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NFL HD Preseason schedule
We have all been waiting a long time and this Sunday will be the closest we have been to football in six months. While the rest of the world had their football fix this summer during the World Cup, us Americans have been waiting for the NFL and College football season to begin and while we still have a month or so to wait, we can get a sample this Sunday during the NFL's Hall of Fame game.The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Oakland Raiders game starts at 8PM EST on Sunday and kicks off the NFL pre-season. This game will be brought to us in HD by NBC. This marks their first HD game in almost eight and half years, as NBC moves in and ABC moves out of the NFL business. This are big shoes to fill as ABC put on a great show and we have been less than impressed with NBC's HD productions in the past. This won't be the only HD NFL pre-season game as many games will be produced in HD by their local affiliates, like WFLA in Tampa FL. Like all pre-season games these will be available to the markets from which the teams are from, but like last year the NFL Network is going to replay all the pre-season games and this year when available they will be in HD. The first HD game on the NFL network this year will be N.Y. Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 12th 2006 at 10am EST, which happens to be a replay. The real question as a reader DanMacMan asks: if DirecTV HD subscribers will be able to watch NFL Network games in HD at all? Great question Dan and our sources point to yes on channel 96, but there are some conflicting rumors. We will keep our fingers cross, but we are willing to bet this will happen.We are still hoping that CBS will make a last minute announcement that they produce more than 3 games a week in HD this year, but we're not holding our breath.HDSportguide's NFL ScheduleNFL Network's pre-season Schedule
HDBeat Podcast 024 - 08.02.06
Just when we were getting used to the four of us on the Podcast, neither Richard or Erik could make it tonight, which leaves Matt and Ben. We had some great dialog this week. Well, some might call it an argument. Among other topics we discuss HD DVD vs Blu-ray's first picture quality shootout and what effect it might have on the format war. Oh, also, our skypecast will be on August 17th at 8:00 EST. We will be discussing that week's HDBeat Podcast topics and by we, we mean you, the listeners. So download that week's Podcast, read the posts to be ready to participate! Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the HD Beat Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley! Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Matt Burns. Producer: Trent Wolbe Format: 54:10, 23 MB, MP3 Program: First HD DVD vs Blu-ray title bout - "Training Day" How much of an impact is picture quality on the format war? Check out HD DVD without buying a thing Sound and Vision Mag's in-depth review of the Samsung BDP-1000 When 1080p isn't the same as 1080i Best looking HDTV out there - not picture, but rather the bezel DIRECTV's HD DVR coming out in August? Direct comparsion screenshots of DIRECTV and DISH Network LCD 1080p sets with DVR coming soon from LG LG: No combo Blu-ray and HD DVD player this year TV Squad: The five best sports to watch on TV - do these hold true when HD is concered? MyNetworkTV the first all HD broadcast network? LISTEN (MP3)
MyNetworkTV the first all HD broadcast network?
We have been wondering for some time what was to come of the many former WB/UPN affiliates once the CW goes live this fall. We're not sure what rock we have been under for the past few months but most of this news is from May. Better late than never, this will possibly be the first all HD network. Don't get too excited because it doesn't look like the new network is going to have something for everyone. Unless your favorite programing is Novelas, yeah we didn't know what they were either, but thanks to Wikipedia we learned they are spanish style soap operas, the kind they make fun of on SNL's Besos y Lagrimas. The network is owned by Fox Television and CEO Jack Abernethy said, "We will be all telenovelas, all the time." If you still can't wait to watch check out the affiliate list to see if MyNetworkTV is coming to your area.
HDBeat Podcast 023 - 07.25.06
Another week another Podcast, it's been 23 straight weeks now and we still look forward to doing the show every week. For the second straight week it was the four of us, but we are discussing the magic number and would like some feedback. We may even have a poll, but for now feel free to commit on the number of hosts in the comments to let us know how you feel. This is the last Podcast that will be released on Tuesday mornings, from now on you can expect the shows on Wednesday afternoons. We think this will work out better for everyone and hope you don't mind waiting another day to get your HD fix. HD DVD vs Blu-ray is once again on topic, but Ben also describes the new Series 3 TiVo and how it is different from the DIRECTV version. We also discuss CableCARD and why it hasn't taken off. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the HD Beat Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley! Hosts Ben Drawbaugh, Matt Burns, Erik Hanson and Richard Lawler. Producer Ben Drawbaugh Format 1:06:30, 32 MB, MP3 Program Eight of the Top 10 Critics Best Shows are in high-def Arrested Development and Enterprise to be on HDNet Is Blu-ray really Sony's format? Samsung blames bad Blu-ray reviews on faulty chip Disc Authoring Problems Sony announces BWU-100A, their first aftermarket Blu-ray burner Sony AVCHD camcorder followup Multistream CableCARDs expected "within the next few months" TiVo Confirms Series3 Testing, Hitting Retail "Soon" Ask HDBeat: Is DIRECTV ever gonna release their MPEG 4 HD DVR? Ask HDBeat: Why don't I own my new DIRECTV box LISTEN (MP3)
DIRECTV HD DVR delay official?
