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Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade going HD
Shortly after hearing that Disney Cinemagic was launching in France, we're now seeing that the 24th annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade will be broadcast in HD for the first time this year. Set to air on December 25th at 10:00AM EST (9:00AM Central, Mountain and Pacific), the "star-studded" parade will be shot from Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom park in Florida and Disneyland park in California. Among the celebs slated to appear in high-definition are Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban, the cast from "High School Musical 2," and a whole host of Disney characters. Be sure and hit the read link for the rundown of performances, and tune in (or set your DVR) to ABC HD on Christmas day to check out the festivities.[Image courtesy of TVGuide]
WWE readies Smackdown's switch to HD next year
Ready for pro wrestling in 1080i? It's getting closer, as the WWE production team just spent time in Florida shooting all new openings specifically for the HDTV broadcasts. SmackDown was projected to make the high definition switch in January and it appears to be well on schedule.[Via PWMania]
The writers' strike effect on HD programming
The ability for a group to go on strike is a fundamental right in American, and while we don't really understand what the problem is -- we'd assume the writers want more money -- we do know we're going to miss out on some HD programming. The first shows to feel the pinch are the live shows like Leno and SNL, next up is the scripted shows which mostly seem to have about 9 episodes under their belt. Luckily some HD programming is resilient like sports and reality TV -- not that there's much HD. At this point it's hard to know how long the strike will last, but if it lasts more than a few months, at least we'll finally be able to catch up on all those HD movies we've been meaning to watch. Here's a short list of our favorite shows that will go into reruns if this thing doesn't end before too long.Heroes - Seasons will end early on Dec 3rd Lost - Expected to have eight out of 16 episodes ready. Medium - Will have 9 of 22 episodes completed. Battlestar Galactica - Has 10 hours of episodes, plus a two hour movie to air this Fall.
Breakfast Topic: Primetime WoW
First the Toyota ad, then Judge Judy and How I Met Your Mother. Lately, WoW has been appearing all over the place. It's been popular before, of course (we've seen the Office Space commercial, and of course the South Park episode), but World of Warcraft has been popping up all over pop culture lately, and I've been wondering: it's been showing up in primetime, but has World of Warcraft hit its prime?It's been the top online roleplaying game for quite a while now, and The Burning Crusade was actually released as the biggest PC game sequel ever. But as popular as videogames are, they're still a niche market in the terms of popular culture. Every gamer may know what Warcraft is, but that doesn't mean your parents or grandparents do (unless they play, but that's another Breakfast Topic).Until now. Is World of Warcraft finally breaking out of the gamer barrier and moving into the mainstream? There are more WoW players in America than farmers, and while I was kind of joking about seeing realm outage news on the local TV station, maybe it really will happen-- the game's already appeared on the sitcoms before the news. Are all these mentions just a coincidence, or has WoW finally hit its mainstream tipping point?
CBS gears up for HD election coverage
Seeing our current president in HD just isn't enough for CBS, which is "readying its technical plant in order to broadcast both political conventions in summer 2008 in high-definition." Reportedly, the network is hoping to have its new HD control room ready to roll for the Democratic National Convention in Denver next August and the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis the month after. Furthermore, CBS is also looking to beam out the Evening News with Katie Couric in glorious HD, which should become a very real possibility as soon as the aforementioned control room is fully overhauled.
High School Musical 2's HD debut is exclusively on DirecTV
Since the most-watched basic cable event ever simply could not be left in standard def, DirecTV is airing High School Musical 2 in HD on August 24. The exclusive broadcast will include three high definition airings with 5.1 surround audio beginning at 6 p.m. If you're somehow unaware of the High School Musical series phenomenon, this is likely caused by not being a girl between the ages of 9-15, or somehow related to one. This preview is just a taste of what to expect when Disney Channel HD launches on DirecTV in early 2008, or when High School Musical 2 is released on Blu-ray in December. We're sure that Zac Efron, Corbin Bleu and the rest are exactly what you had in mind for your new HDTV.
HDTV Listings for August 15, 2007
What we're watching: NASCAR in Primetime debuts tonight on ABC, it is marked as HD on some schedules, but not on ABC's website so we'll wait and see if it is. Otherwise, we'll check out the second episode of Hard Knocks: Training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs on HBO. Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
CW Network going all-HD next season, including WWE in January
We worried that The CW Network wouldn't be able to broadcast HD every night when it was originally announced, but it recently revealed that all of its dramas and comedies for the upcoming 2007-2008 season will be produced in high definition with surround sound. Unfortunately wrestling fans were left out of the party, but no longer, as PW Insider is reporting that SmackDown is finally going 1080i in January, following tests of HD technology by WWE over the last few months.[Thanks, delldude360] Read - WWE Going HD this January Read - CW 2007-2008 Premiere Dates
ABC.com's free online HD player is live
ABC.com's long awaited free "HD" player is finally available on its website, delivering 720p video at 24 fps. Users with a fast PC and at least a 2 Mbps connection can take a look right now, at one episode each of Lost, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty or Grey's Anatomy. The streaming technology adjusts to available bandwidth, on a 6Mbps cable connection, it kept the HD light in the lower right hand corner lit and high quality video streaming, however if bandwidth drops it can become a pixely mess in a hurry. Check after the break for a few more screens of the player and let us know how its working out for you so far. Good enough that you won't worry about DVR'ing HDTV episodes of Lost anymore, or not quite ready for prime time viewing?[Via LostRemote]
Don't forget; the 24 hour Live Earth concert in HD starts at 4am
Consider this your reminder: the largest HD undertaking ever starts at 4am EST on Universal HD; there will also be a three-hour highlights show on NBC from 8pm to 11pm for those without Universal HD. This event will take place in different venues around the world, and also be covered on various channels as well as online. So check out the original post or head on over to the official site for more details.
NBC Nightly news to go HD on March 26th
While we knew March was the month that the first national nightly news cast would go HD, Broadcasting and Cable is now reporting that Monday March 26th is the day night. Just like morning news show; Today, many of the on location clips will be in SD, but NBC does have two HD rigs that will travel around the US covering the news in HD. In addition NBC's Washington bureau has HD cameras and will be covering news from the capital in Hi-Def. To make this happen NBC built a new studio for Nightly News, but they're using the control room and fiber runs originally deployed to produce the Today show in HD. While this is only one of four major networks to make the HD switch in their evening news cast, we hope that the rest aren't far behind.
Virgin Media, Buena Vista ink deal to give UK more HD on demand
While UK users were recently able to catch America's biggest game in crisp HD glory, it now looks like HD lovers on the other side of the pond have even more reasons to celebrate. In a recent deal between Virgina Media and The Walt Disney Company's Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), hit network series such as Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Daybreak, Ghost Whisperer, Night Stalker, and Alias will soon be available in high-definition via Virgin's TV-on-demand service. Although further details were scant, it was also noted that this was probably not the last deal the UK would see in terms of adding additional HD on demand offerings this year, and while a specific timetable wasn't set, Virgin Media stated that the content should be available "before month's end."
Survivor Fiji in HD? Update: No it's not
There has been one question that new HDTV fans have asked over and over again "When is Survivor going to be in HD?" According to the CBS.com the answer is February 8th 2007. Over the years we have come to trust their grid and although it has not always been 100% accurate in regards to what is going to be in HD, we are hoping that this time it is right. We may have to wait till next week to find out for sure, but if it is indeed going to be in HD, than this is truly a watershed moment, like with Good Morning America went HD. **Update** Ken H from AVS has confirmed with CBS, Survivor is NOT in HD this season.[Via HDTVMagazine]
Why you should check out the State of the Union Address
Other than to hear how the ol' Union is doing this year, HDTV fans have another reason to check out the State of the Union Address tonight. We all know that it takes a lot of work to get HD programming to your HDTV and like many things in life some have more success than others. That is what makes the SOTU so unique, it is one of the only opportunities we have to truly compare the networks. The reason why this is such a great comparison is because in the past all the networks have used the same video pool. This means that all the networks are using the same cameras, and since you're using the same HDTV as you switch channels, that only leaves all the other stuff in the middle to judge. This year HDNet is also going to cover the event and although the other networks haven't confirmed their HD coverage, we will assume they will cover the event in HD, based on their coverage from the past few years -- well everyone except Fox who has previously covered it with Fox Widecreeen rather than HD. So while your checking out the SOTU tonight switch between all the feeds and look for a poll tomorrow.
Life/Style IPTV content jumps to WNBC New York
New York's WNBC is well-known for its pioneering attitude towards high definition, and just like it broke new ground by delivering the local news to viewers in crisp HD, the channel is making waves again by offering up made-for-IPTV content on one of its digital channels. Not too long after seeing made-for-mobile content heading to the tube, Life/Style Television, an IPTV channel that caters to "affluent consumers," will soon be making the leap to broadcast television as well. The channel's original series, "LX.TV 1ST/LOOK: NYC," will be beamed out OTA on WNBC 4.4; additionally, cable customers will be able to catch the daily half hour show by tuning in on Time Warner, Comcast, or Cablevision. The program, which will introduce completely new episodes on a weekly basis, will take viewers around various NYC hotspots, and include first-hand experience with "nightlife, restaurants, shopping, kids activities, and fitness and wellness destinations." So if you're anxious to take on the city, but don't exactly feel like fighting the bustling crowds, you can tune in at 8:00AM, 11:00PM, or 2:00AM to catch the fresh programming.
