The HD Podcast #13- This week's HD news

It's a slow week but there's still HD news to report, so here's what's going on in the world of HD this week...

-Disney announces they will launch 4 HD channels early in 2008. HD versions of ABC Family, Disney Channel, ESPN News and Toon Disney will all be available on Directv. No word yet if this is an exclusive deal for Directv.

-BBC announces they will switch off the analog signal of BBC2 beginning in October of this year. This marks the first step in the 5 year plan the BBC has for making a full analog to digital switch.

-Speaking of analog to digital, a recent plan in the US was announced on how to compensate customers who will have to buy a digital converter box for their old analog tv's when the switch is completed in 2009. People who need to purchase a digital converter box will be given a coupon for $40 towards the purchase. What's interesting about this story is there are currently no converter boxes on the market and no one knows how much they'll cost.

-In an interview on tvpredictions.com, a representative from Time Warner cable states the company will be able to offer the same volume as Directv is currently advertising. Time Warner predicts they will be able to offer 100 HD channels by years end but they aren't able to say how many channels they'll actually have by years end due to ongoing negotiations.

Please submit your comments, questions or tips at TheHDpodcast@gmail or 206-202-HDTV. Your participation is encouraged and welcome.