A Forbes article confirms our findings last week about DIRECTV's HD DVR being delayed until the Fall. Nothing earth shattering here, but the analysts seem to think that this will drive customers to DISH. We are not sure we agree, we suppose it's possible that some people who are taking advantage of the HD locals might switch to be able to record them, but currently there are no HD national channels that are not available to HD TiVo owners. The people at Forbes to seem ignore the fact that DIRECTV has a HD TiVo at all. Are you considering switching to another provider as a result of the delay? If not do you think the new HD DVR will be a good replacement for the HD TiVo or just another nightmare?[Via PurePVR.com]
Lionsgate announces more Blu-ray titles
The number of Blu-ray titles and quality of those titles have left some Blu-ray fanboys disappointed. It's Lionsgate's turn to announce more titles which will be available August 22nd. The latest additions will have special features which were absent in Lionsgate's first batch, but still no HD features. They will be single layer discs and have multiple audio formats including Dolby Digital EX Surround and DTS HD High Resolution ES. No ground breaking titles here, but definitely some classics like Total Recall.The titles include Total Recall Stir of Echoes Stargate The Devil's Rejects
TiVo confirms Series3 testing, hitting retail "soon"
Dave Zatz continues to break news on the upcoming standalone HD TiVo known as the Series 3. He reports that TiVo has notified the FCC that the new series 3 is in testing and will be released soon. The unit will support dual CableCARDs and can also be used with a single card. This is fantastic news to TiVo fans everywhere who have been tortured by bad DVR software supplied to them by their programming provider. Of course this will come at a price and no doubt will cost enough to make many think twice about the benefits. What we really want to know is why Dave didn't tip us off to this, we must be on his bad side.
Ask HDBeat: Is DIRECTV ever gonna release their MPEG 4 HD DVR?
Dennis Roy writes in to ask: Is DIRECTV ever gonna release their MPEG 4 HD DVR - have you guys used it? What's the OS like?Dennis we are all wondering the same thing. In January at CES they claimed it would be available 2nd quarter of this year, well that has come and gone and there has been no official announcement by DIRECTV, we know big surprise. We were able to find an email from DIRECTV posted on DBStalk.com that states the unit will be available this fall which jives with news from the AVSForum. Even if this is true it could mean sometime between September 21st and December 21st. Either way it is bad news for those holding out for a HD DVR.As for the user interface everything indciates it will be like the SD version of DIRECTV's DVR, which is good, but it's no TiVo.
HD DVD and Blu-ray released on July 18th 2006
Wow slow week for both formats, but something is better than nothing. Blu-ray actually doesn't increase their number this week because these movies were scheduled for release last week, but according to our sources they were rescheduled. We are also not going to count the Classical Touches of which we didn't have any additional information of so the HD DVD total number will actually come down this week despite Warner's new movie ALT. Don't worry, more titles are coming for both formats next week and the week after Warner joins the Blu-ray party.This brings the total to HD DVD 41 vs Blu-ray 16. Blu-Ray Guitarscape Planet (Concert Hot Spot) View from Space... (Concert Hot Spot) HD-DVD ATL (Warner)
DIRECTV HD TiVo finally gets 6.3 update
DIRECTV customers with the HD TiVo are finally getting what we have been waiting for; the 6.3 update that every other TiVo in the world had had for years. This update includes folders to help you organize your shows as well as performance improvements, which we all know the HD TiVo can take every performance improvement it can get. Despite the box's fabulous features, it can be slow as molasses. Of course the next question is when? It seems that you can expect to see the update as early as one week or as late as 3 months. The update is pushed out via Satellite and activated with a phone call. If you can't wait, you might want to follow the thread over at the TiVo community forum.Thanks Frankie!
Happy Birthday HD Beat!
