Global DTV Transition News Roundup: HDTV Adoption, VOOM Launch, and International Digital Broadcasting Developments — October 2003

CEA Survey Reveals 9 Million Plan to Purchase HDTV Over Next 18 Months

Consumers Desire High-Def Movies, Sports and Cable Plug-And-Play

Carlsbad, Calif., October 14, 2003 - Nine million households are likely to purchase high-definition television (HDTV) products over the next 18 months and another 30 million consumers consider themselves likely purchasers within the next three years according to results of the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) latest consumer survey regarding the digital television (DTV) transition.

Speaking this morning at a conference session on HDTV consumer awareness sponsored by CEA's DTV Subdivision, CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro revealed this finding and other highlights from the study - "HDTV Consumer Awareness Update" - conducted by CEA's for-profit research arm, eBrain. The session occurred in conjunction with CEA's Industry Forum, which runs through Wednesday.

"With seven million DTV products sold-to-date representing a $12 billion consumer investment, it is not surprising to find in this survey that consumers have become attracted to high-definition television's crystal clear viewing, superior audio and widescreen format," Shapiro noted. "More than half of all survey respondents said they view the HDTV transition as a positive. This supports our projections that millions more consumers will purchase an HDTV in the near future.

"Even with this success and continued optimism, hurdles remain. The survey also revealed a degree of consumer confusion remains regarding the transition, the technology and HDTV reception requirements," said Shapiro.

The CEA survey - a random sample of more than 1,000 American consumers - found that consumers are somewhat confused regarding the products needed to view HDTV. For instance, nearly three-quarters (74 percent) do not know they often need a set-top box to watch HDTV shows and more than three-quarters (78 percent) do not know they need an HDTV-enabled recorder to record them. Plus, more than half (54 percent) are not aware they can not watch all TV shows in high-definition format because many programs are not yet broadcast in HDTV.

"While we still have more work to do, we've definitely made progress on the overall HDTV education front as demonstrated by the fact that 85 percent of consumers now recognize that HDTV offers 'crystal clear pictures,'" Shapiro continued. "Additionally, key terms such as digital TV, high-definition TV and HDTV have all caught on with at least three out of five consumers. This is a marked improvement from the study CEA conducted two years ago.

"Still," said Shapiro, "all industries with a stake in the DTV transition must increase our efforts toward not only educating all consumers about HDTV, but also in delivering what consumers want out of this transition. According to our survey, they want digital cable-ready HDTV and they want movies and sports programming."

Survey results indicate that more than half - 54 percent - of all consumers say the ability to plug their cable line directly into a high-definition TV would make them more likely to buy an HDTV set. Programming also plays an integral role in consumers' HDTV considerations. Movies top the list of programming that consumers would most like to watch in the high-definition format. Nearly four out of 10, or 38 percent, of consumers say they would be most interested in or excited about HDTV movies. Sports coverage comes second with 21 percent, followed by educational or informational programs at 14 percent.

"Conversely, the majority of HD programming currently provided by the networks - comedies, dramas and sitcoms rank lower," Shapiro said. "Broadcasters must step up compelling program offerings to deliver the 30 million expected HDTV buyers over the next three years. As always, CEA remains committed to promoting HDTV and educating consumers about a technology that is outpacing color TV, PC and VCR adoption rates. We look to our industry partners to do the same."

Fielded by telephone in September, the survey covered 1,000 households. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points. For information about accessing the full report, please www.eBrain.org.

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VOOM DOES ADULT IN HI-DEF
BY ANDREA FIGLER
Cable World, Oct 13, 2003


VOOM, Cablevision's high-definition direct broadcast satellite platform, will include some crystal-clear, steamy adult content — specifically from Playboy TV and perhaps others — as part of its HD offerings when the service launches nationwide Wednesday.

According to a source close to the deal, VOOM will bring Playboy Entertainment Group's flagship adult content, such as Night Calls, to HD screens nationwide. As part of the deal, Cablevision will provide an upfront fee to Playboy to make HD adult content in exchange for a two-year exclusive run, the source said. No further details were disclosed.[more]

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CABLEVISION'S RAINBOW DBS TO INTRODUCE WORLD'S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE HDTV SERVICE ON OCTOBER 15

"VOOM^SM," an Exclusive Package of 21 HD Channels From Rainbow Media, Will Be a Key Feature of the Service, Which Will Offer As Many As 39 HD Channels to Meet Demand for Programming From Fast-Growing HDTV Market

Mickey Alpert, Satellite-Broadcasting Pioneer, to Lead Rainbow DBS [more]

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Finally, Something Good on German TV

B

---

erlin has digital television. Why can't the U.S. follow?
By Thomas Hazlett
Posted Tuesday, October 7, 2003, at 9:10 AM PT

Analog television is dead in Berlin. The German capital became the world's first jurisdiction to go all-digital on the TV dial in August, when the last of its analog stations—along with viewers' analog TV receivers—went dark. Contrary to the fears of regulators elsewhere, there have been no shrieks of outrage. The lessons for American policymakers: The paralysis that grips the digital TV transition in the United States can be overcome, and taking away analog TV is not political suicide.[more]

Gateway Unveils Home Theater
Erin Kerwin, PCWorld.com

In the latest in a series of consumer electronics product launches, Gateway is releasing a new top-of-the-line home theater system and unveiling a pair of LCD-TVs.

Product Specs

The $999 KAS-303 Home Theater System includes a 600-watt 6.1 receiver, a progressive-scan DVD player, a 400-watt HSU Research subwoofer, and five small two-way satellite speakers designed to fit in small spaces. The system also has an integrated Dolby Digital Decoder, a DTS Decoder, and Dolby Pro Logic II to handle special effects for music and movies.[more]

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Cablevision's Rainbow DBS satellite service division will launch its new HDTV-intensive satellite television service - which it is calling VOOM -- on October 15.

As reported (TWICE, Sept. 15, 2003, p. 1), the new satellite service plans to offer 'a base' of 39 HD channels, including 21 exclusive HD channels from Rainbow Media.

The company is banking on its extensive package of HDTV channels as the key difference maker over rival direct broadcast satellite (DBS) services DirecTV and EchoStar, which to date have offered no more than seven HDTV channels, Rainbow DBS said.

Along with HDTV programming, the service will carry 88 of 'the most popular' cable channels in standard definition. The VOOM receivers will also be equipped with ATSC and NTSC terrestrial tuners to receive over-the-air digital and analog TV channels.

VOOM will initially broadcast in MPEG-2, with an upgrade to MPEG-4 currently expected for the third quarter of 2004, the company said.

Using MPEG-4, Rainbow DBS will be able to broadcast more than 200 channels, including at least 39 HDTV services.

