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At least We Keep the Bunny Ears

At least We Keep the Bunny Ears

Time marches on. Black-and-white television sets gave way to color; giant cathode ray tubes sets passing as image projectors gave way to sleek and compact designs, and now the transition to digital TV is nearly complete. direct tv technology has replaced the analogue signal we let into our homes with cable boxes, rabbit ears and even miniature towers made of tin foil. What once took careful planning, gas money and half a paycheck's worth of popcorn can now be had with the press of a button.

The switch to digital transmissions leaves behind increased broadcasting space that will improve the efficiency of communications for the police, fire departments and rescue squads. Also to benefit are companies dealing with data transmission, leaving open the possibility of improvements in wireless broadband technology.

The consumer benefits from a drastically improved image and sound quality, and enjoys "multicasting," which allows for the broadcast of different programs on the same channel at the same time. Either one High Definition or multiple Standard Definition programs will fit within the transmission limits of a single channel, opening up more programming choices for the consumer.

Digital TV is not only a medium for a better viewing experience, but also a platform for interactive data and video features that bring a sense of complete control to the direct TV product. Becoming an informed viewer no longer requires access to newspapers, television guides and other print media. The right buttons on your controller--which may seem intimidating at first--bring up interactive broadcast schedules, pay-per-view options, access to built-in recordable media and much more.

It wasn't so long ago that people were excited to gather around the radio, and fill their heads with the images that televisions weren't around to provide for them. It wasn't long after that that we were captivated with tiny screens filled with grainy black and white images and faint, distorted sounds. Nowadays, the pressing issue seems to be whether those glasses that came with your new television set can really make you think that killer shark just jumped from the screen right onto your lap. Eventually, we'll have to purchase digital shark repellent.

Those old bunny ears might have fallen out of favor with the interests of modern convenience, and we may have bittersweet memories of watching the big game while frantically adjusting those silver tubes up, down, and every which way right before the last play, but the transition to digital is inexorable. Thankfully, those of us who aren't ready to give up those funny little antennas are perfectly entitled to keep them.

ZeeVee - Send HD Video Over Your Existing Coax Wiring

Why Send HD Over Coax? Because it's there!

Based on the same technology used by TV stations and cable companies,ZvBox^® turns the output of a VGA or HD source into an HDTV cable channel and broadcasts it over coax cabling to all connected HDTVs. To view the HD source, simply tune in your new Zv channel at any of the HDTVs.

The Key Benefits of Coax:

• Coax already in place in vast majority of homes- reduces or eliminates the need to cut holes in walls or run new wires.
• Proven method: cable companies light up entire cities with coax
• Easy to deploy and expand coax systems using simple hand tools
• System parts (splitters, amps, etc.) inexpensive and widely available
• Connects to off-the-shelf HDTVs without additional set top boxes at each TV
• Handles up to 135 simultaneous channels

An ideal retrofit solution: Distribute HD video sources over existing coaxial cabling‐‐no set top boxes required.

Existing solutions Existing HD video distribution solutions are often labor intensive, requiring new cabling to each display.To share an HD source with 3 HDTVs in remote locations, you might pull new component cables to each HDTV, or CAT5 cabling (with baluns to provide the appropriate connection at each end), or perhaps HDMI cabling. Each represents substantial installation effort, and the expense of a hub of some sort. A new (old) way in contrast, distributing HD over coaxial cabling often allows the use of existing cabling, substantially reducing labor. This is accomplished using RF modulation of the source‐ a technique that’s been around for some time, but has recently made the leap to HD.

HD Encoder/RF Modulator

RF Modulator Basics

An RF Modulator turns an AV source into a TV channel, which is then broadcast over coaxial cabling. At the TV, tuning in that channel displays the source connected to the modulator. All that's required is an "empty" or unused channel that the modulator can "take over" for broadcasting it's source. 

Standard Definition (analog) RF Modulators are common, and fairly simple; they turn the input source into an NTSC (analog) TV channel. If you've ever tuned in channel 3 or 4 to watch a VCR, cable box, or play a video game, then you've used an analog RF modulator, it was built into the device you were watching.

