Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Wilmington, NC to become first test market for 2009 analog shutoff]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/08/wilmington-nc-to-become-first-test-market-for-2009-analog-shuto/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/08/wilmington-nc-to-become-first-test-market-for-2009-analog-shuto/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/08/wilmington-nc-to-become-first-test-market-for-2009-analog-shuto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Although a Las Vegas station just wrapped a simple analog shutoff drill, the FCC is planning to use Wilmington, North Carolina as the official test bed for the 2009 digital TV transition. Starting on September 8th, all four of the major networks in the greater Wilmington area (around 400,000 residents) will turn off their analog signals and broadcast digital only. As expected, a flurry of advertising will go down beforehand to get residents prepared, but given that they'll be out on the beaches all summer, who knows how many folks will actually pay attention. Interestingly, this trial is just as much about testing to see how many folks get prepared as it is about the technological changes, but broadcasters may still use the trial to move their antennas based on the need for coverage. So yeah, if the world implodes on September 8th, you'll know something went awry on the coast of NC.

[Image courtesy of usdol, thanks Robert]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009all-digitalanalog shutoffAnalogShutoffbreaking newsBreakingNewscutoverdtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionncnorth carolinaNorthCarolinatesttest marketTestMarkettransitionwilmingtonThu, 08 May 2008 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion Collection coming to Blu-ray in October]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/criterion-collection-coming-to-blu-ray-in-october/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/criterion-collection-coming-to-blu-ray-in-october/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/criterion-collection-coming-to-blu-ray-in-october/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Criterion Collection's long-awaited HD debut -- delayed by that annoying format war -- finally has a date, as well as a list of the first movies getting a definitive release in 1080p. If that wasn't enough, try this bit on for size: They won't charge viewers extra for the privilege. That's right, according to the e-mail that went out to subscribers today, all Blu-ray releases will feature HD picture and sound (no word on what codecs, although we expect nothing but the best considering the company has been mastering and restoring all releases in HD for years now), all the supplemental content and a matching (unspecified) price to their standard DVD editions. The complete email and list of a dozen movies follows after the break, along with a note that The Last Emperor will also be released in its original theatrical version on both formats for $39.95, while Walkabout will be an all-new edition.

[Thanks, Erik]

Continue reading Criterion Collection coming to Blu-ray in October

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayboxed setBoxedSetbreaking newsBreakingNewscriterioncriterion collectionCriterionCollectionthe last emperorTheLastEmperorWed, 07 May 2008 22:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Ellen Degeneres Show going HD on September 8th]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/ellen-degeneres-show-going-hd-on-september-8th/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/ellen-degeneres-show-going-hd-on-september-8th/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/ellen-degeneres-show-going-hd-on-september-8th/#commentsFiled under:


High fives all around, The Ellen Degeneres Show is finally making the leap to high-definition. We've been wondering when this mega-hit would ditch its SD ways and start showing up during our morning yoga classes in high-def, and it appears that Monday, September 8th is the day to circle in your date planner. The show will be moving to a new state-of-the-art production facility on the Warner Bros. Studios lot, where it will be produced and broadcast in glorious HD. The sixth season of the show (which has been renewed through 2010 - 2011) will be shot from the completely tapeless Stage 1 complex, and considering the 50-percent increase in seating capacity, quite a few more guests will be able to squeeze in and check things out live. But who needs that when you've got Ellen in high-def?

[Image courtesy of Ecorazzi]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsellenEllen DegeneresEllen Degeneres ShowEllenDegeneresEllenDegeneresShowproductionwarner broswarner bros.WarnerBrosWarnerBros.Wed, 07 May 2008 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer intros 2008 Signature Series Elite KURO monitors]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/pioneer-intros-2008-signature-series-elite-kuro-monitors/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/pioneer-intros-2008-signature-series-elite-kuro-monitors/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/pioneer-intros-2008-signature-series-elite-kuro-monitors/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Not content with just busting out a new pair of Elite KURO plasmas, Pioneer has separately introduced four 1080p Pro models for those with (even more) exquisite tastes and deep wallets to back it up. The whole lot enjoys the firm's highly touted Optimum Mode, which "simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions" and then makes the most appropriate adjustments based on what it senses, and "industry leading" calibration features. As for the 50-inch PRO-111FD ($5,000) and PRO-151FD ($6,500), you can expect a bolstered two year warranty and a ship date to be determined, while the Signature Series PRO-101FD (50-inch) / PRO-141FD (60-inch) units will arrive in October and August (respectively) with prices not yet disclosed.

Gallery: Pioneer intros 2008 Signature Series Elite KURO monitors

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Sure, those flashy new KURO plasmas or that new array of receivers may have taken you by surprise, but don't pretend you didn't know this one was coming. Known simply as the PRO-FPJ1, this 1080p beamer incorporates LCoS technology, dual HDMI 1.3 ports, wide lens shift capacity, a trio of viewing modes (standard, dynamic and movie) and a real semblance to JVC's DLA-HD100. According to the firm, it's designed for "high-end cinematic installations and supports advanced calibration," and of course, you can't escape a KURO release without a little bragging about black levels. We're still waiting on a finalized specifications list, but 'til then, you can chew on that $9,000 price tag and wait for these to hit dealers next month.

