Audio Video News

High-definition television will get a big push from at least two major networks this fall. Both ABC and CBS have announced extensive programming in the format, which almost certainly will improve the awareness of the format among viewers.

On September 7, the ABC Television Network announced that all of its new prime time comedy and drama series, as well as all theatrical movies, will be broadcast in the 720p HDTV format for the 2001-02 television season. ABC was the first network to broadcast in HDTV, in November 1998, and it is the only network currently broadcasting its HD programming in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound. "ABC is totally committed to bringing the best possible viewing experience to our audiences through HDTV technology," said ABC TV network president Alex Wallau. "ABC's fall programs are an especially powerful way of showcasing the amazing technology of HDTV."

ABC will broadcast more than 60% of its new prime time schedule in HDTV. Shows to get the high-def treatment include NYPD Blue, ABC's first regularly scheduled entertainment series to be broadcast in high definition last season. Others include Dharma & Greg, Spin City, Philly, My Wife and Kids, The Drew Carey Show, Thieves, Once and Again, The Practice, What About Joan, Bob Patterson, According to Jim, The Job, The Wonderful World of Disney, The ABC Big Picture Show, The Court, The Web, and Alias. ABC's first HDTV broadcast of the new season will be the one-hour season premiere of Dharma & Greg on September 18, from 8–9pm.

CBS Television has also announced a more substantial HDTV schedule than it offered last year, thanks to a partnership with Zenith Corporation and Panasonic. All 18 CBS prime time dramas and comedies will be broadcast in high-def this year, according to an announcement made September 7. Fall 2001 marks the third consecutive year that the network has broadcast a majority of its programming in the digital format.

With CBS Sunday Movies and the daytime drama The Young and the Restless now added to the digital roster, CBS will be broadcasting an average of 24 hours per week in HD. Shows to be produced and broadcast in the digital format include Everybody Loves Raymond, The Education of Max Bickford, and many college football games. Forty-one of CBS's owned and affiliated stations are currently broadcasting in digital, covering approximately 52% of the nation. By the end of the year, CBS expects to be transmitting digital programming across approximately 69 stations, reaching approximately 78% of the US.

The official CBS list of premieres, all times ET/PT:

Wolf Lake Wednesday, Sept. 12 (10–11pm)

The King of Queens Monday, Sept. 17 (8:00–8:30pm)

Yes, Dear Monday, Sept. 17 (8:30–9:00pm)

Everybody Loves Raymond Monday, Sept. 17 (9:00–9:30pm)

The Ellen Show Monday, Sept. 17 (9:30–10:00pm)

Family Law Monday, Sept. 17 (10–11pm)

Jag Tuesday, Sept. 18 (8–9pm)

The Guardian Tuesday, Sept. 18 (9–10pm)

Judging Amy Tuesday, Sept. 18 (10–11pm)

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Thursday, Sept. 20 (9–10pm)

The Agency Thursday, Sept. 20 (10–11pm)

Danny Friday, Sept. 21 (8:30-9:00pm)

That's Life Friday, Sept. 21 (9–10pm)

Touched by an Angel Saturday, Sept. 22 (8–9pm)

Citizen Baines Saturday, Sept. 22 (9–10pm)

The District Saturday, Sept. 22 (10–11pm)

The Education of Max BickfordSunday, Sept. 23 (8–9pm)

Becker Monday, Sept. 24 (9:30–10:00pm)