Engadget HD Podcast 108 - 10.29.2008
by Trent Wolbe 
posted Oct 29th 2008 at 12:08PM
We start off talking about Baraka getting treated to an 8k transfer process en route to Blu-ray, which should make the title appeal to videophiles; which isn't to say we think Blu-ray is for "videophiles" only. With Blu-ray players coming down in price and features like Netflix "Watch Instantly" being added to decks -- two Samsung units added the feature this week -- we think Blu-ray will catch on. Speaking of Netflix, Macs are getting "Watch Instantly" functionality as well, thanks to Microsoft's Silverlight plugin. But the Xbox 360 takes top honors among media streamers this week again, for first out of the gate to support Netflix HD streaming. Not one to be left out of the set-top-box streamer race, TiVo added Jaman and CinemaNow capabilities as well, just as the device TiVo killed -- the standalone VCR -- got the axe from JVC this week. That takes you back, eh? Well, the HD Guru got us all caught up again with his review of the Mitsubishi LaserVue, and he has great news to report -- lots of color, lots darkness and lots of contrast, too. Ben and Steve go into a little more detail on their equipment reviews this week, with Ben putting EA's mPanel through its paces and Steve giving new speakers from Paradigm a listen. We know we're a biased bunch, but this week's poll really highlighted it, with almost 50-percent of you guys switching carriers due to a lack of HD. And that's a perfect springboard for Ben to go off on the NFL Network's use of stale SD material when HD crispness of the same content is available. We end up on a happy note, though -- CES is approaching, and with or without the incorporation of EHX Fall, we always look forward to covering the Christmas-after-Christmas that is CES.Get the podcast
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim
Producer: Trent Wolbe
00:24 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 107 - 10.22.2008
03:50 - Baraka: first ever 8K HD restoration Blu-ray Disc gets ship date, reviewed
05:07 - Is Blu-ray destined to become a "videophile niche?"
07:11 - Samsung partners with Netflix: P2500 and P2550 Blu-ray players updated for free
08:16 - Netflix finally brings 'Watch Instantly' to Macs via Silverlight
09:59 - HD Netflix streaming comes to Xbox 360 first
10:52 - TiVo uncorks movie downloads via CinemaNow and Jaman
12:23 - Standalone VCR party finally ends, JVC shuts the door as it leaves
14:22 - HD Guru: Mitsu's LaserVue L65-A90 among the best HDTVs ever tested
19:12 - Embedded Automation's mPanel Review
21:43 - Paradigm "Phantom" Cinema Gaming speaker system review
23:34 - Poll: Have you switched carriers due to lack of HD?
29:19 - NFL Network launches HD information screen to jazz up SD material
35:18 - EHX Fall moving in with CES, fight over top bunk begins in 2010
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mitchell @ Oct 29th 2008 4:51PM
I have a BD-P1500. Do you guys think Samsung could just add Netflix support to it via firmware? Or is there something more it needs beyond persistant story and network interface?
Mitchell
Vance @ Oct 30th 2008 1:27PM
Following up again on football (and why not?), I am glad you liked Football Night in America a little bit better. A couple of quick bits:
First, I first got to know Olberman when he and Dan Patrick were THE Sportcenter guys on ESPN. In fact, it was a huge career risk when he left that bread and butter and went to do politics. I never watch his show, so I still associate him with sports and it is nostalgic to see him and Patrick back together again to do the highlights.
If you really are pining for Primetime, you can get Chris Berman's highlights (you are right, he is definitely the best highlight guy) a couple of ways. First, he does the "fastest three minutes in sports" during halftime of MNF. Second, and more importantly, you can get him and TJ doing "The Blitz" later at night, after the night game on Sunday. They divide those highlights up throughout a couple of hours of Sportcenter, unfortunately, so what I do is DVR it and then fastforward through the rest of the sports to get to The Blitz segments.
Alton Marschall @ Oct 30th 2008 12:46PM
test
Alton Marschall @ Oct 30th 2008 12:48PM
Love the show.
I would like to hear you guys talk Political issues, Misc stuff more often. You should make the last section of the show each week something you guys want to talk about be it HD or not. People don't listen to podcast just because of the information on it. They listen to podcast because they like the personalities of the podcast.
Plus Ben, everyone knows you love Oreilly and that's why you hate Keith Olbermann...
Its okay I'm a Democrat and listen to Oreilly and hate Olbermann also...
Alton Marschall @ Oct 30th 2008 12:49PM
Does anyone know how to change your profile name? I don't want my whole name showing when I leave a comment?