Hardware for the VOOM service will include a satellite dish, set-top receiver and a digital antenna for local broadcast signals. In markets with local HDTV programming, local channels will be integrated into the same user interface with the VOOM offerings, the company said.

Rainbow DBS said its receiver is the only one on the market designed to be easily upgradeable to MPEG-4, 'so that customers will not have to replace their receivers to enjoy the additional programming choices.'

Rainbow DBS has arranged to sell its receiver systems, which are manufactured by Motorola, through with Sears locations.

The company said it would formally unveil further details on the VOOM service on the October 15th launch date, but invited early birds who want to subscribe to the service to submit their names on the company's web site at www.voom.com. Meanwhile, the company said it has named Mickey Alpert, formerly of Alpert & Associates and one-time senior officer of Comsat, as senior executive VP of Rainbow DBS and chief operating officer, reporting to Cablevision chairman Charles Dolan.

Rainbow DBS also named Bill Casamo, one-time sales and marketing executive VP for DirecTV and before that sales and marketing VP for Thomson Consumer Electronics, as Rainbow DBS sales and marketing executive VP.

Jay Aldrich, formerly Alpert & Associates senior VP and one time senior executive with PrimeTime 24, as Rainbow DBS executive vice president of finance.

Alpert said, the VOOM package of 21 exclusive HD channels will be built around the interests of high-end consumers. It will also include existing HDTV programming 'with a complement of cable favorites, premium packages and local digital over-the-air programming. Moreover, VOOM will act as a stimulus to those who are interested in buying HDTV sets, but are waiting for the content,' he added.

In explaining its decision to launch, Rainbow DBS cited a Forrester Research study that showed a doubling in number of HDTV households this year to 6 million, and a doubling of the market again in 12 million by the end of 2005.

It also offered findings from a recent Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) study showing:

Consumers are overwhelmingly unaware of existing HDTV content -- 71 percent of those surveyed said they were not very familiar or not at all familiar with HDTV programming. Among potential HDTV purchasers, almost 30 percent of those surveyed cited lack of HDTV content as an inhibitor to purchasing an HDTV set. An even larger percentage of consumers surveyed lack basic information about how to receive the full benefits of HD programming: 74 percent of consumers were unaware that they need a set-top box to view HD programming; and 54 percent weren't aware that owning HDTV hardware would enable them to view programs in HD only if the programs are broadcast in HD.

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Tue Sep 16, 5:05

Digital comes to local TV channels

Mary Vandeveire , ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Fans of digital television can celebrate its arrival at some network affiliates in Tucson. They'll be enjoying clearer pictures and enhanced sound, as long as they have the right equipment.

As of Monday, four local network affiliate stations had begun launching their digital television transmissions. Making the upgrades were NBC affiliate KVOA, CBS affiliate KOLD and the local FOX and UPN stations.


Station officials say that currently the only way to receive the digital transmissions is over the air, which means in addition to a digital TV and tuner, viewers will need an antenna. A simple rooftop antenna or a set of rabbit ears will work if there's no obstruction between the viewer's home and Mount Bigelow, the site from which the stations are transmitting their digital signals - about 30 miles north of Tucson. [more]

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Tue Sep 16,  2003

Appeals Court Hears Digital-TV Tuner Dispute

By Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Television makers should not be forced to include expensive digital tuners in their TV sets that few viewers will actually use, a consumer-electronics trade group told an appeals court on Tuesday. [More]

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September 12, 2003

ESPN, ECHOSTAR form distribution agreement

BRISTOL, CONN. AND LITTLETON, COLO.-- ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Sports, and EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH Network, the nation's fastest growing provider of satellite television services, announced today that they have entered into an agreement for the distribution of ESPN HD. Beginning Sept. 16, 2003, DISH Network will make ESPN HD available to its entire HD-enabled subscriber base.

"ESPN HD is enriching the lives of high-definition viewers by providing incredible sports programming detail that only an HDTV signal can provide," said Steve Raymond, ESPN Senior Vice President, National Accounts, Western Division. "It makes perfect sense to team up with DISH Network, a company that has proven its focus on high-definition television with its offer of a robust package of compelling high-definition content."

ESPN made a significant commitment to spur the growth of high-definition television on March 30, 2003, when it debuted ESPN HD, the first 24-hour high-definition national sports service in the country. Sports have proven to be an ideal showcase for the HDTV viewing experience and ESPN HD features all of the live, high-profile telecasts as ESPN, including games from Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, and the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is the owner of DISH Network, the fastest growing U.S. provider of satellite television entertainment services with 9 million customers. DISH Network delivers advanced digital satellite television services, including hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, digital video recording, HDTV, sports and international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

ESPN Media Contact: Katina V. Arnold ([email protected]) or (860) 766-7463
EchoStar Media Contact: Steve Caulk ([email protected]) or (303) 723-2010

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2003--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today announced that its subsidiary, EchoStar DBS Corporation, is offering approximately $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior debt securities in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144A. The proceeds of the offering are intended to be used to repurchase or redeem EchoStar DBS Corporation's 9-3/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and other outstanding debt securities.[More]

Europe's First HD Channel Gets Trial Run
By DOUGLAS HEINGARTNER, Associated Press Writer

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Europe's first high-definition television channel went on the air over the weekend with a trial broadcast of music and sports programming. Only next year is the technology set to go mainstream.

Europe's shift to the sharper images and clearer sound of high-definition TV is moving much slower than in the United States, where several million HDTV sets are already in use. [more]

HDTV MAGAZINE brings you Mark Schubin's weekly Memo for our advanced
readers. Mr. Schubin is a well known and respected television engineer and
author/historian. He makes his home in New York City.


__________________Mark Schubin


     - DTT reception problems possibly caused by jitter in the
studio-transmitter link (STL) - Here's the promised URL:
[Click for more]

     - CEDIA -
          - Attendance was over 22,000, up from 19,500 in 2002:
[Click for more]
          - Here's Peter Putman's view:
and here's more from him on InfoComm:
and on an LCD & PDP (plasma) shootout:

     - IBC - Here are some tidbits from the International Broadcasting
Convention in Amsterdam:
          - There's a Grass Valley "TV Station in a Kit" series of
packages starting at about $60,000:

