Washington, D.C. (April 7, 2008) -- Late last year, I made 15 predictions for High-Definition TV in 2008. And, I am proud -- and not too modest -- to say that several have already come true.

For instance, I predicted that:

* Warner Bros. would endorse Blu-ray in the high-def format war against HD DVD
* The high-def disc format war would end in 2008 with Blu-ray victorious (I first predicted that one in 2006).
* Prices of high-def dual format players would fall under $500 -- but that the price drop would not save HD DVD.
* TV makers would launch 3-D HDTVs.
* DIRECTV would finance and market original HD programs to distinguish itself from its cable and satellite rivals. (Last week's announcement regarding Friday Night Lights put this one in the plus column.)


Swanni's 2008 forecasts are rapidly becoming reality.

All have come true! And, more of my 2008 predictions will come true in the coming weeks and months.

However, I have been gazing into my crystal ball and I have seen a few more things that will happen before year's end.

So, here are 5 more Swanni predictions for High-Definition TV in 2008:

1. Microsoft Will Unveil an XBox/Blu-ray Player
Microsoft is trying to downplay the possibility, but it will happen. With HD DVD out of the picture, there's no way that the company will let Sony and the PlayStation 3 have the Blu-ray category to itself.  Microsoft and Sony will reach an agreement this year for an XBox that includes a Blu-ray player.

2. Cablevision Will Sell Voom
Voom, the 15-channel high-def programming block, is having great difficulty finding a place in cable and satellite lineups. Only Dish Network (which has an equity stake in Voom) and Cablevision is carrying it in the U.S. Look for Cablevision to sell the high-def channels (at least some of them) along with other company-owned assets, possibly to DIRECTV.

3. DIRECTV Will Move to Eliminate TiVo HD DVRs
DIRECTV last year launched dozens of new high-def channels on a new satellite that is not compatible with the DIRECTV/TiVo combo HD DVR; subscribers must switch to DIRECTV's own HD DVR to get those channels.

However, the satcaster's original high-def lineup, which includes such favorites as HBO, HDNet and Discovery's HD Theater, is still on the current satellite, meaning DIRECTV-TiVo owners can receive the signals.

But not for much longer, says Swanni's crystal ball. I predict that DIRECTV this year will begin moving all high-def channels to the new satellites, forcing TiVo owners to switch to the DIRECTV HD DVR.

4. Plasma TV Prices Will Shrink Further
Plasma makers are becoming increasingly alarmed that LCD sales are dominating the flat-screen category. Look for Plasma makers to significantly reduce prices this fall -- particularly for 720p sets -- to keep sales up. For instance, you will see 42-inch 720p Plasma sets for -- are you ready for this? -- $799!

5. Blu-ray Player Prices Will Fall Under $200
Wait a minute, you might say. Aren't Blu-ray player prices actually rising, with most now around $399. Yes, but it's a temporary hike. This fall, prices will fall again and, by the holiday shopping season, Blu-ray players will be available for under $200.

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Swanni (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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