Comcast, DirecTV Settle Lawsuit Over HD Claims

While the terms of the settlement are confidential, Comcast will be able to continue to cite results of a study in which consumers expressed a preference for Comcast's HD picture quality over satellite's.

Cablevision Finally Adds ESPN2 HD

Cablevision, which is the New York City-area's largest cable provider, announced late yesterday that it has added ESPN2 HD to its high-def lineup. The company now offers 45 HD channels.

I honestly have no idea what took Cablevision so long. It has been the cable industry's leader in the number of high-def channels offered for a few years now and it makes no sense that ESPN2 HD has been carried on tiny cable systems you've never heard of for the last two years while one of the nation's most prominent hasn't offered it.

Then again, just look at the ongoing dispute between the NFL and Time Warner Cable over carriage of the NFL Network and it's pretty clear that common sense and concern for the customer often don't prevail in these discussions...

What I'm Watching

I got DIRECTV installed two weeks ago so I could sample the 70-odd HD channels now offered and compare them and the overall service to my local cable provider, Time Warner (more on that tomorrow). Periodically, I'm going to highlight some cool HD programming that's on or upcoming (similar to the Tonight's HD Picks feature I used to run) since there are so many more high-def channels now than even just 3 months ago. Without further ado...

Right now I'm flipping back and forth between the Science Channel's "Fearless Earth: Grand Canyon" and the NFL Network's Steelers-Rams game. Talk about two genres made for HD...nothing pops quite like travel/nature programming and football. The Grand Canyon episode is fascinating and replays at midnight ET/9PM PT tonight.

DIRECTV Inks Deal for PBS HD

DIRECTV revealed yesterday that it has reached an agreement to offer PBS channels in HD in markets where it offers local HD broadcast stations. The satellite provider currently offers local HD programming in 68 markets, representing more than 72 percent of U.S. TV households, and those markets will begin to receive PBS in high-def starting next year.

DIRECTV Now Offering HD Lakers Games in L.A.

DIRECTV announced this morning that it has added KCAL/Channel 9 to its stable of local HD channels in the Los Angeles DMA, a move that enables that satcaster to show L.A. Lakers pro basketball games in high-def.

DIRECTV now offers 7 local L.A. broadcast channels in HD: KABC, KCBS, KNBC, KTTV/FOX, KTLA/CW, KCOP/MNT and now KCAL.

Matsushita/Panasonic to Make Big Push Into LCD?

Matsushita, the parent of U.S. brand Panasonic, has been the industry leader in plasma displays for some time, all but eschewing LCD flat-panel TVs (it does offer a token three LCD models). There are rumors, however, that the company is in serious discussions with Hitachi about an LCD partnership that would include a nearly $3 billion Matsushita investment in a new Japanese LCD plant. More from Reuters.

Sony Offering Analog TV Trade-In Program

Sony announced a recycling program for old analog TVs yesterday that gives consumers a $100 coupon towards the purchase of a new Sony BRAVIA HDTV at Sony Style retail stores, online at sonystyle.com or through the company's toll-free telesales line. In conjunction with Waste Management, Sony has set up 79 eCycling centers throughout the U.S. to which consumers can bring their old TVs from any manufacturer and receive the $100 coupon. However, brands other than Sony may incur a recycling fee.

More details are at http://www.sony.com/recycle or http://www.wm.com/sony.

Industry Insider: Joseph D'Antoni, Origin Labs CEO

Challenges in Cleaning Your New Flat-Screen TV

So you got a new HDTV for the Holidays . . .

The flat-screen television has become more than just the “must have” gadget du jour; it has become a mainstay of the modern home. The sharp high-definition images, the environmentally-friendly power consumption, the sleek design, and, of course, the remarkable space savings all progressively make flat screens the definitive center of your home’s communal spaces.

We often marvel at our high-tech technology toys without understanding that keeping them clean can also be a high-tech challenge. High-definition television, computer and handheld devices contain screens which bring us a vivid world of crisp and colorful images, but eventually, that amazing view can get tarnished by dust, dirt and fingerprints. The real issue now becomes “how do you clean it?”

Using the wrong cleaning solutions or methods can permanently damage your screen. Here are the reasons why cleaning your screen properly makes a big difference on the picture quality and ultimately the longevity of your viewing investment.

Do’s and don’ts about cleaning!

1. Use Organic or Green products whenever possible.
   
2. Do NOT use any cleaners containing alcohol, ammonia, glycerin, or other solvents.
   
3. Only use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Microfiber cloths can be ideal for this purpose as they don’t produce lint. Make sure your cloth has not been used with other cleaning chemicals, as these chemicals may already be embedded in the cloth. Also, when cleaning the cloth, do not use fabric softener when washing, as fabric softener may remain in the cloth afterwards.
   
