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Commentary
HDTV: 10 Things That Don't Make Sense
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (March 17, 2010) -- During the course of a day, I read dozens of news articles about High-Definition TV. But the articles often leave me asking more questions than answering them.

It's not the fault of the writers (well, not always). Usually, it's the TV executives who are quoted in the stories. They purposely leave things vague or sometimes tell outright falsehoods in an attempt to fool the public.

Companies love to create certain perceptions, even if they defy common sense and truth.

So, as a public service, I thought I would comment on 10 things in HDTV that recently hit me as simply not making sense. If you can make sense out of them, please let me know via email or at my Twitter page.
1. DIRECTV & HD
 If DIRECTV is going to add a lot of HD networks (such as AMC, WGN, etc.) when its new satellite is operational this spring, why doesn't it say so? Some DIRECTV apologists say the satcaster doesn't want to reveal it will add channels now because something could still happen to the satellite before it's ready.

However, DIRECTV has no problem saying now that it will use the new satellite to add three 3-D channels in June -- and expand its PPV lineup to 400 titles. Why can it say that but not say which HD channels it will add?

2. TiVo
If TiVo is such a strong brand -- as many media and Wall Street types say -- why has it lost almost half of its DVR subscriber base in less than three years?

3. Comcast & Xfinity
Comcast says its new Xfinity service will provide 'more HD,' so why can't it add it now? The service has been rolled out in several cities, but the high-def lineups there have barely changed.
Read more below.

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4. Research Firms & 3-D
Some research firms are saying that 3-D TVs will be in a majority of homes in the next 4 or 5 years. But the firms don't say how people will pay for them. Just about every study suggests that our economy will continue to be sluggish for years to come.

5. Satellite TV & 1080p
DIRECTV and Dish Network say their 1080p PPV movies offer the same picture quality as Blu-ray. So why do their 1080p movies look the same as their 1080i movies? (Trust me, I can't detect a slightest difference, although they cost an extra $1 to watch.)

6. Panasonic & 3-D
Panasonic said today that it sold out its 3-D TV supply in U.S. retail stores in the first week. The company said that was a major accomplishment. Well, if it is, why can't Panasonic say how many sets were sold?

7. Comcast & Smaller Markets
Comcast runs national TV commercials saying it has more HD than satellite. But how can it say that when many of its systems across the country have less than 40 HD channels, which is not even half the amount offered by DIRECTV and Dish Network.
8. Networks & HD Quality
The networks keep bragging that their high-def programs offer the clearest and sharpest picture possible. So why do they do everything possible to fuzzy up the picture to make certain performers look younger and less wrinkled in high-def? If picture quality is so important, why are they purposely trying to ruin it?

9. Sony & HDTV
Sony still likes to say it has the best TV brand on the market. Well, if so, why do more consumers now buy Samsung and Vizio TVs than Sony TVs?

10. The Internet vs. the TV
Some tech writers and analysts like to say that the Internet will soon surpass cable and satellite as the leading distributor of TV programming. Well, if that's so, why are TV sales continuing to rise in a poor economy.
Also see:
 Consumer Reports: 'Best Buys' For HDTVs

Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.

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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.

 Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology. 

 
 
 
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