Sharp Boosting LCD Production

Sharp Corp. is planning to boost production of LCD displays by 10% in 2006 in preparation for the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy and soccer's World Cup.

Here's the full report from Bloomberg News:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=a5p.rUG1K0Es&refer=asia

Mexico Enjoying Fruits of U.S. HDTV Obsession

My hometown San Diego Union-Tribune ran a piece over the weekend about the TV manufacturing plants in the Mexican state of Baja California and the upsurge in activity thanks to American appetites for digital TV sets. 19 million sets have been produced in Baja this year, which accounts for over 70% of all HDTVs sold in the U.S. The plants primarily manufacture sets for Japanese and Korean electronics makers, and are focused on plasma and LCD.

The full story is here:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051224/news_1n24tv.html

Blu-ray, HD-DVD Camps Risk Alienating Consumers

The New York Times ran an interesting piece earlier this week arguing that if the backers of Blu-ray and HD-DVD can't agree on a single format, next-gen DVD adoption could be severly compromised in favor of technology such as Video On Demand (VOD).

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/26/technology/26format.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print

The Times is right -- like every silly technology format war, this has much more to do with engineering egos than what is best for the people who will actually use it. Nobody is going to pay $1,000 for a new DVD player that only supports one format and doesn't have many titles that people can actually watch on it. If this format issue isn't straightened out soon and the next generation of DVDs are poorly adopted, a lot of people at these various technology companies may well be looking for work.

LG Aims for #1 in Display Global Market Share

LG Electronics has a goal: to become the number one seller of displays in the world in 2006. As part of this strategy, the company plans to promote its new LCoS TVs in Korea as well as include built-in DVRs with every display 37 inches or bigger. A 71" LCoS display will be launched initially in Australia later this week and in North America and Korea next year.

The strategy was outlined in the Korean Economics Daily and featured in a release from LCoS microdisplay manufacturer SpatiaLight.

The release disparagingly refers to competing microdisplay technology DLP as an "older, more mature technology" that will soon be replaced by LCoS.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051228/sfw012.html?.v=36

Canon and Toshiba to Launch SED in '06

If the battle for flat-screen supremacy between plasma and LCD wasn't already heated enough, a third entrant is poised to join the fray next year when Canon and Toshiba take the wraps off SED, or surface-conduction election-emitter display. From a technical standpoint, SED is more similar to CRT than either plasma or LCD, and essentially combines the superior picture quality of SED with the flat-panel appeal of LCD and plasma. Its backers say that it offers the strengths of both plasma and LCD without any of their weaknesses, such as poor black levels and high power consumption.

Reuters has the full story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051216/tc_nm/column_pluggedin_dc

CNET Reviews Sony's Bravia LCD

CNET has posted a new review of Sony's Bravia XBR LCD flat-panel TV, which it says is the most searched-for HDTV on its site. CNET editors rate it "Very Good" with a 7.7 out of 10.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Bravia_XBR_KDL_V40XBR1/4505-6482_7-31470102.html?tag=nl.e722

1 in 4 Households to Have HDTV by End of '06

Panasonic this week released the results of a survey showing that 26% of U.S. households either already own or plan to purchase an HDTV by the end of 2006, up from 15% one year ago. Interestingly, nearly half of the women surveyed said that the decision to buy an HDTV was theirs rather than their significant other. Not surprisingly, most men would rather purchase a bigger screen while three-quarters of women prefer a smaller one.

Here's the release from Panasonic:

http://www.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=36377

Senate Approves 2009 DTV Transition

The U.S. Senate Wednesday approved Feb. 17, 2009 as the transition date from analog to digital TV broadcasting, following the House's vote to do the same earlier in the week. The bill contains a provision for a $1.5 billion digital-to-analog converter subsidy program, which will enable consumers who still own analog TVs to receive two $40 coupons towards the purchase of converters.

The AP has more:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/computing/20051222-0256-congress-digitaltv.html

U.S. House Passes DTV Legislation

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a compromise bill that calls for the cutoff of analog TV broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009. Included in the legislation is $1.5 billion in federal subsidies for digital-to-analog converters who people who won't have purchased digital TVs by then.

Reuters has the full story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051219/tc_nm/congress_digitaltv_dc

CNET Reviews 1080p HDTVs

CNET has a useful review of five 1080p HDTVs. The winner? Sony's KDS-R60XBR1, which goes for about $5,000.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6484_7-6390300-1.html?tag=nl.e722

WealthTV Adds Caribbean Distribution Partners

WealthTV announced last week that it has reached an agreement with the Caribbean Cable Co-op to distribute its programming in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. Included in the deal are WestarTV in the Cayman Islands, Cable Bahamas in Nassau, Entertainment Systems in Jamaica, Wilson Enterprises in Jamaica, and General Satellite in Jamaica.

Universal HD Plans Holiday Programming

Universal HD is featuring a week of Christmas programming later this month, beginning with the "I'm Dreaming of an HD Christmas" marathon on Christmas weekend. Programming includes the USA Originals '12 Days of Christmas Eve' and 'Stealing Christmas,' along with special Christmas episodes of 'The District' and 'Complete Savages'. The Musical Marathon begins Saturday night at 9pm/ET, featuring 'The Wiz,' followed by 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Xanadu.' Christmas afternoon wraps up with family-friendly fare 'The National Dog Show' Presented by Purina, 'The Incredible Dog Challenge,' and 'The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas,' followed by the blockbuster hit 'Backdraft,' all in brilliant high definition.

Asian LCD Manufacturers Expect Big Growth

DigiTimes reports that major Taiwanese LCD panel manufacturers expect that the market for their products will nearly double next year. The majority of the growth will come from the demand for LCD TVs, which is forecast to be 35-36 million in '06.

http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20051201A7040.html

More on Samsung and Sony

Here's an interesting piece from the AP on the evolving relationship between Asian electronics giants Sony and Samsung:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051204/news_1b4sony.html

Mitsubishi to be Charter Sponsor of MHD

Mitsubishi Electric announced Monday that it has signed on to become the charter sponsor of MTV's new high-def music channel called MHD. The channel will launch on January 16 and will feature original music-based programming sponsored by Mitsubishi among other content. As part of the arrangement, the MHD studio in Vail, Colorado will use Mitsubishi technology for its production and will also feature the company's HDTVs on-set. Also, "Powered by Mitsubishi Electric" will appear on MHD tune-in promos and Mitsubishi will be the title sponsor of MHD original programming including "MHD Top 10" and "MHD Video Stew." Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric will be branded on MHD programming menus and in television commercials.

http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/newsarticle.asp?dist=nbk&param=archive&siteid=mktw&guid=%7B3A5F3B57%2DBADC%2D46BD%2D96CC%2D805A57F53A83%7D

16 Million HD Homes by End of '05: Research Firm

Forrester Research estimates that 16 million U.S. homes will have HDTV sets by the end of this year, but only 7 million will subscribe to HD service from their cable or satellite company.

SureWest Adds HDNet to IPTV HD Lineup

SureWest announced yesterday that it has come to terms with HDNet for distribution of both HDNet and HDNet Movies as part of its high-def service that will launch later this month. According to the company, SureWest, which serves the Sacramento area, is finalizing its beta testing as it prepares to roll out the first IP-based HDTV offering in the U.S.

LodgeNet Inks Another Deal for HD Movies

LodgeNet Entertainment has signed a deal with Lions Gate Films for on-demand distribution of first-run HD titles from Lions Gate throughout LodgeNet's network of hotel clients. "Lord of War" will premiere later this month followed by "Saw II" in January.

DIRECTV Offering MPEG-4 HD in Detroit

Multichannel News is reporting that DIRECTV has launched its first high-def MPEG-4 transmissions, rolling them out initially in Detroit. It is part of the company's much-ballyhooed plan to offer HD local channels in the nation's 12 biggest markets by the end of the year and in 150 markets in '07. More details as I get them...

Panasonic Picks Up CNET Editors' Choice Award

CNET says Panasonic's 37- and 50-inch "minimalist plasmas score big" and bestows upon them its Editors' Choice awards.

Here's the full review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH-37PHD8UK/4505-6482_7-31528077.html?tag=nl.e722

LG Raising Plasma Production by 50% or More

I'm WAY behind on the news since our baby was born, but in an effort to catch up...

LG Electronics, which is already the world's second leading manufacturer of plasma display panels, said this past weekend that it will increase capacity in the plants where the panels are produced by 50% next year and may add another production line in '07. Reuters reports that LG aims to become the biggest PDP manufacturer in '06, surpassing Korean rival Samsung SDI, while also fending off challenges from Japan's Matsushita, parent of Panasonic. LG expects the plasma display market to increase to 25 million panels by 2010, up from about 8 million this year.

Here's the full story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051120/tc_nm/korea_lg_dc

McCain '08 DTV Plan Defeated

The Senate today defeated John McCain's amendment that would have pushed up the deadline for the cutoff of analog TV broadcasting from 2009 to 2008. The vote was 69-30 in favor of keeping the April 7, 2009 deadline for the switch to digital television.

Sen. McCain Wants 2008 DTV Transition

Sen. John McCain has introduced an amendment on the Senate floor that would cut off analog TV broadcasting on April 7, 2008 -- one year sooner than the 2009 deadline recently passed by the Senate Commerce Committee. McCain tried to get a 2007 deadline passed by the committee but it failed by a wide margin, so he is hoping that pushing it back a year might garner more support.

