iPhone Neglects Voice! Can T-Mobile Garner Attention With Seamless Wi-Fi Transition?

While the iPhone has received more press coverage in the past few weeks than the Iraq war has in the last five years, the superior hardware has been somewhat overshadowed by an inferior network. Since the iPhone has seemed to neglect the "phone" part of the device, the announcement of T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home and proficient use of Wi-Fi just two days prior to the iPhone introduction is very interesting. A seamless voice transition from wireless network to Wi-Fi hotspot helps the HotSpot@Home service provide a very real benefit. While at home, customers can enjoy a strong signal and unlimited domestic calling over Wi-Fi. While on the go, customers can use the T-Mobile cellular network or get the same benefits of home at the thousands of T-Mobile HotSpots. The fact is that you may see many folks use the iPhone for its media interface and keep a T-Mobile phone for its HotSpot@Home benefits. Don't be surprised.

iPhone Shortcoming
The iPhone indeed has been touted as a technologically advanced three-in-one device, combining a cell phone, cutting edge internet surfing device, and an iPod. As it turns out, the internet surfing is excrutiatingly slow over AT&T's EDGE network, requiring the owner to use the Wi-Fi connection option to obtain more reasonable response times. But once in a Wi-Fi hotspot, there is currently no provision for making voice calls over Wi-Fi, which could have reduced cellular minute usage. Those who intend to isolate their iPhone web browsing to Wi-Fi hotspots are disappointed to find out that they are still required to pay for the near-useless data package from AT&T. The user just can't seem to catch a break to save a buck. Not surprisingly, the iPod part of the iPhone works wonderfully. The other shortcomings, however, show the "chink" in the iPhone's armor.

Before detailing the new T-Mobile program, I have one question for the Apple folks. Why call it an iPhone when this seems to be the most neglected aspect of the device? Maybe it should be the iCoolWebBrowser or the iPodandInternetandPhone. That's a little hard to say, but at least gives the device credit for doing so many things - and it puts the "phone" last, which appears to be where Apple and AT&T put it. Just some thoughts.

T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home
For a device of such technological wonder, it seems as though Apple and AT&T could have taken some network lessons from T-Mobile. This wireless provider, presumable named after the letter that looks most like a cell tower, has rolled out its regional HotSpot@Home service to the entire nation. The HotSpot@Home feature allows a user to place a call within a T-Mobile HotSpot and not use up any minutes for the extent of the conversation. But if the caller wanders out of the Wi-Fi area, the signal seamlessly switches to T-Mobile's GSM/GPRS/EDGE wireless network. Once originated in the Wi-Fi area, the entire call doesn't use up minutes, regardless of where the call is completed. Additionally, as the name implies, a home network with a wireless router can provide a local HotSpot for the caller. Currently, there is special pricing that provides this service for an additional $9.99 per month for a single line and $19.99 for a family plan.

This combination of attributes provides a cell phone service with five distinct advantages - all cleverly outlined by T-Mobile (see icons below). Using the home network with a wireless router, the user can enjoy unlimited U.S. calls with no deduction in calling plan minutes. Since the calls from home are done with a local wireless router, the signal strength is typically much greater than the traditional wireless network. Taking advantage of HotSpot locations means the calls from any of the 8,500 T-Mobile HotSpots can be made without using up precious minutes. The iPhone can't say that. With seamless mobility, the caller does not have to be tied to a Wi-Fi location, which is the typical pitfall of VoIP phones. This comination of features translates into an unprecedented opportunity to scrap the landline and go to a single cellular phone.

While there is a growing trend of people using their mobile phone as their only phone, many have not made the leap due to their cellular reception at home and the fear of running up minute usage at home. The T-Mobile HotSpot@Home service tackles these issues by providing unlimited U.S. calls from home and ensuring great coverage through the use of a local wireless router. Its kind of like have a cell phone tower in your house to which you have unlimited access. Tradional cell phones (including the iPhone), VoIP phones, and traditional landline phones are all being tackled by the new T-Mobile service.

Other Terms
While T-Mobile has come up with a great term for their service, HotSpot@Home, it is important to understand that there are other names to describe the technology surrounding this feature. A service as beneficial as this one will surely be implemented by others, so knowing the common terminology will help identify them. Maybe even AT&T will eventually adopt the idea for use with the iPhone. The iPhone does, after all, have Wi-Fi capability.

