Yule Log, new holiday films come to HD VOD on Comcast, Cox and TWC
[Image courtesy of ByrdHouse]
yule log posts
[Image courtesy of ByrdHouse]
Comcast delivering Yule Log via HD VOD
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]
Legendary Yule Log broadcast pits SD against HD
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.Philips' plasmas are HOT
A little too hot as it would turn out, as they've sold about 12,000 plasma displays that are prone to
overheating. If you own a 42 or 50 inch Ambilight screen clear some time on your schedule, get out the Maxwell CD and
light some candles because you've got a date with the repairman.Here at HD Beat, we really think Philips should instead tout this as a feature, why waste time watching a Yule Log or Screen Dreams DVD when your TV can just go up in flames by itself?
Yule log broadcasts a preview of new art forms?
Perhaps. As flat panel displays continue to drop in price, some people believe we'll have so many that this
new trend will take off with "ambient video" and this is just one early example of it. We already saw the
live log feed on
INHD and the log DVD
earlier, and as the CEO of ScreenDreams came by to mention, it will also be available in next generation DVD
formats whenever they become available.Will this take off, will I walk throughout my house as my networked LCD wallpaper reacts to my movements and mood? I dunno if I really want it to, plus I'd probably have to change it all around when my parents visit.
