QVC inaugurated QVCHD, an HD simulcast of the network’s domestic broadcast, April 30, according to a company announcement.
The shopping network currently is negotiating with its affiliates to gain carriage of the HD simulcast, said Al Ulozas, VP of affiliate sales and marketing. QVCHD will be televised live, 24/7.
The shopping network is relying on a Quantel Enterprise sQ integrated production system and Panasonic’s recently released AVC-Intra format.
QVC, one of the world’s largest multimedia retailers announced this week that it plans to launch a high definition simulcast of its domestic broadcasts in the first quarter of 2008.
Multimedia retailer QVC said it will ramp up an HD simulcast of its SD broadcast feed by early 2008, calling it “the next logical step” as a means to enhance the attraction of its various products offered to viewers.
The HD launch will let the broadcast and multimedia retailer bring its products to life.
Last month, QVC ceased offering QVCHD as an upconverted simulcast of the shopping channel and transitioned into 100 percent native HD production, the multimedia retailer said last week
The shopping network will replace 48 cameras and half of its robotics in a 12-hour window while maintaining live production.
NBC-- which currently broadcasts 90 percent of its scripted programming in 1080i HD--is upgrading the rest of its late-night lineup to high-def. In April, the HD conversion is expected to begin, with "Late Night with Conan O'Brian" kicking off the HD switch. In fall, "Saturday Night Live" will premiere in HD as well
QVC has no immediate plans to broadcast in HD, but the upgrade positions the network to be ready for HD when its distributors and customers are.