Nielsen: 6.5M Homes Still Not Ready For Digital TV
The converter funding shortage will likely keep the number high.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2009) -- Nielsen said today that 6.5 million U.S. homes are still not prepared for next month's scheduled transition to Digital TV signals.

While this is an improvement of 1.3 million homes from Nielsen's last report in December, it likely won't satisfy critics who say the transition should be delayed. President Obama and numerous congressional lawmakers have called for a delay and both the House and Senate are considering bills to move the transition date.

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television. House and Senate lawmakers are considering moving the date to June.

Critics of the Feb. 12 transition date note that the federal government has run out of funds for the $40 converter box coupons that can be used to purchase the set-tops. They also say that millions of people still seem confused about how to prepare for the transition.

In a blog post at Nielsen.com, Susan Whiting, the company's vice chairperson, said that minorities are the least prepared. To wit:

* 9.9 percent of African-American families are unprepared
* 9.7 percent of Hispanic families are unprepared
* 8.8 percent of young families (ages 18-34) are unprepared.

Albuquerque, New Mexico ranks first with with the most unprepared people with 12.24 percent of residents not prepared, according to Nielsen. Dallas/Fort Worth is second with 10.21 percent; Houston is third with 9.95 percent; Tulsa, Oklahoma is fourth with 9.5 percent; while Portland, Oregon is fifth with 9.1 percent.


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Twilight to Be Blu Exclusive at Target, Best Buy
The teen vampire movie is expected to generate big sales.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- Twilight, the teen vampire romance, will be released on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 21, but will only be available in Blu at Target and Best Buy for a limited time after release.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The film, which has made nearly $200 million in U.S. box office receipts, is expected to generate strong Blu-ray sales, perhaps challenging The Dark Knight as the best-selling Blu-ray disc ever.

Twilight could also spark more interest in Blu-ray discs, particularly among young females who own PlayStation 3 video game consoles which have Blu-ray players inside. The movie was a smash hit with female teens, many of whom saw the film several times.


However, the decision to restrict sales of the disc to two stores until May 5 (when it will be available to all retailers) could reduce the film's overall sales total, at least in the initial weeks. Video Business reports that Summit Home Entertainment, which is distributing the film, refused to reveal why the Blu-ray disc would only be available in two stores for nearly two months.

But the publication notes that most PS3 owners are male, which could suggest the studio is less confident that Twilight will be a Blu-ray hit.

Video Business reports that the Blu-ray edition will be available for rental during the time it will only be available for sale at Target and Best Buy.



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Obama Again Urges Digital TV Delay
A presidential advisor says the situation is getting worse.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- President Obama's team has sent a second letter to Congress urging that it delay next month's transition from analog TV signals to digital.

The Washington Post reports that the letter, which was sent January 19, the day before Obama officially became president, says the nation needs more time to prepare for the transition.

The letter came from John Podesta, who headed the Obama transition team. Podesta also sent a Jan. 8 letter to key congressional leaders urging a delay in the transition which is now scheduled for February 17, 2009.

“Since then, the situation has only gotten worse,” Podesta stated in this week's letter, according to the Post. “Lack of appropriate planning has left many consumers vulnerable.”

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.

By law, every American home is eligible to receive two $40 coupons for converter boxes, but federal officials say they are out of funds and have been putting people on waiting lists for two weeks. Without the coupons, consumers would have to purchase the converters with 100 percent of their own money; converters cost between $40 and $75.

Consequently, concerns are growing that millions of consumers will not be ready when the transition occurs. In addition to the coupon snafu, some lawmakers and others have also expressed concern that consumers need further education on issues such as antenna upgrades.

Both the House and Senate are considering bills that would delay the transition until June 12, despite objections from some House Republicans who say a delay would only further confuse consumers.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee today postponed action on the House bill today, saying it wanted to review the Senate's plans, according to the Associated Press. Dow Jones reports that the Senate could vote on its bill to delay the transition to June 12 as early as this week.


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DIRECTV Adds Comedy Central HD
The channel will offer a mix of high-def and standard-def programming.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- DIRECTV today added the new Comedy Central HD channel.

The new channel, a simulcast of its standard-def channel, launched earlier this month. Cablevision added it last week and Cox is expected to add it soon.

Comedy Central HD will offer roughly 200 hours of programming in true high-def, including episodes of South Park, which is expected to begin airing in HD in the first quarter of this year.

The network said The Daily Show and The Colbert Report will initially be upconverted for the high-def channel, but will switch to true HD in the future.



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Cablevision Replaces Voom HD Channels
The cable operator took the Voom channels off the air earlier this month.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- Cablevision today is expected to begin rolling out 15 new High-Definition channels to replace the 15 Voom high-def networks that have gone off the air.

The new channels that will replace the Voom channels are: Encore HD; Starz Edge HD; Showtime Showcase HD; Starz Kids & Family HD, HBO Family HD, HBO Signature HD, HBO Comedy HD, HBO Zone HD, HBO2 HD, HBO Latino HD, Showtime Too HD, Action Max HD, More Max HD, @Max HD and Outer Max HD.

Rainbow Media, a division of Cablevision, announced last month that it was shutting down the domestic operations of the 15-channel Voom HD programming suite.

Cablevision was the only TV provider that carried the 15-channel package, following a contract dispute with Dish Network, which dropped Voom earlier this year. (Rainbow and Dish are engaged in a legal battle over the action.) The cable operator said it would replace the Voom channels when they officially went off the air in January.

Unlike the Voom channels, the 15 replacement channels are premium channels which require pay subscriptions. Cablevision is expected to add the channels to its local systems over the next three days.


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Dish Network Airs The Beast In 1080p
The satcaster says the video quality is comparable to Blu-ray.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2009) -- Dish Network says it's now offering the new A&E drama The Beast in 1080p, which would be a video resolution comparable to the Blu-ray high-def disc.

The Beast, a crime drama which stars Patrick Swayze and airs Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET, is the first TV series broadcast in 1080p, according to Dish Network.

The satcaster says the 1080p edition of The Beast is available to Dish subscribers via their Internet-based VOD lineup the day after a new episode premieres. To watch the program in 1080p, Dish owners must have a MPEG-4 HD DVR receiver, a High-Definition TV that's 1080p compatible, and a broadband connection to download the show.

