Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[ITC rules Samsung infringed on four Sharp patents, bans import of some LCDs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/10/itc-rules-samsung-infringed-on-four-sharp-patents-bans-import-o/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/10/itc-rules-samsung-infringed-on-four-sharp-patents-bans-import-o/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/10/itc-rules-samsung-infringed-on-four-sharp-patents-bans-import-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The US International Trade Commission already ruled in June of this year that Samsung had infringed on one patent held by Sharp, but it's now back with another ruling that finds Samsung violated no less than four LCD-related patents held by its rival. Once again, the ITC has also barred Samsung from selling the infringing LCDs in the US (still not clear on exactly what's affected), but Samsung seems more than ready to comply with the ruling, saying that there will be "no impact on our business and our ability to meet market demand." For its part, Sharp simply says that the ruling has "made it clear that ITC has consistently supported Sharp's claim that LCD products of Samsung violated Sharp's patents" -- Samsung, meanwhile, says it has no plans to negotiate with Sharp on the issue, so let's just hope its workaround is more than a quick fix.

ITC rules Samsung infringed on four Sharp patents, bans import of some LCDs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>international trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionitclawlawsuitlcdlegalpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentssamsungsharpTue, 10 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/28/fcc-keen-on-commandeering-tv-spectrum-for-wireless-broadband/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/28/fcc-keen-on-commandeering-tv-spectrum-for-wireless-broadband/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/28/fcc-keen-on-commandeering-tv-spectrum-for-wireless-broadband/#commentsFiled under:

We'll come right out and say it, we like Julius Genachowski. Whether you agree with the dude's policies or not, you can't deny he's pursuing them with gusto. Having already noted the insufficient carrying capacity of current mobile broadband airways to deal with incoming 4G connections, the FCC chairman is now reported to be moving ahead with plans to provide greater spectrum allocation for those purposes. Currently in the draft stage, the latest Commission proposals include a plan to reclaim airwaves from digital broadcasters (and pay them appropriately for it), which are to then be sold off to the highest bidder from among the wireless service providers. Executing the most extreme version of this plan could generate around $62 billion in auction revenues, though it would require transitioning digital TV viewers over to cable or subscription services and is therefore unlikely. Jules and his crew are still "looking at everything" and ruling out nothing, but we can probably expect to see a moderate shift of TV spectrum rights over to wireless carriers in the final plans when they're revealed in February.

[Via Phone Scoop]

FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airwavesbroadbandcellphonesfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissioninternetJulius GenachowskiJuliusGenachowskimobile broadbandMobileBroadbandspectrumtelevisionwirelesswireless broadbandwireless internetwireless spectrumWirelessBroadbandWirelessInternetWirelessSpectrumWed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST<![CDATA[MPAA still trying to close the analog hole: Now with new, more inane arguments]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/04/mpaa-still-trying-to-close-the-analog-hole-now-with-new-more-i/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/04/mpaa-still-trying-to-close-the-analog-hole-now-with-new-more-i/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/04/mpaa-still-trying-to-close-the-analog-hole-now-with-new-more-i/#commentsFiled under:

The MPAA can't stop, won't stop trying to cut out that pesky analog loophole, and it has returned to the FCC's gates once again requesting permission for selective output control: the ability to disable consumers unprotected (read: HDCP-less) video outputs at its discretion. According to Ars Technica the new argument is that the Consumer Electronics Association and everyone else who hates this idea are simply holding back technology, which the studios would love to use to provide a glorious utopia of early release films available via video on-demand. The request has been smacked down more than once before, but this is the first time it's come up with the new administration so it's anyone's guess what will happen, but we'd keep those petition signing fingers at the ready, just in case. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via Ars Technica]

MPAA still trying to close the analog hole: Now with new, more inane arguments originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog holeAnalogHolefcchd vodhdcphdmiHdVodmpaaselective output controlSelectiveOutputControlsocFri, 04 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Massillon Cable TV, the only consumer friendly cable company?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/29/massillon-cable-tv-the-only-consumer-friendly-cable-company/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/29/massillon-cable-tv-the-only-consumer-friendly-cable-company/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/29/massillon-cable-tv-the-only-consumer-friendly-cable-company/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cisco Sara UI
It seems to us that if you live in Ohio are provided service by Massillon Cable TV, you have yourself a pretty good cable company. We don't say that because we just visited or have read great things about the HD offerings though. We say that because the aforementioned operator has called out Moto and Cisco for its apparent duopoly which the claim goes on to say is used to forced cable operators in the US to use overpriced DRM. That all sounds good to us -- although we don't really understand most of it -- but the interesting part is this is the first time we've seen anyone cast any blame on Motorola and Cisco. And to think all this time we've blamed the cable company for trying to provide us with POS, overpriced DVRs.

Massillon Cable TV, the only consumer friendly cable company? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FCCMassillon Cable TVMassillonCableTvSat, 29 Aug 2009 10:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere!]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/28/clear-qam-hd-isnt-going-anywhere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Clear QAM tuner
Oh we just love the echo chamber that is the internet these days -- some genius reads about something as harmless as a integrated security waver for cheap digital SD set-top-boxes and automatically predicts the end of clear QAM as we know it. Now we hate all the feet dragging by cable operators in the US as much as the next, and wish the FCC would enforce the Telecommunications Act of 1996 already, but that doesn't mean that everything big cable does is evil, or that the FCC is useless.

The bottom line is that local broadcast channels are available in HD to any cable subscriber with a clear QAM tuner, whether you have a set-top-box or not. The recent news changes nothing, except maybe a very select few who were lucky enough to receive more than locals via clear QAM. We dropped the FCC a line to make sure we had our facts straight -- wouldn't want to call people out without checking our own first -- and the very prompt answer we received was that this statutory requirement goes all the way back to the to the Communications Act of 1934 (Section 614(b)(4)(B).

