Swanni's HDTV Report Card

[Gregg Lengling]

Which high-def channels get passing grades; which ones should be passed over?
By Phillip Swann

Washington, DC (April 1) -- If you have a new High-Definition TV on your shopping list, you're not alone. HDTV sales are booming thanks to dropping prices and increased programming options.

However, once you bring your new set home, what should you watch? Which high-def channels are worth every penny? And, which ones might make you question your investment?

In the summer of 2003, I handed out the first report cards for each of the 12 existing HDTV networks. Now, with the high-def lineup climbing to nearly 20 networks, it's time to upgrade the scores. Who's improved; and who still needs remedial work.

HDNet
Mark Cuban's all-HDTV network, which broadcasts in the 1080i format, is a showcase for the wonder of high-definition television. From National Hockey League games to documentaries on exotic lands, HDNet will make you widen your eyes and drop your jaw. And those Hawaiian Tropic beauty contests, which feature long, tantalizing close-ups of bikini-clad femme fatales, border on soft porn. Not that I'm complaining, of course. Unlike some high-def channels, Cuban emphasizes original programming, sending his own teams in the field to produce HD news programs and documentaries. And you can expect more original content in the future; Cuban and his business partner, Todd Wagner, recently purchased Landmark Theaters and they plan to produce high-def films to air exclusively on HDNet.
2004 Grade: A
2003 Grade: A
Disclosure Note: HDNet is an advertising sponsor of TVPredictions.com. However, I gave HDNet an "A" in 2003, prior to the sponsorship. And, I'm giving it an "A" now. The sponsorship does not affect the grade one way or another.)

Discovery HD Theater

Also displayed in 1080i, Discovery HD can make a documentary on Lewis and Clark more interesting than Martin and Lewis. The picture is crystal-clear with extraordinary detail. And the nature shows are just amazing. I've predicted that HDTV will eventually cause the broadcast networks to produce more programming that highlight great visuals, such as Westerns, beach shows and spy dramas that emphasize exotic international settings. The networks would be wise to study how Discovery HD Theater illuminates the beautiful backdrops while keeping the focus on the action. Well done.
2004 Grade: A
2003 Grade: A

InDemand HD
A cable exclusive, InDemand provides some breathtaking documentaries as well as awesome live sports, such as action from NBA TV. It's a great network and I would give it an "A" if the programming was more original. Many of InDemand's documentaries are hand-me-downs that have aired on other networks, such as HDNet.
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded.
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"Comcast Sports Net's coverage of the NBA's Washington Wizards is better than being there."
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Cinemax HD

The movie network is a feast for the eyes. (For instance, don't miss "Femme Fatale" on Cinemax HD. Trust me, guys.) All movies, all day -- and they are all beautiful in high-def. Unlike Showtime, HBO and Starz, Cinemax's high-def channel provides a consistently great picture. You can always count on Cinemax HD. Now, if only they had a more consistent lineup of films...
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded.

Comcast SportsNet
The regional sports channel airs at night and is only available in selected cities, such as Philadelphia and Washington. D.C. But what a picture! For instance, the network's coverage of the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals is eye-popping. It's better than being there.
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded

PBS
In most major cities, PBS airs two HDTV channels; one is a simulcast of the regular PBS lineup while the other displays previously aired programming. When in doubt, you can always find something interesting in HD on PBS.
2004 Grade: B+
2003 Grade: B+

HDNet Movies
Mr. Cuban's other HDTV channel offers a mix of old and new. The lineup includes relatively recent titles, such as "The Astronaut's Wife," and old standbys, such as "Bye, Bye Birdie" It's fun to see how the old films look after getting a digital facelift.
2004 Grade: B+
2003 Grade: B+
CBS

The Tiffany Network is the crown jewel of the majors. CBS airs most of its primetime lineup in 1080i, as well as the daytime soap, "The Young and the Restless." And as an NFL fan, thank God for CBS. Unlike Fox, which will not begin high-def coverage of the NFL until this Fall, CBS last season broadcast at least one NFL game a week in 1080i hi-def. On the downside, however, CBS, like other broadcast networks, is addicted to reality TV, which is rarely produced in high-def. (Why? Because the whole point of reality TV is to save the networks money!) Consequently, CBS' primetime high-def lineup has shrunk.
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: B+
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ESPN HD: "Great things are expected here."
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The WB
The network of teens and tweens last year doubled its 1080i lineup to 11.5 hours a week. Bravo! And, it's looking good.
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: B

ESPN HD
The hi-def sports network launched in 2003 and it immediately fumbled. ESPN HD aired just a handful of games a week in high-def, leaving viewers shaking their heads. However, the network has picked up the pace in the last several months and it will soon open a new HD production center. Great things are expected here.
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: C

ABC
ABC airs all of its HDTV programming in 720p, which, despite the protests of some, doesn't look as good as 1080i. Consequently, prime-time shows, which are taped, just don't have the pop of a 1080i broadcast. However, ABC's "Monday Night Football," which began airing in hi-def in 2003, looked gorgeous. Still, ABC goes down a notch due to its increase in non-HDTV reality shows.
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B

NBC
The Peacock Network could show its colors more often. NBC airs about 15 shows in 1080i, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." However, it seems that NBC's HD commitment is still a little shaky. Major sporting events, such as Wimbledon, are often not produced in high-def.
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
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"Clearly, Starz doesn't understand High-Definition TV. It looks like the network launched a high-def channel just because everyone else was doing it."
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Showtime HD
Showtime airs a simulcast HD channel, which features dozens of movies every month in high-def. However, the network took a hit last month with its uneven HD broadcast of the Britney Spears concert. The picture displayed occasional pixelation and the Dolby Digital sound was hit and miss.(And I'm not just referring to Ms. Spears' weak vocals.)
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B

HBO HD
Like NBC, HBO seems unsure of its commitment to HDTV. The premium channel does a great job with theatrical films, but does not produce most of its shows in high-def, such as "The Wire," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Real Time With Bill Maher," or "Sex and the City." How come?
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: C+

Starz HD
The premium movie channel launched a high-def network last year and it's been a major disappointment. Many films on Starz HD are not even broadcast in high-def; plus, the network often will not show the letterboxed version of the film although almost all HDTV sets are widescreen. Clearly, Starz doesn't understand High-Definition TV. It looks like the network launched a high-def channel just because everyone else was doing it. Starz HD is an insult to every high-def owner.
2004 Grade: F
2003 Grade: Not Graded

Final Note: I have not seen Bravo HD, Encore HD or the niche HD channels on Voom's satellite TV service. Consequently, I do not have grades for them at this time. But, stay tuned...

Phillip Swann is President & Publisher of TVPredictions.com. If you  would like to contact Mr. Swann, he can be reached at 703-979-2079 or at Swann@TVPredictions.com