"We are thrilled to work with A&E in pioneering these efforts by taking television to the next level using 1080p format," said Jessica Insalaco, Dish's chief marketing officer. "As the first pay-TV provider to first offer VOD movies and now offer a TV series in 1080p, DISH Network continues to lead the industry when it comes to delivering the best quality programming options, DVR technology and overall value for our customers."

Dish has earlier announced that it's offering some PPV films in 1080p, including The Dark Knight.

However, some high-def experts have disputed whether the video is truly 1080p.

"But are they Blu-ray quality?," the New York Times asked of the Dish movies in an article last August. "Resolution is not the only factor that determines picture quality. Another is bit rate, the number of bits per second that are being transmitted down the pipe to consumers...Bit rate is a subject that the cable and satellite providers never discuss, but anyone who watches the various services can see that some channels are considerably softer looking than others."

The Times quoted well-known TV engineer Pete Putman as saying that CBS now offers the high bit rate over the air with 17 megabits per second for its high-def programs; and that's for 1080i, not 1080p. But Putman says he believes Dish transmits high-def programming at around 6-8 megabits per seconds.

Consequently, Putnam is dubious that the satcasters have the bandwidth to increase their bit rate to offer true 1080p video.



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News Analysis
Digital TV: 7 Steps to Success
The switch to digital can work -- if the feds following my lead.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2009) -- The Digital TV transition is now a total mess. Even if you don't think next month's transition date should be moved, you would be hard pressed to argue that things are going smoothly.

President-elect Obama, numerous congressmen and two ex-FCC chairmen have called for a delay in the transition; the feds have run out of money for digital converter boxes; Nielsen says as many as 6.8 million people are completely unprepared for the switch; and some studies indicate that million more will lose some TV signals because of weak antennas and other issues.

But House Republicans and others pushing for the transition to go as planned on February 17, 2009 say that a delay would only cause more consumer confusion. They add that it's mpossible for every viewer to be on board when the switch occurs -- regardless of when it's done. Consequently, they argue, proceed with the transition and whoever is left behind will eventually figure out how to get their TV signals back.

While I agree it's impossible to ensure that every single TV viewer will not lose some signals when the transition occurs, I do believe that you can minimize the disruption -- if you do it right.

And I also believe that that should be the government's attitude -- they started this transition so they have a responsibility to do everything possible to help their citizens keep their TVs. The cavalier comments from some (government and private industry) officials that people will just 'figure it out later' are shameful.

So, how can the government complete this transition with minimum damage done to its citizens? Here are seven steps:

1. Delay the Transition By Five Months
Move the transition date to August 17, 2009, not May 17, 2009 as some congressmen are contemplating. The May date would be in the middle of Sweeps Month, the critical ratings period for local TV stations. Moving the transition to a time when stations could lose some viewers, at least temporarily, just doesn't make sense. August is a low ratings period; there will be less disruption on both the local stations and viewers who won't lose the season finales of their favorite shows.

Additionally, three months is not enough time to get this transition back on track.

2. Hire Ex-FCC Chairman Michael Powell as Digital TV Czar
Arguably, the biggest problem that the Digital TV transition has experienced is that no one has been in charge. The FCC Chairman is not ultimately responsible for its success; the National Telecommunications and Information Administration chief isn't, either.

The program was set up (purposely in my opinion) so that no one could be singularly blamed if it failed. (Who wants to be Brownnie?) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a program without a person in charge doesn't get done right.

Ex-FCC Chairman Michael Powell has joined President-elect Obama in calling for a delay. Well, let's call him in to run the transition -- immediately. As the FCC Chairman from 2001 to 2005, he is intimately aware of the issues and what needs to be done to effectively bring this thing to an end. And as someone with political ambitious, he will sweat the details to ensure that things get done.

3. Hire Bill Cosby as 'The Face' of Digital TV
The government's lack of a well-known person to lead the transition effort has been a problem. In past educational campaigns run by the government, high-profile officials such as Dr. C. Everett Koop (health issues) and Tom Ridge (terrorism) have served on point to address the public's concerns. While their effectiveness can be debated, at least you knew who you could turn to.

The federal government needs a high-profile person to head the educational aspects of this program, someone who can communicate how to prepare for the switch in simple terms. And someone who will instantly command respect from minorities and older residents -- the groups that surveys indicate are most clueless about the switch.

While many people would fit the bill, one name jumps out at me:

Bill Cosby.

The 70-year-old comedian is African-American and, yes, elderly, but he's more than that. Cosby has a gift of explaining things in simple and humorous terms. He would be a hit in federal PSAs, Town Hall meetings and media interviews. Suddenly, millions of Americans who are now tuning out those Digital TV spots would start paying attention.

4. Restrict Converter Coupons to Lower-Income Residents
This one will be controversial, but that's tough. From the start, the government decided that every American -- from Joe Blow to Bill Gates -- would be eligible for the two $40 coupons that could be used to buy digital converter boxes. Consequently, the government didn't have enough money to fully subsidize the entire cost of the converter, which can run as much as $70. As a result, low-income residents had to dip into their own pockets to make up the difference.

That was just dumb. There are now a sizable number of people on the waiting list for converter boxes who could buy $1,500 High-Definition TVs without giving it a thought.

In the post-transition period, the government should only issue coupons to people making less than $75,000. And the coupons should not be for $40; they should be good for any digital converter box that costs under $70. As a result, a person just has to bring a coupon into a store and redeem it immediately for a converter.

I will admit that this one could be difficult logistically. First, the government has to determine which people on the converter box 'waiting list' are making less than $75,000. (But if they can determine how much our government rebates are, they should be able to determine this.) They also would have to tell people making over $75,000 that there will be no more coupon funding for them. But the overwhelming majority of people who still haven't gotten converter boxes are making less than $75,000. That's the audience the government needs to focus on in the home stretch.

5. Create a Partnership With CE Retailers For Converter Installation
Early Digital TV tests in Wilmington, North Carolina and a few other cities have shown that many people who buy the converters don't know how to use them; they don't realize that they need to be programmed. Consequently, some folks -- okay, particularly older folks -- think the converters are broken. (The FCC actually hired fire fighters in Wilmington to go to homes to program the boxes.)

The government should devote some of that stimulus money to creating a partnership with Best Buy and other CE retailers so they can send people to your home to install the converter box after you buy it. The installation would be free for a limited time only.

