Audio Video News

Showtime Networks has announced that it will "substantially increase" its high-definition programming for 2003, with sports events, movies and many of its original series airing in the digital format.

On February 22, Showtime will air the Mike Tyson/Clifford Etienne heavyweight boxing match in HD, and will deliver six of its original series and many of its original movies in HD in the coming year. HD series for 2003 include Queer as Folk, Jeremiah, Earthlings, Dead Like Me, Out of Order, and The Chris Isaak Show. Showtime will also present original movies in HD, including Stealing Sinatra, Out of the Ashes, Good Fences, The Maldonado Miracle, Coast to Coast, Spinning Boris, and Soldier's Girl.

"The decision to produce and air these series in HDTV furthers the network's commitment to technological innovation and enhances the company's leadership position in this exciting new format. It also underlines Showtime Networks' continuing commitment to bring viewers the best home entertainment experience possible," stated a February 10 announcement.

The first network to deliver a series fully produced in HDTV (2002), Showtime was also the first to launch Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound in conjunction with HDTV in 2000. The network offers this audio enhancement on all of its 32 channels. SHO HDTV is available to over 30 million households via cable providers Charter, Comcast, Cox, and Time Warner Cable, and through direct broadcast satellite services DirecTV and Dish Network.