Audio Video News

High-Definition Television is getting a big boost this season, thanks to a partnership between Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company and the Columbia Broadcasting System. Seventeen of the network's 18 weekly comedy and drama shows will appear in the new format, according to a schedule released Wednesday, September 27. A sponsorship from Panasonic is making possible an almost-complete schedule of primetime HDTV programming from CBS, a unit of media conglomerate Viacom, Inc.

"HDTV continues to grow and change the way consumers view television," said Bill Mannion, VP of Panasonic's Television and Network Systems Division, "sparked in large part by a steady stream of quality High Definition programming. Working with CBS, we look to strengthen the flow of such programs so that more and more viewers across the country can share in the excitement of this new format."

"CBS is dedicated to providing viewers with High Definition Television programming on an ongoing basis," said Martin D. Franks, CBS Television executive VP. "Primetime television is the bread and butter of any network's lineup, and we're pleased to work with Panasonic to bring HDTV viewers the best in entertainment programming."

HDTV programming will consist of new and returning programs. Here are the announced premieres of new shows:

Yes, Dear	Monday, October 2	8:30–9:00pm ET/PT
The Fugitive	Friday, October 6	8:00–9:00pm ET/PT
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation	Friday, October 6	9:00–10:00pm ET/PT
That's Life	Sunday, October 1	8:00–9:00pm ET/PT
The District	Saturday, October 7	10:00–11:00pm ET/PT
Bette	Wednesday, October 11	8:00–8:30pm ET/PT
Welcome to New York	Wednesday, October 11	8:30–9:00pm ET/PT

Premieres of returning programs in HDTV:

The King of Queens	Monday, October 2	8:00–8:30pm ET/PT
Everybody Loves Raymond	Monday, October 2	9:00–10:00pm ET/PT
Family Law	Monday, October 2	10:00–11:00pm ET/PT
Jag	Tuesday, October 3	8:00–9:00pm ET/PT
Nash Bridges	Friday, October 6	10:00–11:00pm ET/PT
Touched by an Angel	Sunday, October 8	8:00–9:00pm ET/PT
Becker	Monday, October 9	9:30–10:00pm ET/PT
Judging Amy	Tuesday, October 10	10:00–11:00pm ET/PT
City of Angels	Thursday, October 12	9:00–10:00pm ET/PT
Dignosis Murder	Thursday, October 12	10:00–11:00pm ET/PT

Some CBS Sunday and Wednesday Night Movies will be broadcast in HDTV. Fourteen hours of the network's weekly programming will be broadcast in 1080i; Diagnosis Murder will be taped directly in 1080p rather than being first captured on 35mm film, the traditional acquisition medium for episodic television, according to PRNewsWire. Approximately 45% of US television viewers are within the "footprints" of 31 CBS-owned or -affiliated stations now broadcasting digital signals. That percentage is expected to grow to 56% by the end of the year, as eight more stations begin digital operations.