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Hands-on with DirecTV's new HD channels
No matter how many channels satellite providers have, to some people it just isn't an option; whether it's because you don't have line of sight or you just can't throw out your HD TiVo for their alternative. But there's no denying DirecTV and Dish are the HD leaders. So, for those who don't have 'em, we spent some time taking a few pics of the latest HD channels. Some channels required us to wait a long time before we saw any HD on them, while others have quite a bit. It's still kind of hard to tell what will be in HD, as the guide data isn't usually accurate. We're hoping these are just early bugs and eventually they'll all be 24x7 HD goodness, but for now, we're just happy when they don't bring us stretch-o-vision.%Gallery-8097%
Cox inks deal to get CNN HD and TBS HD
While some of us have been enjoying the MLB postseason in HD on TBS HD, those relying on Cox Communications have been out of luck. Thankfully, all that is changing, as Cox and Turner Networks "announced an agreement today that will allow Cox to offer TBS in HD and CNN HD in Cox markets." Interestingly, an actual go-live date wasn't noted, so for those out there paying for HD from Cox, fire up your set and see if either channel is already available.
DirecTV launches another 11 new HD channels
We knew DirecTV had a long way to go to get to 100 and that they all wouldn't just pop up one day. Last week we had the first run of 21 and now today we get another 11. Of those, there are five regional sports networks, three more premiums, and finally three new HD channels that are new to everyone. We expect the three regular channels to be mostly stretch-o-vision at first, but there should be plenty of new HD content when they start to launch their original programming. There are still some obvious channels missing like National Geographic HD, Food HD and HGTV HD, but expect to see them anytime now. We don't know about anyone else, but we're excited that we won't have to wait six months to watch BSG in HD anymore. Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD (Channel 640) Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Channel 629) New England Sports Network/NESN HD(Channel 623) SportsNet New York HD (Channel 625) YES HD (Channel 622) Cinemax East (Channel 512) Cinemax West (Channel 514) HBO West (Channel 504) Bravo (Channel 273) SciFi Channel (Channel 244) USA Network (Channel 242)
TBS HD carriage deals, have to be some kind of record
Most of us have been watching HD for some time, so we've seen our fair share of HD channel launches, and while there are more channels than ever before, TBS HD's ability to get carriage deals has to be some kind of record. If you've been following the site for the past week, then you've noticed that we've had at least one post a week -- maybe more -- about TBS HD getting adding to some provider. And it seems Dish is the only one not carrying the channel at this point when just about everyone else is. We wish all channels were this good at getting out there, -- especially HD capable channels that don't stretch their content -- but we'd really love to know how they did it. Sure MLB baseball playoffs in HD are a pretty big draw, but somehow we doubt that's what it took to get the deal done at the same time and with so many providers.Read: Cablevision adds TBS HDRead: Down to Wire for TBS HD
The Speed Channel to go HD in February
One of the most technologically advanced sports is soon going to have an HD channel to match, as The Speed Channel is gearing up for HD. The week leading up to the Daytona 500 next year will be a week of speed and for the first time ever, the Speed Channel will cover the entire week in HD. As much as they'd like to produce all their programming in HD, as we know all too well it's almost impossible, especially with auto racing which uses as many camera as any sport and twice the fiber. They're not stopping with live events either, as Speed has already upgraded production of a few of their shows to HD, so they'll have some ready in time for February.
Bright House Networks to add 8 new HD channels
Just like we've come to expect, when Time Warner Cable adds new channels, so does Bright House Networks. And, the latest addition is eight new HD channels that we've recently seen added to other nationwide providers. We know TBS HD is already live in at least one BHN market, but we don't know exactly when the rest of these channels will be launched which include; Food Network, History Channel, HGTV, Discovery Science, The Learning Channel, Discovery and Animal Planet. Still no word on CNN HD, but we'd bet it is added before too long.
Comcast rolls out new HD channels too
Ahh, we love competition, especially when it means more HD channels for everyone. While the cable co's let the satellite providers lead the way with new HD programming, they aren't too far behind, and now Comcast customers are going to be able to enjoy five new HD channels in various markets. The five new channels include, A&E HD, Food Network HD, HGTV HD, National Geographic HD and NFL Network HD. As we just heard, NFL Network is suing 'cause they're on the sports tier, so in the meantime that tier is going to cost you another $5 a month. Also on the way is TBS HD -- in time for MLB playoffs in HD -- CNN HD and a little further down the road, MGM HD.
