HDTV Daily Programming Guide: Grammy Awards, Pearl Harbor, Law & Order — February 8, 2004

7:00PM ET/6:00 C
ABC Special Presentation - Pearl Harbor

In Pearl Harbor, Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett are boyhood friends who achieve their dream of becoming pilots. Affleck meets, pursues and falls in love with a military nurse (Kate Beckinsale), but he is anxious to see action and heads to England where war is raging. He enlists in the British air force and is later reported killed in action. The efforts of his best friend and girlfriend to comfort each other's grief lead to their own romance. The feature won its Academy Award for Best Effects, Sound Effects and was nominated for three additional Oscars — Best Effects, Visual Effects; Best Music, Song; and Best Sound. Among the movie's stunning effects is a bomb's-eye view as the explosive crashes through three decks of the battleship Arizona, and gut-churning aerial sequences as Affleck and Hartnett battle Japanese Zeros in the skies above Pearl Harbor's burning Battleship Row. Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. portrays real-life Navy cook "Dorie" Miller, who won the Navy Cross for his action on December 7; Oscar winner Jon Voight portrays President Roosevelt, Alec Baldwin stars as the daring aviator "Jimmy" Doolittle, Tom Sizemore is Sgt. Earl Sistern, and William Lee Scott is Lt. Billy Thompson.

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8:00PM ET/7:00 C
The 46th Annual Grammy Awards

The greatest stars of the music world will gather on Sunday, February 8, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the recording industry's most prestigious awards ceremony. The 46th Annual Grammy® Awards will feature live performances by Christina Aguilera, Sting and Sean Paul, Martina McBride, The Black Eyed Peas and The White Stripes, as well as a first-time ever funk performance by OutKast, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire and Robert Randolph & The Family Band. In addition, Luther Vandross will be honored in a special segment by Celine Dion, Alicia Keys and Richard Marx, who will perform two of his greatest hits. Join presenters Norah Jones, John Mayer, Pharrell Williams, Sean Astin and Amber Tamblyn in celebration of the best music of the year, only on CBS!
 

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9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Law & Order: Criminal Intent

"Graansha"
The murder of a female probation officer (guest star Angela Reed) leads Detectives Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Eames (Kathryn Erbe) to suspect her boyfriend, a college anthropology professor, or his delinquent teenaged son who reported to the victim -- but their attention soon turns to the dead woman's vagabond family of Irish gypsies. The detectives connect a few dots and discover that the clannish family's lifestyle was to keep moving from one petty scam to another, a lifestyle that the probation officer vehemently opposed and intended to change for at least one relative. Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance also star.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Law & Order: Criminal Intent

"Con-text"
When two low-rent father-and-son crime figures are found slain, Detectives Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Eames (Kathryn Erbe) discover some depleted hidden accounts that lead them to another son (guest star Sean Dugan) -- who could have been easily manipulated by a shady self-improvement guru (guest star John Benjamin Hickey) to kill for the money. Even though the detectives arrest their prime suspect, they cannot make a case against the ultimate puppetmaster unless Goren can devise an elaborate ruse and beat him at his own game. Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance also star.
 

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6:00AM ET/5:00 C
Great Moments In Italian Art

"Rome: Art In The Imperial Era"
Rome is known as "the eternal city." Historically, this small city of farmers and warriors grew to be a great power and colonized a large part of the ancient world. Examine the extraordinary artwork Roman conquerors brought back as prizes.

7:00AM ET/6:00 C
Mysterious Cities Of Asia

"Beijing"
Surrounding Beijing's Imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, are complex networks of alleyways formed over 700 years ago. With the 2008 Olympic games to be held there, the area is slated for redevelopment and it's history is in jeopardy.

8:00AM ET/7:00 C
People Of The Lake

Migrating over 500 years ago from the south of what was then known as Burma, the Intha people of Myanmar spend virtually their entire existence afloat. Some 80,000 people, whose name means "Sons of the Lake," live in stilted villages along Lake Isnle.

9:00AM ET/8:00 C
Secrets Of The Southwest

Journey through a land of unending surprises, a land of dramatic highlands and badlands and ancient panoramas. We'll explore Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, mazes in the Goosenecks, dinosaur tracks in Painted Desert and Lake Powell.

10:00AM ET/9:00 C
California: Dusty Trail

The designers hit the dusty train in Travuco Canyon, California. Genevieve Gorder is in the kitchen with homeowners John and Becky and Doug Wilson takes on Ryan and Kim's master bedroom.

11:00AM ET/10:00 C
The Press Secretary

The internet and 24-hours news channels have changed the rules for the White House Press Secretary. Go behind the scenes during the last months of the Clinton presidency to examine Joe Lockhart's role in briefing the president and the media.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
We Built This City

"London"
London is a city steeped in history, from Roman settlement to medieval pleasure ground to the center of the British empire. Follow this city's progress through revolution and world war to find out how London became the world power it is today.

1:00PM ET/12:00 C
America's Thrillmakers: Walt Disney World

They're some of the most thrilling theme park attractions anywhere. Viewers can experience the sensation of blasting off into space, falling to their doom in a runaway elevator or trekking through a primeval forest with man-eating dinosaurs on their tail.

2:00PM ET/1:00 C
The Jeff Corwin Experience

"Indonesia: The Orangutan Freedom Journey"
Wild experiences with a guy who loves adventure as much as he loves wild animals. A television series with a goal...to explore the planet in search of the most fantastic wildlife and wildest adventures before they disappear.

3:00PM ET/2:00 C
Anaconda!

South African photographer and adventurer Austin Stevens is travelling to the Amazon to catch a wild anaconda in the water, and attempt to bring it to land.

4:00PM ET/3:00 C
Wright Brothers: First In Flight

Nearly a century after the Wright brothers built the first powered aircraft, a team of engineers is building a reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer. From original notes, blueprints and photos, they are uncovering the Wright brother's path to success.