6. Pass More Funding for New Antennas
The dirty little secret of the Digital TV transition is that even if you install a converter box on your old analog TV, you may not get some of the local stations you get now. The nature of a digital signal is different than an analog signal; you either get it or you don't. And with the cheap antennas now installed in many homes, many people will lose some stations, if not all of them.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent, is working on legislation that would help subsidize the purchase of new rooftop antennas. That should be part of the post-transition plan.

7. Get Some Presidential Leadership
During the last eight years, I don't think you could find eight words spoken on the subject by President Bush. The president has ignored the digital transition despite calls from the National Association of Broadcasters and others to get involved by starring in Public Service Announcements.

President-elect Obama should commit to making the transition a priority in his early months in office. Yes, there are more important things going on -- oh, you know, a global economic meltdown, for example, -- but the success of this program is critical to keeping the electorate happy and content. And in the long run, as times get tougher, that will be important to this president.

Conclusion
Finally, as you can see, the transition will be costly if the government follows my seven steps. Until now, the government has tried to do it on the cheap. But unless it wants millions of people running around angry and looking to do something about it, it better get this done right. It can't ensure that 100 percent of the populace will have their TV signals when the transition occurs, but it can get close.

And at this point, that's the best anyone can offer.


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CES: Is 3-D Ready for Primetime?
It may be awhile before home viewers enter the next dimension.
By Joseph Whip

Washington, D.C. (January 13, 2009) -- While visiting CES last week, I had the opportunity to check out two HDTV events in 3D, the National Championship BCS game on January 8 and a 3D experience presented by Panasonic at the show.

While both demonstrations showed some promise, I must say that the future of 3D HD technology in the home is far from clear.
The BCS game showed the pros and cons of the 3D experience. The BCS broadcast was beamed to several theaters around the country including a theater at the Paris Hotel in Vegas. The broadcast was completely independent of the broadcast shown on Fox with different announcers and completely different camera angles.

It was the camera angles used to show the game which was what I found the most unnerving thing about the broadcast. It appears that the 3D effect is not as noticeable the farther away the 3D camera is from the action. Therefore, in order to maximize the 3D effect, the broadcast used several cameras that were either on the sidelines or in the first couple of rows in the stands shooting over the heads to the Florida bench.

From these low angles, the 3D effect was very impressive, showing great depth. The problem is that the sideline of a football game is one of the worst vantages from which to watch a game which is why most offensive and defensive coordinators choose to view the game from the press box.

The camera placement choices designed to really show off the 3D effect also made the game very difficult to watch and enjoy, which is the whole point of televised sports in the first place. The cameras were so close to the field that often times, the end result of the play was not in one's field of view. Many times, the quarterback would drop back to pass and throw and you would not see whether the pass was completed, dropped or intercepted and would instead have to watch a reply from another angle to see what happened.

This was due to a couple of factors, the narrow field of vision of the cameras as well as the fact that the camera could not see through the players standing on the sidelines when the camera operator would pan to follow the play. The shots taken from above the action during a normal broadcast simply did not have the depth of the lower shots so I can see why they wanted to use the lower shots.

The more traditional press box shot at the 50 yard line looked barely 3D and lacked much in the way of the wow factor that the lower shots conveyed. However, the decision to do so really made the game a chore to watch. I couldn't help but think while watching the game that I would have been much better off watching the game on a large flat panel screen.

Before 3D technology is used on a regular basis for televised sports, especially football, there are quite a few bugs that need to be worked out. The placement of cameras is issue number one for me. Another issue is the use of the polarized glasses. If you are like me and already wear glasses, putting another set of glasses over them to watch an event is a real pain. If you don't wear glasses already, donning a pain to watch TV is a pain as well. For a special event or movie at the theater it is OK but to have to use the 3D glasses at home to watch TV just seems like a hard sell to me.
Another issue that needs to be worked out dovetails into the issue of camera placement is the effect that quick camera panning has on the 3D image. Each time the camera had to make a quick pan or movement to follow the action, the image on screen would jump and move around in a circle to the point that you though there was something wrong with your eyes. Until this issue is resolved either through improvements to the technology itself or through better camera placement, it seems to me that the use of 3D technology for fast paced sports is problematic at best and best left to movies.
As for the Panasonic event, a recorded segment featuring movie trailers and sports was shown on Panasonic's 103-inch plasma sets in a rather small room. All in all, this was a much better experience due to the fact that there was no camera placement or motion issues as the content was carefully selected to show off the benefits of 3D.
While those benefits were obvious to every viewer, the wearing of glasses for the effect was still bothersome and frankly a bit fatiguing. Even though the demonstration lasted about 10 minutes, I found the whole experience to be fatiguing resulting in a good bit of eye strain. While the 3D effect is impressive, I can't see at this stage in the technology, 3D having much of a future in the home environment. Until the issues described above are worked out, I see 3D HD's immediate future (i.e. the next 5 years of so) limited to special events at a local theater rather that at home, or at least, the homes of all but the most wealthiest of Americans.


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Verizon Urges No Delay For Digital TV
But AT&T says it should be delayed 90 days.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2009) -- Verizon today urged Congress to keep the current Digital TV transition date despite calls from President-elect Barack Obama to push it back.

That's according to the Dow Jones news service.

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.

Verizon Communications Chairman Ivan Seidenberg today sent a letter to Congress contending a delay would further confuse consumers.
"Not only is it unclear that a delay will ensure a smoother transition, but it is likely a delay would undermine the DTV transition by causing significant disruption and consumer confusion," the executive stated, according to Dow Jones.

Verizon is the first major TV provider to publicly oppose Obama's call for a delay. AT&T's u-Verse service on Monday released a letter to congressional leaders calling for a 90-day delay in the transition, according to Multichannel News.

"From AT&T's perspective, a smooth transition from analog broadcast transmission to digital is in the public interest and will ultimately inure to the benefit of all Americans," AT&T senior executive vice president James Cicconi stated.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, is working on draft legislation for a 90-day delay, Multichannel News writes, and the legislation could be passed as early as this week.

President-elect Obama, several key congressional lawmakers and two former FCC chairmen have called for a delay, noting that the federal government has run out of funds for converter box coupons. The delay proponents also say millions of consumers are still confused by the transition process and will likely lose their TV signals if the transition is not pushed back.

