Monday, my local Time Warner Cable system activated a new set of HD channels for digital cable subscribers in the area. To say that I am thrilled would be no understatement as now, the HD television I purchased last year is getting used to its full potential. More channels means more choice though it can be too much choice with over 200 channels to choose from.

But in the end, I think just a few of the channels will be watched with any regularlity. The Versus channel for the hockey games for sure. I find myself checking into the Food network once again. CNN will be a good choice for their reports and specials. After that, I wonder if there is anything else I would watch.

One thing about several of these channels is that unlike the standard broadcast channels, the programs they show are not simulcast versions of their standard broadcast quality channels. The program mix is different so while Emeril is on at 8 on the regular version of the Food Network, Alton Brown is on the Food HD channel at the same time. Furthermore, because there is not enough programming content at this time to fill all of the time on these new channels, several of the programs are repeated several times during the week. As well and I am not sure if this is a good thing, some of the programs they broadcast were originally filmed in standard resolution and size so to fit the widescreen of the HD television sets, they stretch the video to the full dimensions. As for me, I am not offended if I see a program bracketed by black bars; many of the other channels have it so it is not something new to me and I prefer that the program looks right rather than try to fit itself onto my television.

So all is good now in television land. If Sci-Fi Channel, Soccer Channel, Bravo TV and National Geographic Channel become available as HD  versions, then there would not be much more I would need and the bottom half of the dial so to speak can be pretty much ignored.