Posted on 04/08/2008 1:15:58 AM PDT by Las Vegas Dave
Late last year, I made 15 predictions for High-Definition TV in 2008. And, I am proud -- and not too modest -- to say that several have already come true.
For instance, I predicted that:
* Warner Bros. would endorse Blu-ray in the high-def format war against HD DVD * The high-def disc format war would end in 2008 with Blu-ray victorious (I first predicted that one in 2006). * Prices of high-def dual format players would fall under $500 -- but that the price drop would not save HD DVD. * TV makers would launch 3-D HDTVs. * DIRECTV would finance and market original HD programs to distinguish itself from its cable and satellite rivals. (Last week's announcement regarding Friday Night Lights put this one in the plus column.)
All have come true! And, more of my 2008 predictions will come true in the coming weeks and months.
However, I have been gazing into my crystal ball and I have seen a few more things that will happen before year's end.
So, here are 5 more Swanni predictions for High-Definition TV in 2008:
1. Microsoft Will Unveil an XBox/Blu-ray Player Microsoft is trying to downplay the possibility, but it will happen. With HD DVD out of the picture, there's no way that the company will let Sony and the PlayStation 3 have the Blu-ray category to itself. Microsoft and Sony will reach an agreement this year for an XBox that includes a Blu-ray player.
2. Cablevision Will Sell Voom Voom, the 15-channel high-def programming block, is having great difficulty finding a place in cable and satellite lineups. Only Dish Network (which has an equity stake in Voom) and Cablevision is carrying it in the U.S. Look for Cablevision to sell the high-def channels (at least some of them) along with other company-owned assets, possibly to DIRECTV.
3. DIRECTV Will Move to Eliminate TiVo HD DVRs DIRECTV last year launched dozens of new high-def channels on a new satellite that is not compatible with the DIRECTV/TiVo combo HD DVR; subscribers must switch to DIRECTV's own HD DVR to get those channels.
However, the satcaster's original high-def lineup, which includes such favorites as HBO, HDNet and Discovery's HD Theater, is still on the current satellite, meaning DIRECTV-TiVo owners can receive the signals.
But not for much longer, says Swanni's crystal ball. I predict that DIRECTV this year will begin moving all high-def channels to the new satellites, forcing TiVo owners to switch to the DIRECTV HD DVR.
4. Plasma TV Prices Will Shrink Further Plasma makers are becoming increasingly alarmed that LCD sales are dominating the flat-screen category. Look for Plasma makers to significantly reduce prices this fall -- particularly for 720p sets -- to keep sales up. For instance, you will see 42-inch 720p Plasma sets for -- are you ready for this? -- $799!
5. Blu-ray Player Prices Will Fall Under $200 Wait a minute, you might say. Aren't Blu-ray player prices actually rising, with most now around $399. Yes, but it's a temporary hike. This fall, prices will fall again and, by the holiday shopping season, Blu-ray players will be available for under $200.
Interested in HDTV?
Please Freepmail (works best) me if you would like your name added to the HDTV ping list.
The pinged subjects will be those of HDTV technology, satellite/cable HD, OTA (over the air with various roof top and indoor antennas) HD reception. Broadcast specials, Blu-ray/HD-DVD, and any and all subjects relating to HD.
Las Vegas Dave
Do tell me more!
Regards to #1
Why in gods name would Sony give the blu-ray rights to microsoft?
So MS can sell more X-Boxes?
“I just ordered a Samsung Model HL-T5087S with an LED light engine that is claimed to be “3D HD Ready”. ..”
Ummm..., that’s last year’s lower end model...It does not have HDMI 1.3, and is NOT 3-D ready. (it is LED)
Hopefully, you misspoke and are getting the HLxx A750. (Which BTW, is not available in less than 61 inch size, with 67 inch coming soon...)
See this thread on AVS Forums:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=971265
Good luck...
Look for 1080p bluetooth interface boxes ... the only TV connection needed will be the power cord ....
Questions about HDMI 1.3a:
First, background: I have first generation HD, all 720p or some of the first 1080i, to include a 34 inch CRT, 30 inch LCD, and 42 inch DLP. I subscribe to Direct TV and have the new receivers.
I am considering upgrading to a 1080p plasma from Pioneer Elite 60” and a nice blue ray player and pioneer elite reciver (or denon).
Question: What is so important about HDMI 1.3 vs 1.3a (or later)?
Do I have to make sure that all the inputs on the three components are HDMI 1.3 capable?
Is there any difference in my HDMI CABLE itself I bought 2 years ago, or does the cable itself have to be 1.3?
THanks in advance!
DCB
4. do you prefer plasma to lcd?
What about Blu-Ray DVD Recorders??
And does anyone know a launch schedule for new HD channels on DirecTV? I can’t find such a list on their website. Maybe even a list of what they are working on adding?
Give?
So do I buy my PS3 to play my Blu-Rays now or wait for.... who? what? where? when? why? & how?
Thanks.
Before and after this post ... I am working on the chip that does EXACTLY that ...
Go with the Denon ... it has the HQV chip in it ... (I was on the design team for the chip) It will give you much better HD performance ... google HQV
Thanks for the informative post.
DirecTV recently launched a new sattelite to provide new HD channels.
It didn’t survive.
A launch last year failed. The latest launch (March '08) was successful. I did some more searching and found a good source for the DTV HD lineup and changes.
The 11 of 15 Voom Voom channels are fantastic, I can’t believe they cant’ get other cable operators to sign on.
1 Voom channel though, HDNews, is tomorrow’s news today, that is if you believe the future is going to be some Running Man/Demolition Man/Blade Runner/Philip K. Dick dystopia and the news will be so watered down and newspeak filtered and injected with corporate culture happy thoughts as to be completely incoherent and mindnumbingly monotonous.
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