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HDTV Listings for November 21, 2009

What we're watching tonight:
  • Fox (720p) has Cops at 8 p.m.
  • ABC (720p) airs Kansas/Texas or Oregon/Arizona college football at 8 p.m.
  • NBC (1080i) airs Saturday Night Live with Joseph Gordon Levitt at 11:29 p.m.
  • ESPN (720p) has Kansas State/Nebraska college football at 7:45 p.m.
  • ESPN2 (720p) has Kentucky/Georgia college football at 7:45 p.m.
  • ESPNU (720p) has Vanderbilt/Tennessee at 7 p.m. and Nevada/New Mexico State college football at 10:30 p.m.
  • Versus (1080i) has California/Stanford college football at 7:30 p.m.

Poll: What's the best night to watch TV?

We've had plenty of time to get used to the fall's new shows and nightly lineups so it's time to decide, which night boasts the best lineup of (scripted) television programming? Of course Tuesday has already been up for some debate, but we figure there's at least one day that leaves you with a fully stuffed DVR that takes a couple more days to work through, so get to voting, and let us know in the comments which show's you're watching.

What night has the best TV?

New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet

Sony's latest professional-grade camcorder probably meets your needs and then some by quite a stretch, recording AVCHD up to 24Mbps and SD quality in MPEG-2 / 9Mbps. We're also looking at a 20x zoom lens, 3 x 1/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensor, and storage options including Memory Stick Pro Duo and an optional 128GB flash memory drive. Don't lie, you want this beast, even if it clearly falls in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" category. Look for more temptation sometime closer to its expected early 2010 launch.

Philips launches 9704 LED Pro televisions in the UK

Philips has just announced a new 9704 LED Pro line of televisions bound for the UK. The two sets promise a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, a 200Hz refresh rate, and a 1-ms response time. Philips promises both models -- the 40-inch 40PFL9704 and the 46-inch 46PFL9704 -- are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than previous models, and both boast 5 HDMI ports. Both LED Pros will be available in December, with the 40-incher running £1,799 (around $2969) and the 46-inch model costing £2,499 (about $4,124).

HDTV Listings for November 20, 2009

What we're watching tonight:
  • CW (1080i) has Smallville at 8 p.m.
  • CBS (1080i) brings Ghost Whisperer at 8 p.m., Medium at 9 p.m. and Numb3rs at 10 p.m.
  • USA (1080i) has Monk at 9 p.m. and White Collar at 10 p.m.
  • ABC (720p) has Ugly Betty at 9 p.m.
  • NBC (1080i) has Law & Order at 8 p.m.
  • MyNetworkTV (1080i) has WWE: Smackdown at 9 p.m
  • Syfy (1080i) airs Stargate Universe at 9 p.m. and Sanctuary at 10 p.m.
  • Discovery (1080i) has Lobstermen at 9 p.m.
  • TLC (1080i) has Say Yes to the Dress at 9 p.m. and the series premiere of Happily Ever Faster at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
  • ESPN (720p) has an NBA doubleheader with Magic/Celtics at 8 p.m. and Nuggets/Clippers at 10:30 p.m.
  • ESPN2 (720p) has Boise State/Utah State college football at 9:30 p.m.

YouTube pulls a Hulu -- yanking API access from Popcorn Hour (Update: Google responds)

Hope you weren't enjoying watching YouTube on the television screen via Popcorn Hour and other set-top boxes, as they have been given notice by the newly 1080p and network TV-friendly website that they are no longer welcome to access its content. The new Hulu-ish Terms of Service (section II, item 10) restricts API clients from the ability to "use the YouTube API in connection with any API Client created for use on television set top boxes, television game consoles, or video screens packaged and marketed as television sets;" according to Popcorn Hour COO Alex Limberis this applies to all with the exception of "a few strategic partner's Google has singled out" -- PlayStation 3, Wii, TiVo, Panasonic, Samsung and other licensed hardware is safe.

Update: After speaking with Alex we've got a better view of the situation -- as is clear from the TOS, manufacturers streaming directly via the API as Popcorn Hour did are no longer welcome without cutting a seven figure check to license access. Google did offer to allow continued access via its YouTube XL interface, but for devices like theirs not built around Flash, that possible solution proved to be technologically unfeasible. Obviously these changes apply to all, but as of yet we're not aware of anyone other than Popcorn Hour that has been contacted directly about it.

