Okay, I understand that this board may not be the place for this, but I HAVE to know: ABC/ESPN claim that they're airing all 64 World Cup games in HD. However, many of the games are being aired on ESPN2, and my cable company (Time Warner) tells me that ESPN2 HD does not exist. What gives? How does one get to watch those games in HD?
They are pulling your leg. ESPN2HD is available on DishNetwork and DirectTV satellites. I think its a cable thing because I have Comcast cable and they don't have it either. ::grumble::
Me too. I bought a HD TV last month for the tournament and my wife almost killed me last week when she found out that we don't get ESPN2HD. I almost killed me too. I'm so disapointed but at least I get a ton of other games in HD. By the way, I've never seen a soccer game in HD because of our Comcast provider doesn't offer any but is it as good as other sports? I actually watch baseball just to see the stadiums in the background. Also, hockey is somewhat tolerable too.
Same problem with Charter Cable in the St. Louis area. We can get ESPN in HD, but not ABC or ESPN2. The other major networks; CBS, NBC and Fox, are available in HD. The local ABC affiliate has a UHF signal and that might be an issue. My HD TV is going under-utilized this WC.
Similar predicament in Boston: Comcast offers HD for ABC/ESPN, but not for ESPN 2. My only hope is that one of the two random "In HD" channels show some games. For those on the fence, the difference between HD and regular def is worth every penny. I just had my HD service up and running this Monday and am in awe of the picture.
The story here in NYC (Time Warner) is no ESPN2HD (ABC HD is standard and ESPN HD is part of an expanded package). Totally sucks. I haven't actually purcahsed the expanded HD package yet because of it's limited world cup use. But I'm sure I will eventually. It's just disappointing that the expanded HD package doesn't fit my needs.
The age old question, is HD better/worth it. Not just yes, but hell yes. The picture is amazing, HDNet on Directv has MLS games in HD every saturday night. The aspect ratio lets you see more of the pitch, which means you get to see more off the ball runs, through passes, etc. (espcially on my Samsung 61 inch)
No ESPN2HD for me on Service Electric either. What pi$$es me off the most is 90% of the matches are on ESPN2. They should have put at least one on ABC every day. I'm at work 9 to 5 and will miss all the games. I made some arrangements to catch the US matches but I don't know if I'll get to see the whole 90 minutes of theose either. I have TV with an antenna at work so I only get ABC. I have watched some MLS matches this year on HDNET and it's fantastic. You get to see more of the field so it really bebefits soccer unlike baseball where all you get more foul ball territory. One of my local affiliates claims that with the dish services the technology doesn't allow enough bandwidth to provide true HDTV. HDTV is far superior to analog especially if you have a large screen TV say 35" and up.
Incidentally, for those who have a HD-ready display, and a HD decoder box, you can most likely get ABC HD over the air for free with an antenna. I have an HD DirecTV box, and get ESPN and ESPN2 in HD through the satellite, and ABC HD over the air. With a DVD recorder, I'll be able to record the games--now I know I can't record in HD, but the HD Directv box downconverts to 480p, and I can record that on my DVD recorder. So I will be able to record the wide-screen aspect ratio (and actually, can record it anamorphic if I set the displays right) onto the DVD
I saw a little of the College Softball in HD yesterday. I can't begin to tell you how scary it was. My gosh standard tv makes them look good but HD really exposes every piece of cellulite screaming thru their shorts.
Same drill in Chicago with RCN and Comcast. They have ESPN and ABC in HD but not ESPN2. The problem: ESPN brags that all games will be shown on HD.....which is true to a point. But, out of the 48 first round games, 29 of them will be on ESPN2 which nobody with cable seems to have in HD. Therefore, only around 60% of first round games will really be in HD between ABC and ESPN.........the United States opening game against the Czechs? Not on HD. Want to know what ESPN is putting on air on HD during the US-Czech game? Sportscenter, followed up by a regional NCAA baseball game. On the bright side, at least they are not showing a tractor pull or women's softball............all crap.
I'm on Dish and I only get ESPNHD. No ABCHD or ESPN2HD. I guess I might have to call Dish and see what the price is to get those two channels added.
It is redadgumdiculous that all the US matches aren't on ESPNHD or ABCHD. There's probably a contractual reason with the NCAA not willing to switch channels.
ABC is an over the air HD signal in most local markets. Use the TV's tuner to pull it in if you can't get over the air signals through your DISH box. You'll need an antenna, but rabbit ears are probably good enough. All I need is a $.99 bowtie antenna for my local HD stations.
Dishnetwork has ESPN2HD. (a hint: buy an upgraded, gold plated HD=to=DVI cable and the HD gets even sharper.) Another hint: if you owned ice-hockey and basketball teams, would you make it easy for people to enjoy other sports such as soccer in HD?
Summer Donna! They're (likely) overlapping the MLS match (LA Derby) tomorrow night. Don't worry about the WC matches.