DirecTV launches 21 new HD channels
The day has finally come and only a week later than we originally thought. If your setup is up to it, you can now enjoy the 21 new HD channels -- four are new to just about everyone. The good news is that the HD channels are the same channel numbers as the SD equivalent, the bad news is that if you direct dial them you still have to hit the channel up button once to get the HD version, which means that most people won't ever see them. Yes, we've personally witnessed people watch an SD channel when the HD was available, just because they were on the wrong channel. If the SD channel is included in your service plan then you'll get the HD one too. Here is the list of channels that are live now, we expect more to launch as we get closer to the end of the year. A&E (Channel 265) Animal Planet (Channel 282) Big Ten Network (Channel 220) CNN (Channel 202) The Discovery Channel (Channel 278) The History Channel (Channel 269) The Movie Channel East (Channel 544) NFL Network (Channel 212) Showtime West (Channel 540) Showtime too (Channel 538) The Smithsonian Channel (Channel 267) The Science Channel (Channel 284) Starz Comedy (Channel 519) Starz East (Channel 522) Starz West (Channel 540) Starz Edge (Channel 520) Starz Kids and Family (Channel 518) TBS (Channel 247) TLC (Channel 280) Versus / The Golf Channel (Channel 604) The Weather Channel (Channel 362)
The Smithsonian Channel HD to launch on DirecTV this Wednesday?
The phrase patience is a virtue is what people waiting around tell each other to make themselves feel better. Well the DirecTV fans are no doubt saying this, and while no one seems to know exactly when DirecTV will turn on all the HD channels, we appear to have another slip. According to an article in B&C, the Smithsonian Channel HD will launch this Wednesday on DirecTV. It's totally possible that they'd be ready by then when you consider they did a 3 hour test in the early hours of Sunday morning, but at this point we'll believe it when we see it. As for the channel itself, they say they're launching with 75 hours of HD content. Is it just us, or does this not seem like that much, especially considering there are 168 hours in a week? Who knows what they're going to show the rest of the week, or perhaps they'll just show the same 75 hours over and over again till they bring the number up to 100 by the end of year.
Time Warner Cable's new HD channels in October
Some providers can't stop talking about when they'll add new HD channels, while others would rather keep things under wraps 'till the new programming goes live. While both strategies have their advantages, not communicating with your customers is usually not a good idea. It appears now that TWC has quite a few plans for HD expansion in October, as customers in at least one market can expect to see many of the same channels DirecTV has been touting including, TBS HD, The History Channel HD, CNN HD, Lifetime Movies HD, and Food Network HD. While TBS HD is expected to go live in time for the MLB playoffs on October 1st, the rest are expected on October 15th. We can only assume that TWC and Bright House Networks customers all over the country will see these channels around the same time, but without a specific announcement, your guess is as good as ours.
The definition of an HD channel?
This has become the year of new HD channels and while we can't get enough HD, Mark Cuban brings up a good point on his blog. There are lots of new HD channels, but not so much actual HD. Of course this is nothing new, even the earliest so-called HD channels showed mostly SD material, and even today most HD network show as much SD as HD. There are of course a few 24x7 HD networks, but most of them are inundated with reruns. This persistent problem seems to be getting worse as we'll soon have one HD network that isn't HD at all, and others that don't plan to do much HD in their first year. Don't get us wrong we're not complaining, but we think now might be a good time for the industry to come up with a definition of an HD channel.
Polling players on new content
There's an interesting discussion going on over on the forums about whether or not Blizzard should conduct player polls. Antiquity from Lightning's Blade can't see why they don't-- it's an easy way for them to get quick feedback about different aspects of gameplay. But Nethaera disagrees. She says (and I can see her point as well) that polls are commonly inaccurate, which is definitely true, and while she doesn't exactly come out and say it, she seems to be implying that Blizzard would rather hear player feedback in terms of discussion rather than in numbers. Just hearing that 70% of players will use voice chat doesn't tell the whole story-- more important to know would be the reasons players would use voice chat, and in what situations they would use it.So it's not really likely that Blizzard will implement in-game polling anytime soon-- for now, they're content to get their player feedback from the forums (and, I suspect, from sites just like this one).However. We here at WoW Insider have no such compunctions, and we love to hear your feedback in terms of numbers just as much as in the comments. And I especially like Antiquity's poll suggestion, so here it is. Yes, this isn't really a solution to what he wants-- he wants to hear in-game voices, not forum voices or WoW Insider reader voices. But it is an interesting question, and I would like to see what you all think.%Poll-3190%(I did leave off the "All of the above" choice-- if that was on there, I don't see why everyone wouldn't choose it. This way, you're forced to choose your preference.)
MGM HD to launch this Fall
We doubt they mean this Saturday, but sometime between now and the first day of Winter, we'll have another HD channel. We have high hopes for MGM HD, as our favorite HD network tend to be the 24 hour variety channels like HD.net Movies and Universal HD. Rather than simulcasting and upconverting most of their content, these networks grab the best HD programming around and show it 24x7. MGM has a very large collection of movies to show and will also have original HD content, like award shows and behind the scenes features of the their newest movies. Like most new HD channels these days, only DirecTV has announced a carriage agreement, but we'd be surprised if we didn't see this channel pop up on various providers all over the US.
