For those of you who just don't get enough High Definition from your local provider, here are a few more sources of HD content and information to satisfy your craving. I've scoured iTunes and plucked these gems to highlight for your viewing (and listening) pleasure. The first group are podcasts about high definition technology: news, reviews, analysis, etc. The second group are podcasts that feature high definition video. Shot in either 720 or 1080 lines of resolution, these are hefty downloads, but should help ease the pangs of your high definition hunger.

What are Podcasts?

I would venture a guess that most of you know what a podcast is, how to receive them, and how to listen to them. But for those who don't, here's a quick primer:

A podcast is an audio or video file that is distributed using "feeds". It differs from direct downloading or streaming in that it can be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading these "feeds". The term derives from a combination of the terms "iPod" and "broadcasting", although an iPod is not required to receive podcasts. You can play them on any mp3 player (or video player, for video podcasts), or your home computer or laptop. Each of the podcasts below is free and distributed via iTunes, Apple's online music/video service.

Podcasts about High Definition

HDTV & Home Theater Podcast - This is a podcast about all things related to High Definition television. Ara Derderian and Braden Russell push this podcast out twice weekly. It covers news, reviews, and how-to's. It's the best thing to happen to podcasting since the invention of the iPod. -

Engadget HD - This is a podcast of many names. Originally, it was known as This Week in HD, and was hosted by Ben Drawbaugh and Warren Wiltshire. This later was adopted by HDBeat.com, a site managed by Kevin Tofel, and became The HDBeat Podcast. Warren then dropped out leaving it to Ben and Kevin. They hosted it for several episodes, and then Kevin left for other pursuits and Matt Burns came in. Now Ben and Matt have been doing this podcast for several months and then just a few weeks ago changed the name of both the site and the podcast to EngadgetHD. -

Podcasts in High Definition

MacBreak - The only Macintosh video show you'll ever need. Mac experts Leo Laporte, Amber MacArthur, Alex Lindsay, and Emery Wells talk about everything Mac, including hardware, software, pro apps, and tips. Shot in 1080p high def, because your Mac deserves the very best. (1080p) -

mariposaHD - mariposaHD is produced by four ordinary guys who quit their jobs, moved to South America, and decided to make a TV show. We film everything with HDV camcorders and edit the video on a PC in our living room. mariposaHD is recorded, edited, and distributed in the full 1920x1080 pixel resolution of the 1080i standard. (1080i) -

The Big D in HD - The Big D in HD is a video podcast celebrating the good times and fun of the "Happiest Place on Earth". Filmed with an HDV video camera see Disneyland Like never before on your Computer. -

For an up-to-date list of HD-related podcasts, see the HDTV Podcast Page.

Posted by Shane Sturgeon, November 2, 2006 9:15 AM