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You know you're a videophile if...

HD Calibration Discs

  • You actually know what OAR stands for and won't watch anything but.
  • You believe edge enhancements are a crime against humanity.
  • You understand that contrast is the most important video spec.
  • You know that more P isn't always better -- as in 1080p vs 720p.
  • You realize that properly de-interlaced video is perfectly acceptable and possible.
  • You can't watch DVDs anymore.
  • HBO HD is a big joke.
  • You can explain what 3:3 pull-down is and why you'd want it.
  • You knew the actual differences between HD DVD and Blu-ray.
  • You have at least one video calibration disc on Blu-ray.
  • You don't think LCDs look better than Plasmas.
  • You've helped a random person at Best Buy pick out a TV, and you don't even work there.
  • It makes you mad that Samsung calls its new 6000, 7000 and 8000 series LED TVs.
  • You make fun of 240Hz HDTVs.
  • Your HDTV has been professional calibrated.
  • There are Blu-ray Discs in your collection because of their picture quality.
  • You know the name of the mode on your TV that disables overscan.
  • You think it simply isn't possible for downloads to ever compare to Blu-ray in quality.
  • Engadget HD is the first site you read every day when you wake up.

Netgear MoCA Coax-Ethernet adapter review

Netgear MoCA kit
Although we were just kids when all the world's computers connected to each other via a coax cable, we still recognize the throughput potential of the medium. This and the fact that just about every home in America already has coax running through its walls has always made us wonder why we couldn't utilize those wires to connect our computers. If you've wondered the same thing, then MoCA might just be for you. It is a CableLabe specification that allows devices to utilize the unused bandwidth on the coax at your house to send bits where no other medium can. So if you're sick of trying to stream HD via Wifi and power-line technologies, you're going to really want to click through and read about how these babies work.

Moxi HD DVR Review

Moxi HD DVR search interface
In our world the only thing that stays the same is our desire to discover the next great thing. The cycle starts with new product announcements, which builds to anticipation, and eventually to disappointment once we realize the latest gadget isn't everything we hoped. This is more true in the DVR world than any other category we cover because although DVRs have been around for about 10 years now, it seems little has changed since. This is especially true when it comes to 3rd party DVRs which have been few and far between. In fact we are hard pressed to think of even a hand-full of DVRs that made a single dent in the market. TiVo is the most notable, but far from perfect and ReplayTV was great, but didn't last. Both LG and Sony had an HD DVR out there at one point, but you don't remember them for a reason. It's just a really hard sell to convince people to spend cash up front when their provider will give 'em a box for free. So it should come as no surprise that we couldn't wait to try out the Moxi HD DVR from Diego. We thought, finally a real competitor to TiVo, and now with a real HD interface for our HDTV.

Blu-ray's Managed Copy explained, a Movie Jukebox is possible

AACS LogoWe'll be honest, while others were predicting how poorly implemented the new Managed Copy system for Blu-ray would be -- mostly because the studios can charge for copies -- we were dreaming of new ways we'd like to enjoy our favorite movies. With DVD's CSS, everything was very restricted; simple tasks like transferring a movie to your PMP or storing 'em all on a Media Center PC was way, way more complicated than it should be -- not to mention a violation of the DMCA. Obviously we wanted to know more, so we went straight to the source and asked the AACS-LA exactly how it'll work, as well as how it'll handle things like rent, rip and return. Surprisingly, we were actually happy after the call and contrary to what you might believe, Managed Copy was actually designed with the consumer in mind.

Ask Engadget HD: A good & cheap 1080p projector?


We've had a few projector related questions before, but this one comes from a commenter on a previous post interested in upgrading his cinematic experience, lakersin2025 take it away:

"Can anyone recommend a decent 1080p projector that won't break the bank? Mainly for movies at night."

Not a whole lot to go one, with no particular desired technology or info on room size, but for someone trying to pick up a 1080p projector nowadays while spending something less than a million dollars, or perhaps something more resembling a couple grand at most, what's your pick?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Is the future of Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?

WHS and WMC
With all the bad news around Windows Media Center this week, many enthusiasts are wondering about the future of Media Center. To say that the past few years have had a few disappointments is an understatement, especially when you think back to the way CableCARD support was implemented and how poorly the Extenders have been supported. Although things look pretty grim for our preferred DVR platform, we're optimistic that things are actually about to get really good in the next year thanks to Windows 7 and some unannounced features and products. Part of the reason we think this is because over the years we've been watching Microsoft develop products that have taken years to catch on and gain dominance. But lets be honest, we're not on the inside and most of what we think will happen is based on rumors and conjecture. With that being said, we've convinced ourselves that the future of Media Center, and the key to wider adoption that we think it deserves, is with Windows Home Server.

Hands-on with Yahoo Widgets on a Samsung 7000 series HDTV


There's little doubt that Yahoo Widgets took the HDTV market by storm at CES, in fact by the end of the first day of the show, it was news if a manufacturer didn't announce the feature. Initially we didn't understand what all the fuss was about, but after spending some time with the Widgets, we started to see the light. Unfortunately something has changed in the past five months and now that we have it in our home to play with, it just doesn't seem the same. The one word we'd use to describe the difference is "laggy" -- check out the video after the break to see for yourself. The demos at CES were down right snappy, but even in our hard wired tests connected to the internet via a 20Mbps FiOS connection, the widgets loaded so slow we're not sure we'd actually even use 'em. To make matters worse, because most people don't have internet connections behind their HDTV, they're going to need some sort of WiFi adapter to make this work. The Samsung 7000 series HDTV we tested has an optional USB dongle that sells for $80, but we couldn't even get it to work despite the hour of our life we wasted on it.

Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-ray player review


Samsung's sixth generation player is close to what some would call a complete player. It features support for all the audio codecs Blu-ray supports as well as internet streaming services such as Netflix and Pandora. The really interesting new feature is the fact that it supports a Wifi dongle, which to most means they can actually take advantage of the included internet features as well as BD Live -- this is because most don't have wired internet connections behind their TV. Of course the main point of the device is to play Blu-ray discs and we're happy to say that despite all the new features, the player doesn't lose focus on its core functionality.

Sony Pictures responds to your poll results, discusses the future of BD-Live


Last week's poll results and comments came through loud and clear, with an overwhelming majority of responses to the question "Have you seen anything impressive from BD-Live yet?" leaning towards the negative. That many people showing a beef against a key feature of the current dominant HD delivery format? We couldn't let that go so we followed up with Rich Marty, VP of Marketing for Blu-ray at Sony Pictures to let them know what you said, and see what they're doing about it.

HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?

HD master control
Once you buy an HDTV it doesn't take long before you get confused by all the acronyms. We love us some HD, but the days of simply bringing a new set home and plugging into a coax cable are long over -- at least for most. It is pretty obvious by the latest surveys that most people don't understand exactly what it takes to enjoy HD on their HDTV, but even if you do, you may not understand what most of it means. Now while this isn't the typical make sure you have your HDTV configured to watch HD post, it will help you understand the different ways HD is delivered.

Hands-on with the Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-ray player


We never get tired of playing with new Blu-ray players -- even though they are all very similar these days -- but when something totally different comes around we have to admit it is more interesting. There is no doubt the new Samsung BD-P4600 fits in that category. For one it is one of the only Blu-ray players with a slot loaded drive, but on top of that it is wall mountable and is one of the first Blu-ray players to have an optional WiFi USB dongle -- see it attached to the top left of the player? Of course while these things make it unique they don't necessarily make it a good Blu-ray player, that will take a little more time to figure out.

Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for small spaces?


Let's face it, not everyone has $60k to drop on a dream home theater, and even they did, might not have a place to put it. If space is your major constraint, like our guy Geoff, achieving the best setup can be quite trying:

"In a previous lifetime circa early 2000s, I had a dedicated media room and the latest in technology. I'm closer to the city now and square-footage is a premium. Knowing that I'll likely be in an apartment/townhome/condo for the foreseeable future, should I try to use some of my old components (listed below) or just sell them and start new? Keep in mind that I doubt I'll be able to mount any rear channels, so I'm thinking the setup with either have to include rear satellites or be a 2.1 system. I don't require a movie theater-like experience, rather something that's extremely solid for movies, music and gaming.

-- Sony STR-DE945 receiver from 2000 (i.e., no HDMI)
-- Klipsch Quintet 5.1 Home Theater circa 2000
-- No Blu Ray player
-- Xbox 360 Elite and, sadly, HD DVD add-on
-- Samsung 42-inch LCD (perfectly fine)

I've been following the new HTIB offerings from Sony and LG, thinking those might be the answer since my budget is probably around $600, not including whatever I can make on the sale of the above. The Sony system seemed attractive since Blu Ray was incorporated.
"

There it is, we know your palatial estate is covered with inflatable screens and the like, but condo and apartment dwellers need love too, and not at too high of a price. Let us know what you'd put in that type of space.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Myvu Crystal review



We have to admit we were initially apprehensive about the new Myvu Crystal personal media viewer. You see as much as we love the idea of a display that can be worn like glasses, we can't help but think they make you look like a dork. But as soon as we put them on and leaned back, we quickly realized that we've looked like a dork before, and for worse reasons. In fact our initial impressions after using them at CES was so good, that we decided to try 'em out and see if the novelty wears off after an hour or if they serve a real purpose.

HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3

DTS-HD MA on the PS3
If you read Engadget HD, it's safe to say that you're ahead of the curve when it comes to home audio/video. You do your homework before picking out gear, and you know that the PS3 can deliver Blu-ray audio bliss courtesy lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA tracks. One look at all the configuration options in the PS3's XMB (Xross Media Bar) interface, however, and you might find yourself wondering how to unlock the those audio codecs. In this installment of HD 101, we'll briefly cover the reason for the confusion and then go through setting up your PS3 for lossless audio step-by-step.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best large LCD (42-inches and up) for the buck?


It looks like the time is right to pick up some the best HDTVs 2008 had to offer on the cheap and Louis has the same question as most of us, which one to pick?

"My old CRT is on its last legs and I've decided my next HDTV is an LCD for my TV watching and Blu-ray needs, but with all the options I'm having trouble telling the difference. I'm not worried about any extra features unless they affect picture quality, and I want to go bigger than my last (40-inch) TV. Samsung, Sharp, Sony or ?????? -- which one should I be checking the sales pages for?"

We've done this on the plasma side recently, but surely some of you are among the many rocking brand new LCD sets. Let us know which of the outgoing models made your eyes happiest in the last year.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.




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