News: Ohio TV stations unite to spread word about digital

Ohio television stations hope to make it hard for viewers to escape the message that the switch to digital broadcasting is coming.

More than 40 Ohio TV stations say they'll run public service announcements about the transition at the same time: 7:58 p.m. Wednesday (tonight).

On Feb. 17, 2009, major U.S. TV stations will stop broadcasting their traditional analog signals and go all-digital, which means a much sharper picture and better sound. But viewers who use an antenna will need a newer TV or a converter box to receive the digital signals.

This is the kind of information explained in the public service announcements.

TV station general managers are meeting at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday to discuss the digital changeover with lawmakers.

DVR Alert: "Countdown to DTV, Are you ready?"

WKYC will present a special presentation this Saturday at 1 PM called "Countdown to DTV, Are You Ready?"

We'll show you how to stay connected and enjoy the benefits of your new, all digital and high definition television sets.

This informative half hour program will take a look at everything you need to know from the important transition date, to what you need to do to get your analog to digital tv converter coupons and more...

That's this Saturday at 1 pm on WKYC-TV.

And don't forget, we have a whole digital TV section both here on the blog and on wkyc.com

Weblink: DTVAnswers

The switchover from analog to digital television is set for just over a year now - February 17, 2009.

It's an important date for many reasons...history is being made, analog signals go dark, and many "over the air" viewers will be scratching their heads.

Are you ready?

Most people aren't...and throughout 2008, the "Director's Cut" Blog and WKYC.com will be helping our readers get prepared and well ahead of the curve.

One of the better websites available to answer many of your questions is called DTV Answers.

I urge you to take a look and get acquainted with the process and what the switchover will mean to you.

News: The "Hot" HDTV's This Season

This season will be an important one for consumers interested in buying High Definition televisions.

You'll have more choices than ever before this year when buying an HDTV. Larger sets and more manufacturers producing sets are helping to bring down prices. Plus you get even more features than last year in many cases.

We recently turned to our friends at C/net to give us a heads up on the best types of HDTVs to buy this year.

We hope you'll take the time to click on a review of each to help you make an informed decision BEFORE you head to the store. Remember, there will be some great deals during the holidays. If you are in the market to buy, now may be the time. Click on the model number to read a review of each from the experts.

Pioneer PDP-5080HD: This TV produces the deepest shade of black and thus one of the best pictures currently available. Starts at $2087

Sony KDL-46XBR4: Although not quite as impressive as the best plasmas, this 46-incher outperforms any flat-panel LCD. Starts around $2277

Samsung LN-T4681F: A breakthrough in LCD picture quality with some issues, this LED-powered set will impress the staunchest videophiles. Starts around $3399

Samsung LN-T4671F - 46" LCD TV: While a few issues hamper its judder-busting video processing, this 120Hz TV is still one of the best-performing LCD HDTVs available. Starts around $2077

Samsung FP-T5084: With accurate color and deep black levels, the 50-inch plasma's picture stands up well against some tough competition. Starts around $1837

Panasonic TH-58PZ700U: Although it costs more than just about any rear-projection big-screen, the 58-inch plasma offers superb image quality. Starts around $2997

Panasonic TH-42PZ700U: For those who can spare no expense, this set is for you - a plasma offers the best picture quality in its size class. Starts around $1250

Samsung HP-T5064: The picture quality of the set places it among the top tier of 50-inch plasma HDTVs. Starts around $1225

Panasonic TH-50PX77U: Deep black levels and a new antiglare screen make the 50-inch model one of the top choices among plasma HDTVs. Starts around $1327

Sony KDS-60A2020: This set is a holdover from last year, but it's still one of the better performing, more fully featured HDTVs available. Starts around $2099

Courtesy: C/NET.com

News: New HDTV Study Released

Nielsen has released a new study that finds 13.7% of TV households in the U.S. are equipped with an HD television and HD tuner capable of receiving signals in HD (HD Capable), while 11.3% are equipped with an HD television and HD tuner and receive at least one HD network or station (HD Receivable).

Los Angeles has the highest penetration of HD Capable homes (20.4%) and New York has the highest penetration of HD Receivable homes (17.5%). Nielsen also reports that among U.S. Hispanic or Latino households, 10.4% are HD Capable and 8.2% are HD Receivable.

Among African-American households, 8.1% are HD Capable and 6.9% are HD Receivable.

To view the charts and tables, you can download the study: CLICK HERE

Courtesy: Nielsen

News: All HD News for Cleveland

We are making news again - and no, we aren't talking about the stunning defeat of the Indians who lost the ALCS after having a 3 games to 1 lead over Boston.. Naw

We are talking HD News, baby! Cleveland is now one of the first markets nationally (as far as we know) to have every local news station presenting their news broadcasts in High Definition.

