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How to get geared up for Super Bowl XLII
Yeah, you've seen an awful lot of Super Bowl XLII talk 'round these parts over the past few days, but considering that it's probably the biggest sporting spectacle in all of America, we suppose it makes sense to get everything absolutely perfect for gameday. Sound & Vision has an interesting writeup that details the dos and don'ts for throwing a shindig that will leave guests in awe, and while having the right equipment most certainly plays a part, using that DVR judiciously and ensuring that seating is setup so that all guests can view the screen satisfactorily also makes a huge difference. Hit up the read link below for the rundown -- you can never be too thorough, right?[Image courtesy of NY Times]
Check for HD before RSVP-ing that Superbowl party
Okay, everybody knows the Superbowl is going to move a lot of HDTVs (and maybe HD DVD players as well), and we've even done our PSA on how to make sure you're watching the game in HD. But our HD zeal puts us on the fringe of public opinion, right? Not so, true believers -- a survey conducted by Comcast shows that almost half of those polled will make an effort to see the game in HD. That's right, with 52% of men (and 41% of women) making a little extra effort to see it in HD, you're in good company. Better yet, with 43% saying they'd be more likely to attend an HD Super Bowl party than a non-HD one, you don't need to feel like a heel when your RSVP includes questions like "Will it be in HD?" As a good citizen, please show restraint when asking about the gear to be used for the viewing, however.[Image courtesy miggle.com]
How to make sure you're watching Super Bowl XLII in HD
The big game is almost upon us and Engadget HD readers know all too well how many people out there have HDTVs, but aren't watching HD. And since many of us will be at Super Bowl parties, it is our duty to get to the party a little early and make sure the HDTV is setup properly. Or if you think your HDTV is setup properly it never hurts to double check and here are some rules that should go without saying, but we're not going to let that stop us. Just because you have an HDTV, doesn't meant you're watching HD. Just because you have an HDTV STB, doesn't mean you are watching HD. And just because you have an HDMI or component cable connecting your HD STB to your HDTV, doesn't mean you are watching HD. Setup steps after the break.
HD DVD ad to air during Super Bowl XLII, BDA sez it's futile
While we wouldn't say this is anywhere near a last ditch effort, Toshiba's VP of marketing for the Digital A / V Group has affirmed that it will air a 30-second spot during Super Bowl XLII extolling the HD-A3, HD-A30 and HD-A35 players. The plug is said to be a part of its revised strategy to "reinvigorate HD DVD," and oddly enough, it won't be running its ad up against that other format. Apparently, the BDA decided not to buy discounted airtime for a commercial after realizing that it couldn't complete a "Super Bowl-caliber ad" in time, but it seems as if the Blu camp isn't worried about a thing. Andy Parsons, SVP of industrial solutions business research group for Pioneer and BDA loudmouth, noted that he "admired [Toshiba's] chutzpah," but continued by saying that "running a Super Bowl ad is not likely to convince consumers that HD DVD will win the format war." Go on Andy, tell us how you really feel.
CEA expects Super Bowl to drive over two million HDTV sales
Well, what do you know? No sooner than we whip up a questionnaire to find out if you're going to splurge on a new HDTV for the forthcoming tilt between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, along comes a study suggesting that quite a few of your neighbors will be. According to new results from the third annual Sports and Technology survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Sports Video Group (SVG), the Big Game is expected to drive the purchase of 2.4 million high-definition sets, which should generate some $2.2 billion this year alone. Interestingly, this year's study also found that emerging outlets such as mobile handsets and the internet would be sought to provide statistics and secondary information while the Super Bowl is in progress. And hey, if you're questioning your sanity over buying a new TV for one game, just think, March Madness is only weeks away.[Image courtesy of AP / Rick Hossman]
Poll: Did you (or will you) buy a new HDTV for the Super Bowl?
Believe it or not, you've but eight days (and a few hours) to settle on where you'll be watching Super Bowl XLII, and if the answer is your living room, is your current setup the one you'll be running with? Around this time each year here in the US of A, retailers start cramming ideas in your head in order to convince you that your existing HDTV just isn't cut out for "the big game," so we're wondering just how many of you are choosing now to upgrade? Oh, and if you're sticking with whatever you've got, don't hesitate to shout it out proudly in comments below. %Poll-8647%
FIRST Robotics champion crowned, Dean Kamen elated
Tossing up autonomous robots into the galaxy to perform a variety of prototypical tests is intriguing to say the least, but a trio of high-school teams were able to bring robotic competition a bit closer to home as they took home the gold in the highly-anticipated FIRST Robotics corrivalry. Cooked up by Dean Kamen (you know, the Segway inventor) in 1989, the challenge garnered entrants from a whopping 23 countries this year, and teammates from Bobcat Robotics from South Windsor, Connecticut, Highrollers from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Gompei and the HERD from Worcester, Massachusetts were able to craft the most dexterous and successful machine. Their creation reportedly excelled at "completing simple -- albeit goofy -- tasks such as shooting balls or stacking inner tubes," but we can already imagine the evil potential these innocent bots already posses. Apparently, "thousands of screaming high-school participants" were in attendance to witness the unveiling of a new champion, and if the popularity of this contest is any indication, we could be seeing these uber-intelligent, entirely autonomous robot armies being constructed an awful lot sooner than previously expected hoped.
