Editor's Note: Phillip Swann, a.k.a. 'Swanni' and the president of TVPredictions.com,
  is writing a diary in 2006 on how High-Definition TV is changing lives, including his own
  Called "The High-Def Life," the blog includes the latest HDTV news and gossip -- and a
  peek at what's going on behind the scenes in the high-def industry. It also includes
  Swanni's now famous observations on how celebrities (and other things) look better or
  worse in HDTV. And, finally, Swanni will share with his readers what's going on in his own
 life, particularly as it relates to high-def.

April 28, 2006

DIRECTV Drops Spice HD
Since the launch of High-Definition TV, experts have differed over whether the adult industry would be helped or hurt by the ultra-realistic picture. Some have questioned whether porn fans would want to see the facial flaws (and other shortcomings) of their favorite performers.

Well, DIRECTV has apparently determined the answer is no -- at least for now. The nation's leading satellite TV service has dropped the Spice HD channel, which was available to its subscribers for the last two years.

DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer tells TVPredictions.com that Spice HD was dropped "in order to reclaim capacity for other programming -- a variety of sports, events and movies."

High-Definition TV channels require more capacity than a non-HD channel, perhaps as much as seven times.  However, DIRECTV aired Spice HD only on the weekends after midnight.

DIRECTV launched the adult high-def channel a few hours after the 2004 Super Bowl. The channel, which was sold in three hour blocks for $14.99 per block, offered adult films from Spice and its parent, Playboy TV.

DIRECTV's decision to drop Spice HD was done quietly. The channel is still promoted at DIRECTV's web site.

Mitsubishi: No Talks On HDTV DVDs
HDTV owners, don't hold out hope for a peace treaty between Sony and Toshiba over the new high-def DVDs.

The two formats, which are not compatible with each other, has some high-def owners worried about a new Beta-VHS disaster. Many consumers may not buy either one until there's a single format. (Or, at least, the two formats would be compatible with each other.)

But a Matsushia executive says today that he doesn't think Sony and Toshiba will attempt to reconcile their differences and settle on a single format for all. He says the marketplace will determine the winner.

So, for now, the consumer is the loser.

MovieBeam: Not Ready for Primetime?
I recently predicted that MovieBeam, the Video on Demand set-top backed by Disney, Intel and Cisco, has only a 10 percent chance of success. The device, which can deliver up to 100 on-demand movies to the home without the need of a Broadband connection, has great potential. But consumers will likely balk at buying yet another TV set-top.

In addition, despite the backing of six of the seven major studios, many film buffs may find MovieBeam's lineup of 100 titles too limiting. And, finally, the HDTV audience may find the number of high-def films too small to justify the purchase. According to MovieBeam, the early lineup of HD movies will only include titles from Disney and Warner Bros.

Consumer Reports recently published a review of MovieBeam that makes the same points. In addition, the publication notes that MovieBeam may not be a perfect fit for some early-model HDTVs.

To read the review, click Here

UK Celebs Worried About HDTV
Three years ago, I first wrote about the likely impact of High-Definition TV on Hollywood and celebrities. I noted that HD's crystal-clear picture enabled viewers to glimpse the facial flaws and aging signs of the stars. Over the last few years, my subsequent commentaries on the subject have been cited in hundreds of publications and TV news shows in the United States. The Washington Post, for instance, recently reported on how I spotted the unsightly pimples on the forehead of the otherwise flawless Keira Knightly (pictured) at the 2006 Oscars.

And now HDTV celebrity fever is spreading overseas. Two weeks ago, the stately Times of London ran a lengthy feature on what celebrities are doing to combat the new technology. (SKY TV and Telewest are launching HDTV services this spring.) And this weekend the UK's Independent ran its own article on the issue, which included the following description of yours truly:

"One commentator, Phillip Swann, has become a pseudo celebrity in his own right for highlighting HDTV horrors on his cult website, www. tvpredictions.com."

To read the article, click Here

Disclosure note: I am acting as a consultant to some UK companies on the launch of HDTV in that country.

Buyer Beware: Toshiba's New HD-DVD Player
Does new technology always have to be so complicated? Toshiba this week will begin selling its new $500 high-def DVD player at Amazon.com and electronics stores nationwide. The set-top can play Toshiba's new HD-DVD which can display a true HDTV picture on high-def sets.

Yes, it can display a true HDTV picture -- but will it?

As reported here previously, the new HD-DVD (and Sony's rival Blu-ray HDTV DVD, which will be released in early summer)includes an anti-copying feature that could dramatically reduce the picture quality on early-model HDTVs with analog components. (The number of HDTVs with analog components could be as high as 12 million.)If the studios add the anti-copying software to their DVDs, the picture quality would not only not be true HD, but it would be little better than current DVDs.

Most studios are saying now that they won't add the software, but they are not making any long-term commitments. So you might see a great picture today and a lousy one before year's end.

To make matters even more complicated, Toshiba's new DVDs will not be compatible with the Sony Blu-ray player, which could lead to another Beta vs. VHS disaster. Your new Toshiba player could be obsolete in a year or two.

The launch of the high-def DVDs is an exciting development, but the industry has made it difficult for me to recommend that you buy one at this time.

To learn more, click Here

April 13, 2006

High-Def Owners Want Action!
Later this month, the studios will begin offering movies in HD-DVD and Blu-ray, the new high-def DVD formats. And according to a survey by Blockbuster Online, Americans most want to see action movies released on high-def discs.

No surprise there. The action film is arguably best suited for High-Definition TV, which usually offers a widescreen as well as vivid colors. However, the Blockbuster respondents also are interested in sci-fi films and something called "scenic movies." Not sure what that's supposed to be. I don't hear many people walking out of the theater saying, "Gee, that movie had great scenery."

Here's the top 8 HDTV DVD choices of high-def owners, according to Blockbuster:

1. Action movies
2. Science fiction
3. Scenic movies
4. Family movies
5. Music and performance DVDs
6. Horror movies
7. Documentaries
8. Sports DVDs

The survey, though, is a bit suspect. Blockbuster says 55 percent of respondents say they have High-Definition TVs, almost three times the actual total in the United States. However, I thought I would report on the survey for no other reason than it's a good excuse to display a picture of Scarlett Johansson in The Island.