The Weather Channel HD is ready whenever DirecTV is
Yesterday was supposed to be the big day for DirecTV's new HD channels and while Dish subscribers can't stop poking fun at the competition, DirecTV's partners have to be just as disappointed. We heard that CNN HD was already waiting on DirecTV 10 to become operational, and now the Weather Channel HD also says DirecTV has their signal and is ready to go. Unfortunately, like many new so called HD channels, most of what the Weather Channel HD will show won't be HD at all. But rather than make the most of what they have, -- like CNBC HD -- they are going to upconvert most of their content out of the gate. They will have some of their Primetime programing such as Epic Conditions presented in HD, but say they'll need more time to upgrade the weather maps to HD. We find this especially interesting considering there are so many local news stations that've already upgraded their weather maps to HD, and they look fantastic.
Cox gets deal for new Discovery HD channels
If you're like us, you can't get enough HD programming and when Discovery announced four new HD simulcasts of their popular cable channels, we got excited. Of course our excitement was quickly crushed when our provider didn't announce a carriage agreement. At this point most people have the choice to switch to Dish, wait for DirecTV to bring DirecTV 10 online or forget about it till their provider comes around. Well, the time has come for select Cox cable subscribers as they've got the deal done and will be launching all four new channels in select Cox markets around the country. Most of you Cox subscribers know who the lucky ones are, if your local Cox area isn't bandwidth challenged, you should see these new HD channels popping up shortly. And no, they don't plan to get rid of Discovery HD Theater.
Fox's new business network will launch in HD
It only makes sense that if you're deploying a new television network you'd go ahead and do it up in HD. We're not sure how many newly created networks had both an SD and HD simulcast of their channel from day one, but when Fox Business News launches next month it will. Like most newly launched networks, only DirecTV is listed as having a carriage agreement, but we'd expect to see it pop up on other providers as well. And, unlike some other business networks, this one will actually have HD video.
CNBC HD won't be HD
That's right, it's hard to believe, but when CNBC HD goes live soon there won't be any HD video. We're already used to on-location and other segments being upconverted on our local HD news, but even they've invested enough to produce at least the studio shots in HD. It's not all bad though, as they're going to upconvert the same 4:3 image from the regular version of CNBC, put it in a window and then use the rest of the space for HD graphics, tickers etc. We think this is a good use of the wider HD frame, and if they do it right, we can see this taking advantage of HD in a very unique way that may turn out a success. That being said, not doing any HD on a so called HD channel is really lame.[Via AVSForum]
Mark Cuban announces HDNet Fights
Mark Cuban is looking to take HDNet into the MMA fight game. Yesterday Cuban announced HDNet Fights, a company that will air its mixed martial arts fights under the namesake network. The first event is scheduled for October 13, and HDNet plans to broadcast fights every week. MMA is growing very rapidly in the United States, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship being the big dog. Cuban has at least three things going for him in this venture: deep pockets, a proven track record dealing with foreign athletic talent, and HD broadcast experience. When asked about what fighters might be coming to the new organization, including PRIDE heavyweight champ Fedor Emelianenko, Cuban said HDNet Fights is "talking to anyone and everyone."
DirecTV gearing up for 100 HD channels with new site and Emmy Party
Never mind the fact that DirecTV's 100 HD channels is really only 57, their release is imminent. And to kick it all off right, they've launched a new website to spell out their new HD packages and they're also throwing a big party after the Emmy's this Sunday. There are plenty of new details outlined on the website, but what's missing is when we can actually start enjoying new programming. The other thing that seems to be missing, -- but we've been led to believe -- is the new HD pricing. DirecTV added the $10 HD access charge some time ago, but now the non-simulcasted HD channels -- like HD.net -- are expected to be moved to another tier that would be an additional $5 a month -- for new subscribers only. When DirecTV subscribers started to receive a signal from transponder 11 on Wednesday, many hoped the HD channels would start cropping up, but so far, no luck. It's anyone's guess when they'll finally show up, but we'd be surprised if they weren't online for the party Sunday night.Read - DirecTV's Emmy PartyRead - DirecTV's new HD website
HD syndication expanding with Two and a Half Men
Now that HD has been around for some time, we're seeing more and more reruns of HD shows (the industry calls reruns syndication). Just because a show wasn't originally presented in HD doesn't mean it can't be syndicated in HD, as we've seen with Seinfeld and more recently Star Trek: Enterprise. Unfortunately for local broadcast stations and HD fans everywhere, additional equipment is needed to syndicate in HD. This is above and beyond what they've already acquired to pass on the network HD feed or even produce their own HD. So, just because the show is syndicated in HD, doesn't mean you'll actually be able to enjoy it. Now we can add Two and a Half Men to the short list of syndicated HD shows, that you may or may not have access to.
