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Metropolitan Opera makes its HD productions free to select K-12 schools

by Steven Kim posted Feb 13th 2009 at 11:37PM

The Metropolitan Opera
You just know that if times are tough for consumer electronics, they're really bleak for public schools. With that in mind, we're calling out the bright spot that is The Metropolitan Opera's "HD Live in Schools" program that since January 10th has been making its movie theater productions (in HD, naturally) of Met performances free to students, parents and teachers across 18 schools in 13 states. Better still, The Met plans on expanding the program to 180 schools across the US. Now we know that it's not every K-12 schooler that will appreciate opera, but the opportunity to take in some premium HD content for free is pretty sweet if you ask us; any students that get turned on to HD, opera or music in general are bonus. If nothing else, this has got to beat writing a report on what makes the A-B-B-A song form so darn catchy, right?

Live with Regis and Kelly HD details revealed

by Richard Lawler posted Nov 25th 2008 at 6:04PM

Behind the scenes of Live With Regis and Kelly's HD upgrade will be a new high definition control room, plus new HDTV studio and handheld cams. Not getting replaced for the resolution bump? The set, unlike Entertainment Tonight's new digs Broadcasting & Cable reports Live is just throwing a fresh coat of paint on what's there and moving forward. Unfortunately it seems the state of HD syndication ready local stations is still in disarray, so it may be some time before you actually get a look at the improved broadcast in your area, but everyone else should be more than taken care of January 5.

Hellboy II BD-Live director's chat event recap

by Richard Lawler posted Nov 24th 2008 at 12:45PM Featured Story


Blu-ray's Internet capabilities got a brand new push this weekend, with the first director's chat featuring Hellboy II: The Golden Army's Guillermo del Toro live from New Zealand. Didn't get home in time to access the event (scattered forum posts reported problems logging in at all, or people who were logged in but unable to access the comments), or might not have the movie? No problem, here's a quick look at things after the break, and hopefully a preview of what to expect from future director / fan chats.

Gallery: Hellboy II BD-Live director chat w/ Guillermo del Toro

Continue reading Hellboy II BD-Live director's chat event recap

Metropolitan Opera in HD comes back for third season

by Steven Kim posted Sep 22nd 2008 at 6:44AM

Metropolitan Opera in HDWe suspect that there aren't many occasions at the Metropolitan Opera that call for the term "hat trick," but the Met is kicking off its third season of simulcasting performances in HD this Monday. It's been a great ride for the Met: seasons one and two saw the audience swell from 325,000 to 935,000, with distribution increasing from seven to 17 countries. And season three has no plans on slowing down -- with almost the full Met season in the lineup, projections are set for 1.2 million viewers in 30 countries across 850 movie theaters. With the uneasy economic times here in the US, this is a great way to check out first rate performances with picture and sound quality to match without breaking the bank, so keep your eyes open.

Net Insight holds live 3D telepresence demonstration, shows it on video

by Darren Murph posted Sep 16th 2008 at 6:30PM


While this wasn't the only live 3D broadcast going on at IBC2008, we couldn't resist passing along a video of this one in action. Net Insight was at the show demonstrating a live 3D telepresence setup using a 1.5Gbps connection. From Stockholm (the show floor is in Amsterdam), a company employee was able to wave and communicate in real-time in stunning 3D. The kicker? No funky goggles were required to see him, and while you needed to stand pretty much directly in front of the display in order to get the full effect, we can't help but be wowed at what went on here. Seriously, check out the video in the read link and imagine watching a movie in this manner in your own home. It's good stuff, we promise.

