Evidently we missed the launch of A&E HD earlier this year, it showed up in Tampa a week or two ago and we have to say we are not impressed. So far it's nothing but upconverts just like TNT HD, but without as much HD, if that is even possible. The launch was without much fanfare and is only available in select cities. Those of you might remember Bravo HD
the first time A&E HD launched and was eventually changed into the Universal HD. It appears that they weren't happy with the amount of advertisers attracted to the network, which includes Bose and a few exercise machines, so they go the simulcast route as ESPN and TNT have done before them. Here at Engaget HD we are always happy to see new HD stations come online, but are skeptical till they start to deliver and today we see the first indication that A&E HD will as they announce plans to broadcast the Sopranos in HD. The first two seasons will be in 16x9 SD, similar to
Fox Widecreen, with the remainder to be presented in HD. As excited as we are to enjoy the Sopranos in HD all over again, we are little curious to see how well they deal with the content not fit for A&E.
posted Nov 21st 2006 12:15PM
Ummm sorry to burst your bubble, but that was Bravo HD (not A&E HD) that was turned into Universal HD.
A&E HD SUCKS!!!! 80% is stretched SD!! Even free, it's a waste of a channel!
@Rick - so true, bummer.
Yeah, Brighthouse Networks here in Orlando finally decided to add a new HD channel to the lineup and of course its A&E HD. The ONLY thing they show in HD is pretty much CSI: Miami and that show just sucks. I'd much rather have ESPN2HD or National Geographic HD or even MHD. I will probably end up watch The Sopranos in re-runs though.
A&E HD has been on here since Sept. and it's awful - unless you like watching endless re-runs of CSI Miami and ummm. . . CSI Miami. Seriously, get some real HD content already! Are you listening A&E ??
I couldn't possibly imagine the Sopranos on A&E, the show will be totally emasculated.
Like any other start-up simulcast HD network, A&E HD will gradually shift SD content to true HD over time. They expect to be about 90% true HD in primetime by 2008. Original shows like Criss Angel and Family Jewels will be shot in native 720p starting in '07, as will all their original movies and dramatic series coming in '07-'08. Doing an HD network is basically a cost center to a programming company with little short/midterm financial return, and there are significant fixed capex costs in shifting to HD production which won't be recouped for a long time. We're all going to have to be a bit patient with non-sports/live HD content rolling out gradually in coming years. It's not as easy as just putting it up there.