Washington, D.C. (November 28, 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 column called, "Ask Swanni!" If you would like to submit a question for a future column, send it to: swann@tvpredictions.com

Now, here's Ask Swanni!


Q. I want to buy that special HDTV for the holidays. But I couldn't be more confused about picture quality and what defines a great picture. Is there one set that clearly offers the best picture? -- Summer S.
The short answer is no. Despite claims from some TV makers that their set has the best picture, it's just marketing propaganda. There are dozens of high-def sets and brands that offer a great picture; the average person really couldn't tell the difference from one to the next.

Now, that said, some sets definitely perform better than others and I would recommend that you consult the latest reviews from publications such as Consumer Reports and CNET.com. (However, to support my argument, notice that nearly every publication disagrees over which set has the best high-def picture; clearly, "best" is in the eye of the beholder.)

I would also suggest that you do your research and choose a set that's best suited for the room it will be located. For example, LCD sets tend to look better in well-lit rooms than Plasma, but Plasma fares better in dark rooms.

So, happy shopping, and don't forget that you can find the latest HDTV discounts in our Gadget File.

Q. What is taking Comcast so long in rolling out TiVo? Is there some conspiracy here? -- Robert T.
No conspiracy, Robert. Comcast and TiVo are both surprised at how long it's taken to integrate TiVo's software into existing Comcast cable set-tops. The cable operator is now testing it in New England. If all goes well, it will expand to other markets in the near future. If not, watch for TiVo's stock to take a big hit. The DVR company desperately needs to reach the cable audience and any software glitch would be devastating.

Q. Do you have a Blu-ray and HD DVD player? Which one do you like better? -- Morton A.
I have both and I think the picture quality is identical on both. Blu-ray has a few more titles available, which is nice, but Paramount and Universal are working overtime to even that score.

Q. Will DIRECTV reach the 100 HD channel mark it has promised by the end of the year. -- Yardley P.
Bet on it. Now, it might use some fuzzy math to get there, but it will get there. For those not familiar, DIRECTV says it now has roughly 85 national HD channels, but it's counting Pay Per View channels and regional sports channels. To get to the 100 mark, it can simply add more PPV along with a few other channel additions.

Please click to read Part Two of
Ask Swanni!

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Swanni (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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