WJW (FOX), WKYC (NBC), and WEWS (ABC) all have been doing news in HD for well over a year now... The CW Station, WBNX, is broadcasting programming in HD, but does no local news - and their studios are located in Akron.

Both WOIO (CBS) and WUAB (My Network) are owned by the same company...share resources and both launched HD News in the market on Sunday to complete the market's changeover to ALL HD News.

This sure means WOIO & WUAB were "STEPS BEHIND" and NOT really "honest, fair or EVERYWHERE" this time... but that's okay. We won't be running promos pointing this out, like they might.

News: HDTV Owners Love New TV, Dislike Programming

According to new study from Nielsen, HDTV owners are generally satisfied with the picture quality of the programming they receive.

However, the figures also show those same owners are less than thrilled about HD programming choices currently available.

About 85% of the queried HD households ranked picture quality as "above average" or "excellent" while only 39% gave those ratings to programming selections.

The study also found owners who frequently watch HDTV at home gave the following responses about the types and networks they watched most for each:

Sports (42.8%) - Most watched ESPN HD
Movies (38.0%) - Most watched HBO HD
Scripted Dramas (28.1%) - Most watched CBS HD
Documentaries (23.8%) - Most watched Discovery HD
Scripted Comedies (19.4%) - Most watched CBS HD
Reality Programming (11.1%) - Most watched Fox HD
Music (9.6%) - Most watched PBS HD

Read the entire study, CLICK HERE

Courtesy: Nielsen.com

News: CNBC to go Hi-Def in October

CNBC will launch a hi-def simulcast version of its business cable channel in October, signing an initial carriage agreement with DirecTV.

CNBC HD+ will feature a full line up of programming shot in HD including "Power Lunch," "Street Signs" and "Closing Bell."

TV Trivia: 1st HD Broadcast from the Oval Office

President Bush's speech to the nation Thursday Night, September 13th, was the very first ever broadcast in High Definition from the Oval Office at the White House.

News: HD Changing Viewing Habits?

According to a just-released Knowledge Networks study, access to high-definition television (HDTV) programming significantly affects viewing behavior, making users more selective about what they watch and more likely to plan viewing in advance.

High-definition (HD) reception does not seem to make consumers more likely to watch commercials, though; while they find HDTV ads more "relevant," they are just as likely to click away from them as regular ads.

The report indicates that, while 20% of homes now have an HDTV set, less than two-thirds (61%) of those homes have true high-definition reception. But the effects of having HD programming are substantial; among those who get high-definition reception signals:

*One-third always check their HD channels first when channel surfing or checking for a program

*About half "always" make the effort to watch in HD if a program is simulcast in both standard definition and HD

*About 70% plan their viewing ahead of time, compared with just over half of viewers in non-HD homes

The survey also compared advertising attitudes between HD and non-HD viewers:

*Overall ad avoidance is similar among HD and non-HD persons: about half of each group say their usual response to a commercial break is to change channels

*HD viewers are more likely to agree that ads in HD programs are relevant to their needs and interests (41% vs. 35%). However, HD viewers are less likely to say they are inclined to purchase from advertisers during HD programs than non-HD viewers are from advertisers on regular TV programs (23% vs 37%)

KN's in-home ethnographic research, primarily among early-adopter homes, suggests discouraging factors for further mainstream consumer growth may include price of entry, lack of understanding of the technology, and confusing set-up and user interface procedures. Improving usability would also likely increase use of HD channels.

Courtesy: Knowledge Networks

News: TV Recycling Program

Sony is working with Waste Management's Recycle America program to help customers recycle Sony TVs, computers and other electronics equipment.

The Sony Take Back Recycling Program will accept devices at 7 drop-off centers throughout the country, taking Sony equipment for no charge or competitors' products for a nominal fee.

The program begins September 15, 2007.

A list of drop-off centers can be found at Sony.com.

News: World's Largest Plasma TV Officially Goes on Sale

Ken Crane's, a Southern California big screen TV store, started selling the world's biggest flat screen HD plasma television today.

Spanning 103 inches and weighing 485 pounds, the Panasonic HD plasma television is the ultimate television experience. "This television is beyond your wildest dreams, it's a giant movie theater in your home with best HD quality picture currently available," said Steven Caldero, Ken Crane's Vice President and COO.

The 103-inch Panasonic plasma TV features nearly 4,500 square inches of display area, a 1080p full HD screen and the same high-quality picture, consistent brightness from any angle, and smooth motion during high-speed action that made Panasonic the best-selling plasma brand in America.

One can be yours today - for only $70,000.