primetime
Latest
Chicago's WGN takes local news to HD
Whoa, WGN news is lookin' good in high-definition! The superstation has finally taken a hint and got with the program by unveiling its HD newscasts. Viewers can tune in locally on Chicago's local CW affiliate, while national onlookers can switch over to WGN America HD. Check the read link for more high-resolution screen captures.[Thanks John and Stephen]
Scrubs finally jumps to HD on ABC
A lot of things have changed since 2006. We're not as angry, Michael Robinson is now a fullback for the 49ers, and Scrubs has gone from the only SD holdout on NBC's Thursday night lineup (with the exception of one surprise HD test episode) to finally joining the high definition world in its 8th season, now on ABC. Of course this means we can finally start watching again -- even with the possibility that this is the last season with star Zach Braff planning to leave and take main character J.D. with him -- does anyone know what happened after that whole "I'm pregnant" announcement?
CBS Evening News goes HD July 28
All those millions invested in its New York City studios will be on display July 28, when CBS Evening News goes all-1080i on us. With a date established for its 60 year-old flagship program, we're still looking forward to 60 Minutes in September, followed by 48 Hours and CBS Sunday Morning next year. The Early Show's transition date is still up in the air, with the possibility of high definition later this year or 2010 depending on where it is filmed. Interestingly, we could have been enjoying HD primetime news next week, but according to the broadcaster staff vacations caused things to be pushed back a bit. All the same, you know where to be Monday after next at 6:30 p.m.
Xbox Live Primetime limited to four regions at launch
Thanks to our friends at Button Bandits for noticing that the Xbox Live Primetime game show channel (revealed earlier today at Microsoft's pre-E3 press conference) will be launching only in North America, France, Germany and the U.K., according to a press release. The limited rollout could be due to licensing restrictions for Endermol's game shows, or it could be to simply try the service out in a limited release before kicking it to the larger world.
1 vs. 100 game show coming to Xbox Live Primetime
The recently rumored game show channel for Xbox Live was officially announced at this morning's Microsoft press conference in the form of "Xbox Live Primetime." TV producer Endemol has teamed up with Microsoft to produce the new massively-multiplayer game show channel, which will include a version of the semi-popular NBC show 1 vs. 100, complete with real prizes (no word on whether host Bob Saget is involved). Primetime is part of Microsoft's new "Live Party" community channel, which includes the long-rumored Avatars. No word on what, if any, other game shows will be coming to Primetime, but we're hoping for a version of Ninja Warrior that involves rampant button mashing.
The next Planet Earth? National Geographic premieres Earth: The Biography tonight
We've felt an odd void for nature programming on our HDTV, so National Geographic's Earth: The Biography series comes at an excellent time. As usual, high definition makes the seven continent journey pop, starting off tonight with an episode on volcanoes, followed immediately by a second focusing on ice. We don't have to tell you how great an experience Planet Earth was (and the real sequel isn't due til 2012), so we don't recommend missing any part of this three night event.[Via HeraldNet]
CBS News fleshes out high-def plans
Nearly two years ago, we pondered how long it would take network news to really commit to HD. Now, one of the laggers is finally catching up and hoping to grab the attention of those who refuse to peer at anything less than 720p. CBS News is reportedly getting set to start fully utilizing a new HD control room that will not only improve the look of productions, but also provide "producers and directors [with] more space and an improved work flow for events such as Election Night." Additionally, we're told that 60 Minutes will make the leap to high-definition in September, while 48 Hours and CBS Sunday Morning follow suit next year. No doubt, CBS has poured millions into overhauling its 57th St. facility in New York City, and while you may not be interested in all the specifics detailed in the read link, here's to hoping the investment pays off on the tele.
San Diego FOX / ABC affiliates taking local news high-def
While KFMB-TV has had a stranglehold on the HD news market in sunny San Diego, that's about to change. Beginning in September, the local ABC affiliate (KGTV) will begin airing its local newscasts in high-definition, and for those impatient souls, the local FOX affiliate (KSWB-TV) will be making the same switch on August 1st. Furthermore, KUSI-TV Channel 51 is expecting to take "everything on the channel, including local news broadcasts," to the high-def realm starting in February of next year. Seems like a few other cities could learn something from this one.[Thanks, Tony]
ABC moves top technical exec to NYC for HDTV news production
Look for a new focus on HD in ABC's national news coverage, as its moving top technical executive Jeff Corwin from D.C. to New York City and work on HDTV production there. Nightline and other programs should be in sweet 720p before long, not to mention plenty of upcoming campaign coverage. That said, it's not that we have anything against New York City (Git a rope), but why not upgrade the studios in D.C.? Even ESPN is opening a West Coast branch.[Image courtesy of richardmasoner]
Inside the NFL switching to HD on Showtime
For years, we've wondered why Inside the NFL, with its sweet NFL Films footage and in depth coverage of one of the best sports to watch in high definition, was stuck in SD; but the show's move to Showtime has remedied that. TV Week reveals the upcoming season will be produced for your HDTV, the only proper format considering we get the games live in HD and daily highlights on ESPN-HD, why should a weekly magazine show be any different? If you miss an episode Wednesday night at 9 p.m. (starting September 10), expect plenty of opportunities to see it again with about 10 replays per week, hosted by Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and James Brown plus a series of guest hosts. Thanks Showtime, for letting HBO know how things should be done -- seriously, Bill Maher going HD first should have been a crime.
