Yule Log, new holiday films come to HD VOD on Comcast, Cox and TWC
by Darren Murph 
posted Dec 3rd 2008 at 2:13PM
[Image courtesy of ByrdHouse]
christmas posts
[Image courtesy of ByrdHouse]
Blu-ray releases on November 11th 2008
by Ben Drawbaugh posted Nov 10th 2008 at 2:34PM
Just when we thought there wasn't another comic book movie this holiday season until The Dark Knight, along comes Hellboy, which we somehow forgot about. It's available both in regular and extra geeky, the latter will set you back another $20, but while both include a digital copy, only the Collector's Edition includes a scary looking figurine and we're not sure what else. Also this week, Weinstein has the made for TV movie about the NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, which is sure to be a popular stocking stuffer for Blu-ray NASCAR fans -- not sure how many of those there are. Star Wars fans can look forward to the animated feature Star Wars: The Clone Wars, while WW2 junkies can can relive Band of Brothers for the first time on Blu-ray. That isn't the only TV show series this week though, as Warner has both the first season of Chuck and the third season of Supernatural. And finally, Fox offers up the first, and regrettably, the only season of Firefly.- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army Collector's Edition (Universal)
- 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story (Weinstein)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner)
- Band of Brothers (HBO)
- Chuck: The Complete First Season (Warner)
- Supernatural: The Complete Third Season (Warner)
- JFK (Warner)
- Firefly: The complete series (Fox)
- Harry Potter Years 1-5 Giftset (Warner)
- This Christmas (Sony)
Return your HDTV? Or buy more stuff to go with it?
by Erik Hanson posted Dec 26th 2007 at 10:34PM
If you're one of the brave ones who went out today to return unwanted Christmas presents -- yeah pastel socks, we mean you -- perhaps you saw one of the estimated 10% who will return an HDTV set this season, as Information Week interviewed the analysts who are predicting poor consumer satisfaction for those who just bought a set and are expecting some magic increase in quality on their old collection of VHS tapes. Of course, you could also be one of the many who realize a good flat panel display deserves a PS3, Xbox 360, or HD DVD player to go with it to throw on some quality images, and dived in to buy some new gear, and a movie or three. So let us know in the comments, do you plan to return some swag this holiday? Or are you planning on getting some more? And if so, can we come over and check out your setup?Read - Up to 20% could return sets, or...
Read - Shoppers return to buy more
Queen's Christmas Day speech broadcast in HD, on YouTube
by Darren Murph posted Dec 24th 2007 at 5:19PM
Those excited to tune into Her Majesty's Christmas Day speech tomorrow will have yet another reason to watch. This year, her entire speech will be broadcast in HD, and for those not near a television, it'll also be available via YouTube. Tomorrow's production will mark the 50th anniversary of her traditional speech, and the new mediums are being used to satisfy her desire to make the address "more accessible to younger people and those in other countries." Interested? If so, you can tune in tomorrow at 3:00PM GMT.Comcast delivering Yule Log via HD VOD
by Darren Murph posted Dec 11th 2007 at 2:39PM
We can't say the famed Yule Log would've been our first choice for HD content on-demand, but hey, we'll take it. After INHD enabled users to light up their HDTVs for a solid 24 hours last year, those with Comcast can enjoy a newly filmed version (shot in 1080i) anytime they'd like through January 4, 2008. Additionally, the HD VOD version will offer up true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, so you can experience true-to-life cracklin' without smoking up your abode in the process. Oh, and just in case you were wondering -- Comcast noted that folks checked out the HD VOD version of its Yule Log broadcast "more than twice the number of times" as the SD version when aired last year.[Via Huntington News]
Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade going HD
by Darren Murph posted Dec 3rd 2007 at 9:51PM
Shortly after hearing that Disney Cinemagic was launching in France, we're now seeing that the 24th annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade will be broadcast in HD for the first time this year. Set to air on December 25th at 10:00AM EST (9:00AM Central, Mountain and Pacific), the "star-studded" parade will be shot from Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom park in Florida and Disneyland park in California. Among the celebs slated to appear in high-definition are Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban, the cast from "High School Musical 2," and a whole host of Disney characters. Be sure and hit the read link for the rundown of performances, and tune in (or set your DVR) to ABC HD on Christmas day to check out the festivities.[Image courtesy of TVGuide]
All I want for Christmas is my HDTV... and an Apple
by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 10th 2007 at 9:42AM
- HDTV (35%)
- Windows-based notebook (20%)
- Digital camera (17%)
- Windows-based desktop computer
- GPS car navigation
- Cellphone
- Digital video camera
- Nintendo Wii
- Sony PS3
- HD DVD or Blu-ray player
HDTV Listings for December 25, 2006
by Richard Lawler posted Dec 25th 2006 at 1:36PM
What we're watching: The Yule Log burning all day on INHD of course. Otherwise there are a few more marathons, with Smallville on HDNet and Law & Order on TNT, but later on we'll probably watch Pirates of the Caribbean or Monday Night Football featuring Jets vs. Dolphins.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Legendary Yule Log broadcast pits SD against HD
by Darren Murph posted Dec 22nd 2006 at 2:53AM
Anyone remotely familiar with history in New York or the holiday season in general can remember the ole Yule Log broadcast that showed a burning fireplace with soft, classic seasonal hits cycling through in the background. While it's not likely to be the most invigorating thing on television come Christmas morning, the folks at WPIX, who are restoring the classic log show for a three-hour broadcast, say that it allows families to reminisce and think back on the gatherings of yesteryear. However, Jason Patton -- vice president for business development on INHD -- feels that the new widescreen version of the heartwarming fireplace is the superior rendition. Shot by Ron Roy in high definition, the picture will clearly outshine the "30 year old" version looping on standard cable, but apparently some folks actually prefer the classic look to the new. Nevertheless, we HD freaks should be sure to catch the fiery new version on INHD starting at 7:00AM on Christmas morning and continuing on for 24 hours.HD DVD has a Christmas date with Europe
by Richard Lawler posted Jun 13th 2006 at 12:11PM
And apparently, they have a plan. That idea is a bit dubious given the haphazard nature of the HD DVD US and Japan launch so far, but according to an executive from Toshiba UK, it is all under control. For the first six months they will concentrate on the typical early adopter crowd, after which they feel there will be enough available content to advertise towards mass market consumers, that HD DVD is the best way to watch the latest movies. This strategy may explain some of the questions we've had concerning their US launch, the scarcity of TV ads and the slow pace of content availability. Blu-ray is apparently launching in Europe this fall, it will be interesting to see who has titles on shelves first in that market.
Happy HD Holidays
by Kevin C. Tofel posted Dec 25th 2005 at 8:30AM
Our team of high-def bloggers want to sincerely thank you for your support, your feedback and the community spirit here at HD Beat. We hope that you enjoy the holiday season with your friends, your families and of course, your HDTV!
12 HD Days of Christmas: Day 9
by Matt Burns posted Dec 22nd 2005 at 11:21AM
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Who does that anymore? Really? These days we hang pictures. Wait, no. These days we hang flat-panels!
Roku has brought us a product that will help bridge the generation gap. The PhotoBridge HD allows a person to turn that plasma or LCD into a work of art. Sure, there are numerous products that let you see digital pictures, but there are next to none that let you see them in the full HD quality.