Samsung Now the Official HDTV of the NFL

Samsung has signed a deal with the National Football League to become "The Official HDTV of the NFL." The two-year, multi-million dollar marketing campaign will feature football greats Dan Marino, Troy Aikman, Steve Young and Boomer Esiason. The national ad blitz will include TV commercials, print, online and in-store exposure.

This is a smart move by Samsung, as there are few genres of content that look better in high-def than football. Additionally, the NFL is by far the most popular U.S. professional sports league, meaning that Samsung's ad dollars should be put to good use in reaching millions of football fans who haven't yet made the leap to HD.

Catching Up...

I've been out the last week in the hospital with my wife and newborn son, so I'm a little behind on the news. Please be patient as I try to catch up on everything...

Senate Committee Shoots Down McCain Deadline

The Senate Commerce Committee voted 17-5 against a proposal from Sen. John McCain to move the cutoff date for analog broadcasting from 2009 to 2007. The April 7, 2009 deadline passed 19-3.

McCain Wants Quicker DTV Transition

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told the New America Foundation today that he believes the transition to all-digital TV broadcasting should be done sooner than 2009, the deadline set forth in legislation introduced by Commerce Committee chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Citing a need for emergency responders to have access to some of the analog spectrum currently used by TV broadcasters, McCain said that he will work to move the deadline up to either late 2006 or early 2007.

Reuters has the full story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051018/tc_nm/congress_digitaltv_dc

CNET Reviews HP Plasma

CNET has posted a review of HP's 42-inch plasma (model PL4200N) and they seem to be pleasantly surprised by the results, particularly black-level performance.

http://reviews.cnet.com/HP_PL4200N/4505-6482_7-31484731.html?tag=nl.e722

Dell Intros Its Largest LCD

Dell said today that it has added a 37-inch display to its TV lineup that is the largest LCD flat panel it has offered to date. The company also announced that it is taking orders for its 50-inch plasma announced last month.

The 37-inch LCD is priced at $2,299 while the 50-inch plasma is going for $3,799.

More details here:
http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/newsarticle.asp?guid=%7b0144BB9C-9562-45DD-97C4-CF67AA5B1E17%7d&siteid=mktw&dist=nbk&symb=

Senate Proposes 2009 Analog Cutoff

U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the chamber's Commerce Committee, has introduced a bill that sets an April 7, 2009 hard date for the transition from analog broadcasting to digital. As part of the legislation, the FCC would be forced to begin auctioning the analog spectrum it gets back from the nation's broadcasters in January 2008, which according to some estimates would generate about $10 billion -- half of which would actually go into the federal government's coffers. Part of the remainder would help subsidize the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes for people who can't afford them, although those details have yet to be worked out.

The bill is scheduled to be voted upon by the Commerce Committee on Wednesday.

More from Multichannel News:
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6272985.html?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP

Universal HD to Show USC-Notre Dame Encore

Universal HD will air an encore presentation of Saturday's game between top-ranked USC and #9 Notre Dame tonight at 8pm EDT and again at midnight. The game, which I saw most of live, was probably the most exciting of this season and one of the best in the long rivalry between the two hallowed college football programs. The original broadcast on NBC earned the best overnight rating for a Notre Dame game in more than a decade. The 7.9 overnight rating and 17 share was the highest since Notre Dame-Michigan earned a 8.4/21 overnight on Sept. 10, 1994.

Verizon Hooks Up With HDNet

Verizon announced today that it has reached a carriage agreement to offer HDNet over its new FiOS fiber-to-the-home video service that debuted in Keller, Texas about three weeks ago. The deal was signed prior to the FiOS launch on Sept. 22 but is just now being formally announced. Verizon FiOS offers 22 high-def channels and competes with incumbent cable provider Charter Communications in Keller, a Ft. Worth suburb.

Sony vs. Samsung

Knowledge@ Wharton has an interesting piece on Samsung's desire to become the next Sony, and how Sony's movie and music distribution businesses have gotten in the way of the technological innovations upon which it built its stellar reputation.

Among many salient points, the article offers market share data for LCD and plasma displays, data which shows that Samsung is the only manufacturer in the top 3 of both the LCD and plasma categories. Sony is number 4 in LCD and does not appear in the top 5 for plasma.

Here's the link:
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/index.cfm?fa=viewArticle&id=1293

80-Inch Samsung Plasma Goes on Sale in Korea

Would you spend $125,000 on a plasma? Samsung thinks someone will, as it recently began selling its 80-inch PDP for 130 million Korean won, or just under $125K. That model, which is the largest available for sale in the world, will be released in the U.S. in December, just in time for the holiday shopping season...yeah, right.

More from the Korea Times:
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/tech/200510/kt2005101119392211810.htm

The natural follow-up question is how many 50-inch plasmas you could buy for the price of one 80-incher. Answer? 33.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7135913&type=product&id=1110265593804

Thanks to www.i4u.com for the Korea Times link.

Paramount, LodgeNet Ink HD VOD Deal

Paramount Pictures and LodgeNet announced this week that they have signed an agreement to distribute Paramount titles in high-definition to hotel rooms on demand. The first two movies to be released as part of the distribution deal are the summer blockbusters "War of the Worlds" and "The Longest Yard." The initial hotel to offer the new technology is the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago.

CNET Blog 100

A reader alerted me to this blog's inclusion in the CNET Blog 100 rating of the top tech blogs out there. This is a huge honor that came as a total shock to me but for which I am quite grateful. If you want to check it out, here's the link:

http://news.com.com/2311-10784_3-120031.html

Influential Senator Sees 2009 DTV Transition

Sen. Ted Stevens, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said at an industry conference Wednesday that he would like to see 2009 as the hard date for the transition to digital television. He went on to say that his committee would consider a bill to do just that on Oct. 19 and that it would include a provision to subsidize analog-to-digital tuners for those who can't afford to upgrade to digital TVs.

More from Reuters:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051006/tc_nm/digital_dc

CBS Looking to 2nd Digital Channel

CBS is planning a second digital network that would show general entertainment and plans to launch the channel sometime next year. CBS has the rights to distribute the new net, dubbed CBS.2, to 25 million households.

Mediaweek has more:
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001261209

HDNet Announced Oct. Programming

HDNet released its October programming lineup:

Mondays are Family Night - "Summerland," "Smallville" and "Higher Definition"
Tuesdays - "HDNet World Report," "Debate" and "Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone"
Wednesdays - "Blind Justice," "Boomtown" and "The Agency"
Thursdays - National Hockey League
Fridays are Guys Night In - "Get Out!" and "Art Mann Presents..."
Saturdays - NHL and "MLS on HDNet"
Sundays are Music Night - "Sound Off with Matt Pinfield" and "Gilley's -- Behind the Bull"

Verizon TV Service to Carry Scripps HD Nets

Verizon said this week that its FiOS television service will carry HGTV-HD and Food Network-HD when Scripps Networks launches them in early 2006. In Keller, Texas -- the market where Verizon intro'd FiOS last week -- 22 HD channels are available.

Paramount to Support Both Blu-ray and HD DVD

In what came as something of a shock to the industry, Paramount said Monday that it will back Blu-ray after already having announced support for HD DVD. Reuters has that story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051003/tc_nm/dvd_paramount_dc

Toshiba promptly released the following statement:

"Our understanding is that Paramount Home Entertainment also continues to support HD DVD, a position established in comments from Paramount officials in press reports. We see Paramount's continued commitment to releasing HD DVD titles as proof that the studio still recognizes HD DVD's advantages: accelerated time to market, greater proven capacity, lower expected price, and enhanced consumer features. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the studio in this important product area.

We understand that studios want to see precisely what will happen in the CE and IT industries, and that they will want to support all potential markets for their products.

However, once HD DVD comes to market at the end of 2005 in Japan, and early next year in the United States as planned, it will not take long to know which format really delivers the benefits of high definition to the consumer.

In terms of development, HD DVD is far in advance of Blu-ray. Volume production of discs will see decisive cost and productivity advantages in favor of HD DVD. On the strength of these facts, we are convinced that Hollywood studios and other content holders will eventually opt for commercialization in the HD DVD format.

The HD DVD format is the only next-generation DVD format defined by the DVD Forum, the international organization that determines DVD specifications. The Forum has approximately 240 member companies around the world, including major Hollywood studios and leaders in the CE and IT industries. The HD DVD format was arrived at only after extensive, open discussions and technical evaluations among the membership. Moreover, development of HD DVD is in the final phase, and we are proceeding with necessary preparations for commercialization.

HD DVD features compatibility with current DVD, and to this adds advanced characteristics, including efficient manufacturing of discs and hardware, cost efficiency, superior connectivity with PCs through iHD software. As HDTV and large-sized flat panel TVs continue their market penetration, HD DVD alone offers the ability to meet rapidly increasing consumer demand for high definition DVD content in a timely manner. Last but not least, HD DVD will adopt AACS, created by major IT and CE companies, and so realize Hollywood's most pressing concern: robust content protection -- a great benefit to content holders."

Is anyone else getting a little tired of this "war" between HD DVD and Blu-ray?

Toshiba Picks Up Key HD DVD Support But Pushes Back U.S. Launch

PC giants Microsoft and Intel said this week that they will support Toshiba's HD DVD standard for the next generation of DVD technology, dealing a blow to Sony-backed Blu-ray. However, Toshiba was forced to push back its launch date for product introduction in the U.S. to February or March of next year, meaning that it will miss this year's holiday shopping season.

