by Christopher Kendalls

Created on: July 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 31, 2009

Broadcasting and Cable has been around for 75 years and is a trusted source on everything from television programming to media trends. For example, an interesting article at their website talks about IPTV, which is the exciting possibility of transmitting video through cable television. What IPTV is not are delivery services such as YouTube that are generally considered to be part of the Internet TV phenomenon; that is the content can be viewed on any device just as long as it goes over the Internet. While IPTV is available on the Internet the sole focus is to transmit video over the cable line to set top cable receivers.

Most readers may already know that Ugly Betty has been picked up by TV Guide network for syndication, but without a publication such as Broadcasting and Cable it would difficult to locate such information. I enjoy The New Adventures of Old Christine and am curious as to why Lifetime networks have picked it up. However Broadcasting and Cable offer far more than merely programming information; for example did you know that Sprint is going to buy Virgin Mobile outright?

If you really want to know where to find interesting HD Programming do not rely on the information that cable and satellite providers offer when helping you to make a decision about whether to purchase their service because Broadcasting and Cable has a HD Programming section. You probably did not know that this is the last year that the British Open will be shot in high definition from now on, which is great news for golf fans looking for the best picture possible. MTV is also going to begin shooting Unplugged online, which will benefit those wanting to watch it online as well as those who watch MTV HD.

In fact a quick read over of Broadcasting and Cable would inform viewers that not everything is shot in high definition; even in this age of digital only transmissions from television networks we still standard definition television, which is that of analog. Time Warner is pushing for 100 high definition channels by the end of this year, but the channels they are showing in HD are not always available. If you are looking for a Blu-Ray player from Toshiba, one should be available by the end of this year.

It is the random yet fascinating tidbits of information that make Broadcasting and Cable such a fun magazine to read. It will open your eyes and place you ahead of the curve as your friends wonder how you know so much about what is going on. Writers for the industry would be happy to know that submission can be sent to them, and everyone else will leave with a more educated view of the television industry overall.

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