Post by dkennedy on Mar 29, 2005 6:28:22 GMT -5
CNN to Launch HDTV Channel in 2005
The cable news network is working behind the scenes on production and make-up changes.
By Phillip Swann
Washington, D.C. (March 28) -- I predict that CNN will launch a High-Definition TV channel by year's end. And, if it happens, CNN will be the first cable news network to go high-def.
Although I am saying that the high-def network will be announced by year's end, it could come much sooner than that. One well-connected source tells me that CNN was once considering a March 2005 launch. However, the network apparently felt it was not quite ready. CNN has been quietly working on several changes to their production and studio operations to prepare for the switch.
For instance, I have learned that CNN has been conducting training sessions to teach its makeup artists the latest techniques in "airbrushing," the makeup method used by The Tonight Show to prepare guests for its high-def production. Airbrushing is supposed to help cover up facial imperfections and aging signs that are more visible when seen in crystal-clear HDTV.
In addition, CNN has purchased several new HD cameras and revamped some of their studio stages to get ready for high-def. You may notice, for instance, that Anderson Cooper's nightly newscast at 7 p.m. Eastern offers a much clearer picture than other live CNN broadcasts. Cooper's show is produced at the network's New York headquarters, where much of the HD planning has been underway.
CNN's interest in HDTV follows an industry trend. Several local stations, including WUSA, a CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., have announced that they will do their evening news programs in high-def.
While it's possible that CNN will delay its HD launch until next year, I believe that the network is determined to move forward with its plans. CNN officials believe that HDTV could help it regain some of the momentum (and ratings) that it has lost to rival Fox News Channel over the last few years. (Fox and MSNBC, another cable news network, have not announced plans to offer HDTV channels in the near future.)
In addition, HDTV owners generally have more money than the average TV viewer, which could boost the network's advertising potential.
I will keep you posted on new developments on my latest prediction. To see a list of my past 2005 predictions, many of which have already come true, click:
Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, has been quoted on TV technology in dozens of publications and by broadcast outlets, such as The Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter, Fox News and CNN. If you would like to contact Mr. Swann, he can be reached at 703-505-3064 or at swann@tvpredictions.com
The cable news network is working behind the scenes on production and make-up changes.
By Phillip Swann
Washington, D.C. (March 28) -- I predict that CNN will launch a High-Definition TV channel by year's end. And, if it happens, CNN will be the first cable news network to go high-def.
Although I am saying that the high-def network will be announced by year's end, it could come much sooner than that. One well-connected source tells me that CNN was once considering a March 2005 launch. However, the network apparently felt it was not quite ready. CNN has been quietly working on several changes to their production and studio operations to prepare for the switch.
For instance, I have learned that CNN has been conducting training sessions to teach its makeup artists the latest techniques in "airbrushing," the makeup method used by The Tonight Show to prepare guests for its high-def production. Airbrushing is supposed to help cover up facial imperfections and aging signs that are more visible when seen in crystal-clear HDTV.
In addition, CNN has purchased several new HD cameras and revamped some of their studio stages to get ready for high-def. You may notice, for instance, that Anderson Cooper's nightly newscast at 7 p.m. Eastern offers a much clearer picture than other live CNN broadcasts. Cooper's show is produced at the network's New York headquarters, where much of the HD planning has been underway.
CNN's interest in HDTV follows an industry trend. Several local stations, including WUSA, a CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., have announced that they will do their evening news programs in high-def.
While it's possible that CNN will delay its HD launch until next year, I believe that the network is determined to move forward with its plans. CNN officials believe that HDTV could help it regain some of the momentum (and ratings) that it has lost to rival Fox News Channel over the last few years. (Fox and MSNBC, another cable news network, have not announced plans to offer HDTV channels in the near future.)
In addition, HDTV owners generally have more money than the average TV viewer, which could boost the network's advertising potential.
I will keep you posted on new developments on my latest prediction. To see a list of my past 2005 predictions, many of which have already come true, click:
Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, has been quoted on TV technology in dozens of publications and by broadcast outlets, such as The Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter, Fox News and CNN. If you would like to contact Mr. Swann, he can be reached at 703-505-3064 or at swann@tvpredictions.com