6:00PM ET/5:00 C
Mysterious Cities Of Asia

"Beijing"
Surrounding Beijing's Imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, are complex networks of alleyways formed over 700 years ago. With the 2008 Olympic games to be held there, the area is slated for redevelopment and it's history is in jeopardy.

7:00PM ET/6:00 C
People Of The Lake

Migrating over 500 years ago from the south of what was then known as Burma, the Intha people of Myanmar spend virtually their entire existence afloat. Some 80,000 people, whose name means "Sons of the Lake," live in stilted villages along Lake Isnle.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
What's Coming

"February 2004"
Join host Jeff Corwin as he takes viewers on a guided tour of Discovery HD Theater's top premieres for February 2004. Featuring footage from the new and exclusive series; "Arctic Mission," with clips from "Destination," "Rides 2" and "An Inside Look."

8:30PM ET/7:30 C
An Inside Look: Aircraft Carrier

In every conflict since World War II, the Navy's aircraft carriers have been the United States' ambassador of naval might. Examine these vessels, their crews, and the incredible arsenal they carry, including the aircraft that call these flat-tops home.

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
An Inside Look: Survival Training

No Description Available.

9:30PM ET/8:30 C
Behind The Scenes: Xtreme Martial Arts

A movement called Extreme Martial Arts has added a whole new dimension of athleticism, power and speed to centuries of tradition. Now, an unprecedented team has come together to capture, analyze and understand the true science of the martial arts and bring it to life as never before, in high definition television.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Human Body, The

Discover what really happens under our skin. Take a microscopic journey through the human body to uncover life from birth
to death.

11:00PM ET/10:00 C
What's Coming

"February 2004"
Join host Jeff Corwin as he takes viewers on a guided tour of Discovery HD Theater's top premieres for February 2004. Featuring footage from the new and exclusive series; "Arctic Mission," with clips from "Destination," "Rides 2" and "An Inside Look."

11:30PM ET/10:30 C
An Inside Look: Aircraft Carrier

In every conflict since World War II, the Navy's aircraft carriers have been the United States' ambassador of naval might. Examine these vessels, their crews, and the incredible arsenal they carry, including the aircraft that call these flat-tops home.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
An Inside Look: Survival Training

No Description Available.

12:30AM ET/11:30 C
Behind The Scenes: Xtreme Martial Arts

A movement called Extreme Martial Arts has added a whole new dimension of athleticism, power and speed to centuries of tradition. Now, an unprecedented team has come together to capture, analyze and understand the true science of the martial arts and bring it to life as never before, in high definition television.

1:00AM ET/12:00 C
Human Body, The

Discover what really happens under our skin. Take a microscopic journey through the human body to uncover life from birth
to death.

2:00AM ET/1:00 C
The Jeff Corwin Experience

"Urban Show"
Jeff goes urban to find the wildlife living in every backyard. From a Brooklyn boa constrictor to a pool-loving Miami alligator and rattlesnakes in the heart of Los Angeles, Jeff encounters some amazing creatures in America's urban jungles.

3:00AM ET/2:00 C
What's Coming

"February 2004"
Join host Jeff Corwin as he takes viewers on a guided tour of Discovery HD Theater's top premieres for February 2004. Featuring footage from the new and exclusive series; "Arctic Mission," with clips from "Destination," "Rides 2" and "An Inside Look."

3:30AM ET/2:30 C
An Inside Look: Aircraft Carrier

In every conflict since World War II, the Navy's aircraft carriers have been the United States' ambassador of naval might. Examine these vessels, their crews, and the incredible arsenal they carry, including the aircraft that call these flat-tops home.

4:00AM ET/3:00 C
An Inside Look: Survival Training

No Description Available.

4:30AM ET/3:30 C
Behind The Scenes: Xtreme Martial Arts

A movement called Extreme Martial Arts has added a whole new dimension of athleticism, power and speed to centuries of tradition. Now, an unprecedented team has come together to capture, analyze and understand the true science of the martial arts and bring it to life as never before, in high definition television.

5:00AM ET/4:00 C
The Human Body
Discover what really happens under our skin. Take a microscopic journey through the human body to uncover life from birth to death.
 

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6:00AM ET/5:00 C
HDNet This Month

February 2004 - Take a look at HDNet's weekly schedule with segments from the HDNet World Report, Across America, the NHL on HDNet, a new season of An American In Canada, the premiere of Odyssey 5, and exclusive high definition concerts from chart topping artists. HDNet This Month also gives you a sneak peak at the films you can see this month on HDNet Movies. HDNet is television like you've never seen before.

7:00AM ET/6:00 C
Aranea

A dance drama derived from the spider legend; the original score was created with parts written for traditional Japanese instruments in the orchestration; with state-of-the-art visual effects technique, creating an other-worldly imagery.

7:30AM ET/6:30 C
Drawing A-Bomb Memories

Only a handful of photographs from ground level remain to chronicle the after-effects of the nuclear bomb attack on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. But, thanks to a new project, drawings and paintings are being systematically cataloged under the title of "Pictures of the A-Bomb," and will be available throughout the world through an electronic database of unprecedented importance.

8:30AM ET/7:30 C
2004 CES Insiders

Heavyweights of the cable, satellite and high-definition (HD) content worlds convened to share their thoughts on HDTV content and delivery during the Industry Insider Series roundtable discussion from CES 2004.

9:30AM ET/8:30 C
Drive Like Hell

Join four teams as they prepare to compete in the world's most grueling off-road race, the Baja 1000.

11:00AM ET/10:00 C
White Hot Winter

Okanagan (Big White, Apex) - The Okanagan valley in the interior of BC offers some of the best winter conditions around. Sun Peaks, Big White, Silver Star, Apex: each ski resort offers something different. For something different, we meet an old-time ski bum at Apex resort, a resort that's possibly one of the best kept secrets of the Okanagan.

11:30AM ET/10:30 C
Bass Champs

Lake Texoma Super Open - The Battle between Texas and Oklahoma! Who has the better anglers!