          - DTT to mobile phones seems to be a hot topic:
<http://www.eetimes.com/sys/news/OEG20030916S0040>
<http://www.eetimes.com/sys/news/OEG20030912S0022>
          - H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10 compression seems to be spreading:
<http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030915S0054>
          - Microsoft is submitting Windows Media 9 to SMPTE for
standardization:
<http://news.com.com/2100-1025-5075335.html>
          - Even in Germany, where the DTT transition in Berlin is over,
only half-a-percent of the population watches digital, and nationwide
analog shutdown is not expected anytime soon ("at least seven years").
In other European countries, it's expected to be even longer.
     The highest current DTT penetrations are said to be 6.5% in
Finland, 6.1% in the UK, 4.2% in Sweden, and 1.1% in Spain.  No other
countries have hit even 1%, and Asia is said to be moving even slower.
     According to Colin Wright of Seven Network in Australia, "We're not
making an extra cent on digital.  It's all cost.  It's costing us a lot
of money":
<http://www.electronicstimes.com/bus/news/OEG20030911S0058>
          - In the UK, there are "more than 80 channels offering either
dedicated stand-aloe interactive services or enhanced content with
programmes."  France reportedly has 71, Spain 37, Italy 27, and Germany
11:
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3104368.stm>

     - May 1 -
          - The Association of Public Television Stations still lists
180 non-commercial U.S. DTT stations:
<http://www.apts.org/html/digital/dtv/ptv_digitalstations.htm>
          - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its
lists on September 10 (but released them yesterday). Out of 1688
stations due on the air by this past May 1, 1605 have been granted
construction permits or licenses, and 1230 are supposedly on the air.
Seven second extensions for commercial stations are still pending, but
167 of the 527 that were granted have requested third extensions.  Of
non-commercial stations, 73 extension requests are still pending:
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvsum.html>
               - All of the 40 top-ten-market ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC
outlets that were due on the air by May 1, 1999 are on the air except
WABC-DT and WNBC-DT, which were knocked out when the World Trade Center
fell.  No new dates have been assigned to those:
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvstat.html>
               - Of the 79 ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC outlets in markets
11-30 (the 80th is in Mexico) that were due on the air November 1, 1999,
72 are licensed and four are operating under temporary authority (the
list still refers to extensions to August 6):
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvstat11.html>
               - These are the 677 stations said to be operating (at low
power) on temporary authority:
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvstas.html>
               - And these are the 553 said to be fully licensed or on
program-test authority:
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html>
               - The summary chart conveniently lists those 553 out of
1688:
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonairsum.html>
               - But Doug Lung's RF Report, using the FCC's own CDBS
database, came up with just 425 licensed stations as of September 12,
two days AFTER the other lists:
<http://www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=165>
               - Would that be 425 out of 1688?  Not exactly, because
some DTT stations weren't part of the original number.  For comparison,
here are the latest analog TV station figures from the FCC, as of June
30:
                    - Full-power ----- 1726
                    - Class A --------  600
                    - Low-Power TV --- 2121
                    - TV translators - 4759
                    -----------------------
                    Total ------------ 9206
<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/totals/bt030630.html>
     So, viewed most optimistically, the U.S. DTT transition is
currently at 1230 out of 1688 stations.  Viewed another way, it's 425
out of 9206.
          - Within that range, the National Association of Broadcasters
(NAB) now lists 1011 U.S. DTT stations operating in 201 markets:
<http://www.nab.org/newsroom/issues/digitaltv/dtvstations.asp>
     NAB's September edition of "Destination Digital TV" has now come
out:
<http://www.nab.org/newsroom/issues/digitaltv/DDTV/0903.pdf>

     - July 1 - I've decided to move this material, which used to appear
in the ads section, up here as we count down to the various July 1
dates.  All of the information is taken from ads that I have personally
seen since the last memo.
          - TV sets that would require DTT-reception circuitry starting
2004:
               - Magnavox MS3652S 36-inch TV at Circuit City $549.99
               - Toshiba 36A43 36-inch TV w/leather chair at Best Buy
$599.99
               - Toshiba 36-inch TV at Sears (#46423) $599.99
          - TV sets that would require DTT-reception circuitry starting
2005:
               - RCA F25441 25-inch TV at Best Buy $179.99
               - Apex AT2708S 27-inch TV at Audio King $178.95
               - Magnavox 27MS343S 27-inch TV at Circuit City $199.99
               - Panasonic CT27L8S 27-inch TV at Circuit City $249.99
               - Toshiba 27-inch TV at Sears (#47403) $249.99
               - Apex AT3208S 32-inch TV at Circuit City $279.99
               - GE 32GT740 32-inch TV w/leather chair at Best Buy
$279.99
               - Sharp 32US60 32-inch TV at Audio King $298.95
               - Sylvania 32-inch TV at Sears (#42202) $279.99
          - Devices that would require DTT-reception circuitry in 2007:
               - Panasonic CT13R38S 13-inch TV at Circuit City $89.99
               - Sylvania 13-inch TV at Sears (#43203) $59.99
               - Apex PF2020 20-inch flat-screen TV at Circuit City
$149.99
          - Devices that would require dual DTT-reception circuitry in
2007:
               - Sylvania 13-inch TV/VCR combo at Sears (#44702) $99.99
               - Toshiba MV19N2 19-inch TV/VCR combo at Best Buy $179.99

     Arguments about why the DTT-reception-circuitry rules should be
overturned were to have been heard in court today:
<http://www.mediaweek.com/mediaweek/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_conten
t_id=1979438>

     - HDTV and satellite -
          - Cablevision's Voom satellite service, which could start next
month, is to be heavy on HD, with 39 HD channels, 21 of them exclusive
(and NONE of them local broadcast stations; Voom will provide an antenna
for those).  Equipment is to be about $750.  Monthly fees seem to start
at about $40 for the HD services:
<http://cableworld.com/ar/cablevision_calls_voom/index.htm>
          - Europe1080's official launch is to be with the Vienna New
Year's concert, but it was offered during IBC.  There are to be "Main"
and "Event" channels.  Facilities company Alfacam is behind it:
<http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?aid=12692>
<http://www.euro1080.tv/>

     - HDTV and cable -
          - In Demand's two INHD channels have launched, and Comcast is
carrying them:
<http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20030914-123855-5207r.htm>
          - Clear Creek Telephone and TeleVision, a 90-year-old co-op
cable operator serving 1700 rural customers in Oregon, started carrying
HD on September 2 and had 18 customers for it in just more than a week:
<http://cableworld.com/ar/little_cable_coop/index.htm>
          - The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
said last Wednesday that HDTV was available by cable to 60 million
households (it's not clear whether that's subscribers or homes passed),
including 19 of the top-20 markets:
<http://www.ncta.com/press/press.cfm?PRid=391&showArticles=ok>
     Comcast later made it 20 out of 20 by adding Denver:
<http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/business/article/0,1299,DRMN_4_226227
9,00.html>

