Around The Digital World in 19 Days

Hot topics: How will U.S. cable companies get from the current 195 high-def choices to 800 by 2009? And watch out for the coming OLED TV revolution, with TVs as thin as credit cards that roll up like a yoga mat. "Once consumers see HD, they don't go back," says Brian Burns, ESPN VP of strategic business planning and development. "They're watching programs they don't usually watch, and are watching them longer."

4. SMX Social Media
October 16–17
New York

Hot Topics: How do advertisers navigate the vast array of social networks to place ads well? Call it the niche-ification of social media. "These sites are all about the little guy and how he can make an impact," says Neil Patel, SMX cofounder. "Companies want to know how they can use that."

5. Billboard Mobile Entertainment Live
October 22
San Francisco

Hot Topics: A glimpse of the future, from social networks on mobile phones to the debate over subsidized advertising versus paid programs to how the iPhone is shaking up standards for 241 million U.S. mobile subscribers. "In this industry, there are no rules," says Anthony Bruno, executive producer of the conference. "There isn't a business model yet."