To learn more, click Here

Edwards, Giuliani Win HDTV Presidential 'Beauty Contest'
In 1960, Democratic Sen. John F. Kennedy defeated Vice President Richard Nixon in part because the latter failed to shave in the first presidential debate. Nixon's 5 o'clock shadow made him look unfriendly, if not downright sinister.

In retrospect, the impact of Nixon's faux pas is remarkable when you consider that the debate was broadcast in a grainy black and white.

Can you imagine if it had aired in color? Or, even worse for the non-telegenic Mr. Nixon, in crystal-clear High-Definition TV? In fact, one could argue that the former president would have never even been nominated for high office if the voters had first seen him in high-def.

Well, in 2008, HDTV could actually help determine which candidates are nominated -- and ultimately which one goes to the White House. The high-def picture is so clear that the candidates' facial flaws and aging signs will be dramatically visible in debates and other campaign appearances broadcast in HD. The so-called HDTV effect could influence the voters, which include a growing high-def audience.

So, which candidates will benefit from HDTV and which ones will suffer?

I have assessed each party's likely top candidates in 2008 on how they look in crystal-clear high-def. To read the Swanni HDTV 2008 Presidential Forecast, click Here

April 10, 2006
HDTV: Not Ready for Internet Primetime?
During my speech last month to JPL Productions in Harrisburg, PA, several people asked me if High-Definition TV would become popular on the Internet. I noted that Internet TV provider Akimbo recently added the high-def network HDNet to its lineup, but Akimbo (pictured) is for the television. PC systems are not quite ready for primetime, I said, because they can't handle the large files which are necessary to transmit high-def programming online.

Well, CNET's News.com today has published an excellent feature that expands on the point, noting the lack of (PC-based) online HDTV could hurt overall interest in watching video on laptops and desktops.

To read the article, click: Here

April 7, 2006
Wealth TV Offers Free HD On Demand
Wealth TV, the high-def lifestyle channel enjoyed by the very rich and the very few (it has few cable carriage deals), has announced that it will offer its HD programming for free on demand.

The first show available: "What to Wear: New York Fall Fashions."

Hopefully, cable operators looking to quickly bolster their HD on demand lineups will sign up. The high-def audience could use some free programming, almost regardless of the subject matter.

To learn more, click: Here

April 4, 2006

A&E to Launch HDTV Channel
A&E says it will launch a simulcast High-Definition TV channel this September. The network will kick off with a CSI: Miami marathon on Labor Day. (CSI's David Caruso pictured.)

At launch, A&E officials tell Multichannel News that 65 percent of its lineup will be in high-def, including new episodes of Cold Case Files and Dallas SWAT.

Samsung Delays Blu-ray Launch
First, Sony announced that it would delay its new Blu-ray DVD player until late spring. Then, Toshiba announced it would postpone the launch of its rival HD-DVD player until late April. The studios said it would delay the release of new HDTV DVD titles until late spring, or later. And now, Samsung says it will push back the launch of its Blu-ray player until June to complete internal testing.;

Do you see a trend here? Do you think that maybe -- just maybe -- that this new technology is not quite ready for primetime?

Hitachi to Increase Plasma Spending
Over the weekend, I noticed that some TV makers were advertising 42-inch, HD-ready Plasma TVs for just $1699 (with instant rebates). The lower prices are more evidence that we will likely see a $1,000 big-screen Plasma TV this holiday season, as predicted here. The TV manufacturers have been expanding Plasma TV production lines to add supply and lower prices.

For instance, Hitachi said today it will increase spending on Plasma TV production by 29 percent over the next year to keep pace with increasing consumer demand.

March 30, 2006
HDNet & NASA Sign Shuttle Deal
Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity very often to announce some interesting HDTV programming news. It seems that cable and satellite TV operators are still dragging their feet when it comes to adding new HD channels and services.

However, today, HDNet has announced that it has reached agreement with NASA to provide HDTV coverage of space shuttle launches and landings until 2010.

To learn more, click: Here

Note: HDNet is an advertiser at TVPredictions.com

March 27, 2006

HDTV: Ready For Their Close-Up?
High-Definition TV is in less than 10 million homes in the United States. (20 million homes have high-def sets, but only about 8-10 million have high-def tuners, which are necessary to display HD signals.) However, the crystal-clear picture is already having a dramatic impact on how TV shows are being produced. For instance, as noted here before, makeup artists are experimenting with new techniques to cover the facial imperfections and acne scars of the stars.

However, The Washington Post is reporting that many TV producers are also re-designing the sets of news and talk shows to accommodate the crisper (and wider) high-def picture. In addition, some shows are taking extra precautions to make their on-air talent look better in HD. (Pictured: Washington D.C. news anchor JC Hayward who has taken to wearing blue cosmetic contact lens in high-def.)

The Post article is more evidence that the mainstream media is picking up on high-def's growing impact. Which means, of course, that more publications will write about HDTV, which in turn will lead to more HD sales.

To read The Post article, click Here. Note: The site requires free registration, but the article includes comments from yours truly.

Plus, at noon ET today, The Washington Post will host a 'live chat' with yours truly on HDTV. Here's your chance to ask me questions about high-def, including what's coming in the future.

To participate in the chat, click CHAT

Sony to Boost Spending On HDTV
Indeed, this could be the year that High-Definition TV (and related products) finally reaches a turning point. Millions of consumers have been thinking about buying a high-def set for a few years. Now with prices dropping -- and a 2009 Digital TV transition looming -- many of those people might pull the trigger.

That appears to be the thinking at Sony headquarters as well. The company says it will spend hundreds of millions this year to market HDTVs, new HD DVD players and high-def camcorders. A Sony executive calls the 2006 marketing investment a "significant" increase over previous years.

To learn more, click Here

March 24, 2006

HDTV DVD Players: Can the Studios Be Trusted?
I smell a rat.

Last month, I revealed that the new high-def DVD players from Sony (Blu-ray) and Toshiba (HD-DVD) may contain a surprise for approximately 12 million HDTV owners.

The surprise?

On some discs, the picture might only be slightly better than current DVDs. The reason: the studios might include anti-copying software in the discs that would dilute the picture on any HDTV that has analog inputs.

