TV Tech 'News on Demand'
  May 04, 2007
 
See Swanni's Take On Today's News
 
News and analysis at TVPredictions.com.
 
Ask Swanni: Who Has the Best HDTV Picture?
 
Your humble high-def guru takes your questions.
  Qwest: Maybe People Don't Want Telco TV
  Company CEO defends his video vision.
  LG to Push 1080p HDTV
  TV maker will launch new TV ad campaign today.
  Sony, Panasonic Win 'Brand Loyalty Awards'
  Customers happiest with their high-def sets.
 
Blu-ray: 71; HD DVD: 29
  The Sony-backed format has another big week.
  Sky TV Now Has 244,000 HD Subs
   UK satcaster launched HD in 2006.
 
John Malone: Telcos Not Ready For HDTV
  Says they don't have enough bandwidth.
  HD DVD Code Almost Puts Digg Under
  Users blitz the site with complaints.
 
Vudu Will Be Doo-Doo
  New set-top has no chance.
 
Is Cable Ignoring DIRECTV's HD Plans?
  We could be watching a repeat of the 1990s.
  Verizon: 348,000 FiOS TV Subs
  The telco offers 27 HDTV channels.
  TV Antennas Are Back; 5 Tips For Buying One
  High-def owners can get local signals for free.
 
No ABC HD For Santa Barbara Cable
  Local station asking for compensation.
 
Weather Channel's HD Snow Job
  New high-def net won't show HD until 2008.
  BBC to Launch Free HDTV Service
   No-sub service will start next spring.
 
Who's the...Sexiest Woman In HDTV?
  Your chance to vote for the hottest of hotties.
 
Comcast: HD & DVR Subs Rise 72 Percent
  Cable operator releases first quarter report.
 
Westinghouse: 1080p HDTV For $1,499
 
The company targets the budget buyer.

  Sony Unveils World's Smallest HD Camcorder
  High-def camera weighs just 15 ounces.
  DIRECTV Unsure On Passions In HDTV
  Satcaster gets exclusive rights to NBC soap.
  LodgeNet: HD Makes Money For Hotels
  Will add $5 per room each month.
 
Ex-Warner Prez: HDTV DVD War Avoidable
  Former video exec blasts both sides in fight.
 
HDNet to Air 'Walter Reed' Concert In HDTV
  John Mellencamp will perform for the troops.
 
The NFL In HD: CBS Calls an Audible
 
The network reverses course and adds HD games.

 
CNN: Field Reports In HDTV
  News network picks Sony camera.
  Blu-Ray: Over One Million Sold
  Format is dominating new market.
  Verizon's FiOS Adds 3 HD Channels
  The telco confirms earlier reports.
  NBC's Sunday Ratings Hurt By No HDTV?
  Network is badly trailing its broadcast rivals.
  INHD Seeks Its Advertising Mojo
  Network will change name; seek HD ads.
 
Hockey Fans Love HDTV!
  Canadian study shows greater interest.
 
Time Warner: No Analog =100 HDTV Channels
  Cable op converts Staten Island system.
 
Fresno ABC Switches to HD News
  The high-def debut occurs on Monday.
 
Federal Officials Worried About Digital TV
  Concerns growing that some will lose signals.
  Charlotte ABC Switches to HD News
  The high-def debut will happen Sunday.
  HDTV: People Are Talking
  Recent notable quotes about high-def.
  ESPN's Poker Bets On HDTV
   Gaming series will switch in July.
 
Sanyo HDTV Camcorder: $535 At Amazon
   Price is roughly $200 off suggested retail.
  Hologram TV: Better Than HDTV?
 
See a video demo of Hologram TV!
  DIRECTV: Two More Markets Get Local HD
  Satcaster now offers local HD to 59 cities.
 
Cable Seeks More Capacity For HDTV
  Cable ops must keep pace with satellite.
 
Why Isn't the Damn Game In HDTV?
  High-def sports fans continue to be frustrated.
  HD-DVD Player Sales Hit 100K Mark
  Format reaches first anniversary.
  Pittsburgh Fans Upset Over HD Coverage
  Newspaper reports anger over Penguin games.
  ESPN's Mike & Mike Goes High-Def
  HD debut will take place on May 7.
 
