HD programming viewing patterns and other Monday article links

HD Viewing Patterns Equate To Fuzzy Math [Multichannel News]

I ran across this article in Multichannel News that details how HDTV owners use their HDTV. HDTV ownership appears to have the biggest impact on sports programming viewership. According to a Nielsen study cited in the article, HDTV households had 40% to 120% higher ratings for football games than non-HDTV households. But, it doesn't appear that HDTV owners are more likely to watch HD programming just because it's on.

Leichtman also questions the commonly held assumption that viewers with HD sets are much more likely to watch HD content over standard-definition fare. Last year, his survey found that just 27% of HD viewers “strongly agreed with the statement that they would look to see what was on the HD tier before looking for non-HD programming,” he said.

Horowitz's Waterston agreed. “Our research has consistently found that HD programming has not changed the genres that people are watching,” she said.

The most important takeaway from the article is that most of the research available today on HDTV viewership is likely to change as cable operators expand the number of HD channels and HD VOD available to their customers.

Apple to release networked HDTVs [CNET]

Some are calling it the next logical step for Apple - selling a network-ready television. Apple already produces a peripheral to bridge the gap between TV and computer, called Apple TV, but CNET is reporting that Apple is set to release an HDTV that connects directly to a home network.

Users will likely have the ability to browse and watch movies and TV shows downloaded from iTunes directly on the HDTV product.

Reuters: FCC 'Likely To Approve' White Space Broadband

Reuters reports that the FCC is likely soon to approve the use of so-called white-space devices. Promoted by Google and a host of other technology companies, the white-space devices promise to deliver wireless broadband Internet using unlicensed frequencies between the frequencies used by broadcast television. Problem is, these devices haven't proven their promise that they will avoid interfering with devices (TV signals and wireless microphones) on the licensed frequencies.

The white space devices also present potential interference problems with cable systems. The FCC released a report on Friday regarding wireless broadband in a separate part of the spectrum, but there's been no word yet on the white space frequencies.

The State of Cable, The Elections and Taking Bathroom Breaks [Cable360]

Finally, here's a link to a Q&A that I did, published last week over at Cable360. I answered questions about Insight, my two terms as NCTA chairman, regulatory issues facing the cable industry, and where the industry has been and might be going.

For all it's worth.

Comments

[cypherstream]

You do realize that a lot of people with HD sets think they are watching HD when they are not.

I’ve seen people and been to places where they do have HD-DVR’s or HD boxes, BUT they are tuned to the SD feed because they do not know any better. For example, if you have an affiliate on channel 4 (where it’s been for YEARS), and the HD version is available on channel 234, the average person is going to simply type 4 and ‘think’ that’s all there is to it. Sure if they have DirecTV or Dish Network it doesn’t matter, because that box will automatically show the HD feed on the same numbers. In fact where HD and SD feeds are simulcast, you can completely eliminate the SD feeds from the guide.

Some of this confusion, along with aspect ratio changes, resolutions, and the cost of HD equipment from MSO’s are keeping the HD adoption rate at a 35% penetration. Otherwise if the technology was more affordable and easier to understand, the adoption rate would most likely be increased. Some users are also stuck on aging cable hardware, and might not want to spring for HD service if it only gives them 25 channels. What must come first, the content or the customer?

[sineswiper]

That's odd, but many people aren't technophiles like us. They buy their huge HDTV, and never bother to figure out how it works, or how the channels work.

When I got my HDTV, I thought the SD channels looked worse, since you're expanding the same resolution on a bigger TV. (Sort of like zooming in on a picture and seeing every pixel.) I've gotten used to it, but I try to watch the HD version every chance I get.

Now, if only I could get a DVR that didn't use up a good chunk of space every time I record a HD show.

[Cardsfan]

27%? Malarkey! I certainly look at the HD channel line-up before I consider watching something on non-HD stations. There is absolutely no comparison in the enjoyment factor. And certainly not just sports. The news is even more enjoyable in HD. Can't wait until we get the additional channels. Thanks!