          - And now the big one:  On Wednesday (the 10th), the FCC
approved a slightly modified version of the cable/consumer-electronics
"plug-&-play" agreement:
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-238850A1.doc>
     As readers of this memo know (but many journalists don't seem to
have known), Panasonic (and Hitachi) announced digital-cable-ready TVs
long before the FCC acted.
               - The FCC did not approve the DFAST content-protection
license.  Instead, they started a Second Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking to consider such issues.  Similarly, digital broadcast copy
protection remains a topic for the future.
     That leaves matters in a very interesting state.  The satellite
community has relied on the ability to turn off HDTV outputs (selective
output control, SOC) for content protection.  SOC is now prohibited by
the FCC for "all multichannel video programming distributors," which
includes satellite.
     The satellite industry is less than thrilled:  "We do not consider
today's misguided decision the end of the process and will not allow the
cable industry to believe it has scored another victory.  SBCA [the
Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association] and its member
companies will fully review the Order and leave open our options."
Options include lawsuits:
<http://www.sbca.com/press/091003.htm>
     Meanwhile, the hundreds of thousands of HD-capable satellite
receivers that have already left factories now have no content
protection at all.
               - The FCC says small cable systems can obtain a waiver
from meeting the transmission requirements, if they're "unduly
burdensome."
               - Otherwise, systems "must maintain a sufficient supply"
of point-of-deployment security modules (PODs, now called CableCards).
Those will presumably be supplied by such companies as Motorola and
Scientific-Atlanta (S-A), making it strange that S-A stock was said to
have fallen as a result of the FCC action (especially since the fall
began before the decision).  The full story requires a paid
subscription:
<http://www.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=document&doc_id=126108&display
=breakingNews>

     Furthermore, the agreement (and order) covers only one-way digital
cable.  That means that impulse pay-per-view, video-on-demand, and the
typical digital-cable electronic program guides still require a cable
box.
               - Broadcasters are happy because the order (according to
the FCC press release) says that "DTV televisions labeled 'Digital Cable
Ready' must include an over-the-air DTV tuner":
<http://www.nab.org/Newsroom/PressRel/statements/S1203.htm>
     Zenith is happy, too, as that's where their intellectual-property
fees apply:
<http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-1
0-2003/0002014870&EDATE=>

     That was a modification of the original agreement.  But the wording
is strange.  Instead of saying TVs equipped for digital cable must have
ATSC-reception capability, it says that those LABELED as Digital Cable
Ready need it.  Does that mean sets could be sold with cable-only
digital reception as long as they're not labeled Digital Cable Ready?
               - Like SOC, down-resolution (another content-protection
technique) is prohibited, but only for broadcast programming.
Down-resolution for non-broadcast programming is to be addressed in the
future.  Those who want to use it before the issue is resolved are to
notify the FCC at least 30 days in advance.
               - So-called "encoding rules" (which relate to copy
protection and apply to both cable and satellite) are said to be:
                    - Copy never: pay-per-view, video-on-demand
                    - Copy once: basic- and extended-basic cable
                    - Unrestricted copying: broadcasts
     I wonder where HBO, The Movie Channel, and Showtime fall.   As
reported earlier here, Starz Encore is not happy about this
categorization:
<http://www.cedmagazine.com/cedailydirect/0903/cedaily030910.htm#1>
     And, of course, there are no "encoding rules" for analog outputs:
<http://www.cedmagazine.com/cedailydirect/0903/cedaily030911.htm#1>
               - Despite the modifications, the main cable and
consumer-electronics associations hailed the FCC order (although they
were not direct parties to the original agreement):
<http://www.ce.org/press_room/press_release_detail.asp?id=10313>
<http://www.ncta.com/press/press.cfm?PRid=392&showArticles=ok>
               - Given the lack of content protection, the Motion
Picture Association of America did not offer celebratory comments:
<http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=industryNews&storyID=3424562>

- Fox is adopting HDCAM SR technology for network program delivery:
<http://www.uemedia.com/CPC/article_11808.shtml>
     Meanwhile, they're buying Panasonic D-5 HD recorders:
<http://www.uemedia.com/CPC/article_11777.shtml>

- WNVT, a non-commercial station in Goldvein, Virginia (Washington, D.C.
market), received permission from the FCC to shut down its analog
service and operate digital-only:
<http://www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=152>
     Only 3,000 households reportedly watched the analog signal:
<http://www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=160>

- WNET, the largest non-commercial station in the New York market, has
received a grant (initially $500,000) from the National Imagery and
Mapping Agency to use its DTT and ITFS spectrum for emergency
public-safety purposes:
<http://www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=153>

- Based on Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) figures, sales to U.S.
dealers of (supposedly) non-H/DTV projection TVs were still down 53% for
the first 35 weeks of 2003 relative to the same period in 2002 (VCRs
were down even more -- still 54.5%).  My ten-week running average was
down 63.1%.  Direct-view was down 12.9%.  My ten-week running average
was down 24.9%.
     So-called "DTV product" sales to U.S. dealers for the 35th week
were 149,142 units.  The total for the 35-week period was 2,125,886.
"DTV products" (most of which are HDTV displays without DTT-reception
capability) accounted for about 12.1% of the total TVs sold to U.S.
dealers this year.

- CEA has released the mid-year edition of "U.S. Consumer Electronics
Sales & Forecasts 1999-2004."  I think it's too early for estimated unit
sales for 2003, but I think the estimated average wholesale prices are
probably okay (because the estimates come from those setting the
prices):
     - Direct-view analog TVs are $237, down from $273 last year
     - The overall average for so-called "digital" TVs (mostly HDTV) is
$1367
     - "Digital" direct-view is $1047
     - "Digital" projection is $1317
     - Analog projection is $1046
     - DBS receivers are $139
     - PVRs are $312 (and, if the estimate is anywhere near correct,
fewer will be sold this year than in 2000)
     - DVD players are $125
     Household penetrations as of July 1, based on telephone surveys,
are:
     - Color TV ------------- 98%
     - VCR ------------------ 89% (down from a high of 94%)
     - TV with stereo sound - 71%
     - Computers ------------ 64%
     - Modems --------------- 56%
     - DVD players ---------- 41%
     - Home theater audio --- 30%
     - TV/VCR combos -------- 25%
     - Satellite receivers -- 22%
     - Projection TV -------- 18% (very slow growth)
     - LCD TV --------------- 14%
     - So-called "DTV" ------  5%

- I saw one ad this week for a stand-alone ATSC receiver/decoder, the
Samsung SIRT151 at Circuit City.  Audio King also offered the Hughes as
part of a two-room DirecTV package.  Last week (but in this week's ads
list), Magnolia offered a Samsung SIR-TS160 with a Terk antenna.