HD Modulators, which convert AV sources into HDTV channels, are more complex. When they receive an HD analog input, they must first encode the video as an MPEG2 stream (the DTV video format standard) and convert the audio to the DTV audio standard. Because the HD source contains many times more data than SD sources, this real-time conversion requires serious processing power. Finally, the encoded stream is modulated onto an RF channel for broadcast. The modulator may create an ATSC channel, which is the standard for over-the-air broadcasts, or it may create a QAM channel, the standard for digital cable broadcast. The new channel can share coaxial cabling with other existing NTSC, ATSC or QAM channels. Finally, the channel is tuned in at the HDTV in true HD, so picture and sound quality are far superior to SD modulation techniques. 

Killer apps

With an HD RF modulator, you can share an HD DVR, cable box, media server, or Blu ray player with all the HDTVs in a home using existing coaxial cabling. Or, connect the Zone 2 output of an AV receiver to the modulator, and all sources connected to the AV receiver will be available on all of the HDTVs via coax. Or connect the VGA output of a computer to a modulator, and distribute digital signage to all connected HDTVs in a corporate setting, using simple to deploy coax cabling. 

Here's a comparison of the 3 ZeeVee HD Encoder/Modulators available:

 

Features	ZvBox® 150	ZvBox® 170	ZvPro® 250
1080p / 1080i
720p 60fps
720p 30fps
480p, 480i
VGA Video input
Component Video input
Broadcast two HD channels in different languages
Front panel configuration
PC configuration via USB connection
Analog audio inputs
Assignable Coax and Optical Digital Audio Inputs
Closed Captioning Ready (with optional ZVCC1)
IR control for switching inputs via direct IR input
IR control for switching inputs via IR window
RS 232 for switching inputs and configuration
Broadcast on any digital cable channel 2-135
Spectrum Analyzer to find open channels
Firmware updatable
Integral power supply and fan cooling
Rack mountable/Includes rack ears
Warranty	1 Year Parts and Labor	1 Year Parts and Labor*	3 Year Parts and Labor

DIRECTV Begins Public Beta of Multi-Room HD DVR Service

DIRECTV has started the public beta of it's much anticipated Multi-Room HD DVR Service. I don't know about you but I've been waiting for this new service for quite some time.

Here's some details from DIRECTV:

Watch what you want, when you want, in any room you want. With just one HD DVR, you can watch your recorded shows on any TV in your house that's connected to an HD receiver. But that's just the beginning. You can also:

• Start watching a recorded show in one room and continue watching it where you left off in another room
• Record and delete shows from any TV connected to an HD receiver, not just the one connected to the HD DVR
• Record two shows at once, while watching two different shows in separate rooms
• Set separate parental controls for each TV

If you have more than one HD DVR, the DIRECTV Multi-Room HD DVR service keeps things simple by showing you a single, combined playlist of all your recorded programs on any connected TV.

You need an HD DVR* (models HR20-23) and at least one compatible HD receiver (models H21-23) that are already networked, along with HD Access and DVR service.

Visit DIRECTV for more information or check out the DIRECTV MRV Beta Technical Forum.

Amazon.com Launches Amazon Video On Demand

Amazon.com has launched it's Amazon Video On Demand service for movies and TV shows. You can now choose from thousands of movies and commercial-free TV shows to watch from your PC or Mac, no downloading required! They even have new Fall TV shows that you can watch before they premier on TV!






I will give the new service a try and report back here later this week. You can check it out now as there's some great content to choose from including hours many worth of free content. Let us know what you think of Amazon's new Video On Demand service.

DIY: Calibrate your HDTV (or become a professional and make money!)

Here's your chance to learn how to calibrate your HDTV set like the pros. Better yet, if you're going to spend the money on the top 9 calibration tools, why not become a professional and charge others for the service. Read the CE Pro Article.

CES 2008: CNET's Best of CES Awards

CNET has posted it's annual Best of CES Award winners. The winners range from a green eco friendly TV to DIY gadgets. Check it out...

Over 10,000 CNET members also voted on the People's Voice Award winners in each CE category.

You can also watch a video of the awards here.