The Consumer Electronics Association says the number of high-def sets with analog inputs could  be as many as 12 million. (Later model sets would not be affected by the software.)

Since I wrote my article, there has been a small firestorm in the high-def community, with some people actually calling for a boycott of the new players.

Sensing disaster, several studios recently said they will not install the anti-copying software in the initial rollout of releases, which are scheduled to begin next month. (The software is designed to prevent pirates from making illegal copies of the DVDs and selling them.)

The studios, of course, are now suggesting that high-def owners no longer have to worry about getting a sub-par picture.

However, dear readers, don't buy it (literally and figuratively). The studios are only making a 'no-software' commitment to the early releases. They still could install the software several months from now.

(Sony, for instance, says only that it won't include the software in the "foreseeable future," according to the DVD industry web site, DVD-Recorable.org. In other words, if Sony suddenly 'views' the situation differently in a few months, they might install the software.)

So, if you buy a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player this spring, you have no guarantee that it will offer a true HD picture this winter. Or perhaps, even, this fall.

In some circles, they call that 'bait and switch,' but I'll refrain from attaching that label until the studios reveal their plans.

However, buyer beware. Until the studios promise to guarantee a true HD picture indefinitely, the new DVD players are a risky proposition.

March 21, 2006
Voom Launches HDTV Gaming Channel
Voom HD Networks announced yesterday that it will launch a new high-def channel on video gaming. There was no immediate word on which TV providers will carry the channel, but EchoStar has already added it. The satcaster, which now carries most of Voom's HD networks, is a part owner of the high-def programming service.

Called Gameplay HD, the new network could help generate more interest in HDTV among younger viewers. However, Voom is likely to have trouble persuading TV providers to carry the channel. In January, MTV launched MHD, a high-def music channel, but thus far, it's only available on Cox Cable.

Cable and satellite TV operators say they don't have enough bandwidth at this time to expand their high-def lineups.

To learn more about Gameplay HD, click: Here

March 6, 2006

Swanni's 2006 HDTV Oscars!
Hollywood last night handed out its annual Oscar awards for the best performance in cinema. However, how did the best performers look in the HDTV broadcast of the show?

Here are Swanni's 2006 HDTV Oscars!

To read my 'Best & Worst' looking stars at last night's awards show, click: Here

March 3, 2006
Big-Screen Plasma HDTVs For $1500?
Everyone wants a flat-screen TV, particularly a Plasma set which has become a status symbol.However, prices for most Plasma TVs are still out of reach for average Americans. But Kevin Hunt of the Hartford Courant today reports that the small TV manufacturer Vizio is trying to change that. In time for college basketball's March Madness, Vizio is cutting the price of its 42-inch HD-ready Plasma set to $1,500.

But is the price too good to be true?

To learn more, click: Here

March 1, 2006
DIRECTV's Owner Calls HDTV Owners 'Desperate'
News Corp. President and COO Peter Chernin told a financial conference yesterday that his company is talking to cable and satellite operators about charging $25-30 to watch a movie in HDTV 60 days after its theatrical release.

Cable and satellite providers now charge less than $5 to watch an on-demand or Pay Per View film. Asked if the $25-30 cost seemed high, The Hollywood Reporter quotes Chernin as saying that some high-def owners would be "desperate consumers" because there is relatively little HDTV programming available on cable and satellite.

He noted that more than one million Americans last year spent more than $25,000 on Home Theater set-ups. Those viewers in particular, Chernin said, would be ideal targets for the high-priced HDTV movie.

Yes, there is relatively little high-def programming available. But who's fault is that?

Chernin's company is the controlling owner of DIRECTV, the nation's largest satellite TV service. However, DIRECTV has added only one high-def channel (TNT HD) in the last several months. Many DIRECTV owners have written me urging the satcaster to add more HD channels, such as Cinemax HD, Starz HD, MHD (MTV's new high-def network) and many others.

But it would seem that News Corp. executives are now more interested in price gouging than providing an affordable and diverse lineup of high-def programming. In their view, if they can keep high-def owners 'desperate,' then they will pay almost anything to watch a new video release in HD.

However, I predict that News Corp.'s scheme will fail miserably. High-def owners want more HD programming, but they won't be taken advantage of to get it.

February 23, 2006
DIRECTV to Expand Local HD Service
DIRECTV yesterday said it would expand the number of cities who can get local HDTV service to 36 this spring. Once completed, the expansion will mean that DIRECTV will offer local digital channels in approximately 58 percent of U.S. TV homes.

The satcaster has made a huge investment in high-def, committing to launching four new satellites over two years to increase its HDTV capacity. DIRECTV says it will be able to offer up to 150 national HD channels by the end of 2007, and local HD in most markets.

To learn more, click: Here

New 1080p HDTV Promises Better Pix
Kevin Hunt, a columnist for the Hartford Courant and a friend of ours, writes today about the new 1080p High-Definition TV. The set promises an even better picture than current high-def models, but there's a catch:

No one is broadcasting in the 1080p format.

To learn more, click: Here

February 22, 2006 (Episode 29)

High-Definition TV: Bad News for TV News?
Women's Wear Daily reported two years ago that Katie Couric of the Today Show was planning to get an "eyebrow lift" to make sure she would keep looking perky in High-Definition TV.

Couric denied the allegation and NBC has yet to begin producing the morning news show in HD. However, the report touches on a growing concern in the TV news business that the high-def cameras could be too revealing for the on-air talent. HDTV, which can display a picture up to six times clearer than regular TVs, can expose every facial imperfection and aging sign.

The New York Observer today has published a feature on what the network news operations are doing to prepare for the new high-def world. To read the article, which includes quotes from yours truly, click: Here
(Comment?)

Will 12 Million HDTV Owners Really Be Screwed?
Jonathan Takiff, a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and a friend of ours, has written a piece in today's edition that "corrects" my column (published Feb. 17) on how the new high-def DVDs players may provide a sub-par picture for 12 million HDTV owners.

Takiff writes:

"Some tech news sources have been scaring the bejabbers out of early-adopter HDTV viewers with stories proclaiming that 'millions of HDTVs may soon be obsolete.' "

I assume he's talking about me since the headline for my article was:

12M HDTV Owners Could Be Screwed!