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
Weekend Explorer Premiere

Windermere, Britain - Visit the birthplace of Peter Rabbit and the other Betrix Potter characters in this most English of countrysides. Sail on beautiful Lake Windamere, work with endangered birds at the World Owl Trust, hike the dales with the bizarre looking Highland Cattle, learn about the devilish tricks of the real Tom Fool at Muncaster castle, and meet the "World's Biggest Liar" in beautiful Eskdale National Park.

12:30PM ET/11:30 C
Designing America

Cinemark Movie Theatre - The owners of Cinemark Movie Theatres takes us on tour of their home. And you won't believe their media room! In "How Do You Do" we talk tool talk and a Lagniappe that's all about the bath. "The Finishing Touch" focuses on faux painting by artist Mary Mohr.

1:00PM ET/12:00 C
Johnathan Brownlee's atHome Premiere

Boarder Dude - Insulation, fireplaces, the first phase of the Macauley/Clark House restorations begin, and financing options.

1:30PM ET/12:30 C
HDNet This Month

February 2004 - Take a look at HDNet's weekly schedule with segments from the HDNet World Report, Across America, the NHL on HDNet, a new season of An American In Canada, the premiere of Odyssey 5, and exclusive high definition concerts from chart topping artists. HDNet This Month also gives you a sneak peak at the films you can see this month on HDNet Movies. HDNet is television like you've never seen before.

2:30PM ET/1:30 C
College Basketball

Washington State @ USC

5:00PM ET/4:00 C
Across America

New Yorkers show Across America why the tango is the dance of passion. And, in Colorado, ice climbers dangle from spectacular frozen cliffs.

5:30PM ET/4:30 C
An American In Canada

A Kiss is Just A Kiss - Judy pressures Jake to re-sign his contract while Jake secretly awaits a job offer from Dateline. Dennis prepares for his 'humanitarian mission' to Cuba by buying a fridge for his foster chick.

6:00PM ET/5:00 C
Designing America

Cinemark Movie Theatre - The owners of Cinemark Movie Theatres takes us on tour of their home. And you won't believe their media room! In "How Do You Do" we talk tool talk and a Lagniappe that's all about the bath. "The Finishing Touch" focuses on faux painting by artist Mary Mohr.

6:30PM ET/5:30 C
Hollywood HD

"Miracle" Hockey Event with the 1980 US Hockey team and the stars who portray them in the movie. Chef to the stars Wolfgang Puck shares his menu for the Academy Awards. Plus, Oscar winner Michael Caine signs a three-picture deal for the new Batman.

7:00PM ET/6:00 C
Forensic Factor

Murder Weapons - The killer shoots his business partner in the chest, an act of murder that he's been planning for weeks. He places another gun in his victim's hand, and calmly call the police. He'll explain that they had a violent altercation about money- weapons were drawn. It was self-defense. But new forensic tools will reveal the truth.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
HDNet World Report Premiere

Key West: Fighting Fair Over Fowl - HDNet World Report travels to Key West, Florida for a conflict between long-time residents and new arrivals. It's status quo versus nouveau, with a free ranging chicken at the center of the struggle.

8:30PM ET/7:30 C
True Music Premiere

Join True Music host Katie Daryl as she catches up with the band Phantom Planet. Currently Phantom Planet is enjoying commercial success because their song "California" is used as the theme for the Fox show, The OC. Also joining True Music this week is 'ally Majestic and Maverick/Reprise recording artists The Rising.

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Barry Manilow in Concert

Barry writes the songs the whole world sings. But on this special concert, he's singing them just for you. All in spectacular High Definition.

11:00PM ET/10:00 C
HDNet World Report

Key West: Fighting Fair Over Fowl - HDNet World Report travels to Key West, Florida for a conflict between long-time residents and new arrivals. It's status quo versus nouveau, with a free ranging chicken at the center of the struggle.

11:30PM ET/10:30 C
True Music

Join True Music host Katie Daryl as she catches up with the band Phantom Planet. Currently Phantom Planet is enjoying commercial success because their song "California" is used as the theme for the Fox show, The OC. Also joining True Music this week is 'ally Majestic and Maverick/Reprise recording artists The Rising.

12:00AM ET/11:00 C
Barry Manilow in Concert

Barry writes the songs the whole world sings. But on this special concert, he's singing them just for you. All in spectacular High Definition.

2:00AM ET/1:00 C
Bikini Destinations

Palm Springs - Bikini Destinations descends upon the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Our models find adventure from dusk till dawn at the celebrities' pick of premier retreats.

2:30AM ET/1:30 C
World Extreme Cagefighting: Cold Blooded

World Extreme Cagefighting from The Palace, in Lemoore, CA. Watch as fierce competitors battle it out in the cage! Hosted by Ryan Bennett, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Jeff Blatnick and Ron Kruck. Featuring: Deshaun Johnson vs. Yves Edward, John Polakowski vs. Olaf Alfonzo, and Joe Riggs vs. Alex Stiebling

4:00AM ET/3:00 C
The Hitman's Handbook

Five hit men must compete for the largest contract of their lives. As a condition of the contract, they have to do a taped interview.

4:30AM ET/3:30 C
Forensic Factor

Murder Weapons - The killer shoots his business partner in the chest, an act of murder that he's been planning for weeks. He places another gun in his victim's hand, and calmly call the police. He'll explain that they had a violent altercation about money- weapons were drawn. It was self-defense. But new forensic tools will reveal the truth.

5:30AM ET/4:30 C
A Caribbean Workout 2003

In the Oceanside Barclay Park, Barbados features Urban Rebound Circuit.
 

