We know, the hardcore fanatics out there aren't likely to believe these results, but according to a recent survey commissioned by Motorola, some 45-percent of Americans would prefer to watch collegiate / professional football games on an HDTV rather than attending -- which certainly mirrors the conclusions drawn by a similar survey conducted earlier this year. Furthermore, only 32-percent of those questioned stated that they outright preferred live matches to those shown in HD, while the other segment was apparently indifferent. Not surprisingly, Moto attributes the results to our growing fascination with HD sports, but we have to believe the unprecedented rise in ticket prices has something to do with all of this as well. Still, even we can't deny the allure of getting all up in the huddle at 1080i, and given the alternative of sitting in costly nosebleed seats in sub-freezing temperatures, it's hard to pass up the former.

[Via ConnectedHome2Go]

Apparently, the first season of Metropolitan Opera: Live in High Definition went over quite well, as the second season looks to hit even more venues and capture the hearts of more individuals in 2007 - 2008. Reportedly, the season gets started on December 15th with a live opera transmission of Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, which will be the first of eight total broadcasts. Other features include Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Verdi's Macbeth, Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Britten's Peter Grimes and Donizetti's La Fille du Régiment. Over 600 venues in North America, Australia, Europe and Japan will be participating in the Met's upcoming series, and if all goes to plan, over one million people will be picking up tickets. Speaking of which, be sure to hit the read link for more detailed information on ticket prices, venues and schedules, and do be sure to let us know how things turn out if you take in a show or two.

C'mon, don't act surprised -- now that just about every team (and every game) that you can imagine gets televised in some form or another, it's not shocking at all to hear that some devoted season ticket holders are trading in their seats for HDTVs. Folks in the industry are noticing that rising ticket prices combined with greater availability of televised games are enticing fans to opt for the more comfortable couch, and "a study by the Consumer Electronics Association showed about three in ten sports fans" would rather watch events in HD than actually go. Furthermore, of the 48-percent surveyed who were looking to upgrade their set within two years, "more than half were sports fans." So, dear readers, how has the abundance of televised sporting events changed your views on making it to the stadium, if at all?