Yeah, that might scare the bejabbers out of somebody.

But there's reason to be scared.

In the column, I explain that if the studios install new anti-copying software in high-def DVDs (as several are expected to do), 12 million HDTV owners who have analog plugs in the back of their sets would not get a true HD picture. The picture quality would be just slightly better than current DVDs. (The new high-def DVD players are expected to be released in late March. See the link above for more background.)

But Takiff seems to think that the controversy is overblown. He writes that the studios have yet to say whether they will install the anti-copying software.

This is true, but I noted that in my column last week. In fact, that's one of the reasons I wrote it -- to put pressure on the studios to release DVDs that do not include the anti-copying (and picture-diluting) software.

In addition, Takiff quotes an industry source as saying that high-def owners won't be able to tell the difference between a real HD picture and the diluted picture provided by the new high-def DVD players.

Well, I respectfully disagree. That's the same argument we get from cable and satellite TV providers when they decide to squeeze high-def signals to make room for other channels. "Oh, people will never notice the difference," they say.

Well, they're wrong. We do notice -- and we don't like it. (Comment?)

Sony Unveils 'Lightest' HD Camcorder
The New York Times just published a good review of Sanyo's new $799 HDTV camcorder so it should be no surprise that Sony has just countered. The electronics giant yesterday unveiled a new HDTV camcorder that weighs less than one pound. However, Sony's new camera will set you back about $1,700, which means that the contents of your wallet might have to weigh more than the camera itself. To learn more, click: Here
(Comment?)


NBC Goes for the Gold in HD Olympics
I've received numerous e-mails from readers offering a range of opinions on NBC's high-def coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Most people seem to think that the broadcasts, particularly  women's figure skating (Sasha Cohen pictured), have been excellent. However, some readers say they are upset because some events, such as downhill racing, seem blurry.

Well, guess what? They are blurry.

NBC is only providing real HDTV broadcasts from  venues that are wired for HDTV, such as hockey, figure skating, speed skating and most other indoor events. The other coverage (mostly outdoor stuff) is broadcast in non-HD and then "converted" so it will look nicer on HDTV screens.

Nicer, yes, but still blurry. To learn more about this process, click: Here

February 14, 2006 (Episode 28)
MovieBeam to Offer HDTV Movies
MovieBeam, which is backed by Disney, Intel and Cisco, has just announced that it will begin selling set-tops capable of delivering high-def movies, as well as other Video on Demand films. Click here to read my take on MovieBeam. (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"You can get HD movies from the cable companies today via scheduled and On Demand premium services.  You can get HD movie downloads via broadband Internet.  If I wanted to build the ultimate set top box, I'd add a broadband connection and download function to a cable DVR.  Next year, I'd add a HiDef DVD slot and declare Game Over.  Seems like MovieBeam is the answer to a question no one is asking." -- Gene

Charter Won't Add Universal HD
Yesterday, I reported on the lack of HDTV programming available to residents of Charlottesville, Virginia. Adelphia, the local cable TV operator there, doesn't offer any national HD channels and the local stations are not broadcasting in high-def, either.

And a few weeks ago, I told you about Sinclair Broadcasting and LIN TV's attempts to force cable TV operators to pay for their local high-def signals. The battle caused many HDTV owners to miss ABC's high-def broadcast of the Super Bowl.

Now there's another sad story for the high-def audience. Charter Cable, which is based in St. Louis, says it will not add Universal HD in their hometown, although the NBC-owned channel is providing high-def coverage of hockey and other sports in the Winter Olympics.

Why won't Charter add Universal HD, as Comcast and a few other cable operators have done this month?

The cable operator says it simply has no bandwidth available on its system.

Charter is not the only cable or satellite TV operator facing this problem. Many TV providers do not have room for new HDTV channels even if they could come to agreement with the networks to carry them. To learn more, click Here
(Comment?)

February 13, 2006 (Episode 27)
Universal HD: Comcast Subs, Enjoy It While You Can
There has been much speculation over whether Comcast will continue to carry Universal HD when the 2006 Winter Olympics are finished. The cable TV operator added the channel shortly before the games began this month. Well, a very reliable Comcast source just told me that there are no plans to keep Universal HD on the air after the end of the month. He said it's unclear if or when it will return.

However, in the good news department, he says Comcast is getting closer to adding ESPN 2 HD. (Comment?)

Some HD Owners Can't Watch HD
The flat-screen TV pictured here has nothing on it. To high-def owners in Charlottesville, Virginia, it must look very familiar.

Adelphia, Charlottesville's cable TV provider, has yet to add HDTV service to its lineup. And to make matters worse, the local stations there have yet to begun broadcasting in high-def.

HDTV owners like Charlottesville resident Doug Leslie are left wondering why they bought the set in the first place. (According to Charlottesville's Daily Progress newspaper, Leslie and many other area residents are having trouble getting satellite reception because of technical and geographical limitations.)

While Charlottesville's situation is not the norm, it's not unusual, either. Many small and medium-sized cities have limited options when it comes to watching high-def.

And people wonder why HDTV sales have not risen more quickly.

To learn more about Charlottesville's HD problem, click Here
(Comment?)


NBC Blinks On HD Olympics
"I was watching and suddenly the picture went out. Then it came back on and then it went out again! Why did I buy this thing?!"

You might think I'm talking about NBC's high-def broadcast of the 2006 Winter Olympics, but I'm actually referring to what many people were saying about television in the early 1950s. Millions of Americans who had purchased the new device were complaining that the picture would often warp into a jumble of twisted images, or go black entirely. They could sometimes restore the picture by getting up from their easy chairs and adjusting the vertical hold button. But if that didn't work, many people would take matters into their own hands.

Literally.

They would smack the set on its side. Over and over again.

Remarkably, that method seemed to work more often than turning and twisting the half-dozen confusing knobs that poked out of the back of the television.

At least it would work for a few minutes.

After more than five decades, Americans have come a long way. Few HDTV owners are dumb enough to smack a $3,000 TV on its side, assuming it has a side. Today's flat-screen TVs measure just four inches deep.

