Post by dkennedy on Jul 20, 2007 5:44:40 GMT -5
HD Owners: Get Mad About 'Junk TV'
The broadcast networks are showing no respect for high-def viewers.
July 19, 2007
By Phil Swann, tvpredictions.com
You're an owner of a High-Definition TV, which probably cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 (or more).
You likely also spent hundreds of dollars more on Surround Sound systems and high-def programming packages from your cable or satellite operator.
So what are you getting for your investment? On Wednesday night, very little from the five broadcast networks.
Out of the 13 hours of programming last night from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW, only four hours were in high-def.
To make matters worse, three of the hours came from one network (CBS) with one hour from ABC. NBC offered nothing in high-def as did Fox and the CW.
Unfortunately, during the summertime, this is not uncommon. On many nights, the majority of programming on the networks is not in HD. The networks have chosen instead to air what I call "Junk TV" -- unscripted, cheap-to-produce reality and game shows such as America's Got Talent, Big Brother and Hell's Kitchen (non in high-def, guys; it's upconverted to widescreen digital).
It's not that Americans are screaming to watch these shows. The latest Nielsen numbers for the week ending July 15 show that six of the top 10 rated shows were in high-def -- and all but five of them were repeats of 2006-2007 season scripted dramas and comedies. (The exception was Baseball's All-Star Game on Fox.)
But the networks have concluded that fewer people watch TV in the summer so why bother with offering quality programming, particularly in high-def, which is more expensive to produce. Just hire a washed-up comedian, lasso a few contestants from the audience, and slap a catchy title on the show, such as Deal or No Deal. The production values are not important.
However, every high-def owner should be insulted by this strategy. You spent good money to buy a high-def set, often at the urging of a commercial from a TV maker on a broadcast network.
But the networks have turned their backs on you, giving you very, very little in return during the summer.
I posted a video commentary on this subject earlier in the week, but I want to reiterate here that you should get mad -- very mad -- and boycott the networks' 'Junk TV.'
Don't watch these shows -- and send letters, e-mails and call the networks to express your displeasure. They are taking you for granted, but don't let them.
The broadcast networks are showing no respect for high-def viewers.
July 19, 2007
By Phil Swann, tvpredictions.com
You're an owner of a High-Definition TV, which probably cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 (or more).
You likely also spent hundreds of dollars more on Surround Sound systems and high-def programming packages from your cable or satellite operator.
So what are you getting for your investment? On Wednesday night, very little from the five broadcast networks.
Out of the 13 hours of programming last night from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW, only four hours were in high-def.
To make matters worse, three of the hours came from one network (CBS) with one hour from ABC. NBC offered nothing in high-def as did Fox and the CW.
Unfortunately, during the summertime, this is not uncommon. On many nights, the majority of programming on the networks is not in HD. The networks have chosen instead to air what I call "Junk TV" -- unscripted, cheap-to-produce reality and game shows such as America's Got Talent, Big Brother and Hell's Kitchen (non in high-def, guys; it's upconverted to widescreen digital).
It's not that Americans are screaming to watch these shows. The latest Nielsen numbers for the week ending July 15 show that six of the top 10 rated shows were in high-def -- and all but five of them were repeats of 2006-2007 season scripted dramas and comedies. (The exception was Baseball's All-Star Game on Fox.)
But the networks have concluded that fewer people watch TV in the summer so why bother with offering quality programming, particularly in high-def, which is more expensive to produce. Just hire a washed-up comedian, lasso a few contestants from the audience, and slap a catchy title on the show, such as Deal or No Deal. The production values are not important.
However, every high-def owner should be insulted by this strategy. You spent good money to buy a high-def set, often at the urging of a commercial from a TV maker on a broadcast network.
But the networks have turned their backs on you, giving you very, very little in return during the summer.
I posted a video commentary on this subject earlier in the week, but I want to reiterate here that you should get mad -- very mad -- and boycott the networks' 'Junk TV.'
Don't watch these shows -- and send letters, e-mails and call the networks to express your displeasure. They are taking you for granted, but don't let them.