Today's High-Def Headlines

Best Buy: Consumers baffled by HDTV - CNN Money
As Best Buy gears up for its important high-definition TV sales months, a new survey from the No. 1 electronics retailer reveals that almost 90 percent of Americans still don't understand HDTVs - and close to 50 percent underestimate the cost of buying one. This is especially troubling for Best Buy as the retailer is banking on flat-panel HDTV purchases to fuel a big chunk of its fourth-quarter profit and sales.

Blu-ray or HD DVD: Which Side Are You On? - WSJ
It's becoming a holiday tradition: The two competing high-definition DVD formats are gearing up for the Christmas season, each hoping to consign the other to the dustbin of consumer electronics and declare victory. And just as last holiday season, Santa isn't going to declare a winner yet. In fact, a vexing contradiction has settled into the marketplace that is likely to prolong the fight between the Toshiba-backed HD DVD and the Sony-backed Blu-ray formats.

Sling Media Acquired by EchoStar - Yahoo/Macworld
Sling Media announced on Tuesday that it has been acquired by EchoStar, owner of the Dish Network satellite network. The deal, valued at $380 million, will be paid in cash and EchoStar options. Sling Media is best known for its Slingbox and SlingPlayer. The Slingbox allows you to watch your home television from anywhere with a fast Internet connection.

AT&T Jumps Into TV Competition - Akron Beacon-Journal
On the first day it was allowed under a new state law, AT&T Ohio applied for a 10-year statewide franchise to expand its video services in competition with cable television. The new franchise legislation, which took effect Monday, was signed into law in June by Gov. Ted Strickland.

HDTV Insights Poll Results - Westinghouse press release
Imagine the day when finding favorite TV programming is as easy as saying "TV, tune in the Super Bowl, please" or "TV, please find me a great action movie to watch!" Voice recognition is just one of the gee wiz features that top consumer wish lists according to a new poll conducted by HDTV leader Westinghouse Digital Electronics, one of the top four LCD TV manufacturers in the U.S. Respondents came up with a wide variety of coveted features when asked, "If you could design a TV yourself, what would you add?" Top answers included: Voice recognition, Touch Screen, 120hz Refresh Rate, Wireless, Energy Conservation, Built In DVR, Built In DVD, Bluetooth.