Gallery: Pioneer gets really official with PRO-FPJ1 KURO projector

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You do know it's quite rude to stare, don't you? No worries -- we're pretty sure Pioneer fully expected its 2008 line of Elite AV receivers to catch a few eyes, much like its succulent Elite SC-09TX did last fall. The luxurious new crew consists of the Elite SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH, all of which were designed specifically to complement the second-gen KUROs and fresh new BD players. As expected, the whole lot handles internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, not to mention support for 12-bit Deep Color and a Faroudja video scaler. If you're curious about dollars and ship dates, you can look for the SC-05 / SC-07 to land in August for $1,800 / $2,200, while the VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will hit next month for $750 / $1,000. Then again, those obsessed with instant gratification could snag the VSX-94TXH right now for $1,600. Check the full release waiting after the break.

Gallery: Pioneer reveals 2008 Elite AV receiver family

Pioneer Elite SC-07Pioneer Elite SC-05

Continue reading Pioneer reveals 2008 Elite AV receiver family

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioav ReceiverAvReceiverbreaking newsBreakingNewseliteICEpowerpioneerpioneer elitePioneerEliteReceiverSC-05SC-07SusanoVSX-01TXHVSX-03TXHWed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second-generation Pioneer KURO unveiled: 5x deeper black levels]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/second-generation-pioneer-kuro-unveiled-5x-deeper-black-levels/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/second-generation-pioneer-kuro-unveiled-5x-deeper-black-levels/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/second-generation-pioneer-kuro-unveiled-5x-deeper-black-levels/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD
Quite a lot has gone on in Pioneer's world since it wowed us all with the Project KURO at CES, but one thing hasn't changed: it's dedication to world-class black levels. Announced alongside several other fine pieces of kit today in NYC, the 2008 KURO family will posses black levels "five times deeper than the previous KURO." According to company bigwig Paul Meyhoefer, the ultimate goal is "pure, absolute black," and it's well on its way with the latest line. You'll also find a feature dubbed Optimum Mode, which "simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions" and then makes the most appropriate adjustments based on what it senses. Sadly, most of the nitty-gritty details have been omitted for now, but you can count on the June-bound models checking in at just 3.7-inches thick, sporting 1080p panels alone (no 720p), coming in 50- ($4,000) / 60-inch ($5,500) sizes (no 42-inch) and arriving with a new remote / redesigned HD interface. Jump on past the break for the full release, but we're warning you, there's an awful lot of gloating down there.

Continue reading Second-generation Pioneer KURO unveiled: 5x deeper black levels

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black levelsBlackLevelsbreaking newsBreakingNewskuropdpPDP-5020FDPDP-6020FDPioneer ElitePioneer KuroPioneerElitePioneerKuroplasmasecond-genWed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer introduces Elite BDP-05FD / BDP-51FD Blu-ray players]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/pioneer-introduces-elite-bdp-05fd-bdp-51fd-blu-ray-players/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/pioneer-introduces-elite-bdp-05fd-bdp-51fd-blu-ray-players/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/07/pioneer-introduces-elite-bdp-05fd-bdp-51fd-blu-ray-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BDP-51FD
While most consumer electronics companies choose to unveil new products at CES, Pioneer prefers to buck the trend and pick a day that it can keep all to itself. The other trend Pioneer isn't following with these new players is BD-Live, as neither the new Elite Blu-ray player nor the outfit's first non-Elite player features the latest interactive features. Instead, it's choosing to focus on picture and sound quality, as both Summer-bound decks will internally decode every next-gen multi-channel lossless codec (DTS-HD with firmware update) or bitstream any of them to your AVR. The other new focus is speed, as Pioneer seems confident that both players will be some of the fastest in the industry, boasting 15-second eject from off times and 22-second disc load times. The BDP-51FD will set you back $599 -- almost half as much as Pioneer's previous model -- while the Elite BDP-05FD will demand $799. The latter will net you a longer warranty, gold connectors, a superior video decoder, nicer fit / finish and an upgraded front face plate complete with capacitance touch keys. If you're the type that prefers quality and could care less about interactive features, either unit will likely satisfy -- otherwise, we'd keep hunting. Full release after the break.

Continue reading Pioneer introduces Elite BDP-05FD / BDP-51FD Blu-ray players

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BD LiveBdLiveBDP-05FDBDP-51FDBonusViewbreaking newsBreakingNewsElitePioneerProfile 1.1Profile 2.0Profile1.1Profile2.0Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T activates 2HD / 2SD U-verse service in St. Louis, more cities to come?]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/01/atandt-activates-2hd-2sd-u-verse-service-in-st-louis-more-citi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/01/atandt-activates-2hd-2sd-u-verse-service-in-st-louis-more-citi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/01/atandt-activates-2hd-2sd-u-verse-service-in-st-louis-more-citi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Stop the presses: AT&T has just yanked a huge hurdle out of U-verse's way, and if St. Louis' luck is passed on throughout the country, its fiber-based HD service just got a whole lot more attractive. To be honest, many have scoffed at AT&T's U-verse service due to the inability to watch one high-def channel while recording another (even though you could record an SD channel while watching an HD telecast), but now a swarm of St. Louis, Missouri based customers are joining in celebration as 2HD / 2SD service has been activated. In short, this enables four total streams to be accessed at once, but unlike the previous 1HD / 3SD setup, users can now get their fingers on dual high-definition broadcasts. Unfortunately, we've heard nothing official about this rolling out elsewhere, but we can't imagine AT&T only letting STL have all the fun here.

