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TWC launches 7 new HD channels in Mid-Ohio "legacy areas"
We'd known that Time Warner Cable was planning something special for the heart of Ohio, and now it's official. The carrier itself has proclaimed that seven new high-def options have arrived in "legacy areas" of Mid-Ohio, which pushes the grand total in the area to 58. As of now, viewers in these regions can find CNBC HD (717), ESPNU HD (723), Bravo HD (744), SPEED HD (756), Toon Disney HD (771), SciFi HD (773) and Adult HD (401) in the program guide. In related news, WTTE HD will be relocating to slot 708, WOSU HD will head to slot 707 and WWHO HD will move to channel 713. Happy surfing!
Sky could open up HD launch queue
DigitalSpy is reporting that Sky (no relation, we're told) is currently "studying the technical feasibility of opening a new electronic program guide launch queue for high-definition channels." In October of last year, the operator closed up its launch queue -- which is what channels use to secure a new slot on Sky's EPG -- after finding that many SD receivers had serious memory constraints. Now, however, Sky is pushing out a software update that "differentiates between those boxes and the HD ones," and it's hoping that these SD units will eventually cooperate while HD services are added. All fingers crossed for everything to pan out.[Image courtesy of MediaUK]
Verizon FiOS TV: now with at least 100 HD channels in every market
Verizon's FiOS TV may still be trailing DirecTV / DISH Network in total high-def channels, but the century mark ain't nothing to scoff at. The operator has recently announced that it's offering up at least 100 HD channels in every single one of its markets, though it didn't mention how soon it planned on infiltrating the vast majority of the country that is still operating sans FiOS TV service. We know it's important to look after your current customers, but the real revenue is in those consumers you've yet to hook. Keep those expansions coming, okay Verizon?
Mediacom dishes FOOD, SPEED and HGTV HD in Iowa
We've always heard that good things come in threes, and apparently Mediacom is sticking by that mantra. After adding a pair of trifectas in December, the carrier has just tossed in SPEED HD, FOOD HD and HGTV HD in Iowa, giving local viewers all the high-def racing, cooking and homemaking they can handle. If it has to be Monday, at least it's a Monday with new HD channels.[Thanks, Kyle]
Comcast throws in ten HD channels in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids just got eight high-def channels in mid-December, but already the cable carrier is adding ten more in order to keep the competition fierce between it and AT&T. As of now, locals can find Travel HD (183), MGM HD (216), Spike HD (HD), Nick HD (228), Toon Disney HD (238), Lifetime HD (239), Fuse HD (250), ESPN HD (257), IFC HD (260) and WE HD (261). Not bad Comcast, not bad at all.[Thanks, Corey]
Time Warner Cable adding four more HD networks in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC residents were pretty satisfied with 20 or so new HD channels at the tail end of last year, but apparently Time Warner Cable is really feeling the pressure from recent entrant AT&T. Now, Triangle citizens can start preparing for four more to hit the EPG on February 13th: USA HD (258), Bravo HD (259), CNBC HD (266) and SciFi HD (267). Don't take this personally TWC, but we appreciate the favor, AT&T. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Paul]
Comcast pushes 7 new HD channels to Lansing, MI subscribers
How's this for coincidence? Just days after AT&T announced that it would be making its U-verse TV available in Lansing, Michigan, out pops a few new high-def stations in the area courtesy of Comcast. According to a local who's kicking around watching TV on the first day of 2009 (good choice, by the way), Cartoon Network HD, Planet Green HD, Fox News HD, Lifetime Movie Network HD, Speed HD, E! HD and Biography HD have shown up. Nice way to start off what's looking to be the best year of all time, eh?[Thanks, ElanVital]
TWC drags another half dozen HD channels to San Diego, CA
San Diego, Time Warner Cable is lookin' out for you. Just days after three, then four HD channels dropped in, we've now received word that another half dozen have emerged in the lineup. As of now, locals should be seeing MLB Network HD (789), HBO East HD (610), Showtime East HD (651), TMC East HD (663), Versus HD (741) and Golf HD (767). At this rate, you folks should be well into the thousands by New Year's Eve 2009.[Thanks, Michael]
Cox gifts Kansas subscribers with three more HD channels
Good news, Kansas -- not only has Cox gone live with the two high-def stations it promised it would, but it's apparently bringing along three others. According to a local, FOX News HD (605), AMC HD (639) and Cartoon Network HD (640) have all emerged on the EPG, and we reckon we speak for everyone in saying that there's hardly anything more awesome than new HD channels that you weren't expecting.[Thanks, Kevin]
TWC lines up eight more HD channels in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus-area TWC subscribers were just blessed with sixteen new high-def channels over the past little bit, and according to a new report from The Columbus Dispatch, these same folks will see eight more in January. There's no mention of what exactly those channels will be, but we are told that the Start Over service has been expanded to eight areas in Central Ohio and should be available to all at the beginning of next year. Oh, and while this is completely unofficial, we'd say you can probably send a thank you letter to AT&T for applying pressure where it counts. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
Three more HD channels come to Springfield, IL's Comcast lineup
As the wave of new HD channels continues to roll around and hit random Comcast systems across the nation, Springfield, Illinois has become the latest city to get gifted. Just in time for New Year's Day, locals in the area can find FOX News HD, FX HD and SPEED HD on slots 950, 948 and 946, respectively. The new trio brings the total HD adds since April to 25, and we're certain subscribers in the region are hoping the end isn't anywhere in sight.
