So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, 'Ask Swanni'
Q. Will DIRECTV add more HDTV channels this year? I know they say they won't until next year, but it's hard to believe. -- Tom S.
Believe it, Tom. DIRECTV simply doesn't have the satellite space for more high-def channels at this time. The satcaster is planning to launch two HD-dedicated satellites next year which will give them unprecedented capacity. But until then, it's a tight fit. However, that said, look for DIRECTV to offer more special events in HD this year when space allows. (See below.) It may also try to download some HD content to the new HD DVRs.
No worries, Mike. I'm told that DIRECTV will carry the NFL Network's high-def broadcasts on its special HD channel, likely channel 95. See NFL Network for more information.
Q. I have a Philips HDTV and
it only has a DVI cable input in the back. I just
ordered a new satellite receiver and it uses HDMI.
If I get a HDMI male
to DVI male cable, will I be OK? Do I lose
anything? -- Eddie P.
The HDMI-HDMI cable delivers audio and sound while the
HDMI-DVI cable will only send the video. So, you'll need
to connect audio cables to go with your HDMI-DVI video
connection. But you won't lose anything with this set
up; the picture and audio will be great.
Q. I just read that TBS
got the rights to some baseball playoff games next year?
Does that mean the end of high-def baseball? --
Harvey B.
Major League Baseball today announced that TBS will show
some League Championship games in 2007. Although TBS
does not currently have a national high-def channel, I'm betting
that it will this time next year.
Q. Help! I'm trying to
decide whether to get a Samsung LCD or a JVC LCD. Which
would you recommend? -- Brian L.
Brian, I never recommend specific brands (or models)
because every set -- and customer's taste -- is
different. My own personal preference may differ from
yours. So, considering that a high-def purchase is a
substantial one, I hesitate to steer people to specific
brands or sets. However, CNET.com does a good job of
reviewing new TVs. You might want to check out their
comments before deciding to buy.
Q. Would you please write
more about EchoStar?
If people want more HD,
which is what your site mainly talks about, Echo is the
only way to go.
-- Scott M.
I write about EchoStar whenever they do something
interesting, which is often, in my view. That said, I am
trying to get an interview as we speak with a top exec
on the company's future plans for HD and related issues.
Q. Why is HDTV so
complicated? I try to explain it to my friends -- how to
connect it and stuff like that -- but it's maddening. --
Jennifer P.
Jennifer, no question that high-def is more complicated
than it should be. But it is what it is. Unlike the TVs
of our youth, the technology inside a high-def set is
extremely sophisticated. But that's why the picture and
sound is so much better. It's a trade off. Still, I
agree that the industry needs to do a better job of
educating people on the basics.
Q. Is there a really cool show in HD that you've
seen lately? -- Robert R.
HDNet is an advertiser, but I have to say that I am
always amazed when I watch HDNet World Report,
the channel's weekly news show. They take their high-def
cameras to places where I wouldn't go on a dare. I've
also been impressed lately with Lost on ABC
(although the plot is getting a bit stale); the baseball
playoff games on ESPN and Fox; repeats of Medical
Investigation on Universal HD and Law & Order
on TNT HD; and, oh, about a two dozen other shows. I
think it's time for a new "Swanni's 10 Best Shows in
HDTV" list.
Q. Do you have any tips on how to improve my HDTV
picture? -- Frank J.
As I've mentioned, use a HDMI cable if your set has a
HDMI connection. Also, check out Monster's HDTV
Calibration Wizard, a DVD that allows you to adjust your
picture settings based on different images on screen.
If you have a question for Ask Swanni, send it to:
swann@tvpredictions.com