Update v2: After the break is Google's response, stating Popcorn Hour and the like have been in violation of the above TOS for over a year, from its perspective, this is a simple matter of defending its rights from "video scraping technology." As we mentioned above that means most are in no danger of losing access, but fans of these media streamers will have to live without it, until either YouTube can control the experience or the manufacturer pays up.
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Selectable Output control is bad, but not worth lying about

MPAA logoThere's been an unbelievable amount of internet chatter about the MPAA's petition to the FCC to allow cable companies to turn off the component inputs on cable boxes on certain content. And while we don't think this is a good idea on so many levels, we aren't willing to lie to garner support. But evidently others are, as you see headlines and online petitions with subjects like, don't let the MPAA turn off your home theater. We really aren't that surprised, but the facts are that Hollywood wants to use this to offer new programming and the plan is to not change existing offerings, so for those out there using analog, nothing would change, nothing. So you wouldn't be able to watch these new release movies that you can't watch now, big deal. Many times we give the FCC a hard time for caving to corporate interests -- encrypted basic cable, CableCARD's, tru2way, we could go on -- but in this case if you don't like it, just don't watch the movies. And before you post a comment saying how this is only the beginning and it will lead to the end of the world as we know it, then perhaps you should go back and review our favorite of the logical fallacies: Slippery Slope.

Spending on cable and satellite services are up

spending chart
Contrary to popular belief, this economy and the digital transition have actually motivated more people to subscribe to pay TV. You often hear those in the "future is now" camp say that people are looking for ways to save money and so they're looking to free internet TV alternatives and over-the-air TV, but it just isn't true. Our first indication of this was a few weeks ago when Nielsen released a study that showed that about 25 percent of those who relied on antennas for TV, just switched to cable or satellite instead of getting a free converter box; and now the NPD group is reporting that the monthly per-capita spending on entertainment subscriptions is now up to $115 a month. At this point the internet video movement isn't looking that disruptive after all, but with all the technology out there, we just have to believe that something is going to disrupt the existing archaic model.

California mandates TV energy efficiency improvements by 2011

California mandates TV energy efficiency improvements by 2011
That new HDTV of yours? It may be thin and light and lovely, but it ain't saving you any money. The state of California knows this and has created new energy efficiency standards applying to any sets sold after January of 2011. The initial regs state a maximum of 1 watt of consumption when "off" and, when on, a maximum of .2 watts per inch of screen area plus an arbitrary 32 watts. Two years later, in 2013, things get even tougher, that formula dropping to .12 per inch with a 25 watt base modifier. There are plenty of TVs that already meet the 2013 criteria, most of them smallish LCDs, so it's not an impossible dream. The bad news? An inability to sell non-compliant sets in CA could result in lost tax revenue. The good news? Reduced energy bills and a smaller hit to our fragile environment. The really good news? Any set greater than 58-inches is exempt, so go big, broheim.

Sony 280-inch 3D LED display headed to Mr. Lee's Greater Hong Kong

Look, we get the whole drive behind this 3D thing. For some, there's no better way to experience sports, films, or console game play and consumer electronics companies are desperate for a source of new revenue. But creating a 280-inch 3D LED display meant for public areas doesn't make a lot of sense long-term unless we're expected to carry those swank, polarized glasses everywhere we go. Nevertheless, Sony was demonstrating the 6.4 x 3.4-meter behemoth at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition 2009 in Japan. The panel combines 70 LED displays into a single monstrosity of overlapping images. If nothing else this "3D LED Wall" demonstrates Sony's rabid commitment to 3D for 2010 and an ominous future for our friends working in Times Square. See it in action after the break if you care.
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Warner's DVD2Blu trade-in swaps Blu-rays for your DVDs, Leland Gaunt approves

After baptizing the remaining HD DVD faithful, Warner has moved on to teaching new Blu-ray converts the five pillars of faith with a trade-up program. Send in your old DVDs (just the box art won't cut it this time around, better buy some blanks and get to ripping if you still enjoy Training Day on long car trips), $7.95 - $9.95 per movie plus $4.95 for s&h (orders over $25 ship for free) and expect HD versions back in 4 - 5 weeks. Is it worth it? Depends on how many of the 55 flicks on the approved list you own (included after the break) but for most you're probably better off keeping the ones you have and eyeing budget bins carefully, nabbing catalog flicks like Harold & Kumar for less than $15 without any mail-in shenanigans shouldn't be too hard for the truly thrifty.
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Sony's Blu-ray digital copies tested on PS3, PSP