Fixed/Mobile Convergence (FMC) is an overall term used to describe the way to connect the mobile phone to the fixed line infrastructure (i.e. landline phone). A Dual-Mode Handset (DMH) is a phone that can support both cellular and Wi-Fi connections. Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) is the name given to the main technology that allows the switching between the cellular and Wi-Fi connections. For example, a phone available from T-Mobile to use with their HotSpot@Home program may be described as a UMA-enabled DMH that promotes FMC.

Indie 500 (x2)! Microsoft & Amazon Show High-Def Support with Free HD DVD Setup for 1,000 Indies

In an effort to help allow independent film makers (indies) to delve into the world of high definition DVDs, Amazon.com and Microsoft announced that they have teamed up to introduce the "1,000 HD DVD Indies Project." This project is intended to break down barriers to entry for smaller indie filmmakers to produce and distribute movies in the HD DVD format. The method will involve a new manufacturing-on-demand technology supported by CustomFlix, an Amazon company. As an example, Sundance Channel's original series, “Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” is to be one of the first HD television offerings on Amazon.com.



The "1,000 HD DVD Indies Project" will assist high-definition filmmakers by proving free authoring and setup services for up to 1,000 selected indie titles. Microsoft's technology will be used to make the content and then it will be made available to Amazon's customer base by selling through the CustomFlix Disc On-Demand service. This method produces discs as customers orders are taken, so there is never any inventory to keep. Filmmakers are able to set their own price and earn royalties on all sales. These indies, however, are not limited to this method of distribution and are free to pursue other methods at the same time.

Microsoft and Amazon provide huge brand names to launch the effort. “Amazon’s participation in this project will be a major benefit to independent filmmakers wanting to break into the high-definition market segment,” said Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president for the Consumer Media Technology Group at Microsoft. “The use of Microsoft® technology and authoring expertise will ensure that all the HD DVD titles offered by Amazon have impeccable quality, thanks to the VC-1 codec and innovative interactive scenarios with HDi™.”

If you are an independent filmmaker looking for a much-needed break, then get that high definition movie put together! To submit existing work, visit the CustomFlix.com website. There is a simple form to fill out - and it does not require immediate submission of the work itself. If the production is chosen from among the entries, the filmmaker will be contacted via email or phone and have up to 30 days to send a copy of the HD tape (film not accepted). A free proof copy will be made available for approval before any sale of the disc. So pick up that camera and get ready to chant, "lights...camera...action!"

Disney Reaches Xbox 360 Owners Via Movie Downloads on Xbox Live! Blu-ray and HD DVD Dissed?

At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (commonly known as E3) that is currently underway, Microsoft and Disney announced that Xbox Live will be offering film rentals from The Walt Disney Studios. Xbox Live is the online gaming and entertainment network that has become a platform for standard definition movie downloads and the premier method of high definition movie downloads. Disney has been a leading distributor of movies in the video-on-demand arena and this move may put them at the forefront of HD content distribution.

There are already 6 million members on Xbox Live. In less than 8 months since the movie download service launch, there have been nearly 10 million downloads of entertainment content. The movies are available as new releases or classic films and in standard definition or high definition. The prices tag to rent a movie ranges from $3 to $6 depending on the resolution and release timing. Currently Xbox Live is offering more than 2,350 hours of premium entertainment content from 28 networks and studios. Nearly 500 hours of this is HD content. This places the U.S. on-demand, high-definition library for Xbox 360 at more than twice the size of the nearest cable provider.

The deal made between Microsoft and Disney will include new and classic movies from The Walt Disney Studios, which includes titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax Films. There will be a variety of titles from these studios available in standard definition and high definition by the end of this month. Additionally, Xbox 360 owners will be able to rent other popular Disney films as they become available. This includes hits such as Bridge to Terabithia, The Queen, and Déjà Vu. Currently, the top HD movies being rented on Xbox Live are The Fountain, Undead, and Blood Diamond.

There are some interesting dynamics at play here. At the outset of the format war, Disney had opted to offer its HD movie selection exclusively on Blu-ray discs, shunning the HD DVD format. This allowed Disney high-def discs to be played on the Sony Playstation 3’s built-in Blu-ray player. The exclusivity deal, however, prevented Microsoft Xbox 360 owners from playing any Disney flicks on the Xbox’s optional HD DVD device. Placing HD disc formats aside, Microsoft has now managed to woo The Disney Studios into providing downloadable rental content through Xbox Live. This provides an opportunity to bring Disney content to Xbox 360 owners. Not surprisingly, all of this comes on the heels of a $100 price drop for the Playstation 3.

