Comcast Adds 9 HD Channels in Sacramento - Sac Bee
Comcast announced Thursday the addition of nine high-definition channels to its cable lineup. For Sacramento cable customers, the additions to the HD lineup are Discovery Channel, HGTV, USA, Food Network, Sci-Fi, TLC, ABC Family, Disney Channel and Discovery Science.
Verizon Lines Up MavTV In HD - MCN
As part of a new long-term carriage agreement, Verizon FiOS TV will add the high-definition feed of MavTV to its lineup this year, officials said Thursday. MavTV HD will feature a strong lineup of native high-definition programming for FiOS TV subscribers. MavTV targets the male demographic with a wide array of content, featuring sports, comedy, women, gadgets, lifestyles and gaming.
Cuban Says Web as Entertainment is Over - San Antonio Express-News
Dallas Mavericks owner and high-definition television network co-founder Mark Cuban was at his outspoken best last week, telling a gathering of cable operators and programmers that the Internet was dying as an entertainment medium. He bolstered his claim by saying the Internet and popular sites such as YouTube can't provide high-definition programming like cable and can't offer the interactivity that cable programmers can. High-definition television screens are large enough to give viewers more options that will allow them to use the television like a personal computer desktop, the maverick billionaire said during a panel discussion on the future of high-definition programming.
Runco Shows 70-Inch LCD TV - TWICE
Dealers attending Runco’s Mexican Getaway were shown the company’s first 70-inch 1080p LCD TV, among a lineup of flagship items coming to market this year. The 70-inch model addresses one of the company’s product goals under Planar leadership, which is to expand and upgrade the flat-panel LCD offerings with larger screen sizes and 1080p resolution. The CX-70DHD is expected to be available in the next three months and will ship with Runco’s DHD video processor. It is likely to be priced at between $25,000 and $30,000, subject to change, the company said.
FCC Allows Satellite-TV Providers to Phase in HD - B&C
Satellite companies gained a victory Thursday when the Federal Communications Commission voted to allow them to phase in a requirement that they carry all HD signals in any market where they carry any after the Feb. 17, 2009, switch to digital TV by all full-power TV stations. The commission also ruled that DirecTV’s and Dish Network's requirement to carry all TV stations in a market where they carry any extends to DTV signals just as it applies to analog TV stations.
Pantel Introduces ‘Weatherproof’ HDTVs - TWICE
Pantel announced it had added two weatherproof LCD HDTVs to its offerings: a 32-inch and a 42-inch model. Previous high-definition TVs used outdoors had to be used under canopies or other types of overhangs, said the company, but were still often unprotected. The company’s new models feature proprietary dual-flow ventilation system that’s meant to keep the TVs cool when it’s hot, and its “state-of-the-art heating system creates heat to keep Pantel TVs working in colder climates,” said the company.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
Dish Network Adds More Local High Definition Markets (press release)
DISH Network Corporation, the nation's third largest pay-TV provider, today announced that it will begin broadcasting local networks in high definition in four new markets: Austin, Texas; Flint, Mich.; Orlando, Fl.; and West Palm Beach, Fl. With these additions, DISH Network now offers HD locals in 39 markets, reaching more than 54 percent of U.S. television households with local HD channels.
Runco Dealers See A Glass Half Full - TWICE
Runco’s top dealers and reps were told by the new corporate parent’s home theater business VP to look at the challenges of the cloudy economic horizon and intensified price competition for consumer displays as a glass-half-full opportunity for those concentrating on the high end of the market. Scott Hix, Planar home theater display products group VP, told Runco’s top-selling dealers at the firm’s annual Mexican getaway, here, that the impact of the economy is affecting the entry- and middle-market CE segments more than products sold at the high end.
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Debuts on March 31 as the Home of "Authentic Bay Area Sports'' (press release)
Bay Area sports fans will have a new home for the best local sports coverage when Comcast SportsNet Bay Area debuts on Monday, March 31, 2008 as the home of "Authentic Bay Area Sports." Comcast SportsNet is re-launching in place of the former FSN Bay Area, in which Comcast purchased a majority interest last June. Comcast SportsNet, the home for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Sharks, San Jose SaberCats, and San Jose Earthquakes, will feature a bold new look matched by a new dedication to give Bay Area fans the most entertaining and comprehensive local sports coverage.
DISH Network Corporation, the nation's third largest pay-TV provider, today announced that it will begin broadcasting local networks in high definition in four new markets: Austin, Texas; Flint, Mich.; Orlando, Fl.; and West Palm Beach, Fl. With these additions, DISH Network now offers HD locals in 39 markets, reaching more than 54 percent of U.S. television households with local HD channels.
Runco Dealers See A Glass Half Full - TWICE
Runco’s top dealers and reps were told by the new corporate parent’s home theater business VP to look at the challenges of the cloudy economic horizon and intensified price competition for consumer displays as a glass-half-full opportunity for those concentrating on the high end of the market. Scott Hix, Planar home theater display products group VP, told Runco’s top-selling dealers at the firm’s annual Mexican getaway, here, that the impact of the economy is affecting the entry- and middle-market CE segments more than products sold at the high end.
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Debuts on March 31 as the Home of "Authentic Bay Area Sports'' (press release)
Bay Area sports fans will have a new home for the best local sports coverage when Comcast SportsNet Bay Area debuts on Monday, March 31, 2008 as the home of "Authentic Bay Area Sports." Comcast SportsNet is re-launching in place of the former FSN Bay Area, in which Comcast purchased a majority interest last June. Comcast SportsNet, the home for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Sharks, San Jose SaberCats, and San Jose Earthquakes, will feature a bold new look matched by a new dedication to give Bay Area fans the most entertaining and comprehensive local sports coverage.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
FSN to Double HD Baseball Broadcasts This Season - TV Week
Fox Sports Network plans to broadcast 1,024 Major League Baseball games this season in high definition, doubling the amount of HD coverage from last year. The network’s MLB HD offerings will total more than 3,000 hours of programming and account for 63% of this year’s season. Over the next year, FSN’s regional networks plan to broadcast more than 1,600 live events from various sports in HD.
Study Shows Price Still Tops In Buying TVs - TWICE
It is no surprise price is still the leading factor for U.S. consumers when buying TVs at retail, but product selection and store location are also important. Those are two of the conclusions of an iSuppli study based on its ConsumerTrak service, which surveyed 15,000 U.S. households during the fourth quarter. More U.S. consumers buy their televisions at traditional consumer electronics chain stores than at any other type of retailer or on the Internet.
Equator HD Sets New Adventure Series - MCN
A home eco-renovation, a cross-country journey through Australia and the exploits of an unruly pack of monkeys are the subjects several new original programs set to premiere on Voom TV’s Equator HD channel. The service, which showcases the sights, sounds and series of interesting people and places around the world, will premiere later this year Natural Born Traveler, a four-episode series starring Australian world traveler Steve Crombie, who will look for adventure in his own country as he embarks on a 2,500-kilometer cross-country journey down the spine of Australia, from Mount Elephant to Dingo’s Knob.
Hallmark Movie Channel Launches in HD April 2 (press release)
The viewing experience gets even better on Hallmark Movie Channel on Wednesday, April 2, when it launches on that day in spectacular High Definition offering audiences the greatest family movies of all time. In a historic day for the network, Hallmark Channel will celebrate the launch of Hallmark Movie Channel HD with a star-studded celebration in Peoria, Illinois, that will answer the age-old question, "Will It Play in Peoria?"