Obama's interjection into the controversy has generated a mixed response, however, with some technology officials and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin saying that the transition should not be delayed.

Most TV providers, such as DIRECTV and Comcast, have yet to publicly take a stand on the delay.


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Swanni's 'Best Of CES' Awards!
The show may be over, but the memories are just beginning.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2009) -- Right about now, thousands of people who attended this week's Consumer Electronics Show are dragging their sorry butts to the McCarran International Airport In Las Vegas for the long journey back home.

Yes, the show is finally over -- and I think I speak for everyone when I say:

Thank God!

But before we put the lid on the 2009 CES, I want to issue my 'Best of Show' awards.

No, the Swanni 'Best Of Show' awards is nothing like the 'Best of Show' awards that organizations like CNET issue every year; CNET's 'Best Of" awards are for the best new tech products that will never succeed in the marketplace. (Really, CNET, just once, couldn't you pick a 'Best Of Show' product that consumers actually wanted?)

The Swanni 'Best Of Show' awards honors CES special performances and dubious achievements perhaps unseen by some attendees. So, without further adieu, let's get to the first award!


Best Mike 'Brownnie' Brown Impression
Goes to...FCC Chairman Kevin Martin!

The FCC chief is arguably more responsible for the disaster known as the Digital TV transition than any other single person. For the past year, while the transition program exhibited serious flaws, Martin chose to spend his time on countless anti-cable TV initiatives, most of which were wisely ignored by his fellow commissioners.

And then on Saturday at CES, Martin went politically tone deaf, saying next month's switchover date of February 17, 2009 should not be changed despite a growing chorus (including President-elect Obama) saying it should.

It's just a matter of time before Obama removes Martin as FCC chief. Perhaps before he does, he can tell him that he's done a heckuva job.

Best Example of Not Understanding the TV Audience
Goes to...Yahoo!

At CES, Yahoo! unveiled several deals with TV makers to install their Internet widgets on their screens. The widgets, which will be positioned at the bottom of the screen, will allow viewers to click on them and access related information via the Net.

But here's the problem, Yahoo!

Viewers don't want more clutter on their TV screen; they want less. People are already complaining about network logos and sports scoreboards in the corner of their screens during games. Do you think they will invite even more graphics to obscure their sensational looking high-def picture?

Answer: No!

Yahoo! needs! to! get! back! to! what! it! does! best! -- whatever that is these days!


Best Wishful Thinking of the Week
Goes to...Panasonic!

Several TV makers this week proudly displayed new sets that can display 3-D images. But perhaps no TV maker was more bullish on the technology than Panasonic which even had a motto for it: "You've stepped up to HD, now step into 3D."

If Panasonic doesn't watch out, they're going to step in it all right. While 3-D has some potential in movie theaters, home viewers have not shown much enthusiasm for donning special goggles while sitting around the old living room. They also are not likely to pay more money for TVs that offer 3-D features.

Now I know that's what Panasonic (and other TV makers are) hoping for -- that people will be enticed to spend more money for televisions. But it's just wishful thinking, guys.

One day -- oh, I trust, one day -- the industry will finally understand that Americans want their television experience to be relaxing, simple and convenient; not interactive, complicated and costly.

Best Chutzpah Display of the Week
Goes to...Enderle Group analyst Rob Enderle!

In a CES interview this week with the Times of London, Enderle blasted the Blu-ray high-def disc format, saying he's not convinced that it will ever go mainstream. What Enderle conveniently neglected to tell the newspaper is that he predicted that HD DVD would defeat Blu-ray in the high-def format war, making him a less than reliable forecaster on the subject.

"I’ve just recently written a number of columns pointing to the fact that HD-DVD sales appear to have a significant lead in the market and calling HD-DVD the winner," Enderle exclaimed in October 2006 at the web site, Technology Pundits.


Best Waste of Everyone's Time
Goes to...Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer!

Once again, a top Microsoft executive (this time CEO Steve Ballmer; in previous years, it was Chairman Bill Gates) droned on and on in the pre-show keynote speech about how all screens (PCs, TVs, etc.) will converge as one. Microsoft officials have been giving this speech now for 15 years and convergence hasn't happened yet; few people are watching primetime TV shows on their handhelds and PCs or doing their PC tasks on TVs. But, for some reason (hmmm, money talks perhaps?), CES officials keep invited Microsoft back to bore everyone silly with this nonsense.

Best Waste of Technology
Goes to...OLED and LCD Makers

Okay, we have flat-panel LCD and Plasma sets that measure less than four inches deep. And many of us have mounted those sets on the wall. But some TV makers aren't satisfied; at CES, they introduced new OLED and LCD sets that measure less than one inch thick.

But why? Will it really look better on the wall if it measures less than one thin thick instead of three inches? If it's mounted on the wall, you probably won't even be able to tell the difference.

Dear God, some tech officials just have too much time on their hands.

Best Howard Hughes Impression
Goes to...DIRECTV!

For the second straight year, DIRECTV chose to effectively ignore CES -- no press conference; no major HD announcements; nothing. What are they trying to tell us about the conference?

Best Use of Irony In CES TV Show Title
Goes to...Jeopardy!

With attendees walking the halls muttering about this year's economic doldrums, Sony was broadcasting an actual TV show on the floor that carried an apt title for the times: Jeopardy!



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Shoplifters: Blu-ray Is a Winner
The high-cost of the high-def disc is attracting the criminal element.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2009) -- Either Blu-ray discs cost too much money or the high-def movie is becoming a hot item.

Why?

Police officials in several cities are now reporting that the Blu-ray disc has become one of the top items on the shopping list of thieves.

*The Southtown Star in Illinois reports that thieves recently took $778 worth of Blu-ray discs at a neighborhood Wal-Mart.
* A Lexington, North Carolina couple this month was arrested for trying to steal 21 Blu-ray movies.
* A ring of robbers recently swiped $900 worth of Blu-ray movies at a HMV store in Cambridge, Ontario.
* And the cops in Albuquerque, New Mexico say stealing Blu-ray discs has become one of the fastest growing shoplifting activities in the city.

The problem is getting so bad in Albuquerque that the police department says it's had to begin working with the loss prevention divisions at area stores that sell Blu-ray discs to prevent their theft, particularly by shoplifters.

The APD says it's arrested several Blu-ray shoplifters in the last month, according to KOAT.com, the web site for the city's ABC affiliate.

