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Wii: Is high-def more important then content?
O.K. we love high definition. Really, we do but how important is HD in games? Seriously, is high-def more important the content of the games. Some of the best games of all time relied on the story instead of graphics. Zelda, Mario, Civilization and the list goes on. Would a higher resolution improve the games...no; it would enhance the experience abet but would not add anything to the overall game. We are not questioning the fact that HD is great in games but would you trade a great overall gaming experience from the Nintendo Wii for a good game in high-def from the PS3? What if it cost more then twice as much?Just something to think about going into Nintendo's E3 press conference.
High-def E3 content via Bit Torrent
Check this out: high definition content right from E3! A few gaming sites have this type of content out but it is part of their premium services. It would have been sweet to see these live but that's what we have HD for, right? These are all torrents so you will need a torrent manager like uTorrent in order to download them. Judging by the size of 'em they don't seem like they would be to long but any high-def is better then no high-def. Let us know what you think. Are these PS3 game clips dramatically better then the 360s?[via Digg]
More high-def BBC details
We have known for sometime that the BBC was going to start broadcasting in HD but the details were sketchy at best. What we know now is that they will start their high-def stream on May 11. Keep in mind that this is a limited trial only and you need to be on the "list" to receive the signal. Telewest will be able to receive the signal right off the bat with Sky shortly there afterward's. Sky will start to install the necessary equipment on May 22. The programming seems limited but will certainly grow with time.
Warner Bros. to team with BitTorrent for movie sales
It looks like BitTorrent has really cleaned up its act ever since it bowed to movie studio wishes and swore to remove pirated content from its search last year. Not only have they managed to send plenty of downloaders elsewhere, but have gotten friendly enough with Warner Bros. to start distributing movies and TV shows via the BitTorrent tech in the US. (Disclaimer: Engadget's parent's parent company is Time Warner, the parent company of Warner Bros. Entertainment.) Just like old Napster vs new Napster, this isn't your father's BitTorrent movie download, since the files will be saddled with BitTorrent's very own DRM tech that won't let you copy the file around, or burn it as a DVD. Luckily, Warner Bros. is claiming that they'll be offering content on the day of its retail availability. On the flip side, it sounds like pricing for TV shows will be similar to that of Apple and Google (though the Reuters mentions $1 per episode, so maybe there is hope for a BitTorrent discount), and DVDs will match retail prices. Seems kind of lame considering the fact that you're saving them bandwidth costs, and obtaining a file that you have less rights to than a traditional disc, but dems the breaks. The service should go live this summer, and provide around 200 titles at launch, including "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Babylon 5." BitTorrent says they're also in talks with other studios, but that's all they'll say about that for now.
More info on NuVision's LED DLP line
Remember that LED DLP we spotted at the Electronic House Expo? The one based on LEDs instead of bulbs and can achieve a 1080p resolution. We have some more info on it. NuVision does have plans to start selling the 52-inch LED based DLP this summer with a 58-incher coming later. Don't except to see this model in big box retailers but rather your local audio/video specialty retailers and CEDIA install markets. There is no word on price yet but we'll let you know as soon as something pops up.
HDTV Listings for May 8, 2006
What we're watching: Prison Break and 24 are on and in action tonight, notable because they might finally break out of prison (how can a show called Prison Break not actually have a break out yet? That would be as though they called Lost "Found") and on 24 the President may shoot down a jet just to kill Jack Bauer (impossible).On TNT we have second round action kicking off between the Clippers/Suns and Nets/Heat so you know what you're getting there. The X-factor tonight is street magician/stuntman/demonically possessed David Blaine's attempt to break the world record for holding his breath underwater on ABC. We'll go out on a limb and say there's some sort of trick to it. Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Hawaii is not an HDTV paradise
As our commenter BDevorzon noted, a combination of mountain-blocked OTA broadcasts, cable/local affiliate squabbles and limited satellite access combines to make the production home of one of the best HD programs, Lost, very unfriendly for high-definition TV owners. DISH network doesn't provide service to Hawaii at all, and DirecTV has not added locals for the area yet. Only the ABC affiliate in the area has an agreement with Time Warner Cable to show their high definition signal although negotiations with the others are ongoing. Although they do broadcast OTA, the layout of the islands makes that a tricky or impossible proposition for many. We're trying to muster up the same sympathy for our Hawaiian brethren that we showed for North Carolina residents before the Super Bowl but man they live in Hawaii. If Michigan was located a bit closer to the equator I'd shut the TV off and go outside once in a while. As it is, we at HD Beat probably won't get any closer to the island than a game of Test Drive Unlimited, but we do feel your pain.