Strategy Analytics: As Format War Ends, 29 Million Blu-ray Homes Expected This Year (press release)
The Blu-ray Disc victory in its recent format war with HD-DVD will propel this technology into 29.4 million homes worldwide by the end of 2008, according to the latest research published by the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service. According to, "Blu-ray Devices: Forecasting Sales and Ownership," Sony's PS3 games console will continue to drive the Blu-ray market until 2009, after which stand-alone Blu-ray players will become the dominant segment. By 2012 more than 132 million homes worldwide will own at least one Blu-ray device.
Fox Sports Network plans to broadcast 1,024 Major League Baseball games this season in high definition, doubling the amount of HD coverage from last year. The network’s MLB HD offerings will total more than 3,000 hours of programming and account for 63% of this year’s season. Over the next year, FSN’s regional networks plan to broadcast more than 1,600 live events from various sports in HD.
Study Shows Price Still Tops In Buying TVs - TWICE
It is no surprise price is still the leading factor for U.S. consumers when buying TVs at retail, but product selection and store location are also important. Those are two of the conclusions of an iSuppli study based on its ConsumerTrak service, which surveyed 15,000 U.S. households during the fourth quarter. More U.S. consumers buy their televisions at traditional consumer electronics chain stores than at any other type of retailer or on the Internet.
Equator HD Sets New Adventure Series - MCN
A home eco-renovation, a cross-country journey through Australia and the exploits of an unruly pack of monkeys are the subjects several new original programs set to premiere on Voom TV’s Equator HD channel. The service, which showcases the sights, sounds and series of interesting people and places around the world, will premiere later this year Natural Born Traveler, a four-episode series starring Australian world traveler Steve Crombie, who will look for adventure in his own country as he embarks on a 2,500-kilometer cross-country journey down the spine of Australia, from Mount Elephant to Dingo’s Knob.
Hallmark Movie Channel Launches in HD April 2 (press release)
The viewing experience gets even better on Hallmark Movie Channel on Wednesday, April 2, when it launches on that day in spectacular High Definition offering audiences the greatest family movies of all time. In a historic day for the network, Hallmark Channel will celebrate the launch of Hallmark Movie Channel HD with a star-studded celebration in Peoria, Illinois, that will answer the age-old question, "Will It Play in Peoria?"
Strategy Analytics: As Format War Ends, 29 Million Blu-ray Homes Expected This Year (press release)
The Blu-ray Disc victory in its recent format war with HD-DVD will propel this technology into 29.4 million homes worldwide by the end of 2008, according to the latest research published by the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service. According to, "Blu-ray Devices: Forecasting Sales and Ownership," Sony's PS3 games console will continue to drive the Blu-ray market until 2009, after which stand-alone Blu-ray players will become the dominant segment. By 2012 more than 132 million homes worldwide will own at least one Blu-ray device.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
Magid Study Finds Increased DTV Awareness - MCN
According to research firm Frank N. Magid Associates, the efforts by broadcasters, cable companies and consumer-electronics manufacturers to educate consumers about the implications of the Feb. 17, 2009, turnoff of analog signals, which will mark the end of the United States' digital-television transition, are starting to pay off. Six out of 10 Americans are now aware of the February 2009 turnover, according to Magid Media Futures, which conducted an online survey of some 1,200 adults 21 and over to measure their awareness of the DTV transition and their adoption of HDTV. That was a sharp rise from a similar survey in September 2007, which found that consumer awareness of local broadcasters' digital signals was only 34%.
Study: 65.7% of market to go HD by 2012 - Hollywood Reporter
SNL Kagan said Monday that its most recent study, "Economics of High Definition Cable Networks," estimates that cable and satellite high-definition subscribers will penetrate 65.7% of U.S. multichannel households by 2012, up from 18.8% in 2007. More than one-third of homes now have HDTV sets, with that number growing each year, so "cable networks will face increasing pressure to offer more HD content," said SNL Kagan, adding that 74 high-def networks have launched since 2003.
Even at Megastores, Hagglers Find No Price Is Set in Stone - NY Times
Shoppers are discovering an upside to the down economy. They are getting price breaks by reviving an age-old retail strategy: haggling. A bargaining culture once confined largely to car showrooms and jewelry stores is taking root in major stores like Best Buy, Circuit City and Home Depot, as well as mom-and-pop operations.
Sharp Rolls Out New 2.1 Home Theatre System - Smarthouse
Sharp has released a 2.1 channel home theatre system which, the company claims, will provide ‘state of the art sound and picture reproduction to enhance the home cinema experience.’ The HTDV40H comes with two front speakers and a subwoofer which is supported by Dolby's Audistry technology. This technology offer features such as Sound Space Expander, Natural Bass (optimised bass without distortion) and Intelligent Volume Control in order to deliver an impressive level of audio performance, the company says.
US TV Viewers Embrace High Definition (Sort of), According to ABI Research Survey
NEW YORK, Mar 25, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In December of 2007 ABI Research conducted an online survey of 1002 television and video consumers in the United States. 41% of TV owners have a high-definition TV, but surprisingly, only 56% of this group subscribe to a HD service package.
According to research firm Frank N. Magid Associates, the efforts by broadcasters, cable companies and consumer-electronics manufacturers to educate consumers about the implications of the Feb. 17, 2009, turnoff of analog signals, which will mark the end of the United States' digital-television transition, are starting to pay off. Six out of 10 Americans are now aware of the February 2009 turnover, according to Magid Media Futures, which conducted an online survey of some 1,200 adults 21 and over to measure their awareness of the DTV transition and their adoption of HDTV. That was a sharp rise from a similar survey in September 2007, which found that consumer awareness of local broadcasters' digital signals was only 34%.
Study: 65.7% of market to go HD by 2012 - Hollywood Reporter
SNL Kagan said Monday that its most recent study, "Economics of High Definition Cable Networks," estimates that cable and satellite high-definition subscribers will penetrate 65.7% of U.S. multichannel households by 2012, up from 18.8% in 2007. More than one-third of homes now have HDTV sets, with that number growing each year, so "cable networks will face increasing pressure to offer more HD content," said SNL Kagan, adding that 74 high-def networks have launched since 2003.
Even at Megastores, Hagglers Find No Price Is Set in Stone - NY Times
Shoppers are discovering an upside to the down economy. They are getting price breaks by reviving an age-old retail strategy: haggling. A bargaining culture once confined largely to car showrooms and jewelry stores is taking root in major stores like Best Buy, Circuit City and Home Depot, as well as mom-and-pop operations.
Sharp Rolls Out New 2.1 Home Theatre System - Smarthouse
Sharp has released a 2.1 channel home theatre system which, the company claims, will provide ‘state of the art sound and picture reproduction to enhance the home cinema experience.’ The HTDV40H comes with two front speakers and a subwoofer which is supported by Dolby's Audistry technology. This technology offer features such as Sound Space Expander, Natural Bass (optimised bass without distortion) and Intelligent Volume Control in order to deliver an impressive level of audio performance, the company says.
