Warning Signs: Dale Cripps on Early HDTV Adoption Risks and Consumer Frustration

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Warning Signs

By
Dale Cripps

I have remained somewhat quiet over this last year for two distinct reasons. One is the time taken to put our product deeply cuts into the research time one needs to devote to producing meaningful commentary. But another reason has been that things appeared to be going quite well on all fronts and any poking into dark corners would be met with resentment and ultimately counterproductive.  This doesn't mean that I sit dumb and happy and not alert to the first signs of danger threatening our new baby. The HDTV movement is still in its infancy. The last thing we want is a 'sudden death syndrome' or 'crib death'. In private conversations I invariably bring up the dangers of being at the early stages and with regularity remind who ever is willing to listen that too much success too early could produce a backlash if things don't work so well for the newly initiated consumers. If services are spotty or the local conditions are marginal there is always an alternative for consumer--return to NTSC. As many have observed the key thing to stop the downloading of movies lies in the cost of that activity--the wear and tear on one's patience. If there are little barriers and speed bumps to make it annoying it will dawn on us that a trip to the video store is not, after all, as  burdensome.  The point is that we all take things on in our lives with a certain price and the willingness to pay that price is entirely predicated upon the value we get out of the exchange. In recent articles it has been said that NTSC is the only thing HDTV must successfully compete against. NTSC IS the 800 pound gorilla who is still feeding its keepers very well. HDTV has been an unrelenting drain on most bottom lines and that can only go on for so long,. We do need rapid adoption by the consumers of HDTV receiving equipment but we cannot afford the aggravation if all of the kinks are not yet worked out of the basic system.

Just moments ago I received an email came from one of the local area email forums that relates to parts of Texas and Okalahoma. I will let this email (reprinted below) speak for itself and ask you to consider how many people around the nation might feel this way and what that can mean to the next phase of this roll out. Such stories will be nectar to those newspaper reporters who predicted a catastrophe in the first place. What is satisfying than a good old "I told you so" now and again to strengthen a frail ego? Judging from our posts in our HDTV forum I am sure this posters comments could be multiplied by many thousands if only everyone suffer the same fate were to write one. It may not be a crack in the cosmic egg but it is certainly a small fracture line we should take seriously.

"Well, as I was writing my last post, the audio crapped out on my HDTV feed from KSLA-DT.  Why am I surprised?

I guess we're just ten years ahead of the curve.  I'm beginning to think the whole HDTV thing isn't worth the bother. On my TV, 525 lines NTSC doesn't look all that bad.  Experiences like this don't exactly make me want to get out the old Master Card and buy more HDTV equipment. If the suppliers of this format (willing or otherwise) fail to supply quality product, they do little to encourage consumers to adopt it. It seems potential failure is a self fulfilling prophesy...."

_Chuck

This this next email potentially highlights another problem. 

"My HDTV picture on The Grammy Awards is awesome. Thanks Josh!  The audio is quite good too.  The problem is the content SUCKS.  Maybe my age is showing, but this is one of the worst Grammy shows ever, Technically, it is brilliant.  I've watched quite a few that were technical disaster areas. But, at least,  the talent was good.  This one is the other way around.

Oh for the good old days.  HDTV is nice, but if the content is not worth watching, I''d rather have a mediocre picture with a good show.  When The Grammy's gets really bad, I've been switching The Food Channel.  The "Top 5 Things To Do With Chocolate" is a lot more interesting. 

What a waste of bandwidth.......

Technical wizardry will never replace content and a good story.  I guess that's why they are still printing books."

_Chuck

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While on the topic of forums let me post  a few comments found on y/our HDTV Magazine Forum. But before doing that I want to  give a well-deserved pat on the back to Richard Fisher, who has kept the forum operating at a cut above the others.  Richard brings his 20 connection with television technology to this forum and has answered many of the practical questions which come to him.  I might add that Richard's devotion to seeing the highest standards employed throughout the entire HDTV process from manufacturing to home is exactly the attitude that will prevent  the movement from degenerating into something we won't want nor care about.   I urge those of you who find yourself in a bewildering technical transition to visit our HDTV Magazine forum, Under all circumstances feel encouraged to spread the word that there is one place on the web with critical acclaim  and where civility and intelligence have more than a fighting chance to prevail.

And now for those spontaneous comments that money could never buy:

I don't remember how I stumbled upon this forum, but over the last couple of years, I have found it extremely helpful and no other A/V or HD forum even comes close. Everyone seems to be very helpful with others and I don't think you can find any better information. After trying to ask employees at the electronic stores, I quickly realized they have no clue about the industry they work in or how complicated all this is. But I just wanted to say thanks to the people who run this forum and all of the forum users who have educated me on HD. I was beginning to think every forum was full of 12 year old boys who like making fun of people who post or morons that like to hear themselves talk. 

And from the next poster...

I agree!! I bought my television about 3 years ago not knowing anything. I originally went into the store to buy a nice SDT 36". I was looking at HDTV for the first time, I said "I have to have this". Well I bought a 4:3 32" Samsung and I still have it. I got the bug and I wanted to learn more! I did a Goggle search and I found this website. I have learned so much from all of you in the past couple years. The bug was so, so bad I had to say HDTV in every other sentence when talking to someone! Well I have relaxed a little on that giddiness. I have been concentrating on receiver and speakers which I am fairly happy with for the past year. Next stop will be a DLP in the near future. Thanks to all ,especially Mark, Richard and Ken!

And the next poster...

ME THREE!!!...I didn't know JACK till I joined this forum about 4 years ago...I want to thank everyone on here...[especially Richard]...for enlightening me on the in's and out's of high definition...there is "A LOT" to it...I am now realizing just how important the sound system is!...(I call my new system, "high definition surround sound!"...All I have left to do is get Richard over here to calibrate my 2 Toshibas and 1 Panasonic...(BTW, Richard...I live in Acworth...so I'm not that far away...{maybe he'll give my a deal on three???...hint, hint...

and still another poster in response...