NAB: Cable Will Reduce HDTV Picture Quality
 
War of words continues between cable and locals.

 
KING 5 Switches to HD News In Seattle
  High-def newscast debuts this morning.
  Verizon FiOS Adding 3 HD Channels?
  Internet message boards buzzing with reports.
 
Best HD-DVD Player Ever?
  CNET gives Toshiba HD-XA2 a score of 7.3 of 10.
 
Ask Swanni: Meet the Press In HD?
 
Your humble high-def guru takes your questions.
 
HDTV DVD War Is Not Over
  Samsung's dual player could signal more battles.
  WKYT Wins HD News Race In Kentucky
  CBS affiliate edges out NBC station.
 
Charter-Sinclair Deal Brings HDTV Home
  Viewers in 19 markets will get local high-def.
  Reader Poll: Plasma Has Best HDTV Picture
  But it barely edges out flat-screen rival LCD.
 
Toshiba Launches 1080p HD-DVD Player
  Set-top will retail for $499. 
                                                                                                                                                                 
 
  
 
AT&T: Free HDTV For 1 Year
  Telco offers roughly 25 HD channels.
 
Could FCC Plan Hurt HDTV Efforts?
  FCC chief wants to mandate analog carriage.
 
HDTV's Most Reliable Brands
  Vizio, Dell and Philips fare poorly in rankings.
 
Plasma HDTV Sales: Not a Pretty Picture
  Flat-screen revenues falling fast.
  Sony's OLED Could Steal Flat TV Market
  The high-def set is just one inch deep.
  Sony Kills $499 PlayStation 3
  Move raises price of Blu-ray player.
  WCBS Launches High-Def News
  CBS affiliate is third in NY to do so.
 
Companies Push Anti-HDTV Copying Software
   Says it will prevent illegal HD copies.
  Toshiba 42-Inch Plasma HD: $1,099 At Amazon
   The price is roughly $500 less than at Best Buy.
 
Cablevision to Appeal DVR Ruling
  Says network DVR does not violate copyright.
  Time Warner Gets Versus HD Rights
   But it's up to local systems to add it.
 
CEA: 28 Percent of Homes Have HDTVs
 
Trade group says 35 million sets in homes.
  Reader Poll: DIRECTV Will Be HDTV Leader
  HD owners say they will have most channels.
 
Comcast In 2008: 120 HD Channels?
  Cable op says boxes will have more capacity.
  Time Warner Adds Nat Geo HD In Hawaii
   But cable op refuses to confirm more.
  EchoStar Not Likely to Play 'Extra Innings'
  Satcaster says the package is too costly.
 
Should EchoStar Subs Switch to DIRECTV?
   It's another edition of...Ask Swanni!
 
Comcast Adds Sopranos to HD On Demand
  High-def episode will be available next morning.
 
EchoStar Adds Seven Sports Channels In HD
 
The regional sports channels carry local teams.
  Time Warner to Add Four HDTV Channels
   ESPN 2 HD is included in the additions.
  DIRECTV: Four More Markets Get Local HD
  Satcaster now has local HD in 57 cities.
 
Fox Denies Baseball HD Rumors
 
The network says there's no reductions in games.
 
 
Only 3 MLB Teams Not Available In Local HD
 
O's, Nats and Royals are last hold outs.

  BrightHouse, Cable One Adding ESPN 2 HD
  Time Warner is also adding it in some markets.
 
Verizon Adds NESN HD In Boston
   Channel airs the Boston Red Sox.
 
'Mad' Mystery of the HDTV Basketball Blur
  Why does the picture keep breaking up?
  Discovery HD Theater: New Shows; More Ads?
  High-def channel looks to spread its wings.
  Baseball Extends 'Extra Innings' Talks
   There's still hope for cable TV viewers.
 
DreamWorks: No Winner In HDTV DVD War
  Katzenberg says it's only for videophiles.
 
