HdBeat
Latest
HDBeat Podcast 018 - 06.22.06
Better late than never this week as Matt and I are plagued with technical difficulties. I have been too busy moving and didn't have Internet access and Matt has been plagued with storms and a faulty headset. We persisted and got it out a few days late, but we will be back on schedule next week . Matt tells us about the poor PQ on the all the HD sports this weekend and we continue to discuss the Blu-ray release. I haven't been able to get my hands on one yet, but hopefully that will change next week. I also share all my drug experiences with you this week, but I leave out the good parts. 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 47.32, 21 MB, MP3 Program Universal HD still on Comcast? Overcompressed bitstarved HDTV frustrates World Cup fans Annoying sound, video problems mar high-def World Cup broadcast US Open: Worse HD coverage than the World Cup Less than 1 percent of TV ads are in high-def Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray player hands-on, cracked open, pored over Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player really IS delayed: October 25 Yes, Sony's BDP-S1 is delayed; Blu-ray isn't Samsung BD-P1000 players available early Samsung universal HD DVD/Blu-ray player still a possibility Ten reasons you NEED to be an early adopter of a high-def movie format Why Blu-ray will succeed where UMD failed Ask HD Beat: DVD upconverting over component? High-end DVD up-scalers - a great alternative? Dan Rather leaving CBS for HDNet? HDTV = heroin? DirecTV Titanuim: $7,500 per year/$625 a month LISTEN (MP3)
HD DVD and Blu-ray movies released on June 20th 2006
The war officially starts tomorrow when the first Blu-ray movies hit the shelves. I am not sure if they are launching with a bang, I mean nine titles with only one non-Sony title isn't as impressive as many have hoped, but It is still over twice as many as HD DVD started with. It should start to get real interesting in the next month or so when some other studios join the party. HD DVD is going to keep it's lead for the time being bringing the total number of movies to 26 from 24 with two more from Warner. Has anyone else heard of these movies? We haven't, but we thank Warner for continuing to crank out the titles. Sony is brining out some heavy hitters the first week out, but nothing earth shattering. There are a few movies that should do a good job of showing off the latest format, like Underworld: Evolution and The Fifth Element. If you were Sony which movies would you have launched this week?For those keeping score HD DVD 26 vs Blu-ray 7.HD DVD Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Warner) Syriana (Warner) Blu-ray 50 First Dates (Sony) The Fifth Element (Sony) Hitch (Sony) House of Flying Daggers (Sony) A Knight's Tale (Sony) The Last Waltz (MGM) Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony) Underworld: Evolution (Sony) xXx (Sony) [Updated for delayed Sony releases]
HDBeat Podcast 017 - 06.13.06
The summer is almost officially here and that means there isn't much on TV. There are a few shows and we talk about what is out there. We also discuss World Cup coverage as Matt offends soccer fans everywhere by calling boring. We continue the war debate, and discuss the Xbox 360's update. We also spend a few minutes talking about DLP and IMAX theaters. 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 47.53, 21 MB, MP3 Program 2006 World Cup HD Schedule Comcast is adding ESPN2-HD in time for the World Cup Dish Network adding four national HD channels [update] Pioneer drops "1080p-compatible" 1024x768 plasmas Pioneer's Blu-ray player officially delayed High-def format war might not be won in living rooms Xbox 360 dashboard update arrives Summer shows in HD Toshiba HD-A1/HD-XA1 firmware update (officially) available Don't have a DLP at home? Go to a DLP equiped theater then LCD-TVs to surpass CRTs by 2009 LISTEN (MP3)
Summer shows in HD
The new summer shows in HD kicked off last night on HBO and for the first time ever HBO brought us 30 minute comedies in HD, which is one more reason to look forward to Curb Your Enthusiasm . For whatever reason the summer is the time for reality shows, but thankfully cable networks bring us new shows in HD. Last night's shows on HBO were to par from previous seasons and the new show Lucky Louie was hilarious, it is married men comedy at its best, without a doubt the funniest since Married with Children. Yes that is a fake gun in the picture that the uncle brought as a gift for the four year old girl. HBO isn't the only one with news shows, TNT and Showtime both have a few HD offerings to look forward to. June 11th Deadwood Entourage Lucky Louie June 12 Closer Saved July 9th Brotherhood July 12 Nightmares & Dreamscapes Did I miss any?