HDTV Listings for May 7, 2006
What we're watching: NBA Playoffs second round matchups are finally upon us. Spurs vs. Mavericks is going on now while the Pistons take on Lebron & the Cavaliers at 3:30 on ABC. NHL Playoffs have hit round dos as well with Anaheim and Colorado dropping the puck at 3 on NBC. Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy continue their usual Sunday night scheduling but we'll probably catch Team America: World Police on Showtime.No NASCAR, Malcolm or War at Home today for Fox so no HD whatsoever. Why can't we get 720p King of the Hill?Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Why doesn't your cable provider offer more features?
Across the country people have cable envy, as someone in Hawaii who might even have the same provider can get an extra HDTV channel or VOD selection they can't. Prices vary, rollouts are staggered, capacity is limited etc. etc. etc. This WSJ article does a bit more delving into the wheres and whys of cable feature offering and prices.Among our HD Beat readers, are you generally satisfied with the selection (everybody needs more high definition channels) and features your cable company offers, or are you waiting to/have already switched to satellite or IPTV offering for more capabilities?
HDTV Listings for May 6, 2006
What we're watching: The first round of the NBA Playoffs is almost over, with the first-round matchup of the century between the best player in the league (Kobe) and the 2-time defending MVP (Nash). Starts at 8:30 p.m. on TNT-HD. Also not to be missed is the Kentucky Derby at 5 p.m. or Tom Hanks on a new Saturday Night Live, but when the game is on you know where to be.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
HDTV Listings for May 5, 2006
What we're watching: We are all witnesses etc. etc. LeBron showed off in Game 5, now it's put up or shut up time for the Wizards and Kings tonight on ESPN. Win and force a deciding Game 7 or have fun picking out those hip waders because it's time to go fishing. However, we may also tune into World Extreme Cagefighting: Cinco de Mayhem on HDNET, with a name like that its got to be good.Reba fans, (all three of you), tonight is the season finale.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
DLPs and LCDs pricy little bulbs
OK microdisplay owners. Talk to us. DLPs and LCDs are popular types of HDTVs. They offer a great size to price ratio and the picture on them is great. But they have those little bulbs. MSNBC ran a story way back in the middle of April that is still floating around and we want to know your take on it. Basically, they are recommending the DLP because the owner will not have to replace the bulb for a few years to come. We here at HD Beat have heard of multiple bulb replacements per year in some cases.How long has your bulb lasted in your LCD/DLP? We need to know how long you watch the HDTV each day though in order to fully understand where you are coming from. Talk to us folks.
New HDMI products - stress relief cables
We all know this scene. You are reaching behind some type of large HDTV display trying to fit that stupid HDMI cable into the little, tiny port, only to be blocked by the other cable that is already there. Next Generation Home Products has you something for you - Stress Relief Cables. These short little cables can take the "stress" out of installing different types of cables in tight spots. Simply slip them into the approriate terminals before installing the HDTV in its location. This way when you are fishing around for the right location to plug in your newest HD device, these little cables will be hanging there just waiting for you to plug into them. Plus, and more importantly, these little cables can relieve the "stress" that can be caused by large cables. Next Generation Home Prodcts has a new HDMI wall plate that works the sameway too.Thanks for the tip Julie. We will take stress relief anyway we can!
