of that. I haven't decided whether or not to get a full-sized tower or just a mini-tower, so I'd appreciate suggestions for both setups. Cheaper is better, but I'll pay to make sure all playback is buttery smooth." So, dearest readers, what's the GPU to get these days for handling multimedia content? Is ATI's new All-in-Wonder HD worth a look? Drop your advice in comments below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
