To look this good on HD TV, no matter what your age, undeniably calls for maquillage. (That hasn't stopped the striking head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, from appearing in front of the cameras wearing little more than white eyeliner and looking amazingly good).

WSJ: Prime Time | Beauty's New HD-Ready Icons

But we woke up Sunday morning to a vicious red blob churning on our TV screen, and the piney woods cottage we were staying in didn't look so good.

NPR: Get Out of Town

Some movies look pretty darned good and sound good, too on the flat-panel TV in my living room.

WSJ: Your Sister's Sister | Rock of Ages | A Small, Vivid Gem | Film Reviews by Joe Morgenstern