Source
Washington, DC (April 1) -- If you have a new High-Definition TV on your shopping list, you're not alone. HDTV sales are booming thanks to dropping prices and increased programming options.
However, once you bring your new set home, what should you watch? Which high-def channels are worth every penny? And, which ones might make you question your investment?
In the summer of 2003, I handed out the first report cards for each of the 12 existing HDTV networks. Now, with the high-def lineup climbing to nearly 20 networks, it's time to upgrade the scores. Who's improved; and who still needs remedial work.
HDNet
2004 Grade: A
2003 Grade: A
Discovery HD Theater
2004 Grade: A
2003 Grade: A
InDemand HD
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded.
Cinemax HD
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded.
Comcast SportsNet
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded
PBS
2004 Grade: B+
2003 Grade: B+
HDNet Movies
2004 Grade: B+
2003 Grade: B+
CBS
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: B+
The WB
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: B
ESPN HD
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: C
ABC
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
NBC
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
Showtime HD
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
HBO HD
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: C+
Starz HD
2004 Grade: F
2003 Grade: Not Graded
Final Note: I have not seen Bravo HD, Encore HD or the niche HD channels on Voom's satellite TV service. Consequently, I do not have grades for them at this time. But, stay tuned...
Washington, DC (April 1) -- If you have a new High-Definition TV on your shopping list, you're not alone. HDTV sales are booming thanks to dropping prices and increased programming options.
However, once you bring your new set home, what should you watch? Which high-def channels are worth every penny? And, which ones might make you question your investment?
In the summer of 2003, I handed out the first report cards for each of the 12 existing HDTV networks. Now, with the high-def lineup climbing to nearly 20 networks, it's time to upgrade the scores. Who's improved; and who still needs remedial work.
HDNet
2004 Grade: A
2003 Grade: A
Discovery HD Theater
2004 Grade: A
2003 Grade: A
InDemand HD
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded.
Cinemax HD
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded.
Comcast SportsNet
2004 Grade: A-
2003: Not Graded
PBS
2004 Grade: B+
2003 Grade: B+
HDNet Movies
2004 Grade: B+
2003 Grade: B+
CBS
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: B+
The WB
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: B
ESPN HD
2004 Grade: B
2003 Grade: C
ABC
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
NBC
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
Showtime HD
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: B
HBO HD
2004 Grade: B-
2003 Grade: C+
Starz HD
2004 Grade: F
2003 Grade: Not Graded
Final Note: I have not seen Bravo HD, Encore HD or the niche HD channels on Voom's satellite TV service. Consequently, I do not have grades for them at this time. But, stay tuned...