US TV Viewers Embrace High Definition (Sort of), According to ABI Research Survey
NEW YORK, Mar 25, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In December of 2007 ABI Research conducted an online survey of 1002 television and video consumers in the United States. 41% of TV owners have a high-definition TV, but surprisingly, only 56% of this group subscribe to a HD service package.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
DirecTV: We’re Still In HD Lead - MCN
DirecTV’s newest satellite, launched last week, will permit the nation’s largest satellite-TV provider to deliver up to 150 national high-definition channels and expand its delivery of local HD channels to more than 100 markets when the bird goes into service this fall, according to the company. With the added capacity of DirecTV 11, DirecTV said that will be able to vastly expand its industry-leading HDTV offering. Right now, DirecTV delivers 92 national HD channels and local HD broadcast stations in 77 cities, representing about 76% of TV households.
HD Videoconferencing: In Your Living Room - USA Today/AP
Will the HDTV set be the new picturephone? Quanta Computer, a leading contract maker of laptop computers, and OoVoo, a maker of video chat software, are announcing plans Monday to take high-definition videoconferencing to the living room with a gadget that plugs into the HDTV and connects it to the Internet. Users of the Quanta Video Messenger will be able to hold chats from the comfort of their living rooms with others with the device as well as anyone who is running OoVoo's software on a PC.
Bird Watching In HD - MCN
Dish Network, with its new bird falling short in its orbit, lost a round in the competitive HDTV arms race earlier this week. Meanwhile DirecTV — after a scare — got a literal rocket boost for its ambitious expansion plans. The news involving the two rivals centered on satellite launches. Those new birds were meant to enable Dish and DirecTV to ratchet up the number of national and local high-definition channels they can offer, as they compete to sign up subscribers.
Reds Games to Air in HDTV - Cincinnati Enquirer
Time Warner will add Reds games in beautiful HDTV clarity this season from Fox Sports Net Ohio on Cincinnati Channel 968 and Dayton Channel 768, after not carrying any the Reds' FSN Ohio HDTV games last year. FSN Ohio will air 71 HDTV Reds baseball games - of 145 Reds telecasts - this season, starting with the Reds-Brewers April 8. Insight cable offered high-def Reds games to Northern Kentucky customers last year (and again this year).
Superstation WGN Fires HD Pitches - MCN
“March Madness” may be engulfing much of the sports world, but opening day is drawing nigh and Superstation WGN is warming up with a host of baseball-themed movies, ahead of a slate of games in high-definition. WGN-TV is producing all of its 2008 regular-season Chicago Cubs and White Sox games in 1080i HD. The station, which makes its feed available to Superstation WGN, is producing 71 Cubs contests and 29 Chisox games in the enhanced format. Sixty-four Cubs games and 29 White Sox games will air on WGN-DT 9.1. Eight Cubs games and 25 Sox games will air on WCIU-DT 26.1.
SNL Kagan Estimates Over 71 Million HD Subscribers by 2012 (press release)
SNL Kagan's newest study, "Economics of High Definition Cable Networks," estimates that cable and satellite high definition subscribers will penetrate 65.7% of U.S. multichannel households by 2012, up from 18.8% in 2007. More than one-third of homes now have HDTV sets, with that number growing each year, so cable networks will face increasing pressure to offer more HD content.
GalleryPlayer Inks Deal with Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America to Embed HD Art and Photography in 2008 Flat Screen Models (press release)
GalleryPlayer, the pioneer in HD lifestyle imagery, has announced a partnership with Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., to embed the Company's proprietary technology into 2008 Mitsubishi HDTV models launching this spring, allowing consumers to view GalleryPlayer's library of full HD 1080p fine art and photographic images.
DirecTV’s newest satellite, launched last week, will permit the nation’s largest satellite-TV provider to deliver up to 150 national high-definition channels and expand its delivery of local HD channels to more than 100 markets when the bird goes into service this fall, according to the company. With the added capacity of DirecTV 11, DirecTV said that will be able to vastly expand its industry-leading HDTV offering. Right now, DirecTV delivers 92 national HD channels and local HD broadcast stations in 77 cities, representing about 76% of TV households.
HD Videoconferencing: In Your Living Room - USA Today/AP
Will the HDTV set be the new picturephone? Quanta Computer, a leading contract maker of laptop computers, and OoVoo, a maker of video chat software, are announcing plans Monday to take high-definition videoconferencing to the living room with a gadget that plugs into the HDTV and connects it to the Internet. Users of the Quanta Video Messenger will be able to hold chats from the comfort of their living rooms with others with the device as well as anyone who is running OoVoo's software on a PC.
Bird Watching In HD - MCN
Dish Network, with its new bird falling short in its orbit, lost a round in the competitive HDTV arms race earlier this week. Meanwhile DirecTV — after a scare — got a literal rocket boost for its ambitious expansion plans. The news involving the two rivals centered on satellite launches. Those new birds were meant to enable Dish and DirecTV to ratchet up the number of national and local high-definition channels they can offer, as they compete to sign up subscribers.
Reds Games to Air in HDTV - Cincinnati Enquirer
Time Warner will add Reds games in beautiful HDTV clarity this season from Fox Sports Net Ohio on Cincinnati Channel 968 and Dayton Channel 768, after not carrying any the Reds' FSN Ohio HDTV games last year. FSN Ohio will air 71 HDTV Reds baseball games - of 145 Reds telecasts - this season, starting with the Reds-Brewers April 8. Insight cable offered high-def Reds games to Northern Kentucky customers last year (and again this year).
Superstation WGN Fires HD Pitches - MCN
“March Madness” may be engulfing much of the sports world, but opening day is drawing nigh and Superstation WGN is warming up with a host of baseball-themed movies, ahead of a slate of games in high-definition. WGN-TV is producing all of its 2008 regular-season Chicago Cubs and White Sox games in 1080i HD. The station, which makes its feed available to Superstation WGN, is producing 71 Cubs contests and 29 Chisox games in the enhanced format. Sixty-four Cubs games and 29 White Sox games will air on WGN-DT 9.1. Eight Cubs games and 25 Sox games will air on WCIU-DT 26.1.
SNL Kagan Estimates Over 71 Million HD Subscribers by 2012 (press release)
SNL Kagan's newest study, "Economics of High Definition Cable Networks," estimates that cable and satellite high definition subscribers will penetrate 65.7% of U.S. multichannel households by 2012, up from 18.8% in 2007. More than one-third of homes now have HDTV sets, with that number growing each year, so cable networks will face increasing pressure to offer more HD content.
GalleryPlayer Inks Deal with Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America to Embed HD Art and Photography in 2008 Flat Screen Models (press release)
GalleryPlayer, the pioneer in HD lifestyle imagery, has announced a partnership with Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., to embed the Company's proprietary technology into 2008 Mitsubishi HDTV models launching this spring, allowing consumers to view GalleryPlayer's library of full HD 1080p fine art and photographic images.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
ESPNews HD Eyes March 30 Launch - MCN
ESPN has built a new production control room and studio for the launch of ESPNews HD on March 30, the fifth anniversary of the launch of the programmer’s first high-definition channel, ESPN HD. While the standard-definition and HD versions of the channel will be produced from the new studio and production, ESPNews HD marks the first time that ESPN has launched an HD channel that is not a simulcast of an existing channel, said Bryan Burns, vice president of strategic planning and business development at the programmer.
A New HD Connection - San Diego Union-Tribune
Bruce Watkins plops into a chair in front of a flat-screen, high-definition TV playing a DVD of “Ratatouille.” The only wire to the TV is the power cord – no coaxial cable, no DVD player hookups. The company has raised $80 million in venture capital and employs 85. “You know that rat's nest of wires you usually have behind your TV,” said Watkins, president and co-founder of Pulse-Link. “We got rid of all that.”