- The ads:
     The same-store, same-brand, same-size, same-shape, same-resolution,
same-model-year premium for DTT reception for the Mitsubishi WS55513
over the WS55413 at Audio King was $450.  Audio King prices ending in a
6 are calculated based on a 10% discount.  The Sylvania 6613LD was
advertised as being HDTV.  Audio King advertised local HD programming on
four channels in the TV schedule section.  They also had an Apex AD1225
DVD player for $38.95.
     The Norcent DP-302V DVD player was $39.99 after rebate at
amazon.com.  As it's now becoming common to see DVD players for as low
as about $35, I will stop mentioning them until another price
breakthrough appears.  FYI, Fry's had a DVD+R/RW recorder for $369.
     Best Buy advertised Comcast HD packages.  In Washington, they also
advertised an old-equipment "recycling event."
  - Audio King (Minneapolis Star Tribune, appropriate disclaimers):
    - Apex Digital GB51HD09 51-inch 4:3 projection TV $998.95
    - DirecTV 2-room/1-HD (Hughes) package w/$50 gift card $399.90**
    - Hitachi 42HDT50 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $5399.96
    - JVC AV56WP74 56-inch 16:9 projection TV $1519.96**
    - Mitsubishi LT220 (sic) 20-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $2699.96
    - Mitsubishi LT3020 30-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $4499.96
    - Mitsubishi WS55413 55-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $2069.96
    - Mitsubishi WS55513 55-inch 16:9 integrated projection DTV $2519.96

    - Mitsubishi WS73411 73-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $4049.96
    - Mitsubishi WT42313 42-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $1529.96
    - Panasonic CT36HL43 36-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $1439.96
    - Panasonic PT42PHD4P 42-inch 16:9 plasma panel $5999.95
    - Panasonic PT45LC12 45-inch LCD projection TV w/stand $2499.95
    - Panasonic PT47WX53 47-inch 16:9 projection TV $1349.96
    - Panasonic PT56WX53 56-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $1799.96
    - Panasonic TC22LT1 22-inch 16:9 LCD TV $1999.95
    - Samsung HCN5529WH 47-inch 16:9 CRT integrated projection DTV
$2069.96
    - Samsung LTM1535 15-inch 4:3 direct-view LCD TV $539.96
    - Samsung TXN2745FP 27-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $449.96
    - Samsung TXN3275WHF 32-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $809.96
    - Sharp LC37HV4U 37-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view monitor $6299.96
    - Sharp XVZ90U DLP projector $2069.96
    - Sharp XVZ10000 16:9 DLP projector $9899.96
    - Sony KDP57WS550 57-inch 16:9 integrated projection DTV $2609.96
    - Sony KE32TS2 32-inch 16:9 plasma display $3599.96
    - Sony KP51WS510 51-inch 16:9 projection TV $1619.96
    - Sylvania 6613LD 13-inch 4:3 direct-view LCD TV $378.95
    - Zenith L17W36 17-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $1169.96
    - Zenith L20V26 20-inch 4:3 LCD TV $999.95
    - Zenith P42W22B 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $2998.95
    ** price after mail-in rebate
  - amazon.com (no disclaimer):
    - JVC AV48WP74 48-inch 16:9 projection TV $999.99**
  - Best Buy (appropriate disclamers):
    - Mitsubishi WS-55313 55-inch 16:9 projection TV $2099.99
    - Mitsubishi WS-65313 65-inch 16:9 projection TV $2599.99
    - Philips 30PW850H 30-inch 16:9 direct-view CRT TV $999.99***
    - Pioneer PDP5031HD 50-inch 16:9 plasma panel $9999.99
    - Samsung HCN-5529WH 47-inch 16:9 CRT integrated projection DTV
$2299.99
    - Samsung SPN4235 42-inch 16:9 plasma TV $3999.95
    - Sharp LC-22SV2U 22-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view TV $1999.99
    - Sony KE42TS2 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $5999.99
    - Sony KP51WS510 51-inch 16:9 projection TV $1799.99
    - Sony KP57WS510 57-inch 16:9 projection TV $2199.99
    - Sony KV32HS510 32-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $1299.99***
    - Sony KV36FS100 36-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $999.99***
    - Sony KV36HS510 36-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $1799.99***
    - Toshiba 24AF41 24-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $329.99
    - Toshiba 46H83 46-inch 16:9 projection TV $1699.99
    *** price includes leather chair
  - Big Screen Store (Washington Post, no disclamer):
    - Mitsubishi 55-inch 16:9 projection TV
    - Mitsubishi 65-inch 16:9 projection TV
    - Mitsubishi 73-inch 16:9 projection TV
  - Circuit City (appropriate disclaimers):
    - Hitachi 57F500 57-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $2099.99
    - Panasonic CT32HXC43 32-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $924.99
    - Panasonic TH42PA20U 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $4299.99
    - Samsung HCN4226W 42-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $1324.99
    - Samsung LTN1565 15-inch 4:3 direct-view LCD TV $649.99
    - Samsung SIRT151 ATSC receiver/decoder $299.99**
    - Sharp LC22SV2U 22-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view TV $1899.99
    - Sony KDP57WS550 57-inch 16:9 integrated projection DTV $2799.99
    - Sony KLV30XBR900 30-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $4799.99
    - Sony KP43HT20 43-inch 4:3 CRT projection TV $1324.99
    - Sony KP51WS510 51-inch 16:9 projection TV $1724.99
    - Zenith L17W36 17-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $1224.99
    ** price after mail-in rebate
  - Fry's (Los Angeles Times, no disclaimer):
    - "Major Brand Name" 60-inch 16:9 projection TV $1499
  - Good Guys (Los Angeles Times, appropriate disclaimers):
    - Fujitsu P50XHA10U 50-inch 16:9 plasma display $9999
    - JVC AV48WP74 48-inch 16:9 projection TV $1599
    - Mitsubishi LT3020 30-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $4999
    - Mitsubishi WS65413 65-inch 16:9 projection TV $2799****
    - Philips 34PW850H 34-inch 16:9 direct-view CRT TV $1499
    - Philips 60PW9753 60-inch 16:9 projection TV $2699****
    - Sony KDP57WS550 57-inch 16:9 integrated projection DTV $2899****
    - Sony KE32TS2 32-inch 16:9 plasma display $3999
    - Sony KV32HS510 32-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $1299
    - Sony KV34XBR910 34-inch 16:9 direct-view CRT TV $2499
    **** price includes Minolta 2Mpixel digital still camera
  - Harvey (New York Times, no disclaimer):
    - Fujitsu P42HHA10WS 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $6999
    - Fujitsu P50XHA10US 50-inch 16:9 plasma display $9999
    - Fujitsu PDS6101WS 61-inch 16:9 plasma display $24,999
    - Loewe Aventos 30-inch 16:9 direct-view CRT TV $1999
    - Loewe Aconda 9383 38-inch 16:9 direct-view CRT TV $4999
    - Mitsubishi LT2220 20-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $2999
    - Mitsubishi LT3020 30-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $4999
    - Pioneer PRO1000HD 50-inch 16:9 plasma panel $10,999
    - Samsung HLN567 56-inch 16:9 DLP projection TV $4499
    - Samsung HLN617W 61-inch 16:9 DLP projection TV $4999
    - SharpVision LC20S2US 20-inch 4:3 LCD direct-view monitor $1399
    - SharpVision LC30HV4U 30-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view monitor $3999
    - SharpVision LC37HV4U 37-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view monitor $6999
    - SharpVision XVZ10000U DLP projector $10,999
    - Sony KE32TS2 32-inch 16:9 plasma display $3999
    - Sony KE42TS2 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $5999
    - Sony KE42XBR900 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $8999
    - Sony KE50XBR900 50-inch 16:9 plasma display $12,999
    - Sony KF50XBR800 50-inch 16:9 LCD projection TV $3999
    - Sony KF60XBR800 60-inch 16:9 LCD projection TV $4999
    - Sony KLV15SR1 15-inch 4:3 direct-view LCD TV $799
    - Sony KLV23HR1 23-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $2299
    - Sony KLV30XBR900 30-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV $4999
  - J&R (New York Times, no disclaimer):
    - LG Electronics 295LM 22-inch 16:10 LCD monitor $1299.99
    - Panasonic TC-20LA1 20-inch 4:3 LCD TV $1149.99
    - Philips 20PF9925 20-inch 4:3 LCD display
    - Philips 30DVG93R 30-inch 16:9 direct-view TV w/DVD player $999.99
    - Philips 32FD9954 32-inch 16:9 plasma monitor
    - Sampo PME-42S6 42-inch 16:9 plasma display $2799.99
    - Samsung LTN1785 17-inch 15:9 direct-view LCD TV
    - Sharp LC-37HV4U 37-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view monitor
    - Sony KLV-15SR1 15-inch 4:3 direct-view LCD TV
    - Zenith L15V26 15-inch 4:3 LCD TV $499.99
    - Zenith L20V26 20-inch 4:3 LCD TV $999.99
  - Ken Crane's (Los Angeles Times, no disclaimer):
    - Mitsubishi WS-55511 55-inch 16:9 integrated projection DTV $2498
    - Panasonic PT-53WX53 53-inch 16:9 CRT projection TV $1698
    - Sony KV-36XBR800 36-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $1998
  - Magnolia (Los Angeles Times, no disclaimer - includes last week):
    - Mitsubishi WS-55311 55-inch 16:9 projection TV $1798
    - Panasonic CT-36HL42 36-inch 4:3 direct-view CRT TV $1399
    - Samsung HLN437 43-inch 16:9 DLP projection TV $3499
    - Samsung HPL5025K 50-inch 16:9 plasma display $5998
    - Samsung SIR-TS160 ATSC/DirecTV recvr. w/Terk TRK525 ant. $499**
    - Sony KP-46WT500 46-inch 16:9 projection TV $1499
    ** price after rebate (includes installation)
  - MyerEmco (Washington Post, no disclaimer):
    - Samsung HLN567W 56-inch 16:9 DLP projection TV $4299
    - Sharp LC30HV4U 30-inch 16:9 LCD direct-view monitor
    - Sony KE-32TS2 32-inch 16:9 plasma display $4499
    - Sony KLV-15SR1 15-inch 4:3 direct-view LCD TV $799
  - Sears (Minneapolis Star Tribune, no disclaimer):
    - Philips 32-inch 16:9 plasma TV, Sears #75333 $3999.99##
    - Philips 55-inch 16:9 projection TV, Sears #54333 $1899.99##
    - Samsung 42-inch 16:9 projection TV, Sears #54003 $1399.99
    - Toshiba 36-inch 4:3 direct-view TV, Sears #46483 $1599.99
    - Toshiba 51-inch 16:9 projection TV, Sears #54433 $1799.99
    ## price includes DVD/LCD combo after rebate
  - Sony (New York Times, no disclaimer):
    - Sony KLV-23HR1 23-inch 16:9 direct-view LCD TV

