Leading off the podcast this week is breaking Netflix Watch Instantly news (only to find out after recording that 5.1 and closed captioning features would be available this year, but not 1080p) before trying to figure out exactly what Comcast was thinking with its new Xfinity brand name. After that we get elbow deep in the NBC/Boxee standoff, even more Netflix numbers and Blu-ray player sales projections. Of course we've got some 3D news from the last few weeks to recap, from the HDMI spec going public to Comcast's 3D efforts, Sky's inaugural soccer broadcast and Samsung's BD-C6900 showing up momentarily on Amazon. Of course we had to dicuss Panasonic's plasma revelations, before closing out with the new (& cheap) ATI HTPC video card and a few poll results.

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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:01:25 - 1080p, 5.1 surround sound coming to Netflix Watch Instantly in 2010? Update: No, yes (and closed captioning)
00:06:48 - Comcast smears the XFINITY brand across all its services
00:11:53 - NBC's Jeff Zucker talks about Boxee with congress, Boxee talks about The Facts with Jeff Zucker
00:19:50 - Netflix celebrates Q4 success of 1 million new subscribers and eyes bigger growth ahead; Roku too
00:30:50 - In-Stat sees Blu-ray players closing in on DVD sales in 2013
00:33:37 - HDMI 1.4's 3D spec publicly released
00:43:39 - Comcast CEO not sure 24x7 3D is in our future
00:48:40 - Inaugural Sky 3DTV soccer broadcast received warmly, hooligans opt for Michael Jackson & the Grammys instead
00:52:52 - Samsung's 3D Blu-ray player available for preorder on Amazon: $399 - Update: Not anymore
00:54:35 - Panasonic cops to rising black levels in its plasma HDTVs, but questions still remain
01:00:59 - ATI Radeon HD 5450 focuses on multimedia features, neglects gaming
01:03:48 - Poll: How did you watch Lost?
01:09:55 - Poll: Best HD sporting event this month?

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Sorry UStream folks, Just when we were getting back into our stride we've got to cancel on you for today. We'll definitely be back on the air soon to talk as much HDTV (and of course, 3DTV) as we can stand. Until then, follow the twitter account @EngadgetHD for more updates.

No guests this week, but there's still plenty of HD related topics to talk about. Of course that includes 3D, but after that we had time to discuss a new Blu-ray player from Oppo, future possibilities for digital distribution and exactly what we're expecting from NBC's costly Winter Olympics coverage. After that the talk turns to the legal aspects of the latest action from the FCC, and Microsoft's patent infringement lawsuit. We wrap things up with an evaluation of DirecTV's multiroom beta, and just what happened to all the hype over connected HDTVs in 2010.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:58 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 175 - 1.22.2009
05:30 - 3D stole the show at CES 2010
08:40 - CableLabs starts testing 3D, determines existing set-tops are compatible
13:02 - Discovery searches for name for 3D channel, 3DNet is on the list
15:35 - Oppo adds a cheaper Blu-ray player to its lineup with the $289 BDP-80
20:22 - Digital distribution is the real winner of Warner/Netflix deal
25:06 - Hulu's subscription service might run $5 for access to select shows
27:45 - ESPN streaming coming to Xbox 360?
35:00 - NBC divvies up 835 hours of Winter Olympics action over TV & online, how much curling can you watch?
40:32 - FCC sides against cable companies restricting local sports HD feeds
44:05 - Microsoft has AT&T's back, sues TiVo for patent infringement
47:15 - DirecTV's public beta of multi-room viewing for existing DVRs is on
52:50 - Poll: Did you buy an internet connected HDTV?

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It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Monday the 25th at 6:30pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

If you can't get enough information about 3D then you're going to love this special edition of the Engadget HD Podcast. We give Bob Wilson, the VP of Network video solutions group at Motorola a call. He tells us all about what Motorola is doing to help cable companies get ready for 3D programming. Among other things, we discuss why side by side will be the initial transmission technique of choice, but that eventually full 1080p 3D should be a reality via cable. We ask him about a few other related topics like why more cable companies haven't started using H.264 and how long he thinks all of this will take to make it into our homes.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler
Guest: Bob Wilson, VP Networked video solutions group at Motorola

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program

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We're still catching up on all the none CES news that came out during CES and one item was of a favorite topics around here; the success of Blu-ray. To make things more interesting though we brought on a guest, Jeremy Toeman, who although agrees shares many of our same values, thinks Blu-ray is floundering -- you can just imagine where this discussion goes. After we get back to the normally schedule program, we cover the funny Lexicon Blu-ray story, as well as Disney and Netflix, Comcast's ugly new guide, and the cold fusion equivalent of the HDTV industry. Finally we close with a talk about how much fun we had being a part of HD Nation.

