DIRECTV vs. EchoStar: Who's the HD Leader?
It's another edition of Ask Swanni!
By Swanni
Q. Okay, which one is the real HD leader? DIRECTV or EchoStar? -- Earl P.
DIRECTV and EchoStar are both claiming to offer more than 70 High-Definition channels, but each company's definition of what constitutes a high-def channel is debatable, to be nice.
That said, I would have to give DIRECTV a slight edge now because it has more basic cable networks in high-def than EchoStar. And, let's face it, after the broadcast networks, the basic cable networks get the highest ratings.
EchoStar's high-def offering is puffed a bit with the 15-channel Voom lineup, which includes several niche channels such as Monsters HD and Treasure HD. While the Voom channels are interesting, they do not command the viewer attention that the basic cable networks do.
Regardless of whether you think DIRECTV or EchoStar is winning, they are both outperforming the cable operators when it comes to high-def. Cable's HD On Demand is nice, but it doesn't compete with a real 24/7 channel.
Q. If you were to buy Blu-ray or HD DVD now, which one would you pick? -- Carla K.
I wouldn't recommend one over the other. HD DVD offers cheaper players now, but Blu-ray has more studios behind it so it will likely have more high-def discs available at your store.
Bottom line: If you have the disposable dollars, buy both. If not, sit it out until a clear winner emerges.
Q. Why are you biased in favor of Blu-ray? Come on, give HD DVD some love! -- Alicia T.
TVPredictions.com does not favor one high-def disc format over the other, despite what some might think. We simply cover the news, wherever that may lead.
By example, I recently wrote an analysis of Sony's decision to hold the line on Blu-ray player prices, entitled, "Blu-ray Begging for a Beating." Does that sound like we're biased in favor of Blu-ray to you?
Q. What's the best show you've seen this year in high-def? -- Wayne P.
I'm glad you asked that question because I've been meaning to compliment Fox for its high-def broadcast of the 2007 Emmy Awards show since it aired two months ago. The picture was gorgeous, offering extraordinary detail and clarity, particularly the close-ups of the nominees and presenters.
Many celebrities demand trick lighting and camera filters when they appear in high-def, but Fox put the picture ahead of their vanity. The result was an unusually candid view of the show.
So, yes, let me now say that the 2007 Emmy Awards is the best show I've seen in high-def this year.
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Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
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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
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