Washington, D.C. (October 12, 2006)
--
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. Should I get a DVD upconverter? You know, the kind that makes your standard DVDs look like HDTV? -- Dale S.
The DVD "upconverter" players from companies such as OPPO can definitely improve the picture of standard DVDs when connected to a high-def set. However, keep in mind two things before you buy: 1. Your HDTV must have a HDMI connection; 2. While the standard DVD picture will be better, it will not be as good as high-def. However, the DVD upconverter players are less than $200. So, if your expectations are not too high, it might be worth your time and money.
Q. Would you buy a LCD flat-screen TV or a Plasma flat-screen set? -- Mary P.
Both offer a great HDTV picture. However, most experts agree that the LCD display looks better in a well lit room while the Plasma picture looks better in a dark room. Something to keep in mind when you make your decision.
Q. What's the deal with this new Laser TV? Will it really replace Plasma? -- James C.
Two companies this week announced that they will introduce a Laser TV by the 2007 holidays that will offer a better picture for less money. They also said it would replace the Plasma TV in the big-screen category. However, talk is cheap. Until we see the Laser TV sitting on a store shelf, it's premature to even suggest that it will be a success, much less replace the Plasma set.
Q. Will CNN ever go high-def? -- Harvey B.
I predicted awhile back that CNN would have a high-def channel by now. But while they have the HD cameras in place, I think they are waiting for the high-def audience to grow a bit more before spending the money on a new channel. But be patient. It will happen sooner than later.
Q. DIRECTV just announced that they are offering local HDTV channels in more cities. But don't forget that they don't actually provide all the local channels in each city. -- Marty E.
This is true. In some markets, DIRECTV is not providing the local HD signals of every major network affiliate, such as ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox. The reason: Some affiliates are asking for more money to carry the HD signal. However, DIRECTV says it's negotiating with the hold-outs and hopes to soon offer the complete local HD lineup in each market.
Q. Should I get a flat-screen TV now or wait until after the holidays when prices might come down even more? -- Dee Dee K.
I can't really answer that for you. It depends on how patient you are. Do you want to wait until prices come down maybe another 10 percent? Or do you want to start watching high-def on a cool-looking flat-screen now? If you can wait, wait. Prices will definitely fall even more in 2007.
Q. Did you see Keith Olbermann make fun of you on his Countdown show on MSNBC? -- Paul S.
I didn't see it, but I understand that he poked fun at my list of the 10 celebrities who look better or worse in high-def. I think he didn't like that I had Rosie O'Donnell, an outspoken liberal, at the top of the 'Worst' list. Keith's agenda these days is to defend all things liberal so his show will be viewed as an alternative to the conservative Fox News Channel. However, I picked Rosie because she doesn't look good in high-def; not because of her politics. Personally, I'd like to see Keith go back to sports where he's most needed.
Q. Can anyone be an HD Observer? -- Frank R.
Anyone with something interesting to say about HDTV. If you have a comment on a high-def topic, send it to me at: swann@tvpredictions.com. If it's interesting, I will publish it in our HD Observer section.
Q. I'm digging your interviews with industry officials on HDTV? Will you interview someone at EchoStar for me? I would love to know what they have in store for us HD subscribers. -- Robert J.
I've asked EchoStar for an interview, but thus far, they are not cooperating. I think they are afraid that I might ask some tough questions. But I hope that changes soon. Stay tuned.
Q. Do you think local stations should be forced to let cable and satellite operators carry their HDTV feeds? -- Peter B.
Yes, I do. The federal government -- meaning, us, the taxpayers -- allows each station to operate by granting it a broadcast license. Consequently, I believe the local station has a responsibility to offer its feed to all TV providers so everyone can watch it. That said, I understand that some cable operators are charging their customers extra to watch the local HD signals. In those cases, I believe the FCC and Congress needs to step in and resolve the disputes. Those signals are the public's and they shouldn't be exploited for profit -- by either the local station or the TV provider.