4. Only use as much cleaner as needed on the screen. Spray solution on a cloth and wipe in circular motion.
   
5. If you have a persistent problem, lightly spray the cleaner directly on the screen, waiting about 3-4 seconds before wiping. Do NOT soak the problem area. Multiple light applications are better and safer than a single heavy one. If problems persist, consult your electronics professional.

AT&T U-verse Adds 8 More HD Channels

AT&T said this morning that it has added eight new high-def channels to its U-verse IPTV service. The new entrants are: Animal Planet HD, CNN HD, Discovery HD, Science Channel HD, Starz Kids & Family HD, Superstation WGN in HD, TLC HD and Versus/Golf Channel HD.

In related AT&T news, U-verse has launched in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

Additionally, AT&T is running a newspaper ad campaign in areas served by Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications and Suddenlink highlighting AT&T's inclusion of the NFL Network in its U-verse channel lineup. Those three cable companies do not yet offer the NFL Network.

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

DIRECTV Adds Local HD Nets in Tucson

DIRECTV said today that it is now offering local HD programming to customers in the Tucson, Ariz. designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: KGUN/ABC, KOLD/CBS, KMSB/FOX and KVOA/NBC.

With the addition of Tucson, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 68 cities, representing more than 72.6 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV's rollout of local HD channels in Tucson is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that includes plans to offer up to 100 national HD channels by year end.

Travel Channel HD Prepping for Launch

Last week the head of Discovery Networks revealed that his company will launch two new high-def channels in January, although he declined to name them. I suspected one would be the Travel Channel, as it's hard to imagine a network that benefits more from an HD makeover than one focused on world travel -- as well as the fact that HD Theater (formerly Discovery HD Theater) already runs some Travel Channel content in high-def.

Well I happened to be on the Cox San Diego website yesterday and ran across this nugget:

We are pleased to announce that New HD channels will be soon available for customers in select areas with minimum of Cox Standard Cable service and HD service.

Discovery HD - 724
CNN HD - 731
TLC HD - 736
Versus/Golf HD - 751
HGTV HD - 753
History Channel HD - 755
Travel Channel HD - 760
Food Network - 767
NFL Network HD* - 772 (available now in all areas)
NHL Network HD* - 773
Cinemax HD** - 780
Science Channel HD - 782
Starz HD** - 790

All 13 HD networks will soon be available to customers in the Cox serviceable areas of Chula Vista and Vista, and will be launched in additional Cox San Diego serviceable areas soon afterward.

Today's High-Def Headlines

Toshiba Shelves Plan to Sell OLED TVs in 2009-10 - Reuters
Japan's Toshiba said on Tuesday it had shelved plans to sell ultra-thin TVs with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays in 2009-10 because of the cost of mass production. Toshiba will stick to its plans to commercialize smaller OLED displays for cell phones next year, and will watch markets and technological developments to see whether making OLED TVs is commercially viable later, Toshiba spokesman Keisuke Ohmori said.

Comcast Media Center Packs In More HD - MCN
Comcast Media Center has developed a way to fit three high-definition TV signals into one 6-Megahertz carrier, which is ordinarily enough space to fit just two HD channels without sacrificing picture quality. To preserve quality while boosting quantity, the cable operator’s Denver-based digital-media services unit is using a “second-pass” MPEG-2 encoding system from startup Imagine Communications, according to people familiar with the project.

AT&T Brings HDTV over IPTV to St. Louis - MCN
AT&T is now offering U-verse TV in parts of 18 communities in the St. Louis area, touting a lineup of more than 30 high-definition channels, as it looks to siphon customers away from incumbent cable operator Charter Communications. The telco is offering service in parts of the city of St. Louis, as well as the surrounding suburbs of Ballwin, Bridgeton, Chesterfield, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Florissant, Kirkwood, Maryland Heights, Mehlville, Oakville, Olivette, Sappington, Shrewsbury, St. Charles, St. Peters, University City and Webster Groves.

Cablevision Launches HD Promotional Campaign - MCN
Cablevision Systems Corp. today launched a promotional campaign trumpeting the 44 high-definition channels it offers to its digital-cable customers in the New York metro area free of charge. Via its “44 Days in HD, on iOTV” effort, the cable operator will salute a different HD service weekdays through the first week of February, minus Christmas and New Years Day. The networks will be spotlighted during the countdown through daily press releases, banners on iO TV’s guide on channel 14, and the Optimum.net consumer Web portal and other tactics.

LG Ships 2nd-Gen. Super Blu Player - TWICE
LG Electronics is now shipping its second-generation “Super Blu” combination HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc player. Model BH200 ($999 suggested retail), which the company introduced at the September CEDIA Expo event, provides access to between 50 percent and 70 percent more high-def movie titles than single-format players, the company said.