But, in some respects, we are still like our fathers and grandfathers back in the 50s. We are still yelling at our TVs because they sometimes don't display the great pictures we expected when we brought them home. For instance, on Saturday night, NBC's HD feed occasionally went dark during the 'Women's Moguls' and 'Pairs Figure Skating' events.  The audio was ok, but there suddenly would be no picture. Then, the picture would return, but not as a high-def image. The network had cut to the analog feed, which seemed to have no problems. A few minutes later, back came the HDTV picture.

Until it went out again.

Saturday's East Coast snowstorm was a likely reason for the outage. However, as you can imagine, it was very annoying, particularly for people who purchased a new high-def set specifically for the Winter Games. I received about a dozen e-mails from readers urging me to immediately write a blistering editorial about NBC's incompetence. In addition, the high-def message boards, such as the one at the AV Forum, were lit up with complaints about the 'now you see it; now you don't' coverage.

By Sunday, the problem seemed to have been fixed. At least as of this writing. But I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again. And then again. High-Definition TV is still in its infancy and everyone from the networks to the cable and satellite providers are still trying to master how to display it and transmit it. (See Super Bowl comments below.)

When everything works, it's beautiful. In fact, the NBC-owned Universal HD channel has delivered some jaw-dropping pictures of women's hockey and other events. And the mother network has also done a fairly good job -- that is, when the picture doesn't go to black. There's been some pixelation, but overall, the shots of the Italian countryside, the speed skating events and some of the figure skating events have been a feast for the eyes. And today, Bob Costas' high-def interview with the heart-broken Michelle Kwan (who had to withdraw from the games due to a groin injury) was sensational. In HD, you really felt the pain and suffering this great athlete is experiencing.

So, let the games continue. I'll be watching -- and, sometimes, probably yelling.  (Comment?)

February 9, 2006 (Episode 26)

HDTV's Eye of the Beholder
On Monday, I published a commentary saying that ABC's high-def broadcast of the Super Bowl was not up to par. I thought the picture lacked the usual sharpness and detail found in the network's high-def sports programs, such as Monday Night Football. Before publishing my remarks, I asked a handful of friends on Sunday night and Monday morning what they thought.  They agreed that the HD picture quality, while still remarkably better than analog, was not up to ABC's high standards. (Before commenting on a network's picture quality, I like to get feedback from viewers who are watching on different cable or satellite systems. I realize one system is not a fair test because it could have transmission problems or other issues.)

After publication on Monday, I received approximately 20 e-mails from readers who agreed with my observations. However, about 10 readers sent me e-mails suggesting that I needed an eye exam. They said the broadcast was beautiful, as good or better than any sportscast they had seen. And yesterday, a network executive who will go unnamed also questioned my conclusions, saying he thought the production was excellent.

I was beginning to wonder whether I had unfairly criticized the broadcast. However, late in the afternoon, I was interviewed by Don Fernandez of The Atlanta Journal Constitution on a different subject and he suddenly volunteered that he agreed fully with my Super Bowl comments. "It was mediocre," he said. "It didn't have that jaw-dropping picture that you usually get (from ABC Sports.)."

So, what gives? How can so many people come to so many different conclusions?

Well, one reason could be that the game was broadcast on dozens of cable and satellite systems across the nation (and via local digital signals to off-air antennas). It's likely that the picture quality varied depending upon where you saw it. Some TV providers simply do a better job than others in displaying HD signals. And, making it even more complicated, the picture quality can change on the same system from one broadcast to the next if quality controls are not in place.

It's also possible that ABC should get some blame. While a few people told me that the network's source feed from Detroit looked spectacular, that doesn't mean the overall ABC production allowed for a flawless transmission to every cable and satellite system.

And, finally, there could be yet another reason for the different opinions.

Eye of the beholder.

Judging a TV's picture quality is somewhat like judging a work of art. While many intelligent people say that Andy Warhol was a genius, some art scholars say he was just a media creation. Likewise, there will always be disagreement over the quality of a high-def picture. Many HD owners are spoiled, expecting the picture to be more realistic than life itself. When it's not (at least in their view), they complain. But other high-def viewers simply see the dramatic improvement over the analog picture. If the picture quality is a few degrees off, they don't even notice.

So, let the debate continue. But regardless of where you stand, there's no doubt that even a sub-par HDTV picture is ten times better than what we used to watch. (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"We watched the game on a Sony front projector with a 110" screen. It was fed by an LG off-air tuner and the source of the broadcast was WPTA in Ft Wayne IN. The picture was VERY detailed. The satellite companies are probably over-compressing the signal to preserve bandwidth. It's always better to get as close to the original broadcast as you can. That's why I use an outdoor antenna. Ft Wayne is 65 miles away from me but it's worth the effort to bring in a direct signal; rather then relying on a cable or satellite company." -- Greg

Reader Comment:
"I have high def running into my TV through Directv, Dish, and directly to my TV which has a built in Tuner. A 62inch Toshiba.  I agree that the picture from the super bowl didn't come close to the picture broadcast of the Rose Bowl (USC vs. Texas).  I was very surprised by that.  However I don't know exactly which reception I was watching during the game (Dish, Directv or built in tuner w/direct feed from antennae).  Last night I was comparing the signals of the Grammy's and noticed that the built in tuner was broadcasting a much crisper picture than Dish, and Directv was better than Dish's signal also.  So it is probably some truth to it depends on the company or how you are viewing the signal.  So thanks for the updates of the High def stuff.  Its great info. " -- Rozzel.
 

Reader Comment:
"The picture was just fine on a 65" 1080i rear projection set on CableVision in NJ.  However, you should be dinging ABC for dropping the main sound channel from the 5.1 mix during the Rolling Stones show.  People without surround sound setups may not have noticed, or they may have been visiting their Magic Fridge during half-time, but the sound botch up was much worse than any picture problems in my opinion.  HDTV is about the total entertainment experience, not just counting wrinkles on aging rock stars." -- Gene

February 8, 2006 (Episode 25)
Comcast Adds Universal HD In Some Markets
Just in time for the Olympics, Comcast has added NBC Universal HD in some markets. (Some cities may not get it because of bandwidth limitations.) The channel will offer high-def coverage of the 2006 Winter Games, which begin this weekend. Universal HD, which has been available on DIRECTV for some time, offers a mix of NBC Universal-owned programming, such as Quantum Leap, Century City and Knight Rider, starring the legendary David Hasselhoff.

