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TWC customers to see Cincinnati Reds in HD this season?
Considering that every single New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays matchup will be seen in HD in their respective markets, it's understandable for Reds fans to long for more than Time Warner Cable delivered last season. During 2007, TWC failed to carry the initial 33 Cincinnati Reds games on FSN Ohio in HD, but according to Karen Baxter, public affairs director for the carrier's southwest Ohio division, it's hoping to "be able to offer the Reds in HDTV this year." Notably, Insight brought these very games to its Northern Kentucky subscribers last year in HD, making Ohio residents that much more upset to be left in the pixelated dark. Still, considering that DirecTV and DISH Network has access to all 71 FSN Ohio HDTV games, we're hoping Time Warner steps up to the proverbial plate here and gives the local Reds fans a clearer picture this go 'round -- particularly since we know the channel itself is already on the way. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Image courtesy of Megan Construction]
Hallmark Movie Channel HD coming to DirecTV, too
When we first heard that Hallmark Movie Channel HD was hoping to rush into households as early as April, there was speculation that DirecTV would be the first to lock it down. Curiously enough, Time Warner Cable eventually snagged that honor, but it looks as if DTV will still be carrying said channel according to a renewed agreement between it and Crown Media Holdings. Put simply, terms of deal stipulate that DirecTV "will have the right to distribute the standard-definition and high-definition versions of Hallmark Movie Channel." Unfortunately, an actual launch date was casually omitted.
The MountainWest Sports Network coming to DirecTV
Yeah, the Mountain West Conference probably doesn't get the attention it deserves nationally, but fans of BYU, UNLV, New Mexico, Utah, TCU, Colorado State and the rest can turn their eyes to DirecTV if they're hungry for more. Just recently, the satellite provider agreed to pick up The Mtn. (MountainWest Sports Network) and broadcast it nationally "no later than September 1st" of this year. Channel position and programming package details are still being worked out, but fans can definitely look forward to seeing it switched on before football season hits its stride.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD headed to Time Warner Cable
Nothing too groundbreaking here, but for fans of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, you can rest assured that it'll remain on Time Warner Cable systems for awhile longer. Reportedly, the cable operator has just renewed its distribution agreement with Crown Media Holdings for "a multi-year term." Under the new deal, TWC "will have the right to continue its distribution of Hallmark Channel as well as the opportunity for distribution of both the standard-definition and high-definition versions of Hallmark Movie Channel." If you'll recall, we were previously left in the dark as to where HMC HD would actually launch -- now, it seems we have our answer. If only things were this easy with NFL Network... [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
RFD inks carriage agreement with Comcast
If you've never heard of RFD-TV (Rural Free Delivery) -- the channel that aims to "serve the needs and interests of rural America and agriculture" -- don't be shocked. Particularly if you rely on Comcast for your programming needs. Nevertheless, the boutique station has finally landed a carriage deal with the aforementioned cable company that will allow it to appear in both standard-definition and high-definition. Whether or not anyone is actually enthused about receiving RFD HD, however, is another matter entirely.
Big Ten Network still courting Charter
Make no mistake, Big Ten Network has been quite successful in getting itself on a number of providers, but to this day, Charter subscribers in the eight-state Big Ten footprint are still missing out. According to a new report, the network is still anxious to get a deal done with Charter, as quite a chunk of Minnesota Gophers fans are currently cheering through Tubby Smith's inaugural season without the ability to view some 17 of the team's games. 'Course, we've no idea if Charter is even close to forking out the coinage required to land a carriage agreement, but at least one side isn't backing down, right?
Comcast, Big Ten duke it out over licensing fees
For the estimated 5.7-million Comcast subscribers residing in the Big Ten footprint, seeing your favorite games this coming Fall could end up costing you a bit more than expected. Apparently, the Big Ten conference and Comcast have yet to reach an agreement on carrying the Big Ten Network, as Comcast reportedly wants $1.10 per subscriber in order to host the content on a dedicated sports tier. The conference, however, suggests that watchful consumers shouldn't be forced to pay "undue costs" in order to watch local teams, and even points out that the Mountain West Sports Network is carried on Comcast's basic cable lineup in the Salt Lake City region. Of course, we all know there's more money to be made in the juggernaut that is the Big Ten, but if an agreement isn't reached by August 1st, the Big Ten Network "could go on the offensive and encourage millions of Big Ten alumni to switch to DirecTV."
i'coo offers up Pico-iPod stroller: will the madness ever end?
Seriously, one day this mayhem has to end, but we suppose today isn't that day, so we'll just take a look at yet another (admittedly useful) product that'll probably sell at least three times as well as sufficient alternatives simply because you can strap your iPod into it. The Pico-iPod (which comes in black and white, to no one's surprise) appears to be a suite of iPod-laced goodies to pamper your child, including a stroller, car seat, and diaper bag, all entirely more attractive than your average kid carrier due to its DAP connection. In the hood of the stroller you'll find a holster for your dock-connecting iPod, volume / track controls, and built-in speakers to drown out those piercing screams lull the kiddo to sleep. While there's no apparent pricing listed on their site, we're seeing that it'll run you right around $300 from other outlets, so your kid best really love music before you throw down on this.[Via TUAW]
