Sci-Fi HD By End of 2007

[appleye1]

USA Network, Sci Fi Channel, TBS, Cartoon Network, CNN and other channels are readying to launch simulcast high-definition networks by the end of the year.

CNN announced plans to launch an HD network in September at its opening session at the Television Critics Association's semiannual press tour, while an NBC Universal spokesperson confirmed the company will launch a "suite of HD networks." NBCU would not set an exact time table. A Turner spokesperson also confirmed HD networks for TBS and Cartoon Network.

Full Story (http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11336)
Battlestar Galactica in HD without waiting! Sweet! :up:

[vertigo235]

That is... if you are provided sci-fi hd by your provider.

And the really crappy thing is, they will probably discontinue showing it on UHD.

[unicorngoddess]

Oh that's awesome news. You would think Sci-Fi would have been the first to go to HD since it has the most shows that would look the best in HD.

And now I can get 4400, Monk and The Dead Zone in HD too...that's pretty cool.

And Adult Swim in HD should be pretty neat as well.

[Paul_PDX]

Hopefully none of these HD simulcast channels will be in "stretchovision" like TNT HD does.

[LoadStar]

That is... if you are provided sci-fi hd by your provider.

And the really crappy thing is, they will probably discontinue showing it on UHD.

I fully anticipate (just my belief, I haven't heard this anywhere) that UHD will go away in the imminent future, to be replaced with these other networks. UHD was always really designed as a "test bed" for NBC Universal to begin HD cable broadcasting, and still feels that way in many ways. Hopefully, if and when it does, those who carry UHD will switch to SciFi HD.

[vertigo235]

I hope you're right, because I don't plan to get an HR20 any time soon and if I had to choose, SciFi HD would be the one I would want in MPEG2.

[gchance]

Don't forget, the CONTENT needs to be HD as well. Unless The Shield goes HD this upcoming season, we'll be out of luck (none of the prior seasons have been widescreen anyway).

Greg

[Bierboy]

Ah, but BG in HD, though dark and a bit grainy, will look nice!

[Hersheytx]

I fully anticipate (just my belief, I haven't heard this anywhere) that UHD will go away in the imminent future, to be replaced with these other networks. UHD was always really designed as a "test bed" for NBC Universal to begin HD cable broadcasting, and still feels that way in many ways. Hopefully, if and when it does, those who carry UHD will switch to SciFi HD.
I doubt that very much. Getting an HD beachead on cable or Sat is a big deal. Listen to Mark Cuban. He has stated many times that he got his 2 HD networks up and running because he new the landscape for bandwidth was going to be tight. Better to lead then never get a place.
Also Directv stated at the 07 CES that they would be adding 150 HD NETWORKS (not LOCALS) with the 2 sats going up in the next 6 months. No way is NBC/GE giving up their HD slots.

[classicX]

Also Directv stated at the 07 CES that they would be adding 150 HD NETWORKS (not LOCALS) with the 2 sats going up in the next 6 months. No way is NBC/GE giving up their HD slots.

If that's true, and the PQ is as good as my cable is, then I just might have to give direcTV a look. It all depends on pricing though - if it's more than ~$70 / month for a decent package, I won't even think about it.

Plus I don't like missing shows during storms - I'll have to find a neighbor who has is to see if it's ever really bad.

Plus I don't like the idea of having holes drilled into my roof.

Plus I don't like the idea of having an unsightly dish on my beautiful house.