We've seen digital copies of Blu-ray via separate DVDs before (e.g. Watchmen), and just recently Sony finally cut out of the middle disc and put the transferable video on the high-def disc itself. Joystiq recently showcased how it's done using a copy of Godzilla and a PlayStation 3. For this you'll need a PSN account and the 12-digit code included in the disc case. The standard definition video, here clocking in at 2GB, will copy to the hard drive (not a separate download, thankfully), and then if you want to the PSP. All in all, it's approximately a five-minute process. We can't help but agree, the early batch of supported films -- The Ugly Truth, Angels & Demons, and Godzilla from 1998 -- isn't exactly fine cinema dining, but surely this is just a sign of things to come. Want to see all the nitty-gritty details in action? Check out the video after the break.
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The best HD sports on TV this week

Ohio State vs Michigan
The end of college football is nearly upon us and although we have a hard time keeping our cool as we're reminded how anti-climatic the season ends, the big rivalry games are enough to keep us happy for at least a few more weeks. And of all those rivalries, there aren't many bigger in college football than Ohio State vs Michigan and although nether team is that great this year, both bring their best game to this matchup.

CFB
#10 Ohio State at Michigan ABC 12:00 PM Sat
#11 Oregon at Arizona ABC 8:00 PM Sat

NFL
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens CBS 1:00 PM Sun
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears NBC 8:20 PM Sun

NBA
Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers TNT 10:30 PM Thurs
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics ESPN 8:00 PM Fri

NHL
Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators Vs 7:00 PM Mon

HDTV Listings for November 19, 2009

What we're watching tonight:
  • ABC (720p) has FlashForward at 8 p.m., Grey's Anatomy at 9 p.m. and Private Practice at 10:01 p.m.
  • Fox (720p) has Bones at 8 p.m. and Fringe at 9 p.m.
  • NBC (1080i) has Community at 8 p.m., Parks & Recreation at 8:30 p.m., The Office at 9 p.m. and 30 Rock at 9:30 p.m.
  • CBS (1080i) has Survivor at 8 p.m., CSI at 9 p.m. and The Mentalist at 10 p.m.
  • CW (1080i) airs The Vampire Diaries at 8 p.m. and Supernatural at 9 p.m.
  • WGN (1080i) has WWE Superstars at 8 p.m.
  • Spike (1080i) has TNA! Impact at 9 p.m.
  • History (720p) has the season finale of WWII in HD at 9 & 10 p.m.
  • FX (720p) has It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia at 10 p.m. and The League at 10:30 p.m.
  • TLC (1080i) the season finale of Street Customs at 8 p.m., American Chopper at 9 p.m., and Family Armor at 10 p.m.
  • NFL Network (1080i) has Dolphins/Panthers football at 8 p.m.
  • ESPN (720p) has Colorado/Oklahoma State college football at 7:30 p.m.

Broadcasters predictably unsettled about FCC taking away spectrum

You had to know that the FCC's investigation into other uses for current broadcast DTV spectrum wouldn't be met warmly by broadcasters, now the NAB has come out and said it needs every bit of frequency available. Apparently up for discussion are its reasons why, as the group is at odds with FCC advisor Blair Levin over whether retrans fees are the only issue or, as NAB VP Jane Mago states, preserving HD for consumers is key. We're sure OTA viewers of channels leaving bandwidth on the table for multicasting, or worse simply unused as we discussed on the podcast would beg to differ, but the one thing that is for sure is the current broadcast TV system won't go quietly into the night, no matter what potential a new paradigm might hold.

Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 rolling out November 24th

The name may not exactly suggest any groundbreaking changes, but we're guessing that most Windows Home Server users with Windows 7 computers will want to upgrade to Power Pack 3 as soon as they can, which we now finally know will be on November 24th. As we'd heard previously, the big news with this update is that it brings Windows Home Server up to speed with its desktop OS counterpart, including support for full backup and restore of Windows 7 computers, Windows 7 Libraries integration, "better support" for netbooks and, of course, a slew of enhancements for Windows Media Center. Best of all, the update is completely free, and should show up via Windows Update as soon as it's available.

