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Ask Engadget HD: Which HD DVD player should I pick up for the holidays?
We brought back the Engadget HD podcast for good in August, and now it's about time Ask Engadget HD returned to prominence, too. Starting today, we're setting out to pose particularly intriguing reader questions to none other than our dear readers, as we let you tell your fellow HD aficionados what's what (and even answer a few on our own). Kicking things back off is a simple, albeit crucial question considering the dearth of time remaining before vacation kicks in, family members you didn't even know you had start showing up and offspring of all ages begin to clamor for a little high-definition movie action. The HD DVD player arena has truly been a whirlwind of late, with prices falling left and right and new entrants showing up fashionably late. Of course, you don't need us to tell you just how many options are out there, but if your "best friend" (ahem) was looking to pick up an HD DVD player that packed plenty of features to please even the in-laws this holiday season, what's the unit to recommend? Feel free to toss out a couple of suggestions based on price ranges, too. Oh, and for the Blu-ray camp -- rest assured, your turn will be coming up shortly. 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.
Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD demystified
There seems to be some confusion about the next generation HD movie discs and audio CODECs. Unlike the video CODECs used on both formats, the new audio CODECs are lossless which simply means without loss, or identical to the original. The three lossless CODECs supported by both formats are LPCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA. At this point the question should be, if they are lossless than what is the difference? The difference for the most part is the number of bits. Both Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD use far less bits than LPCM, this leaves more space on the disc for other features. Of course audio is always more complicated than just CODECs, there is also the sample rate to consider and one of the benefits of LPCM is that is supports a higher sample rate than TrueHD or DTS HD, but considering that that sample rate is higher than most studio masters, that benefit is pretty much useless. So how many bits are we talking about here, actually alot. The same 2 hour movie with a 16/24, 5.1 sound track requires 4.14 GB with LPCM vs 1.26 GB for either TrueHD or DTS HD.
Ask EngadgetHD: What is the difference between a HDTV and a monitor?
We have seen this questions a few times in the comments and it's time we addressed it. What is the difference between a computer monitor and an HDTV? While it is true that the line between the two is narrowing there is a difference.
Ask Engadget HD: Is it worth the wait for HDMI 1.3?
The problem with blogs like ours is that you learn about technology at such a rapid pace that sometimes you put off purchasing something because you know that a better item is right around the corner. Such is the case with HDMI 1.3. Don wants a new LCD TV and receiver but wants to know if it is worth it to wait for HDMI 1.3? (Quick refresher course on HDMI 1.3: higher speed capacity, 46-bit color, support for lossless formats such as Dolby HD DTS-HD, smaller HDMI connector for portable devices.) So is it worth waiting for the new spec to hit TVs and receivers? No and maybe. HDMI 1.3 does allow for a higher color profile but this extra space is going to be used for creature comforts such as PIP and overlay menus; you will not likely see an increase in picture quality. We feel strongly that it isn't worth waiting for HDMI 1.3 to be included in a TV but it might be worth getting an HDMI 1.3 equipped AV receiver though. HDMI is a single cable solution and currently if you want the lossless audio such as Dolby TrueHD soundtrack from your HD DVD disc, a person needs to use six analog RCA cables instead of one HDMI cable. Many people keep audio receivers for years more than the TV stays as the main set in the household and you don't want to limit yourself in that regard but these receivers can cost lots more then your Best Buy/Circuit City ad piece. If a person is looking to drop more on the receiver then the TV, then yes, wait for HDMI 1.3 otherwise you are going to be waiting a long time for 'em to hit the $500 mark and still be quality. In the end Don, it's all about personal preference and how much of an investment it is for the person.Thanks for the question Don and hope it helped.
