Today's High-Def Headlines

Smithsonian Puts Its Brand on HD - MCN

This summer, producers of the new series Aerial America will wing their way across the United States as part of an ambitious plan to film all 50 states in high-definition. Aerial America, which has already completed filming California and Hawaii, is only one of several high-profile original series shot in HD that the Smithsonian Channel hopes will make it a major player in the HD space.

Mojo Provides Definition to Olympians - MCN

Mojo HD is getting into the Olympic spirit with a series of profiles on some of the U.S. athletes that have a chance to medal in Beijing. Working with USA Today Live, the TV arm of the national newspaper, Mojo has created a 10-part, all high-definition series exploring the mindsets and motivations of athletes from an array of different sports.

DISH: HD Ramp-Up Ahead of Schedule - B&C

Direct-to-home satellite operator Dish Network said late Thursday that it will launch 17 new national HD channels Aug. 1, meeting its previously stated goal of broadcasting 100 national HD channels by year-end some five months ahead of schedule. Dish will also unveil an HD-only programming packed called “TurboHD” that starts at $24.99 per month, which it called the first 100%-HD-programming package offered in the pay TV industry (it must not be counting the failed Voom satellite service).

DISH Expands Local HDTV to Texas Market - MCN

Dish Network had added local HDTV channels in the Beaumont – Port Arthur, Texas, market, officials at the satellite company said Friday. Dish Network now offers local channels in 66 markets reaching more than 69% of U.S. TV households, continuing its commitment to reach its year-end goal of 100 local HD markets.

RCA's 'Mr. Color TV' Dead at 86 - TWICE

William E. Boss, Jr., 86, who was known as “Mr. Color TV” for his role in bringing the technology to market while working as an executive with RCA, died here July 16, according to a report in the Indianapolis Star newspaper.

Charter Launches WealthTV in Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina (press release)

WealthTV, the premier lifestyle and entertainment network, announced today that on August 13, it is launching on Charter Digital Cable® throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, including in the cities of Asheville, Hickory, Boone, Greenville, Spartanburg, Suffolk, Sanford, among others. Currently, Charter offers WealthTV’s high definition Video on Demand (HD VOD) programming across its entire VOD enabled footprint, providing choice and convenience for its customers to watch what they want, when they want. Charter has 200 plus HD movies and shows available anytime On Demand.