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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler
Guest: Jeremy Toeman

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:34 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 173 - 1.13.2009
00:01:55 - Theaters brought in more cash than Discs last year
00:05:45 - Blu-ray sales were up 67 percent in 2009
00:29:30 - Poll: Will you buy a 3D HDTV?
00:50:38 - Lexicon busted passing Oppo off as a $3500 Blu-ray player
00:53:37 - Disney renegotiating Starz deal, might pull movies from Netflix streaming
00:56:30 - FCC backs off talk of forcefully reclaiming spectrum from TV broadcasters
00:57:54 - Comcast's guide software adds brains, but beauty remains elusive
01:00:45 - LPD display tech from Prysm uses lasers, phosphors, groovy Flash intros
01:03:31 - Check us out on the latest episode of HD Nation

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It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape Now. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

CES is officially over but we're still trying to catch up on all the news, so we talk a little 3D without glasses and why it isn't ready for prime time as well as different ways 3D can be transmitted vs displayed. Although we love 3D we haven't forgotten about the basics so we discuss the Panasonic contrast demo and the little tru2way that was at the show. We finish things off with a little nostalgic HD DVD talk as well as some new movie streaming and info available when we watch movies.

Get the podcast
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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:35 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 172 - CES 2010 day 3
04:45 - TCL completes the no-glasses 3D trifecta at CES
12:15 - HD 101: The difference between sequential and side by side 3D
23:45 - Panasonic's 2010 plasma line has much better black levels
28:00 - Hands-on with Pansonic's tru2way set-back box
32:40 - LG Magic Motion gesture control HDTV remote hands-on
34:55 - Verizon to double ETFs on FiOS TV contracts
39:21 - HD DVD rides again: TCL brings China Blue HD & Blu-ray together for a CES face-off
41:20 - Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service coming February 2010
45:06 - This is It Blu-ray release debuts movieIQ Sync, brings more Michael Jackson info to your iPhone or PC

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We're nearly to the end of the long CES grind and it's starting to show. Still, we made it through and recorded one more 'cast before saying goodbye to Vegas, so be prepared for plenty of impressions of our hands on of many, many TVs, Mediaroom 2.0, just what Disney's Keychest is & is not, IPTV on Blu-ray players and finally a breakdown of the 3D Blu-ray spec.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:45 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 171 - CES 2010 day 1
02:55 - VIZIO's new LCDs (and upcoming iPhone remote app) eyes-on
03:35 - VIZIO CES concept designs show a future of ultrawidescreen, ultrathin & wireless HDTVs
06:20 - Comcast, Time Warner and Cox are excited about the latest in DLNA
09:42 - Microsoft's Mediaroom 2.0 running on the Xbox 360
12:00 - Sezmi plans to change the content industry; hands-on and video
14:20 - Monsoon adds streaming and sideloading functions to its placeshifting tech with Volcano
17:04 - Disney's KeyChest is not DRM
20:48 - Blu-TV brings interactive IPTV to disc players, starting with the BDP-83
23:22 - HQV benchmark disk gets upgraded to 2.0
24:24 - Blu-ray's 3D spec isn't what it could be

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Day 2 of CES is done and the sleep deprivation is really starting to take its toll. During yesterday's show we had some difficulties, so we went back over the same topcis so you wouldn't have to do without. We were able to successfully convert one other Engadgeteer into a 3D fan so we invited him on the show to tell his story. If you like Media Center news there is plenty of it as we talk CableCARD tuners form Ceton and SiliconDust. And don't worry, there is more of this where this came from.

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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler
Special Guest: Sam Sheffer

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:43 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 170 - CES 2010 day 1
04:32 - ESPN 3D launches in June with World Cup soccer -- our football to follow later
10:35 - Panasonic blows it out with 3D Blu-ray deck, HDTVs, channels and $21k camcorder
12:05 - VIZIO's 2010 XVT LCDs go up to 72-inches with 3D, LED, WiFi & WirelessHD
13:28 - New Sony Blu-ray players do 3D, WiFi, iPhone remote, more
13:55 - New Sony Bravia 3D HDTVs coming this Summer with WiFi and local dimming
14:10 - New LG BD590 Blu-ray player sports a 250GB hard driveLG presents 39 new LCD HDTVs, most with NetCast, some with 3D
15:35 - Samsung's 2010 LCDs & plasmas include the skinny, touchscreen remote controlled LED 9000
16:22 - Sharp's BD-HP70U Blu-ray player adds a little red with Netflix support
17:25 - Sharp debuts 60-inch 240Hz Aquos LED LCD TV, 68-inch set with a touch of yellow in its RGB
18:46 - VIZIO's 2010 LCD lineup is LED from top to bottom
21:12 - HDHomeRun's CableCARD implementation lives up to the brand
23:56 - Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner
27:10 - Boxee Box confirmed to have Tegra 2, Boxee Beta now open to all
30:10 - Sling's CES showing gives us a Touch of optimism
34:33 - Haier's wireless HDTV lacks wires, svelte profile (video)
38:31 - Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Toshiba to launch Netflix-enabled HDTVs or Blu-ray decks
39:59 - Sony Pictures has 3D Blu-ray titles in store for 2010