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Taken from the files of Dale Cripps, publisher, HDTV Magazine

A Historical Perspective, Part I
by
Dale Cripps

I am going to present some of the long and arduous history of the HDTV movement for two reasons. The first is to introduce you to the monumental international task that it has been and continues to be and to give you insight into the great strengths of HDTV. It is that strength which endures through all attempts at destroy it. The people who were and are responsible for it getting to your home and mine met wth and overcame every adversity they encountered along the way. There were many. These are worthy people deserving honor and recognition. HDTV Magazine announces with great excitement and enthusiasm the formation of the HDTV Magazine Hall Of Fame. There will be people inducted into this Hall that will continue to ring out in history for hundreds of years, not just for technical prowess and inventiveness, but for their courage and unswerving devotion to bringing to birth something we all agree is a very good thing for everyone. Had it failed, every one of the people I am referring to would have had an fatal tarnish overlaid on their careers. All knew the stakes. Still they did what they had to do to get us to this point. The reason I know HDTV is the tool of leaders is because real leaders led it. It is more than about television.

This piece you will find below appeared in Widescreen Review in in 1996. I have updated it a some.

 Part 3

The manufacturers of television believed fervently that over-the-air broadcasters were the essential players for a commercial success for the digital television transition. If broadcasting failed to make the transition, TV sets would remain analog devices. Cable (as does DBS) would continue to supply set top digital boxes with an analog output. Low cost TVs could be made indefinitely to hook up to those boxes. Broadcast signals reach more homes then do telephones and the influence which that vast estate has on the set makers is substantial. If broadcasting would go digital the sets will quickly follow. Overcoming the market strength of analog NTSC was never a trivial matter, even to this day. As the threat endangering its longevity  increased those thriving on it slapped the new baby down. Those who play in the land of big influences and power know exactly how to manipulate a national situation and for themselves to come out looking like a saint. 

 From a manufacturer's perspective Broadcasting had to get in the game before manufacturers would make a full commercial commitment to digital television.

To Auction Or Not To Auction?

There was a $50 to $100 billion bill on the table! At least that is what some in Congress said was the value of the digital spectrum that had to be alocated for digital broadcasting. Now instead of just granting that spectrum to broadcasters if it could be auctioned...well that is a lot of money even to Washington's stndards. The idea got everyone's attention. As it was originally written the telecommunications bill of 1995 had no provision for an auction and broadcasters were being granted free-of-charge use of the new channels. These new channels had all been harvested out of the taboo channels (those are the channels that had nothing carried on them and were used as buffers between other stations). The Telecommunications Bill was held hostage for some time by then Senate Majority leader Bob Dole (R-K). Insiders in the Senate said the auction issue was DoleÂ’s idea and chief point of negotiation with President Clinton in their fight over a balanced budget agreement. Senator Larry Pressler had yielded earlier to pressure from the press and the Hill (and MicrosoftÂ’s Bill Gates) who wanted the government to auction the new spectrum to help balance the budget (they said so patriotically). The broadcasters carefully maneuvered Congress out of that hope only to fall back in the pit when Senator Dole said on January 2^nd  of 1996  that he didnÂ’t approve of a spectrum “give-away”. Minority groups were also highly disgruntled about the spectrum being granted at no cost saying the assignments should have special provisions for them (the minorities).  Keep in mind that the idea of having to pay for the new spectrum on top of the material bill for the new hardware was horrendously expensive and threatened the entire base of broadcasting in the US. But for some time this idea was knocked about by Dole and supported by heavy influence peddlers like the New York Time's William Saffire. These were truly scary times for HDTV

Others in Congress and industry began to say that if broadcasters want to use the channel for anything other than HDTV they should not get the full 6 MHz, channel but rather just enough to transition their current analog services to digitl. That would be around 2 MHz (this very likely would require new testing, delay things still further, and foreclose on any HDTV in the future for broadcasting).

Cable was very nervous about the use of the channel too. They wanted to ward off any “must carry” that might have 4 programs per “station” if broadcasters had omplete flexibility. Cable also reacted to the threat posed by having four or five stations in a major market each multicasting and together having 16 to 20 ghost free programs for the community. According to focus groups that could be enough to shift customers back to over-the-air services and drop their “hated” cable companies. Cable, fearing the broadcasting could get th upper hand through multicasting suddenly got religious and said that broadcasters must be mandated by government decree to use the new digital channel for what they had bargained for originallyl—HDTV, period!

Auction Nightmare—Some Considerations

The biggest issue for our nationÂ’s lawmakers was money, not usage of the channel. Finding money from spectrum had become a trophy sport in Washington. The numbers were large enough to get the big tacticians involved. Nothing is sure or safe at that point. But consider the impact upon broadcasters from an auction. An auction could see the broadcasters losing their franchises. Someone better financed companies could buy LA, New York, Chicago, and on and on.  Unlike the original FCC plan, where spectrum would be granted freely and exclusively to broadcasters of record, an auction would open the bidding to anyone. The television business might well have been run by a brand new cast of wealthy characters doing with the spectrum they paid for whatever they wanted.. Richard Wiley, a former Chairman of the FCC himself and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Services, said that an auction of spectrum would spell the end for HDTV. 

Broadcasters Appeared in the late 90s To Be Cozying Up To HDTV, But... The Reasons were Very Murky

In a strategy to ward off this auction fever 96 broadcasters told the FCC they could accept the idea of a forced or mandated use of the spectrum for HDTV, just like the original plan called for back in 1986. We must remember that historically broadcasters have said anything that comes to mind which is a politically expediency. They have consistently done this over their 75 year history. Embarrassment from changing positions in mid-sentence is as quickly forgotten as yesterdayÂ’s news. The view from within large broadcasters has been that the market is the final arbiter anyway, so they should say in this case what ever is required to get them free spectrum, and then do follow the marketplace. This posturing from broadcasters prompted Dick Wiley to say that in his seven years as ACATS chairman he had never seen more interest in HDTV than then.  He only expected to see it build from there, he said.