Bloomberg and Reuters have the full stories:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000101&sid=a9VI6BLDeCGk&refer=japan
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050928/tc_nm/japan_toshiba_dc

INHD and CSTV Re-Up College Football Deal

INHD and CSTV: College Sports Television have renewed a deal that has the two networks co-producing live collegiate sporting events for high-definition carriage on INHD. Under the agreement, which marks the third year of this relationship, CSTV will simultaneously carry the standard definition broadcast of each event. Here's the schedule:

Gulf Coast Classic: Alabama St. at Southern 10/1/05 6pm ET
Tulsa at Southern Miss 10/8/05 8pm ET
East Carolina at Memphis 10/22/05 6pm ET
UAB at UTEP 11/19/05 6pm ET
Marshall at Memphis 11/26/05 2pm ET

Universal HD to Broadcast "Tom Cruise-Athon"

Universal HD released its October programming lineup, which includes the debut of "Medical Investigation" and a Tom Cruise-focused showcase of big movies. According to the company:

"On October 16, Universal HD invites you to jump on your couch and get crazy with its Tom Cruise-athon, featuring two highlights from Cruise's early career. Far and Away, a romantic adventure directed by Ron Howard, stars Cruise and Nicole Kidman as two young Irish immigrants who move to America in the 1890s to create a better life for themselves. With Born on the Fourth of July, Cruise earned an Oscar(r) nomination and a Golden Globe(r) Award for his portrayal of an idealistic young American who proudly enlists during the Vietnam War, but returns a quadriplegic and must then struggle to overcome drug-addiction and depression in order to turn his life around."

http://www.universalhd.com/Movies/

Sony Targets Women with HD Ads

Sony is targeting the fairer sex with a new advertising campaign carrying the slogan "The World's First Television for Men and Women." The ads will run both online and on TV, with initial spots for Bravia LCDs appearing on Style.com highlighting the appearance of the displays rather than their technical functionality. Future ads will appear on Yahoo and MSN.

Reuters/CNET has the story:

http://news.com.com/Sony+pitches+flat+TV+to+women/2100-1041_3-5884523.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703

Dell Unveils 50-inch Plasma

Dell today introduced two new HDTVs, a 50-inch plasma (model W5001C) and a 32-inch LCD (W3201C) that are priced at $3,799 and $1,799, respectively. Both displays have built-in TV tuners and complement Dell's existing lineup of plasma and LCD TVs.

http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/newsarticle.asp?guid=%7bB0CFCAEB-D97F-4D96-BA95-E0593D1D36F5%7d&siteid=mktw&dist=nbk&symb=

The Sea Floor in HD

Science Daily has the story of how scientists will use a high-def camera to shoot live footage of a portion of the sea floor off the coast of Washington state and British Columbia that is known for volcanoes and earthquakes. The broadcasts will be shot Sept. 28 and 29, weather permitting, and are the first live views of the ocean floor in HD. You can watch webcasts of the event on the National Science Foundation's website, www.nsf.gov.

The full story is here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050926073922.htm

Samsung Shows Off 102" Plasma and 40" OLED

Samsung Electronics used its corporate roadshow this week as the backdrop for showcasing a mammoth 102-inch plasma display as well as the world's largest TFT-LCD TV, measuring 82 inches, and the world's largest OLED display, measuring 40 inches. Here's what the company says about its groundbreaking OLEC:

"Samsung is the first to develop the single-sheet, 40-inch active matrix (AM) OLED (organic light-emitting diode) for emissive flat panel TV applications. The high-definition-compatible OLED prototype has a wide screen pixel format of 1280x800 (WXGA) driven by an amorphous silicon (a-Si) AM backplane to permit faster video response times with low power consumption."

http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/newsarticle.asp?guid=%7bC69575A4-1DE4-4EDB-A0B1-B531145FE16E%7d&siteid=mktw&dist=nbk&symb=

SNL Goes HD This Sat.

As we've previously reported, "Saturday Night Live," embarking on its 31st season, will make the leap to HD this fall, with the season premiere airing this Saturday at 11:30pm ET/PT. This week's host is comedian Steve Carell of "The Office" and "The 40-Year Old Virgin" with musical guest Kanye West.

http://nbcumv.com/release_detail.nbc/entertainment-20050922000000-saturdaynightlive.html

Super HD Debuts in San Diego-Tokyo Link

Scientists at the iGrid networking summit showed off an impressive 9,000-mile videoconference link between San Diego and Tokyo that was broadcast in what some are calling super high-def -- roughly 4 times greater resolution than today's HDTV. The video feed was shown on a giant two-story tall display of monitors and was part of a 4K digital video exhibit that Hollywood is supporting as the next generation of film-quality movies.

More from the San Diego Union-Tribune:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050927/news_1b27igrid.html

New Verizon TV Service Offers 22 HD Channels

I'm still trying to get my hands on an actual channel lineup, but Multichannel News reports that Verizon's new FiOS fiber-to-the-home video offering features 22 HD channels. The service launched today in Keller, Texas (a Ft. Worth suburb) and will be rolled out to six markets by the end of the year. Based on published reports, here's my stab at what Verizon's HD channels are:

8 local broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, etc.)
8 premium channels (HBO East/West HD, Cinemax East/West HD, Showtime East/West HD, Starz East/West HD)
6 variety/sports channels (Discovery HD Theater, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, NFL Network HD, TNT HD, Universal HD)

I'm not positive that Showtime is included in that count since Verizon has yet to strike a carriage deal with Viacom for its various channels. So it's possible that instead of Showtime East/West, there are a couple of adult premium channels.

I haven't seen any reports of Verizon inking a deal with Mark Cuban's HDNet, but I'll update this if I've missed something. Apologies for the speculation on my part, but 22 HD channels is more than anyone else offers and is worthy of a writeup here.

Flat Panel Prices Seen Falling Due to Oversupply

According to market research firm iSuppli, this Christmas may be a good time to shop for a LCD flat-panel display. The company says that contrary to what some of the manufacturers are saying publicly, an oversupply of panels currently exists and is bigger than what was initially forecasted. As a result prices for LCDs are expected to fall this quarter and continue to drop well into next year.

Here's the full story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050921/tc_nm/flatpanels_oversupply_dc

RCN to Launch WB in HD in Various Markets

Various cable news sources are reporting that RCN has inked a deal with the WB for carriage of the broadcast network's HD feed and will soon launch the simulcast in Boston, New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

More Hockey HD News: 10 TB Lightning Games in HD

The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that Bright House Networks cable customers in the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida will be able to see ten Tampa Bay Lightning games in high-def on Sun Sports HD. The Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions as hockey returns this season after a one-year layoff due to labor strife.

The full story is here:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bizj/050914/1164024.html?.v=1

NHL and HDNet Announce HDTV Schedule

The National Hockey League (NHL) and HDNet have announced the first two months of their live, high-definition television (HDTV) schedule for the 2005-06 regular season. From the release:

"The 52-game NHL on HDNet schedule begins Opening Night on Wednesday, Oct. 5th at 10 p.m. (ET) featuring Wayne Gretzky’s debut behind the bench as his Phoenix Coyotes take on the Vancouver Canucks.

The first week of the NHL on HDNet also features the intense Central Division rivalry between the St. Louis Blues and the Detroit Red Wings (Thursday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m., ET). The NHL on HDNet will then showcase the much-anticipated national television debut of Pittsburgh's teenage hockey phenomenon, Sidney Crosby, as the Penguins battle the Boston Bruins (Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m., ET).

The NHL adopted new rules this season to create more offensive flow, which will provide more excitement for fans and will further enhance the television viewing experience. In particular, the newly adopted shootout will make certain that every game has a winner."

And here's the schedule:

Day Date Visitor Home Time (ET)
Wednesday 5-Oct Coyotes Canucks 10:00PM
Thursday 6-Oct Red Wings Blues 8:00PM
Saturday 8-Oct Bruins Penguins 7:30PM
Thursday 13-Oct Predators Coyotes 10:00PM
Saturday 15-Oct Lightning Penguins 7:30PM
Thursday 20-Oct Rangers Islanders 7:00PM
Saturday 22-Oct Hurricanes Capitals 7:00PM
Thursday 27-Oct Blackhawks Red Wings 7:30PM
Saturday 29-Oct Hurricanes Penguins 7:30PM
Wednesday 5-Oct Coyotes Canucks 10:00PM
Thursday 6-Oct Red Wings Blues 8:00PM
Saturday 8-Oct Bruins Penguins 7:30PM
Thursday 13-Oct Predators Coyotes 10:00PM
Saturday 15-Oct Lightning Penguins 7:30PM
Thursday 20-Oct Rangers Islanders 7:00PM
Saturday 22-Oct Hurricanes Capitals 7:00PM
Thursday 27-Oct Blackhawks Red Wings 7:30PM
Saturday 29-Oct Hurricanes Penguins 7:30PM
Thursday 3-Nov Capitals Flyers 7:00PM
Saturday 5-Nov Stars Avalanche 9:00PM
Thursday 10-Nov Flames Coyotes 9:00PM
Saturday 12-Nov Capitals Devils 1:00PM
Thursday 17-Nov Canucks Kings 10:30PM
Saturday 19-Nov Avalanche Kings 10:30PM
Thursday 24-Nov Kings Predators 8:00PM
Saturday 26-Nov Canucks Coyotes 10:00PM

More NY Yankees in HD

MediaWeek reports that the YES Network, which has been airing New York Yankees' home games in HD all season in addition to select games on the road against the rival Boston Red Sox and NY Mets, will show some more of the team's road games in HD, starting next week in Baltimore. Four road games in HD will be shown the rest of this season, including Sept. 27-29 against the Orioles and Oct. 2 against the Red Sox.

