Making a move to HD

The high definition revolution has been a darling topic of TV insiders for years. Until recently, however, doc-makers felt left behind, grumbling that the buyers for HD-originated content were few while the challenges (read: expenses) of shooting and editing in hd were many. It's a sentiment that was voiced by respondents to a recent RealScreen survey. Of industry people polled, 13% said the majority of their doc slate is HD content, whereas 81% said only some - if any - of what they produce or distribute is in HD. As one respondent commented, 'I can't afford to get into HD and have no incentive to do so.' Although the point is valid, several trends suggest this appraisal is overly pessimistic.

May 1, 2004

The high definition revolution has been a darling topic of TV insiders for years. Until recently, however, doc-makers felt left behind, grumbling that the buyers for HD-originated content were few while the challenges (read: expenses) of shooting and editing in hd were many. It's a sentiment that was voiced by respondents to a recent RealScreen survey. Of industry people polled, 13% said the majority of their doc slate is HD content, whereas 81% said only some - if any - of what they produce or distribute is in HD. As one respondent commented, 'I can't afford to get into HD and have no incentive to do so.' Although the point is valid, several trends suggest this appraisal is overly pessimistic.