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Norway's Get cable provider fetching Voom HD networks
Shortly after hearing that a FTTH network was on its way to Norway, a cable provider (Get) in the nation has just landed a carriage agreement that will bring Voom HD networks onto its lineup of high-definition channels. Granted, this isn't the first time the Voom channels have surfaced in the Nordic and Baltic regions, but when it launches on Get later this month, it will be a first on this particular carrier. Interestingly, there was no mention of rate changes associated with the newcomers, so here's to hoping users in the area are in fact gifted with these gratis.
GameplayHD's videogame animated series "Sacred Road" launches this fall
Voom's GameplayHD channel has a new 3D animated action series on the way, Sacred Road. As if we weren't already getting enough HD gaming in (CoD4 anyone?), the new series is being created entirely within a videogame engine, taking Red vs. Blue's concept to a whole new level. With graphical assets courtesy of Gearbox Software's Brothers in Arms game, Sacred Road is about a group of WWII soldiers caught up fighting Nazi's with an army of undead World War I fighters at their command. Check it out this fall, either on GameplayHD or via the website.[Via GameIndustry.com]
New Gallery HD series teaches you to paint like the masters
Tired of spending way too much loot on art classes? If so, it's time to make good use of Gallery HD (part of the VOOM HD collection), as it's gearing up to air an all new series that aims to teach aspiring painters "how to emulate the style of the world's greatest artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and many others." The Forger's Masterclass series is scheduled to include ten half-hour episodes starting on March 3rd, and will be hosted by John Myatt, whose "stunning forgeries of Matisse, Chagall and Klee notoriously fooled the art world in the 1990s." If you're already anxious to grab your brush, make sure you're tuned into channel 9472 (DISH Network) or 714 (Cablevision) at 8:30PM just under a week from now. Oh, and lay down some plastic first -- things could get messy.
RUSH HD delivering HD documentary on downhill skiing
Nah, RUSH HD's forthcoming documentary won't be the first high-definition program dedicated to taking a look at downhill skiing, but what better way to get you all jazzed up about the onset of winter than a fresh look at "the original extreme sport?" Okay, so maybe the Yule Log in HD takes the cake, but we're still slotting this in for second. Scheduled to air this Saturday night at 10:30PM EST (7:30PM PT; 9:30PM C), The Thin Line: Life on the Edge takes a look at what has fueled the sport over the years and includes interviews with some of its most notable figureheads. Additionally, there looks to be quite a few nasty spills crammed into the 90-minute feature, and if you're desperate for a taste a few days early, click on through for a look at the trailer.[Thanks, Erik M.]
VOOM's Gallery HD adding two new original series
It's not every day that we choose to announce new programming but, well, it's not everyday that Gallery HD adds new programming. One of the series launched last week and the other premiers in a few days. Aperture, premiered on the 21, highlights the man behind the lens - or so to speak. In other words, the show is going to follow some of the most sought-after photographers in the world and so we're thinking only true photography geeks are going to tune in. Dead Art, which launches on the 29, seeks to unearth art and beauty in cemeteries around the world. We're not quite sure if either of these programs are to die for (sorry, we had to), but new programming is better than the same 'ol stuff.
Cablevision adds Voom HD channels, could have up to 500 more
In addition to recently adding Versus and Golf in high definition, Cablevision has also added all fifteen of Voom's high-def channels to its lineup, giving them a total of 40 HD channels. As longtime readers know, Cablevision owns the parent company for Voom, so we should be more surprised it took them so long to add the content. Cablevision is also beefing up its fiber optic network to call satellite provider DirecTV's bluff, creating a claimed capacity of up to 500 channels by the end of the year. As we've said many times, DirecTV can claim they will have more channels than anyone, but other companies can add those same HD channels, all it takes is some upgrading or new set-top boxes. So, even though it's still up in the air whether there will actually be 100 HD channels by year's end, the good news for all consumers is that cable -- and IPTV -- providers aren't taking this lying down.
Singapore to get VOOM HD, Sling HD via SingTel's IPTV service
While we've mentioned Singapore getting a little HDTV love in the past, it now seems that the nation will be getting a whole lot more when SingTel's IPTV service launches commercially "later this year." On deck is the entire suite of VOOM HD channels as well as the first Singapore-created HD channel, dubbed Sling HD, which will showcase "computer gaming and extreme sports." Singapore's Mega Media and Rainbow Media have joined forces to deliver the high definition content, and current testing on IPTV technical trials have proved successful. Unfortunately, there's no set timeframe in which to expect the service to leave testing and go mainstream, but at least you Singaporeans have a good bit of HD action to look forward to in 2007.
DirecTV in talks to buy Voom
We are all wondering where all these new DirecTV HD channels that they promised at CES are going to come from, TVPredictions.com is reporting that DirecTV is in talks to buy Voom from Cablevision. This would explain where another 15 channels are coming from, but still a far cry from the 100 national channels they announced. This seems a bit ironic as they actually made a crack at Dish for carrying some of these channels during their press conference.