Update To Bring BD-Live To PS3 - TWICE
PlayStation 3 owners got a special bonus Thursday after Sony revealed that a new firmware update (version 2.20) for the console coming as a download this month will make the player compatible with forthcoming Web-enabled features and content — called BD-Live (Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0) — on select Blu-ray Disc HD movie titles. The firmware (2.20) update includes Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) capability as well as other features to enhance the PS3’s interoperability with PlayStation Portable (PSP) players, Sony said.
ESPN has built a new production control room and studio for the launch of ESPNews HD on March 30, the fifth anniversary of the launch of the programmer’s first high-definition channel, ESPN HD. While the standard-definition and HD versions of the channel will be produced from the new studio and production, ESPNews HD marks the first time that ESPN has launched an HD channel that is not a simulcast of an existing channel, said Bryan Burns, vice president of strategic planning and business development at the programmer.
A New HD Connection - San Diego Union-Tribune
Bruce Watkins plops into a chair in front of a flat-screen, high-definition TV playing a DVD of “Ratatouille.” The only wire to the TV is the power cord – no coaxial cable, no DVD player hookups. The company has raised $80 million in venture capital and employs 85. “You know that rat's nest of wires you usually have behind your TV,” said Watkins, president and co-founder of Pulse-Link. “We got rid of all that.”
Update To Bring BD-Live To PS3 - TWICE
PlayStation 3 owners got a special bonus Thursday after Sony revealed that a new firmware update (version 2.20) for the console coming as a download this month will make the player compatible with forthcoming Web-enabled features and content — called BD-Live (Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0) — on select Blu-ray Disc HD movie titles. The firmware (2.20) update includes Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) capability as well as other features to enhance the PS3’s interoperability with PlayStation Portable (PSP) players, Sony said.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
FCC Yields To DirecTV, Dish On HD Carriage - MCN
DirecTV and Dish Network have won major concessions from the Federal Communications Commission on the carriage of local TV signals in HD format following completion of broadcasters’ digital transition early next year, FCC and industry officials said Wednesday. DirecTV and Dish Network struck a deal with the FCC that was far better than the HD carriage rules the FCC imposed on all cable operators, regardless of size, last September. The FCC decided to give DirecTV and EchoStar until 2013 to carry all stations in HD within any market where they have elected to carry any station's signal in HD format.
Verizon Stocks VOD Shelves with HD - MCN
Verizon Communications announced the availability of a string of new and recently added video-on-demand titles, in deals with partners including CBS, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel and Ovation TV. Its HD VOD service is currently available over the FiOS TV systems in Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Burlington, Mass.; and Rhode Island. The telco said HD VOD is coming soon to all remaining FiOS TV markets. Verizon has said that it expects to increase its HD VOD titles to more than 1,000 by the end of the year.
FSN Southwest to Televise First Ever Regular-Season NBA Game in 3D HD
DALLAS, Mar 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FSN Southwest and the Dallas Mavericks will provide a look into the future of sports television on March 25 when they team with PACE, the leader in digital 3D productions, to produce the first-ever NBA regular-season game live in 3D HD secured through PACE Fusion 3D and the third ever live sporting event presented in the innovative format. The March 25 game against the Los Angeles Clippers from the American Airlines Center will be beamed across town via satellite into Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban's Magnolia Theatre in Dallas' West Village where an invitation-only audience will watch unforgettable images through special 3D glasses using Sony's SXRD 3D Projection System on an 18x42-foot screen, making it feel as if you're sitting courtside.
DIRECTV Satellite Launch Sets the Stage for Delivery of Up to 150 National HD Channels
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 19, 2008 - A powerful, new DIRECTV satellite, launched successfully today from the Pacific Ocean-based Sea Launch platform, will further boost DIRECTV's HD capacity, enabling the industry's HD leader to deliver up to 150 national HD channels when the satellite goes into service this fall. With the additional capacity, DIRECTV will also expand its delivery of local HD channels to more than 100 markets, representing 84 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV will launch another satellite in 2009 that will enable the nation's leading satellite TV service to offer consumers up to 200 national HD channels.
DirecTV and Dish Network have won major concessions from the Federal Communications Commission on the carriage of local TV signals in HD format following completion of broadcasters’ digital transition early next year, FCC and industry officials said Wednesday. DirecTV and Dish Network struck a deal with the FCC that was far better than the HD carriage rules the FCC imposed on all cable operators, regardless of size, last September. The FCC decided to give DirecTV and EchoStar until 2013 to carry all stations in HD within any market where they have elected to carry any station's signal in HD format.
Verizon Stocks VOD Shelves with HD - MCN
Verizon Communications announced the availability of a string of new and recently added video-on-demand titles, in deals with partners including CBS, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel and Ovation TV. Its HD VOD service is currently available over the FiOS TV systems in Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Burlington, Mass.; and Rhode Island. The telco said HD VOD is coming soon to all remaining FiOS TV markets. Verizon has said that it expects to increase its HD VOD titles to more than 1,000 by the end of the year.
FSN Southwest to Televise First Ever Regular-Season NBA Game in 3D HD
DALLAS, Mar 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FSN Southwest and the Dallas Mavericks will provide a look into the future of sports television on March 25 when they team with PACE, the leader in digital 3D productions, to produce the first-ever NBA regular-season game live in 3D HD secured through PACE Fusion 3D and the third ever live sporting event presented in the innovative format. The March 25 game against the Los Angeles Clippers from the American Airlines Center will be beamed across town via satellite into Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban's Magnolia Theatre in Dallas' West Village where an invitation-only audience will watch unforgettable images through special 3D glasses using Sony's SXRD 3D Projection System on an 18x42-foot screen, making it feel as if you're sitting courtside.
DIRECTV Satellite Launch Sets the Stage for Delivery of Up to 150 National HD Channels
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 19, 2008 - A powerful, new DIRECTV satellite, launched successfully today from the Pacific Ocean-based Sea Launch platform, will further boost DIRECTV's HD capacity, enabling the industry's HD leader to deliver up to 150 national HD channels when the satellite goes into service this fall. With the additional capacity, DIRECTV will also expand its delivery of local HD channels to more than 100 markets, representing 84 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV will launch another satellite in 2009 that will enable the nation's leading satellite TV service to offer consumers up to 200 national HD channels.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
Satellite Snafu Will Delay Dish Network’s HD Expansion - MCN
In another competitive setback, Dish Network’s high-definition launches, particularly some local HD debuts, will be delayed by a snafu in a satellite launch, the company said Monday. The postponement stems from last Friday’s problematic launch of AMC-14, which Dish Network planned to lease in order to expand its local HDTV and international offerings. Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett issued a report Monday on the problem with AMC-14 entitled “Dish Network High-Definition Plans…Lost in Space.” He called the “anomaly” with AMC-14 “a major blow” to Dish Network’s planned HDTV expansion -- from 70 national HDTV channels to 100 by the end of the year, as well as having local HD in 100 markets – especially in terms of competing with DirecTV.
DirecTV Satellite Launch Delayed - MCN
The launch of DirecTV’s newest satellite, slated to take place Monday, has been delayed, according to officials. Late Sunday afternoon Sea Launch, the sea-based mobile launching system, put a hold on the countdown for the launch of DirecTV 11, which had been set for 3:49 p.m. (PT) today, “to allow the team to study an issue,” according to the Sea Launch Web site. “This is not expected to have any impact on our HD expansion plans,” DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer said.
