Audio Video News

Both CBS Television and Sony report that they have recently entered into an agreement for CBS to produce the upcoming 2001 Sony Open golf tournament live in HDTV on the CBS Television Network starting January 20.

According to CBS Sports' Terry Ewert, "The Sony Open will mark the first time that CBS Sports has produced a unified broadcast for both our high-definition and conventional analog networks—with both feeds originating from one production facility. Single production of sports broadcasts reduces costs while making possible complete HDTV coverage of sports programming."

CBS points out that all previous CBS Sports HDTV broadcasts have been dual productions with separate commentators, cameras and control trucks for the standard 4x3 analog production and the HDTV broadcasts. Ewert adds that "with the addition of our coverage of the Sony Open, CBS Sports will broadcast in high-definition every weekend between Christmas and the Super Bowl." CBS says that 31 of its owned and affiliated stations are currently broadcasting in HDTV, covering approximately 45% of the nation.

Sony's Edward Grebow says that his company is breaking new ground with CBS on this HDTV broadcast: "Professional golf broadcasts in high-definition can be breathtaking, as some viewers have already experienced with the limited HD coverage at last year's Masters Tournament. The theater-like 16x9 aspect ratio and the HD image resolution provide spectacular pictures that make the viewers feel they are on the course with the players. It's an ideal event to demonstrate the advantages of HD for the home viewer."

"We place a high value on promoting HDTV with network broadcasters and consumers, as evidenced by this major event with CBS," Grebow added. The high-definition broadcast will also be carried in Japan by Japan Broadcasting Corporation (Nippon Hoso Kyokai or NHK), which initiated its daily 24-hour HDTV service in Japan on December 1, 2000.