HD Content

All major studios and public broadcasters are converting to HD

Strong commitment to shooting new programmes in HD:

• In 2003 75% of MGM's production was HD
• 80% of Warner Bros.' television content is shot or transferred to HD
• 80% of Disney’s production is HD and this is expected to rise to 100% over the next few years
• Public broadcasters are more cautious in their approach to HD because it requires higher investment levels
• Public network are producing between 2 and 28 hours of HD programmes per week

Higher investment levels for TV channels

According to Discovery Communications chairman and CEO, John Hendricks, the added cost of shooting in HD is now around $25,000 to $30,000 per hour of programming - 15 to 20% more than an equivalent standard-definition programme.

Production drivers:

• Maintain or increase audience share when the mass take-off of HDTV occurs
• The demand for HD programmes demonstrated by the increasing penetration of HD equipment and the success of high definition DVD
• The development of HD video, which presents studios with an additional outlet to TV channels
• The decreasing cost of producing in HD
• Government support

The Introduction of DVD - added value for the viewer:

• Improved picture and sound quality are the two main reasons for equipment sales
• Increased programming diversity, with exclusive content (bonus features, additional footage etc) and extended choice
• The demand for diversity is also underlined by the success of multichannel programming

The added value of DVD has been sufficient to overcome initial obstacles; something no other technology targeting improved picture quality (16:9, early HD trials) has been able to do since the introduction of colour TV.