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

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 14th 2009 at 2:11PM


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.

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

HGTV and Food Network to begin HD simulcast

by Darren Murph posted Mar 10th 2008 at 4:29PM

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

by Darren Murph posted Dec 14th 2007 at 9:12AM

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]

Cablevision adds HGTV, Food Network to HD lineup

by Steven Kim posted Nov 30th 2007 at 1:32AM

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

by Darren Murph posted Oct 22nd 2007 at 5:58PM

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.

FiOS gets three new national HD channels

by Matt Burns posted Apr 24th 2007 at 9:41AM

The FiOS fun just isn't in Florida anymore. Those three new HD stations that randomly appeared on some people's lineup are now nationwide. The addition of HGTV, Food Network, and LMN (Lifetime Movie Network) brings their HD lineup to a boastful 27 stations. While Comcast and TWC are turning off their analog streams to make theoretical room for new HD stations, and ticking off more than just a few people by doing so, Verizon is slowly but surely adding national high-def stations. Fiber-optic has quite a bit of room thanks to a totally digital stream but unfortunately, it's not available everywhere just yet.

Food Network HD launches June 30

by Richard Lawler posted Jun 27th 2006 at 5:19PM

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

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 11th 2006 at 3:34PM

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!

Boats & Houses in high definition on HGTV-HD

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 19th 2006 at 3:42PM


HGTV-HDHome and Garden Television is coming to an HDTV near you later this year, now we've found out some more of the programming they have planned. In conjuction with KPI Productions, we can expect six specials focused on "extreme spaces" like glamorous dog houses, unique roof amenities, luxury swimming pools, and the apparently booming market for "adult treehouses".
I would not previously have thougt I would be interested in luxury doghouses, but hey, put it in 1080i and I'll watch.




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