HD DVDs released on June 13th 2006
This is the last week of this weekly post, because this is the last week before Blu-ray titles will be released. From June 20th on we will post both HD DVD and Blu-ray titles for that week. We only have three titles this week, but there are some good ones. Yet another day and date release with DVD this week with 16 Blocks from Warner. We really enjoyed this movie and look forward to seeing it in HD, it reminds us of The Gauntlet. Universal isn't sitting out again this week and they come back with the comedy classic Happy Gilmore. This bring the totals to Warner 14 Vs. Universal 12. It should start to get interesting next week with the first Blu-ray titles, We wonder how long it will take for Blu-ray to catch up to HD DVD in regards to the number of titles? 16 Blocks (Warner) Happy Gilmore (Universal) The Rundown (Universal)
2006 World Cup HD Schedule
The 2006 World Cup kicks off tomorrow at 11:55 a.m. EST, I know, I know, everyone knows that. With less than 24 hours to go, I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone of the HD schedule or the where and the when. While it is great news that all the games will be produced in HD, we all won't be able to enjoy them because of our own programming challenges. Here in the US the coverage is split between ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, which are all owned by Disney. It has always been a mystery to us how they decide which network cover which event and the World Cup isn't any different. ESPN-HD is carried by many more companies than ESPN2-HD and ever since the launch of ESPN2-HD viewers everywhere have been crying; Why do they need two ESPN-HD channels when the first isn't full of HD? We am sure they have their reasons and we're pretty sure our best interests are not in mind. As a result soccer fans everywhere are going to be crying to their providers to carry ESPN2-HD, ahh now we see why they have 2. As for the where and the when, head over to HDSportsguide.com for the full schedule here in the states and I know it isn't that popular in the states, but we are going to at least watch one game, if for no other reason than to comment on the production quality. The first US game will be on ESPN2HD at 11:55 a.m. EST on June 12th 2006.
SnapStream's Beyond TV 4.3 now with ShowSqueeze
It never fails when Microsoft releases a product it is seldom the best, but since it is so readily available *Read Free* it's easy to forget about the competition. Whether you are Citrix, PC-Anywhere or Snapstream, you have differentiate yourself by including some great features the Microsoft fans will have to wait for the next big release to get. The DIY DVR market isn't any different and Beyond TV has just raised the ante with 4.3. This is a great release for HD fans, it not only doesn't requires an NTSC tuner, but now it includs some additional HDTV specific features that you won't find in MCE. The biggest new feature for HD fans is ShowSqueeze, you might be thinking that squeezing your shows is a bad thing, but hard drive space can be expensive. An accompanying feature called StreamSnip will strip away unwanted sub channels, you know that weather map and ShowSqueeze will automatically compress the shows with the latest CODECs to help you save space without sacrificing PQ. Beyond TV 4.3 now supports DivX 6.1 as well as the latest ATI Theater 650 chipset, which is the first to include a hardware encoded NTSC tuner and ATSC tuner on one chip.Look forward to a full review, since SnapStream was nice enough to send us a copy for the HD Beat labs.
HDBeat Podcast 016 - 06.06.06
Yeah we know what day it is and we don't care, you might think it got to us especially considering this is episode 16, sixes aside we have some HD news to discuss. Something was in the air, because Matt and I didn't see eye to eye on many things tonight and we really take some sides on issues like TiVo's value and shows he thinks are good enough to watch in SD. I stand my ground but admit I can be an HD snob. 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 54:20, 25 MB, MP3 Program Comcast to begin testing HD TiVos Getting more HD though the same old cable; CableCard on the outs? Home Theater Blog: How to wall mount a LCD or plasma True 1080p from Sony: 5 new Grand Wega SXRD models and 6 new BRAVIA LCDs Sports bars invest in HD to compete with home theater 1080p carbon nanotube-based LCoS microdisplay Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD player firmware upgrade leaked Scripps National Spelling Bee in HD Entourage 720p trailer on Xbox Live Marketplace; Season 3 HD? Question: How much non-HD content do you watch? LISTEN (MP3)
Cable companies continue to struggle with limited bandwidth
Every time we look around we are asking ourselves; where are all the new HD channels? We see new channels announced, but they still don't seem to be offered to us by our cable company and considering the price we pay per month; we want to know why. The hard truth is the simple fact that there isn't enough bandwidth. There would be plenty of bandwidth for HD if there weren't all those analog channels taking up so much space. Until there are more HDTV subscribers than analog subscribers the analog stations are going to continue to get the valuable bandwidth.
