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Why aren't MTV HD's music videos in high definition?

by Richard Lawler posted Jun 28th 2009 at 8:27PM

Our friends at TV Squad are asking the same question we've had many times, what's up with MTV's treatment of HD? Specifically, why doesn't the MTV or VH1 HD simulcast channel air music videos in high definition? While it was news to us that MTV even aired music videos anymore, it's sad to see how poorly its handling the simulcast channel, though we don't have reception at this branch of the EHD HQ yet, word is they couldn't even keep simple things like the Real World HD broadcast straight last season. That's no surprise for a network that treats its simulcast like a redheaded stepchild (try finding a mention of it on MTV.com or Viacom's website) and staunchly refuses to loose any details of precisely which shows will be broadcast in high definition no matter how many times we ask, and we'll not even get into the endless loop of repeated programming that has become Palladia. Considering one can view any music video on YouTube in "HD" with little trouble, it's even more disturbing that MTV is so far behind the times.

MTV's Palladia loads up on Grammy nominees this weekend

by Richard Lawler posted Feb 3rd 2009 at 3:17AM

It doesn't look like Palladia will be getting any (much-needed) brand new content this weekend, but from Friday at 9 p.m. right up until the 51st Grammy Awards begin Sunday evening at 8, expect programming centered around the various nominees. MTV Live: Kings of Leon and Soundstage: Robert Plant will be airing on the network for the first time, plus a long list of artists you've probably seen repeated many times already. Check after the break for the complete list, if you think you can handle it.

Continue reading MTV's Palladia loads up on Grammy nominees this weekend

American Cable Association calls out Viacom's annoying crawl

by Richard Lawler posted Dec 31st 2008 at 6:47PM


We're not sure how this demand will be received, but the American Cable Association's argument is simple: if only Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks subs are in danger of losing MTV Networks channels at the stroke of midnight, why are we all bothered with an annoying crawl message? Of course, that plea is couched by statements backing TWC and BHN's reluctance to agree to new higher programming fees, but those of us eagerly anticipating a Miley-Sized surprise during tonight's NYE celebration that have a different provider could do without the interruptions.

MTVNHD's second European invasion detailed

by Richard Lawler posted Dec 9th 2008 at 10:59AM

Our ambivalence about its programming hasn't served to slow the progress of MTV International's HD baby, poised to launch in ten new countries by the end of the year. The UK adds MTVNHD on Sky, Israel lights it up on HOT while the Latin American tour kicks off in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Caribbean Islands and Uruguay via DirecTV Panamerica. We already know that's not the end, with France queued up and the network prez noting interest from providers around the world including the Far East. Promising a (not-so) massive 300 hours of original programming commissioned for the next two years, sleep easy knowing repeats of the same old concerts will be available in 1080i no matter where in the world you are.

MTVNHD: MTV's International HD network goes live September 15

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 1st 2008 at 8:14PM

MTV Networks High Definition goes live September 15 in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland and Sweden, including original programming like Chartblast, Uncompressed and HD Extreme and MTV Top 20. The bad news of course, is that beyond the original programming, Viacom is stuffing the 24-hour English language channel -- broadcasting straight out of Poland, a Buenos Aires production hub is due later on -- full of Nickelodeon programs on weekend mornings, and the rest will be filled with what appears to be the same 300 hours of high def library already being looped on MHD / Palladia right now. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela should have their shot at boredom by the end of the year.

[Via Reuters]

Palladia / MHD European launch slated for September

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 14th 2008 at 7:32PM


Europeans eagerly awaiting more high definition concerts (updated weekly, still) rejoice, as MTV is launching a European HD channel next month. Although it goes unnamed, based on the content mentioned (concerts, special music events and festivals) and the relaunch of Palladia (the station formerly known as MHD) happening at the same time we've been able to reach the surprising and stunning realization that they are pretty much one and the same. In addition to being underwhelmed by an incredibly limited amount of HD content in rotation at any given time, our HDTV-equipped friends in German speaking markets can look forward to Nick programs on the weekend. D-d-d-dora, Dora.

MHD / Palladia name change official September 1, but no less confusing

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 14th 2008 at 3:40AM


MTV explains renaming MHD to "Palladia" as conveying a sense of spectacle, "a grand stage, a vast arena and the excitement of live musical performances." Whether or not you buy that, it looks like Viacom is giving the channel's content a much-needed refresh, promising a new concert every Saturday at 9 p.m., and a collection of rock movies airing every Thursday night at 9. The first week of September is Outdoor Music Week, bringing home outdoor performances from a host of superstars, starting with Glastonbury 2008 on Monday, September 1. New name or now, two years later we're still caught on the one new concert per week schedule, hopefully the grand stage sees an expansion sometime soon.

