Tag Archives: HDTV

Looks like 3D TV will be making a huge push in 2010 with the news coming out today ESPN and Discovery are launching 3D programming this year. Discovery has already been involved with incredible IMAX programming over the recent years and the move to the small screen seems logical.

Sports on HDTV has brought an incredible element to live broadcast events and the announcement by ESPN adds more to the overall “being on the sideline” feel and will surely be a welcome addition to both casual Super Bowl viewers to hardcore sports enthusiasts.

ESPN plans on bringing its first live 3D event during the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match between host South Africa and Mexico on June 11. Other events planned for 3D include the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football contests, up to 25 World Cup matches and the Summer X Games.

As of now, you will need to have an HDTV with built-in 3D technology to be able to enjoy 3D programming, with plenty of manufacturers showcasing the new sets at CES this week. For those who haven’t jumped into the HDTV arena yet, Mashable’s Christina Warren points out a great point, the slow adoption of HDTV may benefit the 3D set vendors as consumers may hold off on their purchase until 3D technology is integrated into the industry.

It’s a long way from my first experience with 3D TV with a local UHF station showing “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” in 3D back in the early ’80s. I remember my Dad having to mess with the TV color controls and wear the old red and blue lens cardboard glasses to get a slight 3D feel. There is truly nothing that can compare with the immersed IMAX 3D experience but I am looking forward to seeing this 3D technology on the small screen version. I am hoping some eyewear designers take notice and offer some more appealing versions of 3D glasses. It would be nice to sport a pair of stylish Oakleys instead of the functional, yet ugly 3D glasses out there right now.

by Michelle Lentz

Apple today announced that iTunes will now carry High-Def shows from the four major TV networks: NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. Apple also made sure to announce that since it started offering HD downloads last month, there have been more than one million episodes downloaded.

“We’ve got an incredible Fall 2008 TV lineup with over 70 primetime comedies and dramas, including many of the most popular shows on TV in stunning HD,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “With over 200 million episodes sold, iTunes customers have proven they love watching television on their computer, iPod, iPhone and TV with Apple TV.”

You name a show and it’s probably there. The HD lineup includes“Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Eli Stone,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Life on  Mars,” “Lost,” “Ugly Betty,” all three CSIs, “NCIS,” “Numb3rs,” “Bones,” “House,” “Prison Break,” “30 Rock,” “Heroes,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Life,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “My Own Worst Enemy” and “The Office.” Basic cable shows owned by the networks are also available and include shows from Sci-Fi, USA, and FX. Standard definition television shows on the iTunes Store are $1.99 per episode, while HD programs from ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX are $2.99 per episode, with a “bulk” season pass pricing option.

I often feel that traditional media is a bit behind, so I’m pleased to see that the traditional networks are acknowledging that we might watch their shows if our time-shifting options are expanded.

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