Belkin 3-to-1 HDMI switch
So many HDMI devices and not enough HDMI inputs. Even today many of the new TVs only have one HDMI input. What are we to do? How are we supposed to connect our Blu-ray player, HD TiVo and PS3 to our new TV? Belkin is here to help with their new 3-to-1 HDMI switch, which will sell for $199 and be available in July. It will include a 6" HDMI cable and a IR remote. Hmmm.. where is the RS-232 port for all us home automation fans?
HDBeat Podcast 015 - 05.30.06
This week we try to take the focus off Blu-ray vs HD DVD, but we fail miserably. We try to fly through the dead topic and move on to more important HD news, like HD commercials. We cover a little programming including what's on this summer in HD. Some new hardware this week from AT&T, DLP professional projectors, TiVo's injunction and Vista's NTSC requirement. 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 49:22, 28 MB, MP3 Program Countdown Begins: 30 days till Blu-ray Blu-ray Titles appear on Netflix Paramount delays initial HD DVD titles Constantine HD DVD release (Warner's) first for special features, Bourne Supremacy out now Broadcast, cable cos fight over downconverting How important is it for consumers to understand HD? This is SportsCenter in HD? What's on HDTV this summer? Make your own Hi-Def DVDs Is high-def to much definition? AT&T's new Hi-Def Homezone box TiVo's Latest injunction Vista will not require a NTSC tuner Christie DLP projector to be used to display Disney's "Cars" LISTEN (MP3)
Countdown Begins: 30 days till Blu-ray
If Samsung wouldn't have delayed their Blu-ray player we could all be enjoying it right now, writing reviews and doing comparisons, but we all know how ifs can go.Today marks the beginning of the 30 day countdown to Blu-ray. Just as a recap, Samsung will be releasing the BD-P1000 with a MSRP of $999 on June 25th 2006. Sony Pictures, MGM Studios and Lionsgate Home Entertainment will all be releasing titles at launch spread out between two release dates, June 20th and June 27th. June 20, 2006 • 50 First Dates (Sony) • The Fifth Element (Sony) • Hitch (Sony) • House of Flying Daggers (Sony) • A Knight's Tale (Sony) • The Last Waltz (MGM) • Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony) • Underworld: Evolution (Sony) • xXx (Sony) June 27, 2006 • Crash (Lionsgate) • Lord of War (Lionsgate) • The Punisher (Lionsgate) • Saw (Lionsgate) • Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Lionsgate)• Ultraviolet (Sony)
Paramount delays initial HD DVD titles
Just when we were starting to get excited because Paramount Pictures was entering the HD DVD game, they go and take them away. It would be bad enough if they were just delayed, but they haven't even announced a new date yet. To make matters worse, the only thing they will say is that the titles have not be given a new release date. Yeah we know what you're thinking; they aren't that great anyways.
How important is it for consumers to understand HD?
Many consumers don't understand HD and some may never. Many experts think this is a big deal, but how many people understand regular TV? They have been watching CRTs for 40 years and we would bet that they don't know what it means or even care. They don't know NTSC nor could they explain the difference between analog and digital. None of this stops them from enjoying TV and wouldn't stop them from enjoying HDTV. This is why we don't worry about the lack of HDTV knowledge that continues to get so much press, but we're here when they are ready to learn! HD is great and we are confident that they will come around eventuallyPeople will buy HDTV when they can afford it or if forced, will upgrade to ATSC, but if our moms are buying them then it is just a matter of time and no they won't understand it.
TiVo's Latest injunction
If you recently read the review on the new DISH ViP 622 and are thinking about picking one up don't take your time, because if you wait too long you may be out of luck if TiVo gets there way. We all know TiVo won a major patent dispute with DISH a few months ago and now they are requesting an injunction to prevent DISH from selling any DVR including the HD 622. I love TiVo as much as the next guy, but did our patent system fail us again this time or is TiVo finally getting what they deserve?