[Thanks, Andrew]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbreaking newsBreakingNewsst. louisSt.Louisu-verseuverseThu, 01 May 2008 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iTunes to compete "day-and-date" with DVD releases -- Wal-Mart weeps (now official)]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/01/apple-itunes-to-compete-day-and-date-with-dvd-releases-wal/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/01/apple-itunes-to-compete-day-and-date-with-dvd-releases-wal/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/01/apple-itunes-to-compete-day-and-date-with-dvd-releases-wal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hollywood Reporter says that Apple is expected to announce today an across-the-board deal to sell new release films at its iTunes Store. The deal is said to allow Apple to offer a "broad slate of top-shelf films" day-and-date with home video releases -- a long time sticking point with brick-and-mortar interests who want to keep their early-release edge on digital downloads. The deal includes Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, New Line and more -- all of which are currently inked to deliver rentals through iTunes. MGM is not part of the deal. That puts Apple in direct competition with Wal-Mart's DVD empire after having pushed Wal-Mart from the top spot in music sales for the first two months of the year.

Update: It's official. New releases will cost $15 and catalog titles will cost $10 -- US only for now. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Apple iTunes to compete "day-and-date" with DVD releases -- Wal-Mart weeps (now official)

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DirecTV AM21
A keen observer over at DBSTalk noticed that the ATSC tuner add on for the HR21 is finally available on DirecTV.com for purchase. This $50 accessory will enable HR21 owners to tune into and record OTA HD channels and is a must have for anyone who wants access to every local HD channel in their area. Although DirecTV caries HD locals in most markets, it doesn't carry all the HD channels in those same markets. As expected, it'll let you record two shows at once, but unfortunately it doesn't work with the H21 HD receiver (non-DVR).
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AM21breaking newsbreakingnewsDBSTalkDirecTVH21HR21Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Paramount officially rejoins the Blu-ray camp on May 20th]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/29/paramount-officially-rejoins-the-blu-ray-camp-on-may-20th/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/29/paramount-officially-rejoins-the-blu-ray-camp-on-may-20th/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/29/paramount-officially-rejoins-the-blu-ray-camp-on-may-20th/#commentsFiled under:

Paramount
The last HD DVD exclusive studio to announce Blu-ray titles won't be the last to release, as Paramount has announced its first Blu-ray movies will hit the street starting on May 20th with Face/Off, Next, and Bee Movie. But the fun really starts in June, as the long awaited award winning There Will Be Blood and Cloverfield are both due on June 3rd. Then a few weeks later, the first day and date title will come with The Spiderwick Chronicles on June 24th. So with the last studio finally lined up, it won't be long until we really get to see DVD and Blu-ray go head to head and once and for all find out if the new Blu format can make a run at the defending champ.

[Via Blu-ray.com]
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A year ago today Toshiba was announcing ¥26.17 billion in profits for the quarter. Today, just ¥1.25 billion or about $12 million. In addition to the $580 million hit on account of its withdrawal from HD DVD, Toshiba also saw a swift decline in flash memory prices. While bad news for Toshiba on all accounts, we consumers are basking in a market dominated by a single high-def optical disc standard and cheap NAND and DRAM pricing. Sorry Tosh, but you won't find any tears around here.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdramfinancialflashhd dvdHdDvdnandprofittoshibaFri, 25 Apr 2008 04:59:00 EST<![CDATA[DISH Network makes it official: eight more HD local markets]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/24/dish-network-makes-it-official-eight-more-hd-local-markets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/24/dish-network-makes-it-official-eight-more-hd-local-markets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/24/dish-network-makes-it-official-eight-more-hd-local-markets/#commentsJust as we had heard, DISH Network has indeed thrown HD locals into the mix for eight more markets. As of today, subscribers in Burlington - Plattsburgh, Vermont, Greensboro - High Point - Winston Salem, North Carolina, Greenville - Spartanburg - Asheville - Anderson, South Carolina, Huntsville - Decatur, Alabama, Jackson, Mississippi, Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile - Pensacola (Ft. Walton Beach), Alabama and Providence - New Bedford, Rhode Island can tune into at least three of the big four national broadcast stations. If your city isn't on this list, yet it's squarely placed on this one, we'd say you're one step closer to joining the in-crowd.
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Pioneer and Matsushita (Panasonic) have finally hammered out the basics of a deal that will allow the latter to supply panels for future Kuro plasma displays, and plasma HDTV fans to breathe easy again. Pending a final agreement in May, dollars and cents remain undisclosed, but we can expect a fusion of Panasonic's current "Neo PDP" technology from its Viera line when they begin production May 2009 in Amagasaki before hitting shelves in the fall. Kuro will still be maintained as a premium brand (with a premium price) with different image processing, while both companies plan to keep working together on reducing power consumption and the infinite black level plasma. Pioneer still plans future Kuro LCD HDTVs based on panels from Sharp,but it'll also apparently have access to IPS technology from Panasonic's tie-up with Canon and Hitachi. See? We told you it'd be okay.