Format war? What format war? Blu-ray vs. HD DVD? Who cares? Especially if you already have an Xbox. Try this on for size: for the price of a good high definition disc player and cabling, you can rent a HD movie on Xbox Live once a week for two years. You can ditch the disc player and move to downloading (see post on Trash the Disc). The breadth of content has been an issue, but these walls are slowing coming down. Even if you are not an XBox 360 owner, the move toward using this gaming system as a part of the home entertainment network is intriguing. A $100 price drop on a Playstation 3 may no longer sound very appealing to a HDTV enthusiast (see Price Drop post). The plot thickens.

You can see the orignal press release from this week's E3 by clicking here.

Anamorphic Widescreen: Which Standard DVDs Get the Best Picture on My HDTV?

Despite a growing number of high definition televisions (HDTVs) penetrating consumer's homes, standard definition DVDs are still being sold and rented in record numbers. A growing quantity of these DVDs is showing movies and television episodes in the modern widescreen formats. While DVDs are expected to still work on older boxy-screen TVs, they are also expected to look their best on the new widescreen HDTVs. Although many earlier DVDs struggled with this, an "anamorphic widescreen" technique optimizes the data on the DVD for best viewing on an HDTV. Here, I will help explain how this works and why it is important to look for an "anormorphic widescreen" or "enhanced for 16:9 televisions" notation on the back of DVDs.

Despite the advancement in new forms of entertainment media, including high-definition disc players, the traditional DVD saw another record year in 2006. This continued its upward sales trend since the late 1990s. In 2006, consumers spent over $24 billion in DVD sales and rentals (Digital Entertainment Group), a 6% increase over the prior year (sales outpaced rentals 2 to 1). Folks are continuing to accumulate DVDs, despite having a widescreen high definition televisions at home (see 10 Things I Should Know About HDTV). It is important to understand that the anamorphic widescreen DVDs are those optimized for the widescreen televisions. Because high-definition discs such as HD DVDs and Blu-ray disc are already optimized for HDTVs, the use of an anamorphic methods are much less relevant.

The issue at hand arises with the playing of DVD content on 4:3 traditional aspect ratio televisions as well as 16:9 widescreen televisions (see Pain in the Aspect Ratio for a description of aspect ratios and associated black bars). All content burned on the DVD is originally stored in a 4:3 aspect ratio before it is decoded by the DVD player and displayed on the TV. When a program is stored on a DVD in a widescreen format, we have a mismatch between the 4:3 image stored on the DVD and the widescreen image of the program. We'll use a television program shown in 16:9 widescreen for an example. We'll look at how two different types of DVDs handle the delivery of the image: the Letterbox Widescreen DVD vs. Anamorphic Widescreen DVD.

Letterbox Widescreen DVD
The non-anamorphic letterbox DVDs that have a widescreen video will store the image on the DVD with the black bars at the top and bottom - as shown below. The black pixels at the top and bottom are part of the image and take up stored memory on the DVD.
When this image is projected on a traditional 4:3 aspect ratio television, the presentation looks identical to the way it was stored on the DVD. The black bars are part of the image.

When this letterbox image on the DVD is placed on a widescreen TV with the 16:9 aspect ratio, something bad happens. Since the black bars are part of the image, the total height is interpreted to include the black bars at the top and bottom - and this image is placed in the middle of the screen. To maintain an undistorted image, black bars are not added to the left and right - as shown below. Yuck. To make things look a little better, this image may be zoomed to fit the screen. Once this is done, however, the zoomed image is of lesser quality. A lower resolution image is actually blown up to fit the screen. This is not desirable.

Anamorphic Widescreen DVD
With the introduction of anamorphic DVDs, widescreen videos can look better on widescreen televisions. This is not new technology. For years, DVD players have been able to interpret videos using the anamorphic widescreen technology. Here is how it works.

The image stored on the Anamorphic DVD is still in the 4:3 ratio (it has to be - all DVDs are just made that way), but the widescreen image is stretched to the top and bottom. This is what it looks like.