Custom Faces Big Challenges, CEA Tells Installers At EH Expo - TWICE
All those A/V specialists who dropped retail to focus on custom installation just may want to rethink their business decision. Custom installers are facing big challenges because of a new-housing market that won’t return to its peak levels for a few years; a depressed home-remodeling market that likewise reduces the potential for custom-install sales; inroads by electrical contractors into the custom market; and home builders who, despite an apparent need to aggressively differentiate themselves, still do very little to promote custom-installed systems, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) economist Sean DuBravac told installers here during last week’s EH Expo.
Japanese Electronics Makers Shrink Screens - MarketWatch
Japanese flat-panel television manufacturers are shifting their focus to smaller models due to low consumer demand in North America and the weakening dollar, according to a published report. A story in the Tuesday edition of the Nikkei Business Daily quoted Sharp Corp. President Mikio Katayama as saying, "We changed the strategy in July because of a plunge in North American sales of large-screen TVs." A decline in consumer demand for televisions with screens of 40 inches or more is leading companies such as Sharp, Sony Corp. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. to focus on models with screens between 26 and 40 inches, the Nikkei said.
In another competitive setback, Dish Network’s high-definition launches, particularly some local HD debuts, will be delayed by a snafu in a satellite launch, the company said Monday. The postponement stems from last Friday’s problematic launch of AMC-14, which Dish Network planned to lease in order to expand its local HDTV and international offerings. Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett issued a report Monday on the problem with AMC-14 entitled “Dish Network High-Definition Plans…Lost in Space.” He called the “anomaly” with AMC-14 “a major blow” to Dish Network’s planned HDTV expansion -- from 70 national HDTV channels to 100 by the end of the year, as well as having local HD in 100 markets – especially in terms of competing with DirecTV.
DirecTV Satellite Launch Delayed - MCN
The launch of DirecTV’s newest satellite, slated to take place Monday, has been delayed, according to officials. Late Sunday afternoon Sea Launch, the sea-based mobile launching system, put a hold on the countdown for the launch of DirecTV 11, which had been set for 3:49 p.m. (PT) today, “to allow the team to study an issue,” according to the Sea Launch Web site. “This is not expected to have any impact on our HD expansion plans,” DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer said.
Custom Faces Big Challenges, CEA Tells Installers At EH Expo - TWICE
All those A/V specialists who dropped retail to focus on custom installation just may want to rethink their business decision. Custom installers are facing big challenges because of a new-housing market that won’t return to its peak levels for a few years; a depressed home-remodeling market that likewise reduces the potential for custom-install sales; inroads by electrical contractors into the custom market; and home builders who, despite an apparent need to aggressively differentiate themselves, still do very little to promote custom-installed systems, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) economist Sean DuBravac told installers here during last week’s EH Expo.
Japanese Electronics Makers Shrink Screens - MarketWatch
Japanese flat-panel television manufacturers are shifting their focus to smaller models due to low consumer demand in North America and the weakening dollar, according to a published report. A story in the Tuesday edition of the Nikkei Business Daily quoted Sharp Corp. President Mikio Katayama as saying, "We changed the strategy in July because of a plunge in North American sales of large-screen TVs." A decline in consumer demand for televisions with screens of 40 inches or more is leading companies such as Sharp, Sony Corp. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. to focus on models with screens between 26 and 40 inches, the Nikkei said.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
DirecTV Dishes HD ‘Mega March Madness’ Assist - MCN
DirecTV, in keeping with its commitment to high-definition programming, will offer all of the games under its “Mega March Madness” pay-per-view package in the enhanced format for the first time. Officials at the satellite leader, which holds exclusive rights to the PPV out-of-market package through 2010 via a multiyear deal with Division 1 men's basketball tourney rights-holder CBS, said that all 37 Mega March Madness games, will be available in HD format, for $69 retail. The tournament tips off March 20.
Hitachi Projects Net Loss; Flat-Panel TV Is Blamed - TWICE
Hitachi reported today it is projecting a net loss for its fiscal year, ended March 31, due to problems with in its flat-panel TV business. Hitachi said the reasons for the problems in this segment reflect “three main factors in the flat-panel business: A protracted decline in market prices, especially in respect of old models; non-attainment of sales targets for large-screen models,” and structural business expenses which include “an accelerating of inventory disposal, in line with efforts to rebuild the sales framework.”
Panasonic Adds Details On Viera Flat-Panel Lineup - TWICE
Panasonic provided further details on its plans for its Viera plasma Full 1080p and LCD TVs, which debuted at International CES in January, during press briefings held here this week. Among the highlights of the line were Panasonic’s free IPTV service — Viera Cast — and the announcement that the company will offer its LCD models under the Viera brand name. As part of the re-emphasis on the Viera brand, Panasonic plans to stress high definition with promotions and an ad campaign later this year.
Cisco Reorganizes, Renames Scientific Atlanta - MCN
Cisco Systems has officially phased out the 56-year-old Scientific Atlanta name and, as part of the change, it restructured the management team for what is now called the Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Group. In January, Cisco dropped the Scientific Atlanta name from its newest line of digital set-top boxes, as first reported by Multichannel News.
DirecTV, in keeping with its commitment to high-definition programming, will offer all of the games under its “Mega March Madness” pay-per-view package in the enhanced format for the first time. Officials at the satellite leader, which holds exclusive rights to the PPV out-of-market package through 2010 via a multiyear deal with Division 1 men's basketball tourney rights-holder CBS, said that all 37 Mega March Madness games, will be available in HD format, for $69 retail. The tournament tips off March 20.
Hitachi Projects Net Loss; Flat-Panel TV Is Blamed - TWICE
Hitachi reported today it is projecting a net loss for its fiscal year, ended March 31, due to problems with in its flat-panel TV business. Hitachi said the reasons for the problems in this segment reflect “three main factors in the flat-panel business: A protracted decline in market prices, especially in respect of old models; non-attainment of sales targets for large-screen models,” and structural business expenses which include “an accelerating of inventory disposal, in line with efforts to rebuild the sales framework.”
Panasonic Adds Details On Viera Flat-Panel Lineup - TWICE
Panasonic provided further details on its plans for its Viera plasma Full 1080p and LCD TVs, which debuted at International CES in January, during press briefings held here this week. Among the highlights of the line were Panasonic’s free IPTV service — Viera Cast — and the announcement that the company will offer its LCD models under the Viera brand name. As part of the re-emphasis on the Viera brand, Panasonic plans to stress high definition with promotions and an ad campaign later this year.
Cisco Reorganizes, Renames Scientific Atlanta - MCN
Cisco Systems has officially phased out the 56-year-old Scientific Atlanta name and, as part of the change, it restructured the management team for what is now called the Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Group. In January, Cisco dropped the Scientific Atlanta name from its newest line of digital set-top boxes, as first reported by Multichannel News.
Friday, March 14, 2008
More Than 100 Million Households to Pay for HDTV Service by 2012, Study Predicts
This just in from Pike & Fischer:
SILVER SPRING, MD--(MARKET WIRE)--Mar 14, 2008 -- More than 47 million American households will be paying for some type of high-definition TV service by the end of 2008, according to a new Pike & Fischer forecast.