HDMI logos updated: version numbers out, supported features in

A response to cable sellers marking hardware v1.4 compliant before a test was even available or just another way for Monster Cable to ratchet up prices, we're not sure, but HDMI Licensing, LLC has reworked the packaging requirements for all new cables and products. Cable packaging must lose version numbers starting today, while HDMI-equipped components can only use version numbers in conjunction with listing specific features supported, and lose version numbers entirely starting January 1, 2012. The picture above features logos you'll find on certified hardware going forward, while we can appreciate being tied to supported features and not just version numbers that may or may not fully apply (*cough cough* remember the "HDMI 1.3" PS3Fat?) there's no way things get any less confusing when hooking up the new 4K or 3D capable HDTVs.

Olive 4HD makes the audiophile's music server more audiophilic

Yeah, so we made that word up -- what of it? Olive's decidedly pricey Opus No. 4 is receiving an update today, and while you'll easily recognize the looks, this new slab will be called by its new name: 4HD. According to the company, this 2TB music server now features 24-bit sound and a 192kHz sample rate courtesy of the Burr-Brown PCM1792A DAC, which should provide right around 250 times the resolution of a typical CD. As expected, a gigabit Ethernet port and 802.11n WiFi module are both included in order to get your machine on the home network, and a free iPhone / iPod touch application is available to give you full control via your handheld. The pain? $1,999, or $200 more than the aforesaid Opus No. 4. But hey, at least a dozen of Chesky Records' best HD tracks are included gratis! Riveting, no?
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Welcome to the next Engadget

Welcome to the new Engadget, humans! As you can tell by taking a quick look around, we've been doing some major work on the site behind the scenes, and we couldn't possibly be more excited to finally share this work with the rest of the world. For months now -- nearly the whole year -- we've been tinkering, adjusting, tweaking, and honing the experience at Engadget with one goal in mind: do what we do as best as we can, and bring news to our readers better than anyone else. We think we've achieved that goal through a lot of hard work and long days (and nights), and it is truly awesome to finally be able to show everyone!

Obviously there is a ton of new stuff here, and if you're a long-time reader of the site, you'll probably be a little shell-shocked at first. Don't worry, we're still cranking out news the way we always have; in fact, we think the new design will allow us to crank even harder and provide more up-to-the-minute info to you guys. If you're a new reader, you picked the right time to check us out, because the site has never been more organized, had more content, or been more useful to someone who's reading us for the first time!

We just want to say that this has been a long labor of love, and we're thrilled that we get to share it with the world. We think that the new Engadget evolves our work in a major way, moving us from a straightforward blog into something else, an expandable amalgamation that fuses the good bits of blogs, social media, news sites, magazines, and video into something bigger than those parts.

We're going to walk you guys through some of the major new features (there are a ton, believe us), but first we want to talk a little about how the site got to where it is right now, and who the people are responsible for this thing. Read on after the break for all the info!

Update:
Hey, we're having a few issues with the introduction of the new site. Hang tight, it'll be perfect soon!
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HDTV Listings for November 18, 2009

What we're watching tonight:
  • CBS (1080i) has The New Adventures of Old Christine at 8 p.m., Gary Unmarried at 8:30 p.m., Criminal Minds at 9 p.m. and CSI: NY at 10 p.m.
  • NBC (1080i) has Mercy at 8 p.m. and Law & Order SVU at 9 p.m.
  • Fox (720p) has Glee at 9 p.m.
  • ABC (720p) airs The Middle at 8:30 p.m., Modern Family at 9 p.m. and Cougar Town at 9:30 p.m.
  • Discovery (1080i) has Mythbusters at 9 p.m. and Time Warp at 10 p.m.
  • Syfy (1080i) has Ghost Hunters at 9 p.m. and the premiere of Ghost Hunters Academy at 10 p.m.
  • FX (720p) has Nip/Tuck at 10 p.m.
  • Spike (1080i) has The Ultimate Fighter at 10 p.m.
  • DirecTV (1080i) has Friday Night Lights at 9 p.m.
  • Comedy Central (1080i) brings the season finale of South Park at 10 p.m.
  • History (720p) has WWII in HD at 9 & 10 p.m.
  • TBS (1080i) has House of Payne at 9 & 9:30 p.m. and Meet the Browns at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
  • TLC (1080i) has Flowers Uncut at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
  • ESPN (720p) has an NBA doubleheader with Cavs/Wizards at 7 p.m. and Spurs/Mavericks at 9:30 p.m.
  • EPSN2 (720p) has Central Michigan/Ball State college football at 8 p.m.




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