More recently, the FCC addressed the issue when laying down the digital transition rules which "states that broadcast signals that are subject to mandatory carriage must be "viewable via cable on all television receivers of a subscriber which are connected to a cable system by a cable operator or for which a cable operator provides a connection." Now obviously we're not lawyers, but it seems pretty clear that local cable operators are not allowed to encrypt any locally broadcast HD stations. Now we've heard reports that some cable companies do indeed encrypt these signals, but while you might be willing to complain on some forum about it, have you taken the time to file a proper complaint with the FCC? If not, then you really don't have anything to complain about.

Read (doc) - The 2007 Report to set the transition rules (paragraph 15)

**UPDATE** As you can see from the comments, with anything legal it isn't exactly cut and dry. In fact the only thing we've managed to accomplish is to be confused. So while some level of broadcast TV has to be free, we're not sure if it's free as in beer or what. Stay tuned for a follow up just as soon as we figure it out.

Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere! originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clear QAMClearQamFCCQAMFri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[CEPro breaks down Real and Kaleidescape cases, uncovers more questions]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/cepro-breaks-down-real-and-kaleidescape-cases-uncovers-more-que/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/cepro-breaks-down-real-and-kaleidescape-cases-uncovers-more-que/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/cepro-breaks-down-real-and-kaleidescape-cases-uncovers-more-que/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DVD legal rulingIt's been a rough week for DVD copying services from Real and Kaleidescape, and public understanding of the whole DVD copying mess hasn't been spared. People like to watch DVDs and lawyers like to get paid, however, so we're willing to bet there's more to come. CEPro has put together a breakdown of the issues at hand, which not only makes for some good reading but also shows just how far from any real clarity we are. Whether it's legal to make bit-for-bit copies, but illegal to view them; legal to use copying tools, but illegal to produce them; or just plain mean to do something Hollywood doesn't want you to, consumers are going to push for media convenience. We're still hoping Blu-ray's Managed Copy gives us enough wiggle room on our HD digital handcuffs, but sadly, it seems like DVD fans can pick between taking up residence in legal limbo while the courts struggle to catch up with tech or just strip the CSS from discs and get on with their lives.

CEPro breaks down Real and Kaleidescape cases, uncovers more questions originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceprocopyingcssdmcadvddvd ccaDvdCcakaleidescaperealreal dvdreal networksRealDvdRealNetworksrippingThu, 20 Aug 2009 23:27:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T also has a grudge against Cablevision]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/14/atandt-also-has-a-grudge-against-cablevision/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/14/atandt-also-has-a-grudge-against-cablevision/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/14/atandt-also-has-a-grudge-against-cablevision/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Looks like Verizon's not the only one to have beef with Cablevision's treatment of its MSG HD channels, now that AT&T has also petitioned the FCC to compel the cabler to sell the high definition feeds to its competitors. AT&T cites stats showing high definition is a big deal for consumers, with 45% saying they'd switch providers for a superior sports package, claiming it can't compete in Connecticut without the networks. Just as before, Cablevision claims it can do as it likes, that it already sells them every single game (in SD format) and that AT&T is a bigger company that doesn't need a bailout. We've had plenty of summertimes squabbles about who was and wasn't playing by the rules that ended with one side claiming they'd take their ball and go home, but we usually didn't bring the FCC in to settle it. The FCC is still on a five month clock to consider the complaints and the "terrestrial loophole," 'til it responds we can't guess how this one will end.

AT&T also has a grudge against Cablevision originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcablevisionconnecticutfccfiosfios tvFiosTvmsgmsg hdMsgHdsportsterrestrial loopholeTerrestrialLoopholeu-verseverizonFri, 14 Aug 2009 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[CEA president Shapiro talks DTV transition ]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/08/cea-president-shapiro-talks-dtv-transition/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/08/cea-president-shapiro-talks-dtv-transition/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/08/cea-president-shapiro-talks-dtv-transition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CEA's Gary ShapiroWith the analog shutoff safely in the rear view mirror, CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) president Gary Shapiro took some time to talk about the move to our new digital airwaves (and also looked ahead to our 3D futures). All in all, some pretty interesting reading, but he makes a great point in chiding the broadcast industry -- by waiting until the last minute to get onboard the HD bandwagon, broadcasters missed out on what could have been positive market differentiation for their services versus cable and satellite. All's well that ends well, though, and we're just gad the plug got pulled on analog (with few casualties to boot), and we'd like the CEA president should know we celebrated the move.

[Via DailyWireless, image courtesy CEA]

CEA president Shapiro talks DTV transition originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffceacnetdigital transitiondigital tvDigitalTransitionDigitalTvdtvdtv switchoverdtv transitionDtvSwitchoverDtvTransitiongary shapiroGaryShapiroshapiroswitchovertransitionSat, 08 Aug 2009 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Energy Star 3.0 regulations set to impact TV designs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/03/energy-star-3-0-regulations-set-to-impact-tv-designs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/03/energy-star-3-0-regulations-set-to-impact-tv-designs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/03/energy-star-3-0-regulations-set-to-impact-tv-designs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Energy Star logoIf you thought there was a row over the Energy Star 3.0 requirements for TVs, you haven't seen anything yet. Research firm iSuppli rightfully calls out some challenges for even the energy-miserly LCD TVs to duck under the numbers in the draft version of the Tier 2 (effective 2010) and Tier 3 (effective 2012) versions of the standard. For example, a 50-inch TV will have do limbo underneath a 153-Watt peak for Tier 2 compliance and 108-Watts for Tier 3. We're confident that some clever engineering will allow LCD to reach those figures; the real impact might be on plasma TVs, however. It pains us to say it, but plasma's going to have a hard time making that grade; of course, that's assuming that plasma TVs are still being made and marketed towards consumers who value the Energy Star label. For those of us who want efficiency and ultimate image quality, it's time to pull for LED-backlit LCDs.

