Bright House adds high-def channels in area

BY WAYNE T. PRICE

Bright House Networks, the top cable provider for Central Florida, announced plans Monday to boost its high-definition television programming by 50 channels over the next 18 months.

That's triple what Bright House, based in Maitland, now offers. Customers will see the first high-definition changes on Feb. 1. That's when up to six new high-definition channels will be added.

"We will continue our leadership role as the first and best HDTV provider in Central Florida as we expand our HD programming offerings," said Christian Fenger, president of Bright House Networks Central Florida division.

"Over the next 18 months, we will triple our HDTV programming by adding content that is compelling, entertaining and of interest to our customers," Fenger said.

The company said the expanded high-definition offerings are made possible because of its "hybrid fiber-coaxil network architecture" and "its long-standing relationships with the programmers.

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712040323

Just as I've predicted, once D* went live with their new HD channels, everyone else would have to follow. I'd say SDV hardware firms would be a good place to invest in these days, not to mention E*'s rush to get bought.

Ken,

I couldn't agree more. It's like an arms race, and the real winner overall is the consumer, like me. It pushes networks and media companies to have more HD content, it pushes providers to provide more HD stations, and gives us more HD to watch.

I do think there is still a bit of an adoption curve for those who still don't have an HDTV, or HDTV service to go with it. Once we reach a point like 1st Quarter '09, It will likely be almost the same everywhere; literally hundreds (not just 100) of HD channels on either sat provider or almost any cable provider, with tons of actual HD on each station.

Has anyone posted a list of the first six channels Brighthouse is lighting up on Feb 1?

I hope this means that Brighthouse will start feeding the HD feeds from the NHL Center Ice package. I'm tired of watching a low quality SD game then having a commercial during the games for the Center ice package that brags about all the "HD games" available. Hockey is a perfect sport for HD, watching it on a 58" plasma in SD is painfull.

And I bet none of those will be FSNHD Florida. :rolleyes: