PBS Launches First 24/7 Packaged HD, Widescreen Channel

12-Jul-04

PBS has launched the PBS HD Channel, which makes PBS the first broadcaster to offer a fully packaged channel with HD and widescreen content 24 hours a day, seven days per week. The PBS HD Channel is being offered to the public by PBS stations that have made the conversion to digital television and through various local digital cable providers that re-transmit the signal of their local public broadcasters. As of its launch, 64 local PBS stations had elected to broadcast the PBS HD Channel, according to PBS Director of Education and Online Communications Kevin Dando. ìThis is definitely the most successful launch weíve had,î he said comparing the PBS HD Channel launch with that of the PBS Kids and PBS YOU channels. ìMore stations are signing up for the PBS HD Channel more quickly,î he added. ""The launch of the PBS HD Channel is a significant milestone in PBSí commitment to the digital transition,î said Pat Mitchell, PBS President and CEO. ìLocal PBS digital stations already offer a range of digital services, including unique, groundbreaking multicasting content. The PBS HD Channel will be a key component of PBSí growing digital portfolio.î The PBS HD Channel features a mix of new and library HD and widescreen programs. The channelís programming will simulcast with the analog national PBS premiere broadcast, and will be repeated on the PBS HD Channel during the week following its premiere. Currently, 236 local PBS stations are on the air with digital signals, reaching more than 85 percent of U.S. TV households. PBS will transmit the PBS HD Channel via satellite to local PBS stations as a 1080i HD signal. For more information, please visitwww.pbs.org/aboutpbs/news/20040225_hdchannel_launch.html.

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