- Other satellite news:

     - The slides from the FCC International Bureau's "Perspective on
the Commercial Satellite Industry" are available:
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-238835A1.doc>

     - Household penetration of digital broadcast satellite service in
Japan is running at about 43% of projections:
<http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=feature&id=505>
     - Security cards for the service may be needed by April:
<http://www.newsalert.com/bin/story?StoryId=Cp2pNWaics1KTreLhsvrbtc1cuK9bren
bu1q&Topic=Digital%20TV&Nav=pr-prmynews-&StoryTitle=Digital%20TV>

- DVD news:

     - According to CEA, sales of DVD players to U.S. dealers for the
first 35 weeks of 2003 were up 25.8% over the same period in 2002.  My
ten-week running average was up 30.4%.  Wow!

     - Warren Communications News reported last week that 48 models of
DVD+RW recorders were shown at the big consumer-electronics show in
Germany, with 36 models coming from 20 brands that were NOT among the
"format's founders."  The story is no longer on the site:
<http://www.warren-news.com/>

- A Memory Stick TV recorder for Sony PDAs:
<http://www.forbes.com/2003/09/11/cx_ah_0911tentech.html>

- Like Gateway, Dell is planning to offer consumer-electronics products:

<http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=35647815>

- SMPTE in New York in November:  If you need a complimentary exhibits
registration form, let me know and I will forward one.

- Upcoming Dates (DTV and non-DTV):

