Engadget HD Podcast 131 - 04.08.2009
We start off talking about why a singular definition of what qualifies as "HD" is hard -- if not impossible -- to come up with in our ever-branching media landscape. One thing that definitely isn't HD, though, is E1 Entertainment's Blu-ray production of Gulliver's Travels, which cropped, zoomed and color-shifted the title in ways that just leave us scratching our heads; quite the opposite of Disney's Snow White Blu-ray release, which will get the full platinum treatment and a release a full seven weeks in front of the DVD. Next, we talk about rentals with Blockbuster's continuing tale of woe, which contrasts with Redbox's continued success despite Hollywood's blessing. Technology without content support hit us on two fronts -- iTunes 8.1.1 made HD rentals possible, but we're still waiting on content, and then ESPN touted its 1080p production facilities that can pump out content that won't fit into any broadcast or media. Finally, we wrap up with talk about TiVo's new ads that pop up while you're skipping ads and SlingPlayer for iPhone forcing users to buy new Sling hardware. There may be good reasons for these moves, but try telling it to users who feel like they are taking a step backwards.Get the podcast
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Steven Kim
Producer: Trent Wolbe
01:00 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 130 - 04.02.2009
11:04 - Do we need a better definition of HD?
14:16 - Gulliver's Travels Blu-ray shows the wrong way to bring animation to HD
15:42 - Snow White's Blu-ray debut is October 6
19:56 - Blockbuster voices "substantial doubt" about ability to survive
25:45 - At $1 a day Redbox is perfect for consumers, not so much for Hollywood
29:26 - iTunes 8.1.1 update adds support for HD rentals, but where are they?
33:30 - ESPN's SportsCenter goes West Coast & 1080p production tonight
39:56 - TiVo update brings pause menu ads to Series3 & TiVo HD owners
44:04 - Tuning Adapters coming to Windows 7 Media Center?
48:47 - Older Slingboxes won't work with SlingPlayer for iPhone
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
freddy paulino @ Apr 9th 2009 5:32PM
you guys rock great podcast with awesome content and personality. I just wanted to comment on the redbox part of your show first of all redbox is a great service as you
mentioned i use it as a compliment to netflix service it great to see competition to
blockbuster and have an alternative to netflix at a low cost yes it sucks to go out and
pick up a disk but come on its only a buck especially in this economy it helps to get
great movies and they also have blu rays.Also blockbuster has done everything wrong
they riped off everyone with there late fees in the 80s and 90s now there playing
catch up they should go away like a bad plaugue.
Bennie @ Apr 8th 2009 3:55PM
As much as I love Redbox, it is not without its issues. When Redbox first came out, I was an early adopter. Now that they are becoming more popular, I'm starting to see lines at the kiosks. I am spoiled by being able to walk up and get a movie with no wait. With the increased popularity, sometimes its not worth the wait. Also, Redbox has been so slow to adopt Blu-Ray. I've only seen 2 Blu-Ray movies, The Dark Knight and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, both of which I've already seen.
Bennie @ Apr 8th 2009 4:23PM
Another problem with Redbox, that I forgot to mention, is that they recently started something called Redbox Replay, where they place older movies in the kiosks. Why am I seeing older DVD's that I've already seen or am not interested in. These movies take up valuable real estate that can be used for Blu-Ray movies.
EatingPie @ Apr 8th 2009 4:25PM
I'm betting you're right about the 720p thing.
It's worth noting that any *film* based material does not benefit from a 60fps format. For 60fps they just do 30fps and throw each frame up twice. In terms of compression, this saves droves, especially when you're talking about the lower resolution of 720p vs. 1080i.
Of course, anything actually filmed at 720p/60, like sports (has it actually been verified they do sports at 60fps? I never checked) you are talking about more compression. But that goes back to your point about reference frames.
It's too bad there are these 720p stations when 1080p has basically become the defacto standard for HDTV displays.
-Pie
Miggity @ Apr 8th 2009 4:34PM
I used Redbox once in Newport, Oregon when I was out on vacation at the coast at a rental property. Rented my movie for one night, watched it, then when I tried to return it at the Redbox the next day I COULDN'T because it was "Out of Order." Sweet!
Not sure if it still is, but at the time it was the only Redbox in town. Next closest Redbox was in Lincoln City 25 miles away! Needless to say that damn DVD wasn't returned until the next day when I drove home and went past another Redbox.
I emailed the shmucks and asked for my extra $1 back but they wouldn't refund it because "the DVD can be returned to any Redbox location."
