News Feature
The HDTV Rumor Watch
Gossip is flying about new channel launches.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (August 22, 2006) --  Editor's Note: 'The HDTV Rumor Watch' is a new department at TVPredictions.com. The occasional feature will include the latest gossip about High-Definition channel launches and related news.

Rumor #1
EchoStar and DIRECTV will soon add INHD, the high-def network now available on most cable systems. The AVS Forum's message board is hot with posts saying EchoStar has been testing the channel in preparation for a launch.
The Truth: Both satcasters could add the channel before year's end. EchoStar has been rapidly expanding its HD lineup and DIRECTV recently dropped a FCC complaint against INHD, charging it was asking for an higher-than-normal programming fee. DIRECTV did not offer a reason for dismissing the complaint, but it could signal an upcoming carriage deal.

Rumor #2
Comcast will add the NFL Network's HD channel. The network will show eight regular season games this year in high-def.
The Truth: It's not likely that Comcast will add the 24-hour version of NFL HD. It's more likely that the cable operator will preempt INHD when the regular season games are played so it can broadcast them in high-def in that space.

Rumor #3
C-SPAN, the cable channel that covers Congress, will soon launch a High Definition channel.
The Truth: It could happen. The channel has been using high-def cameras in documentaries. But I don't have anything specific at this time to support the rumor.


Rumor #4
The Oprah Winfrey Show will go high-def by year's end.
The Truth: I don't think Ms. Winfrey will be ready this year. But look for her show to go HD in 2007.

Rumor #5
Comcast will add several HDTV channels in the next few months.
The Truth: Quite possible. The cable operator has been dumping some digital channels to make room for new channels and services.

Have a HDTV rumor? Send it to:
swann@tvpredictions.com

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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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