Rush Limbaugh Is Wrong -- About HDTV
 
He loves HD, but doesn't know when it's HD.
 
DIRECTV Adds Local HD In 4 Markets
  The satcaster now offer local HD in 53 markets.
 
Lawmakers: Digital TV Will Not Be Delayed
  Says analog signals needed for emergencies.
  DIRECTV Adds Local HD In 4 Markets
   The satcaster now offer local HD in 53 markets.
  Microsoft's XBox For HDTV: Fuzzy Future
  
New console will struggle to get buyers.

 
NFL OKs HDTV For Instant Replays
   Cost will be $300,000 per stadium.
  CE's Shapiro: Digital TV Concerns Hyped
   Trade group chief attacks "fear mongering."
 
Brian Williams In HD: Hard News; Soft Image
 
The high-def debut is a bit disappointing.
  Report: iTunes Bad; HD On Demand Good
  Studios will get more money from cable services.
 
Casino Royale: The HD-DVD Killer?
  Sales of the Blu-ray disc are booming.
  Los Angeles CBS News to Go High-Def
  The switch is scheduled next month.
  
Housing Woes Could Hurt Satellite TV
  But an increase in HD could cushion the blow.
  DIRECTV: $39 For 'Extra' Baseball In HD
   Super Fan package will offer 10 games in HD.
  KISS Singer Gets Face Lift In HDTV
  Procedure will air tonight on A&E HD.
 
CNET Calls Apple TV 'Bad Analog Cable'
  Web site says it suffers from poor video quality.
 
Did Sony Sacrifice PS3 to Save Blu-ray?
  Sales of the game console are lagging.
 
Philly's CBS News Goes High-Def
   The big switch occurs next month.
  Why Apple TV Will Bomb
  The set-top supports 720p HD video.
  Cablevision Adds Discovery HD
  Two new high-def channels now available.
  Poll: NBC News to Draw Big HD Audience
   Brian Williams will make high-def debut next week.
  Satellite TV Grows 200 Percent In 7 Years
  Cable TV operators lose their market share.
  NBC Nightly News Goes HD Next Week
 
Will be 1st network evening news in high-def.
  Can INHD Find Its Mojo?
   High-def network gets name change.
  Sony: Blu-ray Could Hurt PS3
  High-def player caused high price.
  Why Are There So Many DIRECTV Haters?
  Satcaster is the Duke of TV providers.
 
Why Does Everyone Love TiVo?
  The DVR service can do no wrong.
 
Will Cable & EchoStar Get Extra Innings?
  DIRECTV appears close to getting an exclusive.
  DIRECTV to Preview The Tudors In HD?
  On-screen guide lists a Monday debut.
 
Microsoft: XBox Downloads Up 400 Percent
  Service offers high-def movies, TV shows.
  China Sees Red Over HDTV Ads
  Government probes HD picture quality.
 
Can Blu-ray Replace the DVD? In 3 Years?
  Blu-ray executive makes a bold claim.
 
YES to Launch HD Channel
  Network will debut on April 1. 
 
Disney to Add Four HD Channels On DIRECTV
  The high-def networks expected in early 2008.
  Toshiba HD-DVD Player: $364 At Amazon
   Offer also includes five free HD-DVDs.
  Motorola Invests In Wireless HDTV
  New tech could break out in next year.
 
Blu-ray: Two Movies On One DVD
  Double feature will be offered next month.
 
Will DIRECTV Renew Ties With TiVo?
.  It's another edition of...Ask Swanni!
  Disney to Add Four HD Channels On DIRECTV
  The high-def networks expected in early 2008.
  RCA Unveils Digital TV Converter
  But no pricing or launch dates are offered.
  Blu-ray Widens Lead Over HD-DVD
  High-def DVD outsells rival by 2-1.
  Do HDTV Owners Prefer Movie Theaters?
   Survey says tech-savvy more likely to leave home.
  Comcast to Preview Planet Earth In HDTV
   First episode will debut on demand this Friday.
 
