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100 straight, October 4, don't cut: WRC schedule for HD Theater revealed

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 23rd 2009 at 12:23AM


We finally know exactly when Discovery HD Theater will deliver the rally racing action it promised now that the official schedule has been revealed. Our friends at Autoblog have plenty of pics to gawk over while we mark off the days, check after the break for the PR with dates and times, plus a preview trailer. We're not sold on how the new NA engines in WRC may sound in 5.1, but we'll always take more HD racing action, you hear that Bernie?

Continue reading 100 straight, October 4, don't cut: WRC schedule for HD Theater revealed

World Rally Championship racing coming to Discovery HD Theater

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 20th 2009 at 11:36AM

It's been far too long since we've had new programming to mention on Discovery HD Theater, and far too long since World Rally Championship action has been broadcast in the U.S., so it's good to hear that the two are coming together this October. Expect weekly coverage from every round in the championship in 1080i and 5.1 surround of 4WD turbocharged vehicles rocketing down narrow off road routes plus "a range of other content." Those familiar with the series can attest to the beautiful locales WRC finds itself in, and should look great on our HDTVs this fall. That brings nearly ever racing series into high definition, except For 1 notable exception.

[Via Autoblog]

Discovery kicking off continent-by-continent followup to Planet Earth with Wild Planet: North America

by Richard Lawler posted May 13th 2009 at 11:19AM

Having nabbed the former head of the BBC's Natural History Unit, Discovery has designs on its own epic globe trotting series promising to "capture the world, continent by continent in high definition, as its never been seen before." Naturally planned to debut first on Discovery's networks, as opposed to its partnership with BBC on Planet Earth, Wild Planet: North America will be the first of seven installments and start filming this fall. Expect HD cams to visit even more extreme locations, and all manner of wildlife to be snapped by the thousand lenses of myriad high speed cameras. We're ready. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via Reuters]

Carbon nanotubes could be used in film-like flat speakers

by Darren Murph posted Nov 3rd 2008 at 11:42PM


Seriously, is there anything carbon nanotubes can't do? We've got shock absorbers, flexible displays, atypically small eating utensils and now, film-like speakers. For times when NXT flat drivers simply aren't thin enough, a team of Chinese researchers have reportedly found a way to create sound from a thin sheet of carbon nanotubes. The film, which could be stretched and placed on PMPs, HDTVs or even clothing, can generate sound when "zapped with a varying electric current." Great, the perfect recipe for a new wave of Milli Vanilli copycats. A video of the tech can be seen after the jump.

[Via Physorg]

Continue reading Carbon nanotubes could be used in film-like flat speakers

Discovery to launch Freeview channel in UK next year

by Darren Murph posted Oct 19th 2008 at 11:51PM


Now that we all know at least four high-def stations are set to launch on the free-to-air Freeview HD service during 2009 - 2010, we have a feeling we'll see a whole host of newcomers joining the fold (or, at least we hope). As fate would have it, Discovery has decided that it'll launch its first FTA channel in the UK "early next year" after securing capacity on multiplex A, which is operated by ITV subsidiary SDN. Unfortunately, there's no sign of Discovery HD following suit, but surely it's not too far behind, right?

Discovery shakes hands with YouTube on content partnership

by Darren Murph posted Sep 25th 2008 at 3:08PM


We're not sure who is in charge of marketing over at Discovery Communications, but no sooner did the company go public than two fairly substantial promotional deals were announced. Right behind the tie-up with Sony comes this, a content partnership with the worldwide leader in online video. The deal will see the creation of nine dedicated YouTube Channels which feature a "robust collection of clips from Discovery's family of world-class network brands." Leveraging the "global" nature of the source, Discovery is planning to introduce "a series of targeted international Channels showcasing localized and native language content for specific regions around the world." Check out all nine URLs in the read link.

Sony and Discovery team up to push Blu-ray

by Darren Murph posted Sep 23rd 2008 at 2:25AM


The holiday push for Blu-ray is officially on. We've got name-brand players dipping below $200, and now we've got two mega-corps teaming up to promote the format this fall. Sony and Discovery Commerce, the consumer products arm of Discovery Communications, have inked a deal which will provide Sony Blu-ray deck buyers with a "gift-with-purchase coupon redeemable for an exclusive high-definition program sampler, Discovery on Blu-ray Disc, which features episodes from Fearless Planet and Sunrise Earth. The fortnight-long promo will launch on October 5th at over 11,000 retailers in the US, though there's no word on if a better, actually desirable promotion will follow after that.