Universal HD replaces INHD 2 in the Comcast lineup in the Washington D.C. area, but the lineup may differ in other cities. (Comment?)

DIRECTV to Add TNT HD
DIRECTV just announced that it will add TNT's high-def channel next Friday (Feb. 17). TNT, which airs NBA games and seemingly endless repeats of Law & Order, will be added to the satcaster's HD programming package for no extra charge. Good news for those DIRECTV subscribers who were beginning to think they would never get a new HD channel. (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"About time!! More HD sells and the more the better and the faster it arrives the quicker more will get on board. What's wrong with Law and Order??" -- Alex

Reader Comment:
"TNT HD? USA HD (for the olympics); FX HD. Starz HD. TMC HD Cinemax HD. Any of these would have been a better choice. " -- Brian

What's On Tonight?
Looking for a good show in high-def tonight? How about The Grammy Awards on CBS at 8 p.m. (all times eastern); Saw, the horror film, on Showtime at 8 p.m.; or Lost on ABC at 9 p.m.


Snoopy, the HDTV-watching cat, says her top pick of the night is Africa's Secret Seven,  a documentary on nighttime animal predators, on Discovery HD Theater at 7 p.m.  (Comment?)

February 6, 2006 (Episode 24)
The 'Skinny' On the Stars
Netscape, the AOL-owned Internet service, is running an excerpt today of my feature on the 10 celebrities with the worst skin, as seen in High-Definition TV. The article is generating a small avalanche of e-mails from people across the globe, many of which are critical of my comments. Here's a sampling:

"I can't believe that actor James Woods didn't make the top ten, now that's a complexion that's comparable to the surface of the moon!" -- Ed

"You're "spot" on with your observations and I agree with your selections. But, but, but...seems that you're being a bit prejudice with your comments regarding the over 40 crowd, Marsha Cross (43) excluded." -- Mary
 

Super Bowl in HDTV: Not So Super
What happened to ABC?

For two years, the network has produced an eye-popping HDTV version of Monday Night Football and its sister network, ESPN, has done an equally terrific job with its high-def coverage of all sports. But yesterday? The HDTV broadcast of Super Bowl XL was almost as disappointing and flat as the game itself. The picture often lacked the precision and detail that you once took for granted from an ABC-produced sporting event.  While the high-def picture was a huge improvement over the analog image, I suspect some new HD  owners watched the game while asking, "What's the big deal?"

For those who might say that my TV needs tuning (or offer some other excuse), many of the Super Bowl commercials that were produced in high-def looked magnificent, most notably the spots for the network's hit dramas, Lost and Gray's Anatomy. (If you're a high-def owner and haven't seen Lost yet in HD, make it a priority. It's gorgeous.) So, overall, I would have to give ABC a C minus for the game broadcast and a B+ for the HD commercials.

Other observations:

* Will someone stop smearing so much makeup on analyst Steve Young's eyebrows? In high-def, he's starting to look like Groucho Marx.
* It is a coincidence that John Madden never gets a close-up in high-def?
* If you believe in reincarnation, I'm betting that Steelers Coach Bill Cowher was a pit bull in a previous life. In high-def, he looks like he's ready to take a chunk out of someone's hide.
* Stevie Wonder looked great and sounded great in HD in the pre-game concert. .
* And speaking of which, why wasn't Stevie the half-time show? Instead, the Rolling Stones (pictured) performed at halftime. I have already named guitarist Keith Richards as one of the 10 Scariest People in HDTV, but I may have to extend the list to include the entire band after seeing them yesterday in high-def. (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"I also thought the broadcast was subpar.  ABC had some sort of focus issue when they switch cameras.  I had a couple of HD first timers watching that commented on the issue.  Just prior to a play, the main camera would have to refocus.  It happened throughout the game." -- Scott

Reader Comment:
"Spot-on with you comment on the Rolling Stones in HD! Keith Richards died 14 years -- but no one's told him." -- Neil

Reader Comment:
"Believe it or not, Richards looks better today than 15 years ago. Maybe he saw himself in that IMAX movie, 'cause his rotten teeth are pearly and his eyelid actually open." -- Ed

Reader Comment:
"I couldn't agree more...nothing says American Football, motown music and cars like a half-dead, half-baked, british rock/hair band.  We were very disappointed in the show.  And you are right, Keith Richards looked more than terrible.  It was really bad." -- Lee

February 5, 2006
KABC-TV News Goes High-Def
KABC-TV, the ABC affiliate in Los Angeles, began broadcasting its Eyewitness News  programs in high-def on Saturday. Bill Burton, a station spokesman, told TVPredictions.com that the studio cameras would be all HDTV while the field reports would be 16 x 9 widescreen. In addition, Burton said, the station will use two high-def remote cameras for weather and traffic reports throughout Southern California.

TVPredictions.com first reported last month that KABC was preparing to produce the news in HDTV.  There are now approximately 10 local stations in the U.S. that are now doing the news in high-def, including WUSA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. (Comment?)

February 3, 2006 (Episode 23)
What's On Tonight?
Looking for a good show in high-def tonight? How about Ghost Whisperer, starring the HDTV-friendly Jennifer Love Hewitt, on CBS at 8 p.m. (all times eastern); Get Out!, starring a bevy of bikini beauties on HDNet at 8:30 p.m.; or The Last Samurai With Tom Cruise at 8 p.m. on HBO.


Snoopy, the HDTV-watching cat, says her top pick of the night is Buggin' With Ruud, a documentary on insects in Alaska, on Discovery HD Theater at 6 p.m.  (Comment?)

Another HDTV 'Blackmail Artist'
Earlier this week, I criticized local stations who are refusing to let cable TV operators show this Sunday's Super Bowl in high-def. The stations say the cable operators should pay them extra for the HDTV signals, although that's not the normal procedure for providing network feeds. (If it were, the stations would withhold their analog feeds, too, until the cable operators paid up.) But these local stations are trying to use HDTV as blackmail to generate additional revenue.