Several broadcasters said candidly that it was in their best interest to be mandated into HDTV. A mandate would insure that a true HDTV business did get a full head of steam rather than a fizzle caused by a bunch of nay-sayers acting independently to sidestep the cost by confusing the public and in so doing destroy the market.  They could point to how HDTV failed to produce any excitement. That would leave them free to do what ever they wanted with the spectrum. Since the manufacturers would not make a major commitment behind cable or satellite, trusting neither to convince the market that HDTV was for real, and they could go home and back to business as usual. Business as usual is one of the most profitable in the United States Today. Broadcasting has always made a very high return on capital at risk. No real need to rock that boat. That was the way a lot of them saw it then, and according to my sources still feel that way.

The history of broadcasting and its relationship with FCC is colorful. The FCC is a benevolent dictator. Since the unruly 20s broadcasters have believed that they fared best when under a perfectly clear unambiguous FCC mandate.  From self interest alone they appreciated the spectrum management performed by the FCC and certainly appreciated the anchoring of the standards they needed to make broadcasting work. With this deference broadcasters have typically yielded without great contest to the dictates of the FCC. They were expected to do so again should a mandated use of the spectrum for HDTV occur. It did not occur and many wish it had.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) weighed lighter on their response to the NOI about mandating use. They timidly endorsed the idea of three hours a day for HDTV programming but said it should be only on a voluntary basis. The NAB, of course, has a truly diverse membership to represent—about 1000 stations at the time. Some of them were very small and would wither and die under a mandate. They do not have the political sophistication of the larger stations in that group of 96 that I mentioned above who were in favor of mandates. A major network that is valued in the billions of dollars has always been able to afford to equip for HDTV, even if they never used it. If that was the final requirement needed to sidestep a more costly spectrum auction they would live with it. But paying between $50 to $100 billion collectively for the digital spectrum could topple them. Networks own their own stations in major markets. The bulk of those billions come from those stations. To pay huge spectrum fees on top of the transitioning cost to digital—a business still not a business then—was a threat to the networks survival. It could be fatal to the independents. Until the last vote was cast and last word spoken on the subject at the FCC, broadcasters continue to derail the idea of an auction. They gladly would take on some usage rules as a trade off. B ut that too never happened. There were some heated remarks from Senator John McCain when it looked like broadcasters we stepping back from HDTV into multicasting. Without a formal mandate broadcasters decided to see what the market would do. CBS, all due to Joe Flaherty, was the leading candidate to do HDTV. The manufacturers got together and decided to focus the available promotional money on CBS anda get that one network started with enough programming to shame the rest into play. That strategy worked as you note, even with old hold out Fox. -To be continued...

 

7:00AM ET/6:00 C
Songwriter

R - 1:34
Cast: Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Melinda Dillon Director: Alan Rudolph
Two country singers rock their way out of a bad deal.

8:35AM ET/7:35 C
Bloodhounds Of Broadway

PG - 1:27
Cast: Madonna, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Grey Director: Howard Brookner
Set in the 1920's, the film follows the parties and adventures of the flashy characters of that time.

10:05AM ET/9:05 C
City Slickers 2: The Legend Of Curly's Gold

PG-13 - 1:56
Cast: Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby Director: Ron Underwood
Three friends return to the wild west after discovering Curly's treasure map, and begin a new adventure.

12:05PM ET/11:05 C
We're No Angels

PG-13 - 1:46
Cast: Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Demi Moore Director: Neil Jordan
Two criminals on the run from the law hide out as priests.

2:00PM ET/1:00 C
Bronco Billy

PG - 1:59
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis Director: Clint Eastwood
Bronco Billy's Wild West Show is in financial trouble. When a new performer joins the group, she brings even more bad luck upon the show.

4:00PM ET/3:00 C
Power

R - 1:51
Cast: Richard Gere, Juli Christie, Gene Hackman Director: Sidney Lumet
A political media consultant investigates the mystery surrounding his new client who is running for Senator.

6:00PM ET/5:00 C
Some Mother's Son

R - 1:52
Cast: Helen Mirren, Fionnula Flanagan, Aidan Gillen Director: Terry George
True story about the mother of an IRA prisoner getting involved in protests regarding the treatment of prisoners.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
Countdown

NR - 1:41
Cast: James Caan, Joanna Moore, Robert Duvall Director: Robert Altman
As the race for the moon reaches its climax, an astronaut must survive in space while his family watches from Earth.

9:45PM ET/8:45 C
Man In The Wilderness

PG - 1:45
Cast: Richard Harris, John Huston, Prunella Ransome Director: Richard C. Sarafian
A group of men leave their guide to die after a bear attack. When he recovers, he goes out for revenge.

11:35PM ET/10:35 C
Countdown

NR - 1:41
Cast: James Caan, Joanna Moore, Robert Duvall Director: Robert Altman
As the race for the moon reaches its climax, an astronaut must survive in space while his family watches from Earth.

1:15AM ET/12:15 C
Man In The Wilderness

PG - 1:45
Cast: Richard Harris, John Huston, Prunella Ransome Director: Richard C. Sarafian
A group of men leave their guide to die after a bear attack. When he recovers, he goes out for revenge.

3:05AM ET/2:05 C
Power

R - 1:51
Cast: Richard Gere, Juli Christie, Gene Hackman Director: Sidney Lumet
A political media consultant investigates the mystery surrounding his new client who is running for Senator.

5:00AM ET/4:00 C
Bloodhounds Of Broadway

PG - 1:27
Cast: Madonna, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Grey Director: Howard Brookner
Set in the 1920's, the film follows the parties and adventures of the flashy characters of that time.
 

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6:20AM ET/5:20 C
Gods And Generals

PG13 Time: 218  
Jeff Daniels, Robert Duvall and Stephen Lang star as three officers in this historical drama bringing life to three poignant battles from the early years of the Civil War. Duvall stars as Gen. Robert E. Lee who, with Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson (Lang), leads the South into battle against the Union forces during the early 1860s. The first battle of Bull Run is depicted in detail and followed by equally thorough accounts of the battle of Fredericksburg, and the battle of Chancellorsville. Jeff Daniels co-stars as Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain who fights for the North and the abolition of slavery. Based on the book by Jeff Shaara. With Mira Sorvino, Kevin Conway, C. Thomas Howell and Frankie Faison. Written and directed by Ronald F. Maxwell.

