Swanni's 10 Best Shows in HDTV!

News Feature
Swanni's 10 Best Shows in HDTV!
They not only look good, they will hold your interest.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2006) -- People who have just purchased a HDTV often ask me which high-def programs they should watch. So, I have picked Swanni's 10 Best Shows in HDTV!

I have chosen each program for its high-def production values and its overall content. (All times eastern.)

1. Lost (ABC, Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET)
The castaway drama has an narcotic effect on its audience, causing many viewers to re-watch each episode several times to look for story clues. And in high-def, the Hawaiian backdrop (where Lost is filmed) is absolutely gorgeous. I'm not sure if I would want to get off this island.

2. HDNet's World Report (HDNet, various times.)
The news documentary has taken its high-def cameras to some of the most dangerous spots on the globe, from the Tsunami-ravaged Asia to the death and despair in post-Katrina New Orleans. But HDNet's World Report is more than eye-popping pictures. The show cuts through the noise to reveal the truth behind today's most important issues. (Disclosure note: HDNet is an advertiser at TVPredictions.com.)

3. Rome (HBO, various times)
The 12-part series on the Julius Caesar Gang wrapped late last year, but its quality lives on in repeats. Each episode is beautifully filmed in high-def, with special attention given to the opening credits, which give hint to the intrigue and deceit that's to come. Rome is not just classical drama; it's a classic.

4. ABC-ESPN Football (ABC, ESPN, various times.)
Whether it's Monday Night Football on ABC or Sunday night action on ESPN, the Disney networks broadcast the game like no one else. The HDTV pictures are crisp and the colors are vivid. Fortunately, Monday Night Football will stay in the family when it shifts to ESPN next year.

5. Live From the Red Carpet (INHD, during awards season.)
Produced in conjunction with E! Entertainment, INHD focuses the high-def cameras on the faces of Hollywood celebrities as they walk the red carpet into various awards shows, such as The Emmys. Talk about reality TV. The Red Carpet shows reveal more about today's stars than an entire year of People Magazine. Facial flaws. Aging signs. Acne. You can see it all in high-def!

6. Vegas (NBC, Monday at 9 p.m.)
Eye candy has never looked so sweet. Vegas, which is supposed to be a light drama about casino life, is really just an excuse to showcase pretty people. From Nikki Cox to Vanessa Marcil to -- yeah, the guys, too (but not James Caan) -- you won't find a more attractive cast than in Vegas. This is a perfect show for HDTV.

7. American Idol (Fox, returning this month)
The HDTV production of American Idol is a showcase for the technology. The graphics are spectacular; the set sparkles with vivid color; and the images are as crystal-clear as anything you'll see in high-def.

8. 24 (Fox, returning this month)
The terrorist thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland is as intense as any TV show that's ever been done. The high-def production adds to the drama with candid close-ups showing the tension in the actors' faces. You can see jaws clenching and muscles twitching. It's a great show and a great effect.

9. Comcast Sports Net (Baseball, NBA, various times)
It's a shame that Comcast's high-def broadcasts of local sports teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Wizards are only available in certain areas. The pictures are ultra-realistic, providing more detail than in any other sports broadcast I've seen.

10. Bikini Destinations (HDNet, various times.)
Well, you may have to be a guy to appreciate this show, but it could wipe out the Viagra industry with one episode. The show features the most beautiful women in the world rolling around sandy, exotic beaches while wearing the tiniest of bikinis. Do you need to know more?

© TVPredictions.com

Have a comment on Swanni's picks?
Send it to: swann@tvpredictions.com

Reader Comment:
"#7. American Idol. Swanni, you forgot to mention the sound -- beautiful Dolby Digital surround." -- Jim

Reader Comment:
"On your top 10 list, you might want to make a 4a and 4b. I have DIRECTV and the NFL Ticket and...honestly the picture and sound of the Fox NFL broadcasts is better than CBS's and ESPN's." -- Shahrooz

Reader Comment:
"I agree with your top 10 shows, but I must admit that CSI:Miami looks great, especially the scenery in Miami when the show fades back in from commercial breaks. I find myself just watching the show for its sheer beauty. I read your newsletters every day to stay on top of the HD technology and broadcasts. I own two 42" HD Plasmas (living room and bedroom) and can't imagine viewing standard def shows anymore." -- Freeman

Reader Comment:
"#1 Lost. I agree completely. Besides being the best show on TV, it is amazing in HD. Not only the Hawaiian background that you mentioned, but also the cast, no matter how grimy they look most of the time. (Note the picture you have of Kate)." Joel

Reader Comment
"For the "WOW" factor, Discovery HD (Theater) is a great way to show off your new HDTV. They have a lot of space/volcano/nature type shows along with their HD versions of popular Discovery shows." -- Christopher

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 Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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