WC matches will be broadcast in 16:9 from Germany

[gameson]

Unless our local TV stations do the conversion, it will be a 16:9. Although this format is better than regular 4:3 because of more field view area, but for people with 4:3, it sucks.

Is it time to buy new TV?

[Kalifornia]

Unless our local TV stations do the conversion, it will be a 16:9. Although this format is better than regular 4:3 because of more field view area, but for people with 4:3, it sucks.

Is it time to buy new TV?

That's what they want you to do :)

Btw, games will be broadcast in HD in the US. The sad thing is we don't get ESPN2 HD on our cable lineup. Well, not yet...

http://media.espn.com/ESPNToday/2006/Mar_06/cup_sked.htm

For the first time, all 64 FIFA World Cup matches will be available in high definition on ESPN HD, ABC HD and ESPN2 HD.
ESPN2 and ESPN will combine to present 52 matches - 31 on ESPN2 and 21 on ESPN. ABC Sports will broadcast 12 matches including the title match Sunday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. ET from Berlin's Olympiastadion

[gameson]

I have an HD ready TV, but I dont have HD receiver or the HD antenna. I just checked and it doesnt cost as much as I thought, mid 200's with tax, for an Over The Air receivers. Any recommendation?

So that means regular 4:3 TV will not get any matches?

[Kalifornia]

I have an HD ready TV, but I dont have HD receiver or the HD antenna. HD receiver costs like $300, and I dont want to buy the receiver just for the cup as I will be gone to Germany from the quarter final and most matches are usually played during the work day. Technically I only have 3 weekends to watch the game before the quarter final. As much as I love football, I just won't risk my job by watching the game during work days. So for me, it's not worth it to buy receiver just for 3 weekends, that means $100/weekend. God damn, HD!!!

So that means regular 4:3 TV will not get any matches?

You need to read the pres release:

"The high definition telecasts will be offered as a simulcast of ESPN, ABC Sports and ESPN2's World Cup coverage."

Re. on-air antennas to watch HD, they cost $50 or less, or you can use the one on your roof if you already have one. You don't need any special antenna, the ads you see for "HD antennas" is just Marketing hype (called 'hype' in the US, 'lies' in other countries).

You'll be able to watch the games in HD on ABC with that. My HDTV has an integrated HD Tuner and I also connected to my outdoor antenna. Great picture with the antenna, actually better than through cable.

These are the games you will be able to see on your HD TV with a small antenna (all times EST)

Sa 6/10 - 9 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - England vs. Paraguay
Sa 6/10 - 11:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - Trinidad & Tobago vs. Sweden
Su 6/11 - 11:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - Mexico vs. Iran
Sa 6/17 - 11:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - Czech Republic vs. Ghana
Sa 6/17 - 2:30 p.m. ABC/ABC HD - Italy vs. USA
Su 6/18 - 9 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - Japan vs. Croatia
Su 6/18 - 11:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - Brazil vs. Australia
Su 6/18 - 2:30 p.m. - ABC/ABC HD - France vs. South Korea
Sa 6/24 - 10:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - 1st A vs. 2nd B
Su 6/25 - 10:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - 1st B vs. 2nd A
Sa 7/01 - 10:30 a.m. - ABC/ABC HD - Winners - 51 vs. 52
Su 7/09 - 1:30 p.m. - ABC - World Cup Title Game

Now the final doesn't say HD, but in the press release it says "all games will be in HD", so hopefully it will be in HD on ABC.

The sad part: I will be flying to Germany during the Italy - USA game and back to the US during the title game... Aaargh!