Wanted: DirecTV HD

I'm really growing impatient with DirecTV's constant claims of 100 HD channels by the end of 2007. What happened to the 70 HD Channels they were supposed to turn on September 19th? I've been patiently waiting, wanting more for the last 3 years and so far I've seen nothing but unfulfilled promises. Let's not even bring up the fact that if I want to watch the NFL Sunday Ticket games in HD, I have to subscribe to an additional $99 Superfan package. This is on top of the $250 or so I've paid each of the last 8 years for the privilege of watching every Dallas Cowboys game or surfing through the other dozen or so games on each Sunday.

Come on DirecTV...We're waiting...but not for much longer.

HD TV Shows and Movies Coming to Your Xbox 360

On November 6, Microsoft Corp. announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to bring an initial lineup of more than 1,000 hours of hit television shows and movies to Xbox 360™ consoles in the U.S. by the end of the year. Additionally, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console to bring standard and HD TV shows and movies to the customer via digital distribution over the Internet.

Beginning on its first anniversary, November 22, Xbox 360 will become the first gaming console in history to provide HD TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their own living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will be able to download full-length TV shows to own, and will be able to rent movies via download from the Xbox Live® network, the world leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content. This announcement also brings with it several additional firsts:

• For the first time, consumers will have an integrated gaming and entertainment experience on a gaming console, including downloadable HD television programming and movies. This new full-length content adds to the ever-expanding number of choices gamers have on their Xbox 360 consoles, whether they want to play games, play a movie on DVD, or watch a downloaded program in either standard or high definition.
• For the very first time CBS will offer high-definition download-to-own TV shows including CSI, Jericho, Numb3rs, and even remastered classic Star Trek episodes! Gamers can buy an episode and watch it as many times as they like.
• For the first time on any gaming platform, NASCAR.COM will deliver download-to-own condensed versions of select NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races from Race Rewind.
• Also for the first time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will make 50 of its most intense fights available for download as well as select episodes from the original season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series.

"This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it."

The initial lineup of TV shows and feature films available for download will include a growing catalog of popular hits. Examples of what will be available before the end of the year include:

• Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force from The Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.
• CSI, Survivor, and remastered episodes of classic Star Trek from CBS.
• Emmy and Peabody award-winning comedy South Park and Chappelle's Show from COMEDY CENTRAL.
• The Real World and Pimp My Ride from MTV.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon.
• Skyland and The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival from Nicktoons Network.
• Mission: Impossible III, Nacho Libre, and Jackass: The Movie from Paramount Pictures.
• Carpocalypse and Raising the Roofs from Spike TV.
• Race Rewind provided by NASCAR.COM.
• Select episodes of the original season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series and UFC: All Access from the UFC.
• Breaking Bonaduce and Hogan Knows Best from VH1.
• The Matrix, Superman Returns, and Batman Forever from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Xbox 360 gamers can access Xbox Live Marketplace with a free Xbox Live Silver membership and a broadband connection. More information about the content available on Xbox Live Marketplace can be found at http://www.xbox.com/marketplaceentertainment.

1200 Channels and...

Wow, we've come along way from Bruce Springsteen's 57 Channels and nothin' on. A French company, Holersoft has developed Windows only application that will allow you to tune in 1200 channels! Don't believe it? Check out their channel list. Did I mention all 1200 channels are free? The only thing to buy is the software although there is a free trial version. What do you bet the cable & satellite providers will stand up and take notice of this!

[via GigaOm]

LG Unveils "Time Machine" Plasma & LCD TV's

Finally, time travel is here via LG's new Time Machine TV's! We'll time-shifted travel in TV land that is...LG unveiled its line of “Time Machine” TVs this week, including both LCD and plasma models. The plasma models come in 42-inch and 50-inch versions, while the LCD TVs come in 37-inch and 42-inch models and hold the distinction of being the first TVs to feature integrated digital video recorders (DVR). The 80GB hard drive can hold up to 40 hours of standard-definition programming, and the unit offers continuous automatic recording in one-hour intervals. Of course they have HDMI connectivity. No word on pricing yet.

These LG Time Machines, don't need performance bonds!

[via ubergizmo]