HDTV (and the lack thereof)

In a recent post (http://thechiefcanuck.wordpress.com/2007/01/09/what-happened-to-sportsnet/), the ChiefCanuck complains about Sportsnet and the fact that they don't broadcast Canucks games in HDTV. I agree with his sentiments and surprised myself to realize that I no longer enjoy watching (and in fact generally refuse to watch) non-HD channels.

So what happened to SportsNet, the CBC and other Canadian channels? Did the HD revolution take them by surprise? Is technology moving too quickly? Hardly. The Digitial TV Standard (which includes the HD specifications) was adopted by the FCC in December 1996 - that's ten years ago. Sportsnet is asleep at the switch. If they don't get their act together soon, the market will punish them.

Rant Footnote: Shaw Cable has figured out that people become addicted to High Definition channels and, as of January 1st, has added a $9 surcharge for customers who wish to continue to receive this service. When I asked Shaw about this, the service rep explained that these channels have always required a supplementary fee; the only reason I wasn't charged in the past was that Shaw was generously providing me with a free trial. Since July 2005? That's some free trial. The CRTC really ought to do something about these guys.