More than two months before NBC Universal places its MSNBC programming on an HD platform, the media giant owned by GE plans to provide 1080i transmissions for its Telemundo broadcasts in a matter of days.
Although some Telemundo affiliates have provided occasional limited HD fare at the local level, the Spanish-language network will grow its HD coverage in several major markets this month (and, in effect, nationally by year's end), starting with one of its highest-profile events of the year—the Billboard Latin Music Awards in primetime on Thursday evening, April 23.
Telemundo's mainstay HD content will include its soap operas (telenovelas), variety shows, and other Hispanic attractions. NBCU said nearly half of Spanish homes responding to a recent survey indicated they had HD receiving capabilities—terrestrially, as well as cable or DBS.
Telemundo markets going all-HD this month include: New York City (DMA No. 1); Los Angeles (DMA No. 2); Chicago (DMA No. 3); Dallas-Ft. Worth (DMA No. 5); San Francisco (DMA No. 6); Houston (DMA No. 10); Miami-Ft. Lauderdale (DMA No. 16); Las Vegas (DMA No. 42); and Puerto Rico.
