Comcast Adds 'TNT in HD'

After aiming much of its marketing resources in the past couple of years at broadband, DTV, VOD and DVR services, Comcast now says it plans to enhance its HD service, beginning with the addition of Turner Network Television (TNT). Comcast says that "TNT in HD" will provide a wide range of dramatic programming in HD--in

Author:: TVTechnology
Publish date:: May 24, 2005

After aiming much of its marketing resources in the past couple of years at broadband, DTV, VOD and DVR services, Comcast now says it plans to enhance its HD service, beginning with the addition of Turner Network Television (TNT). Comcast says that "TNT in HD" will provide a wide range of dramatic programming in HD--including syndicated series (i.e., Law & Order, Without a Trace, NYPD Blue), movies, TNT original fare, and lots of sports such as NBA, NASCAR and the PGA.

TNT in HD is being fed in 1080i on a 24/7 basis and uses Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound for all its programming and promotional elements. The TNT channel is feeding its promos and commercials, too, in 16:9, according to TNT.

Turner Broadcasting System and Charter Communications have come to an agreement where TNT shows will be carried in HD on all of the MSO's systems. Rollouts in Charter's largest markets will take place over the next several months. Charter currently carries 13 HD channels, including ESPN, Discovery HD, HBO, Starz an

Turner Broadcasting will debut TNT-HD in May 2004, a hi-def version of the popular TNT cable network. TNT, which programs a combination of series, movies, sports and original dramas, entered the hi-def programming arena a year ago with the HD broadcast of the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, which it will broadcast again in H

For production, the network recently purchased a full complement of Fujinon HD ENG-style lenses to shoot program elements.

TNT in HD--the first HD channel for Turner Broadcasting--is deploying Pro-Bel automation technology for ingest and on-air playout. Turner also used Pro-Bel automation in its test facility and training area, adding up to 45 automation-controlled program paths. TNT in HD will also broadcast the 2004-05 NBA season. Cove

TNT HD officially launches May 21 with hi-def coverage of the first NBA Western Conference Finals. As Time Warner's first 24/7 HD network, TNT HD will offer a broad range of programming in HD, including series, sports, movies and TNT Originals. The east coast feed of the network will be shown in 1080i with Dolby Digit

Turner Broadcasting System plans to use the VC31 series of multiformat converters from ShibaSoku for its HD coverage of the 2005 British Open Golf Tournament on TNT in July. The VC31MA will be used to convert outgoing signals from 625i/50 directly to 1080i/59.94. It's designed to prevent judder and resolution degra

Turner Entertainment Networks has purchased and installed a Pro-Bel automation system for TNT in HD.

Comcast, America's largest cable company, last weekend began providing up to 100 hours of HD VOD programming to an undisclosed number of subs on its proprietary "On Demand" service. Comcast and Starz Entertainment said a minimum of 20 HD movies will be available each month (although the companies did not say whether t