[Via AV Watch]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009breaking newsBreakingNewsipskuromatsushitaneo pdpNeoPdppdpplasmavieraThu, 24 Apr 2008 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung delays fourth gen BD-P1500 Blu-ray player, adds BD-Live]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/23/samsung-delays-fourth-gen-bd-p1500-blu-ray-player-adds-bd-live/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/23/samsung-delays-fourth-gen-bd-p1500-blu-ray-player-adds-bd-live/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/23/samsung-delays-fourth-gen-bd-p1500-blu-ray-player-adds-bd-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We can't really see the logic in releasing a Blu-ray player without BD-Live in 2008 -- and neither can Samsung, which just announced its fourth generation BD-P1500 will be BD-Live Ready. The bad news is the May release date announced earlier has slipped to June, and the formerly comfortable $399 MSRP is now a less promising TBA. We're not sure if that "ready" tag means it will be BD-Live enabled out of the gate, however DTS-HD "High resolution" is confirmed on the way in a future firmware update. A slight delay for a significant upgrade in features? We'll allow it.

Update: Samsung let us know the press release was in error, the MSRP will remain at $399.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobd livebd-livebd-p1500BdLivebitstreambreaking newsBreakingNewscodecdts-hd maDts-hdMaWed, 23 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix has "three additional partners" launching hardware this year]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/22/netflix-has-three-additional-partners-launching-hardware-this/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/22/netflix-has-three-additional-partners-launching-hardware-this/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/22/netflix-has-three-additional-partners-launching-hardware-this/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Details surrounding Netflix's upcoming set-top box partnership with LG are still scarce, but that hasn't stopped it from announcing similar plans with four other unnamed hardware manufacturers that it expects will sell "millions" of devices per year. Feel free to guess, but the only details available are that the fourth company is a small one likely to launch sooner than Q4, while the other three (including LG) will turn on Netflix functionality in some of their devices in the fourth quarter. It's unlikely to wash away the bad taste of an HD price hike, but we like imagining that all the hardware needed to connect Netflix's all-you-can-eat streaming movie service to our HDTV is already in the living room (Xbox 360 & PS3, we're looking at you).
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsiptvlgnetflixrentalstreamingTue, 22 Apr 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate & MGM team up for new premium channel in '09]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/20/viacom-paramount-lionsgate-and-mgm-team-up-for-new-premium-chann/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/20/viacom-paramount-lionsgate-and-mgm-team-up-for-new-premium-chann/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/20/viacom-paramount-lionsgate-and-mgm-team-up-for-new-premium-chann/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984312.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1&nid=2562Hope you like your movies served fresh on-demand, as Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM have just announced plans for a new "premium" channel launching fall 2009. Other than having access to Paramount and Paramount Vintage titles released to theaters on or after January 1, 2008, and MGM, United Artist and Lionsgate flicks released after January 1, 2009, the service plans a "robust" VOD component. According to Variety, the big loser here is Showtime, which loses access to several theaters it's depended on for content, and also faces competition for shows like Weeds and Dexter. We're sure no premium movie channel would launch in this day and age without an HD offering, so tell your provider to keep a slot open for this latest addition.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewshd vodHdVodlionsgatemgmparamountviacomvideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodSun, 20 Apr 2008 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal's Blu-ray release plans uncovered, details later today]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/17/universals-blu-ray-release-plans-uncovered-details-later-today/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/17/universals-blu-ray-release-plans-uncovered-details-later-today/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/17/universals-blu-ray-release-plans-uncovered-details-later-today/#commentsFiled under: ,

We won't have to wait long to find out Universal's plans for Blu-ray, Reuters just noted that later today the studio will announce plans to release about 40 movies on the format in the second half of the year, including Doomsday. The only studio to support solely HD DVD from the beginning will come out with all three of its Mummy films: The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and The Scorpion King July 22 (sounds like someone's bitter about HD DVD and taking it out on Blu-ray owners to us), with catalog releases jumping over from red like Miami Vice, Knocked Up, American Gangster and others before the year is out. Keep an eye out for specifics later on, like whether those U-Control and community features from the HD DVD versions will make the jump intact
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybreaking newsBreakingNewsformat warFormatWaru controlu-controlUControluniversalThu, 17 Apr 2008 04:17:00 EST<![CDATA[DISH Network adds CNN HD to national HD lineup]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/16/dish-network-adds-cnn-hd-to-national-hd-lineup/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/16/dish-network-adds-cnn-hd-to-national-hd-lineup/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/16/dish-network-adds-cnn-hd-to-national-hd-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey you -- yeah, you. The one complaining about DISH Network using its remaining bandwidth to roll out HD locals instead of serving up new national channels. Looks like someone up above was taking notice, as DISH Network has indeed gone live with CNN HD. Flip on the tele and see what you've been missing.