If you have a question for Swanni, send it to:
swann@tvpredictions.com
So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, 'Ask Swanni'
Q. Should I get a DVD upconverter? You know, the kind that makes your standard DVDs look like HDTV? -- Dale S.
The DVD "upconverter" players from companies such as OPPO can definitely improve the picture of standard DVDs when connected to a high-def set. However, keep in mind two things before you buy: 1. Your HDTV must have a HDMI connection; 2. While the standard DVD picture will be better, it will not be as good as high-def. However, the DVD upconverter players are less than $200. So, if your expectations are not too high, it might be worth your time and money.
Q. Would you buy a LCD flat-screen TV or a Plasma flat-screen set? -- Mary P.
Both offer a great HDTV picture. However, most experts agree that the LCD display looks better in a well lit room while the Plasma picture looks better in a dark room. Something to keep in mind when you make your decision.
Q. What's the deal with this new Laser TV? Will it really replace Plasma? -- James C.
Two companies this week announced that they will introduce a Laser TV by the 2007 holidays that will offer a better picture for less money. They also said it would replace the Plasma TV in the big-screen category. However, talk is cheap. Until we see the Laser TV sitting on a store shelf, it's premature to even suggest that it will be a success, much less replace the Plasma set.
Q. Will CNN ever go high-def? -- Harvey B.
I predicted awhile back that CNN would have a high-def channel by now. But while they have the HD cameras in place, I think they are waiting for the high-def audience to grow a bit more before spending the money on a new channel. But be patient. It will happen sooner than later.
Q. DIRECTV just announced that they are offering local HDTV channels in more cities. But don't forget that they don't actually provide all the local channels in each city. -- Marty E.
This is true. In some markets, DIRECTV is not providing the local HD signals of every major network affiliate, such as ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox. The reason: Some affiliates are asking for more money to carry the HD signal. However, DIRECTV says it's negotiating with the hold-outs and hopes to soon offer the complete local HD lineup in each market.
Q. Should I get a flat-screen TV now or wait until after the holidays when prices might come down even more? -- Dee Dee K.
I can't really answer that for you. It depends on how patient you are. Do you want to wait until prices come down maybe another 10 percent? Or do you want to start watching high-def on a cool-looking flat-screen now? If you can wait, wait. Prices will definitely fall even more in 2007.
Q. Did you see Keith Olbermann make fun of you on his Countdown show on MSNBC? -- Paul S.
I didn't see it, but I understand that he poked fun at my list of the 10 celebrities who look better or worse in high-def. I think he didn't like that I had Rosie O'Donnell, an outspoken liberal, at the top of the 'Worst' list. Keith's agenda these days is to defend all things liberal so his show will be viewed as an alternative to the conservative Fox News Channel. However, I picked Rosie because she doesn't look good in high-def; not because of her politics. Personally, I'd like to see Keith go back to sports where he's most needed.
Q. Can anyone be an HD Observer? -- Frank R.
Anyone with something interesting to say about HDTV. If you have a comment on a high-def topic, send it to me at: swann@tvpredictions.com. If it's interesting, I will publish it in our HD Observer section.
Q. I'm digging your interviews with industry officials on HDTV? Will you interview someone at EchoStar for me? I would love to know what they have in store for us HD subscribers. -- Robert J.
I've asked EchoStar for an interview, but thus far, they are not cooperating. I think they are afraid that I might ask some tough questions. But I hope that changes soon. Stay tuned.
Q. Do you think local stations should be forced to let cable and satellite operators carry their HDTV feeds? -- Peter B.
Yes, I do. The federal government -- meaning, us, the taxpayers -- allows each station to operate by granting it a broadcast license. Consequently, I believe the local station has a responsibility to offer its feed to all TV providers so everyone can watch it. That said, I understand that some cable operators are charging their customers extra to watch the local HD signals. In those cases, I believe the FCC and Congress needs to step in and resolve the disputes. Those signals are the public's and they shouldn't be exploited for profit -- by either the local station or the TV provider.
If you have a question for Swanni, send it to:
swann@tvpredictions.com