Charlie Chat Recap 3-09-09

[mntwister]

Considering Charlie's apparent preference for "HD" channels that air mostly 4:3 SD upscales, I'm surprised he's not begging TCM to launch an HD channel. Now THAT is a channel that airs mostly older films, and mostly in the old 1.37:1 (about 4:3) aspect ratio to ensure that all HD transfers from the oldest film is pillarboxed, his favorite kind of presentation on widescreen displays. I guess he wouldn't really want TCM HD either because TCM would be smart and air HD transfers of those 1.37:1 films, and he only really likes selling 4:3 SD content as new HD these days.

It's just such a shame. His company has huge potential, but it's almost as if every decision he makes is out of a combination of ignorance and a desire to directly oppose what subscribers have said they want.

The problem with TCM going high def (and I think the reason they havn't yet) is the studios have not made high def transfers of 80% of the movies they own in their catalog yet. Lots of restoration needs to be done to most of the Hollywood catalog. My sister works at Paramount and I can tell you that all of the studios have only started making HD transfers of many of their classics and it is going to take a LONG time, plus the fact that the economy is so bad, cutbacks have been taken at Paramount with regards to HD mastering of catalog titles, I assume it is the same for all studios, because it costs alot of money to repair older films, many of which weren't cared for that much and looked decent on dvd but are not up to 1080.

Still, there are alot of HD transfers being shown of classics on channels like HDnet movies, Cinemax and others that look great, so I think they should be going HD even if they don't have all of the source material in HD, at least we could watch the films in widescreen without 4:3 sidebars and in better quality.

I guess in regards to everything else, I have to disagree. I have been happy with what Dish has been offering, they are even adding my locals in HD for Duluth, Minnesota this month, I am very content now. Directv tells me neighbor they will get them near the end of 2009. Considering where they were 8-9 months ago, I think Charlie has made leaps and bounds and deserves SOME credit.

[mntwister]

Then why did Chalie totally avoid the question when asked about speed and fx?

I do not know, all I passed along is what the man told me, that SPEED is in the works for early spring. I didn't ask about FX.

[John Kotches]

They said Jeopardy was first game show in HD.I thought it was THE PRICE IS RIGHT?

Probably the first syndicated game show in HD.

The Price is Right is a network show.

[epc155]

Ok.... I'm still hung up on fox news in the turbo packs. Sounds like maybe we will get it in 4-6 weeks?? I sure hope so. I would encourage everyone interested to keep calling and emailing. Maybe the old squeaky wheel will get its grease!!

[mntwister]

NEVER trust a CSR - they always spew BS and are never right - proven fact

Well that may be true. I only asked for my brother who is waiting for SPEED, as for myself, I could care less about the channel.

[Fitzie]

This was a pretty good Chat.

I like CMT and my grand-daughter will like Nick. I would like TCM in HD, those old black and white classics in HD would be spectacular. I've got Showtime too.

Too bad Speed and FX didn't make the list, Charlie's comment was that their current contract runs out this summer (?) and they're "negotiating." I love that NASCAR allstar race, the guys let it all hang out with no points at stake, just money and glory.

CONGRATS Mr. GREEN! I wondered if that was you when I heard the name read by Jim. We'll be "green" with envy.

Best regards,
Fitzie

[jhamps10]

I'm excited about Comedy Central HD. But I'm still holding out for Local HD in Evansville, IN

Isn't it sad that they have Terre Haute on the list before Evansville....... Seriously!

although if dish was smart, they would put up some bash ads against directv in the TH market, since directv does not even offer TH locals in SD even NOR do they ever plan to according to my calls to directv. big time advantage to dishnet even if they do not have an ABC station, which I'm not sure on the situation for those subs since with my dish I get STL locals, would TH market subs be able to get AAD for the ABC? or would that be breaking the rules set forth with the whole DNS lawsuit?

[PHXHoward]

As a TurboHD customer, I would not turn down any new HD channels even if they are mostly upconverted SD. If it means that I get Comedy Central then I'm happy.

[kstuart]

Then why did Chalie totally avoid the question when asked about speed and fx?

He did not avoid it.

He said " those are not scheduled for contract negotiations until this summer ".

[Laddyboy]

This was a pretty good Chat.

I like CMT and my grand-daughter will like Nick. I would like TMC in HD, those old black and white classics in HD would be spectacular. I've got Showtime too.

Too bad Speed and FX didn't make the list, Charlie's comment was that their current contract runs out this summer (?) and they're "negotiating." I love that NASCAR allstar race, the guys let it all hang out with no points at stake, just money and glory.

CONGRATS Mr. GREEN! I wondered if that was you when I heard the name read by Jim. We'll be "green" with envy.

Best regards,
Fitzie

Why does a contract have to expire before a new one can be struck? Why would the Fox News and Fox Business contracts have a different expiration date than the others. How come all the contracts for Viacom apparently were negotiated at the same time and not Fox? Just questions. If the new HD isn't added to the Turbo packs, it'll get hot around here.