CNN Worldwide launched its first 24-hour news network in high definition, CNN HD, Sept. 1, a separate high-definition channel identical to the CNN/U.S. SD channel.
CNN HD will present more than 60 hours each week of programming produced in high definition.
The launch of CNN HD is part of a continued rollout of high-definition offerings and innovations. CNN Worldwide’s high-definition plans go beyond upgrades of studios and production equipment and include equipment and resources for the network’s newsgathering operation and field production around the world.
At NAB2007, CNN announced it would standardize on the Sony XDCAM HD format for HD field acquisition.
As part of its initial entry into high-definition television, CNN will produce all of its New York-based programs, select “CNN Presents” and “CNN: Special Investigations Unit” documentaries, and special events in high definition
CNN’s next two presidential debates – a Nov. 15 Democratic debate co-sponsored with the Nevada Democratic Party in Las Vegas and a Nov. 28 Republican debate co-sponsored with YouTube in Florida – will both be shot and produced in a high-definition format.
CNN Worldwide’s venture into high-definition television also involves a significant investment in equipment in the field to ensure that its journalists can gather news in high definition. Crews will be equipped with a combination of HD cameras, laptops, trucks and fly-aways and the CNN Election Express, the network’s mobile HD production unit.
Satellite television distributor, DIRECTV, plans to include CNN HD among its extensive slate of nationwide high-definition channels later this month.
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