While I've only had an HD television for 2+ years, the company I work for has been producing HD content for over 5 years. This forum has given me an invaluable perspective on how the end user views the HD experience.

While in the midst of figuring out "how" to produce HD material, it was hard to understand the intricacies of how HD is received and considered. This forum let's me know what is important to all of you, the early adopters. Your views, opinions, and even your questions, provide me with great data to integrate into our workflow.

For the last 2 years, I have been relating the info available in this forum to my co-workers. They listened. While we can push the technology to the limit, what's really important is what the HD experience means to the real viewers like the participants who frequent this board.

So, thanks for letting me sound like a market research genius at work. All I really do is listen to all of you.

I bring this utterly shameless self promotion to you with a duel purpose. The first is to let you know that your dollars invested in HDTV Magazine are being used to help educate others and to solve problems that the industry itself is in no position to solve. This forum can expand (could take a bit more hardware, but nothing more) to serve hundreds of thousands of people a day who find themselves on the horns of a dilemma which they alone are powerless to resolve. It is a simple forum, not one of those complex monsters where you feel your only a part of gigantic machine, and it is personal. Please recommend your HDTV Magazine forum to any and all. It is free to all comers as your subscription and renewal money support it in its entirety. -Dale

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8:00PM ET/7:00 C
ABC Monday Movie of the Week: The Mummy Returns

In The Mummy Returns, years after their adventure with a resurrected Egyptian high priest named Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), Rick and Evelyn O'Connell (Fraser and Weisz) are living in London and have an eight-year-old son, Alex (Freddie Boath). Imhotep's body lies at rest in the British museum, but not for long. A power-mad cult, led by Imhotep's reincarnated girlfriend (Patricia Velasquez), resurrects the high priest. Roaming the Earth again, Imhotep seeks to insure his immortality and sets out to find the Scorpion King (The Rock), but the key to finding the Scorpion King's hidden oasis is an artifact in the possession young Alex. With the kidnapping of Alex, the O'Connells are off to another rip-roaring, globe-trotting adventure.

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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Daytime HDTV from CBS--check your local listings

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
Yes, Dear

"Mama Said Knock You Out"
When Christine’s hair begins to fall in clumps, the doctor diagnoses her with high stress and prescribes exercise. Reluctantly, Christine agrees to go to the studio’s gym with Greg and Kim and discovers she has a talent for boxing after beating Jimmy up in the ring leaves her feeling elated. But when other exercise doesn’t seem to leave her as satisfied, Christine realizes there’s more to that elation than just a new-found talent.

8:30PM ET/7:30 C
Still Standing

"Still Bill’s Dad"
When Al Miller comes to visit, Judy encourages Bill to mend his strained relationship with his war-hero, boxing-champ father.

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Everybody Loves Raymond

"Lateness"
Fed up with his wife’s constant lateness, Ray leaves Debra at home rather than take her to the ESPY Awards. While Debra seethes over Ray’s actions, Marie and Amy get into a heated debate with Frank and Robert when they air their own grievances about their wives’ blatant disregard for the time.

9:30PM ET/8:30 C
Two and a Half Men

"Round One to the Hot Crazy Chick"
Charlie and Alan find a sexy-but-seemingly crazy woman hitting a car with a baseball bat, and Charlie falls for her against Alan's warnings.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
CSI: Miami

No Description Available.

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11:34PM ET/10:34 C
The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Pamela Anderson

Erykah Badu
 

 

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6:00AM ET/5:00 C
Legacy Of Generations

Pottery making is one of the most enduring Native American traditions. Visit with a Southwest Indian grandmother as she passes the secrets of her craft to the generations of woman in her family.

6:30AM ET/5:30 C
Woven By The Grandmothers

Images of natural beauty provide rich inspiration for Native American weavers. Explore their work featured in the exhibition, "Woven by the Grandmothers: 19th Century Navajo Texiles."

7:00AM ET/6:00 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."

7:30AM ET/6:30 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.

8:00AM ET/7:00 C
An Inside Look: Survival Training

No Description Available.

8:30AM ET/7:30 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.

9:00AM ET/8:00 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.

10:00AM ET/9:00 C
City Slickers

Find out how the penguin and human populations of South Africa share limited coastal resources with minimal friction. The clean-up of the area's largest oil spill in history evoked an unprecedented outpouring of affection between these unlikely partners.

11:00AM ET/10:00 C
Sacred Monuments Of Asia

"Bhutan To Katmandu"
Travel to Bhutan and Katmandu to visit many of the temples and monuments used by Buddhists and Hindus.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
A Wedding Story

"Corinna & Vince"
No Description Available.

12:30PM ET/11:30 C
A Makeover Story

"Fashion Amnesty"
No Description Available.

1:00PM ET/12:00 C
Surprise By Design

"Second Chance"
After surviving non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Mike says he wants to make the most of his second chance--one that includes plenty of gratitude to his wife, Erika. He wants to create a fantastic new bedroom to show Erika how much he appreciates her.

2:00PM ET/1:00 C
Weird Homes

"Wild Collections"
Meet a Connecticut woman whose home is a nut museum - literally, two Californians whose obsession with fruit is completely consuming, and a couple of Dr. Suess fanactics who have turned their home into a veritable Shrine of Suess.

2:30PM ET/1:30 C
Weird Wheels

"Kinetic Survivors"
Ever wanted to know how fast a piece of art can travel through the mud? Giant lug nuts float and prehistoric monsters hit the highway during the marvelous mayhem of kinetic sculpture racing. Experience the thrill of victory and the agony of being mediocre.

3:00PM ET/2:00 C
Insectia

"Insects At The End Of The World"
Join entomologist Georges Brossard as he discovers the rare insects of Madagascar. Butterflies, Moths, Weevils, and even a millipede that rolls up into a green ball thrive on the island nation.