[Thanks, Tommie]

Panasonic holds live tru2way demonstration on TH-50PZ80Q plasma

by Darren Murph posted Sep 5th 2008 at 4:46PM Featured Story


They said they were going to do it, and do it they did. While Samsung's tru2way "demonstration" was barely more than a hack job used to show off what the technology was about, Panasonic demoed the real deal at its CEDIA booth. The 50-inch TH-50PZ80Q plasma contained a real CableCARD (yes, we checked) and was receiving a live signal from Comcast. Denver is just one of a few markets where tru2way is theoretically ready to rock, and according to a Panny rep, the set we saw today is a production unit that will ship sometime "later this year." The idea here is to provide buyers with the ability to insert any CableCARD from any carrier (if you move, for example) into an HDTV, thus eliminating the cable company's stranglehold (best known as a "carrier-issued set-top-box") on you. The demo we saw went over very well -- everything was responsive and image quality was excellent. See for yourself in the gallery below.

Panasonic & Comcast to demonstrate "real" tru2way at CEDIA

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 4th 2008 at 12:39PM


Those heading to CEDIA, keep your eyes peeled for something never before seen: a Panasonic tru2way plasma connected to the local Comcast cable system. Despite some differing opinions on the two-way cable standard, actually seeing it working off of the same line that could be running to your living room is a big step. On deck for CEDIA is a display of the Comcast EPG and TV on-demand. The downside is all that functionality could add up to a $300 or so premium over non-tru2way HDTVs, although cable companies could help pick up some of that tab with promotions and rebates. We'll get to decide if it's worth it soon, Panasonic VP Bob Perry told CEPro we can expect the 50-incher on display to hit shelves in time for the holiday season.

Live at CEDIA 2008: bring on the pixels

by Darren Murph posted Sep 3rd 2008 at 5:10PM


Now that IFA is behind us, the consumer electronics world is turning its attention to Denver, Colorado to see what CEDIA has to offer. We're expecting hordes of new HDTVs, projectors, speakers, AV receivers and even THX-certified soundproof doors (yes, really), but it never fails that at least something on the show floor completely takes us by surprise. We've touched down here in the Mile High City to bring you up-to-the-minute updates, and for the most obsessive coverage, be sure to point your browsers to Engadget HD for the next few days.

Watch DirecTV 11 liftoff at 6:30PM EDT today

by Darren Murph posted Mar 19th 2008 at 2:48PM


Unfortunately, the recently rescheduled launch of the DirecTV 11 won't make our list of things to watch in HD tonight, but for those anxious to see the sat provider's next bird take flight, here's the skinny. Today at around 6:30PM EDT (3:30PM for those of you on the left coast), live coverage is slated to start on DirecTV channel 573. For those operating sans DTV (or simply not near your television), you can click here to view the launch online. T-minus four hours and counting 'til liftoff -- consider our fingers crossed that things go smoother than they did for the AMC-14.

[Thanks, Vanbrothers]

Hardcore Giants fan opts for HDTV over trip to Super Bowl XLII

by Darren Murph posted Feb 2nd 2008 at 5:49AM


We've polled you fine folks before to get your take on whether sporting events are better seen live and in person or on an HDTV, and while responses tend to vary, one particular Giants fan recently made the decision to enjoy Super Bowl XLII from the comfort of his own home rather than jetting down to Arizona with a pocketful of Benjamins. Said fan has yet to miss a New York Giants home game in 17 years, but after mulling it over with his better half, they collectively decided to plunk down two large on a new Samsung and made plans to host a sure-to-be-riveting party. Of course, judging by recent HDTV sales and home theater installations in the New York region alone, it's pretty safe to say that they aren't the only ones making this choice. Our only concern is that the fan somehow believes his TV purchase will last (read: not be replaced) "for 15 years" -- something tells us he was misinformed.

Poll: Do you prefer your sports live or in HD?

by Darren Murph posted Nov 15th 2007 at 6:30PM


Considering that we've seen not one, but two surveys in recent months suggesting that individuals tend to prefer watching sports in the comfort of their own HDTV-equipped homes versus showing up in person, we're quite curious to see how this crowd feels. The question's pretty simple: given the choice, would you show up (face paint and all) on gameday, or would you kick back with a fresh bag of Cheetos and utilize that HD service you've spent your hard earned cash on? We know this may vary by sport / team, but we're lumping all sports together to get a general consensus. Feel free to give your input below, and sound off on your choice in comments.

