Ask Swanni: Buy a Cheap Plasma HDTV?

Washington, D.C. (October 26, 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. I see that some new 42-inch Plasma HDTVs are just $1199 but the same size Plasma set is $1899 or more from another brand. Why the difference? Is one better than the other? -- Tony R.
Yes, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy the less expensive model. The price difference is based on a variety of factors, from added features to brand reliability to possibly providing a slightly better picture. However, the cheaper set can still offer a great HD picture, just without some of the frills and quality standards.

Q. We'll we ever see the day when every show and every channel is in HDTV? -- Cathy K.
Not for a long, long time. Many networks are still hesitant to launch high-def channels at this time because of production and transmission costs. However, as more people buy high-def sets, that will change. The HD audience will grow, encouraging more networks to provide high-def programming.

Q. I’m writing you because I don’t know who to talk to about this. I’m in the Los Angeles area. Every NFL game I’ve seen televised on FOX, NBC and ESPN has been in HD. Every Sunday I watch the Chargers on CBS, it is always an absolutely atrocious feed. Is there anything that can be done about this? -- David S.
CBS has decided to air only three NFL games a week in high-def. (See our article: The 'C' Stands for Cheap.) And it's likely the network will do so next year as well. If you would like to express your displeasure, send your comments to CBS. If enough people complain, maybe it will force the execs to rethink next year's plan. CBS' main number is: 212-975-4321. The address is:
CBS Television Network
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

Q. I have ordered a new DIRECTV HD DVR, but they say they can't do the installation until they get more units in. Isn't this unfair? - Anonymous
DIRECTV may have underestimated the demand for the new high-def recorder and simply doesn't have enough units to go around at this time. However, you might want to check your local electronics store. The Best Buy in my neighborhood had the DIRECTV HD DVR in stock this week.

Q. The courts just said EchoStar has to get rid of their distant network signals, including HDTV. Why are they forced to do this and DIRECTV isn't? -- Jack B.
A federal court judge this week ruled that EchoStar must discontinue offering "distant" network signals to about 800,000 subscribers by Dec. 1. (EchoStar says it will ask Congress to block the order.) The satcaster was sued by local network affiliates for allegedly offering the "distant" signals illegally. (The law says a satellite provider can only offer distant, or "out of market" signals if the subscriber can't get their local channels via other means, such as an off-air antenna.) The network affiliates have apparently determined that DIRECTV is not offering the signals to subscribers who are not eligible to receive them.

Q. I just read your prediction that Blu-ray will defeat HD-DVD in the DVD battle. Does this mean I shouldn't buy a HD-DVD player? -- Frank R.
No, but you need to be aware that buying either player now poses a risk. It's quite possible -- even likely -- that both Blu-ray and HD-DVD will not survive the war. So if you pick the wrong format, you might wind up with an obsolete player. That said, if you don't mind taking risks, both new high-def DVD players offer a great picture. I just think that Blu-ray is more likely to be around for the long term.

Q. Would you buy a flat-screen HDTV or a rear-projection? -- John L.
It depends upon your needs and interests. The flat-screen set measures just four inches deep so it adds style to any room. You can hang the thing on the wall, in fact. But the rear projection set is getting thinner all the time, although most models are still around 20 inches deep. Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either one.

Q. Cox Cable just added MHD where I live -- Providence, Rhode Island. That's nice, but where's HDNet? Where A&E HD? -- Paul M.
There are few issues that confuse -- and concern -- HD owners more than why their TV provider does not offer certain high-def channels. In most cases, the cable or satellite company doesn't have room for more HD channels or it believes the network is asking for too much money to carry the feed. All I can say is that you should tell your cable or satellite company how you feel. Write letters. Make phone calls. Send e-mails. If they get enough complaints, it might force them into action.

If you have a question for Ask Swanni, send it to:
swann@tvpredictions.com