Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO in HD

RSF_LA · 01-11-08, 07:45 PM

Tonight's live Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO will be presented for the first time in HD! As with other HBO programs the show will air in 1080i.

Lucid504 · 01-11-08, 09:02 PM

yeah cant wait ben affleck and george carlin

ehren · 01-11-08, 10:20 PM

I had no idea this was a season premiere thanks to me reading the USA Today I saw his ad. Thanks for the HD report

Ou8thisSN · 01-11-08, 11:07 PM

damnit, i thought id get to start a bill maher topic here. oh well, at least we can talk about how awesome he is in this forum finally after every show.

nickdawg · 01-11-08, 11:09 PM

Yep, he is indeed HD!

It's about time, considering all the crap that's in HD. Looks fantastic, gotta go watch!

hunter65 · 01-11-08, 11:32 PM

Yes the set looks very cool.

skyehill · 01-12-08, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunter65

Yes the set looks very cool.

Haha, I came here to start a thread too. FINALLY its in HD. He's back a month early, and its great to have him. Wish it was 52 weeks a year.

ehren · 01-12-08, 12:03 AM

Well no Affleck and Carlin, but great show and HBO.com for "overtime"

Lucid504 · 01-12-08, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehren

Well no Affleck and Carlin, but great show and HBO.com for "overtime"

Weird i swear i read that they was going to be on.

foxeng · 01-12-08, 12:39 AM

I like Maher, and I used to watch Real Time religiously, but for the last 2 seasons I can do without.

ziltomil · 01-12-08, 12:48 AM

Man, many of his jokes fell flat... writers

ehren · 01-12-08, 12:54 AM

I would rather have a couple of flat jokes from Bill than the rest of the horse **** I see on regular tv and cable!!!

Bill is the king and his best line was "Paul McCartney once said I would rather have my band than a Royals Royce, well I want my writers" That was a very warmhearted comment tonight. He's a good guy!

Matt L · 01-12-08, 12:54 AM

Weird show. Everything seemed off tonight. I like and watch the show but this is the worst I've seen.

New set, but little use of it. Bill looked like he is very well rested or had some work done for HD. I was looking forward to the show, looked like a good panel. Unfortunately Tony Snow would not shut up, I don't think Mark or Catherine had more than 45 seconds of talk time. I hope they are both back sans Snow.

RSF_LA · 01-12-08, 01:55 AM

Tonight's show was framed for 16:9 and shown in letterbox on SD.

juniormaj · 01-12-08, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSF_LA

Tonight's show was framed for 16:9 and shown in letterbox on SD.

I liked that they are framing for 16:9.
I think they are still feeling out how to direct in widescreen, however.
Too many quick cut 2 shots, reaction shots and closeups, when this show would benefit from more 4 shots (5 when the Rolling Stone guy was out there).
I think that way you could watch the reactions of the entire panel.
I'm not saying stay on one wide shot the entire time, but I think they could utilize the screen real estate a little better and do less cuts.
I realize it was the first show in widescreen, and it's live, and they've been away for awhile, so I don't mean to sound overly critical. I think they'll grow into it.
I've been hoping they would go HD for some time now, and I'm glad they finally did.

s2silber · 01-12-08, 11:10 AM

As far as the set goes, having one guest on Bill's left side and the three others on the other side of the table didn't make sense. Made it seem like that person had some other level of significance or distinction from the rest of the panel. And I mean no "political" insinuation by that observation.

TVOD · 01-12-08, 11:26 AM

Maher's show last night was obviously affected by the strike. The New Rules segment was omitted. The ending commentary was replaced with a not so liberal reflection on the WGA leadership. While it's great that the show has transitioned to HD, it's a bit ironic that it did so at a time where the format has been crippled by the writers strike. Maher is trying to walk the fine line between host and support for the writers, but his return to work and vocal questioning of the strike tactics will probably draw the ire of the WGA. The strike may also present a limitation on guests who decline an appearance to avoid crossing the line, but satellite interviews could help make up for that. It'll be great to have the show in HD and full writing strength, but sadly that doesn't appear to be any time soon. In the mean time I'm happy for the extra pixels. PQ looked good to me.

foxeng · 01-12-08, 12:59 PM

To me this show was better than many in the past. It didn't have all of the flash and pazazz, but it allowed Maher to be Maher without relying on other peoples thoughts. He seemed more in control that usual. I liked that. The monologue was boring and not that funny, but when he got into the guest segment, it really picked up. P.J. O'Rourke was a riot! Interesting panel, overall a decent one, but with the strike, I guess you take what you can get and hope for the best. I did miss New Rules though. That is always my favorite part.

I thought Mark Cuban summed it up well, we have grown to the point that we can't agree to disagree anymore. I firmly believe that. Way to go Mr Cuban!