Some celebrities shying away from HD cameras
It's all but unanimous that sports programming looks entirely more appealing in high definition than in SD, but for folks on the other side of the cameras, adding all that detail can be intimidating, if not embarrassing. While the "grain structure of film allows for a softness" that lends a hand in covering up the not-so-attractive signs of aging, HD cameras tend to capture that raw, unassailable truth that some celebrities are less than fond of. Diane Sawyer, the 61-year old host of ABC's Good Morning America, reportedly acknowledged that the puffiness under her eyes could no long be covered up, as viewers looking on in HD "could see every flaw." To combat the newfangled "problem" posed to many on-camera stars, makeup firms are devising new "airbrushing" techniques to add glamor and remove blemishes without looking like a shot of Botox gone horribly awry. Interestingly, reports indicated that viewers tended to enjoy the rough, disclosing look on men, but would rather see dames looking their best through those pixel-packed lenses. Nevertheless, HD cameras are making flaws more and more noticeable, and apparently causing quite the ruckus from overly concerned celebrities all the same, but hey, that's the price you pay for being in the (1080i) limelight.
Discovery HD to kick off the new year with "World of HD Week"
If you're fairly excited about the abundance of HD Bowl games you'll be able to catch starting December 19th on ESPN2 HD, right on into the first of the new year, well, so are we. But for those who aren't exactly keen on America's pigskin pastime just yet, Discovery HD is planning to help you ring in your new year on the HD trail, too. Discovery HD Theater has announced that the first week in January will be dubbed the "World of HD Week -- a special programming event offering high-definition premieres of new series and specials from across Discovery Networks in advance of their standard definition air dates." Being the company's first week of programming dedicated to showing off just how splendid that HD picture looks, it'll kick off with a Discovery Atlas HD marathon as 3:00PM EST on New Year's Day; the following days will host "primetime premieres" at 8:00PM EST until the final night, where the first episode of Planet Earth (dubbed "Pole to Pole") will air its first episode of the season. So if you're not really feeling the football vibe, and you love to view nature from the comforts of your own couch, be sure to hit the read link for the full rundown of upcoming showtimes.
All three Lord of the Rings films airing in HD on TNT
Our friends at TV Squad let us know that TNT will be airing all three Lord of the Rings movies December 15th. This will be the network television debut of the third film in the series, The Return of the King. Unfortunately what we're not sure about is whether the HD channel will be airing original aspect ratio 1080i beauty or stretched widescreen upconverts. As the films have yet to make their debut on HD DVD or Blu-ray we're keeping our fingers crossed but given TNT's history with stretching content we can't assume anything. The films will also be available for HDTVs via VOD, but that's no assurance as when the Star Wars trilogy aired on Cinemax it was OAR, but cropped on video on-demand, so they may be different. We appeal to our readers, does anyone know if the previous Lord of the Rings films shown on TNT were native or upconverted, and if there's any way to tell which these will be? Our plans for next Friday are riding on it (like we have plans).[Via TV Squad]
Catch a new concert every week on MHD
MTV's high definition network, MHD plans to premiere a new concert every week for the rest of the year. According to Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President of VH1, live concert and music programming are among the top things HD viewers want in a music channel. Of course, that doesn't explain why they only show music videos at 3 AM, but hopefully this is the start of an improvement. MHD launched earlier this year and is already available in half the HDTV-equipped homes in the country. MHD certainly puts up nice concert programming, the problem is they repeat the same content over and over throughout the week. Most networks don't consider adding one new episode of a show each week a major achievement, we'll be very excited when MHD reaches that point.The concert premieres planned: CMT Giants: Reba McEntire, premiering Saturday, November 18 at 8pm ET/PT on CMT and simulcast on MHD The 2006 MTV European Music Awards, premiering Saturday, November 25 at 9pm ET/PT CMT Crossroads: Lindsey Buckingham and Little Big Town, premiering Saturday, December 2 at 9pm ET/PT on CMT and simulcast on MHD Life & Rhymes: Snoop Dogg, premiering Saturday, December 9 at 9pm ET/PT Summer Fest: Lynyrd Skynyrd, premiering December 16 at 9pm ET/PT Isle of Wight Festival: Snow Patrol and Jet, premiering December 23 at 9pm ET/PT
Star Wars HD for Sky on New Years Day
Great news for our "other-than-American" customers who turned tridactyl green with envy at the news that Cinemax would be showing Star Wars in high definition. Sky has announced they'll be showing all of the sextology -- say that in mixed company! -- not once but two times on New Years Day on Sky HD, and in standard def as well. The first run will be in plotline order (I - VI) starting at 6am, with the theatrical release schedule (IV V VI I II III) starting after lunch. So grab your Stormtrooper costume, your Yoda slippers, and sit down in front of the telly for an entire day of HD goodness! And let the people without HD satellite be jealous of you for once.
