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CBS, Comcast On Demand Online partnership faces off premium vs. free internet streaming; 17 cable channels jump onboard


After stocking up on premium networks with HBO and Starz, Comcast's On Demand Online project has added its first broadcast TV partner, CBS. One of the worries regarding TV Everywhere / On Demand Online has been what it would mean for free streaming portals like Hulu, with broadcasters potentially shifting content behind pay-tv walls to keep people from dropping cable and satellite TV subscriptions. CBS has been the notable Hulu holdout, although it has also pushed forward with free streaming on its website, including March Madness and even upping the resolution of its Flash video to 1080p. Further conflicting the issue? 17 more cable networks (A&E, AMC, BBC America, DIY Network, Fine Living Network, Food Network, Hallmark, HGTV, History, IFC, MGM Impact, Sundance Channel, WE tv, E!, The Style Network, G4 and FEARnet) have also announced plans to join the 5,000 subscriber trial.

Just like the previous agreements, it appears customers should expect access during the trial to reflect a lot of what CBS and the others already offer through standard VOD but now with more placeshifting goodness. While media execs watch the bottom line, we're just hoping the stated CBS strategy of "open, non-exclusive distribution of our content in a consumer friendly way" (from the press release, available in full after the break) could push Hulu to add more HD, or at least unblock the PlayStation 3 & Windows Mobile.

HGTV and Food Network to begin HD simulcast

For a large chunk of HD aficionados, we won't even give a show a chance if it's not being brought to us in at least 720p. Still, for those sick and tired of having SD and HD programs on HGTV and Food Network on separate schedules, your life is about to get a whole lot better. All exaggeration aside, both of the aforementioned networks are set to start simulcasting their "standard-definition and high-definition feeds to cable and satellite affiliates beginning March 31." Potentially more interesting was the note that Food Network "plans to ramp up its production of high-definition programs and is upgrading its Chelsea Market studios in New York to full high-definition capability." So yeah, some of your favorite shows may get shuffled about a bit at the month's end, but that's what your HD DVR is there to manage, right?

Cox adds five HD channels to Las Vegas lineup

The giving just keeps on spreading, and that's just the way we like it. Shortly after Northern Virginia got hooked up with 11 new high-definition options, it looks like Sin City has been blessed with five of its own. Reportedly, TLC HD, HGTV HD, Food Network HD, Discovery HD and CW HD landed in Cox's Las Vegas, Nevada region, and have been assigned to channels 722, 723, 724, 727 and 734, respectively. According to AVSForum members residing in Vegas, the channels were supposed to go live yesterday, so for those who've had a chance to check it out, did Cox deliver?

[Thanks, D2point0]

Comcast gives Twin Cities 11 new HD options

It is the season to give, you know, and while we've heard that Comcast will be on the receiving end of things when it hikes rates in 2008, at least users across the nation are receiving a boost in their HD lineup before having the family over this holiday season. Up next on Comcast's list is St. Paul / Minneapolis, Minnesota (and western Wisconsin), which is receiving 11 new channels to complement the 22 already available. Among the newcomers are CNN HD, Animal Planet HD, Discovery HD, Food HD, Sci-Fi HD, TLC HD, Universal HD, USA HD, TBS HD, History HD and FSN North HD. Reportedly, customers in the area are already able to view USA, Sci-Fi, Universal and Food, and the rest of the gang is slated to go live on or before December 17th.

[Thanks, Ed]

Cablevision adds HGTV, Food Network to HD lineup

Cablevision adds HGTV, Food NetworkThere's been a rash of new HD announcements coming from all over the cable landscape lately, and now it's Cablevision's turn. The provider has added the HD-flavors of HGTV and Food Network to the lineup across its entire network. The new goodies will show up on channels 730 and 766, respectively. This double-dose of "lifestyle" programming arrives just in time for the holidays and brings Cablevision's iO TV HD tally to 44. Sure, the number lags behind that of HD-count leader DirecTV, but it's nothing to shake a stick at. But we'd really like to see Cablevision use up a more substantial portion of the that 500 HD channel capacity!

Time Warner Cable expanding HD lineup in San Antonio

It's that time again -- you know, the moment when San Antonians that rely on Time Warner Cable (partly owned by Time Warner, parent company of AOL, which owns Engadget) can look forward to even more HD channels when they flip on the set. TWC has been doing its part to add a (small) number of high-definition stations of late, including a few here in the Raleigh market this month, and those dwelling in south-central Texas should now be able to view the Lifetime Movie Network (LMN), Food Network HD, HGTV HD and The History Channel HD. We know, it's not the most enthralling list of additions, but hey, we'll take what we can get.

Food Network HD launches June 30

Scripps Networks launched HGTV HD recently, and their second high definition television station is due up in just a few days. Food Network HD begins airing on June 30, both on several U.S. operators. An unspecified large satellite provider (Dish?), Wide Open West, Buckeye Cable and Sunrise Network subscribers will be the first to enjoy HDTV and Fine Living programming in high definition. They also announced that they have made an agreement to distribute HGTV HD in Japan.

Does anyone have HGTV HD or live in an area getting Food Network HD soon? The only bad thing about these announcements is that most people still don't have the channels yet. Filling out these niche areas with high-def programming will draw more people into the fold. Even if Extreme homes of Europe doesn't pique your interest now, how many times are you really going to watch Ring of Fire?

HGTV-HD is in the building

HGTV-HDHigh definition may not have Oprah yet, but Scripps Networks thinks they are launching the high definition "killer app" for women, with the just launched HGTV-HD. We've been telling you about the coming HGTV-HD shows and Food Network HD for a little while now, and at least a few of you might be lucky enough to catch it. It will be interesting to see how quickly these channels get added to cable and satellite lineups, we still don't have MHD in my area.

Stunning sports pictures and blockbuster movies have attracted mostly men so far, so do you think this is the channel that will get your wife/girlfriend/sister/mother interested in HD?

Thanks Scott K. for the tip!




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