10:00AM ET/9:00 C
The Phantom

PG Time: 100  
When an evil industrialist launches his plans for world domination, only one man stands in his way: The Phantom! Emerging from his lair on the remote jungle island of Bengalla, the mysterious, purple-suited comic-book hero must stop wealthy Xander Drax from bringing together the three fabled Skulls of Touganda, an act which will give him unimaginable power! Billy Zane plays The Phantom in this fast and fun adventure movie; Kristy Swanson is a beautiful damsel in distress.

11:40AM ET/10:40 C
Mr. Deeds

PG13 Time: 96  
Longfellow Deeds is a man who enjoys the simple small-town life, but when a company worth $40 billion dollars falls into his lap, it's time to hit the big city! Adam Sandler stars as Deeds in this uproarious comedy remake of Frank Capra's endearing 1936 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. When an elderly relative drops dead atop Mount Everest, his monstrous media company is turned over to Deeds. Once in the big city, nice-guy Deeds must use his small-town values--and some old-school physical intimidation--to keep the company together and save thousands of jobs despite being undermined by a greedy corporate executive and a devious reporter. Peter Gallagher co-stars. Directed by Steven Brill.

1:20PM ET/12:20 C
The Blob

R Time: 95  
This fast and fun 1988 remake of the sci-fi classic is oozing with high-tech horror! The slimeball from space is busy sucking up the inhabitants of a small town--until teen rebel Kevin Dillon gets on its case!

3:00PM ET/2:00 C
Blow Out

R Time: 107  
Trying to record the perfect scream, a sound-effects man becomes entangled in a real murder. John Travolta stars as the gutsy filmmaker trying to unravel a puzzling political cover-up. Nancy Allen plays a salesgirl and part-time hooker who knows too much. Written and directed by Brian DePalma.

4:50PM ET/3:50 C
Double Team

R Time: 92  
Belgium's muscleman Jean-Claude Van Damme and basketball's bad boy Dennis Rodman are double dynamite in this "action-packed, often campy and colorful amusement park of a movie" (Variety). The thrills begin when super agent Van Damme teams up with outrageous high-tech arms dealer Rodman to take out a ruthless terrorist. This slambang, chase-filled film bristles with all the energy and flash of the best Hong Kong action movies. With Mickey Rourke.

6:30PM ET/5:30 C
Old School

TVMA Time: 91  
Animal House producer Ivan Reitman skewers the frat house life again in this raucous comedy about a trio of aging grads whose longing for the good times of the college party life prompts them to start their own fraternity. Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn star as the wild-and-crazy threesome who join their screwball recruits in boozing, streaking and various other methods of debauchery--while eliciting the wrath of the school's ornery dean. Jeremy Piven (PCU), Ellen Pompeo (Moonlight Mile) and Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers) co-star. Directed by Todd Phillips (Road Trip), story by Court Crandall and Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong, screenplay by Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
Mission: Impossible

PG13 Time: 110  
Your mission-should you choose to accept it-is to go along with Tom Cruise on "the wildest movie ride of the year" (New York Times). He plays super-agent Ethan Hunt, accused of betraying his agency and selling top-secret information to the highest bidder. Racing from one tight spot to another, he fights to prove his innocence...and to uncover the "mole" who threatens the C.I.A.'s efforts in Eastern Europe.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Mr. Deeds

PG13 Time: 96  
Longfellow Deeds is a man who enjoys the simple small-town life, but when a company worth $40 billion dollars falls into his lap, it's time to hit the big city! Adam Sandler stars as Deeds in this uproarious comedy remake of Frank Capra's endearing 1936 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. When an elderly relative drops dead atop Mount Everest, his monstrous media company is turned over to Deeds. Once in the big city, nice-guy Deeds must use his small-town values--and some old-school physical intimidation--to keep the company together and save thousands of jobs despite being undermined by a greedy corporate executive and a devious reporter. Peter Gallagher co-stars. Directed by Steven Brill.

11:35PM ET/10:35 C
Nightcap 06: Double Image

TVMA Time: 28  
A woman's old flame comes around to reignite their passion...but other sexy women get in his way! With Tane McClure, Kim Yates, Nikki Fritz and Nicholas Yff.

12:05AM ET/11:05 C
May

R Time: 93  
An unhinged social misfit resorts to murderous measures in her effort to create the perfect friend in this psychological thriller. Angela Bettis stars as the lonely, but malevolent outcast who is led down a bloody path that would make Dr. Frankenstein proud. Also with Jeremy Sisto, Anna Faris and James Duval. Directed by Lucky McKee.

1:40AM ET/12:40 C
Married People, Single Sex: The Return

TVMA Time: 96  
Three married couples search for ways to deal with the various problems that arise in their relationships in this intimate erotic tale. Beverly Lynne, Eric Hackett, Dawn Arellano, Jonathan van Erik and Michael Brando star. Directed by Chanda Fuller.

3:15AM ET/2:15 C
Old School

TVMA Time: 91  
Animal House producer Ivan Reitman skewers the frat house life again in this raucous comedy about a trio of aging grads whose longing for the good times of the college party life prompts them to start their own fraternity. Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn star as the wild-and-crazy threesome who join their screwball recruits in boozing, streaking and various other methods of debauchery--while eliciting the wrath of the school's ornery dean. Jeremy Piven (PCU), Ellen Pompeo (Moonlight Mile) and Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers) co-star. Directed by Todd Phillips (Road Trip), story by Court Crandall and Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong, screenplay by Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong.