Ken P @ Oct 30th 2008 1:05PM
My problem with the LaserVue - overscan. From what I hear, there is no dot-for-dot type mode, just like Mits' other DLP based sets. Maybe it is just me, but I like the option to see ALL of the pixels I am paying for (or at least as many as possible). There is some strange workaround, at least on other Mits DLPs, where if you name an input "PC" it will reduce the overscan, but that only covers the 1 input named "PC". I realize that it is more difficult with a projection TV to get everything lined up so that there is no overscan, but at least give the customer some settings that reduce it. $7,000 and no controls for overscan? Lame. Somehow Samsung does it. They have a "JustScan" mode on their LED based DLPs. I don't know how good it works, but at least it is an option.
joek112 @ Nov 1st 2008 1:52PM
I agree!! The overscan issue is the ONLY issue holding me back from purchasing this unit. I really like the great picture reviews the unit is receiving. I currently have a Sammy DLP with a HTPC hooked up and the overscan on that unit makes using the vista start and system tray menus very difficult no matter how much configuring of the TV or the video card output I perform.
I know the overscan on these units is due to the shallow projection distance, but it is still an annoying.
Ken P @ Oct 30th 2008 1:10PM
Olberman annoys me. He is always TRYING to be funny, he is on occasion, but he mostly just sounds like he is trying too hard. How many more guys can they add to that show? How about just have Costas and Collinsworth do hightlights, and throw Peter Cook (I think that is his name, the guy from SI) in for some in-depth stuff. Also, make the show an Hour only, and MORE HIGHLIGHTS.
Garrett @ Oct 30th 2008 7:33PM
Ben almost got political again.
Gotta agree with you though. NBC coverage is horrible beacuse there is way too much discussion. I think they want to be perceived as smart people on the subject. And Olbermann brings nothing to the show except boredom. I think they brought Patrick on so they could cut his time in half and not make him look bad.
It was great how you were talking about how Netflix would be great on Tivo and they need to get together and then the announcement comes now.
FredT @ Oct 31st 2008 10:35AM
Ya, Olbermann is irritating, but really Ben, you watched him once and you think he's hateful compared to O'Reilly?!
Ben @ Oct 31st 2008 11:06AM
Yes that's right, I've never once heard O'Reilly say anything near as hateful as Olbermann. I mean the worst he has done is called someone unpatriotic or a pin head. This is a far cry from a criminal or liar that Olbermann claims.
TJ @ Oct 31st 2008 5:02PM
Just so you guys know- there is already a Panasonic Blu-ray/VHS Combo player in Japan. I bet its only a matter of time before it hits these shores.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/25/panasonic-intros-dmr-br360v-blu-ray-vhs-combo-player/
It would be a whole lot more interesting to me to see the Blu-ray recordable decks hit the U.S. I'm sure there would be some kind of HDCP issue, but it would be nice to occasionally be able to archive off my TiVo without getting the PC involved.
timwprice @ Nov 1st 2008 7:54AM
Somewhat on the subject of changing HD providers, I'm bummed that in my area only two of the local networks broadcast in Dolby Digital. I understand the cost issues and will wait patiently for the stations to upgrade.
But on the podcast you guys talk about the audio advantage of blu-ray. I'm still waiting for the full audio advantage of HDTV!
joek112 @ Nov 1st 2008 1:52PM
Ben – I hear ya with respect to frustrations with the blu-ray software on HTPCs. The Hulk is my latest title I tried to watch with the Mrs and was unable to do so. (I’ll get it working, it just takes time.) I am also soon coming to the realization that my all-in-one-box solution may not be the best option. But honestly, I can only blame Hollywood for including all of the adaptive copy protection crap that makes the experience difficult.
I JUST WANT TO WATCH THE MOVIE !!
Honestly, I found myself cursing blu-ray and wishing the HD-DVD option was still available, but since that dream will never come true, maybe digital downloads experience can fill the gap in my current blu-ray experience.
Declan @ Nov 1st 2008 9:14PM
Ben I have to be honest and say that I was shocked that you are high on Mitsubishi's LaserVue. You know, being the plasma snob that you are. I am glad that you are actually open-mined at times and willing to change your stance on some of your positions.
Now only if you would wake up and realized that Blu-ray is dying a slow death. LOL.
Alton @ Dec 4th 2008 1:21PM
Ben did you see the olbermann skit on SNL Saturday? Best skit I have seen in a long time...