Many high-def enthusiasts often complain that the Blu-ray disc, which is often priced at $10-15 more than the DVD edition, is too costly. And apparently thieves are taking advantage of that sentiment by selling the discs for less than the retail price on the black market.

So long as people continue to believe that Blu-ray discs are too expensive, it appears that the criminal element will continue to steal them.

KOAT reports that one Albuquerque thief was a homeless man who admitted to taking more than a dozen Blu-ray discs because "he wanted money to eat."

But he's not the only homeless person with a preference for Blu-ray. The Kitsap (Wash.) Sun reports that a 19-year-old homeless man was arrested last week after he stole box sets of Blu-ray discs and then tried to sell them back to the store using an acquaintance.

"We have had to be a little more cautious with our (Blu-ray) product," admits Tommy Wong of Noble Collectibles, a New Mexico store that sells the high-def disc.


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News Analysis
Digital TV: Mr. Obama, You're a Little Late!
The President-elect should have spoken out on the Digital TV transition problem months ago.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2009) -- President-elect Barack Obama this week has joined the growing chorus of people who have concluded that the nation is not ready for next month's Digital TV transition.

In a letter to key lawmakers urging that the February 17 switch to digital be delayed, Obama's transition chief cited a litany of issues including the fact that federal funds for digital converter coupons have run out.

While Obama's transition team is correct to point out that the transition could force millions of people to lose their TV signals, the President-elect is woefully late to address this problem. By calling for a delay now, Obama is like the captain of the Titanic calling for his deck commander to make a left turn before hitting the iceberg.

But Mr. President-elect, where were you last year when some of these problems started to surface? Why didn't you speak out then when it could have had an impact on how government and industry officials handled the transition process?

Yes, I know you were busy, but don't tell me this issue wasn't important enough to address. It seems to be important enough now to call for a delay.

And don't tell me that you weren't aware of the problem -- because below is a commentary I wrote last June urging you to get involved:
Obama Is Fuzzy On Digital TV Switch
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee apparently has no clue that the transition is in trouble.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (June 17, 2008) -- Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, was asked this week by Broadcasting and Cable Magazine for his views on the nation's switch to Digital TV, scheduled on February 17, 2009.

His response: Nothing.

Well, okay, not literally nothing, but it might as well have been.

In an e-mail response to B&C, Obama jotted down the usual spin about the importance of educating consumers -- and ensuring that the neediest people get those $40 federal coupons that can be used to buy digital converter boxes.

(On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.)

"I am committed to working with the Senate and House Commerce Committees and the appropriate agencies to ensure that this transition happens without significant disruption and inconvenience," wrote Obama, or more likely, some Obama staffer.


Obama: Spin, but no substance, on Digital TV.

But in recent weeks, countless studies and numerous witnesses before congressional committees have testified that the transition is on wobbly ground. For instance:

* The government says it may run out money to mail converter box coupons to consumers who want them -- and it says it has no plans to request more money for that effort;
* Hundreds of thousands of converter coupons are scheduled to expire soon -- and the government currently has no plan to allow consumers to reapply for them;
* Consumers are having trouble finding the converters in stores with retailers adding that they have no idea when more converters will be available;
* Millions of consumers say they have no plans to prepare for the switch;
* Millions more who don't need to do anything for the switch are planning to get converter boxes anyway, leaving fewer available for those who do need them;
* Millions of homes may lose some local stations even if they get converter boxes, which will likely cause widespread anger and confusion.

And so on...and so on...

But in Obama's comments, the senator offers no indication that the Digital TV switch could become the technological equivalent of Katrina -- with millions of people losing their TV signals overnight. He also expresses no indication that the transition is even in trouble, despite the piling evidence.

The transition is now just seven months away, but the Illinois senator seems like he isn't even paying attention.

"The transition will continue to require public-private cooperation and targeted outreach to seniors and lower-income communities. We have made coupons available for converter boxes, and we need to ensure that the neediest individuals are receiving them," Obama stated.

Blah, blah, blah.

Before you accuse me of political bias, let me say that Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, is no better. The Arizona senator has issued the same robotic responses to questions about the transition, suggesting that consumer education is needed and the government must work with the private sector. (President Bush has also all but ignored the problem; the National Association of Broadcasters has even publicly urged the president to get more involved.)

But everyone knows that. What we don't know is what our so-called leaders are going to do about ensuring that this sinking ship is righted before it's too late. The transition is scheduled for February 17, 2009 -- less than one month after the next president takes office.

Whoever that might be, he better wake up and start paying attention to what could be the first major disaster in his administration.


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Dish Network Adds Sling to HD DVR
But the satcaster is mum on high-def plans.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2009) -- Dish Network yesterday unveiled the first HD DVR that's pre-loaded with SlingBox place-shifting features.

The set-top, model ViP 922, will permit viewers to send their programming from their homes to computers, smart phones and other devices.

"You can watch that same TV on your cell phone. You can watch that same TV on your personal player, and you can watch TV on a wireless basis. It’s a pretty incredible technology for somebody who wants to watch TV in someplace other than their living room. And most people do. It’s something that I want personally, because I travel a lot," Dish Network CEO Charlie Ergen said yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show, according to Multichannel News.

However, at this time, the Sling-equipped HD DVR, which will be leased to subscribers for $199, will not display high-def programming on the remote devices. Ergen said Sling's technology will change the resolution of the picture to fit the new device.

The satcaster also did not reveal any new High-Definition plans yesterday despite its failure to reach its 2008 goal of providing 150 HD channels. (Dish has more than 100 HD channels, but is far short of the 150 mark.)

SatelliteGuys.us has reported that Dish has named 14 HD channels it plans to add this year, but the satcaster did not reveal when the channels would be added.

Dish, which owns Sling Media, the maker of the SlingBox, said it hopes to sell the place-shifting HD DVR to cable operators.



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Consumer Union Urges Digital TV Delay
The group says the nation is not ready for next month's transition.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2009) -- The Consumer Union, a non-profit advocacy group, is urging the federal government to postpone next month's Digital TV transition, saying the nation is not ready.

On February 17, 2009, full-powered local TV stations will switch their signals from analog to digital, meaning viewers will need to get a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV service to keep watching television.

However, the Consumers Union, which also publishes the magazine Consumer Reports, yesterday issued letters to President Bush, President-elect Barack Obama and key congressional lawmakers calling for the transition date to be pushed back.