PC enough?

vurbano · 01-12-08, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziltomil

Man, many of his jokes fell flat... writers

They usually do. I assume they had the usual panel beating up on a conservatve.

skyehill · 01-12-08, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVOD

Maher's show last night was obviously affected by the strike. The New Rules segment was omitted. The ending commentary was replaced with a not so liberal reflection on the WGA leadership. While it's great that the show has transitioned to HD, it's a bit ironic that it did so at a time where the format has been crippled by the writers strike. Maher is trying to walk the fine line between host and support for the writers, but his return to work and vocal questioning of the strike tactics will probably draw the ire of the WGA. The strike may also present a limitation on guests who decline an appearance to avoid crossing the line, but satellite interviews could help make up for that. It'll be great to have the show in HD and full writing strength, but sadly that doesn't appear to be any time soon. In the mean time I'm happy for the extra pixels. PQ looked good to me.

I hope the strike continues and it keeps stars off this show. They're almost always the weakest link on this show, and just steal face time from the real political folks.

Aliens · 01-12-08, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyehill

I hope the strike continues and it keeps stars off this show. They're almost always the weakest link on this show, and just steal face time from the real political folks.

They just need to do a better job of selecting those people, and by now they know who those people are. Some are very knowledgeable and give some excellent opinions, just as good if not better than many of those talking heads that clutter both the TV and radio airwaves, while others, namely comedians, just mess up the continuity of the show. Leave the comedy for Bill, and save the political banter for the panel.

skyehill · 01-12-08, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aliens

They just need to do a better job of selecting those people, and by now they know who those people are. Some are very knowledgeable and give some excellent opinions, just as good if not better than many of those talking heads that clutter both the TV and radio airwaves, while others, namely comedians, just mess up the continuity of the show. Leave the comedy for Bill, and save the political banter for the panel.

Yeah, the ones that bother me most are the comedians. Dana Carvery? Gary Shandling? Ugh. They both added nothing to the proceedings. And the show is always better when there's panel balance. As an independent this show is infinitely more enjoyable than CNN and FOX News.

Hughmc · 01-12-08, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

Weird show. Everything seemed off tonight. I like and watch the show but this is the worst I've seen.

New set, but little use of it. Bill looked like he is very well rested or had some work done for HD. I was looking forward to the show, looked like a good panel. Unfortunately Tony Snow would not shut up, I don't think Mark or Catherine had more than 45 seconds of talk time. I hope they are both back sans Snow.

Exactly how I feel it was off and Bill looked uncomfortable. Very weird.

Mark Vidonic · 01-13-08, 12:43 AM

Wonder why no mention of HD in the USA Today ad and in their listings on Friday...

doogiehowser · 01-13-08, 01:21 AM

If HBO wants funny they should get Dennis Miller. He is still sharp and very funny. Cue "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

lipcrkr · 01-13-08, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogiehowser

If HBO wants funny they should get Dennis Miller. He is still sharp and very funny. Cue "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

Dennis Miller is the biggest hypocrite on TV. Thank goodness he's barely on TV now. His IQ since 9/11 dropped significantly.

ragedogg69 · 01-13-08, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogiehowser

If HBO wants funny they should get Dennis Miller. He is still sharp and very funny. Cue "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

I am a big fan of Miller. but have you seen his sports show on versus? I thought he was rusty, but it never got any better. The photo finish was the only part he ever did well. In comparison, Bill is much more entertaining.

skyehill · 01-13-08, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogiehowser

If HBO wants funny they should get Dennis Miller. He is still sharp and very funny. Cue "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

As a former fan of Miller. No. Just no. He's done.

skyehill · 01-13-08, 02:21 PM

Don't care what his politics are, but a comedian's job is to first and foremost be funny.

foxeng · 01-13-08, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyehill

Don't care what his politics are, but a comedian's job is to first and foremost be funny.

You will get no argument out of me on that one!!

01-11-08, 07:45 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
RSF_LA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 461	Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO in HD Tonight's live Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO will be presented for the first time in HD! As with other HBO programs the show will air in 1080i.

01-11-08, 09:02 PM	#2 \| Link
Lucid504 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: O'Fallon,MO Posts: 477	yeah cant wait ben affleck and george carlin __________________ TV: Vizio 32" LCD and Toshiba 42" LCD Cinema: Onkyo TX-SR304 and Sony STR-K790 HD:Directv HR21-100 and HR21-200 with 1TB External HDD HD Players:Toshiba HD-A2,Sony BD-350 Remote: Harmony One

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nickdawg 40 Ounce Casualty Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: a place where the FOX doesn't shine!! Posts: 4,118	Yep, he is indeed HD! It's about time, considering all the crap that's in HD. Looks fantastic, gotta go watch! __________________ Hey Time Warner Cable-NE Ohio: NCKHD, MTVHD, CMTHD, VH1HD, BETHD, CMDYHD and SPKHD have been added. Go ahead and keep QVCHD and HSNHD. No thanks. LUCK FETTERBOX: JUST SAY NO TO WINDOWBOXING

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foxeng Nitwit TV Engineer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 11,659	I like Maher, and I used to watch Real Time religiously, but for the last 2 seasons I can do without. __________________ All opinions expressed (unless otherwise noted) are the posters and NOT the posters employers. The poster in NO WAY is/will speak for his employers. Last edited by Ken H; 01-12-08 at 10:45 AM..

