Today's High-Def Headlines

Charter Adds WealthTV’s HD Shows On Demand - MCN
WealthTV said its high-definition programming lineup has become available to Charter Communications customers on demand nationwide. WealthTV also has some full-time carriage, in standard- and high-definition formats, on Charter systems, according to network officials.

DirecTV, Cox Settle HDTV Lawsuit - MCN
DirecTV and Cox Communications settled the false-advertising lawsuit the satellite operator filed over Cox’s assertion that “HD looks better with cable,” a claim the cable company has removed from its Web site. In the suit, filed in October, DirecTV alleged Cox made “false and misleading statements” in citing a Comcast-commissioned survey regarding the quality of Cox’s HDTV service compared with DirecTV’s. Since DirecTV filed the lawsuit Oct. 17, Cox has removed references to the Magid survey from its site. The only benefit the operator now touts over satellite services' HDTV services is that Cox customers have “no ugly dish or extra equipment to buy” to receive HD programming.

Verizon FiOS TV Hits Oregon - MCN
Verizon said it launched its FiOS TV service in Portland, Ore., Thursday, challenging incumbent cable TV operator Comcast. The telephone company said FiOS TV is available to 152,000 households in the greater Portland area, representing 410,000 potential viewers. (edit. note: Verizon offers 27 HDTV channels, compared to 24 from Comcast.)

VIZIO and Pro Football MVP LaDainian Tomlinson Bring Crystal Clear Holiday Cheer To Dr. Phil Show, Families and Firefighters Affected by So Cal Fires
In the true spirit of the holiday season, VIZIO, America's number one LCD HDTV company, and reigning pro football league MVP, LaDainian Tomlinson have joined forces to benefit and honor the individuals, families and firefighters affected by the tragic fires that ravaged the Southern California area during recent months. This afternoon, Tomlinson appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, addressing the studio audience and announcing that through his Tomlinson Touching Lives Foundation, VIZIO and his foundation would donate VX32L 32-inch LCD high definition televisions to every member of the studio audience, comprised solely of families and individuals whose homes and possessions were lost in the fires. In addition, on Tuesday afternoon, Tomlinson hosted a special event at Kit Carson Park in San Diego to pay tribute to firefighters, sheriffs, doctors and nurses who risked their lives battling the fires.

New DIRECTV Survey Gives Holiday Shoppers the Inside Scoop on What Looks Best on Their New HDTV
With the many decisions plaguing shoppers this holiday season, DIRECTV wants to give HD buyers a sneak preview of what they will enjoy once they take the HD plunge.
In a recent survey commissioned by DIRECTV, 400 HDTV owners were asked to reveal their favorite reasons for choosing HD. Some of the more unique findings included:
-- The Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman boxing match held in Africa ranked as the top sports moment most would want to see in HD if it were possible, followed by Hank Aaron's 755th home run,
-- Rachel Ray takes the lead position in the kitchen with the best-looking holiday turkey in HD, followed by fellow chef Emeril Lagasse,
-- The best Superbowl beer ad ranks above football as the most important thing to see when watching sports in HD