     - Through September 16, RAI, Amsterdam, IBC <http://www.ibc.org>.
     - Through September 18, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa,
Preservation of Electronic Records
<http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/symposium2003/index_e.shtml>.
     - September 24-25, CBI Convention Centre, London, The Connected
Home <http://www.the-connected-home.co.uk/>.
     - September 29 - October 2, Orlando World Center Marriott, ShowEast
<http://www.showeast.com/>.
     - September 30, Helmsley Park Lane Hotel, New York, Kagan Digital
Household Economics conference
<http://www.kagan.com/cgi-bin/pkcat/dhe03f>.
     - October 8-9, Doubletree San Jose, California, Digital Imaging '03
<http://www.capv.com/home/InfoTrends/itEvents/DIC03/DIC03Home.html>.
     - October 10-13, Javits Center, New York, Audio Engineering Society
convention <http://www.aes.org/events/115/>.
     - October 10-11, Ramada, Williamsburg, Virginia, WEBE/SMPTE Fall
Convention "Getting Past Getting On The Air," Mike Marno, +1 703
926-3602, <[email protected]>.
     - October 13-15, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, California, CEA
Industry Forum
<http://www.ce.org/events/event_info/default.asp?eventID=FALL03>.
     - October 15-17, Hotel Washington, Washington, D.C., IEEE Broadcast
Symposium <http://www.ieee.org/btsymposium>.
     - October 20-24, MPEG meetings, Brisbane, Australia
<http://mpeg.telecomitalialab.com/meetings/brisbane03/auagenda.htm>.
     - October 22-23, Embassy Suites, Alexandria, Virginia, ATSC PSIP
and Closed Captioning University <http://www.atsc.org/seminars.html>.
     - *October 28-30, Hotel Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa, 9th
annual DTV Symposium <http://www.iptv.org/dtv/2003/>.
     - October 29-30, Bryant Park Hotel, New York, ETA Expo
<http://www.etaexpo.com/>.
     - October 30, Waldorf-Astoria, New York, SkyForum
<http://www.sbca.com/skytrends/forum.html>.
     - November 10-12, Tribeca Grand Hotel, Global Society for Asset
Management conference <http://www.g-sam.org>.
     - November 10-13, Long Beach Convention Center, California,
Electronic House Expo <http://www.ehexpo.com/>.
     - November 12-13, Marina del Rey Marriott, California, "Enabling
HDTV from the Factory to the Home"
<http://www.displaysearch.com/hdtvforum/>.
     - November 12-15, New York Hilton, 145th SMPTE Technical Conference
<http://www.smpte.org/conferences/145tech.cfm>.
     - November 28-29, Milan Fair, IBTS, SMPTE International Conference
"D-Cinema and Beyond"
<http://www.smpte.org/conferences/International03.cfm>.
     - December 2-5, Anaheim Convention Center, BroadbandPlus
<http://www.broadbandplus.org/>.
     - December 3 & 4, 2003, Washington DC Convention Center, Government
Video Technology Expo <http://www.gvexpo.com>.
     - December 8-12, MPEG meetings, Waikaloa, Hawaii.
     - January 8-11, Las Vegas, Consumer Electronics Show
<http://www.cesweb.org/>.
     - January 18-23, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar, Cabo del Sol, Los
Cabos, Mexico, The Executive Retreat Forum
<http://www.ExecutiveRetreatForums.com>.
     - ***February 4-6, La Quinta Resort, California, ***The Technology
Retreat*** <http://www.hpaonline.com>.
     - March 15-19, MPEG meetings, Munich.
     - *June 5-11, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, InfoComm
<http://infocomm03.expoexchange.com/>.

* - new or revised listing

TTFN,
Mark

PS  Permission is granted to forward this or any other Monday Memo.
Next week's memo might be a little late.



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CABLEVISION CALLS IT VOOM

BY MAVIS SCANLON AND SHIRLEY BRADY

Cable World, Sep 15, 2003


Cablevision Systems' direct broadcast satellite service, which has been viewed with skepticism on Wall Street and in the cable industry, is about to become a reality — as soon as Oct. 1. Cablevision has formed a partnership with retailing giant Sears to launch the long-anticipated service just as the crucial holiday selling season heats up.

The service will be called VOOM, according to a person familiar with Cablevision's plans. On Sept. 5, VOOM.com was registered with Network Solutions by Cablevision. According to an internal Sears memo sent out to managers at the local stores, the details of which were obtained by Cable World, the service will feature 39 HDTV channels, including 21 VOOM exclusives. An initial suggested retail price of $749 covers all hardware, an off-air antenna for local channel HDTV reception, professional installation and a two-year warranty. On Friday, wiring for the service was being installed in the electronics departments at several Sears stores in the New York area, according to two separate Sears “Brand Central” salespeople contacted by Cable World. [The rest of the story]

Return to Index

Monday, September 15, 2003

INHD LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER MULTI-PROGRAMMING 24/7 HIGH-DEFINITION TELEVISION NETWORKS ON DIGITAL CABLE

INHD Bolsters Cable’s Ample HD Offering Featuring The Most ExtensiveHi-Def Content Including Hollywood Films, Major League Baseball, College Sports & Concert Events

Channels To Begin Launching On Comcast, Time Warner,

Cox Communications & Brighthouse On September 15, 2003

NEW YORK, September 15, 2003 – INHD is taking the lead in the high-definition revolution with the launch of two linear, 24/7 HD television networks to Comcast, Time Warner, Cox Communications and Brighthouse digital cable systems. The networks, INHD and INHD2, will feature the most comprehensive and compelling mix of HD programming on television, including commercial-free hit movies, sports, documentaries, family programming, special events, concerts and theatrical movie previews.

Recognizing the enormous growth and potential of high-definition, INHD is making a major investment in the category. INHD has already secured a diversified hi-def programming library through partnerships with such high-profile companies as Paramount Pictures, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), College Sports Television (CSTV), Hallmark Entertainment and the Tennis Channel. During the September launch, INHD and INHD2 will deliver an exciting line-up with: box office action hits like Full Metal Jacket and Natural Born Killers; live MLB games during the heightened play-off stretch drive and college football. Additionally, the INHD2 channel will enable local cable operators to pre-empt scheduled programming to showcase local professional sporting events of interest to their subscribers.

“The launch of these channels on Comcast, Time Warner and Cox shows how committed the cable industry is to embracing the rapid deployment of high-definition to its customers,” states Rob Jacobson, Chief Operating Officer, INHD. “Industry analysts are projecting a boom in the purchase of high-definition televisions this holiday season so we saw a great opportunity to do something groundbreaking with the launch of these channels. We are evolving quickly to meet the changes of the industry and the big winner will be the customer, because we can deliver the best quality and quantity of HD programming on television.”

INHD will develop a strategic programming schedule to ensure INHD and INHD2 have a distinctive brand presence and programming sensibility – elements that have been non-existent on satellite HD alternatives. The INHD look is clean, sharp and modern. The attitude is not high-tech it’s Hi-Def which is about an enhanced viewing experience. The network identity rewards viewers for the investment they’ve made in the technology with graphics and ID’s that show off the visual and audio “WOW” factor of texture, color, clarity and sound that they get with INHD.

Movies The Way They Were Meant To Been Seen

Digital cable subscribers will now have the ability to see hit Hollywood films and exclusive television programming the way they were meant to be seen, in high-definition and commercial free. INHD and INHD2 have great slate of film favorites from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures and Artisan Entertainment that will be making their HD premiere including Full Metal Jacket, A Clock Work Orange, The Candidate, Natural Born Killers, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Waiting For Guffman, Drugstore Cowboy, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and The World According To Garp.

