LATEST ADDITIONS
|
Nov 01, 2011
|
Oct 31, 2011
|
Oct 28, 2011
These days, high-def TV shows are available from three basic platformsbroadcast (including cable, satellite, and over-the-air), online streaming, and Blu-ray. The order in which I've listed them here also corresponds to a current show's availabilityfirst, it's broadcast, which is quickly followed by its appearance on one or more streaming sites, and finally Blu-ray months later (if ever).
In terms of quality, streaming is clearly at the low endeven so-called "high-def" streamingwith its high data compression and often 2-channel audio. Next up the food chain is broadcast at 1080i or 720p with lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 audio (and the inevitable commercials). At the top of the heap is Blu-ray at 1080p with lossless 5.1 audio.
All of which begs the questionwhat's more important to you, availability or quality? Do you tend to choose broadcast and streaming to see your favorite shows ASAP, or do you wait for the ultimate quality of Blu-ray?
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
Drew Major, co-founder of Novell and Move Networks and now CTO of EchoStar Advanced Technologies, gets geeky about the underlying technology of video streaming, wired versus wireless connections, his invention of adaptive-rate video streaming, meetings with Steve Jobs, the future of IPTV and his conviction that it will eventually supplant broadcast TV, answers to chat-room questions, and more.





Straight-laced Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the dream with a good job, nice house, and a seemingly happy marriage to his high school sweetheart. But when his wife drops the bomb that she's been having an affair and wants a divorce, he becomes a fish out of water when he enters the dating game again. Enter young Jacob (Ryan Goling), a guy Cal meets at a local bar who takes the older man under his wing in order to teach him how to be a ladies' man and to forget his ex-wife.