[Thanks, Alan]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewschannelchannelscnn hdCnnHddishdish networkDishNetworkexpansionlineupWed, 16 Apr 2008 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[RED unveils Scarlet mini camcorder]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/14/red-unveils-scarlet-mini-camcorder/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/14/red-unveils-scarlet-mini-camcorder/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/14/red-unveils-scarlet-mini-camcorder/#commentsFiled under:


RED just unleashed its promised Scarlet "pocket professional" camera at NAB 2008, and it's certainly a sight to see. The teensy 3K resolution camcorder is based on a 2 / 3-inch Mysterium X sensor, can shoot at 1 to 120 FPS and records to dual CompactFlash cards, which can handle up to 100MB per second of REDCODE RAW HD video. You can preview your shot on the 4.8-inch LCD, and there's a 8x RED zoom lens included. HMDI, HD-SDI, FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 inputs are built in, and the device is compatible with "many" RED ONE accessories. WiFi control is also included. In typical RED fashion, the only promises about the final product is that "specifications, delivery dates and design are subject to change... count on it," but this is certainly a good start. No pre-orders are being accepted at this time, but the price is purportedly to going to be a bit under $3,000, and the release is slated for early 2009.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3kbreaking newsBreakingNewsredred scarletRedScarletscarletMon, 14 Apr 2008 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Sesame Street, Cops, ESPN and more rolling out HD with Sony]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/14/sesame-street-cops-espn-and-more-rolling-out-hd-with-sony/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/14/sesame-street-cops-espn-and-more-rolling-out-hd-with-sony/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/14/sesame-street-cops-espn-and-more-rolling-out-hd-with-sony/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony's NAB 2008 announcements continue to roll out, hope you didn't think Survivor and OLED were the only items getting a touch of its HD DNA, because Fox Widescreen standby Cops is going real HD for its 21st season courtesy of Sony's XDCAM technology. Just like Survivor, the rugged disc-based system makes it easy for producers to make the HD upgrade. While PBS' sets may not be as rough as the mean streets, we can still appreciate the news that Sesame Street has switched to HD with a whole new studio based on Sony's equipment that will also see use in several other projects on the way. Finally, ESPN has stayed ahead of the curve on high definition, and is putting the company's tech to work in its L.A. Live studio. Big Bird, extreme sports and repeat criminal offenders? Our HDTVs say bring it on.

Read - Sesame Street
Read - XDCAM technology, Survivor & Cops
Read - ESPN L.A. Live studio
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscopsespn laEspnLafox widescreenFoxWidescreenl.a. liveL.a.Livenabnab 2008Nab2008pbssesame streetSesameStreetsonysurvivorxdcamMon, 14 Apr 2008 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Survivor meets HDTV for the first time this summer]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/13/survivor-meets-hdtv-for-the-first-time-this-summer/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/13/survivor-meets-hdtv-for-the-first-time-this-summer/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/13/survivor-meets-hdtv-for-the-first-time-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That's right, one of the biggest shows still stuck in 480i is making the switch when it begins shooting this summer, as announced by Sony and CBS at NAB2008. Coming into its 17th season (to air in early 2009), it's the first CBS reality show to make the HD jump, via Sony's XDCAM production system. Executive producer Mark Burnett is calling it a "new era" for the show, we're calling it "about time". It's just a bit embarrassing that the Miss USA pageant made the jump first, but we won't complain about more HD footage from the beautiful locales Survivor tends to visit. No word on how much that extra resolution will cost CBS, but with more people buying HDTVs everyday we don't see how they could afford not to.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080ibreaking newsBreakingNewscbsmark burnettMarkBurnettreality tvRealityTvsurvivorxdcamSun, 13 Apr 2008 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo's win over DISH Network upheld by court of appeals: It's over]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/tivos-win-over-dish-network-upheld-by-court-of-appeals-its-ov/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/tivos-win-over-dish-network-upheld-by-court-of-appeals-its-ov/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/tivos-win-over-dish-network-upheld-by-court-of-appeals-its-ov/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Bad day for DISH Network, first its satellite is gone for good and now comes word its appeal to overturn TiVo's lawsuit has been denied. That should put an end to the legal push and pull between the companies, with TiVo firmly on top, DISH customers could have their DVRs pulled out from under them. Win in hand, TiVo has a lot more leverage against other providers to put its service on their boxes, (which might not be the worst thing if you've used some cable DVRs) and leaves the company looking a lot more lively.

[Thanks Zatz Not Funny & Thomas Hawk]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appeaklappealbreaking newsBreakingNewsdishdish networkDishNetworkechostarlawsuittivoFri, 11 Apr 2008 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[DISH Network's AMC-14 satellite "a total loss"]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/dish-networks-amc-14-satellite-a-total-loss/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/dish-networks-amc-14-satellite-a-total-loss/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/dish-networks-amc-14-satellite-a-total-loss/#commentsFiled under: ,

Despite hopes to the contrary, it looks like SES AMERICOM is treating the AMC-14 satellite mishap like the time you rear-ended that bus full of nuns in your Suzuki X90. Stranded at a less than advantageous orbit after an anomaly in its second burn of the fourth stage on March 15, the company decided that trying to reposition it at this point was too risky, and would result in a severely shortened lifespan. As a result, SES is cashing in on a $150 million insurance policy, and coming out of this smelling like a rose. DISH Network has more satellites planned for later this year and claims the failure won't affect its plans, so HDTV owners shouldn't lose out badly either. The only real loser here is AMC-14 itself, destined to decades of floating around as space junk, or a quick and fiery end in Earth's atmosphere -- plans for its retirement are still being "explored".
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amc-14breaking newsBreakingNewsdish networkDishNetworkfailureinsurancelaunchmishapsatelliteses americomSesAmericomFri, 11 Apr 2008 06:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Break the FCC's digital transition rules? That's a $6 million finin']]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/break-the-fccs-digital-transition-rules-thats-a-6-million-fi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/break-the-fccs-digital-transition-rules-thats-a-6-million-fi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/11/break-the-fccs-digital-transition-rules-thats-a-6-million-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