Sharp Shows Off 65-Inch LCD Flat Panel

Sharp used the CEDIA custom installers' tradeshow in Indianapolis to show off its lineup of LCD flat-panel displays, including its 65-inch 1080p model that goes on sale in November and carries a suggested MSRP of $20,999. There are also two new 1080p 45-inch models that will be available in October for an MSRP of about $6,500.

More info here: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=4967032

LG Unveils Its First LCoS HDTV

LG Electronics took the wraps off its initial foray into Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) technology at the CEDIA EXPO in Indianapolis this past weekend, unveiling a 71-inch behemoth (model number 71SA1D). According to the company:

"This HDTV includes LG's proprietary XD Engine technology that takes low-resolution analog signals to near high-definition levels, providing consumers with better overall picture quality and viewing experience. Advanced connectivity options include HDMI, IEEE-1394 DTV Link. Other advanced features include 9-in-2 memory card slots and the latest Gemstar TV Guide Onscreen interactive program guide.

"Boasting a 3500:1 contrast ratio, the big LG is designed to deliver superior HDTV performance using the latest LCoS chip technology. And, despite its enormous wide screen, the unit is less than 22 inches deep, offering installation flexibility."

Here's the release: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050910/cgsa001.html?.v=10

MTV's MHD to Go Live Jan. 16

Following up on a story we told you about a couple of weeks back, MTV Networks officially announced today that it plans to launch MHD on January 16th. Multichannel News reports that the new network will feature content from MTV, VH1 and County Music Television and that it has carriage deals negotiated, although none have yet been made public.

Most music videos are not yet shot in HD, although look for that to change after MHD is launched. MTV Networks has said that shows such as MTV Unplugged, VH1 Storytellers, CMT Crossroads and the MTV Video Music Awards will air in high-def on MHD.

INHD to Show Emmy Coverage in High-Def

Cable HD network INHD said Monday that it will present the only HD telecast of E!’s pre- and post-show red carpet coverage for the 57th Primetime Emmy® Awards. Featuring a new, expanded broadcast that includes 17 live cameras to capture all of the action, coverage of the event will be highlighted by “Live From The Red Carpet©,” hosted for the second year by Star Jones Reynolds, on Sunday, September 18, from 6pm-8pm ET. 2005 marks the second year that INHD has presented the high-definition telecast of the Emmy pre- and post-shows.

Toshiba Unveils Combo HDTVs at CEDIA

Toshiba late last week unveiled its combination TV/DVD players at CEDIA, including two that contain a VCR in addition to the DVD player. Here are the details:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050909/nef001.html?.v=24

I'd be curious what others think of combo devices like these. My opinion is that while they're good space-savers, the danger is that if something goes wrong with either the DVD player or the VCR, you'll lose your TV while the other component is getting repaired. And I don't believe it's a theoretical debate, either: about two months ago our Pioneer DVD player went on the fritz and required a trip to the service center for about a week to get fixed (fortunately it was still under warranty). Had this been part of a combo HDTV/DVD player, we would have been without our TV for that week, not exactly an acceptable solution.

I thought the industry had moved away from combo devices such as these, but apparently Toshiba still believes in them.

Samsung: Plasma Prices to Level Off

Samsung SDI Co. believes plasma panel prices will fall 3-5% in Q3 and another 1-2% in Q4, a company exec said at the Reuters Asia Technology and Telecoms Summit in Tokyo. By comparison, plasma panel prices dropped 18% in the first half of this year.

The company expects to sell 2.2 million plasma panels this year, more than double last year's output of 870,000.

Here's the full story:
http://today.reuters.com/business/newsArticle.aspx?type=ousiv&storyID=2005-09-13T072045Z_01_FOR315327_RTRIDST_0_BUSINESSPRO-SUMMIT-ASIA-SDI-DC.XML

Samsung Looks to Single DVD Format

A Samsung spokesman said today that while he hopes that the backers of the competing Blu-ray and HD DVD standards can compromise on a unified standard, his company will introduce a DVD player next year that's capable of utilizing both formats if a single standard is not developed.

Here's the full story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050906/tc_nm/samsung_dvd_dc

Research Firm Sees LCD Price Hike

Tight supply and strong demand will contribute to LCD flat panel prices rising in the third quarter, which will drive industry revenues up 35%, industry research firm DisplaySearch said late last week. The top 3 manufacturers in the market are LG.Philips LCD, Samsung and AU Optronics.

The full story is here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050902/tc_nm/lcd_price_dc

HDNet to Show Hurricane Devastation in High-Def

HDNet will air its HDNet World Report program from New Orleans this evening, presenting viewers with the first high-def images of the devastation in the Gulf Coast. The report will air in the following time slots:

Tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm and 11pm EDT
Wednesday at 11:30am and 7:30pm
Thursday at 6:00pm
Saturday at 12:30pm
Sunday at 7:30pm

CNET Interview with TI's CEO

CNET runs an interview today with Texas Instruments CEO Richard Templeton, a good deal of which focuses on DLP technology. Among other things, Templeton notes that while people tend to think of DLP as it relates to HDTVs, projectors still account for 60 percent of TI's DLP business.

Read the full interview here:

http://news.com.com/The+reinvention+of+Texas+Instruments/2008-1082_3-5844415.html?tag=html.alert

MTV and VH-1 Coming in HD

Media giant Viacom plans to launch a high-def music channel early next year that may be called MHD, Multichannel News reported Monday. Details are sketchy at this point, but Viacom apparently trademarked the "MHD" brand in late July and told the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the new offering would feature “entertainment services, namely high-definition-television programs featuring music, live action, drama, comedy, animation, news and general entertainment.”

Cuban: Consumers Not Getting Full HD

HDNet's Mark Cuban said last week at an industry confab that HD picture quality is being sacrificed in the name of compression so that satellite and cable operators can fit more channels in their lineups. He told TV manufacturers that they should insist the network operators show the highest picture quality possible to fully take advantage of the technology behind the HDTVs they build.

The Denver Post has the full story here:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_2981415?rss

Panasonic to Launch 65-Inch 1080p Plasma

Panasonic will launch the industry's first 1080p 65-inch plasma on November 1, the TH-65PX500. From the release:

The TH-65PX500 delivers spectacular true-to-life images with outstanding detail. The large 65-inch display highlights unique characteristics of plasma display panels such as excellent handling of fast-paced movement, dynamic contrast, bright crisp images and natural colors. The model incorporates the latest 1080p PEAKS (Picture Enhancement Accelerator with Kinetic System) panel drive circuit to optimize performance of the plasma display panel.

The high-end model of the VIERA TV line has two built-in digital and two built-in analog tuners. As it has an SD Memory Card slot, users can watch one digital channel while recording another onto the SD Memory Card (in MPEG4 format) without using a separate recording device. They can watch recorded programs on SD-compatible devices such as D-snap SD Multi Cameras and mobile phones.

While loaded with advanced features, the TH-65PX500 consumes 26 percent less power per year compared to the preceding 65-inch HD plasma display TH-65DX300.

The TH-65PX500 has an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port for an easy single-wire digital audio and video connection.

Panasonic has also added a low-cost and energy-efficient VIERA PX50 digital HDTV series. The 50-inch TH-50PX50, 42-inch TH-42PX50 and 37-inch TH-37PX50 feature the same PEAKS System (a plasma panel, processor and driver) as the higher-models in the PX500 series to ensure superb picture quality. The new models use up to 43 percent less power per year on average as compared to the PX300 series. The new PX50 models have realized the compact design, reducing the width by 70 mm with speakers being placed below the PDP screen.

The models have an SD Memory Card slot, providing connectivity with other SD-compatible devices. Photos taken with LUMIX digital still cameras can be displayed in a slide show format on the large VIERA TVs.

All four models incorporate a Deep Black Filter on the surface of the protection glass to suppress external glare and reflection. Panasonic's own Real Black Drive System provides a contrast ratio of 3000:1 in dark areas, achieving exceptionally deep and rich blacks. The panels have a long life of about 60000 hours. All the models come with easy-to-use remote controllers and can access Panasonic's T-Navi portal service.

Mr. Masaaki Fujita, Director, PDP TV Business Unit, Panasonic AVC Networks Company, said, "We are striving to provide consumers with greater value at the lowest cost. Plasma TVs are becoming the global standard for large flat panel TVs. In fact, plasma displays account for over 90 percent of the global flat-panel TV market for 37 inches and larger."

Sony Announces New Line of LCD Flat Panels

Sony last week introduced its new line of LCD flat-panel displays, dubbed BRAVIA for "Best Resolution Audio Video Integrated Architecture." While actual models were not yet unveiled, Sony did reveal that the first models to carry this new sub-brand will be five LCD TVs ranging in screen sizes from 26- to 40-inches.

More info to come as I get it...

Rainbow Pitching VOOM Networks to Cable Ops

Multichannel News reported last week that Rainbow Media is trying to negotiate carriage agreements for its suite of VOOM HD channels with the cable companies that VOOM used to compete against. Rainbow is adamant that the VOOM networks be carried as a package deal and not piecemeal and is readying a Q1 '06 expansion from the current ten channels to 21. No word on when the first cable carriage deal might be inked, and so far the networks are only offered as a $5 a month tier to DISH Network HD customers.

Sony Intros New Rear-Projection HDTVs

Sony Electronics this week introduced two new sets in the line based on its Silicon X-tal (Crystal) Reflective Display (SXRD(TM)) technology delivering full 1920 x 1080 high-definition resolution. An excerpt from the release:

The 1080p (progressive) KDS-R60XBR1 and KDS-R50XBR1 Grand WEGA models compliment two existing SXRD products -- the 70-inch QUALIA(TM) 006 micro-display and the QUALIA 004 front projector.