Read - Energy Star TV requirements draft [Warning: PDF link]
Read - iSuppli predicts change in LCD design

Energy Star 3.0 regulations set to impact TV designs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>efficiencyelectricityenergy starEnergyStarepagreenisupplipowerMon, 03 Aug 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Analog TV says goodnight]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/14/analog-tv-says-goodnight/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/14/analog-tv-says-goodnight/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/14/analog-tv-says-goodnight/#commentsFiled under: ,

Digital TV switchDid you catch the sound of a falling tree in an empty woods this past weekend? In case you didn't hear it, analog "nightlight" transmissions went dark Sunday -- which amounted to 121 stations in 87 markets signing off for the last time. Absent the nightlight info screens, rock-dwellers will now have to emerge from their hermitages to figure out what happened to their TVs, but as we say in the 21st century, "them's the breaks." Aside from areas being served by analog translator and/or low power service, this marks the end of the analog broadcast TV era. Way to go, America -- we haven't heard any reports of riots or mass hysteria, and we'd dare say the citizenry handled this tech transition better than the millenium bug.

Analog TV says goodnight originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffcutoffdigital tvDigitalTvdtvdtv switchoverdtv transitionDtvSwitchoverDtvTransitionnightlightswitchovertransitionTue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Customs sees it VIZIO's way, TVs to keep flowing in]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/10/u-s-customs-sees-it-vizios-way-tvs-to-keep-flowing-in/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/10/u-s-customs-sees-it-vizios-way-tvs-to-keep-flowing-in/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/10/u-s-customs-sees-it-vizios-way-tvs-to-keep-flowing-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

VIZIO punches Funai
It looks like at least one round of the battle between Funai and VIZIO is drawing to a close, and it's a big win for VIZIO. U.S. Customs has ruled that all current VIZIO TVs do not infringe on Funai's Patent 6,115,074 -- which was rejected by the Patent Office a few months ago. With the USPTO and US Customs now on the same page, all the bureaucratic checkmarks are in place and VIZIO TVs can freely enter the US on their immigrant-inspired journey to homes all across this fair land. Next up is VIZIO's countersuit against Funai -- with drama like this unfolding between TV manufacturers, who needs an actual TV for entertainment?

U.S. Customs sees it VIZIO's way, TVs to keep flowing in originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funailawsuitpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementsuesuitu.s. customsu.s. patent officeU.s.CustomsU.s.PatentOfficevizioFri, 10 Jul 2009 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon / Cablevision MSG HD channel squabble goes to the FCC]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/09/verizon-cablevision-msg-hd-channel-squabble-goes-to-the-fcc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/09/verizon-cablevision-msg-hd-channel-squabble-goes-to-the-fcc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/09/verizon-cablevision-msg-hd-channel-squabble-goes-to-the-fcc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

NYC Metro FiOS subs will look on with interest as Verizon has petitioned the FCC to rule on whether or not Cablevision can continue to refuse offering its MSG channels in high definition to FiOS customers. Naturally Cablevision has responded calling the idea of a regulatory bailout for a phone company ten times its size "absurd," and claiming that it doesn't have to license its local HD programming to anyone. As Multichannel News explains, at issue is the "terrestrial loophole" which requires satellite delivered programming to be made available to competitors, but since the MSG channels aren't that rule does not apply. Still, it could be a while before we know if local Rangers, Knicks, Islanders, Devils and Sabers games are coming to FiOS as Verizon has asked for a decisions within five months, which, while not in time for the basketball season, should still be made well ahead of the Knicks ever being any good again.

Read - Verizon Petitions FCC to Rule on Cablevision's Refusal to Make MSG Channels Available in HD
Read - Verizon Files Program Access Complaint Against Cablevision

Verizon / Cablevision MSG HD channel squabble goes to the FCC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablevisionfccfiosfios tvFiosTvmadison square gardenMadisonSquareGardenmsgmsg hdMsgHdnew yorkNewYorkverizonThu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[2.1 million households let the DTV transition pass them by]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/25/2-1-million-households-let-the-dtv-transition-pass-them-by/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/25/2-1-million-households-let-the-dtv-transition-pass-them-by/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/25/2-1-million-households-let-the-dtv-transition-pass-them-by/#commentsFiled under: ,

DTV Service is unavailable
And to think we've been worrying about all those poor people who weren't ready for the DTV transition, only to find out that they don't even watch TV. We mean, what other explanation could you have for the fact that it's been solid week after the big analog shutoff and 2.1 million households still can't watch TV. Of course not all of these people just let the DTV transition pass them by, some of them are affected by the reception problems, and others probably don't even understand the question. Either way we'll find out soon enough as most broadcasters should be full power by July 1st and no doubt Nielsen will have the results of another poll out by then.

2.1 million households let the DTV transition pass them by originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffdtv transitionDtvTransitionFCCNielsenThu, 25 Jun 2009 22:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/12/digital-tv-transition-12-hours-in-how-are-things-going/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/12/digital-tv-transition-12-hours-in-how-are-things-going/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/12/digital-tv-transition-12-hours-in-how-are-things-going/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The day is finally here, after the pushback and staggered changeover, analog television broadcasts across the country are giving way to a future of digital TV and making room for new services to take over the airwaves soon. Still, after months of announcements, coupons sent and many dollars spent there are still millions who will be caught unawares as their television blinks off today. It's been an incredibly long time coming, so take a look back at some of our coverage of the run up to the digital TV switch, and why not drop us a line to let us know of any interesting local coverage in your area or experiences (procrastination-fueled runs on converter boxes, transition gaffes, mob violence) going on. A roundup of FCC links and national press coverage is after the break.

Engadget's lead-up coverage:

T-minus one year till the US analog shutoff: are you ready?
The original DTV transition: what could've been
President Obama signs DTV delay bill into law
Digital TV transition spoof video is both informative and hilarious
Wilmington, NC kills analog dead as broadcasters go all-digital

Continue reading Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?

Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffdigital tvdigital tv converterdigital tv switchdigital tv transitiondigital tv tunerDigitalTvDigitalTvConverterDigitalTvSwitchDigitalTvTransitionDigitalTvTunerdtvdtv switchDtvSwitchFri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[With a week to go, Obama urges the remaining few to make DTV preparations]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/05/with-a-week-to-go-obama-urges-the-remaining-few-to-make-dtv-pre/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/05/with-a-week-to-go-obama-urges-the-remaining-few-to-make-dtv-pre/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/05/with-a-week-to-go-obama-urges-the-remaining-few-to-make-dtv-pre/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just in case you were living in fear of another last minute switch on the digital TV transition date, be at ease, President Obama issued a statement urging those who aren't ready yet to prepare as there will be no further delays, and for those of us in the know to make sure that people around the way are getting the message. With a week to go (again) is there anyone still reading this that hasn't gotten their digital TV future straightened out yet?

With a week to go, Obama urges the remaining few to make DTV preparations originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analoganalog shutoffAnalogShutoffbarack obamaBarackObamabroadcastdelaydigital transitiondigital tvDigitalTransitionDigitalTvdtvobamaotapresidentwhite houseWhiteHouseFri, 05 Jun 2009 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Cable companies losing stranglehold on apartments]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/29/cable-companies-losing-stranglehold-on-apartments/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/29/cable-companies-losing-stranglehold-on-apartments/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/29/cable-companies-losing-stranglehold-on-apartments/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Throwing TVIt's no secret that loads of folks loathe their cable company, but for some apartment dwellers, there's exactly one choice of service providers for TV, internet, and/or phone service. See, cable companies in some areas (read - anywhere they can) have negotiated exclusive distribution rights in buildings that they wired up, keeping other services at bay. Well, those castle walls are crumbling as a the Court of Appeals in Washington has upheld the 2007 FCC ruling that banned such practices as anticompetitive. Don't expect this decision to revamp the entire landscape -- cable companies are well-versed in how to keep competition down -- but this decision should make it easier for offerings like FiOS and U-verse to make inroads to dense metro areas. If all that's standing between you and FiOS is a shady cable company arrangement, now's your time to grab some fiber!

[Image courtesy Videogum]

Cable companies losing stranglehold on apartments originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 29 May 2009 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartmentsappealcablecable competitionCableCompetitioncompetitioncourtfccgovernmentFri, 29 May 2009 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[US Senate intros bill to keep people from falling off the "digital cliff" ]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/10/us-senate-intros-bill-to-keep-people-from-falling-off-the-digit/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/10/us-senate-intros-bill-to-keep-people-from-falling-off-the-digit/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/10/us-senate-intros-bill-to-keep-people-from-falling-off-the-digit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 DTV switch dateWith less than 5-percent of US homes failing to make it under the analog shutoff limbo stick (and still a month to go), there's no reason that come June 12th a whole lot of stations won't be conducting their own shutoff festivities. Just to make sure that there won't be a pack of digital lemmings headed for a step function-like cliff, the US Senate has introduced the DTV Cliff Effect Assistance Act, which allocates $125 million through 2012 to help pay for digital repeaters and translators to fill in those areas that will go uncovered after the switch occurs. This is government money, so you know there's a few strings attached -- in this case, the new bits of infrastructure will also have to serve up wireless communications and broadband traffic where possible. Let's see -- more people with DTV and broadband wireless coverage? Add a tick in the "yes" column for us, please!

US Senate intros bill to keep people from falling off the "digital cliff" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 10 May 2009 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffcutoffdigital cliffdigital tvDigitalCliffDigitalTvdtvdtv cliff effect assistance actdtv switchoverdtv transitionDtvCliffEffectAssistanceActDtvSwitchoverDtvTransitionlegislationsenateshutoffswitchovertransitionSun, 10 May 2009 21:57:00 EST<![CDATA[DTV preparedness now more than 95-percent]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/01/dtv-preparedness-now-more-than-95-percent/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/01/dtv-preparedness-now-more-than-95-percent/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/01/dtv-preparedness-now-more-than-95-percent/#commentsFiled under: , ,

June 12 2009 DTV switchover Here we are, a little more than a month away from the February 17 June 12 analog shutoff date, and sure enough, more people have grabbed hold of a digital tuner in one device or another. According to Nielsen, the number of unprepared homes is now at 3.1-percent (3.5-million homes). To put that in perspective, recall that at the start of February, we were sitting at 5.1-percent. We're pretty impressed that the number has moved below the 5-percent mark, and certainly a lot of credit goes to stations that went ahead with the switch ahead of the June 12 deadline. Zeno and his paradox aside, we've got high hopes that the June 12th date is going to stick, folks!

DTV preparedness now more than 95-percent originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 01 May 2009 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffcutoffdigital tvDigitalTvdtvdtv switchoverdtv transitionDtvSwitchoverDtvTransitionnielsenswitchovertransitionFri, 01 May 2009 22:16:00 EST<![CDATA[RealDVD ripping software heads to court, fair use advocates on pins and needles]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/27/realdvd-ripping-software-heads-to-court-fair-use-advocates-on-p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/27/realdvd-ripping-software-heads-to-court-fair-use-advocates-on-p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/27/realdvd-ripping-software-heads-to-court-fair-use-advocates-on-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Let's face it -- quite a lot is resting on the outcome of this case. For months now, RealNetworks has been unable to legally sell its RealDVD movie ripping software after a court issued a temporary restraining order that remains valid until it's decided if the application violates the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act). Now, the software is finally having its day in court, and the outcome could shape the future of the DVD player (for better or worse). You see, Real has already assembled a prototype Facet device that hums along on Linux; essentially, this DVD playing machine would sell for around $300 and could store up to 70 movies internally. On the surface, this sounds entirely like a poor man's Kaleidescape, but only time will tell if The Man agrees. Cross your fingers folks, we get the feeling fair use advocates are going to need the luck.