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Finally - CES is upon us and of course we took some time on the evening before the floor opened to talk about the most exciting events so far, and yet to come. Unfortunately an audio glitch stole away some quality 3D discussion right around the middle, but even if we don't make it home from Vegas, allow these surviving elements to be our last report, at least until tomorrow.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
01:20 - Eyes-on with DirecTV 3D
10:24 - Toshiba BDX3000 Blu-ray player does 3D, BDX2700 and BDX2500 do... other stuff
11:23 - Toshiba's Cell TV hands-on at CES
13:46 - XstreamHD actually available for pre-order
16:10 - Netflix bends over, agrees to delay renting Warner DVDs
19:28 - VUDU coming to Sharp, Toshiba, adds tons of new apps
21:49 - Dish takes Sling's new boxes for its own TV Everywhere in 2010
25:51 - Hands-on with the Boxee Box
29:12 - Windows 7 Media Center gets Mediaroom support
32:11 - Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center gets a price
34:08 - HDHomeRun with CableCARD coming to CES
35:37 - Broadcom and RVU alliance tout new chips and demos

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The most wonderful week of the year for gadget lovers is upon us so we decided what better way to tame our anticipation then to dream a little and discuss our expectations for CES 2010. While some are obvious like 3D and mobile DTV, others like TiVo, MoCA and bigger, cheaper HDTVs aren't as certain. And of course nothing is as much fun as making fun of our dashed dreams by talking up vapor ware of year's past. So if you can't wait to hear what's new in 2010, tune in and be sure to let us know what we missed.

Get the podcast
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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:02:13 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 168
00:12:07 - Lots and lots of 3D TVs and Blu-ray Player, heck 3D everything
00:15:48 - Mobile DTV
00:20:25 - tru2way set-back boxes
00:23:15 - New stuff from TiVo
00:28:20 - RuVu alliance Demo and maybe even real product announcements/new members
00:31:35 - Lots of MoCA devices
00:35:30 - WHS Veil with more MC integration
00:41:36 - Maybe a new extender platform
00:44:21 - Maybe a new biggest TV ever
00:46:15 - More consumer priced 65+ direct view HDTVs
00:50:00 - Panasonic Kuro?
00:51:52 - OLED HDTVs over 20-inches
00:53:36 - Ultra-widescreen HDTVs
00:54:57 - 2009 Vapor ware watch list
00:55:20 - Toshiba extender
00:55:48 - Dish VIP 912 & Sling TV
00:56:53 - DirecTV TiVo
00:58:30 - XstreamHD
01:02:11 - tru2way HDTVs
01:03:02 - Ceton PC CableCARD tuner

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If you love 3D then you're going to love this episode and if not, you might just want to skip to the 37 minute mark and skip all the parts where we go crazy talking about Avatar, (spoiler warning) the Blu-ray 3D spec and 3D at home in general. After all the 3D buzz is done, we move on to the FiOS Super Headend tour as well why the DirecTV TiVo might not be that great and finally the new Fancast Xfinity TV and a little spat between TWC and Fox.

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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:45 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 167
04:30 - So are you headed to the theater to see Avatar?
20:30 - Blu-ray 3D specifications finalized, your PS3 is ready
26:58 - 3D capable Blu-ray players coming as soon as Q2 2010?
30:17 - Sony teams up with RealD for 3D, headaches in the home
34:40 - Ask Engadget HD: Does Dolby, RealD or someone else offer the best 3D movie theater experience?
37:17 - An inside look at a Verizon FiOS Super Headend and Video Hub
44:41 - New DirecTV TiVo HD due in the Spring of 2010
46:44 - Comcast On Demand Online renamed Fancast Xfinity TV, now streaming nationwide
53:38 - Time Warner, Fox trade shots on who to blame when you can't see the bowl games

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It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape on Monday, December 21st at 6:30PM ET. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.

Scheduling forced this slightly-delayed edition to be a throwback podcast without a live audience in the UStream chat, but we still found plenty to discuss. From Nielsen numbers to the freshly unveiled Boxee Box and the latest in CableCARD in tru2way news. We discuss the failure of the Cowboys Stadium "3D" experience and why it shouldn't affect your view of upcoming technology, plus what's new in discs: Blu-ray/DVD combos, trade in programs and free VOD offers. Closing this week out is a look at the latest wireless HD contender and the most premium HDMI cable ever made.

Get the podcast
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[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:00:53 - Nielsen Three Screen Report: 99 percent of video still viewed on a TV
00:09:40 - Boxee Box pictured in the wild: it's small!
00:18:56 - Panasonic to make Boston the fourth tru2way market
00:27:10 - Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere?
00:32:36 - Firewire's future on DVRs is up for debate
00:42:39 - Cowboys Stadium 3D scoreboard experiment doesn't go so well, turned off in less than seven minutes
00:49:37 - Bourne DVD / Blu-ray combo boxes are incredibly descriptive
00:57:17 - Poll: Do you plan on participating in a DVD to Blu-ray trade-in?
01:02:25 - Amazon's Disc+ program tosses in a free VOD with your Blu-ray or DVD
01:10:29 - WiGig Alliance completes multi-gigabit 60GHz wireless specification: let the streaming begin
01:15:07 - Wireworld's Platinum Starlight HDMI cable is only $1,000, better than your HDMI cable


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