3:30PM ET/2:30 C
Great Canadian Rivers

"The Red Deer"
The Red Deer River has a magnificent mix of nature and culture. It rises out of a glacier in Banff, meanders through the grasslands, and cuts through the Alberta badlands.

4:00PM ET/3:00 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."

4:30PM ET/3:30 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.

5:00PM ET/4:00 C
An Inside Look: Survival Training

No Description Available.

5:30PM ET/4:30 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.

6:00PM ET/5:00 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.

7:00PM ET/6:00 C
Moose On The Loose

Travel across North America for a journey into the world of the moose. From Alaska where these giants almost outnumber the residents to New England where moose festivals attract vistors from around the world, experience these lovable, yet awkward beasts.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
Dinosaur Planet

"White Tip's Journey"
When White Tip loses the rest of her pack, she must struggle to survive on her own. In time, she locates a new pack, as well as a mate, only to find that her hardships are just beginning in the harsh desert environment. Christian Slater narrates.

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Pennsylvania: Bryant Court

Laurie declares herself "zany for zinnias" in a floral painted bedroom for two little girls. Meanwhile Hildi's homeowners think she's gone plain crazy when she paints a dining room black. Amy Wynn is busy working hard to get her projects finished.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Manassas: End Of Innocence

This intimate, immersive docudrama tells the true story of the first major battle of the Civil War, First Manassas. Civilians see violence literally erupt in their front yards and naive soldiers' romantic notions of war die as their comrades fall.

11:00PM ET/10:00 C
Dinosaur Planet

"White Tip's Journey"
When White Tip loses the rest of her pack, she must struggle to survive on her own. In time, she locates a new pack, as well as a mate, only to find that her hardships are just beginning in the harsh desert environment. Christian Slater narrates.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
Pennsylvania: Bryant Court

Laurie declares herself "zany for zinnias" in a floral painted bedroom for two little girls. Meanwhile Hildi's homeowners think she's gone plain crazy when she paints a dining room black. Amy Wynn is busy working hard to get her projects finished.

1:00AM ET/12:00 C
Manassas: End Of Innocence

This intimate, immersive docudrama tells the true story of the first major battle of the Civil War, First Manassas. Civilians see violence literally erupt in their front yards and naive soldiers' romantic notions of war die as their comrades fall.

2:00AM ET/1:00 C
Insectia

"Weavers' Island"
Meet a spider that spins a miracle fiber baffling scientists the world over and a woman who weaves it into blankets for the dead. Also find out how scientists "milk" a spider silk for use in research in products from surgical supplies to parachutes.

2:30AM ET/1:30 C
Great Canadian Rivers

"The Stikine"
The Stikine River traverses the spectacular wilderness of northwestern British Columbia. Its headwaters are in the vast Spatsizi Plateau, known for its concentrations of wildlife, including the regionally-unique Osborne caribou herd.

3:00AM ET/2:00 C
Dinosaur Planet

"White Tip's Journey"
When White Tip loses the rest of her pack, she must struggle to survive on her own. In time, she locates a new pack, as well as a mate, only to find that her hardships are just beginning in the harsh desert environment. Christian Slater narrates.

4:00AM ET/3:00 C
Pennsylvania: Bryant Court

Laurie declares herself "zany for zinnias" in a floral painted bedroom for two little girls. Meanwhile Hildi's homeowners think she's gone plain crazy when she paints a dining room black. Amy Wynn is busy working hard to get her projects finished.

5:00AM ET/4:00 C
Manassas: End Of Innocence

This intimate, immersive docudrama tells the true story of the first major battle of the Civil War, First Manassas. Civilians see violence literally erupt in their front yards and naive soldiers' romantic notions of war die as their comrades fall.
 

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INTERNATIONAL.............
 

HDTV Takes Off After Initial Hiccups

NEW DELHI:  High-definition television got delayed in entering the consumer market, mainly because of multiple standards, according to PanAmSat India project manager Dr R Ramani. Of late, some of the major broadcasters, including Discovery and ESPN, are delivering content in high-definition format.

Making a presentation at the recently-concluded broadcasting conference in the capital, Dr Ramani said, HDTV is gaining momentum all over the world for entertainment, sports and even special events like solar eclipse. Explaining what HDTV is all about, Dr Ramani said, the images are sharper and wider, with digital sound quality. “It is more like watching a movie screen or watching more of a football field. No wonder, that is getting more popular.”

According to Dr Ramani, there are more than 5 million households in the US, which are capable of receiving high definition TV signals. More data: Around 1.5 million out of 70 million cable homes in the US are equipped with HDTV capable set-top boxes. Also, this number is projected to grow to over over 10 million in just two years. As per available estimates, cable operators are already providing HDTV services in 80 per cent of the US market.

Besides broadcasters such as ESPN, Discovery and Fox, direct-to-home (DTH) service providers like DirecTV have also started HDTV distribution. In fact, satellite service providers like PanAmSat have complete satellite neighbourhoods marked for HDTV distribution to the US domestic market.

Interestingly, out of the 18 digital TV formats specified by the Advanced Television Systems Committee in the US, six are HDTV formats. For digital television, there are two digital video formats - standard definition and high definition.

There’s a basic difference between standard definition and high definition. As standard definition signals use less bandwidth than high definition, it’s possible to broadcast multiple programmes in a multi-channel mode. HDTV, on the other hand, requires much higher data rates due to higher resolution and wider screen formats.

The presentation deals with digital video formats, digital video broadcasting, advanced TV systems, digital audio, data transmission requirements, higher order modulation, among others.

Here are some facts. Analog TV signal standards in use are NTSC in the US; PAL and SECAM in the rest of the world. It has been mandated in the US that NTSC analog TV off-the-air broadcasts must not occupy more than 6 mhz channel bandwidth limitation. So, to enhance TV signal quality, broadcasters have made a transition to digital video format. The format, according to Dr Ramani, allows broadcasters to offer enhanced video services while operating within the allocated channel bandwidth.