Hoax or prank: did Zug punk the whole Super Bowl?
Did Zug punk the entirety of the Super Bowl-watching population this year, an estimated 90 million people? Or is their chronicle of "the most ambitious prank in history" a prank in and of itself? We don't know the answer -- for the record, we're leaning towards hoax -- but Zug claims that with some social networking and 2,350 Prince-themed pendants (ordered from Chinese manufacturer Ok Fun Times Electronics Co.), they were able to get the audience to light up and spell out ZUG.COM during the halftime show, thinking they'd instead be spelling out PRINCE. Ok, makes sense, but you'd think everyone would have heard about this by now, right? Well, Zug claims the media's been trying to cover it up; they expect us to imagine how few would really want to admit that five unauthorized people could transport a quarter ton of boxes on pallets -- contents unknown -- into the most televised sporting event of the year. For the record, what was the cost on this supposed stunt? $40,000 in equipment and legal fees, as well as a 2nd mortgage on lead prankster John Hargrave's home.
Super Bowl gadget commercial highlights
Just in cased you missed the cultural institution that is Super Bowl commercial watching (wait, there's a football game in there somewhere?), this year produced a couple definite must-sees for the Engadget nerderati. Our personal fav was Garmin's Garmin Man vs. Maposaurus Ultraman homage, although Sprints connectile dysfunction faux-infomercial wasn't too bad either. Check out the videos after the break.
Super Bowl highlights now in iTunes
If you want to relive that abysmal game for only $1.99US (it's a 22 minute video), just click here to be taken to the iTunes Store.Now that the season is over, I wonder if that's the end of NFL content in iTunes? The Pro Bowl will be played this weekend, and the NFL Network (which has been providing content all along) will continue to broadcast, of course.Oh, who am I kidding? Football is over. Darnit.
Super Bowl kicks up HDTV sales
Here's a no-brainer to start your day off with. Super Bowl XLI (41 for all you non-Romans out there) increased HDTV sales. We know it's shocking and all but the real question is how many of the estimated 2.5 million HDTV sold actually enjoyed the game in 1080i? We did our part but it really is up to the salesmen/clerks to inform consumers that just because they are purchasing a HDTV, doesn't mean they are getting HD. According to Business Week, sales of HDTVs were especially concentrated in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas thanks to their Super Bowl contenders. We know it may surprise you that major sports events spur HDTV sales (think World Cup from '06) but someone had to inform the masses. Now that retailers had HDTVs fly off their shelves the last few weeks, we kind of wonder how many of those sets are going to be returned for numerous reasons?
It's time for Super Bowl commercials!
In roughly an hour the world's most watched television broadcast will begin. Super Bowl XLI will kick off in Florida tonight with the Colts pitted against the Bears (that's American football for those of you who don't know). But why do we bring up a sports event on an Xbox 360 fansite? Well, there is a very good reason for that ... commercials! Tonight, during the game, watch for any video game related commercials. Rumor has it that Coke will be airing their GTA inspired commercial during the football game. And although not video game related, the guys over at Digg just might be in GoDaddy's commercial. Just keep your eyes peeled and feel free to discuss your favorite commercials ... let the pizza eating begin!
AVS Forum coverage of the Super Bowl
Today is the big day, many have ran out and bought their first HDTV in preparation, some are having parties with friends, but not everyone is a big sports fan. Don't let that stop you from enjoying the game, if your a HD geek like us, today is a good day to enjoy 10 hours of HD starting at noon, even the commercials are in HD and then discuss the production quality of all the HD goodness with other HD geeks or you may just want to find a resolve to a technical problem during the big game. While we got the basics covered of how to make sure you are watching the game in HD, some problems may be out of your hand. Either way head over to the AVS Forum threads on the particular show your having problems with to find out if it is a national issue or a problem with your local affiliate. If it is a local issue and only effecting the channel the game is on, don't waste your time calling DirecTV, Dish or even your cable company, your best bet is to call your local affiliate and report your issue -- just look up their number on their website and ask for engineering. In most cases they will be able to help you out.Read: Discuss the Road to the Super Bowl in HDRead: Discuss the Super Bowl commercials in HDRead: Discuss the Super Bowl in HDRead: Discuss the Super Bowl Halftime HD
Marketing: N'Gai and his Playboy playmate
With cocktails in cheap plastic cups -- that's no way to treat a lady -- Newsweek's N'Gai Croal challenged Playboy's Miss May '98 to Madden NFL '07 on PS3. The hotel room gaming session was part of a special event set up for media and other people of publicity.Beyond the Super Bowl simulations littering the internet currently regarding who's going to win the Super Bowl today, the video game industry also brought their marketing prowess to the big game. Croal explains, "Electronic Arts is in town for its annual Madden Bowl challenge, co-sponsored this year by Microsoft ... The Playstation folks are still in town with Playstation Oasis, a series of day-long pool parties; a penthouse gift-bag suite; and the aforementioned Challenge a Playmate on PS3."Well, it's good to know that the Colts and Bears aren't the only teams bringing their A game.
