Cablevision Adds Five HD Channels
Cablevision Systems Corp. is adding to its high-definition lineup with the launch of five new free HD channels, including three from MTV Networks. The new MTV Network channels -- MTV HD, VH1 HD and CMT HD – as well as Fuse HD and NHL Network HD, are launching over a three-day period that started yesterday (Oct. 14) and ends tomorrow (Oct. 16). With the additions, Cablevision will now offer a total of 65 free HD channels to more than 1.25 million Cablevision customers who have at least one high-definition television and HD-enabled set-top box., according to the cable operator. For more...

Verizon Turns HD Dial To 98 In Indiana
Verizon launched 53 high-definition channels in its Fort Wayne, Ind., giving FiOS TV customers in the area access to up to 98 HD services. New HD programming for FiOS TV customers in the region includes ABC Family, Disney Channel, FX, MGM HD, Speed, Toon Disney and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Verizon also added four new HD sports channels: ESPNews HD, The Tennis Channel, World Fishing Network and Mav TV. For more...

Sony Takes 'Hancock' To Its HDTV Sets
In a limited attempt to exploit corporate synergy, Sony announced that for a two-week window owners of Internet-connected Bravia HDTVs will be able to rent Sony Pictures’ Hancock prior to retail DVD release. The movie, which stars Will Smith, will be available to rent for $9.99 for a 24-hour period from Oct. 28 until Nov. 10. Customers must have Bravia televisions equipped with Sony's Bravia Internet Video Link, a device sold separately for $300. For more...

A Looming HDTV Slump?
The tea leaves are mixed on this one. In a research note, Sanford Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett posited that HDTV set sales could be heading for an ominous drop-off in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Consumer Electronics Association last week predicted an upswing in A/V product sales of 4.7% for the 2008 holiday season vs. last year, a category that includes flat-panel HDTV displays. For more...

DirecTV Hits 100 Markets With Local HD
With the launch of two new markets last Wednesday, DirecTV now offers local HD programming in 100 markets, according to officials. The nation’s-largest satellite provider has rolled out local HD service in Columbia-Jefferson City, Mo. and Evansville, Ind. With local HD available in 100 markets, DirecTV said it now reaches 83% of U.S. TV households with local HD. For more...

Comcast’s Big HD Bang
For five of Comcast's entertainment and sports networks, the big bang for HD programming will arrive on Dec. 8. That's when the Comcast Programming Group will flip the switch to launch new HD simulcast feeds for E!, Style and G4. Meanwhile, The Golf Channel and Versus, which had been sharing an HD channel, will each get simulcast channels. For more...

Mojo HD To Say Bye Bye
Mojo HD, the male-targeted, ad-supported programming outlet, is being shut down by In Demand Networks, the distributor confirmed. “The Mojo HD channel was originally conceived as a way to satisfy consumers’ thirst for true high definition programming,” In Demand, owned by three big cable operators, said in a statement. “While Mojo HD accomplished this goal, there is a wealth of HD programming now available and thus we have chosen to discontinue the service.” In Demand said it had no other comment but confirmed the channel would go dark by about Dec. 1, with some variability among systems carrying it. For more...

HD Viewing Patterns Equate To Fuzzy Math
The transition to high-definition may be one of the medium's biggest events since the advent of color television. But, as programmers and multichannel operators invest mind-boggling sums to ramp up their HD offerings, the industry has in some respects regressed to the early 1950s, when black and white sets served up fuzzy pictures and TV executives had only limited ratings data. That's because ratings for HD channels are rarely released to the public. For more...

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