That total represents an increase of 17 million homes compared to the end of 2007, according to the new P&F report, "HDTV Service: Market Forecast for Multichannel Video Providers." The Silver Spring, Md.-based market research house also predicts that by the end of 2012, up to 103 million households will be paying their multichannel video provider for some form of HD service or rental equipment.
Although the broadcast networks now air their programs in HD for free, cable operators, satellite TV providers and telephone companies are striving to make money off the public's appetite for high-definition video by offering HD premium channels, leasing HD-ready equipment, and selling on-demand movies and TV shows in HD format, the report says.
The strong demand for high-definition video will generate up to $2.6 billion in annual revenue for the multichannel video providers by the end of 2012, according to the forecast.
The recent decline in consumer spending could slow the adoption of these HD services, cautions Scott Sleek, Director of Pike & Fischer's Broadband Advisory Services and principal author of the report. But the nation's economic slump could have the opposite effect, he adds.
"People may decide they'll save more by investing in home entertainment," he says. "That way they can microwave some popcorn and order an HD movie on demand instead of spending $50 or more to go out for dinner and movie."
Pike & Fischer, a BNA company, offers a host of legal and business products covering the telecommunications industry. The report, "HDTV Service: Market Forecast for Multichannel Video Providers," is priced at $699 and is available for purchase at www.broadbandadvisoryservices.com. For analyst commentary or to request a briefing, contact Scott Sleek at 301-562-1530, x291, ssleek@pf.com
For information about Pike & Fischer's Broadband Advisory Services, visit www.broadbandadvisoryservices.com or contact Jonathan Wentworth Ping at 212-576-8741 / jping@pf.com.
SILVER SPRING, MD--(MARKET WIRE)--Mar 14, 2008 -- More than 47 million American households will be paying for some type of high-definition TV service by the end of 2008, according to a new Pike & Fischer forecast.
That total represents an increase of 17 million homes compared to the end of 2007, according to the new P&F report, "HDTV Service: Market Forecast for Multichannel Video Providers." The Silver Spring, Md.-based market research house also predicts that by the end of 2012, up to 103 million households will be paying their multichannel video provider for some form of HD service or rental equipment.
Although the broadcast networks now air their programs in HD for free, cable operators, satellite TV providers and telephone companies are striving to make money off the public's appetite for high-definition video by offering HD premium channels, leasing HD-ready equipment, and selling on-demand movies and TV shows in HD format, the report says.
The strong demand for high-definition video will generate up to $2.6 billion in annual revenue for the multichannel video providers by the end of 2012, according to the forecast.
The recent decline in consumer spending could slow the adoption of these HD services, cautions Scott Sleek, Director of Pike & Fischer's Broadband Advisory Services and principal author of the report. But the nation's economic slump could have the opposite effect, he adds.
"People may decide they'll save more by investing in home entertainment," he says. "That way they can microwave some popcorn and order an HD movie on demand instead of spending $50 or more to go out for dinner and movie."
Pike & Fischer, a BNA company, offers a host of legal and business products covering the telecommunications industry. The report, "HDTV Service: Market Forecast for Multichannel Video Providers," is priced at $699 and is available for purchase at www.broadbandadvisoryservices.com. For analyst commentary or to request a briefing, contact Scott Sleek at 301-562-1530, x291, ssleek@pf.com
For information about Pike & Fischer's Broadband Advisory Services, visit www.broadbandadvisoryservices.com or contact Jonathan Wentworth Ping at 212-576-8741 / jping@pf.com.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Pioneer Refocuses Plasma Strategy
Pioneer's decision last week to begin outsourcing the production of plasma display panels should not be seen as a wavering in the company's overall plasma TV strategy, according to a senior Pioneer exec. In an interview with TWICE, senior veep Russ Johnston says that Pioneer aims to continue bringing its Kuro technology -- with its focus on high black levels and contrast ratios -- to market, but that the plasma panel itself is enough of a commodity that it can be outsourced with proper oversight.
It wasn't that long ago that Pioneer bought NEC's plasma business, including a factory in Japan, and that retaining ownership of the PDP manufacturing process was considered critical to maintaining a high level of quality in the plasma display. With Pioneer's recent announcement of a joint venture with Sharp to produce LCD TVs for the European market, it will be interesting to see how successful the company is in transfering its Kuro technology from plasma to LCD -- and what that means for Pioneer's plasma TV business in the long term.
It wasn't that long ago that Pioneer bought NEC's plasma business, including a factory in Japan, and that retaining ownership of the PDP manufacturing process was considered critical to maintaining a high level of quality in the plasma display. With Pioneer's recent announcement of a joint venture with Sharp to produce LCD TVs for the European market, it will be interesting to see how successful the company is in transfering its Kuro technology from plasma to LCD -- and what that means for Pioneer's plasma TV business in the long term.
NBC Universal Making HD a Big Part of Olympics
Multichannel News has the story of NBC Universal's impending coverage of the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer, including how the media giant is using HD as a carrot to ink distribution deals for the 2010 and 2012 Olympics.
Cox Cable Adding 7 HD Channels in Arizona
We've seen the cable companies add literally dozens of high-def channels to their lineups in the last few months, a response to aggressive HD rollouts by DirecTV, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T U-verse. The latest of these HD channel additions is occuring in the Cox Cable markets in Arizona, primarily Phoenix and Tucson, where Cox is adding Animal Planet HD, Discovery Channel HD, Food Network HD, Golf Channel HD/Versus HD, History Channel HD, Science Channel HD and TBS HD.
Don't be surprised to see Cox Arizona add the Travel Channel HD in the near future, which it has already done in a number of its systems around the country.
Don't be surprised to see Cox Arizona add the Travel Channel HD in the near future, which it has already done in a number of its systems around the country.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
Pioneer Halts Plasma Display Panel Manufacturing - TWICE
Pioneer confirmed today it will end production of plasma display panels, in favor of procuring the components from other manufacturers. Earlier, Pioneer had cut its estimates for sales of plasma TV sets to 480,000 units from original projections of 720,000 sets for the current fiscal year ending this month. Going forward, Pioneer will continue to assemble and sell finished plasma sets, and will continue research and development into plasma technology, applying back-end electronics to improve picture performance. Pioneer joins a line of manufacturers who have abandoned plasma panel production in recent years due to high cost and heavy competition. Fujitsu, NEC and Mitsubishi had all started out manufacturing plasma panels, and Fujitsu and Mitsubishi no longer even sell finished plasma sets today.
SportsTime Ohio To Launch HD Feed - MCN
Regional sports network SportsTime Ohio is slated to launch a 24 hour HD feed on April 1 and will produce all of Cleveland Indian baseball games it airs this season in HD. The move means that in 2008 STO will produce 133 Indians games and Cleveland NBC affiliate WKYC-TV will air 20. STO will continue to also provide operators with a standard-def feed that will be down-converted from its HD feed.
Circuit City Extends HD DVD Return Time - NY Times/AP
Circuit City Stores Inc. is getting on the Blu-ray digital video format bandwagon by tripling the period in which customers who purchased a rival HD DVD player can return them. The nation's No. 2 electronics retailer has instructed its stores to ''take care of our customers'' and accept returns of HD DVD players within 90 days of purchase.
Monster To Increase Dist. Of Entry-Level HDMI Cable - TWICE
Monster is expanding distribution of its MC 500HD Standard Speed HDMI cables. Priced at $49.95 for 1-meter length, the cable is the entry-level model of the company’s line of speed-rated HDMI cables. Monster is providing retailers with increased product distribution as well as a host of in-store educational materials to help spread the word about the enhanced performance offered by speed-rated cables.
