Pixilated Over Pixels

In the New York Times Opinion article titled “Pixilated Over Pixels”, columnist Maureen Dowd takes a look at the new digital and high-definition revolution that is taking over households across America. Dowd says that women are far less excited about high-definition than men are because women don’t seem to notice a major difference on their television screens. Phillip Swann, founder of TVPredictions.com, says that sleek flat screens are shrinking the gender gap because women are beginning to think of the television as a stylish piece of furniture. In this new high-def culture, we are seeing companies advertise everything from high-definition makeup to high-definition eye exams. The Sephora makeup company is now offering high-definition makeup so that it appears a person is wearing nothing at all. Los Angeles makeup artists are saying that high-definition is causing actors and actresses to appear older because the heavy makeup once used is now evident to others. Many television actresses in their 40s are insisting that they be shot slightly out of focus or from the waist up to avoid tight shots of their faces. Sadly, many women are turning to cosmetic procedures and Botox to fix their problem, but in reality, high-def can act as an X-ray to show bumps and ripples from surgery.

The intensity and accuracy of a high-definition picture is causing actors and actresses to be nearly perfect. The slightest blemish or spot is magnified on a HD screen. One reporter said “you go in knowing every mole and random facial hair will be visible to somebody watching closely.” Despite the clarity and precision of high-definition television, HD seems to be causing many problems and misery for the people behind and in front of the camera. Maureen Dowd summed it up perfectly when she said “I don’t get the high-def glasses. I don’t want more acuity. I’m keeping it fuzzy.”