When this image is sent to a television with the 4:3 aspect ratio, the anamorphic status is interpreted and the image height is shrunk to create black bars at the top and bottom. These black bars are not part of the image, but are more like "voids" on the TV. This maintains an undistorted image. Not surprisingly, it looks like this:

The real magic comes in when this video is played on a widescreen television with 16:9 aspect ratio. There is no loss of resolution in the height and the television takes all of the information on the DVD and just stretches it to fit the screen. This maintains the highest quality possible on a DVD. Here is what it looks like:

Conclusion
While the Anamorphic Widescreen DVD is the way to go if you have a widescreen TV, you may not be getting rid of all black bars. The aspect ratio mismatch between the 16:9 screen and the wider theatrical aspect ratios (such as the popular 1.85:1 and 2.35:1) still exists. Without zooming or distorting the image, the HDTV will have to live with black bars (although the black bars will not be as big as on a 4:3 TV). The anamorphic methodology will make sure that you maintain the highest resolution for images you see on your widescreen television. So before you buy your next DVD, take a look at the back of the DVD and watch for the "anamorphic" or "enhanced for 16x9 televisions" label. After all, you don't want the capabilities of your HDTV to go to waste. Give the DVD the best chance of looking good on your widescreen TV.

Playstation 3 $100 Price Drop Bonus: Will This Re-Energize PS3 Sales?

[SPECIAL BONUS: Click on PS3 image below for Amazon's limited time Free Blu-ray movie & remote offer]

While news of Sony's struggle with Playstation 3 (PS3) sales is not news, the video game system is not going down without a fight. With a $100 price drop, the next-generation gaming platform provides a great value since it also provides many other home entertainment features including a Blu-ray disc player. Despite the Xbox 360 edging it out in sales and Nintendo Wii kicking its butt in home placements, the Playstation 3 now asserts itself as one the best price-per-feature values in the market.

NOTE: To get your free remote and Blu-ray movie, click on the image above and follow the instructions for the "PS3 Price Drop Bonus".

What was once thought as the deciding factor in the high-def disc battle, the Playstation 3's Blu-ray player appears to be a non-issue in the format war. With continued industry support and more movie studio releases, however, Blu-ray does appear to be a formittable force - and a growing trend in HD movie viewing. At $499, the 60GB Playstation 3 appears to be the best value for entry into the high-def disc player arena. Sony's new lower priced dedicated Blu-ray player (the BDP-S300) has a similar price tag, but lacks the gaming and other on-line interfacing that the PS3 provides. The PS3 provides opportunities for video chat, internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video. For those high-def enthusiasts, the PS3 provides true HD content as high as 1080p. You can't say that about Nintendo's Wii.

So why has the Playstation 3 not captured the market share it was hoping? Microsoft's Xbox 360 hit the market a year before the PS3 did, giving it a head start. Additionally, the online media content available for the PS3 has been criticized as being inferior compared to Xbox Live, the online content source for the XBox 360. Finally, even though the PS3's next generation games are available in stunning high definition, the unique motion sensing controller of Nintendo's Wii has seem to really capture people's hearts. The lack of HD content with Nintendo's system has not seemed to be an issue with many consumers.

Despite shortcomings, the price drop may generate the attention and excitement that Sony needs to re-energize Playstation 3 sales. Early indicators are that this effort is indeed successful. As you can see by the illustration at the right, the PS3 has lept above the Wii in Amazon.com's sales rank in the Video Games area. So, if you've been in the market for a video game system, but have been waiting for the right opportunity, now may be the time.

TotalVid from Verizon: Can This Video Download Site Attract a Specialty Viewer?

Verizon Online presents TotalVid, a video downloading service that offers enthusiast, education and instructional videos. TheTotalVid service offers non-Hollywood productions that can't be found at the local rental store. The topics range from comedy to home improvement. A look at TotalVid's online list of the top 100 videos shows that "Love and Intimacy" and "Action Sports" make up many of the most popular videos. Segments from The Weather Channel's "Storm Stories" are also viewed often. This unique make-up of video selection is one of the appealing features that makes TotalVid unique. But will it be enough to attract a worthwhile audience?

Verizon describes TotalVid's thousands of videos as being full length and of high quality. When downloading some videos to a PC, there are two versions available, one quick-downloading lower quality verion (300 kbps) and a larger-sized high quality version (700 kbps). It was noted on the TotalVid.com website that many of the newer videos will only be available in a very high quality version (1500 kbps). For those with high-speed connections, a 45-minute video may take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on video quality.

While individual items in the library can be "rented" for as low as $1.99 (unlimited views for 7 days), the unlimited download plan gives full access to any of the videos for $8.95 per month. In addition to renting and subscribing, many videos have options to purchase the download (for unlimited use) and even an option to purchase the physical DVD, which would come to the user in the mail.