Check out Apples newest commercials in HD
Good 'ol Apple commercials. Fanboy or not, got to love 'em. Apple's newest set involves a "PC" and "Mac." What are we doing? You must have seen them by now as they are everywhere during primetime; even on HD stations but for some odd reason, they are not in HD themselves. But Apple has you covered. They have the entire set up on their website in HD. Our favorite around the labs here is the Viruses one. We are sure you have already seen them live but not in HD so check 'em out.
Samsung's LED DLPs now online - HL-S5679W
This is what we have been waiting for. Samsung's LED powered DLPs. Instead of bulbs that only last 4-6 thousand hours, these HDTVs have light sources that will last nearly 20,000 hours. Plus, they say that the LED backlighting can produce quicker startup times and more importantly, better color reproduction. As if the LEDs were enough to make you interested, the DLP is 1080p capable. It seems though that this new technology got crammed into their old DLP cabinets - like two or three generations old. But anyways, the HDTV can be found on froogle through a number of retailers and start around 2500.
HDTV Listings for May 4, 2006
What we're watching: The NBC Thursday night tour continues with new episodes, you know the drill. In NBA Playoffs action the Bulls, Suns and Pacers all want to keep playing, while the Heat, Lakers and Nets don't, we'll see who comes out on top there (BTW, if you missed LeBron's tightrope walk down the baseline -- not a travel -- for the win last night, you have no one to blame but yourself).We'll be checking out boxing on ESPN-HD tonight, as Sergio Mora takes on some guy whose name we won't even try to pronounce, hope he can fight.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
HDTV Listings for May 3, 2006
What we're watching: Lost is back, although good luck at remembering what has been going on after all these repeats, check TV Squad if you need help like I do.While the first round may be over for some (thanks for coming Denver & Memphis, don't let the door hit you on the way out), the NBA Playoffs trudge march on with two Eastern Conference Game 5's tonight. LeBron and Gilbert Arenas continue their epic battle of mediocre teams while the Pistons attempt to put the Bucks behind them once and for all.Also showing tonight is the season finale of One Tree Hill and new episodes of all network TV shows except Everyone Hates Chris.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Where have all the cable cards gone?
Cable cards. Where have they gone? Have you noticed that they are no longer in many of the new HDTVs. Check this out: Panasonic's new PX60U series doesn't have 'em. Samsungs new DLPs and LCDs don't. JVC dosn't have the Card on their plasmas. We can keep going here. HPs plasmas and LGs plasmas. None of these have Cable Card support.So why is this? Are manufactures waiting till Cable Card 2.0 comes out. Or is that they found out that many people are not using this option. We are sorry 'cause we don't know but we hope that it is the former of the two. Cable Card 2.0 is going to change a lot of things. It will bring all of the benifits and features of a cable box, like on-screen guides and on-demand, to the cable card. The current implimentation gives consumers the same stations as a cable box but not the same features. We want our features!
LG: top plasma maker in the world
Who makes the most plasmas in the world? Matsushita/Panasonic or Samsung? Nope...Hitachi/Fujitsu...Nope. LG shipped the most plasmas last quarter. They claimed 31 percent of the market share while Matsushitas Panasonic brand fell a to the second spot and claimed 24 percent of the market. Samsung then dropped their second place spot and fell to third. The bad news in all this is that plasmas are not doing so well. Plasmas had a great last quarter but shipments are down 11 percent. Come on people. Buy some plasmas!
DirecTV announces plans for new local stations
DirecTV is planning to roll out a bunch of new local HD markets by years end. They have been a bit quite about what markets they will be till now. DirecTV is saying that after these markets are up and running they will be able to provide 65% of American households with local HD coverage. DirecTVs customers of course need to have the newer H20 receiver and a five LMB dish.Click on for the complete list of new cities.