Cablevision Adds Discovery HD, Nat Geo HD
  Cable op to add the nature networks next week.
 
Poll: 46 Percent Would Buy $399 TiVo HD DVR
  Company CEO says lower price is coming.
 
Senators to Probe DIRECTV-MLB Deal
  Top cable executive meets with the league.
 
Time Warner: We Can Offer 100 HD Channels
   Cable op says it can match DIRECTV.
  DIRECTV's Baseball Deal: The HDTV Impact
  
The agreement will give satcaster powerful lineup.

 
California Gives OK to Verizon TV
  Telco offers 26 national high-def channels.
  DIRECTV: All 'March Madness' Games In HD
  Satcaster will offer all games in HD  for 1st time.
  
TiVo Eyes Lower HD DVR Price
   TiVo's CEO says it's crucial to future sub growth
  High Noon For HD-DVD?
   Expert says Blu-ray could win in 3-4 months.
 
Columbus CBS News Goes High-Def
  The HDTV news debut will occur April 2.
  Comcast-Sinclair Deal Could Set HD Precedent
  Cash payments could lead to higher monthly bills.
  DIRECTV: No Deal With Baseball Yet
 
The satcaster denies reports that it has agreement.
  Cox Gets CBS HD In New Orleans
  Belo and Cox sign new carriage agreement.
  Does HDTV Boost Local News Ratings?
  Dallas station captures ratings win after switch.
  DIRECTV to Add National Geographic HD?
  High-def nature channel added to on-screen guide.
 
MHD to Air 'Rock Induction' In HDTV
  Event will honor Van Halen and R.E.M.
 
Digital TV Switch Will Be Delayed
  Swanni predicts that Congress will extend date.
  Dingell: Digital TV Transition May Be Delayed

  Powerful lawmaker says feds may need more time.

  Blu-ray Boom? PS3 Shortages Coming to End
  Blu-ray could have edge over HD-DVD this summer.
  Comcast Viewers May Lose Fox HD
  Dispute could affect HDTV in several cities.
  MLB May Drop DIRECTV Baseball Deal
  CNN/Money says it's becoming unlikely.
  Big Cable Ops Won't Pay CBS For HDTV
  Time Warner, Comcast unlikely to budge.
  Sony: $500 Blu-ray Players In 2007
  Company reverses course on pricing.
 
 
HD News: Big Pussy, James Bond & Dan Rather
  What's coming to your high-def television.
  USA Today: Don't Buy LG's Dual HDTV Player
  Columnist says it's too costly and quirky.
 
Weather Channel HD: Debuting This Fall
  Network spending "tens of millions" on HD launch.
  Rainbow to Add 'Life' to HDTV VOD
 
Anna Kournikova will offer tennis tips in high-def.
 
Merv Griffin to Launch Game Show In HDTV
  Five NBC stations are scheduled to air at launch.
  DIRECTV's HotPass: HDTV In 2008
  It's unclear whether high-def will cost more.
 
Will Cable Beat DIRECTV In 'Extra Innings'?
  Dozens of weekly HDTV games could be at stake.
  Pioneer's 50-Inch Plasma Offers 'Best Picture'?
  CNET gives the set a rare 'excellent' ranking.
  Kentucky NBC News Goes HD
  Station will make switch in the spring.
  Review: Samsung's 42-inch Plasma
  PC World praises its HD and DVD pix.
  NAB: No Arbitration In Local HD Disputes
  Trade group says current process is working fine.
  4 Best HDTVs For Non-HDTV Channels
   Consumer Reports rates four sets as "excellent."
  HDTV Review: Vizio's $699 32-Inch LCD
  CNET says it's a bargain at $699.
  HD News: NBA, Baseball and TV Pioneers
  Latest news on what's coming to your high-def set.
 
LCD Passes Plasma In HDTV Race
  Flat-screen set scores big in 4th quarter.
 
FCC, End Local HDTV Disputes!
  The battle threatens high-def set sales.