The service is definitely not a copy-cat site that gives the same selection of new releases and favorites ("favorites" is another term for "older movies"). These videos have somewhat unique appeal. Many of the physical DVDs ranges in price from $17.95 to $34.95, so these are videos of significant value. The issue is that the value may be held by a smaller subset of individuals. These are not mass-distributed Hollywood movies that have broad appeal, but each has a specialty appeal that may not be satisfied elsewhere. This appears to be analogous to the wide selection of specialty programming that cable and satellite television has brought us (i.e. Golf Channel, History Channel, Sci-Fi Channel, and Lifetime for women). For example, a lookup of "golf" in the TotalVid library pulled up 75 videos on the game. This category was lead by "Taking It To The Next Level In Golf with Roger Gunn - Beginner - Full Swing," and even included a video clip to see if this is the video for you. Not bad.

So, if you're looking for a more creative outlet than watching traditional movies, TotalVid may have something for you. This program's unique blend of specialty and instructional videos provides a service that may be currently untapped. If the DIY (Do It Yourself) network and Style channel can create appeal by focussing on a target audience, then this download service can hit those niche audiences, too. Take a look at TotalVid.com and see if there is something for you. You can even give it a free test drive for 7 days.

The DaVinci Control! Can a Universal Remote Decipher an Encrypted Television?

The use of a universal remote is the single biggest user-interface decision to be made in a home entertainment setup. The impact a universal remote can make is huge - ranking in high importance along with health insurance, retirement plans, and iTunes library organization. Am I overstating the impact of a universal remote? Is the multiple remote clutter that frequents most homes today not of grave concern? I think not! (This is a poorly structured double-negative, meaning that it is of grave concern.) Consider all of this when reading the story below - or viewing the associated video, "The DaVinci Control."



The DaVinci Control
I entered the long hallway, humbled by the children's artwork on the darkened walls. I heard mutters of frustration at the far end, around the corner. My walk turned into a jog as my heart pounded more profoundly. As I maneuvered the corner, I saw it. Stretched out on the wall was a lifeless widescreen plasma. Were there any hints of the events leading up to this gruesome state? There were, indeed, signs of a struggle. Clues were scattered throughout the room, but each one was hidden within a puzzle. Six different infrared controlling keystones were sprawled out, each emblazoned with more than 30 buttons. I picked up the first device and stared at the face of it. They were labeled with encrypted words such as "TV/Video", "MTS", "PIP", and "Info". But wait!

"It must be a TV anagram that deciphers the remote cryptex," I thought. I figured that pressing a sequence of buttons among the different keystones might do the trick. I started pressing keys: "On Receiver", "Input", "Surround Sound", "On DVD", "On TV", "TV/Video", and "Play." My heart raced and I was short of breath. A humming sound was followed by a whir. The secret was unlocked! The DVD player was finally playing the movie with the surround sound system functioning. My years of work as a professor of symbology had proven to do more than just decipher the @#&?$!% words from comic strips.

"Dad, get out of the way, now" my son muttered in thanks.

"My work is done here," I concluded. Despite my heroics, I still thought that there had to be a better way to manage the remotes. I would hate to think that I was the last in the sacred bloodline to carry on the tradition of operating the TV. In order to address my suspicions of easier remote management, I will investigate a variety of remote topics. If I'm lucky, we'll wrap up before the albino catches up with me.

Universal Remote
Some consider this the holy grail of home entertainment equipment. If utilized properly, the univeral remote solves one of the biggest day-to-day issues with a family's television interface: dealing with all of those remotes. The universal remote can accept multiple codes or commands that tell it which devices to operate. They typically have a set number of devices that they can operate. A six-device universal remote, for example, can accept up to six codes to operate components such as your TV, audio receiver, DVD player, VCR, cable box, and CD player. For basic models, a list of manufacturer codes are provided online or within a manual, but each potential code must be tested to validate for a particular model. These basic remotes can be inexpensive, but more sophisticated devices with improved component determination will have higher price tags. There are also a variety of other features that can drive the cost, too.

LCD Touch Screen
In addition to fixed buttons, some remotes may also have an LCD display that uses a graphical user interface. A touch sensitive screen allows the user to pick options directly on the surface. Although typically backlit for poor lighting situations, these remotes do not allow fingers to feel their way across the remote’s surface. For those who are more comfortable holding their television remote than their spouse's hand, the feel of raised buttons may be missed. Of course, the LCD touch screen favors a more visual, intuitive interface.