Coming to digital video broadcasting (DVB), Dr Ramani said the project is an industry-led consortium of over 300 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, regulatory bodies and others in over 40 countries designing global standards for the delivery of digital television and data services. An open standard, DVB can deliver to homes any digitised content including HDTV.

About the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), Dr Ramani said it is a non-profit organisation developing voluntary standards for digital television including standards for HDTV.

The ATSC standard is based on the MPEG-2 compression scheme. MPEG specifies several compression options for various applications, according to Dr Ramani.

He said that after a performance comparison of various systems, the ATSC selected the Dolby AC-3 surround sound system.

As for transmission, data rate requirements for transmission of HDTV signals vary depending on the profile and resolution. Said Dr Ramani that typical HDTV distribution using 4:2:2 profile requires about 20 to 45 mbps data rate depending on the compression ratio. “This requires use of efficient bandwidth saving techniques.”

The use of higher order modulations in the satellite digital world is a way to satisfy the demand for transmitting increasing data rates for HDTV distribution, pointed out Dr Ramani. But there are challenges in implementing higher order modulation schemes, he said. The advantages of higher order modulation in satellite applications can be seen in two ways. One, it’s possible to increase the data rate to improve the quality of signal as in the case of HDTV distribution. Two, it can increase the number of channels per transponder.

National....

According to the Wall Street Journal today Microsoft Corp. and Walt Disney Co. will work together to develop methods for securely distributing digital entertainment via the Internet, on portable devices and on "future versions" of the DVD.

 

6:00AM ET/5:00 C
Weekend Explorer

Cascades, Pacific Northwest - Go on an off-roading adventure to some beautiful mountain vistas, enjoy a picnic on the trail with some friendly llamas, and take a relaxing bike ride along a scenic river. Explore mud pots, fumeroles, beautiful blue pools of boiling water, and other volcanic activity in spectacular Lassen National Park.

6:30AM ET/5:30 C
Johnathan Brownlee's atHome

Hello My Name Is... - How to create a winning team involving the key players for a successful home renovation.

7:00AM ET/6:00 C
Wild Secrets

Ostrich: Ultimate Survivors - When the dry season comes to the Savannah, most inhabitants move on to greener pastures. Three remote controlled cameras capture rare footage of egg-laying and chick raising in this harsh environment. We witness the dramas and dangers of parenthood and discover some interesting behaviors adopted by ostriches to protect their young.

7:30AM ET/6:30 C
Tracks Ahead

The Ghan - Experience the Outback as Tracks Ahead rides The Ghan through the rugged land of central Australia. Visit the Kentucky Railroad Museum to see a combination of stream and one of the last operating BL-2 diesel locomotives.

8:00AM ET/7:00 C
Red Bull Cliff Diving Lana'i

Ten of the world's best cliff divers journey to the sacred site at Kaunolu known as Kahekili's Leap to test their bravery, skill and focus. Divers complete mind-blowing combinations of twists and somersaults - all within 2 seconds as they hit the water at over 60 mph - zero to ', with no pads or helmet!

8:30AM ET/7:30 C
Bass Champs

2003 Summer Team Event On Cedar Creek Lake - Cedar Creek Team event. And an interview with the Skeeter pro team

9:00AM ET/8:00 C
Higher Definition

Pop-culture writer/host Robert Wilonsky goes on the set of Spy Kids 3D with Director Robert Rodriguez. Plus, the co-creator of the new HD 3D camera, Vince Pace, talks with us about how this new technology is changing the way movies are made.

9:30AM ET/8:30 C
Across America

Across America takes to the sky for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Then we're back to earth - sort of - to take in the local color of Venice Beach, California.

10:00AM ET/9:00 C
Conservation Pathfinders

From Zimbabwe to New Mexico and Zambia to Colorado, a look at how landowners are once again becoming the heart of the conservation enterprise.

11:00AM ET/10:00 C
Designing America

Pet Palace - Tour Time is at the home and studio of Dallas Cowboys photographer, Ron St. Angelo. Our Designing American is Kay Crinkelmeyer and the owners of "Pet Palace", Ron & Kathi Sturgeon.

11:30AM ET/10:30 C
Square Pegs

Pac-Man Fever - The arrival of a video game on campus ignites an obsession within class clown Marshall that takes over his normal comic personality. Father Guido Sarducci stars as the one person who may be able to exorcise Marshall's electronic demons.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
HDNet World Report

Siberia: A Tale of Two Soviet Cities - HDNet World Report cameras travel to two cities in the former Soviet Union to see first-hand how freedom has changed them. And, most importantly how their people have adjusted to new capitalist attitudes.

12:30PM ET/11:30 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.

1:00PM ET/12:00 C
True Music

The sounds of Sparta, Oleander and Authority Zero along with their views and thoughts, this week on True Music.

1:30PM ET/12:30 C
Hogan's Heroes

A Russian Is Coming - Hogan hides a downed Soviet pilot, intending to smuggle him to England, but the Russian insists on returning to his homeland.

2:00PM ET/1:00 C
The Fugitive

Sanctuary - Kimble hides in his former girlfriend's house while a vicious bounty hunter pursues him. Gerard receives frightening news about his daughter.

3:00PM ET/2:00 C
Presidio Med

Breathless - When a teenage boy, Curtis Altman (Dan Byrd), shows signs of depression after admitting to his parents that he is gay, Jules tries to prevent him from taking drastic measures. But Curtis returns with a bad injury, and Jules realizes that his accident may be the result of a suicide attempt and advises therapy. Meanwhile, one of Matt's patients decides to sign a DNR (do not resuscitate) order after growing weary of awaiting a lung donor.