Time Warner Cable brings four more HD channels to San Diego, CA
TWC's been hooking San Diego, California up good fashion of late, and just in case you weren't satisfied with what the latest rounds of additions were packing, in comes four more just before Santa sashays down the chimney. As of today, locals will find USA HD (734), CNBC HD (749), SciFi HD (757) and Bravo HD (740) in the EPG, though we'll take the rare opportunity to suggest you hang with the fam for awhile and let these simmer until the in-laws depart. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family] [Thanks, Michael]
Peoria, IL gets another three HD channels courtesy of Comcast
Peoria and surrounding areas in Illinois already picked up 22 new HD channels back in May, but knowing just how unsatisfied high-def junkies are, we're sure locals are already itching for a few more. As of now, resident Comcast subscribers can find FOX News HD, FX HD and SPEED HD on the EPG, though there's no indication that more are on the way. 'Tis a shame too, given that your door is probably frozen shut right now, leaving you no alternative but to turn to HDTV for entertainment.
Bright House Networks to host up MLB Network HD in Tampa Bay
We get the feeling that we'll see quite a few carriers proudly announcing carriage deals with MLB Network during the run-up to its launch (January 1, 2009), and Bright House Networks is getting us started by promising its Tampa Bay, Florida customers the channel come the new year. Starting in 2009, MLB Network will be available in SD on digital cable channel 159 and in HD on slot 744, and Joe Durkin, senior director corporate communications at the carrier, has confirmed that it will be added at no extra charge. For those unaware, the channel will carry "live games, original programming, highlights, classic games and coverage of baseball events," and its signature show -- MLB Tonight -- is obviously aiming to take viewers away from Karl Ravech, John Kruk and the rest of the gang at ESPN's 'Baseball Tonight.'
BHN gives free premiums for Florida outage, adds 4 new HD nets early
We can't possibly overstate the awesomeness of competition, and it's readily apparent in this here scenario. After many Central Florida-based Bright House Networks customers were left without TV service for around eight hours earlier this month, the outfit made known that small refunds would be given. Now, it's stepping the apology up another notch by promising a free month of Showtime HD, The Movie Channel, Showtime on Demand and TMC on Demand. Additionally, it's adding in those four high-def stations -- SciFi HD (1369), FX HD (1370), Travel HD (1365) and USA HD (1399) -- a few days early, giving you four more to enjoy over the Christmas holiday. Thanks, AT&T.[Thanks, Rob]
Charter brings four new HD channels to St. Louis, Missouri
Charter Communications isn't abstaining from expanding HD channels as the holiday season approaches, as it has announced that four new high-def stations have launched alongside four digital SD nets in St. Louis, Missouri. Available now are Food Network HD (760), HGTV HD (761), National Geographic HD (768), Golf HD (772), Hallmark Movie Channel (122), ReelzChannel (145), American Life TV (146) and The Sportsman Channel (772). According to Steve Trippe, Vice President and General Manager of Charter's St. Louis operations, the carrier now provides "more than 400 HD choices that are instantly available at any time," which definitely does not translate into a remarkable amount of linear HD channels. Still, nice to have a few new ones, right STL?
TWC to give Southern Manhattan its due HD channels
Admit it, south Manhattan -- you felt totally snubbed by Time Warner Cable's recent announcement that your brethren to the north would soon be getting a whole wheelbarrow full of new high-def content. Thankfully, the suits at TWC have realized that south-siders need clarity too, and it's planning to launch a significant amount of fresh HD channels in February. We can't even begin to cover the full list here, so we'll post it up word for word after the break. We know what you're thinking: February?! [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Comcast adds 11 HD nets in Morgan County, Indiana
Comcast subscribers in Martinsville and Mooresville, Indiana have a lot to cheer about this weekend, as they were just recently blessed with eleven new high-definition stations. The newcomers include Animal Planet HD (934), Discovery HD (936), SciFi HD (933), USA HD (939), History HD (941), TLC HD (944), SPEED HD (946), FX HD (948), FOX News HD (950), Cinemax HD (955) and Science HD (957). Users in the area can also expect on-demand programming to hit in 2009, and if this sudden trend continues, we'd expect a number of other Comcast systems to see new HD channels very, very shortly.
Shentel announces plans for 100 HD channels in Shenandoah Valley
Shentel, a telecommunications company that serves the greater Shenandoah Valley, is looking to get with the times in a big way next year. The company is expecting to expand its HDTV services to its subscribers in West Virginia and Alleghany County, Virginia, but we're not just talking one or two channels. Heck, not even one or two dozen. According to David Ferguson, Shentel president, the 31 high-def channels it currently offers could balloon to as many as 100 by the end of 2009. On top of that, Shentel is expected to launch video-on-demand and caller ID on TV as well, clearly signifying that it's ready to take on the big boys in terms of content and features. There's no word on what price increases (if any) will be implemented, but for a hundred high-def stations, we'd say a modest increase is completely warranted.
Shaw launches Big Ten Network HD / Golf HD in Canada
It's a few days behind schedule, but Shaw Cable customers in Canada are now getting not one, but two new sports-related HD channels. Effective immediately, subscribers in the Great North can tune to Big Ten Network HD and Golf HD, both of which are available in free preview form until January 31, 2009. Both networks are falling into the carrier's HD Plus service, which goes for an extra $9 per month.
