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Ten Geek Details on Apple TV
Six months after it was announced, Apple TV is finally here, and of course, our testing is well underway. In order to canvas a variety of different televisions and possible usage models, iLounge's editors have assembled a robust testing environment for our two Apple TV units: four computers, five HDTVs ranging in size and resolution, one widescreen non-HDTV, and audio receivers with and without optical audio inputs. Prior to our final review, we wanted to share some of our preliminary findings for those who are interested. 1. The 40GB hard disk actually has a formatted capacity of under 33GB. Unlike 40GB iPods, which typically provide a little over 37GB of formatted capacity, Apple TV's 40GB hard disk has 32.83GB of available space for your media content. What's taking up an iPod nano worth of space? A start-up video clip is probably responsible for a tiny fraction of it, with the unit's operating system to blame for a larger portion.
TV-RADIO NOTEBOOK More to ratings than meets the eye
Regarding the ongoing, vexing question of why Rockets ratings on FSN Houston have been so sluggish in recent months, we have a logical answer. You will recall that FSN Southwest last year established the FSN Houston brand to showcase the Astros and Rockets. While FSN's dial position stayed at channel 37 for Time Warner Houston cable subscribers, Houston-based programming switched to channel 639 on DirecTV and to other channels on Dish Network. Unfortunately, said FSN spokesman Ramon Alvarez, Nielsen Media Research's set box meters were not measuring viewership on the alternate feeds. As a result, the Rockets weren't getting credit for games viewed by Nielsen households who subscribe to DirecTV and Dish Network. Alvarez said Nielsen has resolved the problem, and the network is now getting credit for satellite viewers, for HDTV viewing when Rockets games are shown in high-def and for some cable households in which Nielsen meters weren't recording the alternate FSN channel.
Five New Cyber Shots from Sony
Sony has announced five new Cyber-shot cameras, including three W-series models with high-definition component output, and two 8-megapixel H-series models.
The new Cyber-shot W-series cameras, including DSC-W200, DSC-W90, and DSC-W80, offer direct connection to an HDTV, which according to Sony is ideal for integrating full 1080 HD photo-viewing into a home theater.
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10TV Sets High-Definition News Launch
WBNS-10TV announced Saturday the launch of central Ohio's first local newscast produced in high-definition television. The station will debut the HDTV newscast at 5 p.m. on April 2. As part of the transition, WBNS' local news will now be known as "10TV News-HD." The move reflects the new generation of local news from the 10TV Eyewitness News moniker that has branded the WBNS local news for over 20 years. "We firmly believe that you simply can't say that you're central Ohio's news leader," said News Director, John Cardenas. "We believe that your actions must speak louder than your words. This transition to HDTV is a great fit with the leadership we strive for everyday. We think the viewers are going to be very pleased with what they see." WBNS-10TV started migrating to HDTV equipment late in 2006. The early part of 2007 will be spent producing new HDTV graphics, installing graphic equipment and remodeling the set to be more vibrant for HDTV. Equipment will also be upgraded throughout the year to allow for HDTV video from stories on location.
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