SIGNAL STRENGTH

50% of the 24 million U.S. households with HDTVs don't actually watch high-def programs because they don't have the necessary hardware from their TV service provider, according to a recent survey by Leichtman Research Group. The survey also showed 12 million don't realize they're not watching HDTV.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

A BIG MAC WITH THAT?

Smoothies, iced coffee and other specialty coffees could be added to the menu at U.S. McDonald's restaurants, a top executive of the world's largest restaurant chain said Wednesday. Ralph Alvarez, president and chief operating officer of McDonald's Corp., said the company is exploring those drinks - and others - as it seeks "destination beverages" to bring new customers into its restaurants.

SPEAKING OF COFFEE

15 calories are in a 10-ounce cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, which you'll soon be able to serve at home. Dunkin' Brands Inc. and Procter & Gamble Co. said Wednesday they will sell packaged coffee at grocery stores, mass merchandisers and other U.S. retailers.

VIDEO STREAM RAGING

$4.1 billion will be spent by consumers on Internet video streams and movie downloads by 2011, according to a report by Adams Media Research. That's up from about $112 million last year.

• Of note: The increase in video via the Internet will generate about $1.7 billion in ad revenue for companies that provide content online, up from $409 million in 2006.