Pioneer confirmed today it will end production of plasma display panels, in favor of procuring the components from other manufacturers. Earlier, Pioneer had cut its estimates for sales of plasma TV sets to 480,000 units from original projections of 720,000 sets for the current fiscal year ending this month. Going forward, Pioneer will continue to assemble and sell finished plasma sets, and will continue research and development into plasma technology, applying back-end electronics to improve picture performance. Pioneer joins a line of manufacturers who have abandoned plasma panel production in recent years due to high cost and heavy competition. Fujitsu, NEC and Mitsubishi had all started out manufacturing plasma panels, and Fujitsu and Mitsubishi no longer even sell finished plasma sets today.
SportsTime Ohio To Launch HD Feed - MCN
Regional sports network SportsTime Ohio is slated to launch a 24 hour HD feed on April 1 and will produce all of Cleveland Indian baseball games it airs this season in HD. The move means that in 2008 STO will produce 133 Indians games and Cleveland NBC affiliate WKYC-TV will air 20. STO will continue to also provide operators with a standard-def feed that will be down-converted from its HD feed.
Circuit City Extends HD DVD Return Time - NY Times/AP
Circuit City Stores Inc. is getting on the Blu-ray digital video format bandwagon by tripling the period in which customers who purchased a rival HD DVD player can return them. The nation's No. 2 electronics retailer has instructed its stores to ''take care of our customers'' and accept returns of HD DVD players within 90 days of purchase.
Monster To Increase Dist. Of Entry-Level HDMI Cable - TWICE
Monster is expanding distribution of its MC 500HD Standard Speed HDMI cables. Priced at $49.95 for 1-meter length, the cable is the entry-level model of the company’s line of speed-rated HDMI cables. Monster is providing retailers with increased product distribution as well as a host of in-store educational materials to help spread the word about the enhanced performance offered by speed-rated cables.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
Glasgow Touts Sony’s Share Gains, Blu-ray, Green Efforts - TWICE
Sony Electronics’ semiannual press roundtable with president Stan Glasgow took a colorful turn, as the company discussed Blu-ray, its green recycling efforts and the successful ad campaign featuring those colorful “HDNA molecules,” among other topics. Glasgow and Stuart Redsun, corporate marketing senior VP, reviewed the current CE marketplace and how Sony is competing in it during the briefing at the Sony Building, here. This comes shortly after Sony’s dealer show, where it previewed more audio, video and computer products, and other categories.
Sources: Samsung, Sony Invest Big on LCDs, Pioneer Exits Plasma - Reuters/CNET
Samsung Electronics and Sony are likely to invest about $1.9 billion jointly in a new flat-screen production line, a source at Samsung said Tuesday. The comment is the latest in a series of announcements from panel makers and sellers, underlining the robust outlook for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) as demand for sleek, stylish and increasingly inexpensive television sets rises. Meanwhile, Japan's Pioneer plans to stop all production of plasma display panels, an industry source said Tuesday, adding that it is likely to buy panels from Matsushita Electric Industrial.
Comcast Adding 6 New HD Channels in Miami - MCN
Comcast South Florida announced it is in the process of adding six new high-definition channels in the region: Food Network HD, USA Network HD, History Channel HD, Discovery Channel HD, Animal Planet HD and Sci-Fi HD.
Sony Electronics’ semiannual press roundtable with president Stan Glasgow took a colorful turn, as the company discussed Blu-ray, its green recycling efforts and the successful ad campaign featuring those colorful “HDNA molecules,” among other topics. Glasgow and Stuart Redsun, corporate marketing senior VP, reviewed the current CE marketplace and how Sony is competing in it during the briefing at the Sony Building, here. This comes shortly after Sony’s dealer show, where it previewed more audio, video and computer products, and other categories.
Sources: Samsung, Sony Invest Big on LCDs, Pioneer Exits Plasma - Reuters/CNET
Samsung Electronics and Sony are likely to invest about $1.9 billion jointly in a new flat-screen production line, a source at Samsung said Tuesday. The comment is the latest in a series of announcements from panel makers and sellers, underlining the robust outlook for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) as demand for sleek, stylish and increasingly inexpensive television sets rises. Meanwhile, Japan's Pioneer plans to stop all production of plasma display panels, an industry source said Tuesday, adding that it is likely to buy panels from Matsushita Electric Industrial.
Comcast Adding 6 New HD Channels in Miami - MCN
Comcast South Florida announced it is in the process of adding six new high-definition channels in the region: Food Network HD, USA Network HD, History Channel HD, Discovery Channel HD, Animal Planet HD and Sci-Fi HD.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
FCC Chairman Backs DTV Transition Trials
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin sent a letter yesterday to fellow Commissioner Michael Copps agreeing with Copps' idea to test the digital TV transition in a few cities before the entire country loses analog signals on Feb. 17, 2009. Worried that the DTV transition may not go quite as smoothly as planned, Copps had previously proposed the idea of trialing it to work out any glitches before next February. Multichannel News has the full story.
A DTV test strikes me as an exceedingly good idea. Most of the country still is unaware that their analog TVs will cease to work next February without the use of some kind of converter box, be it the government-subsidized digital-to-analog variety or one from their cable or satellite provider. Testing the transition in a few markets would enable the FCC to better spread the word about the impending analog signal cutoff and iron out any hiccups that may come up along the way.
A DTV test strikes me as an exceedingly good idea. Most of the country still is unaware that their analog TVs will cease to work next February without the use of some kind of converter box, be it the government-subsidized digital-to-analog variety or one from their cable or satellite provider. Testing the transition in a few markets would enable the FCC to better spread the word about the impending analog signal cutoff and iron out any hiccups that may come up along the way.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
DirecTV Is Now John Malone's TV - MCN
With John Malone’s Liberty Media now its largest shareholder, DirecTV last week promised to keep focusing on video, particularly HDTV, as a weapon against cable’s bundle of TV, phone and Internet services — a triple play deemed invincible as recently as a year ago. Just one day after Malone got his hands on the nation’s largest satellite operator, DirecTV told Wall Street analysts that video would still be king. Why not? DirecTV has become the arms leader in high-definition programming, counting 92 national networks in its arsenal against what it says are fewer than 30 in major markets from cable operators.
Verizon Hopes to Go Into Extra Innings - MCN
Verizon Communications said it is currently in negotiations with Major League Baseball to offer the league’s Extra Innings package to FiOS TV subscribers, but the telco cautioned that there’s no guarantee a deal will be done by the time the season starts. The Extra Innings package offers subscribers as many as 60 out-of-market games a week during the regular season, with some contests available in high-definition.
No Profit Bonanza Likely From Analog TV Cutoff - TWICE
About 30 million TV screens will be affected by the end of full-power analog TV broadcasting in 2009, but that may not be much of a windfall for consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers, according to a report from Digital Tech Consulting. The report, entitled “The End of Analog TV: The Opportunities and Inhibitors of the U.S. Digital TV Transition,” said the transition will mean a boost in TV reception products from set-top converter boxes to off-air TV antennas, but much of that will be in low-margined gear.
iSuppli: Samsung Tops In 4th-Quarter LCD TV Share - TWICE
Samsung outpaced all brands in North American LCD TV market share during the fourth quarter of 2007, knocking Vizio, the leader for the prior two quarters back to third place, according to a flat-panel TV brand share report issued by market research firm iSuppli. Samsung's fourth-quarter unit-shipment market share rose to 14.2 percent, up from 12.8 percent in the third quarter, iSuppli said. The South Korean company had been in second place in the third quarter.