4:50AM ET/3:50 C
Poodle Springs

TVMA Time: 99  
Legendary private eye Philip Marlowe is at his hard-boiled best as he faces his deadliest case. Past his prime, but cynical as ever, Marlowe moves with his bride to a desert town, which turns out to be an oasis of dark intrigue. Unearthing a sinister land scheme, he is plunged into a seething web of homicide, duplicity and greed. This is film noir at its best: tough, twisty and dangerous.
 

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6:35AM ET/5:35 C
Clubhouse Detectives In Big Trouble

TVPG Time: 82  
The four young detectives must find the treasure hidden in Red Rock Canyon in order to rebuild their beloved clubhouse. When a strange boy makes an impressive offer to buy an old violin during the gang's garage sale, the detectives decide to take a closer look at its value. A treasure map hidden inside the violin case leads the gang to Red Rock Canyon, but they have greedy people on their tail who might cause them big trouble. With Jonathan Cronin, Brittany Armstrong, Michael Glauser, Cameron Mainwaring and Brian Patterson.

9:00AM ET/8:00 C
The Tuxedo

PG13 Time: 98  
Jackie Chan takes dressing for success to a comical new level in this action-comedy about a hapless cab driver who dons a high-tech tuxedo that transforms its wearer into a martial arts master. Jimmy Tong (Chan) is the easy-going cabbie whose job chauffeuring a wealthy secret agent takes a hilarious turn when the man is injured and Jimmy is forced to put on the battle-ready threads in an effort to stop an arch-villain with plans to control the world's water supply. Jennifer Love Hewitt co-stars as a sexy, straight-laced scientist who thinks Jimmy is the real secret agent. Also with Jason Isaacs, Debi Mazar and Peter Stormare. Directed by Kevin Donovan.

10:45AM ET/9:45 C
Shelter Dogs:America Undercover

TV14 Time: 73  
Every year, more than five million dogs are brought to U.S. animal shelters; many of them never find homes. For two years, filmmaker Cynthia Wade was given unprecedented access to Rondout Valley Kennels and its controversial owner Sue Sternberg. The result is this thought-provoking film about ethics and choices in a morally ambiguous world as Sternberg and her staff delight in finding homes for some canines--while considering euthanasia for "unadoptable" dogs that pose a threat.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
Wild America

PG Time: 106  
There's as much excitement off-camera as on when three rowdy brothers hit the road to document America's endangered wildlife. Jamey Sheridan (The Ice Storm) and Frances Fisher (Titanic) co-star in this fact-based drama.

1:45PM ET/12:45 C
Half Past Dead

PG13 Time: 98  
A botched police operation left him dead for 22 minutes. But for FBI agent Sascha Petrosevitch, his latest predicament is even more deadly! Steven Seagal stars as the tough-as-nails agent who goes undercover in the refurbished prison at Alcatraz. As authorities prepare to execute a top criminal at the prison, heavily armed paratroopers storm the building to save the man--and get valuable information out of him. What the bad guys don't count on is that Sascha a is one-man wrecking crew who will stop at nothing to take them down! Morris Chestnut, Ja Rule, Nia Peeples and Tony Plana co-star in this intense action film. Written and directed by Don Michael Paul.

3:30PM ET/2:30 C
Three Men And A Little Lady

PG Time: 103  
Hapless bachelors Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg leave the diapers behind in this fun-filled sequel to Three Men and a Baby that finds the trio trying to stop now-five-year-old Mary's mother from marrying a devious cad. Nancy Travis co-stars. Directed by Emile Ardolino.

5:30PM ET/4:30 C
The Tuxedo

PG13 Time: 98  
Jackie Chan takes dressing for success to a comical new level in this action-comedy about a hapless cab driver who dons a high-tech tuxedo that transforms its wearer into a martial arts master. Jimmy Tong (Chan) is the easy-going cabbie whose job chauffeuring a wealthy secret agent takes a hilarious turn when the man is injured and Jimmy is forced to put on the battle-ready threads in an effort to stop an arch-villain with plans to control the world's water supply. Jennifer Love Hewitt co-stars as a sexy, straight-laced scientist who thinks Jimmy is the real secret agent. Also with Jason Isaacs, Debi Mazar and Peter Stormare. Directed by Kevin Donovan.

7:10PM ET/6:10 C
My House In Umbria

TVPG Time: 102  
They were strangers on a train...until tragedy turned them into a family. This stirring portrait of the healing powers of friendship, nature and time stars Dame Maggie Smith as Emily Delahunty, an English novelist who is one of only four survivors of a mysterious train explosion on a trip to Milan. With the survivors being detained by investigators, Emily offers her home in Umbria to her three fellow survivors: a retired English general, a young German photographer and a little girl who was orphaned by the blast. Surrounded by the lush scenery of their locale, the four form an unexpected bond--until the arrival of the girl's overly staid uncle and an Italian investigator who offers some unsettling possibilities regarding the explosion's origin. With Ronnie Barker, Chris Cooper, Benno Furmann, Giancarlo Giannini, Timothy Spall and Emmy Clarke. Directed by Richard Loncraine (HBO's The Gathering Storm).

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Sex And The City 92: Splat

TVMA Time: 29  
An all-new episode from the final season of HBO's Emmy(R)-winning comedy series starring Sarah Jessica Parker.

9:30PM ET/8:30 C
Curb Your Enthusiasm 36: The Car Pool Lane

TVMA Time: 29  
Larry finds an innovative way to use the HOV lane to get to a Dodgers game. Later, he pays a price for getting medicinal marijuana for his dad.

10:05PM ET/9:05 C
Half Past Dead

PG13 Time: 98  
A botched police operation left him dead for 22 minutes. But for FBI agent Sascha Petrosevitch, his latest predicament is even more deadly! Steven Seagal stars as the tough-as-nails agent who goes undercover in the refurbished prison at Alcatraz. As authorities prepare to execute a top criminal at the prison, heavily armed paratroopers storm the building to save the man--and get valuable information out of him. What the bad guys don't count on is that Sascha a is one-man wrecking crew who will stop at nothing to take them down! Morris Chestnut, Ja Rule, Nia Peeples and Tony Plana co-star in this intense action film. Written and directed by Don Michael Paul.