As seen previously, the FCC isn't scared to put the financial smackdown on anyone it finds not playing up to the rules of the digital transition, and has dropped about $6 million in fines on 11 companies. Several of the companies fined were retailers it says did not properly mark TVs that had only analog tuners and won't get OTA TV after it's shut off next year. Wal-Mart got dinged for $992k, $1.1 million went against Sears, $712k for Circuit City, $296k against Target and $280k against Best Buy. Syntax-Brillian was one of two companies that caught a charge for importing TVs without a digital tuner after the deadline, two more were fined for V-chip violations, while Panasonic and Philips were among seven others that settled to avoid fines. That probably won't cover all those $40 coupons, but it can't hurt.

[Via Zatz Not Funny & Cable Digital News]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuybreaking newsBreakingNewsbroadcastchangeoverdigitaldtvfccfinetransitionwal-martFri, 11 Apr 2008 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 firmware v2.30 walkthrough: DTS-HD MA support / new PS Store included]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/ps3-firmware-v2-30-walkthrough-dts-hd-ma-support-new-ps-store/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/ps3-firmware-v2-30-walkthrough-dts-hd-ma-support-new-ps-store/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/ps3-firmware-v2-30-walkthrough-dts-hd-ma-support-new-ps-store/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Oh sweet mercy, what have we here? A sneak peek (on video) of the looming PlayStation Store revamp and a confirmation of DTS-HD Master Audio output in the next PS3 firmware update, that's what. Over on the PlayStation Blog, we're casually walked through the impending v2.30 update, and just as we had heard, Blu-ray fans can shout in unison as the inclusion of their favorite audio codec (as well as DTS-HD High Resolution Audio) is just days away. Word on the street has v2.30 headed down the pipes on April 15th, and if you're eager to catch a glimpse of some more stills from the made-over PS Store, head on over to Joystiq.

Read - PlayStation 3 firmware v2.30 walkthrough video
Read - Revamped PlayStation Store images
Read - DTS' own confirmation of the good news (Thanks, sTeViO!)
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.202.30bd livebd-jbd-liveBdLivebreaking newsBreakingNewsconsoledts-hd master audioDts-hdMasterAudiofirmwarepipplaystation 3playstation storePlaystation3PlaystationStoreps storeps3PsStoresonyupdatevideowalkthroughThu, 10 Apr 2008 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[World's first 46-inch stereoscopic 3D TV from Hyundai on sale in Japan]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/worlds-first-46-inch-stereoscopic-3d-tv-from-hyundai-on-sale-in/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/worlds-first-46-inch-stereoscopic-3d-tv-from-hyundai-on-sale-in/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/worlds-first-46-inch-stereoscopic-3d-tv-from-hyundai-on-sale-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


3D baby, that's what we've wanted from home television for 50 years. Now it's yours... if you live in Japan anyway. Introducing the world's first 46-inch 3D stereoscopic television. Built by Hyundai, the 1,920 x 1,080 set is capable of grabbing BS11 3D broadcasts pumped by Nippon BS in Japan for the last few months. The ¥498,000 (about $4,857) LCD brings 2x HDMI and 3x composite inputs (to name a few) and apparently works fine for traditional 2D broadcasts. Unfortunately, you'll have to wear what appear to be 3-feet wide, 3D glasses judging by the image provided above. Perhaps they're meant as a radiation shield since the set is also the world's first TV with built-in "nuclear reactor" according to the machine translated text. Be careful out there kids, it's just television.

[Via Impress]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d46-inchbreaking newsBreakingNewsbs11hyundaijapanon saleOnSalestereoscopicThu, 10 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget gets a new look and adds Switched to the family!]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/engadget-gets-a-new-look-and-adds-switched-to-the-family/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/engadget-gets-a-new-look-and-adds-switched-to-the-family/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/10/engadget-gets-a-new-look-and-adds-switched-to-the-family/#commentsFiled under:


It's been well over a year since our last big redesign, which in gadget time means our last design was unveiled circa original Walkman. So we're freshening up the whole joint -- all seven sites -- with a brand new design. Oh, and we're also adding an eighth site to the Engadget network: Switched!

Our latest addition, Switched will be dishing out features for those with a more casual interest in tech, as well as highlighting fresh, hand-picked tech news from our network of sister sites. So expect to see hot stories from Engadget classic, Mobile, HD, TUAW, and Download Squad running over there, as well as news from other geeky Weblogs, Inc. sites like Joystiq, Xbox 360 Fanboy, and Wii Fanboy.

As for Engadget's new design, we went through and really cleaned up the joint, yanking out old modules and ads wherever possible. You might spot our new and improved photo gallery browsing and updated looks on things like comments and polls, but it's hardest to miss the new rotating carousel over on the right. Keep an eye on that thing, it's where we'll be plugging in our biggest stories and must-see features.

