Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream
by Steven Kim 
posted Jun 30th 2009 at 5:30PM
Summer's here, but haven't you heard that the sun is really, really bad for you? Make like a Morlock and stay inside with sweet HD technology to keep you company. And just to make sure you're up to date with said tech, join us for the live Ustream transmission of the Engadget HD podcast. We didn't give you much heads up last week, but now you've got a few good hours to plan your cubicle disappearance for Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30PM EDT. Embedded Ustream audio/chat after the break, to be followed with a list of topics as soon as we cull the herd.Pirate Bay acquired by Global Gaming Factory, going legit like Napster
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Free Videos by Ustream.TV
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael @ Jun 30th 2009 10:47AM
Comcast just released a software update to add interactive tv.
Justin @ Jun 30th 2009 1:38PM
Steven: Where is your Dolby write-up?!?
I'm sitting here with my Denon 3805, great receiver, that can't decode any of these new codecs my Samsung 2500 blu-ray is putting out. I'm using the 7.1 outputs, but notice that the lack of processing makes it sound way different from the TOS link (DD/DTS).
The Sammy doesn't let you set speaker distance, but it's a pretty small room so I'm not picking up a problem with that. It also doesn't let you adjust the subwoofer output (the denon does allow me to increase the 7.1 input, so I've done that). I think it sounds good using the 7.1 with the Sammy doing the heavy lifting, very crisp, but I'm so used to the post processing from the Denon that I can't tell which is "better".
What do you think keep with the 3805 or pay a $2-3k and upgrade??? (I could upgrade the player to (like the Oppo which has more speaker set-up control), but I love the built in netflix in the Sammy...)
What would dolby say?
Justin @ Jun 30th 2009 1:50PM
Steven: When is that Dolby post going to be up?
I've got a Sammy 2500 blu-ray player and a Denon 3805, which can't decode the new codecs. I've started using the 7.1 inputs, letting the player to the heavy lifting, but I'm so used to the post-processing from the Denon that I can't tell if what I hear is "better." It's clean/clear/crisp, but very different from the Denon processed DD/DTS via TOS link. The Sammy does allow you to set speaker size but not distance (small room though so that's probably minimal impact) or subwoofer output (though the denon does have a setting for the 7.1 inputs, so I've boosted that to +15dB).
So I'm debating upgrading the Denon (probably cost $2-3k to do it since its a great receiver and it's going to be tough to match its features and add codecs), HDMI video switching isn't a big need for me so I'd purely by paying for codec support or upgrading the player to one with more speaker control (like the Oppo), but I love the built in Netflix.
What do you recommend? What would Dolby say about the player's processing power?
Thanks!
Steven Kim @ Jun 30th 2009 1:55PM
It should go up this week. I was on vacation last week, but am almost done with the writeup. Honestly, though, Dolby won't be giving you any info on specific players/receivers -- understand that it's their business to be on good terms with as many CE manufacturers as possible, so they don't play favorites.