"SXRD is the next milestone in the evolution of high-definition television and a standard for the ultimate picture performance," said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division for Sony Electronics. "If you're looking for the full power of HDTV, these models deliver like no other."

At the heart of the models are three new 0.61-inch SXRD panels, making them the world's smallest -- one each for red, green and blue color reproduction -- delivering more than 2 million native pixels (1920 x 1080) for a full high-definition picture.

The panels produce a contrast ratio of 5000:1. Refinements to the panel circuit layout enabled Sony to reduce the pixel pitch on an individual panel to just seven micrometers, resulting increased pixel density, yields, quick response time and a brilliant film-like picture.

The KDS-R60XBR1 and KDS-R50XBR1 units will ship in September for about $5,000 and $4,000, respectively through SonyStyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 16 at www.sony.com/WEGA-SXRD.

DIRECTV HD Update

I called DIRECTV this week to see about getting their HD service set up at my house and gleaned a few interesting nuggets from the conversation. According to the rep I spoke with:

• They've cut the price of the standard HD receiver from $299 to $199.
• They've cut the price of the HD TiVo receiver from $599 to $499 after $100 mail-in rebate.
• Most major markets (including San Diego, where we live) will be able to receive HD local channels via the satellite by the end of the year. She also said that customers with the current generation of HD receiver will be able to trade them in for an upgraded MPEG-4 capable receiver at no additional charge (other than shipping cost) after the HD locals are available.
• All NFL Sunday Ticket games that originally air in HD on CBS and FOX are available in HD on DIRECTV.

I still think that DIRECTV should offer a lease option on the equipment, which I believe puts them at a serious disadvantage compared to DISH Network and the cable companies. The $100 price cut is nice, but $199 is still a decent amount of money to fork over for something you can get elsewhere for $5 a month.

The HD local channels coming online later this year, which I've written about previously, should help offset a signficant advantage currently enjoyed by cable. While an over-the-air antenna may bring in some local HD channels for satellite customers, it's just too hit-and-miss to amount to a good long-term strategy for either DIRECTV or DISH. There will be -- and likely already is -- serious pressure on the latter to develop a way to respond in kind if it hopes to remain competitive with its rivals.

ESPN and ABC to Show '06 Soccer World Cup in HD

ESPN and ABC announced this week that they have teamed up with Soccer United Marketing to show all 64 matches of the '06 FIFA World Cup in high-def. The World Cup will take place in 12 cities throughout Germany and will run from June 9th to July 9th. Pre-game, halftime and post-game segments will also be presented in HD. It's a milestone of sorts for the two networks and the game of soccer, as it marks the first time that all 64 matches will be shown in HD in the U.S., an effort that will require a minimum of 20 HD cameras per game.

The 64 matches will air on ABC HD, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD.

Dell: Consumers Prefer Our Plasmas to Sony's

Dell released the results of a research study it commissioned in four cities that shows consumers who viewed its plasmas vs. those of Sony in a head-to-head challenge preferred the Dell models by a large margin. According to the company, nearly 70% of those surveyed chose Dell's W4200HD plasma television over Sony's KDE-42XS955 HD model, based on picture quality and price.

Guideline Research, on behalf of Dell, conducted the Dell HDTV Challenge at shopping malls in Boston, Chicago, New York City and San Francisco. It pitted the competing plasmas against each other in viewings of indoor and outdoor scenes from a high-definition movie, after which the approximate prices were revealed. The full study can be viewed at www.dell.com/HDTVchallenge.

I find it interesting that Dell compared its plasmas to Sony's, which are generally not regarded as that company's core strength. It would be nice to see Dell perform another study that pits its plasmas against industry leader Panasonic as well as others like Pioneer, LG and Samsung. That kind of Pepsi challenge would probably produce more meaningful results.

OLN to Carry NHL in High-Def

OLN, formerly known as the Outdoor Life Network, and the National Hockey League announced Thursday that they have inked an broadcast agreement for the '05-'06 season that includes NHL games in HDTV. While details of an HD schedule weren't released, the NHL has long favored showing more games in high-def, which league officials believe will help get more Americans interested in the sport.

Here's the full release:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050818/phth019.html?.v=23

Letterman to Make HD Debut Aug. 29

As we've previously reported, David Letterman plans to join late night competitors Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien in making the switch to high-def production this fall. Broadcasting & Cable magazine is now saying that the official date for Dave's HD debut will be Monday Aug. 29th.

ESPN2 HD to Launch on DIRECTV Sept. 8

Broadcasting & Cable is reporting that ESPN2 HD will finally make its DIRECTV debut on September 8, following months of speculation after the initial carriage announcement was made in January. ESPN2 HD can currently only be seen on select Adelphia and Mediacom cable systems. The first event will be a college football matchup between Oklahoma State and Florida Atlantic, followed by Pittsburgh vs. Ohio University two days later.

Program listings for the next few months can be seen here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/espnhd/index#espn2

JVC Plans RPT Price Cuts

The Japan Times reports that JVC will slash prices on its 50- to 70-inch rear-projection HDTVs and in September will introduce three new models in the U.S. in preparation for the holiday shopping season. The 70-inch high-def RPT will sell for about $9,500.

Read more here:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nb20050806a5.htm

NBA TV to Show Half Its Scheduled Games in HD

The NBA said this week that NBA TV will air more than half of its 96 regular season games in high-def. The first game will be part of a doubleheader on Nov. 5 and will feature the Indiana Pacers against the Philadelphia 76ers at 8pm EST. That game will be followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the L.A. Clippers at 10:30pm EST.

More scheduling info is available here:
http://www.nba.com/news/nbatv_050808.html

More on Sony's TV Troubles

BusinessWeek has an interesting piece today about the problems facing Sony's troubled TV unit and what new chairman Howard Stringer must do if he hopes to turn the division around.

Read the story here:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_33/b3947074.htm

Samsung Ships New Plasmas

Samsung said today that it is now shipping the 72-series of its plasmas, which is a high-end line aimed at the specialty A/V market. The new line consists of 42", 50" and 63" models that retail for $4,199, $5,699 and $12,999 respectively.

Read more here: http://www.digitalproducer.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=34020

CBS to air the PGA Championship in HD

CBS Sports will broadcast the 87th PGA Championship in HD for the second consecutive year, during its live 18 hole-coverage of the third and final rounds. The HDTV telecast of the PGA Championship will originate from Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J. on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, and Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005; (2 p.m.-7 p.m., EDT; both days).

Read more here:
http://www.pga.com/news/pganews/pgamedianewsletter/cbs081005.cfm

Pioneer Debuts Two New Plasmas

Pioneer announced today the introduction of two new plasma displays: the PDP-5060HD (50") and PDP-4360HD (43"). According to the company, a newly designed Crystal Emissive Layer combines with Pioneer's PureDrive II circuitry to deliver improved contrast ratios that create the best black levels ever seen in a Pioneer plasma television. The new models utilize newly developed sixth generation plasma glass combined with Pioneer's proprietary new PureDrive II video processing -- a combination of technologies all designed to create blacker blacks, smoother transitions and generally sharper, brighter and more accurate images than previous models.

The Pioneer PDP-5060HD and PDP-4360HD will be available in September for an estimated market price of $6,000 and $4,500 respectively.

Read more here:
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20050810005669&newsLang=en

SureWest to Launch HD in Q3: Telephony

Telephony magazine reports that SureWest Communications will become the first U.S. telco to launch IP-based HDTV when it rolls out the service sometime this quarter. The company is an overbuilder in the Sacramento area that utilizes fiber-to-the-home technology as well as its own DSL network.

Read the full story here:
http://telephonyonline.com/broadband/news/surewest_2Q_results_080905/

Fox to Launch Two New HD Networks

Fox Networks Group will launch National Geographic Channel HD and FOX HD in early 2006. The latter will be a variety channel that culls HD sports programming and TV series from Fox properties including its broadcast network, cable property FX and regional Fox Sports Networks. Multichannel News reports that National Geographic Channel HD will make its debut in January '06, while the timetable for a FOX HD launch is not yet certain.

The full story is here:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632789.html?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP

HDNet to Show Shuttle Landing in High-Def

HDNet said today that it is continuing its exclusive high-definition coverage of the space shuttle Discovery by broadcasting the shuttle's landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida early Monday morning. Here are the details:

Live shuttle landing - Monday, August 8, 4:30 - 5:00 am, re-broadcasts at 6:00 a.m., 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. ET

HDNet World Report: The Shuttle Returns to Space - Tuesday, August 9, 8:00 p.m. ET

HDNet World Report: Shuttle Discovery's Historic Mission - Tuesday, August 16, 8:00 p.m. ET

Fox to Support Blu-ray

Fox Home Entertainment said today that it is backing Sony's Blu-ray standard for next-generation of DVDs, joining Buena Vista and Sony Pictures. Rival format HD DVD counts Warner, Paramount and Universal as its studio backers, indicating that the battle between the competing standards is nowhere close to being won. The only certainty at this point is that as long as there are two formats, consumers will lose and adoption of both will be slow as people hold off on buying a new machine that could ultimately prove as long-lasting as a Betamax VCR.

The Hollywood Reporter has the full story:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/business/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001000449

INHD to Show John Daly vs. Niagara Falls

INHD said today that it will air golfer John Daly's attempt to become the first person to ever hit a golf ball across Niagara Falls, a distance of over 350 yards. Daly's longest drive of the year on tour is 382 yards. The one-hour special will begin this Wednesday, Aug. 3rd at 7pm EDT.