RealDVD ripping software heads to court, fair use advocates on pins and needles originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrightcourtcssdmcadrmdvdfacetfair useFairUsehollywoodillegalmpaapiracyrealreal dvdreal networksRealDVDRealNetworksriaariprippingstudiotrialMon, 27 Apr 2009 05:08:00 EST<![CDATA[CEA rails on California's proposed TV energy standards, rings doomsday bell]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/10/cea-rails-on-californias-proposed-tv-energy-standards-rings-do/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/10/cea-rails-on-californias-proposed-tv-energy-standards-rings-do/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/10/cea-rails-on-californias-proposed-tv-energy-standards-rings-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Oh, brother -- you had to see this coming, didn't you? Soon after details of the California Energy Commission's proposed TV efficiency standards leaked out, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has fired back a shocking press release in order to sound the alarm and get people in opposition. According to its "research," setting arbitrary limits on television electricity usage will end up costing California $50 million annually in state tax revenue and will destroy some 4,600 jobs in the TV sales, distribution and installation business. In the CEA's eyes, this proposal "eliminates consumer choice and will remove 25 percent of televisions from the market." Naturally, all of these assertions pay no attention whatsoever to the environment, and while we won't bother with inserting any politics here, we'd advise hitting the read link just to see what blatant bias looks like in its purest form.

CEA rails on California's proposed TV energy standards, rings doomsday bell originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessCaliforniaceaeconomyenergyenergy starenergy star 3.0EnergyStarEnergyStar3.0jobjobsFri, 10 Apr 2009 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[California TV energy efficiency proposal details revealed]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/30/california-tv-energy-efficiency-proposal-details-revealed/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/30/california-tv-energy-efficiency-proposal-details-revealed/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/30/california-tv-energy-efficiency-proposal-details-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Whether one sides with the California Energy Commision's idea of restricting sales of the most power hungry displays on the market or with the CEA and think this is as silly as shunning black auto paint, there's plenty more to learn about the two tiered system that could go into effect January 1, 2011. A vote isn't slated until the summer so you've got plenty of time to review the formulas and do the math. Hopefully plasma manufacturers have been working on those super thin eco designs, they may be needed on store shelves sooner than previously expected.

[Via Wired]

California TV energy efficiency proposal details revealed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaeco-friendlyenergygreenHDTVlawlegalpowerMon, 30 Mar 2009 23:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Number of folks unready for DTV transition falls to 4 million]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/27/number-of-folks-unready-for-dtv-transition-falls-to-4-million/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/27/number-of-folks-unready-for-dtv-transition-falls-to-4-million/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/27/number-of-folks-unready-for-dtv-transition-falls-to-4-million/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just days ago, we heard that the DTV voucher waitlist was completely gone, and now that those have started to flow again, the amount of Americans still unready for the switchover sits at 4.1 million. Compared to right around two months ago, that's definitely a marked improvement from 6.5 million still in the dark, and we fully anticipate that number to continually shrink as we inch closer to June 12th. Of course, there's going to come a time when the figure simply won't fall any lower, as a sliver of those still not ready will, frankly, remain that way. More power to 'em we say -- just keep the booze and bullets locked up and everything will be okay.

Number of folks unready for DTV transition falls to 4 million originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009Backlogconverter boxConverterBoxcouponcutoverdigital tvDigitalTvdtvdtv couponDtvCouponNTIAswitchovervoucherFri, 27 Mar 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[California considers ban on energy devouring TVs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/25/california-considers-ban-on-energy-devouring-tvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/25/california-considers-ban-on-energy-devouring-tvs/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/25/california-considers-ban-on-energy-devouring-tvs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's a bandwagon that's easy to hop on, and it's got HDTV owners and technologists alike in The Golden State buzzing. Reportedly, the California Energy Commission is "considering a proposal that would ban California retailers from selling all but the most energy-efficient televisions," a move that could knock up to 25 percent of current TVs from store shelves. Needless to say, the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) and its supporters are up in arms over the whole idea; after all, most manufacturers have already voluntarily complied with the newfangled Energy Star 3.0 standard. The commission calculates that buying a set meeting its proposed standards would save between $18 and $30 per year (per set) in energy costs, which would definitely add up state-wide. Honestly, we envision this fizzling out within the next few weeks, but we've definitely seen crazier things passed.

[Thanks, Garrett]

California considers ban on energy devouring TVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaeco-friendlyenergygreenHDTVlawlegalpowerWed, 25 Mar 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[DTV coupons begin flowing once more, waitlist should vanish in 3 weeks]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/06/dtv-coupons-begin-flowing-once-more-waitlist-should-be-clear-in/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/06/dtv-coupons-begin-flowing-once-more-waitlist-should-be-clear-in/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/06/dtv-coupons-begin-flowing-once-more-waitlist-should-be-clear-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For all of you still waiting for a little governmental assistance in buying that DTV converter box that you should've purchased months ago (we kid... a little), we've excellent news. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is overseeing the program, has announced that it has finally begun to ship $40 vouchers towards the purchase of these very boxes once more. The waitlist has grown some 4.1 million deep since the subsidy program ran dry back in January, but the agency is hoping to have that cleared within three weeks. Of course, you better not procrastinate on your second chance -- who knows how quickly the $650 million it has left will last.