4:00PM ET/3:00 C
Johnathan Brownlee's atHome

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

4:30PM ET/3:30 C
Over® Ireland

From the rough-hewn beauty of its towering bluffs and weathered granite tors to the ancient mystery of its Celtic monasteries and storybook cottages, this program reaches far back in the Ireland's history, landmarks, literature and culture. Truly a rare view of the island that has captivated so many people for centuries.

5:30PM ET/4:30 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.

6:00PM ET/5:00 C
Forensic Factor

Lasting Impressions - The killer waits outside the house, cloaked in darkness. He presses his ear to the window, listening to ensure that his victim is asleep. He breaks through the front door with a crowbar, and silently slips toward the bedroom. The crowbar now becomes his murder weapon as he bludgeons his victim to death. He leaves, walks calmly to his car, and drives off. No one has seen him. But he has unwittingly left a plethora of clues all over the scene.

7:00PM ET/6:00 C
Hotlines

Hotlines Underwater Attack - A special episode jam packed with unbelievable underwater encounters with some of the most beautiful and dangerous creatures on earth. Giant sharks, prehistoric fish, eels, mantas, whales and dolphins abound as the Hotlines crew heads into the deep blue!

7:30PM ET/6:30 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.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
An American In Canada Premiere

Jake and the Fat Men - When Bill is inaugurated as skip of his curling team, Jake and Judy find themselves dating -- other people. Bill sets up Judy with a curling buddy, Derricks sets up Jake with his sister and Dennis tries to smuggle porn into Canada.

8:30PM ET/7:30 C
Hogan's Heroes Premiere

Evening of the Generals - While arranging to blow up a roomful of Nazi brass, Hogan and his men learn that a top Allied agent is in the group.

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Charlie's Angels Premiere

Dancing In The Dark - The lonely widow of a Baseball Hall of Famer is blackmailed after a short affair with a gigolo she met at her dance classes; Charlie's Angels are called in to investigate. Jill masquerades as a disco-dance instructor, Sabrina as a rich but socially inept heiress and Kelly as a replacement photographer, supposedly sent by the blackmailer's shutterbug.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Starstruck

Starstruck showcases people struck by stardom in unique ways. Hosted by Merril Osmond and his daughter Heather Osmond Hallows, special quests include Glen Campbell and his daughter Debbie, the world famous Platters, Legends Elvis impersonator Tony Roi, and Rudy Ruettiger.

11:00PM ET/10:00 C
An American In Canada

Jake and the Fat Men - When Bill is inaugurated as skip of his curling team, Jake and Judy find themselves dating -- other people. Bill sets up Judy with a curling buddy, Derricks sets up Jake with his sister and Dennis tries to smuggle porn into Canada.

11:30PM ET/10:30 C
Hogan's Heroes

Evening of the Generals - While arranging to blow up a roomful of Nazi brass, Hogan and his men learn that a top Allied agent is in the group.

12:00AM ET/11:00 C
Charlie's Angels

Dancing In The Dark - The lonely widow of a Baseball Hall of Famer is blackmailed after a short affair with a gigolo she met at her dance classes; Charlie's Angels are called in to investigate. Jill masquerades as a disco-dance instructor, Sabrina as a rich but socially inept heiress and Kelly as a replacement photographer, supposedly sent by the blackmailer's shutterbug.

1:00AM ET/12:00 C
Starstruck

Starstruck showcases people struck by stardom in unique ways. Hosted by Merril Osmond and his daughter Heather Osmond Hallows, special quests include Glen Campbell and his daughter Debbie, the world famous Platters, Legends Elvis impersonator Tony Roi, and Rudy Ruettiger.

2:00AM ET/1:00 C
Weekend Explorer

Windermere, Britain - Visit the birthplace of Peter Rabbit and the other Beatrix Potter characters in this most English of countrysides. Sail on beautiful Lake Windermere, 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.

2:30AM ET/1:30 C
Forensic Factor

Nature's Clues - A murder victim is half-buried in the woods, kilometers from the nearest major thruway or home. When the body is found six weeks later, there is almost nothing left to identify it. It should have been the perfect crime...but for those on the cutting edge of forensic science, nature's influence on the corpse speaks volumes about the murder... and the murderer.

3:30AM ET/2:30 C
Wolf Lake

In the light of the moon, things are never what they seem. That's especially true in the town of Wolf Lake. Set in the Pacific Northwest, this suspense thriller explores what happens when werewolves overtake a small Seattle suburb. Starring Lou Diamond Phillips.

4:30AM ET/3:30 C
Over® Canada

Take a spectacular helicopter tour of our neighbor to the north.

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

In breathtaking Almond Beach, Barbados features Muscular Conditioning.
 

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6:30AM ET/5:30 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.

8:30AM ET/7:30 C
The First Deadly Sin

R - 1:52
Cast: Frank Sinatra, Faye Dunaway, David Dukes Director: Brian G. Hutton
A police detective on the verge of retirement takes on a brutal serial killer case.

10:30AM ET/9:30 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.

12:30PM ET/11:30 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.

2:15PM ET/1:15 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.

4:15PM ET/3:15 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.

6:00PM ET/5:00 C
The First Deadly Sin

R - 1:52
Cast: Frank Sinatra, Faye Dunaway, David Dukes Director: Brian G. Hutton
A police detective on the verge of retirement takes on a brutal serial killer case.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
Days Of Wine and Roses

NR - 1:57
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick, Charles Bickford Director: Blake Edwards
A man introduces his wife to alcohol, and they both spiral down together.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Prisoner of Second Avenue

PG - 1:38
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Anne Bancroft, Gene Saks Director: Melvin Frank
A 48 year-old man and his wife must face the trivial and relentless vexations of New York life when he loses not just his job, but also his confidence.

11:45PM ET/10:45 C
52 Pick Up

R - 1:50
Cast: Roy Scheider, Ann-Margret, Vanity Director: John Frankenheimer
A secret fling between a man and his mistress leads to blackmail and murder.