Discovery Communications gives you a say by going public

by Darren Murph posted Sep 19th 2008 at 12:54PM


Looking to chime in on what kind of programming gets placed on any of Discovery Communications' many networks? No, we mean are you really looking to make an impact? If so, you can put your money where your mouth is now that the firm is listed on the NASDAQ. Yeah, it chose an odd and arguably terrible time in our history to go public, but it also ushered in a new corporate logo and website to fall more in line with that new Discovery HD logo that was unveiled this summer. It's hard to say if going public will have any immediate (and more importantly, visible) impact on programming, but if you're interested in getting involved, all the ticker details and whatnot are listed in the read link.

Cash Cab coming to Discovery HD in Canada

by Darren Murph posted Sep 11th 2008 at 4:46PM


We've often pondered why the Canadian branch of Discovery HD gets a whole host of awesome shows, but we're afraid the Americans have 'em beat on this one. Nevertheless, the Discovery-lovin' Canucks up north will undoubtedly be thrilled to hear that the Canadian version of Cash Cab will soon be launching on its Discovery HD. Hosted by comedian Adam Growe, the show will mark the channel's first foray into game show programming, and it'll get going this Friday at 8:00PM ET on Discovery HD. Anyone setting their DVR?

Discovery's Shark Week begins July 27th

by Darren Murph posted Jul 26th 2008 at 2:50PM


It's that time of year again -- Shark Week is about to begin. Starting on July 27th (that's tomorrow), the 21st annual Shark Week kicks off tomorrow, with a Mythbusters special on the subject airing at 9:00PM ET / PT. 24 hours later, you'll be treated to Surviving Sharks, while the next day brings Day of the Shark. Those smelling blood can hit up the read link and swim on over to the programming guide, but be prepared to sacrifice more than a few hours (or a decent chunk of storage on your HD DVR) this week to satisfy your cravings.

Discovery HD goes live in Australia

by Steven Kim posted Jul 3rd 2008 at 5:59PM

Discovery HD goes live in Australia
Just a few weeks later than the planned June 22nd date, Discovery HD has officially launched in Australia. This is just the officially-official announcement -- we wouldn't be surprised if the rollout actually started up on June 22 -- so we'd like to hear from Aussie readers in the comments below. Discovery certainly has some great content to offer up, but filling up a 24/7 schedule on the Foxtel HD+ service will be challenging. We're not complaining -- spreading the HD word always gets a thumbs up from us! Add in the Samsung/Foxtel HD+ promo and the Australian TiVos, and we're pretty sure there will be lots of HD grins going around in Oz.

Discovery's When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions series debuts tonight

by Richard Lawler posted Jun 8th 2008 at 10:47AM

Discovery's look back at the birth of NASA is upon us, and USA Today has more information on what we can expect from the six part series. When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions will air over the next three Sundays at 9 p.m., complete with film restored to high definition that will surely reveal more than old SD broadcasts were able to handle. Narrated by Gary Sinise, there's also an interview with Neil Armstrong about walking on the moon and the troubled Gemini 8 mission. For a look at what we did before landing on Mars, hit the read link and then check Discovery tonight at 9 p.m.

Discovery's Sunrise Earth: Seaside Collection on Blu-ray June 11th

by Darren Murph posted May 1st 2008 at 9:22AM


Can't get enough Sunrise Earth? Fantastic. Discovery has just announced that it will be bringing its Sunrise Earth: Seaside Collection to both DVD and Blu-ray on June 11th, and judging by the sound of things, it looks to be a real winner for showing off the capabilities of your setup. Focusing on sunrises above crystal clear bodies of water, you'll find scenes from Maine's Acadia National Park, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Polynesia, Costa Rica, Turkey's coastline, California's Point Reyes National Seashore, Ninagiak Island and a couple more locales for good measure. Of course, submersing yourself in such grandeur won't run you cheap, as the BD version will ring up at $59.95, while the lowly four-disc DVD set can be had for $10 less.

Charter rolls TLC HD and Discovery HD to Northeast Wisconsin

by Darren Murph posted Mar 27th 2008 at 8:27PM


Just a month after Charter Communications served up TLC HD and Discovery HD to its subscribers in Madison, Wisconsin, said carrier has pushed these two jewels Northeast. Including the new pair, which has arrived on slots 763 and 762, respectively, Charter has 18 high-definition channels in the area -- two more than Time Warner offers in the same region. At least you can look forward to catching the Brew-crew in HD, right?

[Thanks, Mark]

Time Warner adds Discovery HD suite in Columbia, SC

by Darren Murph posted Mar 27th 2008 at 6:55PM


It's been quite the day for Time Warner Cable, which has not only blessed North Texas with 11 new HD channels (though snubbed those in the outskirts mightily), it also found time to gift the Triad region in North Carolina with the Discovery HD suite. Lo and behold, Columbia, South Carolina has received those very same four channels, too. We're talking Animal Planet HD, Science Channel HD, Discovery Channel HD and TLC HD, but alas, all four are being delivered via SDV, so HD TiVo users are currently out of luck. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, ebrough]




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