I4U Reviews DISH's ViP 622 HD DVR [Update]
It seems that DIRECTV has been slipping for some time and now with this week's rumor about DISH adding more HD channels this review couldn't have come at a better time for those considering a switch.For some time one of the reasons to stick with DIRECTV is because of the HD TiVo, even with all its problems it is still one of the best HD DVRs out there, after reading this review it doesn't appear to me that this has changed yet. In Dennis's review he raves about the 622, but doesn't seem to care much about the fact that you can't record two HD channels at once, or can you? According to him you can't, but we tried to verify this and only became more confused. Maybe an HD Beat reader can chime in with some first hand knowledge. Jason let us know you can record 3 HD shows at once, two via Satellite and one OTA while playing back a third. Just like the new 2Wire Homezone box the 622 supports two TVs and two remotes, but only one can be a HDTV. Highlights include HDMI, S-Video, Component and TiVo like scheduling, as well as a 30 second skip.It is nice that the box is available for lease, but evidently DISH will only lease you one of them.[Update added multiple recording capability.]
HDBeat Podcast 014 - 05.23.06
Starting this week we start the show off with listeners comments and then get back to our favorite topic Blu-Ray vs HD DVD. Matt explains the backroom agreement concerning ICT and we both express our concerns for HD DVDs shortcomings. We both rant about Vista's NTSC tuner requirement and fishing up with some programming news, including the fact that Matt shares the name of his favorite show with us, no it isn't Scrubs. 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 49:07, 28 MB, MP3 Program Sony does not think they can meet the Blu-ray demand Toshiba's HD DVD players almost sold out Sony fakes Blu-ray playback [ Update] Sony Pictures delays second wave of Blu-ray titles Sony confirms no HDMI upgrade for base PS3 ICT a non-issue till at least 2010? Solid speculation on the price of the Xbox 360s HD DVD drive HD DVD not "future-proof" enough Vista requires a NTSC tuner - UPDATE 1 HDTV Scrubs on NBC? ABC adds Saturday Night CFB in HD American Chopper leaving Discovery Channel Dish Network adding four national HD channels LISTEN (MP3)
HD DVDs released on May 23rd 2006
This week we have some great action titles which is expected considering who buys these things. U-571 has been a great home theater demo movie since it came out on DVD with DTS. But who couldn't love classics like The Borne Supremacy or The Fugitive. Universal and Warner are done taking turns releasing HD DVD titles and this week they both release a few. This is the first week we have seen six titles released at once, increasing the total count from fourteen to twenty. For those keeping score Warner 10 Vs. Universal 10. I guess Universal knew we were keeping score, which is why they decided at the last minute to release two this week. The question still remains, where is Paramount? It appears that they will be entering the game next week. Blazing Saddles (Warner) The Bourne Supremacy (Universal) The Chronicles of Riddick (Universal) The Fugitive (Warner) U-571 (Universal) Van Helsing (Universal)
Sony confirms no HDMI upgrade for base PS3
We were afraid that this might be the case, but that doesn't mean we aren't disappointed for all those bargain hunters out there. The PS3 like the Xbox 360 comes in multiple favors, but unlike the Xbox 360, the cheaper PS3 has no chance to equal it's bigger brother with upgrades. Although you can upgrade almost everything, the one thing that can't be upgraded is the HDMI port. Which of course leaves owners in the cold should the big bad studios ever decide to exercise their right to enable ICT. Of course this isn't a problem now, but we are all afraid it may be the case eventually. Now the question still remains, will the Xbox 360 ever get a HDMI port?via [Engadget]
Warner announces two more HD DVD titles
Warner won't stop, can't stop announcing HD DVD titles and this week they add two more classics to their lineup. Unfortunately neither The Fugitive or Blazing Saddles are new releases, but at one time they were a hot item. This does mark the first comedy for HD DVD, Rumor Has It... isn't a comedy is it? Either way a classic comedy is welcomed to the party. The interesting part is that these two movies are to be released on May 23rd, which once again is only a few days lead time. This is beginning to be the norm for HD DVD. This doesn't give us much time to look forward to titles, but it does give us hope that our favorite movies are just around the corner.