Hurricanes in HD, courtesy of The Weather Channel's new field coverage
We're not saying anyone wants a hurricane to strike the United States (or anywhere else) anytime soon, but just in case one did, The Weather Channel's got its new HD cameras, production trucks and studio all ready for Hurricane Preparedness Week. in the meantime, look out for tips from homeowners who've already built up their residences to survive the next big storm, plus tips on what you can do. All of this is will air during the SD/HD simulcast of Evening Edition, which will give people their first look at TWCs new HD field coverage, sure to make the flooding and debris look like its happening on your actual street - even though (hopefully) it's not.
WMC-TV brings local news to Memphis, Tennessee in HD
The number of US cities that still lack at least one option for seeing local news in HD has just declined by one, as WNC-TV becomes the mid-south's very first high-definition news channel. The Memphis, TN NBC affiliate began showing off its fanciful new equipment this week, which included HD studio cameras, graphics tailored for high-def and even an HD version of its StormTrack Doppler 5. Whatcha got to say about that, Nashville / Knoxville?[Thanks, Marcos and Kyle]
HDNet delivers sneak peek at Hard Drive HD concert series
Ready for another concert series from HDNet? This time around the 1080i, 5.1 surround series is titled Hard Drive HD and has been created in partnership with AOL Music. The idea is for concerts to air Sunday nights on HDNet, then Monday on AOL music when the show airs regularly starting in October. All 13 concerts come from the House of Blues in Atlantic City, the sneak peek coming July 13 at 8 p.m. features Good Charlotte, ahead of HDNet's usual Concert Series.[Disclosure: Engadget is owned by AOL which, we're going to go out on a limb here, probably also owns AOL Music]
The Middleman throws broadcast flag on ABC Family
Sheesh, again? Not even a month after the collective HTPC community begrudgingly forgave Microsoft / NBC / whomever for throwing up the broadcast flag on select NBC programs, we've got yet another instance of Media Center users being unable to record a (late) primetime show. Reports around the web are suggesting that ABC Family's The Middleman threw the flag on a number of systems -- not just Vista -- and it's hard to say right now who is at fault. TVSquad's Brett Love had no issues capturing the show in HD and SD via his cable company-provided HD DVR, thus he's guessing the finger of blame is pointing in the general direction of Redmond. So, what gives? Will users continue to see these things followed by a quiet apology, or will the kinks really be ironed out so our perfectly legal time-shifting can resume?
NBC affiliate brings local HD news to Louisville, KY
No longer will Louisville residents have to sit around and wonder when their local news will finally be in HD, as NBC affiliate WAVE-TV has just made the long-awaited transition. This station becomes the first in the city to deliver local newscasts in high-definition, and we're told that three HD cameras will be used in the studio in order to capture anchors in stunning detail. Unfortunately, WAVE won't be replacing the field cameras just yet, so live-on-location reports will still be seen in grainy SD. Oh, and these folks also brought in a makeup consultant in order to handle the whole "now you can see my wrinkles" situation. Sigh.
Survivor starts first HD season September 18
Mark your calendars, the 17th season of Survivor makes its HD debut September 18. The entire fall debut schedule for the 2008-09 CBS lineup is available at TV Squad or in the embedded video after the break, but considering there's just one top rated show that we've waited years to watch (or not watch, considering the glut of reality TV) we'll focus on this one for a moment. Apparently this season's caught the bug of production problems already, although none seem to have anything to do with Sony's slick XDCAM production system that promises real time human drama, backstabbing and tribal council votes in 1080i.[Via TV Squad]
.jpg.cf.jpg)
Bravo debuts first original series in HD tonight
Ending the long, arduous wait, Bravo HD delivers its first original series shot in high definition tonight with Shear Genius. Focused on the "competitive and creative" world of high end hairstyling, tonight's debut episode starts with 12 contestants hitting L.A. with the challenge of cutting hair blindfolded, and interpreting the hairstyles of cartoon characters. Sponsored by Nexxus (coincidentally also the official salon hair care of choice of the Engadget squad) the race for $100,000 and an apprenticeship starts tonight at 10 p.m.[Via TV Squad]
American Explorer ready to air this fall on HDNet
Ready for a new nature series coming to your HDTV? Courtesy of a specially equipped EarthRoamer expedition vehicle, Keith Neuman promises a new look at adventure travel this fall on HDNet. American Explorer has been filmed completely in 1080i, bringing to life his 60+ day, six country journey. As much as we'd enjoy setting up base camp in some jungle on the back of a Jeep, letting him take the point and then just catching the (commercial-free) show in prime time this fall was probably the best choice for all involved.
Discovery's When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions series debuts tonight
Discovery's look back at the birth of NASA is upon us, and USA Today has more information on what we can expect from the six part series. When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions will air over the next three Sundays at 9 p.m., complete with film restored to high definition that will surely reveal more than old SD broadcasts were able to handle. Narrated by Gary Sinise, there's also an interview with Neil Armstrong about walking on the moon and the troubled Gemini 8 mission. For a look at what we did before landing on Mars, hit the read link and then check Discovery tonight at 9 p.m.
Baltimore, MD gets local HD news courtesy of FOX 45
Welcome to the 21st century, Baltimore! Thanks to WBFF (FOX 45), you too can finally watch your local anchors in stunning high-definition. As it stands, less than one-third of the homes in the area have HD-capable TV sets, but the station is banking on that changing in the future as more individuals slowly see the light. Comically enough, special consultants were even called in to arrange "softer, more forgiving lighting" on the set -- those wrinkles and fine lines sure do stand out more in high-def, we hear. It's also noted that newscasts entirely in HD are still a couple months away, and rival stations WBAL and WJZ could take this transformation as all the encouragement they need to follow suit. So, Baltimore residents -- how's new news?[Thanks, Rob]