DirecTV, HDNet Settle Lawsuit

In what must be the quickest and most amicable settlement to an HD-related lawsuit in recent memory, DirecTV and HDNet have settled the latter's complaint over being moved to a separate HD tier available on DirecTV. The settlement results in the main HDNet channel remaining on the standard DirecTV HD packages while HDNet Movies will move over to the add-on $5.99 a month HD Extra Pack. HDNet owner Mark Cuban described the resolution as a "win-win" for both companies. More from Multichannel News.

Today's High-Def Headlines

Beta Survey: Discovery Channel is Favorite Network - MCN
The Discovery Channel is cable subscribers’ favorite channel, but the channel with the highest perceived value by consumers is ESPN2, according to a Beta Research study released Dec. 4. The Discovery ranking was based on the percentage of consumers who, unaided, named the channel when asked their five favorite basic channels in the research firm’s fall subscriber evaluation survey. 33% named Discovery, with ESPN second (30%); History Channel (24%), Food Network (18%) and Fox News Channel (17%) rounding out the top 5.

Blu-ray Players Top 2.7 Million - TWICE
The Blu-ray Disc Association is having a Blu – not blue – Christmas, according to sales figures it released Monday. The group reported Black Friday sales “were decidedly Blu” for both hardware and software, accounting for a total sell-in since launch of 2.7 million players in North American households as of Nov. 24.

Sharper Images Drive HD Sales: Magid Survey - MCN
Consumers may be buying HDTV sets, but they are buying them for sharp pictures, not because they think there is something compelling to watch that is only available in the high-definition format, according to new research from Frank N. Magid Associates.The research, “Consumers and High Definition Television: Attitudes, Awareness and Usage,” found that 13% of consumers said they are very likely to buy an HD set over the next 12 months. In 2006, only 9% said they were thinking of buying an HD set. Another 12% of respondents said they were shopping for a TV but unsure whether they would buy an HD set.

Charter Now Offers up to 44 High Definition Channels in Louisiana
Charter Communications, Inc. today announced it now offers up to 44 high definition channels in its Louisiana territory, more than doubling the number of available high definition channels in recent weeks. Over the course of the coming year, Charter plans to significantly increase the number of high definition channels in all its high definition markets. By implementing bandwidth-saving technologies, like switched digital, the Company aims to aggressively expand its high definition offerings in 2008 and beyond.

DIRECTV to Deliver Local HD Programming In 76 Markets by Mid-2008
Continuing its momentum for delivering the best quality HD programming available, DIRECTV will offer local HD broadcast networks in 76 markets, representing more than 75 percent of U.S. TV households, when it rolls out 11 additional local HD markets by mid-2008. DIRECTV began the rollout with the launch of HD local channels in the Flint, Mich. and Waco, Texas designated market areas last week. The 11 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.; Paducah, Ky.; Cedar Rapids/Waterloo, Iowa; Tucson, Ariz.; Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, Mich.; Waco/Temple/Bryan, Texas; Lincoln/Hastings, Neb.; Wichita/Hutchinson, Kan.; Louisville, Ky.; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa.; and Omaha, Neb.

HD Video-on-Demand Now Playing on Verizon FiOS TV
Just in time for the holiday season, Verizon is unwrapping high-definition video-on-demand in many of its FiOS TV markets. HD VOD is now available over the FiOS TV systems in Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Pittsburgh. It is coming soon to the FiOS systems in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and to Verizon's remaining FiOS TV markets next year.

Shoppers Eyeing HDTV Above All Other Gadgets

If a new HDTV tops your list of holiday wishes, you're not alone: a report from In-Stat says that 20% of consumers want an HDTV, ahead of 17% who want a new PC and 15% who prefer a digital camera (last year's most wanted gadget).

Most of you aren't planning to give an HDTV as a gift though -- according to In-Stat's research, you'd prefer to buy smaller ticket items like cameras and iPods for others and buy a new flat-screen for yourself. Nice!

Cox, Bresnan Expand HD Lineups

Cox Communications has upped its HD channel count in Northern Virginia by 11, for a total of 31, by adding History Channel HD, The Science Channel HD, Animal Planet HD, CNN HD, Versus/Golf HD, TBS HD, Food Network HD, HGTV HD, TLC HD, Discovery HD and NHL Network HD.

Bresnan, a smaller cable company serving parts of the Rocky Mountain states, has added 9 new HD channels to its lineups. The additions include The Movie Channel HD, Food HD, HGTV HD, TBS HD, The History Channel HD, USA Network HD, The SciFi Channel HD, Lifetime Movie Network HD and HDPPV, which includes GameHD and TeamHD.