Fail. Never using that trash again.
Michael @ Apr 8th 2009 5:55PM
I do not like the idea of ESPN conducting major operations outside of Bristol, Connecticut, they are the highest taxpayer in town they are not leaving or even so much as scaling down without a fight from the local community.
Cory @ Apr 8th 2009 8:13PM
Hey guys,
Great Show as always!
This question is most likely pointed at Steve he being the audio guy in all. I am no longer going be able to enjoy surround sound when I move to my new apartment(neighbors will complain). I was wondering if you had any suggestions on headphone amps and/or processors to do Dolby Headphone. I use VMC for OTA and SD Cable recordings and watch DVDs and HDDVDs via a Tosh HDDVD (I bought in after it died for the DVD up converter and cheep HD movies, paid 50$ at local mom and pop for a HDa3). I'm patiently waiting to go blu after this summer when I finish up a big project. Keep up the good work guys!
Thanks,
Cory
freddy paulino @ Apr 8th 2009 11:25PM
Just wanted to ask another question what do you guys think of a company that will
provide higher speeds of broadband for a cheaper price than time warner or verizon fios
if in the near future a company just dedicated to providing cheap internet with higher
speeds that would be awesome for streaming movies or even a la carte tv but time warner
cable and the Haters wont let that happen.
Spiza @ Apr 9th 2009 11:05AM
On 1080p60, the only ways I know of getting this is to record it on your own camera, or you can get a good gaming rig to play games at 1080p60 on your TV. If you want the latest best looking games, be prepared to set up liquid cooling though. I don't believe there is a true 1080p60 game for either the PS3 or 360. Games of course are rendered instead of filmed though.
I do hope at some point that they add this to the blu-ray spec. I don't think it would be too confusing and older machines could probably be updated to skip a frame if they can't handle it. It should probably happen now before blu-ray gets too big though.
Garst @ Apr 9th 2009 12:21PM
I highly doubt that stores that specializes in movies and games store would make much profit. There aren't enough people that are hardcore movie AND game fans. It's just too difficult to keep up with both. So if a company that tries to do it, basically it would be running two stores on one financial sheet and would have to have one staff that can handle movie customers and another that will handle the gamers. You might get some movie buffs that are into games, but most of them will likely be into casual or party games. Likewise, you don't have too many gamers that watch anything but big budget action movies. These stores have stayed separate for a reason: there isn't enough overlap to bring them together. Just look at the movie section at GameStop or the game section in F.Y.E. You can't even stay you wasted your time looking through the selection because there's not enough there to take more than a few minutes look at. There is more on stores websites, but that's a totally different business model.
Justin @ Apr 9th 2009 2:43PM
Until Redbox carries Blu-ray, I gotta stick with Netflix exclusively. If they did carry Blu-ray, I'd only use it to get titles I need on the fly (Saturday/Sunday when I can't get them through Netflix). Netflix has too much value, especially for those of us who can stream to our TVs.
dishbreak @ Apr 9th 2009 4:50PM
Great show as always. Not so much an HD question, but here goes:
It seems like Engadget HD is a part-time enterprise for both of you. What are your "day jobs", and what got you into HD tech? It seems like Ben in particular has had many different hats.
IseWise @ Apr 9th 2009 9:15PM
I know we try to keep politics off engadgethd, but you guys talked about pants for the first 5 minutes of the podcast, so here I go...
When Ben was talking about how BlockBuster should have changed to a subscription model, or given the ability to return movies to multiple locations, or why RedBox's should be "BlockBox's", or slow to online etc etc. I couldn't help to think about Detriot. In the face of competition they did nothing or were very slow to adapt and now they are facing bankruptcy. Too bad, too sad, I think I can hear the world's smallest violin playing somewhere...
alkie4life @ Apr 12th 2009 12:15PM
Ben, I've been wanting to do a Mac Mini HTPC for quite some time now. I'm a heavy Mac user and want to stay within their ecosystem. Did you ever consider a Mini setup? What all is involved to get setup? What are the drawbacks/limitations? What is the user interface or experience like? I like you, need simple for my girlfriend to operate and be happy, so keyboard and mouse can't be part of the equation except for maintenance. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Brutus Lamour @ Apr 13th 2009 1:34PM
The problem with redbox is that you actually have to leave your house. I don't want to leave my house for rental and return that's why netflix is great.
joe @ Apr 15th 2009 12:21PM
I love the show
Ben Thanks for posting on your gear on April 5 on your personal blog. Nice to see wire management is a problem for you as well.