Engadget HD Podcast 093 - 07.16.2008
by Trent Wolbe 
posted Jul 16th 2008 at 9:31PM
We kick things off talking about the Playstation Network's video downloads to the PS3 and PSP; it's a new service, but with pricing and terms that seem oddly familiar. Not as familiar, though, as ripping your own content -- which seems unlikely to ever go away, no matter how low the prices on recorded media gets. Our online Engadget HD community turned out in big numbers to make Amazon the favorite place to get Blu-ray discs, easily outpacing brick and mortar giant Best Buy. No tech podcast this week would be complete without mention of the iPhone, and we talk about the state of apps for the uber-gadget to automate your home, both commercial and open-source. For PCs, TotalMedia Theatre seems like a winner, even though it alienates the 64-bit crowd -- it's unfortunate, but we don't see much need for 64-bit addressing in Vista MCE, anyways. Despite losing AMC-14 earlier this year, DISH keeps rolling out HD channels, and by some counts has even pulled ahead of DirecTV. Also getting off the ground is CBS's new HD production studio, and we're waiting for the goodies that are to come after the premiere of CBS Evening News in HD. Like, for example, more Olympic coverage in HD! We all know HD sports are preferable to being at the live event, and it might be double true given the smog in China. We wrap up by giving our old pal TiVo a critical look -- the latest features are welcome, but they have a note of "what took you so long" to them.Get the podcast
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim
Producer: Trent Wolbe
00:54 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 092 - 07.09.2008
07:09 - Playstation Network gets movie / TV download service, single sign-on across devices
11:38 - Study finds that one-third of consumers copy DVDs
16:39 - Warner set to lower Blu-ray Disc prices for the holidays
18:24 - Poll: Where do you buy your Blu-ray Discs?
19:49 - Microsoft adds Universal, NBC to Xbox Live Marketplace, calls #1 in HD
22:02 - iPhone App Store to host loads of home automation programs
27:25 - ArcSoft's TotalMedia Theatre gets reviewed, loved
30:37 - DISH to roll out 17 new HD channels on August 1st
33:38 - CBS News fleshes out high-def plans
35:10 - NBC lays out 2008 Beijing Olympics coverage plans
39:04 - TiVo's 9.4 update trickling out to Series 3 / TiVo HD users
LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
S4Rs @ Jul 16th 2008 2:44PM
The links are Dead. Harrumph!!!
Steven Kim @ Jul 17th 2008 1:50AM
All the links should be fine now.
Justin N. @ Jul 16th 2008 11:23PM
Woah woah woah, no need for 64-bit addressing? C'mon! I love the x64 version of Vista, as it's noticably speedier on my PC than the 32-bit version, and it drives me crazy that developers refuse to support the 64-bit version outside of games. If I were a developer, I'd want to go ahead and make 64-bit a higher priority to ensure Windows 7 compatibility, but that's just me, I guess.
Well, crud, if Total Media Theatre won't work on x64 properly, then I guess I won't buy it. Saves me a hundred bucks or so, at least, though some of my customers will be disappointed.
Justin N. @ Jul 16th 2008 11:28PM
Insert foot into mouth: the referenced review says preliminary x64 support has been added in the latest version. Hallelujah.
IseWise @ Jul 16th 2008 11:39PM
Ben I love the situations you make up about copying DVDs.
locke6854 @ Jul 17th 2008 2:06AM
there are people on avsforums that measure bitrates and they found that dishnetwork had a higherbitrate and noticably less compression than direct tv (screenshots included)
jwbeck17 @ Jul 17th 2008 10:18AM
I'm listening to your podcast now and I'd like to weigh in on your discussion of you two being "fanboys" and its affect of the coverage on your show. Let me preamble this by stating that I am offering my criticisms and recommendations as a way to make the show better overall.
1) Are you "fanboys"? In my opinion, no, although I can understand the belief. Both of you do provide salient support of your united positions on products and technology. However, what I think you fail to do is investigate thoroughly the reasons behind the technology products that you don't agree with. Both of you have very similar opinions and experiences with things, so your commentary tends to be one-sided, and thus, less informative and interesting to us, the listeners.
2) Do you give short-shrift to technology and products that you don't personally support? I have to say "yes" to this one, and that's why you are perceived as "fanboys". I understand the "me, too" responses you give to each other, but you should try to at least present the opposing points thoroughly. Research not just the PR sheets you get, but also the comments from readers, as there are usually a few responses that will be able to give you enough information to provide a "devil's advocate" perspective.
I really do enjoy listening to you guys, but I want you to have the best HD podcast - period. I don't think you need to be on opposite sides of everything, but consider "Siskel & Ebert". They both agreed and disagreed at times, however they did present good contrarian points as needed, making their show the tops in what they did. You should strive for that, too.
And also, use more terms like "supposably", Ben. That there is podcast gold!
Great work, guys!
dj496 @ Jul 17th 2008 10:29AM
Can I make a request - that you show the podcast length in each post? That way I can decide if I have time to listen to it when I first see it, or wait till later when I'm not so busy...would be nice.
dj496 @ Jul 17th 2008 10:30AM
What's wrong with the stupid comment system!
Jeff @ Jul 17th 2008 10:42AM
Hey Steve I'm not sure is EngadgetHD spelled "engadgethd" or "enagdgethd" because the latter is what the iTunes link still shows.
Ben @ Jul 17th 2008 1:38PM
Thanks Jeff, I fixed the RSS feed enclosure. Just right click on the Podcast (not the specific episode) in iTunes and and choose "Update Podcast."
David S @ Jul 18th 2008 9:06AM
Is anyone working on a iPhone app for VMC?
scottM @ Jul 18th 2008 10:55AM
Somehow missed the "where to buy dvd/blu-ray" poll, but I have to chime in.
The cheapest, best selection of dvd's I have ever found goes to the local pawn shop. Hundreds of new release titles for $4, $2 for catalog. Hopefully soon more blu-rays will start showing up.
If you can stomach being seen going into a pawn shop, you'll save a ton. Also, brand new video game titles were $10.
PaulF @ Jul 21st 2008 12:43PM
Count me as one of those "Rent, but don't watch and return - rip for later" people. It gets the next movie on the way while I wait for the wife to watch "Nanny Diaries"...no kidding, true scenario.
I saw on the Rambo Blu-ray that there was an offer for a digital copy of SD DVDs, Windows or Apple...what's that about?
Alton @ Jul 21st 2008 5:50PM
So Ben....
Besides the podcast that puts me to sleep I will not mention can you recommend any other Media Center podcast?