[Image courtesy of BreakItDownBlog]

DTV coupons begin flowing once more, waitlist should vanish in 3 weeks originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009barack obamaBarackObamacouponcutoverdigital tvdigital tv transitionDigitalTvDigitalTvTransitiondtvdtv cutoverdtv transitionDtvCutoverDtvTransitionFCCgovernementNTIAobamavoucherFri, 06 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama taps Julius Genachowski to head the FCC]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/04/obama-taps-julius-genachowski-to-head-the-fcc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/04/obama-taps-julius-genachowski-to-head-the-fcc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/04/obama-taps-julius-genachowski-to-head-the-fcc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As widely expected by most folks who speculate on such things, President Obama has now formally nominated lawyer and former venture capitalist Julius Genachowski to head up the Federal Communications Commission and fill the slot vacated by Bush appointee Kevin Martin. Among other things, Genachowski's nomination is particularly notable given his support for net neutrality, which he made quite well known during the Obama campaign in his role as a top technology advisor. Of course, if and when he gets confirmed, he'll also have his hands full with a few other tricky issues, including the widespread rollout of broadband services as a result of the recent stimulus package, and that small matter of the digital TV transition.

[Via Wired Epicenter]

Obama taps Julius Genachowski to head the FCC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccfcc chairmanFccChairmanGenachowskiJulius GenachowskiWed, 04 Mar 2009 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[DTV call center successfully handles influx of confused callers]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/19/dtv-call-center-successfully-handles-influx-of-confused-callers/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/19/dtv-call-center-successfully-handles-influx-of-confused-callers/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/19/dtv-call-center-successfully-handles-influx-of-confused-callers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Given that the expectation was for hordes of confused TV viewers to phone in over the past two days in order to ask why their local OTA station was suddenly unavailable, it's no shock to see a big deal made of successfully managing through it. For those unaware, 421 stations decided to go ahead with their originally planned DTV transition date of February 17th, and we're told that over 28,000 perplexed Americans dialed 1-888-CALL-FCC on Tuesday for assistance in getting their sets working. The call center was setup to handle around 100,000 calls on the day that US broadcasters were previously scheduled to go from analog to digital, but obviously, far fewer people either a) cared or b) needed help. See, that wasn't so bad, was it?

DTV call center successfully handles influx of confused callers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009call centerCallCenterconfusedconfusiondigital tvdigital tv transitionDigitalTvDigitalTvTransitiondtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionThu, 19 Feb 2009 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[ION scared off by the DTV transition, postpones debut another month]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/19/ion-scared-off-by-the-dtv-transition-postpones-debut-another-mo/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/19/ion-scared-off-by-the-dtv-transition-postpones-debut-another-mo/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/19/ion-scared-off-by-the-dtv-transition-postpones-debut-another-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ION logoSeriously, ION, this is getting ridiculous. With a healthy dose of spin, ION TV is delaying its planned February 16 HD launch by a month so it will not coincide with the confusion around the DTV transition. We'll admit that the state of the analog shutoff is a real mess, but somehow we think that any money-making enterprise would want to sweep in with advertiser-loved HD content to put before viewers' eyes. Anyhow, the service is now planning to pull the HD trigger in 20 markets on March 16, and then 25 more markets on what we assume will be perfectly normal, nonconfusing days later in the year.

EDIT: reworked a murky sentence for clarity.

ION scared off by the DTV transition, postpones debut another month originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffdelaydigital switchoverDigitalSwitchoverdtvionion media networksIonMediaNetworksThu, 19 Feb 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The original DTV transition: what could've been]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/17/the-original-dtv-transition-what-couldve-been/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/17/the-original-dtv-transition-what-couldve-been/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/17/the-original-dtv-transition-what-couldve-been/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Exactly one year ago today, we sat as prepared as ever to embrace the forthcoming world of digital TV. After February 17th, no longer would Americans have to suffer through yet another poor analog broadcast, and no longer would we have to wait for all that spectrum to be freed up for much more spectacular things. With just a year to go, we laid out a simple six-step program that would help confused TV watchers ensure that they would be ready on the seventeenth day of February, the year two-thousand and nine. Fast forward to this very moment, and confusion about the cutover is still rampant. In fact, the cutover hasn't even happened. Well, it sort of has. Ahh... see what we mean? Come along after the break, it gets crazier.

Continue reading The original DTV transition: what could've been

The original DTV transition: what could've been originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009barack obamaBarackObamacutoverdelaydigital tvdigital tv transitionDigitalTvDigitalTvTransitiondtvdtv delaydtv transitionDtvDelayDtvTransitionfeaturesobamaswitchoverTue, 17 Feb 2009 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy wants to annoy you into a converter box, takes the DTV PSAs in-store]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/12/best-buy-wants-to-annoy-you-into-a-converter-box-takes-the-dtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/12/best-buy-wants-to-annoy-you-into-a-converter-box-takes-the-dtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/12/best-buy-wants-to-annoy-you-into-a-converter-box-takes-the-dtv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Best Buy PA system
For the five percent of you who managed to miss the whole analog TV shutoff debacle, select Best Buy locations will be blaring out hourly PSA-style announcements in-store, just to bring you up to speed. Even if you can't hear the hourly chime of impending analog Armageddon over the din of everyday Best Buy activity, personnel milling about in "DTV Blackout Prevention" tees should clue you in to the fact that something is going on. That's your cue to ask what the big deal is, whereupon your salesperson will encourage you to act without delay to keep the OTA flowing into your eyeballs. If you've put things off this long, though, you'll be able to procrastinate another four months, right? Seriously -- just pick up a new converter box if there's one on the shelf, because we really don't want to postpone the switch again, mkay?

Best Buy wants to annoy you into a converter box, takes the DTV PSAs in-store originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog cutoffanalog shutoffAnalogCutoffAnalogShutoffbest buyBestBuyconverterdigital converterdigital switchoverdigital tvDigitalConverterDigitalSwitchoverDigitalTvdtvThu, 12 Feb 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC approves 368 of 491 stations switching off analog Tuesday]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/12/fcc-approves-368-of-491-stations-switching-off-analog-tuesday/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/12/fcc-approves-368-of-491-stations-switching-off-analog-tuesday/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/12/fcc-approves-368-of-491-stations-switching-off-analog-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the daily DTV transition update, the FCC saw fit to hold up 123 of 491 stations planning to shut off analog TV on February 17, based on factors like whether or not there would be any stations still available in a given market. Those 123 can still make a case for going all digital by tomorrow evening, so even this list is not the final one. As it is, 368 stations are definitely making the switch, but with 5 days to go we still don't have a complete list of who is doing what, when, so stay tuned (if you can.)

