Q: How is Universal HD different from the other HD networks out there?
A: Universal HD is the pre-eminent must see HD service featuring high quality, diverse content including premier sporting events, blockbuster films and award winning TV series. Universal HD is a uniquely programmed, fulltime network, airing only 100% 1080i HD content, 24/7. As of 2008, Universal HD now shows its movies unedited, with limited commercial interruption for close to an in-home theatrical experience.

Q: Does Universal HD air Battlestar Galactica?
A: Yes, Battlestar Galactica (Season 3) airs on Universal HD on Sundays at 8p ET and 11p ET.

Q: Does Universal HD air Monk?
A: Yes, Monk (Season 3) airs on Universal HD on Saturdays at 10p ET.

Q: Will Universal HD be adding more series to its lineup?
A: We have added several new series for 2007, including Conviction (Season 1) , Sons & Daughters (Season 1) and Northern Exposure (Seasons 1,2&3). We will also continue to air Battlestar Galactica (Season 3), Monk (Season 3), Law & Order: SVU (Seasons 3&4), Surface (Season 1), Stargate Atlantis (Season 1), Firefly (Season 1) and The Equalizer (Season 1).

Q: Will Universal HD continue offering live sporting events, like the US Open?
A: Yes, we have several live events planned for 2007 including Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, US Open, Masters®, Dew Action Sports Tour and Jeep World of Adventure Sports HD. Please check back for specific event schedules.

Q: Why does Universal HD only air older films? When do newer films air?
A: Universal HD airs more recent titles such as The Truth About Charlie and About A Boy on weekends: Friday nights at 11p ET, Saturday nights at 10p ET and Sunday nights at 8p ET and 11p ET.

Q: Does Universal HD broadcast Dolby 5.1 audio?
A: Programming including Battlestar Galactica, movie trailers, and other special programming is broadcast in Dolby 5.1.

Q: Is Universal HD programming closed-captioned?
A: Currently, our programming is not closed-captioned. There are plans to implement closed captioning in the near future.

Q: Is Universal HD programming true HD or is it up-converted?
A: Universal HD features 100% 1080i HD content. For example, The US Open is shot in HD, while other programming, such as films, are converted from its original 35mm format to HD.

Q: What does upconverted really mean? Does Universal HD air upconverted content?
A: Upconverting content is the process of taking standard-definition 480i/p programming and upgrading it for broadcast on a high definition channel. The resulting image is inferior to native HD or re-mastered HD. The 480i/p images are in a traditional standard definition or "square" 4:3 aspect ratio (four units wide by three units high) instead of the 16:9 HDTV aspect ratio. The images appear on widescreen HD sets with pillar boxes (black bars on the sides) or stretched.

Universal HD does not air any upconverted programming. Upconverted commercials do air on Universal HD.

Q: What is native HD? Does Universal HD air native HD programming?
A: Native HD refers to content that is recorded using high definition cameras. Universal HD does air native HD programming including the following:

• Battlestar Galactica (5.1 Dolby, originates in 24p)
• Sports
• Dew Action Sports Tour
• US Open
• Masters (5.1 Dolby)
• Jeep World of Adventure Series
• Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Q: Isn’t native HD the only true HD?
A: Native HD is not the only true HD. Unlike traditional standard definition 480i/p content, programming shot on 35mm film can be converted or re-mastered to true high definition.

Following are examples of programming airing on Universal HD that have been re-mastered in 1080i HD from 35mm originally framed in a 16:9:

• Law & Order: SVU
• Monk
• Stargate Atlantis (5.1 Dolby)
• All Movies (original framing varies, but is always 16X9 and wider)

Following are examples of programming that have been re-mastered in 1080i HD from 35mm, reframed from 4:3 to 16:9 through tilt and scan:

• The Equalizer

Converting and re-mastering should not be confused with upconverting.

Q: What is 4:3 and 16:9?
A: These are aspect ratios or the width to height ratio of a TV monitor or program. A 4:3 aspect ratio has a square appearance and is four units wide by three units high. The 16:9 aspect ratio has a rectangular or “wide screen” appearance and is 16 units wide by 9 units high. HDTV has a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Q: What is 480i/p, 720p and 1080i? Are they all HD formats? Which is best? What airs on Universal HD?
A: These are picture resolutions. The number represents the amount of lines of vertical resolution in a hi-def image. The letters refer to the display methods. The "p" stands for "progressive," meaning the image lines are drawn simultaneously. The "i" stands for "interlaced," with the lines drawn separately.

The traditional TV standard is 480i/p. 1080i is considered a superior resolution. It delivers more lines and therefore, more information producing a sharper picture when the image is still or has little movement. 720p features full frame, progressive scanning and is able to reproduce fast-moving action and graphics while maintaining a clear image.

Universal HD airs 1080i HD.

Q: Why does my video pixelate or freeze?
A: Several factors may affect the video quality of your Universal HD signal, including atmospheric conditions, signal strength, and video compression. If the problem persists despite weather conditions, contact your cable or satellite provider.

Q: How do I get Universal HD?
A: Universal HD is available nationally via cable, satellite and teleco distributors. Contact your local provider directly to see if the carry Universal HD.