That's right, roughly a year ago this blog kicked off, with posts that looked a lot like the ones we have now. We've decided to celebrate our birthday on July 4th (that's right, we're giving you a day off of work to celebrate HD Beat). It's been a great year of high-def news, from easter eggs to Entourage, from 1080p to Ultra HD, and we look forward to giving you even more in the next year. We'd like to thank our friend Kevin who brought us all to HD Beat, and of course you our readers and commenters. We'll recount a few of our favorite (and least-favorite) HD stories from the past year and we invite all to contribute in the comments.
HDBeat Podcast 020 - 07.04.06
Just another week here at HD Beat as we crank out our 20th podcast. To be fair we record it the day before so it's not like were working on a holiday. Once again we discuss the latest format war and Matt share some first hand retail experiences with Blu-ray. The one guy who did buy one returned it when his wife found out. I rant about DIRECTV's inability to release new National HD channels MPEG4 or other wise, meanwhile Comcast and Dish continue to add national channels.(Atleast in Chicago) We also make a request for listeners to write in for a chance to be a co-host on a upcoming podcast. So get your emails in before the deadline this Saturday. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the HD Beat Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley! Hosts Ben Drawbaugh and Matt Burns. Producer Ben Drawbaugh Format 53:37, 25 MB, MP3 Program Guest host the HDBeat Podcast with Ben and Matt Blu-ray off to a slow start Too little too late? Toshiba "still seeking" Blu-ray and HD DVD unity Samsung does NOT plan on releasing a HD DVD/Blu-ray combo player Fox plans fourth quarter Blu-ray launch Component looks better than HDMI on Samsung's BD-P1000 Long live component video! Dish & NFL Network make a deal DirecTV continues adding HD locals nationwide Chicago Comcast subscribers getting new high-def stations? FCC says: Use it or Lose it! FCC deadline July 1st, 2006: TV 25-inch and larger must have an ATSC tuner HDNet's coverage of the Space Shuttle launch LISTEN (MP3)
HD DVD and Blu-ray movies released on July 4th 2006
It was starting look like an off week for both HD DVD and Blu-ray, but a few days ago HDNet announced that they were going to release some of their original content on HD DVD. The new titles are available now on their online store. According to the HDNet employee that posted at AVS, they are planning on releasing Blu-ray titles as well.This brings the total to HD DVD 36 vs Blu-ray 13.HD DVD Best of Get Out! Volume 1 (HDNet) Best of Get Out! Volume 2 (HDNet) Best of HDNet World Report Volume 1 (HDNet) Best of HDNet World Report Volume 2 (HDNet)
Guest host the HDBeat Podcast with Ben and Matt
Have you ever listened to a podcast and really felt like you had something to contribute? We are looking for someone to do just that for an upcoming episode of our HDBeat podcast. You don't have to have any "professional" podcasting experience just some knowledge about high-def in general, a mic and a high-speed connection. Don't worry the topics as we will give them to you early. But we need to make sure you are qualified first.Drop us an email at hdbeatATgmailDOTcom with why we should choose you. You can tell us stuff like background info that you might have with high definition, your take on the Blu-ray/HD DVD format war or even how Discovery HD changed your life. No attachments please, just write it up in the body of the email. We are looking to have someone for the 21st HDBeat podcast which we will record on July 10th. We need to have all the submissions in by July 8th so we can have enough time to coordinate with the winner. Good luck!Ben and Matt
Blu-ray off to a slow start
The battle has officially begun and we are not very surprised to hear that Blu-ray is off to a slow start, we are however disappointed. Sony had been bragging about the amount of resources it was dedicating to the marketing blitz. We don't know about anyone else but we have yet to see a single Blu-ray commercial, a few weeks ago we heard mention of it during a commercial for a movie. Toshiba didn't do much for HD DVD either, but we at least saw a few commercials on HD.net. The local stores do seem to be doing a better job of displaying both formats. Our local Best Buy had two on the shelf, plus one on demo. Podcast listener Gabe grabbed these pictures at his local Best Buy where they moved the HD DVD display to accommodate. What advertising have you see and do your local stores have them in stock and on display?
FCC says: Use it or Lose it!
Have you been meaning to upgrade your OTA antenna to prevent dropped signals during your favorite HD program? You may want to wait till next week before spending your money. July 1st is the deadline set by the FCC for all DTV stations to go full power or forfeit the interference protection of their signal. Some have a hard time watching OTA HD and although it may be because of your location it could be that your local station is trying to save some cash by not sending full power to two transmitters. Since the beginning of the ATSC transition and until the analog cutoff TV stations have to pay to power two transmitters instead of one. Even though it costs them double they don't get twice the viewers and certainly not twice the ad revenue. As a result many stations don't fully power their ATSC transmitter to save some cash, but that free ride ends on July 1st.Unfortunately we know all too well how ineffective the FCC can be at enforcing its mandates so if you suspect your station is not at full power after July 1st, do some research and if necessary report them to the FCC. Don't worry about ratting on your friends, any station who is not at full power is no friend of ours.
