If you watched last Thursday night's broadcast of ABC's Monday Night Football in High Definition TV, you would. However, before I reveal the answer to non-HDTV viewers, a few words about what might be the best primetime show in High-Definition TV.
The HDTV MNF, which premiered last Thursday night with a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders, is a feast for the eyes. The picture is so clear -- so detailed -- that you can see individual blades of grass on the field. You can distinguish dirt stains on player jerseys from other blemishes such as specks of blood. And, on occasion, you can even detect the stitching on a thrown ball as it spirals down field.
The colors are vibrant and eye-popping. The widescreen, 16x9 display ratio gives you a panoramic view of the action, scanning from the offensive backfield all the way to the defense linebacker area. And, in Dolby Digital 5.1, you can hear every crunch, every grunt, as if the players were stampeding through your living room.
Many have said that watching HDTV simulates the experience of being there. However, in high-def, ABC's Monday Night Football is better than being there. While Fox and CBS both do commendable jobs with their high-def broadcasts of the NFL, ABC and its sister network, ESPN, get top marks.
Of course, even a HD broadcast as sensational as MNF has its drawbacks. The network will often use non-HD cameras for replays and other material, such as the opening "Are You Ready for Some Football?" montage starring Hank Williams Jr. But, overall, MNF is a great showcase for why someone should buy a high-def set.
Botox for Al?
Of course, in every Swanni HDTV show review, we also look at what -- and who -- looks better or worse in high-def. So, without further adieu...
Better
Al Michaels
MNF play-by-play man Al Michaels, who will turn 61 in November, must either be getting Botox injections or he has been blessed with eternal youth. His forehead looks like it's been frozen -- frozen in time, that is.
The Cheerleaders
Wow. In HDTV, I've never seen Pom-Poms look better.
Worse
John Madden
Analyst John Madden, 72, is not HDTV-friendly and ABC knows it. While Michaels got a long close-up to begin the Thursday night broadcast, the camera didn't get within a zip code of Big John. Still, in high-def, ABC should tone down the Madden makeup. I haven't seen so much pancake since I went to IHOP.
Now, finally, the answer to our opening riddle:
A "One Way Squirrel Rover" is one of several dozen plays typed on the wristband of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Brady uses the wristband as a memory jog when calling plays during the games.
And, yes, on Thursday night in high-def, you could actually make out the words on Brady's wristband.
That's how clear the picture was.
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