1:45AM ET/12:45 C
52 Pick Up

R - 1:50
Cast: Roy Scheider, Ann-Margret, Vanity Director: John Frankenheimer
A secret fling between a man and his mistress leads to blackmail and murder.

3:45AM ET/2:45 C
Get Carter

R - 1:52
Cast: Michael Caine, Ian Hendry, Britt Ekland Director: Mike Hodges
A gangster violently pursues his brother's murderer.

5:45AM ET/4:45 C
The First Deadly Sin

R - 1:52
Cast: Frank Sinatra, Faye Dunaway, David Dukes Director: Brian G. Hutton
A police detective on the verge of retirement takes on a brutal serial killer case.

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6:30AM ET/5:30 C
A Stolen Life

TVPG Time: 107  
Bette Davis plays twins--one good, one bad--in this 1946 drama. As a shy artist, she falls in love with Glenn Ford, but steps aside when he prefers her more outgoing sister. Then the sister drowns in an accident, and the artist decides to impersonate her. With Dane Clark, Walter Brennan and Charles Ruggles.

8:20AM ET/7:20 C
The Transporter

PG13 Time: 92  
He will transport anything for anyone, and he operates under three simple rules, the most important of which is to never look in the package. Jason Statham (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) stars as the former Special Forces operative who runs an unscrupulous criminal delivery enterprise. When he breaks his cardinal rule by opening a bag that contains a beautiful young woman, Martin's conscience gets put to the test...until the Chinese human slave importers he's dealing with come calling on him with bullets instead of cash! Shu Qi and Francois Berleand co-star. Directed by Corey Yuen.

10:00AM ET/9:00 C
Grease 2

PG Time: 114  
This sequel takes you back to Rydell High for more tune-filled fun. When a British exchange student falls for the cool leader of the Pink Ladies, the greasers come out in force, protecting their turf with revved-up motorcycles. Maxwell Caulfield plays the newcomer; Michelle Pfeiffer, the girl who will do almost anything for a ride on the hottest cycle in town.

12:00PM ET/11:00 C
Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood

R Time: 88  
The Wayans brothers star in this hilarious gangster spoof as boys learning to become men while growing up in South Central, Los Angeles. Ashtray (Shawn Wayans) is sent back to South Central by his mother to learn life's lessons. There, he hooks up with his old gang, including his best pal, the gun-toting boozehound Loc Dog (Marlon Wayans), his pot-head grandmother--and the beautiful, but promiscuous Dashiki whose loose behavior has made her a mother of seven! Cameos by other Wayans siblings include Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans. Co-starring Chris Spencer, Suli McCullough and Darrell Heath. Directed by Paris Barclay; written by Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Phil Beauman.

1:30PM ET/12:30 C
The Majestic

PG Time: 152  
"A proud patriotic hymn to America" (Roger Ebert). Amnesia and a case of mistaken identity create the forum for this wonderful Capra-esque drama set in the 1950s. Jim Carrey stars as Hollywood screenwriter Peter Appleton, a cocky star-in-the-making who suddenly finds his world falling apart after he is blacklisted. But when a car wreck leaves him with severe amnesia in a small coastal town, a local man claims Peter is his long-missing war-veteran son, leading the town--and Peter--into a rebirth that will change both forever. With Martin Landau, Laurie Holden, David Ogden Stiers, Jeffrey DeMunn and Hal Holbrook. Directed by Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile).

4:00PM ET/3:00 C
Missing In Action

R Time: 101  
A former Vietnam prisoner of war blasts his way through Southeast Asia, determined to rescue missing Americans. Chuck Norris stars in the blistering saga of one man's battle against brutality--and the greatest odds. A fighter of quiet strength and controlled power, Norris takes on the Vietnamese military almost single-handedly.

5:45PM ET/4:45 C
Max On Set: I Spy

TVPG Time: 12  
An inside look at this Betty Thomas film based on the popular 1960s TV series and starring Eddie Murphy. The plot follows a pro athlete and the federal agent he is helping in the case of a missing jet. Owen Wilson, Famke Janssen, Malcolm McDowell and Gary Cole co-star.

6:00PM ET/5:00 C
The Client

PG13 Time: 120  
Before a Mafia lawyer kills himself, he tells an 11-year-old boy the burial place of a murdered U.S. Senator. Now everybody's after the boy: the cops, the press, the FBI, a grandstanding federal prosecutor--and the Mob. All he's got to protect him are his own quick wits and tough lawyer Susan Sarandon. Brad Renfro, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony LaPaglia, Anthony Edwards and Ossie Davis co-star in this adaptation of John Grisham's best-seller. "Taut entertainment that never loses steam...a terrifically made thriller" (Hollywood Reporter).

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
The Transporter

PG13 Time: 92  
He will transport anything for anyone, and he operates under three simple rules, the most important of which is to never look in the package. Jason Statham (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) stars as the former Special Forces operative who runs an unscrupulous criminal delivery enterprise. When he breaks his cardinal rule by opening a bag that contains a beautiful young woman, Martin's conscience gets put to the test...until the Chinese human slave importers he's dealing with come calling on him with bullets instead of cash! Shu Qi and Francois Berleand co-star. Directed by Corey Yuen.

9:35PM ET/8:35 C
Swallow

TVMA Time: 24  
A high-school senior struggling with his classwork is recruited to smuggle drugs across the border from Mexico in this crime-drama. Directed by Frank E. Flowers. Widescreen.

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Drumline

PG13 Time: 118  
A talented, but cocky marching band drummer's inability to march to anything but his own beat lands him in hot water with everything--and everyone--he cares about in a Georgia university. Nick Cannon stars as Devon, a Harlem native whose incredible talent for pounding the skins earns him a scholarship to Atlanta A & T, but whose showboating earns him the wrath of bandmates, his band leader and his girlfriend. Can Devon learn to become a team player before they perform at an annual competition with rival schools? Zoe Saldana and Orlando Jones co-star in this "entertaining and enthusiastically told tale" (L.A. Times). Directed by Charles Stone; written by Tina Gordon Chism and Shawn Schepps.

