HDNet Gives Viewers A Live, Continuous High-Definition View Of Baghdad As Iraq Prepares For Elections

28-Jan-05

In an unprecedented move, national television network HDNet is telecasting a live and continuous high-definition view of the streets of Baghdad, in the days leading up to Iraq's first open elections in 50 years. Using its flyaway HD uplink, a transportable satellite uplink built and designed by HDNet and connected to a high-definition camera overlooking the city, HDNet will be sending a live continuous, uninterrupted feed to U.S. viewers for eight hours each day, from 2:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Baghdad), on Saturday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, January 30, the day of the elections. In addition, HDNet will also show taped reports from Iraq, produced by the HDNet World Report team. ""HDNet is proud to be the first to deliver live, high-definition images in full 1080i quality from Iraq,"" said Mark Cuban of HDNet. ""The Iraqi elections are a unique milestone in our country's effort to support democracy and fight terrorism. HDNet will deliver a raw, unedited, up-close viewpoint that only 1080i HD can provide."" On Sunday, January 30 (early Sunday morning U.S. time), voters will choose a 275-member National Assembly that will craft the nation's constitution. Security risks remain high as insurgents attempt to disrupt the democratic process with increased violence, including kidnappings, bombings and executions. The HDNet World Report is an original, long-form, news documentary series, launched in January 2002, which covers the biggest news events from around the globe in 1080i high-definition. World Report crews have been in Iraq since May 2003, producing programs that provide the best evidence of how HD newsgathering helps viewers understand the true reality of world events.