FCC approves 368 of 491 stations switching off analog Tuesday originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffdigital tvDigitalTvdtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionfccThu, 12 Feb 2009 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[President Obama signs DTV delay bill into law]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/11/president-obama-signs-dtv-delay-bill-into-law/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/11/president-obama-signs-dtv-delay-bill-into-law/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/11/president-obama-signs-dtv-delay-bill-into-law/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


No way Obama was going to veto this after driving it all the way through Congress, but technically, the digital TV delay wasn't actually official until now. Late today, America's President signed his name onto the bill which will delay the digital TV transition from February 17th to June 12th, though a provision allows stations to switch over beforehand should they choose. In fact, hundreds of stations still plan to kill analog later this month, as they've been planning towards that date for years now. Honestly, we can't figure out what the purpose of this is. Unless there's more cash for the currently dry voucher program tucked away somewhere in that mind-bogglingly large "stimulus package," delaying the pain won't solve a thing. Though it will confuse the hell out of people, so there's that.

President Obama signs DTV delay bill into law originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009barack obamaBarackObamabreaking newsBreakingNewscutoverdigital tvdigital tv transitionDigitalTvDigitalTvTransitiondtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionobamaswitchoverWed, 11 Feb 2009 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[491 stations still shutting off analog TV next week]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/11/491-stations-still-shutting-off-analog-tv-next-week/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/11/491-stations-still-shutting-off-analog-tv-next-week/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/11/491-stations-still-shutting-off-analog-tv-next-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though the prez still hasn't signed off on the delay, the FCC has already compiled a list of 190 TV stations going / gone all digital prior to February 17, plus 491 more that will go ahead with the shutoff as previously scheduled. The four major networks promised their stations will stay on analog until the new June 12 deadline, however that guarantee only extends to the 100 or so they own. If that's not confusing enough, the FCC could still influence broadcasters to keep analog signals going whether they want to or not based on "the public interest," for example if it's necessary to keep at least some stations on in any given market. As it stands, the linked PDFs below will reveal which, if any, of your local broadcasters are switching on Tuesday; hopefully you've followed our advice so far and continue to avoid any predatory schemes.

Read - Appendix A (List of all stations ending analog service before or on February 17)
Read - Appendix B (List of all full power TV stations, with the 681 stations ending service on or before February 17 indicated in bold)

491 stations still shutting off analog TV next week originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analoganalog shutoffAnalogShutoffcutoverdeadlinedelaydigital tvDigitalTvdtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionfcctransitionWed, 11 Feb 2009 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Zip Express charges small fortune for DTV rescue service]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/10/zip-express-charges-small-fortune-for-dtv-rescue-service/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/10/zip-express-charges-small-fortune-for-dtv-rescue-service/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/10/zip-express-charges-small-fortune-for-dtv-rescue-service/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've long since known that professional installation services were, at least in large part, another form of highway robbery, but this is just absurd. Zip Express is looking to prey on the confused, unsuspecting geriatric set by promising to completely save one's TV from death and destruction by taking care of all of their DTV cutover needs. The price? Just $199, which includes a presumably well dressed individual connecting two wires on a $50 DTV converter box and promptly leaving. Oh, and for another Benjamin, you can get an undisclosed (but likely low-end) Logitech Harmony universal remote "installed and programmed." Shameful, yet clever. But mostly just shameful.

Zip Express charges small fortune for DTV rescue service originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009cutoverdtvdtv transitionDtvTransitioninstallinstallationswitchoverZip ExpressZipExpressTue, 10 Feb 2009 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Do you agree with the DTV transition delay?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/07/poll-do-you-agree-with-the-dtv-transition-delay/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/07/poll-do-you-agree-with-the-dtv-transition-delay/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/07/poll-do-you-agree-with-the-dtv-transition-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


We've already expressed our feelings on the matter, but now we're tossing the question out for you readers to debate: are you kosher with the DTV transition delay? Even if it ends up costing taxpayers millions more dollars? We've heard very convincing arguments from both sides of the table, and while we'd prefer you all put partisanship aside and debate the matter based on principle alone, we aren't holding our breath. So, should we delay this thing in order to get more people prepared? Or should things have continued as planned in order to teach lollygaggers a lesson?

View Poll

Poll: Do you agree with the DTV transition delay? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009cutoverdigital tvdigital tv transitionDigitalTvDigitalTvTransitiondtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionpollpollsswitchoverSat, 07 Feb 2009 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Stations can still yank analog plug this month, though many won't]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/06/stations-can-still-yank-analog-plug-this-month-though-many-won/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/06/stations-can-still-yank-analog-plug-this-month-though-many-won/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/06/stations-can-still-yank-analog-plug-this-month-though-many-won/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Wow, this isn't confusing. At all. The on-again / off-again digital TV transition date -- which is now formally set for June 12th -- may or may not be honored by the hundreds upon hundreds of local broadcasters across America. You see, when Congress postponed the mandatory cutover date from its original place on the calender (February 17th), it also gave stations the option of sticking to that original date. Thus, what could end up happening is that half a city's local OTA stations would go all-digital in under two weeks, while the others delayed things until June. The good news is that most of the major US television networks (that's CBS, ABC, FOX and NBC) have reportedly decided to hold off until the new June date in order to prevent a chaotic series of events, but it's hard to say if each individual station will indeed abide. The bottom line? Get your converter box now if you need one, and if you're waiting around for one of those $40 vouchers, hats off to you and your patience.

