We've been getting in our fair share of greens watching the last few days, with the 2008 Masters Tournament spread our over four days on two networks, it might be one of the best sports events in HD. TVBytheNumbers called it a reason to get high definition (like we need a reason), before suffering through some SD-only hiccups yesterday -- a check of AVS Forum's thread reveals there may have been breakdown in some areas, but it looks great now. The New York Times keeps it old school, insisting the Augusta National can only be truly appreciated in real life, but with the most viewers of a golf telecast on cable ever, we're sure quite a few you took a look on ESPN-HD.

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Golf's Masters Tournament starts April 10, and (along with DirecTV's enhanced coverage) ESPN has big plans for its first year covering the two opening days of competition. Live coverage each day from 4-7 p.m. on ESPN HD is in the works, as well as re-airs from 8-11 p.m., and live HD streaming on ESPN360.com of all Masters telecasts. Live streaming from the "Amen Corner" (holes 11, 12, and 13 for the uninitiated), Holes 15 and 16, and Masters Extra will be up on Masters.org. Finally, for those who can't wait until Thursday for their green jacket fix - the never-before-televised Par 3 Contest on Wednesday April 9 featuring players, retired past champs and honorary invitees will be on ESPN HD and ESPN360.com from 3-5 p.m.

DirecTV is most definitely going out of its way to appease consumers this month, as shortly after announcing exclusive HD coverage of the South by Southwest Festival, it's now making every golf fan not on DTV incredibly envious. During this year's Masters Tournament, set to open on April 10th, DTV subscribers will have access to an SD and HD Masters Mix Channel which will provide four windows of viewing. Aside from providing a look at CBS / ESPN's live coverage in View One, users will also see a highlight window with continuously updated material including voice-over commentary. View Three provides a look at "Amen Corner" -- holes 11, 12 and 13 -- while View Four showcases the notoriously difficult holes 15 and 16. Better still, each of the bonus channels will sport its own production crew and announcers, and a special recap show will also air on DTV's own The 101. You know that pricey ticket to Augusta you've been eying? Skip it.

What we're watching: I criticized golf for being SD-only recently, now that they have joined us in high definition I'm obligated to watch. Minority Report's impressive special effects should make it a great watch in HD at 8 p.m. on ABC, hopefully we'll be able to buy it on disc someday and watch it in HD whenever we want.

Depending on your perspective, SNL could go either way on quality tonight, as Antonio Banderas fills in the guest host spot vacated by last week's Scarlett Johanssen.


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