The organization noted that the government has run out of funds for converter boxes which many low-income residents are expected to need to continue watching TV when the transition occurs.

By law, every American is eligible to receive two $40 coupons for converter boxes, but federal officials this week said they are out of funds and will have to start putting people on a waiting list. Without the coupons, consumers would have to purchase the converters with 100 percent of their own money; converters cost between $40 and $75.

The Consumer Union also cited other problems with the transition, but the converter issue is paramount, the group said.
“Millions of consumers could now be forced to spend their own money to navigate this federally mandated transition,” the group said in its letter. “This economic climate is not the right time to ask consumers to dig deeper into their own pockets to pay for the miscalculation by the federal government.”


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DIRECTV & Comcast Battle Over Sports Fees
The satcaster says the cable operator is asking for too much money.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2009) -- DIRECTV says it will file for arbitration over Comcast's rate increases for two sports networks in New England and San Francisco.

That's according to an article by Reuters.

The two sports networks are Comcast SportsNet New England and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and the dispute is over both their standard-def and high-def channels.

DIRECTV says Comcast, which owns both networks, is asking for too much money to carry them and that it plans to seek arbitration to reduce those fees. Reuters reports that executives at both companies say the channels will likely remain on the air during the arbitration process.
"We continue to negotiate in good faith and have put a fair offer on the table that reflects the growing value of our networks, the investments we have made in them, and is reasonable based on market trends," said a Comcast spokesman, according to Reuters.

The arbitration is permitted under a Federal Communication Commission rule adopted when the agency approved Comcast and Time Warner's purchased of the Adelphia cable systems.


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Study: Blu-ray Will Rescue Disc Sales
DVD revenues fell eight percent in 2008.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2009) -- Standard-def DVD sales fell eight percent in 2008, but a new SNL Kagan report says the Blu-ray high-def disc will soon rescue the industry.

That's according to an article by Reuters.

Kagan said the growth of Blu-ray will eventually make up for losses in the standard-def category. Trade group DEG (Digital Entertainment Group) said yesterday that roughly 10 million U.S. homes now have Blu-ray players, including the PlayStation 3, which has a Blu-ray player inside.

The group also said that three million of the Blu-ray players were sold in the fourth quarter when prices fell.

"We expect a resurgence ... over the next couple of years, thanks to high-definition," Kagan says in its report, according to Reuters. "Retail revenue should start to grow again in 2010. Sales should start a short period of growth as high-definition player prices drop below $200 in 2011 and Blu-ray really begins to penetrate the mass market."

Blu-ray players were actually available for under $200 in some stores this year. And Vizio announced yesterday that it will introduce a $199 Blu-ray player in April.

Kagan said Blu-ray sales represented less than three percent of home video revenue in 2008. But the research firm projects that it will grow to around 19 percent by 2011.

The Digital Entertainment Group, which includes movie studios, DVD sales fell two percent in 2007.


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Disney to Include DVD With Blu-ray Movie
The 'combo pack' will be available this year.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 7, 2009) -- Disney announced today that it will include a standard-def DVD with Blu-ray releases from February to October of this year.

The studio seems to be targeting a niche audience that would prefer to have both formats available for maximum viewing flexibility. (While a standard-def DVD will play in a Blu-ray player, a Blu-ray disc will not play in a standard-def DVD player.)

The 'combo pack,' as Disney is calling it, will include such big releases as High School Musical 3: Senior Year (February 17), Walt Disney’s animated classic Pinocchio: 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition (March 10) and other releases leading up to the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Platinum Edition in October 2008.
“These unique Combo Packs provide the opportunity for consumers around the world to take advantage of the quality of Blu-ray with the portability of a DVD disc in a single package,” stated Bob Chapek, President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. “As always, we are committed to offering our consumers exceptional quality and value when purchasing our products.”

Disney first included a standard-def DVD in the Blu-ray edition of Sleeping Beauty’s 50th Anniversary Platinum Edition in 2008 in October.

Disney also announced today that it will offer more than 30 new Blu-ray releases this year including Lost: The Complete First and Second Seasons (ABC); Sin City (Miramax); Miracle (Walt Disney Pictures); Sling Blade (Miramax); and Pulp Fiction Special Edition (Miramax).


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Vizio to Unveil $199 Blu-ray Player
It will be the first Blu-ray product from the TV maker.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 7, 2009) -- Vizio said today that it's introducing a $199 Blu-ray player designed to attract the mass audience.

The player, model VBR100, will be on exhibit this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It will be the first Blu-ray player from Vizio, a Southern California-based company best known for manufacturing low-cost flat-screen HDTVs.

At $199, the Vizio Blu-ray player will be less expensive than most Blu-ray players, although some are available for under $200 at select retail stores. The company said the $199 player will be available at retail in April.

When it's released, it could give the Blu-ray industry a major boost. Vizio's low-cost HDTVs have become hugely popular with consumers with the company occasionally leading in overall LCD sales in North America.

In a press release, Vizio said the player would be equipped with a 108MHz/11-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) as well as provide built-in audio decoding for uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and multi-channel PCM.

The company did not state whether the player will be compatible with Blu-ray's latest interactive features, known as BD-Live.


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California May Ban Some HDTVs
State regulators say some flat-screen sets take up too much energy.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2009) -- California is considering new rules that would require retailers to sell only the most energy-efficient High-Definition TVs, according to an article by The Los Angeles Times.

The rules, which are being drafted by the California Energy Commission, would go into effect in 2011. The Times reports that the CE industry is opposing the rules, saying it would lead to higher prices and fewer sets on shelves.

But California officials say the standards would reduce the state's annual energy needs by an amount comparable to the power used by 86,400 homes.

Environmentalists have complained for years that new flat-screen Plasma and LCD sets consume more energy than the traditional tube set; some say the figure could be as high as 43 percent more.

But until now, the issue has stayed out of the political arena in the United States, although officials in the United Kingdom have threatened to impose sanctions on Plasma sets.

However, with more U.S. government officials endorsing the 'green' movement, which seeks to reduce energy costs, it was a matter of time before a flat-screen's energy consumption became an issue here.

(Swanni predicted a year ago that this would soon be an issue in the U.S. Click here to see his prediction.)

California officials estimate that TVs in the state represent about 10 percent of the average monthly household electricity bill, according to the Times.

