Click Here for Part One
Grade: C
"You'll watch the nightly news in HDTV."
ABC launched a high-def version of Good Morning America a few months ago, but the networks have yet to broadcast the evening news in HD. But stay tuned.
"Adult HDTV DVDs to Rise in 2005"
Several adult film companies are producing new DVDs in high-def, but there are no players yet. Sony and Toshiba will not launch their high-def DVD players until next year.
"Look out for multicasting."
Your local affiliates can broadcast more than one channel on their digital spectrum. Some are doing it; many are not. However, CBS has said it's considering launching a 'CBS 2.0' channel on digital. So multicasting is still something to look out for.
"Echostar will seek a partner."
Well, as I understand it, the nation's second largest satellite service has entertained some major partnership offers. EchoStar needs more cash to compete with Rupert Murdoch's DIRECTV and the cable operators. But no deals yet.
"The networks will create 'HDTV shows."
I predicted that the networks would begin producing some shows with the high-def audience in mind. Well, it's happening, although not as much as I thought. NBC's My Name is Earl actually featured a scene in which only a high-def viewer could see the writing on a card held by one of the characters.
Grade: F
The Crystal Ball Was Foggy; And So Was My Brain
DIRECTV to offer 'interactive' American Idol
DIRECTV didn't launch its interactive Digital Video Recorder until well after the Idol season was completed in the spring. So I was wrong on this one. Maybe next year.
"Cable to offer adult VOD in HDTV"
Not yet.
"A TV personality will reveal she got Botox because of the clarity of the HDTV picture."
It's happening all over Hollywood and in local markets where the news is being produced in high-def. But I haven't seen anyone admit it yet.
"An industry trade mag will go under in 2005."
I'm happy to report that I was wrong.
"Blockbuster and NetFlix will merge."
Not yet. However, Blockbuster seems to be pulling back from its previously aggressive stance against the online DVD rental service. So, it's still possible..
Incomplete
"Portable video will fail in 2005"
I said that portable DVRs could find a niche, but that portable media players (cell phone TVs; the new Apple video iPod) would fail. I do not believe that people will watch video on devices with small screens, particularly during the work day. But we'll get a better idea in 2006 on whether I am right or wrong.
"Internet TV: The next big thing."
Internet TV, which permits viewers to download video from the Net, has been the buzz in 2005. But it's too early to say if it will be the next big thing.
"SBC-TV may not get the picture."
I said that telco SBC would struggle because CEO Ed Whitacre seemed clueless about what TV viewers really wanted. In 2006, when SBC is expected to roll out its new TV service, we'll see if my prediction comes true.
So, what's my final grade?
As I count them, there are 12 As or A+s, 5Bs, 5 Cs and 5Fs.
So, let's call it a B+.
And come back Tuesday for Swanni's 2006 Predictions!
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