12:00AM ET/11:00 C
From Dusk Till Dawn

R Time: 107  
"A deliriously trashy, exuberantly vulgar, lavishly appointed exploitation picture" (Variety). Written by Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) and directed by Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids), this cool, sexy mix of action and horror stars Tarantino and George Clooney as sibling fugitives--one smart and meticulous, the other wildly unstable and violent. With a family of hostages to aid their escape from the law, the dastardly duo head across the Mexican border to a safe haven at a strip bar--a sizzling club that they don't realize is inhabited by bloodthirsty vampires! Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Cheech Marin, Salma Hayek, Tom Savini and John Saxon co-star.

1:50AM ET/12:50 C
Passion Crimes

R Time: 87  
The search for justice in a ransom kidnapping takes a time-out for passion in this rousing erotic thriller. Assigned to defend the prime suspect in the case, a beautiful young lawyer soon finds herself falling for her client while trying to uncover the truth. Jen Dike, Lauren Montgomery, John Busse, Allan Hayes, Jack Henry and Larry Poston Jr. star.

3:20AM ET/2:20 C
Freejack

R Time: 109  
Racecar driver Emilio Estevez is suddenly zapped into the 21st century in this action-packed sci-fi thriller. Dying billionaire Anthony Hopkins needs a new body-and Estevez is prime material! Mick Jagger plays a bounty hunter who collects new bodies for the highest bidders.

5:10AM ET/4:10 C
Nuts

R Time: 115  
In one of her most challenging roles, Barbra Streisand plays a high-priced call girl who murders one of her clients. Though her parents try to convince her to cop a plea of insanity, she refuses the easy way out. Lawyer Richard Dreyfuss must convince the court of her competence, yet gain her freedom.
 

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6:25AM ET/5:25 C
Airheads

PG13 Time: 92  
Is this any way to get to be a star? All three heavy metal rockers want is for the local radio station to play their tape. When they're told to get lost, they pull water pistols and take the station hostage. Now they're a media event! Rockin' comedy with Joe Mantegna, Chris Farley, Michael Richards, Michael McKean, Amy Locane, Ernie Hudson and Judd Nelson.

8:00AM ET/7:00 C
The Wild Ride To Super Bowl I

TVPG Time: 56  
Before the Super Bowl became a media-saturated, unofficial "national holiday," it was only a game. The first Super Bowl--pitting the Green Bay Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs--gave scant indication that the game would evolve into a mass-marketing behometh. Using NFL Films footage, newsreels and interviews, this film examines Super Bowl I from several levels: it's awkward efforts to become an "event," the historical impact of the game itself, and the social context of the mid 1960s.

9:00AM ET/8:00 C
Captain Ron

PG13 Time: 100  
Kurt Russell and Martin Short star in this hilarious story about a family whose dream of life on the high seas aboard their newly inherited yacht sinks like a stone when they hire a drunken incompetent to sail the craft. Mary Kay Place, Meadow Sisto and Benjamin Harvey co-star in this comedy written and directed by Thom Eberhardt.

10:45AM ET/9:45 C
Hiding Out

PG13 Time: 98  
One day he's a yuppie stockbroker on the fast track; the next, Jon Cryer is a phony high-school student on the lam. When a shady deal puts the mob on his tail, Cryer hides out in a suburban high school, where being 27 has definite advantages. Whether romancing the class beauty, getting nominated for class president or giving tax advice to a date's father, Cryer's back-to-school daze is a grade-A comedy romp.

12:30PM ET/11:30 C
Miss Evers' Boys

PG Time: 117  
Winner of the 1997 Emmy(R) for Best TV Movie! In the 1930s, U.S. government doctors began a controversial experiment. They withheld treatment from a group of African-American men infected with syphilis in order to study the fatal course of the disease...and they didn't tell the men what they were doing. Alfre Woodard plays a dedicated nurse caught in the web of official lies in this drama based on one of the most shameful episodes in U.S. medical history. Laurence Fishburne co-stars.

2:30PM ET/1:30 C
Buddy

PG Time: 83  
Wait until you get a load of Trudy, "queen of the animals," and Buddy, the bouncing baby gorilla, in this wonderful comedy base

4:00PM ET/3:00 C
Biker Boyz

PG13 Time: 110  
Burning rubber is the name of the game in this "adrenaline spiked and action packed" (New York Daily News) thriller about a champion motorcycle racer who faces the challenge of a fearless young upstart. Laurence Fishburne stars as Smoke, the leader of an underground bike club whose upscale members participate in illegal races. Derek Luke, who shined in Denzel Washington's Antwone Fisher, plays Kid, a fiery youth who has racing in his blood and a desire to torch Smoke on the strip...despite a shocking secret that links the pair together. Orlando Jones, Djimon Hounsou, Lisa Bonet, Brendan Fehr, Larenz Tate and Kid Rock co-star. Directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood, written by Craig Fernandez and Reggie Rock Bythewood.

6:15PM ET/5:15 C
Captain Ron

PG13 Time: 100  
Kurt Russell and Martin Short star in this hilarious story about a family whose dream of life on the high seas aboard their newly inherited yacht sinks like a stone when they hire a drunken incompetent to sail the craft. Mary Kay Place, Meadow Sisto and Benjamin Harvey co-star in this comedy written and directed by Thom Eberhardt.

8:00PM ET/7:00 C
Murder By Numbers

R Time: 120  
Two high-school killers play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with determined detective Sandra Bullock in this nerve-jangling thriller. Like a teenage Leopold and Loeb, Richard Haywood and his buddy Justin Pendleton forge a chilling contract to commit the perfect murder. But Cassie Mayweather (Bullock) is an emotionally tangled cop who isn't fooled so easily, and as she begins to connect the dots in a slaying that seems too random, it leads her down a dangerous path toward an inevitable clash with the young thrill killers. Ryan Gosling, Michael Pitt, Ben Chaplin and Chris Penn co-star. Directed by Barbet Schroeder (Single White Female).

