HD Net Makes 4K Plans

05.11.2007

Media entrepreneur Mark Cuban, founder of HDNet says the hi-def network will eventually go all 4K with a mix of 3D. Cuban, the co-founder of HDNet, said the 4K cameras from Red Digital Cinema have been ordered, and plans for field tests are under way.

Red debuted working models of the 4K camera at NAB2007 in Las Vegas. The display was so popular, there was an ever-present line around the company's exhibit. According to the Red Web site, about 1,500 of the $17,500 4K cameras have been ordered. The shipping date has not been released.

Production in 4K was established in time for the Las Vegas tradeshow by Peter Jackson, director of "Lord of the Rings." Jackson and crew shot and edited the short World War I film, "Crossing the Line," in 4K in less than two-and-a-half weeks.

HDNet currently originates its own material in 1080i and upconverts the rest. Cuban said there are also plans in the works to do the type of live HD streaming to theaters that the Metropolitan Opera launched earlier this year. Cuban has all the elements in place necessary to do HD theatercasting--he co-owns Landmark Theatres, which has 209 screens in 58 theaters in 14 states and the District of Columbia. He likewise co-owns 2929 Entertainment, a TV and movie production company, and Magnolia Pictures, the distribution arm, both located in Dallas.