Device-Based vs. Activity-Based
Most basic remotes have a button that toggles control between different devices. You switch the toggle to TV and all of the buttons control some aspect of the television. This is called device-based. Other more sophisticated remotes use activity-based controlling. For example, playing a DVD would require functions on the TV, audio receiver, and DVD player. This multi-step process is completed by the creation of a macro. The macro defines the keys and order of the keystrokes to be able to accomplish a certain task. For example, playing the DVD may require: turning on the TV, switching TV input to the DVD player, turning on the receiver, switching receiver input to the DVD player, turning on the DVD player, and finally pressing play on the DVD player. Combining all of the steps into a single button is what makes this type of device an activity-based remote control.

PC Programmable Remotes
Instead of entering codes into a remote, some controls are capable of PC hookup via USB cable or wireless access. This may provide a much more user-friendly and intuitive interface with which to setup the remote. Instead of trying to decipher cryptex codes from a manufacturer's list, the particular model number of the device may be found online and the information about that model may be downloaded to the remote. Additionally, if a website is used to hold the component list, the list could be readily updated to include new models as they are released. This would ensure that the latest list of devices are included in any product search.

IR vs. RF
As discussed in a previous post entitled, Clicker Debate: Infrared (IR) vs. Radio Frequency (RF), the infrared signal that operates most components requires line-of-sight and is not advantangeous for many hidden component applications. Using an RF signal can enable a universal remote to operate a number of components that may be out of sight, possibly behind wood doors or in a media closet. This creates much more flexibility in room design and component location. Several high-end universal remotes use this RF method to send the signal, which is eventually converted back to the IR signal accepted by the components.

Conclusion While I would like to delve into a comparison of universal remotes, I will save this for a later post. Products from manufacturers such as Logitech and URC (Universal Remote Control) provide great examples of how to streamline the universal remote efforts. My purpose here, however, is to educate regarding the terminology and options available. As any owner of a television and few components will attest, solving this mulitiple remote control issue is of utmost concern. The reality is that most folks still depend on a variety of remotes to control the increasingly large variety of television inputs. The number of ways we watch content on our television has increased immensely over the last 10 years. And with the HDTV resolutions to support PC interfacing and improved gaming with more online support, we're only going to see more options. Looking at applying a universal remote can involve some setup time, but unlike some benefits that get occassional use, the benefits of a universal remote may be realized daily. Analogously, a four wheel drive vehicle may provide off-road capabilities for those rear instances when it is necessary, but the leather seats will provide pleasure with each instance butt cheeks are pressed against it. Don't underestimate the importance of tackling this subject. Maybe eventually you can escape the constant anagram/crytex/sudoku de-coding that is usually necessary with the cursed traditional multi-remote arrangement.

Pain in the Aspect Ratio! Why Do I Still Have Black Bars On My HDTV?

The consumer electronics manufacturers and motion picture industry have teamed up to bring you a point of confusion regarding aspect ratios and the simple task of watching TV. Black bars and stretched images due to mismatched aspect ratios give unexpected results for new TV buyers. Laced with many new benefits, the High Definition Television (HDTV) standards brought us three new features: (1) higher resolution pictures that provide greater detail, (2) surround sound output that can be directed to multiple speakers, and (3) a new aspect ratio for the screen. It is the "strange but true" topic of the aspect ratio that has brought confusion and is addressed here.

First of all, the aspect ratio is not the size of one’s buttocks in relation to one’s overall height (in the sense that Jennifer Lopez would have a higher aspect ratio than Paris Hilton), but rather the relationship of your TV’s width to its height. The standard aspect ratio that has been used on TVs since their inception has now changed with the new HDTV standards. Original TVs had a 4:3 aspect ratio, which means for every 4 inches wide, they are 3 inches tall. This gives the appearance of a rectangle that is almost as tall as it is wide – close to a square. This ratio may also be written with reference to a single unit of height, or 1.33:1 (4 divided by 3 = 1.33). In contrast, the new HDTV standard uses a 16:9 aspect ratio or 16 inches of width for every 9 inches of height. This ratio, also known as 1.78:1, is much broader and is referenced as a widescreen format.

The reason for the move to the wider screen is to provide a much more theater-like experience. Back in the 1950s, the motion picture studios were fearful of television’s ability to erode the attendance at movie theaters (Sound familiar? Now HDTVs are further eroding theater attendence). In response, the studios changed the aspect ratio on movies from 4:3 to a much wider stance. This allowed movie-goers to feel much more immersed. It is not until recently that a wider aspect ratio has been brought to the home. Now, thanks to HDTV, we have the widescreen 16:9 format. Peculiar enough, however, is the fact that the 16:9 ratio is unlike anything produced by movie studios. Hmmm. Will this cause problems?