10:00PM ET/9:00 C
Femme Fatale

R Time: 114  
Brian De Palma's "ingeniously twisty and audaciously twisted" (San Francisco Chronicle) neo-noir thriller stars Rebecca Romijn-Stamos as a dangerous blonde whose picture attracts the attention of a former paparazzo--and exposes her sordid past. Seven years after a daring (and very erotic) jewel heist at the Cannes Film Festival in which she left her partners high and dry, Laure Ash (Romijn-Stamos) returns to Paris under the identity of an U.S. ambassador's wife. But photographer Nicolas Bardo (Antonio Banderas) recognizes her--from a photo he took of her assuming a different alias--and sets into motion a series of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end! Peter Coyote co-stars.

12:00AM ET/11:00 C
The Big Bounce: HBO First Look

TVPG Time: 13  
This special takes a look at the making of director George Armitage's comic crime-thriller starring Owen Wilson as a drifter who winds up involved in shady partnerships with a powerful businessman (Morgan Freeman) and a sexy con woman (Sara Foster). Gary Sinise and Charlie Sheen co-star.

12:15AM ET/11:15 C
Biker Boyz

PG13 Time: 110  
Burning rubber is the name of the game in this "adrenaline spiked and action packed" (New York Daily News) thriller about a champion motorcycle racer who faces the challenge of a fearless young upstart. Laurence Fishburne stars as Smoke, the leader of an underground bike club whose upscale members participate in illegal races. Derek Luke, who shined in Denzel Washington's Antwone Fisher, plays Kid, a fiery youth who has racing in his blood and a desire to torch Smoke on the strip...despite a shocking secret that links the pair together. Orlando Jones, Djimon Hounsou, Lisa Bonet, Brendan Fehr, Larenz Tate and Kid Rock co-star. Directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood, written by Craig Fernandez and Reggie Rock Bythewood.

2:10AM ET/1:10 C
After Alice

R Time: 100  
A down-on-his luck detective must step through the looking glass to stop a copycat serial killer who has a deranged obsession with the novel Alice in Wonderland. As the psychopath's bloody reign of terror continues, the cop spirals deeper and deeper into the case where the horrors of the past and present come together. With Henry Czerny, Polly Walker, Gary Hudson.

3:55AM ET/2:55 C
The Photographer

R Time: 91  
Grungy downtown New York holds some enchantment for a group of disillusioned locals in this fable. A burned-out photographer considers passing off as his own some accomplished photos of mysterious origin...but then they are stolen, and the photographer's path to recover them crosses that of a trio of New Yorkers all suffering from some form of insecurity and self-doubt. With Reg Rogers, Rob Campbell, Christopher Bauer, Kristen Wilson, Maggie Gyllenhaal.

5:30AM ET/4:30 C
Sketch Pad 2

R Time: 27  
Some of the greatest improvisational comedy troupes from the U.S. and around the world assemble on one stage for this all-new special dedicated to perpetuating the not-quite-lost art of scripted comedy. Following up HBO's original Sketch Pad special, this thirty-minute show features hilarious scripted shorts from troupes including The Groundlings, AC
 

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12:30AM ET/11:30 C
The Triumph of Love

WIDESCREEN OAR UPCONV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG13 1h 52m
Clare Peploe's fast-paced and witty adaptation of Pierre Marivaux's 1732 gender-bending romantic comedy features Mira Sorvino as a princess who dons men's clothing to infiltrate a secluded estate. Her goal: to woo the hunky true heir to the throne (Jay Rodan). However, her many disguises bring about countless complications as she also manipulates the amorous desires of both her beloved's stuffy philosophy teacher (Ben Kingsley) and the tutor's dour scientist sister (Fiona Shaw). "Literally dazzling...quelle treat!" - "The Washington Post."

3:00PM ET/2:00 C
Robocop 3

WIDESCREEN OAR HDTV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
PG13 1h 45m
The cyborg law enforcer (Robert Burke) takes on a ninja nemesis while on a mission to help Detroit residents from being pushed out of their homes by The Company in this action-packed sci-fi sequel costarring Nancy Allen, Rip Torn, CCH Pounder and Mako.

5:00PM ET/4:00 C
The Color Of Money

WIDESCREEN OAR UPCONV
Stereo
R 2h 0m
Director Martin Scorsese's acclaimed, long-awaited sequel to "The Hustler" stars Oscar winner Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson, whose once-cocksure bravado has been replaced by life's harsh realities. That is, until he discovers a brash pool prodigy (Tom Cruise) whom he mentors all the way to a championship. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Helen Shaver, John Turturro, Bill Cobbs and Forest Whitaker costar.

9:00PM ET/8:00 C
Showgirls

WIDESCREEN OAR UPCONV
Dolby Digital 5.1 / CCAP
R 2h 12m
Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas ("Basic Instinct") wrote this controversial adult drama that follows the path of Nomi (Elizabeth Berkley), a would-be professional dancer who hitchhikes to Las Vegas in search of stardom. What she gets is a job at the Cheetah strip club, which leads to a dark and dangerous tour of a world powered by sheer vice and littered with the shards of broken lives. Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon and Glenn Plummer costar in this cult classic directed by Paul Verhoeven ("Total Recall," "Starship Troopers").

1:00AM ET/12:00 C
Tart

WIDESCREEN OAR UPCONV
Stereo / CCAP
R 1h 32m
A spoiled New York City high school student (Dominique Swain) experiments with sex, drugs and murder at a luxurious country estate, along with her rich friends and the boy (Brad Renfro) of her fantasies in this stark coming-of-age drama costarring Bijou Phillips and Mischa Barton.
 

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