The newspaper writes that the regulations, if passed, would be phased in over two years.

"The passion is correct. The proposal is not," Doug Johnson, senior director of technology at the Consumer Electronics Association, told the Times. "We can accomplish this without regulation as a result of innovation and voluntary approaches."


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Study: Blu-ray Player Sales Beat 2008 Estimates
But disc sales fell short of expectations.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2009) -- Adams Media Research said yesterday that it was raising its year-end estimate of U.S. homes with standalone Blu-ray players from 2.9 million to 3.1 million.

The research firm said that fourth quarter sales, fueled by lower prices, went better than expected. Several retailers were offering Blu-ray players for under $200 during the holiday season.

"On the hardware front, things went exceedingly well," Tom Adams, Adams' president, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Adams Media Research did not include PlayStation 3 homes in its estimate of U.S. Blu-ray homes. But the NPD Group reported in November that 6.1 million PS3s, which have Blu-ray players inside, had been sold in the U.S. since launch.

If the two research firms are correct, that would mean that Blu-ray U.S. home penetration is now around 10 million.

However, despite the rise in player sales, Adams notes that Blu-ray discs did not sell as well as expected. The company had estimated that 30 million Blu-ray discs would be sold in 2008, but Tom Adams told the Hollywood Reporter that the final number would likely only be in "the mid 20's."

He blamed the disappointing disc sales in part on a late rise in player sales. However, many analysts have noted that consumers are reluctant to purchase Blu-ray discs because they cost more than their standard-def companions.


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Netflix & LG to Offer Net Movies Without Box
But there's no word if high-def movies will be included.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2009) -- Netflix and LG Electronics says they will introduce High-Definition televisions that can display Netflix movies from the Internet without a set-top.

That's according to an article by Reuters.

The two companies now team for a Blu-ray player that stream Netflix TV shows and movies from the Net directly to the TV. However, Netflix officials acknowledge that many consumers are reluctant to install another set-top in the living room.

(Some viewers) "do not like to be encumbered with a rack of boxes around the TV," Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey said, according to Reuters.

There was no word today on when the new sets would be available at retail -- or whether they would display both HD and standard-def programs. Netflix did say that four models will be sold, ranging from a 42-inch LCD to a 60-inch Plasma, and that they would cost slightly more than sets of similar size.

Netflix now offers a limited number of high-def programs in its streaming partnerships with LG and Microsoft's XBox.

Netflix says the high-def LG sets will be on exhibit at this week's Consumer Electronics Show. The company adds that it's working on similar partnerships with other companies.

"The goal for Netflix is to be ubiquitous ... (on) whatever device connects Internet to the TV," Swasey told Reuters.



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News
Is Blu-ray For Guys Only?
New study shows that males are much more likely to buy discs.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2009) -- More than seven in 10 buyers of Blu-ray discs are male, according to a NPD Group study, as reported by Video Business.

The research firm notes that standard-def DVD sales are usually evenly split between males and females. But Blu-ray discs are tending to attract a heavily male audience, which could be a problem for the industry if the trend continues.

However, Russ Crupnick, NPD's entertainment analyst, tells Video Business that more women will likely embrace Blu-ray as player and disc prices fall.

“If we looked at this a year ago, it was 80/20 (male to female)," said Crupnick. “I’ll be curious if this will continue to change with all of the price reductions and post-holiday sales.”

Video Business reports that the NPD study also found that Blu-ray disc buyers are generally between the age of 25 and 34, an indication that the Sony PlayStation 3 is an important driver of the format's sales. (The PS3 has a Blu-ray player inside.)

In a related finding, the NPD said most Blu-ray buyers are spending between $20 and $30 for an individual disc, about $10 more than what they would pay for a standard-def DVD. Until Blu-ray prices fall, consumers may continue to opt to buy the SD edition of a new release, Crupnick said.
“We know that Blu-ray customers are still overwhelmingly selecting DVD when given the choice,” said Crupnick. “People will go and buy The Dark Knight on Blu-ray. But for whatever other movie, they think they can just get it on DVD for less. I don’t think people are saying that they necessarily have to have a Blu-ray price that is the same as DVD. But the premium is a bit too steep right now for them.”


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HDTV at CES: 10 Big Questions
The annual CE confab kicks off on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2009) -- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will give the pre-show keynote address Wednesday night kicking off the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Although Ballmer will likely focus on new PC-based technologies, many attendees during the week will be watching for major developments impacting the High-Definition TV industry.

In the last several years, high-def has dominated the annual gadget fest and this year is expected to be no different. (Thursday's keynote from Sony chief Howard Stringer should serve up more substance for the high-def enthusiast.)


So, as you make your way to the City of Lost Wages, here are 10 big HDTV questions that could be answered during the conference.

1. Will Dish Network Explain Its HDTV Shortage?
Dish Network said last July that it would offer 150 HD channels by the end of 2008. However, by year's end, the satcaster was over 100 HD channels, but far short of the 150 HD mark. Dish has a press briefing scheduled on Thursday? Will company CEO Charlie Ergen explain what happened to the missing high-def channels and/or reveal new HD channel launches for 2009?

2. Will the High-Def DVD Recorder Be Unveiled?
Companies have been selling high-def DVD recorders in Japan for several years, but have been shy about plans to introduce them elsewhere. Maybe this year at CES we will get some hint as to when they will be available here.

3. Will Larger-Screen OLED HDTVs Be Introduced?
At last year's CES, Sony introduced the first OLED TV, an 11-inch prototype, which later went on sale for a whopping $2,499. (The set, which is based on the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, is just one-eight of an inch thick, compared to today's Plasma and LCD flat-screen sets which measure up to four inches thick.) Samsung also displayed a 31-inch OLED at CES, but it's not been available for sale.

So, will TV makers this year finally offer larger-screen -- and affordable -- OLED sets?

4. Will Blu-ray Makers Offer Lower Prices?
Blu-ray player prices dropped dramatically in 2008, with some available for under $200 during the holiday season. However, some analysts say prices need to fall even more to generate mass sales. So, will a Blu-ray manufacturer step up this year and announce plans for a $149 Blu-ray player? A $99 Blu-ray player? And, will a studio or two commit to lower prices for Blu-ray movies?