HDBeat Podcast 019 - 06.27.06
We had a short week this week because of last weeks delay, but that didn't stop us from filling a 45 minute show. After we review last weeks comments we cover Joshua's ask HDBeat question and move on to more HD DVD vs Blu-ray news, I know , I know , big surprise. We talk a little about the TWIT gang and thank them for their plug. We also try to spread awareness about the broadcast flag. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the HD Beat Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley! Hosts Ben Drawbaugh and Matt Burns. Producer Ben Drawbaugh Format 46:31, 22 MB, MP3 Program The Broadcast Flag is back Ask HDBeat: Where are the built-in ATSC turners for laptops Audioholics: Ten reasons why high-def DVD formats have already failed Toshiba is selling the HD DVD players below cost Toshiba RD-A1 standalone HD DVD burner: $3500 Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-ray player priced, accesorized Ask HDBeat: HDTV calibration round-up A hard lesson taught by APEX TWIT and HDBeat.com LISTEN (MP3)
TWIT and HD Beat
All the HD Beat readers and podcast listeners know we love the guys at This Week in Tech. We have enjoyed watching them on TechTV and listening to their podcast. We were very honored this week when Patrick referenced us on how Moviebeam works. It was a short quote after Leo questions the response, he says "Hey it's straight from HDBeat.com, those guys are alright, except when they talk trash about Robert." Sorry Robert we don't mean to talk trash, we just wish you read HD Beat as regularly as Patrick seems to. Thanks for the props guys!
HD DVD and Blu-ray movies released on June 27th 2006
Here we are officially in the new format war, this is week two of releases and Blu-ray is still catching up to HD DVD, but has a long way to go. In the past we have been using one source for this information and our laziness has been revealed by a few as previous posts have not been 100% accurate. From this point on we will spend some more time to ensure our information is accurate.This week Warner keeps releasing titles with a classic Mel Gibson movie and Concert Hot Spot releases another concert, in the past we have been missing the concerts which was the main inaccuracy in our lists.Lionsgate joins the Blu-ray party this week with last years Academy Award winner for best Picture; Crash. As well as other great movies like Lord of War, Terminator 2 and The Punisher, ok The Punisher wasn't that good, but it was filmed in Tampa which makes it required viewing for me at least. Everyone in the Blu-ray camp is hoping for better reviews of Lionsgate's movies than Sony's titles from last week.This brings the total to HD DVD 32 vs Blu-ray 13.HD DVD Guitarscape Planet (Concert Hot Spot) Lethal Weapon (Warner) Blu-ray Crash (Lionsgate) Lord of War (Lionsgate) The Punisher (Lionsgate) Saw (Lionsgate) Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Lionsgate) Ultraviolet (Sony)
Ask HDBeat: Where are the built-in ATSC turners for laptops
Joshua Nelson has a big problem and needs to get it off his chest. He could not find any of his "real friends" that would care about it so he turned to us. Well Josh...we can call you Josh right...we are here to help man. See 'ol Josh here has been looking at the new Toshiba HD DVD and Sony Blu-ray laptops but they are missing an ATSC tuner. His issue is that these are supposed to be high-def powerhouses but you can't watch high-def over-the-air programming without buying something else. (kind of reminds you of those new mac commercials) We agree Josh, what's up with that?Unfortunately though Josh, built TV tuners are just not a popular built-in option. The US is just so big and spread out that many people can only get two or three OTA stations with a roof-top antenna, let alone one that is built into a laptop. Korea, or Japan, is so dense that they are saturated with DMB signals and therefore it makes more sense having those types of tuners in everything from laptops, to cell phones, to their toasters. We don't have proof about the last one but we are sure there is a Hello Kitty toaster with a built-in TV and smoothie maker - there has to be.But getting back to your problem Mr. Nelson, this might be an option that will become popular but the only laptop we could dig up you already knew about: the Acer 9800. It looks like it does have a built-in digital tuner which should mean ATSC. But did you happen to catch the pic to the right of the description of the laptop with the antenna coming out of it; classic. Well, we hope that helped you feel better Josh. Sorry we couldn't help anymore but if any of our vast reader base has an inside line with Toshiba or Sony, if you put an ATSC tuner in your high-def laptops, you have at least one sale - Joshua Nelson.