I said the local stations who are pulling this stunt are owned by independent companies such as Sinclair Broadcasting and LIN TV. (The network owned and operated stations are gladly providing their HDTV feeds.) Well, it looks like we have a new player in the blackmail game. Diversified Communications, which owns the ABC affiliate in Gainesville, Florida, is saying that the Cox Cable operator there can not show its high-def feed, either. To learn more, click Here (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"You are right on the mark.  I would not have spent the big bucks on the HDTV if I didn't have a sure source of programming." -- Casey.

Reader Comment:
"You ought to look at what is REALLY going on in this world, and not simply comment 'emotionally' because you really, really like HDTV. I like it too. I spent a little time, and a little money, and now I pay no one for "MY FREE HDTV"! -- Mark

Reader Comment:
"I couldn’t agree with you more on the utter bull s&*$ that Sinclair is pulling with Time Warner Cable here in Columbus. As a former employee of Time Warner Cable (in commercial sales), a proud owner of a 55” Sony Grand Wega rear-projection LCD, and someone who considers themselves extremely knowledgeable in HDTV and its underlying technology, I can’t tell you how many people in the Central Ohio market (friends, coworkers, people I meet at bars, sporting events, etc.) are pissed about Sinclair pulling this crap." -- Greg

EchoStar Adds Local HDTV In New York, Los Angeles
EchoStar has announced that it's adding local High-Definition TV channels in New York and Los Angeles. The nation's second largest satcaster says that more markets will get local HD in the next few months. While costly, EchoStar has little choice but to offer local HD since DIRECTV has made a sizable commitment to providing the service in dozens of cities this year. In addition, cable is already providing local HD in most markets. (Unless, of course, the local station won't provide the feed. See below.)

To learn more about EchoStar's launch in Los Angeles, click Here

To learn more about EchoStar's launch in New York, click Here (Comment?)

February 1, 2006 (Episode 22)
Another 'Blackmail' Try By Sinclair Broadcasting
The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Sinclair Broadcasting-owned ABC affiliate in Columbus will not let Time Warner Cable show this Sunday's Super Bowl in HDTV. Sinclair officials, the newspaper says, want Time Warner to pay additional fees for the high-def feed. The cable operator is refusing, saying that network feeds are normally not compensated.

Well, as I have stated previously here, I think that the cable operator is right. Sinclair -- and other non-network owned local stations around the country who are pulling the same stunt -- are using HDTV as blackmail to try to generate additional revenues. (In some cases, they are also trying to force cable operators to carry additional digital channels.) And the hostage in this blackmail situation is the poor high-def owner.

Sinclair and its supporters say that high-def owners should use off-air antennas (instead of cable) to get high-def signals. But they know full well that most high-def sets do not have a tuner inside, which is necessary for the off-air antenna to deliver the signals. So, for most people, it's cable or nothing.

This situation is an outrage. Sinclair, LIN TV and other blackmail artists were granted the right to own these stations -- and broadcast their signals -- by us, the taxpayers, via the Federal Communications Commission. They don't really own the stations; we do. And if they don't cut this crap out soon, we, as high-def owners, should go to the FCC and ask for their licenses to be revoked!

And I'm as serious as a heart attack on this. Readers, if you agree, let me know. If this continues, I will do something about it. If we can hit them where they live, perhaps they will re-consider. (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"I live in Dayton, OH and our NBC affiliate is owned my LIN TV, therefore I will not be able to watch the Olympics in hi def.  I am not a happy camper. Thanks for taking on the crusade." -- Larry

Reader Comment:
"Your comments are right on the mark. That content is not owned by the affiliates and any effort to extort money from cable operators that have already paid for it is nothing less than racketeering.  And I don’t ever remember defending a cable operator before." -- Ron

Reader Comment:
"In the greater LA market there is a significant portion of TV households that cannot pickup OTA HD signals because of terrain and/or distance.  The LA market is massive in size.  Indoor antenneas don't cut it.  Who puts up a 60" mast these days?  Even at that our area is totally cut off LA stations OTA of HDs. Many HD viewers would be cut out if the cables or satellites did not have the HD signal." -- Don

Reader Comment:
"You are absolutely right -- it is outrageous" -- Lawrence. 

Reader Comment:
"I am a Dish Network subscriber so I have no interest in defending Time Warner Cable.  However I do take issue with (Sinclair's) statement that HDTV owners should get their HD signal by using OTA antennas.  The Sinclair station in Columbus, WSYX, is the only station in the area that I receive a very inconsistent OTA signal from.  All of the other stations come in loud and clear but not WSYX.  Even the local FOX affiliate, also owned by Sinclair and broadcasting from the same tower, comes in loud and clear.  So I will attempt to watch the Super Bowl in HD using my OTA antenna and just keep my fingers crossed that I won't lose the signal halfway through the broadcast." -- Jim


President Bush: Live in HDTV!
Did you watch the president's speech in HDTV last night? Well, I didn't, but I did record it in high-def and watched it this morning. (The networks aired the speech in HD.) It's amazing how much different it looked compared to the analog broadcast, of which I have seen countless highlights. To see my HDTV review of President Bush's State of the Union address, click President Bush  (Comment?)

What's On Tonight?
Looking for a good show in high-def tonight? How about American Idol on Fox at 8 p.m. (all times eastern); Lost on ABC at 9 p.m; or CBS' CSI: New York at 10 p.m.


Snoopy, the HDTV-watching cat, says she's turning in early because there aren't any animal documentaries on tonight.. (Comment?)

Super Bowl: HDTV Tipping Point?
This Sunday's Super Bowl between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks could go down in history as the day that High-Definition TV finally  made it. A record number of Americans are expected to watch the broadcast in high-def.  And, if all goes well, they will likely spread the word about HDTV's incredible picture to their friends and co-workers on Monday. This could trigger a dramatic boost in high-def sales over the next few months, particularly with the 2006 Winter Olympics starting later this month. (NBC will offer a HDTV simulcast of the games.)

ABC will likely deliver its usual peerless production of the game in high-def. And, for the first time, most of the game's commercials will be broadcast in high-def. The Washington Times has just published a feature on the HDTV broadcast, including the high-def ads. The article also includes quotes from yours truly. To read it, click: Here  (Comment?)