5. Will Sony Cut PlayStation 3 Prices?
Sony's PlayStation 3 video game console, which includes a Blu-ray player inside, has lagged in sales behind Microsoft's XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii. Some have urged Sony to drop its entry-level price from $399 to $349 or lower to stimulate sales, but the company denies a price cut is planned. However, CES could produce a surprise here. If so, it would further stimulate interest in Blu-ray.

6. Will Net TV Devices Improve HD Service?
Netflix, TiVo, Microsoft's XBox and Apple's Apple TV all offer high-def downloads over Net TV devices. However, the video quality and download speed still leaves much to be desired. Will CES 2009 be the year that digital downloads gets a technological breakthrough?

7. Will CE Companies Reach a 3-D Consensus?
On Thursday at CES, Fox will sponsor a 3-D HDTV broadcast of the BCS college football championship between Florida and Oklahoma. However, despite growing interest in 3-D movies in theaters, home viewing has been slowed by battles over standards and specs. Perhaps the Fox broadcast will serve as a forum for industry companies to announce a common standard for the delivery of 3-D video in the home.

8. Will DIRECTV Make HDTV News?
Unlike rival Dish Network, DIRECTV currently does not have a press briefing scheduled at CES. However, the nation's top satcaster could use the conference as a forum to announce new channel launches for 2009.

9. Will TiVo Make a Splash?
In previous years at CES, many attendees awaited eagerly for TiVo's latest innovation to be announced, or perhaps, news of a merger with another company. However, TiVo has been relatively quiet in recent months, except for occasional press statements regarding its ongoing patent battle with Dish Network. Perhaps TiVo has been saving up something good for CES 2009.

10. Will More HDTVs Come With Blu-ray Player Inside?
Sharp last year introduced a 52-inch High-Definition set that comes with a Blu-ray player inside. Will more TV makers (who happen to be Blu-ray manufacturers as well) introduce combo HDTV/Blu-ray players as a way to boost the Blu-ray business?


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Swanni: 5 More Predictions for HDTV!
Say goodbye to Friday Night Lights on DIRECTV.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 1, 2009) -- Well, the New Year is here and I've already made nine predictions for High-Definition in 2009, including $99 Blu-ray players and an end to Internet TV services Vudu and Apple TV and retailer Circuit City.

I also predicted that the Digital TV transition will create a ratings hardship for local TV stations with many viewers deciding not to participate in the switch due to its confusing nature.

So, do I have any more predictions for 2009?

Yes!

My crystal ball is still clear as a bell. So let's start the year with 5 more fearless forecasts for HDTV.

1. DIRECTV Cuts Back On Original Programming
The satcaster this year helped financed the third season of NBC's Friday Night Lights as part of a new effort to offer original programming on the dish. (For its investment, DIRECTV was permitted to show the third season in its entirety before it aired on NBC; the network will begin broadcasting the third season later this month.)

While an episode of FNL reportedly was viewed by roughly 700,000 DIRECTV viewers each week, I predict that the satcaster will not renew its partnership with NBC for a fourth season. In addition, DIRECTV will put the breaks on plans for other original programming partnerships.

Why?

The recession. Like everyone else, DIRECTV needs to tighten the belt and original programming is a luxury that it simply can't afford at this time.

2. The Digital TV Transition Will Be a Disaster
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local TV stations will switch from analog to digital signals, meaning viewers will need a Digital TV, a converter box or a pay TV service to keep watching television. However, all signs point to a looming disaster when the transition occurs. The government is not ready; millions of viewers aren't ready; and many local stations aren't ready.

I predict that millions of Americans will either choose to stop watching TV entirely or will be unable to watch because of various technical complications with the converter boxes. This will cause many people to complain to their local congressmen, local stations, local media, local everyone.

Voter anger (and media hysteria) will be so intense that Congress will be forced to revisit the transition and try to find a quick fix. But there aren't any quick fixes, which means 2009 will be a terrible year for everyone involved. This transition was poorly conceived and even more poorly executed by the government and the industry. Now, they will have to pay the price for their mistakes.

3. Pay TV Providers Will Gain More Subs
However, some viewers who now get their local signals via off-air antennas will sign up with their local cable operator or a telco or satellite service shortly before the Digital TV transition or shortly thereafter. They will be desperate for a simple way to keep watching TV.

4. Small-Screen Digital TV Sales Will Rise In First Quarter
Likewise, many consumers who are fearful of losing their TV signals will run to their neighborhood store in search of a cheap digital set, preferably one under $500. Consequently, you'll see a significant rise in the sale of 32-inch and even 27-inch Digital TV/HDTVs in the first quarter of the year.

5. DIRECTV and Dish Network Will Merge
Okay, everyone says it can't happen because federal regulators would never approve it. (The FCC rejected a DIRECTV-Dish merger in 2002) But I say it has to happen. Dish Network is losing subs, folks, so it has to do something dramatic -- and soon -- to stay competitive.

While I wouldn't compare Dish to Detroit, the satcaster is in need of a bailout, but not from the feds. Dish needs a partner or a buyer and DIRECTV is the obvious choice. The feds would be irresponsible to reject a satellite merger in this economic environment.


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Dish Adds Dark Knight In 1080p
The movie is available for $6.99.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (December 31, 2008) -- Dish Network announced today that it has added The Dark Knight to its selection of Pay-Per-View movies available in 1080p video.

The satcaster said the 1080p version of the film will be available for $6.99 per viewing.

Dish Network last August began offering PPV movies in 1080p high-def video -- the same resolution it says is found on the Blu-ray high-def disc. Dish premiered the format with the showing of I Am Legend on HD PPV.


Is he in 1080p on Dish?

However, some high-def experts have disputed whether the video is truly 1080p.

"But are they Blu-ray quality?," the New York Times asked of the Dish movies in an article last August. "Resolution is not the only factor that determines picture quality. Another is bit rate, the number of bits per second that are being transmitted down the pipe to consumers...Bit rate is a subject that the cable and satellite providers never discuss, but anyone who watches the various services can see that some channels are considerably softer looking than others."

The Times quoted well-known TV engineer Pete Putman as saying that CBS now offers the high bit rate over the air with 17 megabits per second for its high-def programs; and that's for 1080i, not 1080p. But Putman says he believes Dish transmits high-def programming at around 6-8 megabits per seconds.

Consequently, Putnam is dubious that the satcasters have the bandwidth to increase their bit rate to offer true 1080p video.


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