12:40AM ET/11:40 C
Super Troopers

R Time: 100  
You have the right to remain laughing when you watch this outrageous comedy about a pack of screwball state troopers in a remote small town. Spurbury, Vermont isn't exactly a mecca of criminal activity, but when a dead body turns up, the "staties" go all out to break the case and save their jobs while competing with local cops. The result is a film that is guilty of being hilarious in the first degree! The cast is part of the comedy troupe Broken Lizard and features director/star Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Sot

2:20AM ET/1:20 C
Wishcraft

R Time: 102  
Three wishes lead to lots of corpses in this teen slasher flick. High-school nerd Brett receives a very unusual totem in the mail, offering him the chance to fulfill three wishes. But just as Brett's dreams of romance with the class beauty start to come true, his other classmates start dropping like flies! With Michael Weston, Alexandra Holden, Austin Pendleton.

4:05AM ET/3:05 C
Tin Cup

R Time: 134  
"Bright, stylish... flirty, funny" says the N.Y. Times about this winning comedy. Kevin Costner is terrific as Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy, a down-and-out golf pro who falls for a smart-and-pretty shrink. Unfortunately she's involved with another pro (Don Johnson), who's as rich as Tin Cup is poor. What's a loser to do? Go for a win...big time! And wait until you see Cheech Marin as a wise old caddy.
 

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7:45AM ET/6:45 C
The Hours

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG13 1h 55m
Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman stars in this meditative drama as famed author Virginia Woolf, who is beginning work on her literary masterpiece "Mrs. Dalloway" even as she battles a crippling depression - and as a pair of similarly desperate women (Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep) in other eras deal with crises of their own by reading Woolf's seminal work. Ed Harris, Jeff Daniels and John C. Reilly costar in this acclaimed adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, directed by Stephen Daldry ("Billy Elliott").

11:15AM ET/10:15 C
Black Filmmaker Showcase: Land Of The Free

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Stereo / CCAP
TV14 - VL 29m
In this film from last year's grant winner Edford Banuel, in the aftermath of 9/11, an Arab-American man finds himself the victim of a hate crime which leads to murder. His only hope is an attorney who has limited time and evidence to build a case.

11:45AM ET/10:45 C
Just Another Story

WIDESCREEN OAR UPCONV
Surround / CCAP
R 1h 15m
Hip hop artist GQ ("Drumline") writes, directs and stars in this unconventional musical about an aspiring rapper named Stix who must choose between the fun, partying lifestyle enjoyed by his crew of friends and the extreme sacrifices that may be required for him to succeed in the recording industry. Mylika Davis, Jaclyn Desantis, Nate Mooney, Omar Scroggins and Fay Wolf costar.

1:00PM ET/12:00 C
What's Cooking?

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Stereo / CCAP
PG13 1h 50m
Gurinder Chadha ("Bhaji on the Beach," "Bend It Like Beckham") wrote and directed this multicultural ensemble drama that examines the crises unfolding in four ethnically diverse households, while sumptuous feasts are prepared for the Thanksgiving holiday. Dennis Haysbert, Alfre Woodard, Douglas Spain, Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Julianna Margulies and Joan Chen star.

4:35PM ET/3:35 C
The Hours

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG13 1h 55m
Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman stars in this meditative drama as famed author Virginia Woolf, who is beginning work on her literary masterpiece "Mrs. Dalloway" even as she battles a crippling depression - and as a pair of similarly desperate women (Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep) in other eras deal with crises of their own by reading Woolf's seminal work. Ed Harris, Jeff Daniels and John C. Reilly costar in this acclaimed adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, directed by Stephen Daldry ("Billy Elliott").

6:45PM ET/5:45 C
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams

WIDESCREEN OAR UPCONV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG 1h 40m
Super-spy siblings Carmen and Juni (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) are back to rid the world of another villainous menace in this sci-fi action sequel from writer/director Robert Rodriguez ("El Mariachi"). This time, the Cortez kids - now official government agents - are assigned to find and stop the nefarious energy-sapping plans of Romero (Steve Buscemi), a mad scientist whose tropical island lair is populated with mutant experiments-gone-awry. Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Ricardo Montalban and Holland Taylor costar.

8:30PM ET/7:30 C
The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG 1h 30m
TV's hyperactive Aussie naturalist Steve Irwin stars as himself in this good-natured family adventure that finds the fearless critter wrangler trying to protect an endangered croc - one that has swallowed a top-secret satellite beacon that's being sought by the CIA. Believing the agents to be poachers, Irwin and his wife Terri try to evade their pursuers while getting the scaly reptile to safety in the Outback, adopting a baby kangaroo, and dodging poisonous spiders and snakes in the process. Crikey!

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Lies, Lies, Lies

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
TVMA - SLD 51m
Bette greets Tina's pregnancy with apparent delight despite problems at work; Jenny's affair with Marina threatens her relationship with Tim; Dana's paranoia about the possibility of being out continues; the problems of Alice's mother escalate.

12:00AM ET/11:00 C
Threesome

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Stereo / CCAP
R 1h 34m
A computer error assigns college students Alex (Lara Flynn Boyle), Stuart (Stephen Baldwin) and Eddy (Josh Charles) to the same dorm room, resulting in an unusual triangle of love, friendship and sex. Alexis Arquette and Martha Gehman costar in this witty adult comedy.

5:30AM ET/4:30 C
The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG 1h 30m
TV's hyperactive Aussie naturalist Steve Irwin stars as himself in this good-natured family adventure that finds the fearless critter wrangler trying to protect an endangered croc - one that has swallowed a top-secret satellite beacon that's being sought by the CIA. Believing the agents to be poachers, Irwin and his wife Terri try to evade their pursuers while getting the scaly reptile to safety in the Outback, adopting a baby kangaroo, and dodging poisonous spiders and snakes in the process. Crikey!
 

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