According to a Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) study released in April 2007, about 28% of U.S. households have HDTVs (see TVweek.com). Despite this growing number, only a small percentage of channels available on cable and satellite provide HD programs. A clear majority of the programming is still in standard definition with the original 4:3 aspect ratio. Most television content providers are showing less than 20 HD channels, often amounting to less than 10% of its programming. So if we must live with it, how do we display a 4:3 program on a 16:9 television? There are three basic ways to do this. The first method is to zoom the picture and crop the top and bottom. Be careful, though, because close ups can give Clint Eastwood a flattop. The second method is to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the picture to fill the screen. This is what makes Brad Pitt look like Jack Black (see post on non-HD content on HDTVs). Lastly, you can maintain the full image and 4:3 aspect ratio by showing black bars at the side. This is called a pillarbox effect. For those concerned about preserving the original image without distortion, pillarboxing is the best alternative.

So it would appear that we have this aspect ratio thing understood. Now I can go out and spend $5,000 on a 50-inch HDTV for my bathroom. Since I usually watch movies from my bathtub (I call it my “pruning” time), I’ll also plan to hook up a DVD player to it. This will allow me to show widescreen movies on my widescreen TV: a perfect match. I will purchase G.I. Jane, featuring the best bald-headed chick since Ripley in Aliens 3, and pop it into the player. To my surprise, I will not have escaped the annoying black bars. The bars have merely rotated ninety degrees and pushed themselves to the top and bottom. What the…? Does this TV need to go back to the manufacturer? Not so fast.

The movie G.I. Jane is presented in a 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The motion picture industry now has a few different standards, many of which are even wider than 16:9. The 1.85:1 ratio is another popular ratio for movies, but much closer to our TV’s 16:9 ratio. When you display a video with an aspect ratio wider than 16:9, you get black bars at the top and bottom, giving a letterbox display. So let's review. We have a 1.33:1 standard aspect ratio (aka 4:3), a 1.78:1 HDTV widescreen ratio (aka 16:9) and several theatrical aspect ratios such as 1.85:1 and 2.35:1. Whew!

Now here’s the bad news. When you have a 16:9 widescreen TV and display a standard definition program in 4:3, the black bars on the side mean that 25% of the screen you recently purchased goes unused. When you watch a movie filmed in the 2.35:1 ratio, the black bars are at the top and bottom, but again 25% of the screen is always black. The 1.85:1 ratio is the closest to 16:9 and translates into a mere 4% loss. Those other numbers are pretty big, though. This is like buying a car that can only use three tires on most roads? It’s the price we all pay for the variety of aspect ratios out there. Now you know why I consider this topic a “pain in the aspect ratio!”

Despite all of this complexity surrounding aspect ratios, the HDTV standards do bring many benefits to those who upgrade their equipment. In the near future, high definition 16:9 programs will be prevalent among the viewing options. We will eventually be much happier as we use 100% of our television screen and Brad Pitt will look like…well…Brad Pitt. Then the only worry we have left is watching our dessert consumption so we don’t increase our own body’s aspect ratio. The last thing we want is to develop a personal widescreen format. A pillarbox shirt is not slimming.

[Note: This is a revised version of the original post, 5/3/07]

Hubba Hubba! Does the "Verizon Hub" Reinvent the Home Phone?

SPECIAL SEGMENT: LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Verizon announced the coming of a home phone on steriods, dubbed the Verizon Hub™. It is coming to Verizon Broadband Customers, but the network giant did not disclose why it would not work for other broadband users. This broadband phone utilizes the home phone as a central place of family interaction. Although the wireless phone industry may be deteriorating this concept, for those homes that still have a land-based phone, the Verizon Hub™ may be just the thing. It brings many practical functions to a device that sits away from the family computer.

This phone has a moderately sized touch screen that allows a user-friendly interface to get news, weather, directory information, and maps. Of course, they also mentioned that it can operate as a phone, too. It may be customized with wallpaper, ringtones, and even colored faceplates. And it can be integrated into your family's lifestyle by utilizing a calendar, address book, and interactive memo pad.

There is no mention as to the availability or future price of this product, but its release appears to be innevitable. Verizon disclosed future plans for the interactive touch-screen phone to eventually include emailing, text messaging, and a telephone handset that doubles as a television remote. For those who find this device "sexy," they may find themselves chanting, "hubba, hubba." Here comes the Verizon Hub™. Visit Verizon's website for more information.

Clicker Debate: Infrared (IR) vs. Radio Frequency (RF) Remote Controls! And How Can I Hide Those Ugly Components?