   DIRECTV: 100 HDTV Channels On Target
 
Satcaster also says that 4Q profit tripled.
  Digital TV Coupons Ready In January?
  Consumers may be eligible for two per household.
  Police to Headline HDTV Grammys
  High-def broadcast airs Sunday night.
 
Swanni Lifts Ban On DIRECTV HD DVRs
  The high-def recorder has had recording issues.
  HDTV Wars: Circuit City to Close Stores
  Shrinking flat-panel prices are blamed.

 
Tweeter: Flat HDTV Prices to Fall Again
  New 1080p sets likely to trigger price war.
 
Digital TV: Why the Feds Are Screwing It Up
  They are not taking the transition seriously enough.

  FCC Asks For Digital TV Education Funds
  Effort expected to target minorities and kids.
  Phishers Target HDTV Owners For Info
  E-mails designed to look like their from retailers. 
  Dual HDTV DVD Player Now At Retail

  Device will play Blu-ray and HD-DVD.
 
Consumer Reports: 15 'Excellent' HDTVs
  The magazine reviews nearly 100 high-def sets.

  Blu-ray & HD-DVD Sales Running Even
  But that could be good news for Blu-ray.
 
Americans Unaware Of Digital TV Switch
  They don't know they could lose TV signals.
  Digital TV Converters Won't Be Free
  Feds say subsidy won't cover set-top cost.
  Sinclair and Mediacom Reach Agreement!
  Mediacom viewers can watch Super Bowl in HD.
  Providence Cable Gets Super Bowl In HDTV
  LIN TV-owned CBS station gives in at 11th hour.
 
  CBS: 'We Must Be Paid For HDTV!'
  Exec says cable must pay or else.
 
Is Blu-Ray Hurting Sony's Profits?
  Company reports 15 percent profit drop. 
 
CBS: 47 HDTV Cameras at Super Bowl
  The network gets ready for the big game.
  Microsoft's Bill Gates: 'TV Is Terrible'
  Says Net video will take over in 5 years.
  San Diego CBS Goes to HD News
  The high-def switch will begin Monday.
  ESPN to Serve Cold Pizza In HDTV
  Daily talk show will switch in June. 
 
Ask Swanni: Is Katie Couric Anti-HDTV?
  Your high-def guru takes your questions.
 
Does Comcast Have a DIRECTV Killer?
  New tech could expand high-def capacity.
  Fox's 24: Best Show In HDTV!
  Lost is second; American Idol third.
  NFL Network: 60 Hours of 'Super' HDTV
  The Super Bowl lineup will include 55 live hours.
  Survey: 2.5M to Buy Super Bowl HDTVs
  The number tops last year's response.
  Houston CBS Switches to HD News

  Will be the first station in the Houston.
  Sony Denies Blu-ray Porn Ban
  Says all companies are welcome.
 
Time Warner: HDTV To The Rescue!
  Cable op rushes to install high-def boxes.
 
DIRECTV & CBS Extend HDTV Madness
  Satcaster will air college basketball games.
 
DIRECTV: TiVo Owners, Reboot
  Says problem can be easily fixed.
 
Digital TV Bill Comes Up Short
 
Do we need more government reports?
  LCD HDTV Profits to Decline?
  Competition; supplies faulted.
  Analysts Question Apple TV
  Say set-top field is crowded.

  Time Warner & Sinclair Agree On HDTV
  C
able op can now offer local high-def.
  TiVo Owners: DIRECTV Trouble Not Over
  Some still complaining of recording problems.
  Hackers Target Blu-ray Now?
  Internet post says high-def disc cracked. 
  HDTV DVD Group Probes Hacking
  HD-DVD titles are available on Net.
 
LIN TV Blocks HDTV In New Mexico
 
Local station wants cable op to pay up.
  PlayStation 3s Sit on Retail Shelves

 
Analyst says Wii is outselling PS3.
  Sony: $299 Blu-ray Player In 3 Years
 
Execs says pricing will follow DVDs.
  Yule Log Debate Burns In HDTV
 
INHD challenges traditional broadcast.
 
Can Skype Execs Offer 'Net HDTV?
 
Founders say service coming in 2007.
 
 
                   
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