NonStop launches VOOM HD in Estonia
Apparently even the HD companies believe it's truly better to give than to receive, as we've seen Poland, Spain, and the ole US of A receive new HD content in recent weeks. Next in line is, well, a little more of Europe, but it'll be "the first HD content" delivered to needy consumers in the Baltic region. NonStop Television has reportedly struck a deal with Estonian telecoms and IT provider Elion to make VOOM HD available on the firm's IPTV platform just a month after it launched in Scandinavia on Canal Digital. The company stated that Elion would be "the first HDTV provider in Estonia," but hopefully not the last. So for you folks stuck up in the northern sects of Europe, take heart, as a taste of HD is coming to cable and IPTV in your neck of the woods this February.
Sasktel, Cogeco add HDTV channels for Canada
HDTV owners in Canada got a few more options recently as Sasktel and Cogeco have both announced addition to their HD lineups. Cogeco Quebec has added eleven new HD channels, eight of which are in French, the new channels are SRC (Montreal), CBC (Montreal), Canal Vie, HiSToRiA, Ztélé, Canal D, Séries +,VRAK.TV, CTV (Toronto), Global (Toronto) and HD Super Ecran. Meanwhile Sasktel has partnered with High Fidelity HDTV Inc. -- owned by Rainbow, basically Canadian Voom -- to add four new 24/7 HD channels to its services, Rush HD, Equator HD, Treasure HD and OasisHD. These four channels and Discovery HD are a part of the HD Adventure package that should run customers an additional $9.95 per month.Read - Cogeco Quebec adds more HD to its line-upRead - Four new HD channels launched on SaskTel Max
VOOM's GM on the current state of HDTV and the role of gaming
Who had the most high-def programming two years ago? DirecTV, Dish Network, Comcast - nope, none of 'em. Voom blew everyone else out of the water when they came out with 21 high-def stations. They have been on the forefront of the high-def revolution since then and their General Manager, Greg Moyer, has a nice outlook on the future of the format. He is saying that yes, high-def is here to stay. It is simply an expensive transition for everyone involved - you, the consumer, and them as the broadcasters. Give it time and there will be a point when the flood gates open and the progamming will be there.It is definitely an interesting read about high-def in general and also, the role gaming is playing in it. Check it out for some good insight from from an industry leader.
Football in June? No problem with Worldsport HD
We don't cover many Voom HD stations in our daily HDTV listings, but we thought it would be worth telling Dish Network subscribers that you'll be getting the first of many CFL games tonight. Worldsport HD features the Montreal Alouettes and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers tonight at 7:30 p.m. While Ricky Williams won't be playing tonight, (nor will the recently-cut Onterrio "The Whizzinator" Smith), it's always nice to watch some three-down football from our northern neighbors. If you were desperate enough to watch the Arena Bowl in HD or can't get enough 720p World Cup action then this will be a piece of cake.
Bond, James Bond coming to VOOM HD
So glad you could join us Mr. Bond.Oh James Bond. How you have a cult following and we are guessing that a big portion of our readers are part of it; the three of us are. The classic spy films can always be found on some random TV station but VOOM's FILMFEST is running all 17 of them in June. Best of all the movies will be uncut and commercial free too. The only issue we can see is that for some odd reason David Hasselhoff is going to be the host.
More info about GameSpot and Gameplay HD
Voom recently launched their newest HD station, Gameplay HD, and it was aimed at gamers. The inital announcement indicated that CNet and Gamespot will be providing content for the channel but the dets' we sketchy at best. More info has surfaced and we thought you would like to know.Gamespot will be producing two shows for the gaming stations. One is called GameSpotting that will cover gaming news, previews and reviews. The second will tell the story of games through the cut-scenes and selected game play will be called CinemAddicts. They both sound cool and Gamespotting seems like something we would like to watch. As for CinemAddicts, it really does not interest me personally but I am sure some of you will love it.
VOOM HD creates new channel exclusively for gamers
The reborn Voom HD has launched a channel specifically for gamers, "GamePlay HD". The channel actually started broadcasting on February 1st, with some content from their new partner CNET (& GameSpot). They also plan to provide coverage of tournaments like the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational Tournament in Seoul and the Guild Wars Championship, both in April. Two GameSpot produced news segments, GameSpotting and The Art of Play, are also part of the scheduled programming.GamePlay HD can be found on DISH channel 9485, any HD Beat readers check it out yet?
Queen HD concert celebrates 30 years of "Bo Rhap"
Just think, when Queen hit the charts with "Bohemian Rhapsody" thirty years ago, black and white televisions were still lingering around. HDTV back then? That was still being researched by NHK until it hit Japan in the early '80s. No, it was a simple time back then and if you plan ahead, you can relive it somewhat, this Friday night in high-definition. RAVE-HD, one of the VOOM channels, is premiering an HD recording of Queen's 2005 concert from Sheffield. This your chance to see the band with Paul Rodgers standing in for the irreplaceable Freddie Mercury, before they head across the pond for their US tour starting on March 3rd. The 1080i presentation kicks off at 9 p.m. while there will be encore performances throughout the weekend of "Bo Rhap" and other fan faves."Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in transition, must escape from SDTV...."