January 30, 2006 (Episode 21)

Do You Own a High-Definition TV?
Today, I pose my favorite question to a 84-year-old retiree named Tommy who just happens to be my father. With his son's expert assistance, Tommy Swann purchased his first high-def set late last year, shortly before my Mom died. The new TV (a 52-inch, RCA rear-projection) has been a comfort to him since my mother left us, although he still forgets to watch network programming on the high-def channels instead of the analog channels.

 "The picture is definitely better (on the HD channels)," he says. "But I get confused sometimes."

I recently taught him how to use a DVD player and signed him up for a NetFlix subscription. He's now watching a new movie every other night. The night he doesn't watch? He calls me for a refresher course on how to use the DVD player.

What's On Tonight?
Looking for a good show in high-def tonight? How about Surface on NBC at 8 p.m. (all times eastern); Las Vegas on NBC at 9 p.m; or Fox's 24, also at 9 p.m.


Snoopy, the HDTV-watching cat, says her top pick of the night is Profiles of Nature, a documentary on "wild superheroes," on Discovery HD Theater at 7 p.m. (Comment?)

January 28, 2006
Swanni's 10 Stars With Bad Skin in HDTV!
I heard that some dermatologist just published a list of celebrities who have major skin problems. Well, after reading the list, I think this guy needs to get high-def. Then he would see the stars as they actually look in real-life. With that said, click here to see my 10 stars who have terrible skin in HDTV! (Comment?)

Reader Comment:
"Man, have you got balls!  Your Bad Skin feature kicks ass.  It's one thing to resist the painful removal of facial scarring, but it's quite another to display a lack of ongoing skin care. When I was much younger, a friend who worked with MGM/UA obtained a print of a shelved/unreleased film called Thelma & Louise. We loved the film and didn't understand why the studio didn't want to release it.  Okay, the point.  When Brad Pitt first appeared in a /medium /shot, three of seven in the room blurted out comments about his
skin (yes, each gay men, so judgementalism is genetic). So, the larger question remains:  How will the viewing public respond/react to superficial-but-obvious imperfections in the "beauty" of celebrities in HDTV? -- Ed.

Reader Comment:

January 27, 2006 (Episode 20)
Coming Attractions
FYI, I am currently working on a HDTV show review of ABC's Lost. I named the hit drama the number one show in high-def in a recent feature. And, next week, I will explain why in further detail. Also, if you have a suggestion for a HDTV show review, let me know.
(Comment?)


A Picture of a Cat Watching TV
I've received a few e-mails this week from people asking for more photos of Snoopy watching High-Definition TV. Well, here she is today watching Winged Migration on HDNet Movies. Notice how she's leaning forward to get a better view of a bird landing on the grass.  (Comment?)

Plumbing the Depths of HDTV
I have a plumber in my house right now fixing my bathroom toilet. I share this information with you because he asked me what I do for a living. I told him that I analyze new TV technologies, such as High-Definition TV.

"What is High-Definition TV?" he asked back.

My plumber appears to be in his early 60s and, based on our conversation, very knowledgeable about current affairs. But high-def? Never heard of it. (Comment?)


Will HDNet's Bubble Burst on Hollywood?
In January 2000, I wrote the following in my book, TV Dot Com:

"Impressed by the newfound success of (Video on Demand), the movie studios will experiment with putting first-run movies on (TV). For example, the new Tom Cruise summer film could be made available on Pay Per View on the same day as the film's premiere in movie theaters.

"The experiment will be controversial in the film world. Theater owners will scream bloody murder, much as they did when the studios decided to support the fledgling video industry in the 1980s."

Tonight at 9 p.m. ET, HDNet Movies, the high-def network available in pay packages on DIRECTV, EchoStar and several cable systems, will make my prediction come true when it premieres Steven Soderbergh's Bubble, the same day it opens in the theaters. And as I forecast, the move is sparking enormous controversy in Hollywood and among theater owners. Although HDNet last year gave the same-day treatment to an Enron documentary, this is the first time a major director like Soderbergh has gone along with the concept.

Theaters owners -- and some studios -- are fearful that the same-day movie will discourage people from going to the theater. Why leave home when you don't have to?

However, I suspect that the concerns (as they often are in Hollywood) are based largely on the fear of the unknown rather than historical precedent.  When home video took off in the 1980s, theater attendance actually jumped because more people became interested in seeing movies, regardless of the venue. Likewise, I think the same-day movie will encourage more people to go to the theater -- and rent the DVD. Admittedly, theater owners will likely have to invest more in making the theater a more attractive place than it is today. But, paraphrasing Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, competition is good.  As I noted in TV Dot Com six years ago:

"Theaters will have to take a number of steps to compel the consumer to leave the house, including upgrading their sound systems, seating areas and concession stands. The movie theater experience will have to become a special one, much as it was in the 1930s and '40s before the advent of television. Theater owners will have to make their theaters fun, entertaining places to be, from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave."
(Comment?)

Note: HDNet is an advertiser at TVPredictions.com.

What's On Tonight?
Looking for a good show in high-def tonight? How about HDNet Movies' 'same-day' premiere of Bubble, directed by Steven Soderbergh at 9 p.m.; (All times eastern); Law & Order on NBC at 10 p.m.; or Joaquin Phoenix (assuming he's recovered from his car accident) on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC at 11:35 p.m.


Snoopy, the HDTV-watching cat, says her top pick of the night is Blue Realm, a documentary on Florida's underwater caves, on Discovery HD Theater at 8 p.m.(Comment?) 

Click Here to read Episode One of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode Two of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episodes Three & Four of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode Five of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode Six of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episodes Seven & Eight of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episodes Nine & 10 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode 11 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode 12 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode 13 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode 14 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode 15 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episode 16 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read  'Is DIRECTV Missing the Big PIcture?'
Click Here to read Episode 17 of The High-Def Life!
Click Here to read Episodes 18 & 19 of The High-Def Life!

And come back tomorrow for more of The High-Def Life!

© TVPredictions.com

---

Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Inside Edition, The New York Times, 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.

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