Of course, launching eight sites at the same time is bound to cause a few problems, so please tap that first adopter attitude and bear with us as we squish bugs and tweak styles. And definitely hit us up in comments to let us know what you think (or if you see anything wonky)!

P.S. -Big ups to the gang that worked tirelessly to make this happen: Matt, Mark, Erik, Gavin, Celly, Alex, Christoph, Charlie, Marty, and the rest of the crew!
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsThu, 10 Apr 2008 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offers $50 credit for those who purchased a HD DVD player]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/09/amazon-offers-50-credit-for-those-who-purchased-an-hd-dvd-playe/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/09/amazon-offers-50-credit-for-those-who-purchased-an-hd-dvd-playe/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/09/amazon-offers-50-credit-for-those-who-purchased-an-hd-dvd-playe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following the crowd, Amazon has decided to fire off emails to folks who purchased a HD DVD player from it before February 23, 2008 in order to bestow upon them a $50 credit for their trouble. Granted, it's not as good as cash per se, but at least you get to keep your perfectly functional HD DVD player / DVD upconverter, right? Oh, and before you start having a panic attack after seeing that "must use before April 9th" phrase, you may want to inspect the year a little closer (hint: you've got a full year to use the voucher). Check the email in full after the jump.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Amazon offers $50 credit for those who purchased a HD DVD player

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongbreaking newsBreakingNewscreditdealdealshd dvdHdDvdWed, 09 Apr 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DISH Network launching HD locals in four more markets]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/09/dish-network-launching-hd-locals-in-four-more-markets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/09/dish-network-launching-hd-locals-in-four-more-markets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/09/dish-network-launching-hd-locals-in-four-more-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After the onslaught of rapid-fire HD locals launches in March, all has been quiet on the DISH Network front -- until now. Four more markets can gleefully celebrate the homecoming of HD locals via DISH: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tampa, Florida, Cleveland, Ohio and Richmond, Virginia. Each of the aforementioned locales will be receiving their respective local ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX stations save for Milwaukee, which will sadly miss out on CBS. You're all giddy, aren't you? The HD locals go live for these four regions on April 10th at 6:00AM ET -- yeah, tomorrow!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsClevelanddishdish networkDishNetworkfloridaHD LocalsHdLocalsMilwaukeeohioRichmondTampavirginiawisconsinWed, 09 Apr 2008 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips handing over North American TV manufacturing to Funai]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/08/philips-handing-over-north-american-tv-manufacturing-to-funai/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/08/philips-handing-over-north-american-tv-manufacturing-to-funai/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/08/philips-handing-over-north-american-tv-manufacturing-to-funai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We've had a feeling Philips wasn't really in love with the TV market lately, and now word comes from the New York Times that it will no longer manufacture displays for North America. The name -- and apparently the high concept Ambilight designs -- will still be on shelves, courtesy of a five year deal branding Funai-built televisions (already the name behind Emerson, Sylania, Symphonic and others.) Seeking -- like every other manufacturer lately -- to reduce risk and focus on its patents Philips will still design and manufacture TVs outside N.A., as well as oversee U.S. marketing, while Funai takes over all other operations Stateside beginning September 1.

Update: Philips let us know Ambilight remains dead and buried, but its 2008 models will continue as planned.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambilightbreaking newsBreakingNewsfunailg.philipsphilipsTue, 08 Apr 2008 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi intros slew of HDTVs, says LaserVue is coming in Q3]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/07/mitsubishi-intros-slew-of-hdtvs-says-laservue-is-coming-in-q3/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/07/mitsubishi-intros-slew-of-hdtvs-says-laservue-is-coming-in-q3/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/07/mitsubishi-intros-slew-of-hdtvs-says-laservue-is-coming-in-q3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mitsubishi and the onset of Spring can only mean one thing: an onslaught of HDTVs. Just as it did last year, the aforementioned outfit is busting out a plethora of high-definition sets to whet your appetite. As for the new line of April-bound DLPs ($1,799 to $4,699), you can expect the entire lot -- which ranges from 60- to 73-inches in size -- to sport 1080p panels, thinner frames than those on prior models, increased brightness, Mitsu's own 6-Color Processor and 3D-readiness.

Moving on, we've got the new family of Ultra Thin Frame 1080p LCD HDTVs ($2,499 to $4,499; shipping in May), which span between 40- and 52-inches and feature low-profile speakers, Smooth 120Hz Film Motion / GalleryPlayer technology, 10-bit panels, 6-Color Processor, x.v.Color and Deep Color. For these and the DLPs, those who opt for the Diamond series will be treated to Variable Smooth 120Hz Film Motion technology, a DeepField Imager and an oh-so-desirable blue light accent.