Plasmas at High Altitude

The Rocky Mountain News runs a mostly favorable review of LG's new 42-inch plasma (model DU-42PX12X) that was specifically designed for use at high altitudes (a 50-incher is also available). Essentially the company has reduced the gas pressure that causes a rather loud buzzing noise in places like Denver by using less gas inside the display. Read the full story here:

http://www.insidedenver.com/drmn/technology/article/0,1299,DRMN_49_3968267,00.html

More Major League Baseball in HD

InDemand, the digital cable provider of pay-per-view sports and movies, is making select games of its MLB Extra Innings package available in high-def. The remainder of the season -- which includes about 60 games per week, 4 of which are in HD -- can be had for $119. The full schedule of HD games is available here:

http://www.indemand.com/sports/mlb2005/schedule/MLBXI_HD_Schedule.pdf

LCD Panel Prices Dropping: iSuppli

Market researcher iSuppli said yesterday that 42-inch LCD panel prices dropped below $1,000 for the first time, and hit $950. The firm predicted that holiday shoppers could see 42-inch LCD flat-panel TVs for $2,500 -- which would make it extremely competitive with similar sized plasma displays. Read more here:

http://news.com.com/LCD+television+prices+set+to+drop/2100-1041_3-5809065.html?tag=nefd.top

Manufacturer Roundup: Panasonic Healthy, Sony Hurting

Sony and Panasonic parent Matsushita both reported corporate earnings this week, with Panasonic posting strong demand for flat-panel TVs (mostly plasmas) while Sony said that it would cut more jobs in its TV division as it struggles to change its focus from CRTs to flat-panel LCD displays. Sony's TV division lost $348 million in the June quarter. Sony's problems extend from CRT to LCD, however, as the company lowered by 17% the number of LCD displays it expects to ship this year.

According to Reuters, Matsushita/Panasonic now has a commanding 40% share of the U.S. plasma market, and an amazing 70% share of the Japanese market.

Read the full story here:

http://news.com.com/Sony+posts+loss,+Matsushita's+profit+up/2100-1047_3-5808694.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e433

HDTV vs. EDTV

I was interviewed last week by Bill Lammers, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer's tech columnist, for a piece he was writing on HD vs. ED. Specifically, a reader wanted to know if an EDTV (enhanced-definition TV) was money well-spent. In my opinion, it used to be but probably isn't anymore, and here's why.

Let's use the example of Panasonic plasmas, since they happen to be the market leader. Panasonic's 42-inch EDTV plasma (model TH42PD50U) retails for about $2,250 at CircuitCity.com, while the 42-inch HDTV (model TH42PX50U) goes for $3,325 -- 48% more than the ED model. The picture resolution on the ED unit is 480 progressive lines (480p) compared to 768 progressive lines (768p) on the HD -- which equates to 60% more lines. Now will your eye be able to tell that the resolution is 60% better? Maybe not. And resolution is certainly not the only criteria to examine when deciding what to buy.

However, consider that the industry trend is toward even better resolution --1,080 progressive lines (1080p) -- which will be the industry standard for next-generation DVDs and eventually, for broadcast programming. Also consider that whatever you buy, you should plan on having it for awhile. $2,000 or $3,000 for a television is no small purchase, and I'd advise you to future-proof it as much as possible. Many plasmas these days are rated at 60,000 hours, which means that if you watched them for 5 hours a day, they'd last for 33 years. You'd probably want a new one before then due to the advent of better technology, but it's like buying a PC -- you'll never regret buying the one with the bigger hard drive, upgraded memory or faster processor.

Bottom line -- buy the best digital TV you can afford, and if you can justify spending $2,500 for a luxury item like this, you can probably spend a little more to get something that you'll be happy with for years to come.

Read Bill's full column here:

http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living/1122543360121290.xml&coll=2

HDNet, CinemaNow Team Up for HD VOD

CinemaNow, the online video on demand service, announced Wednesday that has inked a deal with HDNet. From the release:

"CinemaNow, Inc., the leader in video-on-demand for broadband, today announced an agreement with HDNet, the leading high-definition television network,to make several unique titles from HDNet's original high-definition library available on a download-to-own basis via the CinemaNow Web site (http://www.cinemanow.com/). This marks the first time that HDNet has made its distinct library of high-definition programming available on-demand via an online broadband service.

"Among the content being made available on CinemaNow are over 100 episodes from HDNet's vast library of original series, including "Across America," "Get Out!" and several other HDNet specials. As part of the agreement, users of CinemaNow will be able to download permanent copies of HDNet's programming for unlimited playback on the device they download it to. The high-definition versions will be available in Windows Media Video HD."

Is the Game in HDTV?

HD Sports Guide is a good reference for anyone looking for information on which sporting events are offered in HD on which networks. Check it out: http://www.hdsportsguide.com

Sony Shipping New LCDs

Sony said Monday that it is now shipping two new LCD flat-panel displays: The KLV-S32A10 and KLV-S26A10 models round out Sony's "S" series, which also includes models ranging in size from 15 to 23 inches already on the market. According to the company, the picture performance is supported results from a panel resolution of 1366 x 768. The chassis has a high performance, one-chip video processor, Sony's Dynamic Picture® processor circuitry, and CineMotion® Reverse 3:2 Pulldown technology to insure a bright, crisp, high contrast image.

MSRP is about $2,000 for the 32-inch model and $1,500 for the 26-incher.

We're Back!

After spending much of the summer on vacation in Europe and evaluating various business models for my BuyingHDTV.com site, I'm happy to announce that the 1080eye blog is now online again. Please send any feedback on topics you'd like to see covered to mark@buyingHDTV.com.

Hitachi Takes Wraps Off New RPTV, Flat-Panels

Hitachi announced today the introduction of its 2005 model line, which includes three new LCoS, seven new LCD rear-projection, eight plasma displays and four LCD flat-panels. You can read about all the specs and pricing here.

Plasma Sales Up 87% in Q1

DisplaySearch has released data showing that total plasma display panel (PDP) sales were up 87% in Q1 '05 vs. the same quarter last year. Total shipments in the period were 904,000.

The firm also reported that average street prices of plasma displays are down 25% from last year, to $3,080. The decline was 7% in the last quarter alone as compared to Q4 '04.

Panasonic retained its number one position in worldwide plasma market share, followed by LG Electronics, Samsung, Philips and Pioneer. The latter displaced Sony for the #5 spot.

79% of all new plasma displays sold were in the 42-43" size range. Notably, 56% of all plasmas sold were 42" ED models, with 42-43" HD units comprising just 23% of the market.

The full release is here.

Toshiba to Up Plasma Investment

Toshiba is increasing the investment in its new plasma manufacturing plant by nearly $100 million in an effort to increase efficiency and production. Reuters has the full story here.

Pics of Samsung's New OLED

CNET has posted photos of Samsung's prototype OLED.

Arizona Diamondbacks Now in HD

The Business Journal of Phoenix reports that a 17-game package of the Arizona Diamondbacks' home games will be shown this season in high-def via Fox Sports Net Arizona on Cox Cable, beginning Wednesday night against my San Diego Padres.

Glad to see the D'backs jumping on board the HD train. For the record, all of the Pads home games the last two seasons have been shown in high-def, as well as select road games against NL West rivals like Arizona.

Toshiba Intros 1080p DLPs

Toshiba announced at its dealer in Albuquerque show the launch of its new 1080p DLP models. The new Cinema Series and TheaterWide product lines will feature three DLPs featuring the TI HD4 chip with full 1080p resolution, in addition to three models with the existing 720p chip. The 1080p DLPs will be available starting this summer in 56-, 62- and 72-inch versions. MSRPs will range from $3,499.99 to $5,299.99. The full release is here.

ABC's "Good Morning America" to Go HD

The New York Post is reporting that ABC's "Good Morning America" program will debut in high-definition this fall, becoming the first major nationwide news program to make the HD leap. Read the full story here.

This is obviously just the first of what will be a major transformation in the network news business. CNN is rumored to be seriously working on such a transition and given the declining number of viewers who watch the "Big Three" network anchors, it's only a matter of time before we see the smiling mugs of Peter Jennings, Brian Williams and Bob Schieffer in HD.

Verizon's FiOS TV Gets Wealth-y

WealthTV announced today that it has inked a carriage deal with Verizon for the telco's upcoming FiOS TV service. From the news release:

"WealthTV, the premiere lifestyle and entertainment network, today announced an affiliate agreement for linear programming carriage on Verizon’s FiOS TV service when it launches later this year. Under the agreement, Verizon’s high-definition programming lineup will include WealthTV in HD as well as standard digital service. In addition, WealthTV will make signature programs available through Verizon’s video on demand product offering.

"The Verizon announcement comes on the heels of a string of successful launches that include Charter Communications, Armstrong, Davidson, Metrocast, Service Electric, US Cable, Wide Open West, and until recently, Voom. WealthTV features a wide range of family-friendly, aspirational programming from exotic travel to entertaining and educational shows all designed to have broad appeal."

Sony Takes Wraps Off New HD Camcorder

Sony announced Monday that it has released what it is calling the world's smallest and lightest high definition consumer camcorder with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i. Sony also says that it is one of few camcorders, in fact, the only HD one, that allows you to record high-definition video and take a 1-megapixel digital still image at the same time. The new HD camcorder will go on sale in July; check out the above link for the full specs and details.