Time Warner Cable adds a trio in Columbus, Ohio

by Darren Murph posted Aug 11th 2008 at 2:47PM

It has been a few months since the great city of Columbus, Ohio received any new HD channels courtesy of Time Warner Cable, but residents can once again celebrate now that the carrier has added three more. Discovery HD (762), History HD (767) and Palladia HD (774) -- which is described as a music-centric station from MTV Networks -- have just appeared in the EPG. Word on the street has it that the latter will be replacing MHD in name only, so don't be too shocked if it pops up in your neck of the woods as well. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Jason]

MHD to be renamed Palladia HD, confuse HD viewers everywhere

by Darren Murph posted Aug 10th 2008 at 1:05PM


As we've seen with Discovery's Planet Green, and -- to a lesser extent, History HD, Food HD and SPEED HD -- these high-def channels prefer to change up (or shorten, at least) their names every now and then. The latest to take on a new identity is MTV Networks' MHD, which is apparently being redubbed Palladia HD in DISH Network / TWC's EPG. We've all ideas the name change will filter down to all carriers in short order, but we're just letting you know to not get overly excited upon seeing it emerge in your channel lineup. Sadly, you actually haven't gained another channel -- it's just that the one with the loudest commercials has been renamed.

[Image courtesy of Photobucket]

National Geographic HD and MHD headed to Germany

by Darren Murph posted May 12th 2008 at 9:23AM


After Sat. 1 HD and ProSieben HD went dark in Germany until 2010, things haven't been as dormant as expected. Late last month, we received word that both FOX and TNT would be making their way over (and hopefully in HD), and now we're seeing that both National Geographic HD and MHD (MTV HD) could be arriving on undisclosed cable carriers in the near future. Reportedly, Nat Geo HD -- which is nearly ready in Austria and Switzerland -- could be arriving any moment, while MHD is likely to land on PREMIERE this December. Slowly but surely, it looks as if Europe may actually be moving forward in adopting HDTV programming.

[Thanks, Chris]

Read - National Geographic HD to Germany
Read - MHD to Germany

Logo to simulcast Scissor Sisters: Live at the O2 Arena on MHD

by Darren Murph posted Apr 19th 2008 at 11:03PM

Fans of Scissor Sisters and HD music alike will be able to enjoy a concert scheduled to air on Logo next week as it teams up with sister (ahem) channel MHD. Reportedly, the simulcast will mark the "first high-definition broadcast from a gay television network" (that'd be Logo, for those unaware), and the concert in question will be Scissor Sisters: Live at the O2 Arena. The event will be an hour-long special of the band performing in London, and for those who won't be sitting around the tube next Thursday, you can view it online as it happens via steaming video on the network's website. Sound good? Set your HD DVRs for 8:00PM ET / PT on April 24th, or better yet, kick back and enjoy it as it unfolds. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Logo to simulcast Scissor Sisters: Live at the O2 Arena on MHD

Reminder: DirecTV's free HD Extra Pack is up

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Mar 14th 2008 at 6:03PM

DirecTV HD pac channels
Last fall when DirecTV was adding HD channels like no one could believe, new HD channels weren't the only thing that changed. DirecTV also added a new tier called the HD Extra Pack of HD only channels like UHD and MGM HD for an extra $5 a month. Well, at least DirecTV was nice enough to give the package away for the first 90 days -- probably hoping we'd forget about the extra money it was costing us -- but now the free ride is over. So if you're in the club of those who don't want to pay $5 a month for five HD channels, then don't forget to cancel the package, cause we doubt DirecTV will be nice enough to remind ya.

Dish Network launches 6 national HD stations

by Matt Burns posted Aug 15th 2007 at 10:03PM

You know it's a great day when you wake up and find new HD stations. Dish Network subscribers should know how that feels as their HD lineup increased with six new stations; that makes 37 national HD stations for Dish. The day just gets better when four of said stations are national premiers: Discovery HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD and The Science Channel HD. The other two stations, MHD and GolfHD aren't new but still a great additions to the largest national high-def lineup. We should mention that Discovery HD is a separate station from Discovery HD Theater and just like the other three new national stations are simulcasts of the SD flavor. Since these launches are in line with Dish Network's CES announcement, we don't see why September 1st shouldn't also be a great day being The History Channel HD's scheduled launch day.

[Via satelliteguys.us]

DISH Network adds 15 more HD channels

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jul 10th 2007 at 3:21PM

Dish HDDirecTV and cable are busy arguing over who will add the most HD channels, meanwhile, DISH Network keeps racking 'em up. As if they weren't already the undisputed HD provider, now they have announced eight new regional HD sports channels that will launch tomorrow and seven new national HD channels in Auguest and September including; The History Channel HD and Discovery HD -- not to be confused with Discovery HD theater. Now, most of these channels require the latest MPEG4 equipment to enjoy, and we're not exactly sure what day you can expect to see the rest of these to pop up in your guide, but there is no doubt that anyone serious about HD, has to consider DISH as their provider.

The full list of new HD channels after the break.

Read -- DISH Press release
Read -- Satelliteguys.us retailer chat coverage

Continue reading DISH Network adds 15 more HD channels

MHD is great but....

by Matt Burns posted Apr 11th 2007 at 11:22AM


There is that one stupid commercial that is at least 13db higher than anything else is on the station. Hate it. All the commercial is about advertising is that you are in fact watching MHD for three seconds but those three seconds will blow your speakers if you were already jamming to some music. We are hoping that someone over at MTV's headquarters will read this and go tell the tech to turn down the level on the MHD spot that plays every 45 minutes. The HD MTV station is a nice compliment to any HD tier with 100% HD content, but it's that one commercial that is going to make us change the channel.




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