NFL oks Super Bowl viewing in churches, as long as no one pays
Whilst many may be aware of the strong reputation that churches hold for repeatedly pulling off successful annual gatherings, a recent letter sent by the NFL to the Fall Creek Baptist Church suggests that this particular organization isn't quite so clued in. The letter, which caused the church in question to cancel a planned "Super Bowl Party" sparked a litany of other cancellations by churches scared of attracting the wrath of the league. The NFL has subsequently attempted to rectify the situation it got itself into -- some would argue the sports equivalent of "cancelling Christmas" -- by stating that their original claim was that churches could display the game, as long as they didn't charge for entry, or display the game on anything other than "a television of the type commonly used at home": in the case of the kitted out Fall Creek Baptist Church, they were hoping to broadcast the game on a TV measuring more than a divine 55-inches diagonally. Unfortunately for the groups that arranged and then subsequently cancelled their parties, it's a little too late to re-advertise. Fortunately, God's omnipresence comes in handy for these sort of screw-ups, so the solution for watching the game at home with the ultimate authority is as simple as leaving a space on the couch. Whether or not he digs your set is an entirely different matter, and one that's entirely down to thickness of your wallet.[Via Tom's Hardware]
Apple '1984' ad 10th in CBS countdown
In the realm of ridiculous rankings, what could be more trivial than "best Superbowl commercial ever?" And yet, CBS has devoted an hour tonight to this burning question. Three years ago, Apple's legendary 1984 ad ranked #4 in the fan voting; tonight it came in at #10.Starting at 9:30 ET/PT, voting opens on the grudge match of Anheuser-Busch's "Lamb Streaker" against the all-time favorite, Coke's Mean Joe Greene ad. That lamb is gonna get skewered. Meanwhile, I'll be watching carefully for Apple's new "Let It Be... iPod" ad.
NFL shuts down church's Super Bowl Bash, ratings to blame
C'mon folks, everyone and their grandmother will likely be watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday (even across the pond), and even if you have no interest in the Colts, Bears, or large men in awkward suits, someone in your family probably feels otherwise. Nevertheless, the NFL showcased its mighty power (and terrible decision making) by condemning Fall Creek Baptist Church's "Super Bowl Bash," saying that advertising a fee-based party that utilized "license-protected words" was against regulations. Furthermore, ditching the door charge and the taboo language wasn't good enough to solve the problem, as "the law" limits Super Bowl (wait, can we say that now?) party TVs to a quantity of one, and that single set must not be over 55-inches. Needless to say, we don't doubt that good few of you fine, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens will be catching the big game with a couple of your friends on your 60-inch plasma (or 100-inch projection screen), but we'd highly recommend building an underground bunker between now and Sunday to make sure your plans are safe. Of course, bars and other eateries are somehow exempt from this bogus rule, and as expected, all the grumbling stems from Nielsen's obvious inability to estimate just how many folks are watching a single tube on this advertisers' dream night, but ratings drops or not, we wouldn't mess with Touchdown Jesus.
(Tecmo) Super Bowl XLI
BBPS has produced an amusing mockery of this coming Sunday's big game -- you know, Super Bowl XLI. No doubt the obligatory 'Madden prediction' is on its way, but for now, let Tecmo Super Bowl tell the tale: 28-24, Bears over Colts. Jim Harbaugh FTW!
How to make sure you are watching the Super Bowl in HD
The big game is almost upon us and Engadget HD readers know all too well how many people out there have HDTVs, but aren't watching HD and since many of us will be at Super Bowl parties, it is our duty to make sure the HDTVs are setup properly.If you think the HDTV is setup properly it doesn't hurt to double check and here are some rules that should go without saying, but we're not going to let that stop us. Just because you have an HDTV, doesn't meant you are watching HDTV. Just because you have an HDTV STB, doesn't mean you are watching HDTV And just because you have an HDMI or component cable connecting your HD STB to your HDTV, doesn't mean you are watching HDTV. Setup steps after the break.
Expect Superbowl highlights in iTunes
Apple has fostered a relationship with the NFL this year, posting game and team highlights, as well as NFL network programming, to the iTunes Store all season long. We're sure that Superbowl Highlights will also be added, but until then you can relive Superbowls past through the eyes of the players and coaches who were on the field in a new series of videos [iTunes link]. I'll be rooting for the Bears this year, only because the Colts eliminated my beloved Patriots. Maybe I'll just relive the Pats' 2004 season.[Via Infinite Loop]