Best Buy Cuts Price of HD TiVo by 30%

In its Sunday circular this week, Best Buy is advertising the high-def TiVo from DIRECTV for $699, a $300 savings off the regular list price of $999. The price cut takes effect tomorrow (Tuesday the 17th) and also includes three months free of DIRECTV's HD programming package, which is normally $10.99/mo.

It's about time the price started to come down on this device. For hardcore TiVo lovers, it's a must-have if you're into high-def, but with competing HD-DVRs from cable companies going for $10 or $15 a month with no upfront purchase required, it's getting tough to justify an HD TiVo for several hundred bones. This also puts DIRECTV more in line with DISH Network's HD-DVR, which goes for $699 as well.

CEA Cuts DTV Sales Forecasts; Blames FCC, Broadcasters

Consumer Electronics head Gary Shapiro in a letter to Congressman Joe Barton today expressed strong support for a hard analog cut-off date, citing among other factors the low percentage of Americans who rely on over-the-air broadcast signals for their primary TV viewing. Here's just a tidbit of what Shapiro said; you can read the rest here:

"Of the nearly 110 million American homes with at least one TV, 68% receive a cable signal and 22% receive a DBS signal. Our research shows that roughly 3% receive both cable and DBS. In total, 87% of American homes will have access to cable or satellite (and thus network and local feeds). This means that if the cut off occurred today, less than 13% of the population of 110 million TV households would not have access to a broadcast signal through cable or satellite (though they could certainly start subscribing)."

Interestingly, Shapiro managed to get in swipes at both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the nation's broadcasters, blaming both for the slow transition from analog to digital TV. As such, the CEA has actually cut its DTV/HDTV sales forecasts, now estimating that 14.8 million DTV sets will be sold in '05, slightly more than double the 7.1 million that were sold last year. According to Shapiro, "we had based those [earlier] projections on early FCC action on the tuner mandate petition and extensive promotion of cablecards, neither of which came to pass." Slow moving bureaucrats!

CEA's newly downward-revised sales projections are based on three factors, one of which is that "National Groups for Local Broadcasters Will Continue to Do Little or Nothing to Promote Free Over the Air Digital Television." Take that, NAB!

I encourage those of you with any interest in the politics and policy of DTV and HDTV to read the full letter. It is obviously biased towards the interests of the nation's electronics manufacturers that the CEA represents, as is anything the CEA, NAB or NCTA sends to a lawmaker or regulatory body. Remember that you have to take it with a large grain of salt and once in awhile you can actually learn something -- about the attitudes of the debate's biggest stakeholders, if nothing else.

Federal Budget Analysts Wary of '06 DTV Switch

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is apprehensive that a Dec. 31, 2006 cutoff from analog to digital television broadcasting may lessen the amount of revenue generated by a sale of the analog spectrum to wireless telecom carriers. That revenue, which a deficit-ridden federal government would very much like to maximize, could also be used to partially subsidize analog-to-digital converters for low-income and/or rural consumers who utilize over-the-air TV signals rather than cable or satellite but who won't have yet upgraded to HDTV or have digital broadcasts available in their area.

Multichannel News reports that Senate Commerce Committee majority staff director Lisa Sutherland told attendeees at the Cable Television Public Affairs Association conference last week that "just from purely a budget perspective, [the CBO said] the later the digital transition occurs, the more funding would be made available to the federal government through the auction process."

Verizon Teams Up with NFL Network for FiOS

Verizon said last week that its FiOS fiber video group has reached a carriage agreement with the NFL Network for that channel, NFL on Demand and NFL Network HD. FiOS now has high-def carriage deals in place with Universal HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD and the NFL Network HD.

Sampo Intros LCDs, Plasma

Sampo on Monday announced the availability of three new flat-panel HDTVs: a 26-inch and 32-inch LCD and a 50-inch plasma. Here are some of the details from the company:

"The Sampo Professional family of LCD and plasma displays incorporates a host of innovative features that add versatility and function to support the often demanding video display requirements of users in the commercial, government and education sectors. In addition to standard RS-232 control ports, the new LME-26X8 and LME-32X8 displays are the first in the industry to incorporate a Web server and an RJ-45 Ethernet control port to provide additional network control options. When connected via Ethernet or wirelessly to an existing or standalone network infrastructure, multiple network-addressable Sampo Professional displays can be controlled individually or collectively from a single computer or PDA.

The LME-26X8, LME-32X8 and PME-50X7, which are covered by Sampo Professional's industry-leading two-year onsite warranty, are available now through value added resellers nationwide at list prices of $1,499, $1,999 and $4,499 respectively."

Kreisen Unveils 32" LCD

Kreisen announced last week the availability of their newest 32-inch LCD flat-panel HDTV, the KR-321T. The new model retails for $1,499 and replaces the previous KR-320T. According to the manufacturer:

"Featuring a slim new design, the KR-321T is enclosed in a lustrous silver casing with black inlays. The dramatic modern styling and sleek edges beautifully complement any décor. Behind the new skin is an LG-Philips 32-Inch LCD panel that sports a remarkable 1200:1 contrast ratio and an extremely bright high-quality picture (600 cd/m2). With new electronics, the new KR-321T has an enticing 8 millisecond response time and a plethora of built in features like picture in picture, 3D comb filter, built in tuner, and enough inputs for even the most avid home theater aficionado."

More info is at www.kreisen.com.

Panasonic Kicks Off Plasma Price War

Panasonic has told the retailers that sell its plasmas that it is cutting its prices by 25% to 36% in an effort to boost market share and increase sales. Here are the details:

• The price of the 37-inch HD plasma has been cut to $3,000 from $4,000 (25% decrease)
• The price of the 42-inch HD plasma has been cut to $3,500 from $5,500 (36% decrease)
• The price of the 50-inch HD plasma has been cut to $5,000 from $7,000 (29% decrease)

Investors Business Daily has the full story here.

Plasma and LCD prices have been on a steady decline over the last year or so, but these price reductions from Panasonic are by far the most aggressive we've seen, particularly from a major manufacturer with a good reputation for quality plasma displays. If you're in the market for a new PDP, the Panasonics at these reduced price points are certainly worth close consideration.

UPDATE: DISH Network Charging $5 Add'l for VOOM Nets

As an update to a piece I wrote earlier this week, it turns out that DISH Network is charging $5 a month for the 10 VOOM HD channels that it announced it was carrying late last week. A prospective customer had told me that it was $15 a month, but it turns out that figure included the $10 (actually $9.99) for the regular DISH HD Pak.

So just to clear things up, DISH is charging $9.99 for its HD Pak and an additional $5 a month for the 10 VOOM channels. It's also running a special where new HD customers get the first 6 months of the HD Pak free (but not the VOOM channels).

I apologize for the error...

LG Intros First Plasmas With Integrated HD-DVR

LG Electronics said this morning that it has launched the industry's first plasma TVs with integrated high-definition DVRs. Available in 50- and 60-inch models, the plasmas feature a 160 GB HD-DVR built into the cabinet that is capable of recording up to 13 hours of HD programming or 63 hours of digital standard-def programming. The DVRs incorporate an automatic time-shift feature, which continuously records in one-hour intervals. Other features include slow motion rewind and forward capabilities and instant replay. Viewers are also able to organize recorded programs and set up repeat recordings of their favorite show.

The plasmas feature LG's fifth-generation ATSC VSB/QAM tuner, which receives terrestrial digital HDTV and unscrambled digital cable, as well as analog broadcast and cable tuners. They are also digital cable ready through the use of CableCARDs. Another feature is an integrated 9-in-2 multi memory card reader, allowing users to view still images and listen to digital music, such as MP3 files, through the display. Combined with the DVR, users can store digital photos or music from their digital camera or MP3 player onto the hard drive via nine different formats of memory cards, files that can further be organized and saved for future viewing and listening. The DVR also is capable of creating a music photo album, allowing for stored photos to be accompanied with music in a slide show.

The new plasmas, models 50PY2DR and 60PY2DR, utilize LG's proprietary XD engine technology that the company says takes the low resolution of analog signals to near high-definition levels by improving brightness, contrast, detail and enhancing color as well as reducing signal noise. They are built to last 60,000 hours and come with a 5000:1 contrast ratio and 1000 cd/m2 of brightness, in addition to HDMI inputs.

MSRP is $14,999 for the 60-inch model and $7,999 for the 50-inch.

DISH Network Charging Extra for VOOM HD Channels

Not included in its announcement that it is now offering 10 of the former VOOM 21 high-def channels is the fact that DISH Network is charging subscribers an extra $15 a month to receive that programming. A customer who just ordered DISH Network HD service yesterday told me that the $15 a month for the VOOM channels is in addition to the regular DISH HD package that costs $9.99 a month and offers channels such as ESPN HD, HDNet and TNT HD.

It will be interesting to see how many customers jump at the chance to receive more HD programming at an additional monthly fee. I understand that VOOM no doubt needs to recover the license fees it is paying to Rainbow Media to carry the VOOM channels, but $15 a month seems rather steep considering that most DISH customers have never seen or heard of the specific HD channels brought to market by VOOM. In my opinion, the well-known brands like ESPN HD and TNT HD offer more value than the likes of RUSH HD and Gallery HD, so $5-7 a month would seem a more reasonable fee. Time will tell if I'm right...

DISH Network to Carry 10 VOOM HD Channels

EchoStar Communications said today that its DISH Network satellite TV service will expand its high-definition channel lineup by adding 10 of the original VOOM HD networks, expected to be available May 1. The 10 VOOM HD networks added will include RUSH HD, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Animania HD, Majestic HD, HD News and Guy TV HD.