Lastly, the Laser TV which made its debut at CES 2008 is on track for a Q3 release, and just as predicted, it'll be going by the name LaserVue and sporting a currently undisclosed price tag. Hit the read link for the full breakdown.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pbreaking newsBreakingNewsdiamondDiamond LT-46246Diamond LT-52246Diamond WD-65835Diamond WD-73835DiamondLt-46246DiamondLt-52246DiamondWd-65835DiamondWd-73835laserlaser tvLaserTvlaservueLT-40148LT-4614LT-46149LT-52148LT-52149mitsubishiUltra Thin FrameUltraThinFrameWD-60735WD-65735WD-65736WD-73735WD-73736Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[HDPC-20 to be used in DirecTV Media Center beta test]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/04/hdpc-20-to-be-used-in-directv-media-center-beta-test/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/04/hdpc-20-to-be-used-in-directv-media-center-beta-test/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/04/hdpc-20-to-be-used-in-directv-media-center-beta-test/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Trust us, you all aren't the only ones wondering what the status is on DirecTV's HDPC-20 PC tuner. After assuming that it was closer to (beta) release than ever after a mysterious signup made the rounds late last month, along comes the confirmation we've been yearning for. Numerous readers have received hardware agreements as part of the DirecTV Media Center Beta test, and sure enough, it very plainly states that the HDPC-20 is the item that will be tested. Hailed as a "dual satellite DirecTV tuner (black case) including two BBC modules connectors, a DC power cable and a USB cable," those lucky enough to get in on the action may also receive a Media Center Remote, IR receiver and TV tuner card. And we all know what happens after beta testing is over, right?
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta testBetaTestbreaking newsBreakingNewsdirectvHDPC-20HDPC20microsoftpc tunerPcTunertunerVista Media Centerwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterFri, 04 Apr 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Cable drops HD bombshell on New York / New Jersey]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/time-warner-cable-drops-hd-bombshell-on-new-york-new-jersey/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/time-warner-cable-drops-hd-bombshell-on-new-york-new-jersey/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/time-warner-cable-drops-hd-bombshell-on-new-york-new-jersey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Lookee here, it's all coming true. The bits we heard about a massive HD rollout coming to Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, NY (not to mention New Jersey) are now being confirmed by Time Warner Cable. On April 30th, the three previously highlighted areas will have access to 50 HD channels, while those very stations will be available to all digital subscribers in Manhattan (!!!), New Jersey, the Hudson Valley region and Mt. Vernon "later this year." Additionally, TWC is gearing up to add over 250 HD VOD options, launch Enhanced HDTV (which includes Start Over) and position itself "to carry 100 high-definition channels" in NY and NJ by the close of 2008. Progress is a wonderful thing, innit? Check the full list of upcoming HD channels in the read link. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsbrooklynchannelchannelsexpansionhd vodHdVodlineupManhattannew jerseynew yorkNewJerseyNewYorkqueensstart overStartOverstaten islandStatenIslandtime warnertime warner cableTimeWarnerTimeWarnerCableTWCvideo-on-demandvodThu, 03 Apr 2008 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeview going HD in the UK]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/freeview-going-hd-in-england/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/freeview-going-hd-in-england/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/freeview-going-hd-in-england/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's official: HD aficionados in the UK will soon be able to get their fix via Freeview. If you'll recall, the Freeview HD trial that took place in 2006 went over quite well, and according to Ofcom, up to four free HD channels will be broadcast. Unfortunately, users looking forward to such niceties will be forced to wait until analog is switched off in their neck of the woods, and of course they'll also need an HD-ready TV and a new set-top-box. We've already heard that BBC will be one of the four channels, and ITV, Channel 4, Five and Welsh network S4C have all been "invited to bid for [the other] three slots in which they can broadcast high-definition TV or other new services." On the upside, the whole of the country should be digital by 2012, just in time for the London Olympics -- and for those lucky souls in and around Whitehaven, you'll get the spoils first.

[Thanks, Kieran and Andy]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbreaking newsBreakingNewsbritainbroadcastdigital tvDigitalTvenglandfreeviewitvlondonolympicsswitchoverukThu, 03 Apr 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[And we're off: Twin Cities get first DOCSIS 3.0 deployment]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/and-were-off-twin-cities-get-first-docsis-3-0-deployment/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/and-were-off-twin-cities-get-first-docsis-3-0-deployment/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/03/and-were-off-twin-cities-get-first-docsis-3-0-deployment/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Although we just heard that Comcast's DOCSIS 3.0 rollout was on track for 2009, folks in the Twin Cities region now have exclusive bragging rights for an undisclosed window of time. Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota have become the first markets to have access to an all new "extreme" broadband (or wideband, as it were) connection, which promises 50Mbps down / 5Mbps up. As expected, the carrier isn't being modest about the launch, claiming that users can suck down a 4GB HD movie "in about ten minutes," compared to "more than six hours" on a 1.5Mbps DSL connection. The newfound speed won't come cheap -- for residential users, look to lay down $149.95 per month for the privilege. Even if you aren't springing for the good stuff, current customers in the area will have their existing broadband connections hastened gratis, with 6Mbps / 384Kbps users moving up to 1Mbps uploads and 8Mbps / 768Kbps users seeing 2Mbps uploads. Kudos, Twin Cities -- you just made most of America sick with envy.

[Image courtesy of TheRedWoodMotel]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsbroadbandchannel bondingChannelBondingcomcastdocsis 3.0Docsis3.0extreme internetExtremeInternetinternetMinneapolisminnesotatwin citiesTwinCitieswidebandThu, 03 Apr 2008 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Forthcoming TiVo software update promise