Best Buy to Help Pay Customers' DIRECTV Bills (press release)
Ready for HD? Best Buy is ready to help you pay your bills. Beginning March 2, Best Buy will launch a relationship with DIRECTV where Best Buy will pay $30 monthly on new customers' DIRECTV bills. Designed to encourage customers to experience the best in high definition, Best Buy will actually pay a portion of customers' bills in the form of a credit appearing on each monthly statement.
With John Malone’s Liberty Media now its largest shareholder, DirecTV last week promised to keep focusing on video, particularly HDTV, as a weapon against cable’s bundle of TV, phone and Internet services — a triple play deemed invincible as recently as a year ago. Just one day after Malone got his hands on the nation’s largest satellite operator, DirecTV told Wall Street analysts that video would still be king. Why not? DirecTV has become the arms leader in high-definition programming, counting 92 national networks in its arsenal against what it says are fewer than 30 in major markets from cable operators.
Verizon Hopes to Go Into Extra Innings - MCN
Verizon Communications said it is currently in negotiations with Major League Baseball to offer the league’s Extra Innings package to FiOS TV subscribers, but the telco cautioned that there’s no guarantee a deal will be done by the time the season starts. The Extra Innings package offers subscribers as many as 60 out-of-market games a week during the regular season, with some contests available in high-definition.
No Profit Bonanza Likely From Analog TV Cutoff - TWICE
About 30 million TV screens will be affected by the end of full-power analog TV broadcasting in 2009, but that may not be much of a windfall for consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers, according to a report from Digital Tech Consulting. The report, entitled “The End of Analog TV: The Opportunities and Inhibitors of the U.S. Digital TV Transition,” said the transition will mean a boost in TV reception products from set-top converter boxes to off-air TV antennas, but much of that will be in low-margined gear.
iSuppli: Samsung Tops In 4th-Quarter LCD TV Share - TWICE
Samsung outpaced all brands in North American LCD TV market share during the fourth quarter of 2007, knocking Vizio, the leader for the prior two quarters back to third place, according to a flat-panel TV brand share report issued by market research firm iSuppli. Samsung's fourth-quarter unit-shipment market share rose to 14.2 percent, up from 12.8 percent in the third quarter, iSuppli said. The South Korean company had been in second place in the third quarter.
Best Buy to Help Pay Customers' DIRECTV Bills (press release)
Ready for HD? Best Buy is ready to help you pay your bills. Beginning March 2, Best Buy will launch a relationship with DIRECTV where Best Buy will pay $30 monthly on new customers' DIRECTV bills. Designed to encourage customers to experience the best in high definition, Best Buy will actually pay a portion of customers' bills in the form of a credit appearing on each monthly statement.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Today's High-Def Headlines
HD Boom May Have Helped DirecTV, Hurt DISH - TV Week
Is the HD boom a blessing or a curse? That’s what some investors in satellite television services may be asking this month, after the two largest U.S. satellite TV delivery companies said the increase in high-definition programming may have had opposite effects on their bottom lines. “Other multichannel video providers may have more successfully marketed and promoted their HD programming packages and may also be better equipped to increase their HD offerings to respond to increasing consumer demand for this content,” DISH Network said in an SEC filing this week. DISH had about 50 HD channels at the end of last year, about half DirecTV’s number.
Cablevision Reports 40% HD Penetration - CED Magazine
While Comcast has recently seen its basic subscriber numbers slip, Cablevision added 1,155 basic subscribers in the fourth quarter, although total basic subscriber numbers were close to 2006 numbers. Cablevision added 43,000 digital video customers, which was a 7.4 increase year-over-year and a 1.7 percent increase sequentially. Cablevision COO Tom Rutledge said that Cablevision has a total of 2.6 million customers for its digital services, with one million, or almost 40 percent, of those subscribing to high-definition (HD) services.
Samsung Unveils World’s 1st 3D Plasma TV - Korea Times
Samsung Electronics has commercialized 3D PDP TVs, a world first, in partnership with Electronic Arts (EA), the world’s largest game contents provider. Samsung said the move reflects its ambitious strategy to take the lead in the 3D contents market as more and more consumers seek easy-to-use 3D home entertainment. The 50-inch ``PAVV Cannes 450’’ model is featured with the industry’s highest 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and can easily revive a deep black color thanks to the cutting-edge cell light control technology, according to the company.
Canon to Buy Quarter of Hitachi LCD Panel Unit - Reuters
Japanese camera and office equipment maker Canon said it will pay $403 million for a quarter stake in Hitachi's LCD panel business to get its own supply of parts for its cameras and copiers.
Canon and Matsushita Electric Industrial agreed in December to buy 24.9 percent each of the LCD panel maker, Hitachi Displays, now wholly owned by Hitachi. Wednesday's announcement of the price Canon will pay is the latest in a flurry of alliances in Japan's LCD panel and flat TV industry as companies seek ways to share hefty investment bills and hedge against the risk of oversupply.
Is the HD boom a blessing or a curse? That’s what some investors in satellite television services may be asking this month, after the two largest U.S. satellite TV delivery companies said the increase in high-definition programming may have had opposite effects on their bottom lines. “Other multichannel video providers may have more successfully marketed and promoted their HD programming packages and may also be better equipped to increase their HD offerings to respond to increasing consumer demand for this content,” DISH Network said in an SEC filing this week. DISH had about 50 HD channels at the end of last year, about half DirecTV’s number.
Cablevision Reports 40% HD Penetration - CED Magazine
While Comcast has recently seen its basic subscriber numbers slip, Cablevision added 1,155 basic subscribers in the fourth quarter, although total basic subscriber numbers were close to 2006 numbers. Cablevision added 43,000 digital video customers, which was a 7.4 increase year-over-year and a 1.7 percent increase sequentially. Cablevision COO Tom Rutledge said that Cablevision has a total of 2.6 million customers for its digital services, with one million, or almost 40 percent, of those subscribing to high-definition (HD) services.
Samsung Unveils World’s 1st 3D Plasma TV - Korea Times
Samsung Electronics has commercialized 3D PDP TVs, a world first, in partnership with Electronic Arts (EA), the world’s largest game contents provider. Samsung said the move reflects its ambitious strategy to take the lead in the 3D contents market as more and more consumers seek easy-to-use 3D home entertainment. The 50-inch ``PAVV Cannes 450’’ model is featured with the industry’s highest 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and can easily revive a deep black color thanks to the cutting-edge cell light control technology, according to the company.
Canon to Buy Quarter of Hitachi LCD Panel Unit - Reuters
Japanese camera and office equipment maker Canon said it will pay $403 million for a quarter stake in Hitachi's LCD panel business to get its own supply of parts for its cameras and copiers.
Canon and Matsushita Electric Industrial agreed in December to buy 24.9 percent each of the LCD panel maker, Hitachi Displays, now wholly owned by Hitachi. Wednesday's announcement of the price Canon will pay is the latest in a flurry of alliances in Japan's LCD panel and flat TV industry as companies seek ways to share hefty investment bills and hedge against the risk of oversupply.
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