Read - Optional cutover
Read - Broadcaster intent

Stations can still yank analog plug this month, though many won't originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009cutoverdigital TVDigitalTvdtvDTV transitionDtvTransitionswitchovertransitionFri, 06 Feb 2009 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: DTV "hard date" moved to June 12]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/its-official-dtv-hard-date-moved-to-june-12/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/its-official-dtv-hard-date-moved-to-june-12/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/its-official-dtv-hard-date-moved-to-june-12/#commentsFiled under: ,


After much wrangling, the DTV Delay Act has worked its way through the House of Representatives and will certainly be signed by President Obama, changing the cutoff date for analog broadcasts from February 17 to June 12. Don't expect this to bring a sudden end to digital TV confusion, since stations can switch prior to that date, and according to the FCC up to 61% will be able to. Since simply powering analog equipment costs thousands of dollars a month, OTA TV watchers will want to check their local broadcaster's plans as more than a few will be going ahead with the original date for better or worse. Got an unused, expired coupon? No need to head to Retrevo just yet, since you'll now be able to reapply to the again-funded coupon program. Of course, the FCC still has to figure out how to implement the new law, with only a few days to prepare, tomorrow's open meeting on the subject should be very interesting.

It's official: DTV "hard date" moved to June 12 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsconverter couponConverterCoupondigital tvDigitalTvdtvdtv delay actDtvDelayActfcchouse of representativesHouseOfRepresentativesjune 12June12Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Three more executives indicted in LCD price fixing scheme]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/three-more-executives-indicted-in-lcd-price-fixing-scheme/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/three-more-executives-indicted-in-lcd-price-fixing-scheme/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/three-more-executives-indicted-in-lcd-price-fixing-scheme/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Protip, if you were involved in LCD price fixing between 2001 - 2006, just turn yourself in because the U.S. Department of Justice is still coming. To the surprise of anyone who thought the last couple months of guilty pleas and fines were the end, a DOJ statement today spells out indictments returned by a federal grand jury in San Francisco against two former Chungwha Picture Tube execs and one from LG Display. All the legal details in the case against Cheng Yuan Lin, Wen Jun Cheng and Duk Mo Koo are in the statement beyond the read link, but hey man, we're still waiting on our refunds.

[Via Reuters]

Three more executives indicted in LCD price fixing scheme originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chungwha picture tubeChungwhaPictureTubecptdojindictmentlcdlcd price fixingLcdPriceFixinglgprice fixingPriceFixingus department of justiceUsDepartmentOfJusticeWed, 04 Feb 2009 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rush HD preps an SD channel for Canadian viewers]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/rush-hd-preps-an-sd-channel-for-canadian-viewers/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/rush-hd-preps-an-sd-channel-for-canadian-viewers/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/04/rush-hd-preps-an-sd-channel-for-canadian-viewers/#commentsFiled under: ,

This one falls a bit outside our weekly expansion roundup, by virtue of being one of the few channels going in the other direction. AdrenalineHD just got approval to launch an SD version of Rush HD in Canada, so long as 95% of its content is the same. Far be it for us to question the laws and standards of the land of Terrence & Patrick, but we're completely taken aback by this one. We guess those former Voom channels have to do anything they can to avoid the fate of Monsters HD.

Rush HD preps an SD channel for Canadian viewers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrenalinehdcanadacrtcrush hdRushHdvoomvoom hdVoomHdWed, 04 Feb 2009 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC Acting Chairman acknowledges seamless DTV switch isn't happening, sets open meeting for February 5]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/02/fcc-acting-chairman-acknowledges-seamless-dtv-switch-isnt-happe/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/02/fcc-acting-chairman-acknowledges-seamless-dtv-switch-isnt-happe/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/02/fcc-acting-chairman-acknowledges-seamless-dtv-switch-isnt-happe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Saying what everyone else has already likely figured out, acting FCC Chairman Mike Copps recently issued a statement to the FCC Advisory committee indicating there is no way we can possibly have a seamless switch to digital TV broadcasts, whether it ends up delayed or not, but that we could definitely use the extra time to get ready. At least according to him, now that he's had a chance to take a look, things are even worse than they appeared, although the benefits will, in time, be worth it. You already know the deal, that many people will lose reception even with DTV compatible equipment, among other problems that required more preparation over the last several years. As it is, until something changes they're still girding for a switch this month, and the FCC will hold an open Commission meeting on the 5th with the aim of providing more information on the subject. Check out the read links for the PDFs, does that change your mind about a possible delay?

Read - Remarks of Acting Chairman Copps to the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee.
Read - FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Thursday, February 5, 2009.

FCC Acting Chairman acknowledges seamless DTV switch isn't happening, sets open meeting for February 5 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital tvDigitalTvdtvfccmichael coppsMichaelCoppsMon, 02 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Senate okays another digital TV transition delay]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/30/senate-okays-another-digital-tv-transition-delay/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/30/senate-okays-another-digital-tv-transition-delay/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/30/senate-okays-another-digital-tv-transition-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Digital TV transition
Just to make sure that the digital TV transition gets delayed, the US Senate has approved another measure to postpone the transition date until June 12 and sent it on its way to the House of Representatives. If the House's mere indication that the delay would go through didn't dash our hopes of analog-free airwaves next month, the quick-fire nature of this second bill certainly did. Essentially the same as the first proposal, this version with minor edits cleared the Senate unanimously. With the House in recess until next week, we'll have to wait for any movement, but it's looking like we'll be stuck with analog for a while longer. Hopefully, this whole mess will be resolved, because the longer it goes on, the more people will become confused, and maybe join the 22-percent of Americans who are planning to give up on TV altogether.

Senate okays another digital TV transition delay originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009analog shutoffAnalogShutoffbarack obamaBarackObamabreaking newsBreakingNewscutoverdelaydigital tvdigital tv transitionDigitalTvDigitalTvTransitiondtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionobamatransitionFri, 30 Jan 2009 07:24:00 EST