DISH is currently running a promotion in which new customers receive six free months of HD programming (regularly $9.99 a month) with a one-year contract. Existing VOOM customers are also guaranteed next-day installation.

With the addition of the 10 VOOM networks, DISH now offers 17 high-def channels in addition to HD pay-per-view, which will vault it ahead of cable competitors (and DIRECTV) in most markets.

In a related announcement, Rainbow Media Holdings said this morning that it will license the VOOM 21 to any cable or satellite provider that is interested, and that DISH is expected to add the remaining 11 channels of the VOOM 21 sometime in 2006.

HDNet Films Inks Deal with Director Soderbergh

2929 Entertainment and HDNet Films announced this morning that they have entered into a partnership with Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh to direct six high-definition films that will be released simultaneously across theatrical, TV and home video platforms. HDNet pioneered this new distribution strategy with "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" and is planning "to mine its diverse holdings" to produce the new films in HD.

Soderbergh will have creative control over the films' content, the first of which is called "Bubble" and is a murder-mystery set in a small town in Ohio. Soderbergh has directed such notable films as "Erin Brokovich," "Traffic," "Solaris," "Ocean's Eleven," "Ocean's Twelve," and "Sex, Lies, and Videotape."

2929 Entertainment was created by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner and now owns Rysher Entertainment, Landmark Theaters, Magnolia Pictures Distribution, an interest in Lions Gate Entertainment, 2929 Productions and HDNet Films, along with HDNet and HDNet Movies.

HP Unveils New Line of HDTVs

HP took the wraps off its new line of plasma, LCD and DLP HDTVs at the Home Entertainment Expo Thursday, unveiling a total of 10 new models under the brand HP Pavilion. The TVs all include new HP Visual Fidelity technologies that the company says provide enhanced image quality and color. In the LCD and plasma displays, Visual Fidelity technologies provide information about a room's ambient lighting to the TV which then enhances sharpness and color that best complement the room. In the DLPs, HP says that Visual Fidelity double the pixel resolution.

HP's new DLPs are the company's first foray into microdisplays and are available with both 1080p and 720p TI chips. The 1080p models are 65-inches and 58-inches, while the 720p versions are 58- and 50-inches. All will be available for purchase this summer. The DLP models feature a lighted front-connection panel designed with a slot under the TV so audio/visual cables can be easily connected from the front and hidden from view.

HP Pavilion plasmas are 50" and 42" that the company says use next-gen phosphors to create images that are 10 percent brighter than conventional panels. The flat-panel LCDs are available in 37-, 32- and 26-inch models and like the plasma and DLPs, will hit retail in late summer. Both the LCD and plasma models come with a piano-black finish and curved-edge design.

All of HP's new HDTVs are CableCARD ready.

The company also announced the availability of three new models of standard and high-definition HP Digital Entertainment Centers - devices that allow consumers to personalize and manage their TV viewing, movies, music, photos and videos using one remote control. New functionality on certain models includes the ability to record over-the-air high-definition programming and store up to 55 hours of HD content.

Cablevision Says YES to Yankees in HD

Cablevision and the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network (YES) announced this week that YES HD will be available to Cablevision's digital cable customers with an HD box at no additional charge. In addition to broadcasting all of the NY Yankees home games from the Bronx in HD, YES also will show a few Yanks road games against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox and the cross-town rival NY Mets. All home games of basketball's New Jersey Nets are also broadcast in HD on YES.

Cablevision now offers an industry-leading 17 channels in HD.

Samsung and Microsoft Team Up for Xbox HD

Samsung and Microsoft said today at the Home Entertainment Expo in New York that they have formed an alliance in conjunction with the launch of the new Xbox gaming console, which is HD-capable. Microsoft has chosen Samsung as its exclusive HDTV worldwide marketing partner for the HD Xbox, and to promote the launch, the two companies will place 25,000 Samsung 23-inch LCD HDTVs in Xbox retail kiosks around the world. That particular LCD (model LNR238W) offers what Samsung says is a "super-fast" 12 millisecond pixel switching speed that enables intense action while overcoming any motion artifacts. In addition, Samsung says its Fixed Pixel Device is designed to eliminate scan lines, helping gameplay to be smooth and free of flickering.

The marketing alliance will include cinema, POS, television, print, on-line and various other media efforts.

Comcast Adds 428K HD/DVR Subs in Q1

Comcast said today that it deployed 428,000 HD and/or DVR boxes in the first quarter and now has 1.6 million such set-tops deployed throughout its service territory. The company plans to spend an additional $200-300 million this year on capital expenditures, a decent chunk of which will be used to acquire more high-def DVR boxes that are currently on back order in many of its markets.

NBC's 'Conan' Now in HD; 'SNL' to Follow This Fall

NBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" began broadcasting in high-def Tuesday night, joining "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" as the only late-night programs offered in HD. NBC's mainstay comedy program "Saturday Night Live" will be shown in high-def beginning this October, giving NBC a formidable lineup of variety-type programming in HD. The New York Post reports that "The Late Show With David Letterman" will be in high-def "sooner rather than later," although an exact timetable has not been released.

I have to say that personally, the main reason I watch Leno over Letterman is because Leno is in HD and has been for a number of years now. Letterman is oftentimes funnier, but Leno's show looks great in high-def and really contrasts well when compared to Dave's. I'm usually not up late enough often enough to watch Conan, but would be much more inclined to DVR it now that it's in high-def. (I generally find Conan to be more amusing than either Leno or Letterman, anyway.)

Likewise, "SNL," which is a lot less funny today than it was when I was growing up, should benefit from the upgrade to HDTV. I've said it before: HD can make otherwise average programming seem much better than it otherwise would (or really is), just because the picture and sound are of such higher quality than standard TV.

Sharp Reports Strong LCD Sales

Sharp Corp. reported in its annual earnings that it experienced record LCD sales in the last fiscal year, a key factor in its 27% increase in profits over the previous year. LCD television sales were up 78% from the year prior and are expected to rise by another 29% this year. The electronics maker also stated that it plans to hike its capital spending by 3.3% this year, most of which will be spent on an eighth-generation plant where it will make a much greater number of 40-inch LCD panels. That facility is expected to be online by the fall of 2006.

You can read the full Bloomberg story with all the financial details here.

Silicon Valley CEOs Support Hard Cutoff Date for Analog TV

The CEOs of nine leading high-tech companies sent a letter to Congressman Joe Barton, chairman of the House Commerce Committee, today expressing their support of a hard cutoff date for the transition to digital television. In the letter, the heads of Intel, IBM, HP, Dell, Motorola, Applied Materials, NCR, Unisys and EMC said that they favor a "date certain" for the analog cutoff, although they did not address when specifically that date should be. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the letter also stated the CEOs' support of using a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the analog spectrum to subsidize the purchase of analog-to-digital converter boxes for people who currently utilize over-the-air broadcasts rather than cable or satellite service (about 15% of the TV population).

DIRECTV Launches New HD Satellite

DIRECTV this morning successfully launched its new high-def satellite into orbit, the first step for the satcaster in bringing HD local channels to American consumers. The new satellite, dubbed Spaceway F1, is the first of two Ka-band satellites that will launch this year (the other goes up in June). With these two new birds, DIRECTV will be able to begin offering additional HD channels like ESPN2 HD as well as HD local channels in the top 12 U.S. markets. Two more satellites, DIRECT 10 and 11, will are scheduled to launch in 2007. Combined, the four satellites will provide additional capacity to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and more than 150 national HD channels and other advanced programming services to consumers.

The first group of markets to receive local HD channels via Spaceway F1 includes New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston and Tampa. These markets represent nearly 36 million homes or 32.8 percent of all U.S. TV households.

Discovery HD Theater to Simulcast "Alien Planet"

Discovery HD Theater will air "Alien Planet" May 14th in the high-def network's first ever simulcast done in conjunction with the Discovery Channel. According to DHDT, the theme of "Alien Planet" is what happens when we find life outside our own planet. Through computer generated imagery, animation and special effects, viewers are taken on a virtual mission to a planet called Darwin IV, which is 6.5 million light years from Earth. There is also in-depth scientific commentary from luminaries such as Stephen Hawking and George Lucas.

DHDT will also premiere "The Science of Star Wars" on May 18. This original series consists of three hour-long episodes: "Man and Machine," "Space Cowboys" and "War, Weaponry and The Force."

Verizon Adds Showtime HD to FiOS TV Lineup

Verizon announced today that it has reached a carriage agreement for its FiOS TV service with Showtime Networks that includes Showtime HD and The Movie Channel HD. Both high-def networks will be available to Showtime and TMC subscribers at no additional charge.

Verizon has been busy over the last few weeks, having inked agreements with Showtime HD, Starz HDTV and Universal HD, in addition to their non-HD counterparts. FiOS TV is Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises initiative that will launch later this year in select markets.

TNT HD Launches on Comcast

UPDATE: This deal was officially announced by the two companies Monday.

It hasn't been officially announced, but posters to several Internet message boards are reporting that TNT HD launched on Comcast late last week in time for the first round of the National Basketball Association's playoff games. Comcast HD subscribers in Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville and Washington, D.C. report being able to watch TNT HD, which in addition to the NBA also airs programming such as "Law & Order," professional golf and theatrical movies in high-def.

TNT HD is now carried on Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks on cable, and DISH Network on satellite. I was personally a little surprised that DIRECTV didn't reach a carriage deal by the start of the NBA playoffs, which DISH did a year ago. Two more basketball games air tonight, with the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics facing off at 7:00pm EDT and the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Houston Rockets at 9:30pm EDT.