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Poll: What's the worst mistake HD channels make?
We've discussed it again and again, the ills done by so-called HD channels against perfectly good content, whether it's passing off SD as high definition with Fox Widescreen, vomit-inducing stretching on TNT & TBS or the inexcusable cropping, zooming and pan & scanning of movies broadcast on AMC and HBO. But which one is the worst? Let your voice be heard, and if we forgot anything drop us a line in the comments.%Poll-33001%
You know you're a videophile if...
You actually know what OAR stands for and won't watch anything but. You believe edge enhancements are a crime against humanity. You understand that contrast is the most important video spec. You know that more P isn't always better -- as in 1080p vs 720p. You realize that properly de-interlaced video is perfectly acceptable and possible. You can't watch DVDs anymore. HBO HD is a big joke. You can explain what 3:3 pull-down is and why you'd want it. You knew the actual differences between HD DVD and Blu-ray. You have at least one video calibration disc on Blu-ray. You don't think LCDs look better than Plasmas. You've helped a random person at Best Buy pick out a TV, and you don't even work there. It makes you mad that Samsung calls its new 6000, 7000 and 8000 series LED TVs. You make fun of 240Hz HDTVs. Your HDTV has been professional calibrated. There are Blu-ray Discs in your collection because of their picture quality. You know the name of the mode on your TV that disables overscan. You think it simply isn't possible for downloads to ever compare to Blu-ray in quality. Engadget HD is the first site you read every day when you wake up.
HBO comedies renewed, still no mention of HD
HBO HD is one of the oldest HD channels; it goes back further than most HD viewers -- including even some of us. But despite getting into the game early, just like CBS they seem to be dragging their feet now. Sure they're going HD with 26 of their channels in the next year or so, but much of their original programming is still in SD. It's mostly comedies that don't get the HD treatment, but also great shows like Inside the NFL. We're sure they have plenty of excuses, but we're not hearing 'em. It doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon either; Multichannel news is reporting that Real Time with Bill Maher just got renewed and a few HBO comedies like Curb Your Enthusiasm are right around the corner, but there isn't a single mention of HD. So come on HBO, it's past time for 24x7 HD, and while you're at it, stop cropping those movies.
HDTV Listings for August 5, 2006
What we're watching: While the big networks may not spread around much HD love on the weekends, this is a great Saturday night to stay in (or at least queue a few things up on the DVR). HD Beat reader Randy Perry tipped us off that during HD Net's In the Spotlight: Stanley Kubrick lineup tonight, will be the first time The Shining has been shown in its original aspect ratio (OAR), other than limited showings, since its release in 1980. As if that weren't enough, they will also air A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space Odyssey which has received rave reviews in high definition.Also on tonight is last year's summer action flick The Island, while the reviews were lukewarm, we're looking forward to checking out the special effects in HD.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