Exclusive to the networks is Farther Than the Eye Can See, Erik Weihenmayer’s documentary of the world-renowned climb of Mt. Everest in 2001 and episodes of the new Twilight Zone television series. The INHD networks will also showcase the award-winning films from Hallmark Entertainment, the largest producer of television movies and miniseries which have garnered 95 Emmy� Awards, 13 Golden Globes and numerous Peabody, Christopher and Genesis Awards, in a weekly spotlight feature. Return to Lonesome Dove, Mark Twain’s Roughing It, Captains Courageous and A Promise Kept: The Oksana Baiul Story among the popular, high-profile specials to be showcased in INHD’s weekly Hallmark spotlight.

INHD Scores With Sports In HD

The networks will feature a potent sports line-up for its hi-def launch. INHD and INHD2 will present all of the chills and thrills of this year’s suspenseful baseball play-off stretch drive with three high-profile MLB games each week starting in September. Local cable operators will be able to pre-empt INHD2 to air local MLB games if they are not scheduled on INHD.

College sports fans looking for their live events will get their fill through an exciting amount of content from College Sports Television (CSTV). Beginning in September, INHD and INHD2 will present a college football “Game of the Week.” Throughout the year, the networks will also present a broad range of Division I college sporting events such as basketball, hockey.

Additionally, content from the Tennis Channel will keep passionate tennis fans in play with high definition world class action. Leading the way will be the high-definition airing of the Fed Cup quarterfinal round, which featured the national women’s teams from the United States vs. Italy.

Special Events on INHD

Above and beyond movies, professional and college sports, and general interest programming that maximize the HD experience, INHD and INHD2 will also present exciting special events. Working with Nation Mobile Television’s fleet of mobile production trucks, INHD will produce and edit content programming such as sporting events and music concerts in the hi-def format. Upcoming special hi-def events already scheduled to air on the networks include Melissa Etheridge and The Pretenders concerts.

INHD Means Quality

All content provided on INHD and INHD2 will be available in wide screen, high-resolution format with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio when available. While the audio is equivalent to most DVDs, the picture quality is superior.

HD In High Demand

The demand for HD programming is on the rise according to a recent CTAM survey, with digital cable subscribers having the highest unaided awareness of HDTV among multi-channel TV consumers at 79%. Ninety-two percent of adults who have seen HDTV or are broadband users have unaided awareness of the technology. HDTV’s picture quality, which is five times sharper than standard definition TV, is cited by 66 % of consumers as the most appealing attribute of HDTV. The price for HDTVs have dropped by 50% since the beginning of 2003 and statistics project another 50% drop by the end of the year.

INHD is the new 24-hour HD linear television network owned and operated by iN DEMAND. In addition to MLB, INHD will also feature HD telecasts of college sports – including college football, basketball and hockey -- and professional tennis, as well as movies and other entertainment programming. Further information on INHD can be found at www.INHD.com. Return to Index

DISH Network Expands High-Def Offerings; HD Leader Packages Four Channels, Prepares Rollout of Receivers

LITTLETON, Colo Sept. 5, 2003--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that the company's DISH Network(TM), America's fastest growing satellite subscription television service, will begin offering four channels of high-definition entertainment in a single, low-priced package Sept. 16.

Further establishing itself as the leader in high-definition initiatives, DISH Network will offer ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet and HDNet Movies in a new package for $9.99 per month or $109.89 annually, the lowest prices in the industry. DISH Network also offers high-definition channels such as CBS-HD, HBO-HD, Showtime HD, and DISH-On-Demand pay-per-view HD movies.

DISH Network's entry-level DISH 811, designed as the first affordable high-definition receiver/decoder, will be available this fall at an MSRP of only $399.

DISH Network will further strengthen a high-definition product line that currently includes the popular model 6000 with the release of the DISH Player-DVR 921, available by the end of October. The first-of-its-kind high-definition digital video recorder (DVR) will carry an MSRP of $999. It will feature a 250-gigabyte hard drive capable of recording up to 25 hours of high-definition video or up to 180 hours of standard-definition content, or some combination of both.

The state-of-the-art DISH Player-DVR 921 contains all the features of DISH Network's complete line of DVRs, plus a dual tuner that allows the user to record two different shows while viewing a third pre-recorded show. The DISH Player-DVR 921 also includes a picture-in-picture feature on any TV. No other pay TV company offers the innovative combination of HD and DVR features -- including rewind, fast-forward, pause, and 30-second skip-ahead -- as the DISH Player-DVR 921. Winner of the Best of Show in the Innovations Design and Engineering category at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the DISH Player-DVR 921 also offers:

-- DISHWire connection for future downloading and storage of content

-- Electronic program guide with computerized search function

-- Throughput of 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i resolutions

-- Slow motion and frame-by-frame replay

-- All DISH Video-On-Demand functionality.

With the DISH Player-DVR 921, DISH Network customers will enhance their enjoyment of sports programming on the new ESPN HD and HDNet and the exciting variety of movies and general entertainment on HDNet Movies and Discovery HD Theater.

For information on DISH Network and its products or services call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

Return to Index

---

Dear Readers:

The CEA reports on the sales of "DTV" products. This press release (below) is just in and offers still more evidence of the product category's strength. In an economy that many think is being cored out and grasping for life support HDTV continues up the mountain like an old cog wheel full of eager skiers. I can assure you that ten years ago there were few executives in television in the United States, Japan, or Europe who thought we would be as far along with HDTV as we are today. Still, there are some signs to note with some caution, especially the mild increase reported in the July 2002 to July 2003 increase pegged at just 8%.The year-to-year comparison is much stronger but some analysis should be given to the question of why July to July was not stronger. _Dale Cripps

Return to Index____________________________________

July Digital Television Sales Stay Hot

Unit Sales Up 56 Percent Year-to-Date

Arlington, Va., September 5, 2003 - Manufacturer-to-dealer sales of digital television (DTV) products during the month of July remained on track for a record year, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Factory shipments totaled 238,835 units with revenues of nearly $354.8 million for the month.

Unit sales for the month of July increased by eight percent compared to the same period in 2002, while dollar revenues on DTV product sales remained level.

Overall, year-to-date factory sales of DTV products now total 1,677,548 units with dollar revenues of more than $2.5 billion. Compared to sales during the same period in 2002, unit sales have increased 56 percent and dollar sales have increased 34 percent.

"This definitely bodes well for year-end estimates," said Sean Wargo, senior industry analyst for CEA. "We're already ahead of pace compared to the banner year in 2002 and are in position to see record-breaking totals for 2003 year-end figures."

CEA recently announced upwardly revised projections for DTV unit sales, which now show that 4.3 million units will be sold in 2003, 5.8 million in 2004, 8.3 million in 2005, 11.9 million in 2006 and 16.2 million in 2007.

Data cited in this release is available for purchase through CEA's Market Activity Reports and Analysis (MARA) program. Visit www.eBrain.org/mara.


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Copyright 2003

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