Ask Swanni: Will Porn Decide HDTV DVD War?

Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2007) -- I get scores of e-mails every week from readers asking everything from whether they should buy a new HDTV to when will their TV provider add new high-def channels.

So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, "Ask Swanni!"

Q. I see that Sony and Blu-ray are warming up to the porn studios in Japan. Do you think this will make a difference in the Blu-ray vs HD DVD battle? -- George P.
Very, very little. Even if the adult film studios were to back Blu-ray exclusively -- and that's still highly unlikely in the foreseeable future -- it would have little impact on overall sales of High-Definition DVD players and discs. With porn available on everything from the Net to mobile phones, the number of adult fans who will run out to buy a HDTV DVD player just to watch their faves is quite small.

Q. Don't you think people have had enough with these lawsuits about HDTV between DIRECTV and the cable operators? -- David K.
Yes. It all seems so childish, doesn't it? Satellite says we have a better HD picture and then cable says we do. And that's fine. But let the marketplace decide rather than bog our courts down with legal challenges.

Q. Do you think that Blu-ray and HD DVD disc prices will fall under $20 this year? -- Sandy B.
You can now find some high-def discs for under $20 at Amazon and some discount stores. But generally speaking, the industry will keep the prices for new releases around $25-30 for awhile.

Q. Has Comcast announced which high-def channels they plan to add this year? -- Tommy Y.
Not yet, but I think you'll see some announcements in September when DIRECTV begins expanding its high-def lineup.

Q. Isn't Fox's Hell Kitchen in HD? My brother said it's not. -- Wayne C.
Sorry, your brother is right. It's in widescreen digital, not high-def. Notice the softness in the picture.

Please click to read Part Two of Ask Swanni!

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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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