P.S. - For whatever it's worth, this particular editor would take a seat in Carter-Finley any day over an HD broadcast.

Do you prefer your sports live or in HD?

Season 2 of Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD kicks off soon

by Darren Murph posted Nov 12th 2007 at 9:17PM

Apparently, the first season of Metropolitan Opera: Live in High Definition went over quite well, as the second season looks to hit even more venues and capture the hearts of more individuals in 2007 - 2008. Reportedly, the season gets started on December 15th with a live opera transmission of Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, which will be the first of eight total broadcasts. Other features include Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Verdi's Macbeth, Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Britten's Peter Grimes and Donizetti's La Fille du Régiment. Over 600 venues in North America, Australia, Europe and Japan will be participating in the Met's upcoming series, and if all goes to plan, over one million people will be picking up tickets. Speaking of which, be sure to hit the read link for more detailed information on ticket prices, venues and schedules, and do be sure to let us know how things turn out if you take in a show or two.

Survey shows HDTV preferred over live Super Bowl experience

by Darren Murph posted Jan 17th 2007 at 11:00AM

Unsurprisingly, surveys these days can often have very interesting results, which may not necessarily represent the general population in a factual manner, but nonetheless, if the "Big Game Survey" is to be believed, more people would rather watch the Super Bowl on an HDTV than actually going to the event in-person. Conducted on behalf of Circuit City, the survey found that 48-percent of all respondents would rather catch the big game from the comforts of their couch compared to just 26-percent who would rather cheer from the nosebleed seats. While it wasn't directly stated where the other 26-percent fell, we can only assume that those were the folks who'd rather pressure-wash their entire house than suffer through four hours of non-stop partying over a game of pigskin. Nevertheless, it's certainly not a surprise to find that sports offerings glue Americans to their couches like no other type of programming can, and the survey also found that around 60-percent of men (and 49-percent of women) were more likely to throw down for an HD set solely because of the Super Bowl (and hosting a subsequent party). While we'd probably have no qualms accepting an all-expenses-paid trip to see the biggest NFL game of the year, we have to assume that folks were taking total cost into account when answering the questions, and considering the dough you'd likely lay down just to get a seat for this primetime event, wouldn't you rather bring home a svelte HDTV instead?

Bigger & biggest HDTVs: Sharp's 108 vs. Samsung's 102

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 9th 2007 at 10:40AM

It's hard to decide. We're seeing so many great HDTVs every day like these two giants -- and some not so giant -- but still, which one of these screens would we rather take home? On the left we've got Samsung's old school 102-inch plasma, on the right Sharp's new 108-inch 1080p Aquos LCD. Some people could be content with a mere 102-inch or even 103-inch screen and prefer plasma to LCD, but with 120Hz motion and other advancements coming off of Sharp's 8th-generation manufacturing line its impossible to say no to the new size king in town. Check out the gallery for a couple more pictures of both.
Bigger and biggest HDTVs: Sharp's 108 vs. Samsung's 102

AMD Live! to support HD DVD / Blu-ray in Q3 2007

by Darren Murph posted Dec 29th 2006 at 3:35PM

The cat and mouse game being played by Intel's Viiv and AMD Live! isn't exactly enthralling, especially when you consider a vast majority of the HTPCs out there get along perfectly fine without either label slapped on them. Nevertheless, AMD is hoping to garner a bit more attention by announcing that its media-centric platform will be gettin' friendly with HD DVD and Blu-ray late next year. In a (likely futile) attempt to grab a "bigger share of the multimedia market," AMD Live! will be supporting the two major high definition movie formats as of "Q3 2007," and sources with PC vendors reportedly stated that it could prove to be a boost for the blue-laser market. So while a select few wait around to see what the fuss will be about this time next year, we'll probably be content with all the options already surrounding us.




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