Blurry Britney Cut From High-Def ‘Best of VMAs’
Those wishing to see every detail of Britney Spears’ buzz-worthy MTV Video Music Awards performance were disappointed Saturday night when MHD pulled it from the schedule. Instead, MHD played a three-hour “Best of VMAs” compilation that did not include Spears’ performance, TVPredictions reported. The site quoted an MTV spokeswoman as saying Spears did not pressure the network to cancel the rebroadcast.
TVPredictions posted this statement from MTV: “The ‘Best of VMAs’ remix showcased a selection of the performances that aired during the live broadcast, as well as extended and unaired performances from the fantasy suites and from VMA weekend and the VMA pre-show.
With over 40 amazing performances to choose from, and based on viewer and critical reaction, Britney Spears’ performance did not make the list.”
The awards show is still available on MTV.com.
Dish Adds Regional HD Sports Channels
Dish Network announced the launch of four regional high-definition sports networks Wednesday. The four new channels, Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Comcast Sports Net Mid-Atlantic, Comcast Sports Net West and Fox Sports Ohio, will feature game-only HD content.
“HD programming is of particular interest to sports fans, as it offers the exceptional graphic picture quality and stunning surround sound that best replicate live games,” said Eric Sahl, senior VP of programming for Dish Network.
With the addition of these four new channels, Dish has 75 HD channels, including forty national HD channels, the company said.
DirecTV Launches 21 New HD Channels
DirecTV took steps toward fulfilling its promise of launching 100 HD channels by the end of the year with the launch of 21 high-def channels Wednesday. By the end of October, the satcaster said, it will deliver more than 70 HD channels. The new high-def offerings include such channels as CNN HD, A&E HD, the History Channel HD, TBS HD and Starz.