So, what is the difference between infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) remotes? Televisions, receivers, cable boxes, digital video recorders, gaming systems, DVD players, and personal computers are all becoming a part of the home entertainment network. Placing all of these components in an area that is readily seen has long been the requirement to allow the operation of traditional infrared remotes. There are a variety of products, however, that break us free from this limitation. These include IR repeaters, IR extenders, and the integration of radio frequency remotes. It is important to understand the difference between the infrared and radio frequency signal and know what is the proper environment for each. The IR vs. RF debate is not one in the same light as Blu-ray vs. HD DVD, but rather one of co-existence that benefits from an understanding of each signal's capabilities. This discussion of infrared and radio frequency remotes should arm you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the type of remote to use as well as the placement of unsightly components.


Infrared Remotes
Infrared remotes are devices that use a beam of light to communicate user instructions to an audio/visual component. Because it uses a light source, this type of remote requires line-of-sight. This means that the beam may be interrupted by anything through which light cannot travel. For example, an IR remote may work through glass but not through a wood door. It is also the reason why a remote may not work temporarily when a person walks in front of it.

Infrared remotes are advantageous because they are inexpensive, robust when unobstructed, and readily teachable. By teachable, it is meant that there are inexpensive IR learning remotes that are able to be taught commands from any other IR remote. Once the learning remote is placed in its learning mode, the remotes are simply pointed at each other and the commands are sent (i.e. buttons pressed). The infrared method of remote control has become the de facto standard in the industry of consumer electronics.

Because of the line of site requirement, however, components that are controlled by IR remotes are typically not able to be hidden away. While most folks just accept this shortcoming, there are several alternatives that allow components to be stored out of site in more creative places. These are described below.


Infrared Repeater
When components are located behind a door or in a nearby place that cannot be reached by an IR signal, an infrared repeater may be used. This repeater usually has an "eye" that is connected to the repeater unit. The eye is located in a place that is visible to the IR remote. For example, if the components are behind a wooden door in a piece of furniture, a hole may be bored above the doors that allows the eye to be visible to the remote control. The infrared signal is received by the eye and carried through a wire to the repeater unit. The repeater unit is powered and is able to take the input signal and send it to one or more components. One way this this is done is by using individual wires that have light emitting tips that stick to each of the component's IR receptors. Another method sends the output through a single IR blaster that scatters the signal in an attempt to reach multiple components. If the direct shot of an individual wire is thought to be analogous to a rifle, then the IR blaster is the equivalent of a shot gun.


Infrared Extender
An infrared extender may be used to help signals find hard-to-reach components behind doors or walls. It accomplishes the same task as an IR repeater, except that the components do not need to be in close proximity to a visible eye. The original IR signal is sent to a visible receiver unit that converts the signal to a radio frequency (RF) signal that may pass through walls, floor, and furniture. This RF signal is picked up by a mating IR extender base that then converts the signal back to infrared. This transported infrared signal is then sent back out by the base unit to the component(s). This method requires the receiver to be visible by the remote and the base unit needs to sit in front of the components - with line-of-site available to the component's IR receptor. The receiver and base, however, can be located much further apart.


Radio Frequency Remotes
While almost all components use infrared signals to control them, a radio frequency (RF) signal (like the one used by remote extenders) provides another way to send signals from a remote. An RF remotes is meant to replace traditional IR remote by using a radio frequency signal that is not visual in nature. This allows the signal to go through walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Since the components are still expecting an IR signal, however, the RF remote must communicate to a base unit that accepts the RF signal and converts it back it to an IR signal. Much like an extender, the RF remote is advantagous over an IR repeater because no line of site is required between the remote and the components. The components may be stored much further away, such as in a media closet. Additionally, the RF remote is an improvement over the IR extender because the source signal is RF and no IR receiver unit needs to be in sight.

The fact that an RF remote does not require line-of-sight is only a side benefit to what this device can ultimately do. A radio frequency remote can be a much more significant part of a home entertainment system. The repeater and extender discussed previously, can help take the IR signal from each remote to its corresponding hidden component, but a single RF remote can be the means of controlling all of the hidden components. This all-in-one remote is called a universal remote, and the premium universal remotes use the RF method to reach the components. These universal remotes may replace all of the individual remotes that are typically found scattered throughout a home entertainment room. For an in-depth discussion of universal remotes, however, you'll have to wait for the follow-up post. In the meantime, know your IR limitations and RF capabilities - and that you are not trapped in a world where you have to look at those ugly components all of the time.