Today's High-Def Headlines

DirecTV Satellite Set For Launch - MCN
The postponed launch of DirecTV’s newest satellite is now set to go Wednesday, according to officials. Sea Launch Tuesday said it was proceeding with the liftoff of DirecTV 11 at 3:48 p.m. PDT. The company had put a hold on the countdown for the launch, which was originally slated for Monday, “to allow the team to study an issue,” Sea Launch had said on its web site.

DISH Network Claims HD Plans Remain On Track - MCN
After telling securities officials that its HD launches would be delayed by a satellite-launch snafu, DISH Network Tuesday maintained that its HDTV expansion will remain on track. The satellite provider, in a press release, insisted that an “anomaly” with AMC-14, a satellite that didn’t reach the correct orbital position when it was launched last Friday, would not hamper its ongoing HD rollout.

Cablevision Kicks Voom HD To Switched - MCN
Cablevision Systems will soon start delivering Voom HD Networks’ 15 high-definition channels using switched digital video, and as part of the change is offering subscribers with CableCard-based systems free use of an HD set-top for one year. The operator earlier this month mailed postcards to customers who use CableCards with non-Cablevision supplied equipment – such as TiVo digital video recorders – informing them of the offer.

Sharp Boosts LCD Panel Output - TWICE
Sharp will reportedly boost LCD panel production efficiency by 20 percent as it increases panel production output at its Kameyama No. 2 plant. According to a report from the Nikkei news service, this year Sharp plans to introduce new production technology for 32-inch panels at the plant that will enable producing 18 panels — up from 15 panels — from eighth-generation glass substrates.

Best Buy Sends HD DVD Owners Gift Cards - TWICE
Best Buy will give $50 gift cards to customers who purchased an HD DVD player or HD DVD attachment from its U.S. stores before Feb. 22. The retailer estimates it will distribute more than $10 million in gift cards through the 100 percent self-funded program.

Toshiba Forecasts $665.5M HD DVD Loss - TWICE
Toshiba is forecasting a $665.5 million operating loss in HD DVD business for fiscal year 2007, which will end March 31. That is lower than some published reports from anonymous sources saying the loss from HD DVD alone would be close to $1 billion for the year, but higher than the previous forecast on Oct. 29, 2007, of a $511.9 million operating loss for HD DVD. The operating loss for the format during fiscal year 2006 was $348.1 million.