01-12-08, 11:10 AM	#16 \| Link
s2silber AVS Special Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 2,659	As far as the set goes, having one guest on Bill's left side and the three others on the other side of the table didn't make sense. Made it seem like that person had some other level of significance or distinction from the rest of the panel. And I mean no "political" insinuation by that observation. Last edited by Ken H; 01-12-08 at 11:19 AM..

01-11-08, 10:20 PM	#3 \| Link
ehren I like Cheesecake Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hell, 25 minutes south of Madison, WI Posts: 1,170	I had no idea this was a season premiere thanks to me reading the USA Today I saw his ad. Thanks for the HD report

01-11-08, 11:07 PM	#4 \| Link
Ou8thisSN Got RNA? Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,127	damnit, i thought id get to start a bill maher topic here. oh well, at least we can talk about how awesome he is in this forum finally after every show.

01-11-08, 11:32 PM	#6 \| Link
hunter65 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 443	Yes the set looks very cool.

01-12-08, 12:03 AM	#8 \| Link
ehren I like Cheesecake Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hell, 25 minutes south of Madison, WI Posts: 1,170	Well no Affleck and Carlin, but great show and HBO.com for "overtime"

01-12-08, 12:48 AM	#11 \| Link
ziltomil Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 166	Man, many of his jokes fell flat... writers

01-12-08, 12:54 AM	#12 \| Link
ehren I like Cheesecake Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hell, 25 minutes south of Madison, WI Posts: 1,170	I would rather have a couple of flat jokes from Bill than the rest of the horse **** I see on regular tv and cable!!! Bill is the king and his best line was "Paul McCartney once said I would rather have my band than a Royals Royce, well I want my writers" That was a very warmhearted comment tonight. He's a good guy!

01-12-08, 12:54 AM	#13 \| Link
Matt L AVS Special Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Flushing, MI Posts: 2,689	Weird show. Everything seemed off tonight. I like and watch the show but this is the worst I've seen. New set, but little use of it. Bill looked like he is very well rested or had some work done for HD. I was looking forward to the show, looked like a good panel. Unfortunately Tony Snow would not shut up, I don't think Mark or Catherine had more than 45 seconds of talk time. I hope they are both back sans Snow.

01-12-08, 01:55 AM	#14 \| Link
RSF_LA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 461	Tonight's show was framed for 16:9 and shown in letterbox on SD.

01-12-08, 11:26 AM	#17 \| Link
TVOD AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 3,968	Maher's show last night was obviously affected by the strike. The New Rules segment was omitted. The ending commentary was replaced with a not so liberal reflection on the WGA leadership. While it's great that the show has transitioned to HD, it's a bit ironic that it did so at a time where the format has been crippled by the writers strike. Maher is trying to walk the fine line between host and support for the writers, but his return to work and vocal questioning of the strike tactics will probably draw the ire of the WGA. The strike may also present a limitation on guests who decline an appearance to avoid crossing the line, but satellite interviews could help make up for that. It'll be great to have the show in HD and full writing strength, but sadly that doesn't appear to be any time soon. In the mean time I'm happy for the extra pixels. PQ looked good to me. Last edited by Ken H; 01-12-08 at 12:05 PM..

01-12-08, 12:59 PM	#18 \| Link
foxeng Nitwit TV Engineer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 11,659	To me this show was better than many in the past. It didn't have all of the flash and pazazz, but it allowed Maher to be Maher without relying on other peoples thoughts. He seemed more in control that usual. I liked that. The monologue was boring and not that funny, but when he got into the guest segment, it really picked up. P.J. O'Rourke was a riot! Interesting panel, overall a decent one, but with the strike, I guess you take what you can get and hope for the best. I did miss New Rules though. That is always my favorite part. I thought Mark Cuban summed it up well, we have grown to the point that we can't agree to disagree anymore. I firmly believe that. Way to go Mr Cuban! PC enough? __________________ All opinions expressed (unless otherwise noted) are the posters and NOT the posters employers. The poster in NO WAY is/will speak for his employers. Last edited by foxeng; 01-12-08 at 01:11 PM..

01-13-08, 12:43 AM	#24 \| Link
Mark Vidonic AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: McKees Rocks, PA Posts: 1,570	Wonder why no mention of HD in the USA Today ad and in their listings on Friday... __________________ Mark Vidonic mark.vidonic@gmail.com

01-13-08, 01:21 AM	#25 \| Link
doogiehowser AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,012	If HBO wants funny they should get Dennis Miller. He is still sharp and very funny. Cue "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

01-13-08, 02:21 PM	#29 \| Link
skyehill AVS Special Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,451	Don't care what his politics are, but a comedian's job is to first and foremost be funny. Last edited by Ken H; 01-21-08 at 12:34 PM..