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HDNet is a high-definition television channel broadcasting in the United States. The channel currently shows a wide variety of HD programming, using the 1080i video standard, without focusing on any specific genre.
History
On September 6, 2001, HDNet was launched by Dallas Mavericks owner and billionaire Mark Cuban and Phillip Garvin from Colorado Studios. HDNet has spearheaded experimental and innovative coverage of both news and sports. In December 2001 and January 2002 they aired exclusive HD coverage of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan with former CNN correspondent Peter Arnett. In February 2002 they originated eight hours of high definition video each day from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. This feed was picked up by NBC network and aired in 24 hour rotation on NBC digital television stations. The channel has since grown to be available on a number of platforms, including the DirecTV and Dish Network satellite services and the cable systems of Adelphia Communications, Mediacom, Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable.
Programming
HDNet airs exclusively 1080i high definition content from a diverse base of genres. A number of the channel's shows are original, such as HDNet World Report, an hour-long news magazine, Higher Definition, which centers on interviews, and Get Out! (hosted by Deal or No Deal model Lindsay Clubine), which centers around the hottest spots in the world. Other programs are licensed from the major media corporations Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., and Sony, among others. These include Smallville, The Agency, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe. The channel also broadcasts a number of sporting events, including NHL, MLS soccer and NCAA football and basketball.
Unlike most other broadcasters offering High-Definition programming, HDNet is not available in standard definition at all. This means that HDNet does not have to make any of their programming "safe" for standard definition sets. HD content from networks that also broadcast in SD suffers from awkward shot framings caused by trying to keep essential picture information in the 4x3 "safe" area in the center of the widescreen picture. HDNet is free to use the entire widescreen picture. HDNet's sports programming also uses wider shots of the playing field or arena than most SD telecasts, since the detail of the HD picture makes up for the wider framing.
HDNet Movies
A second channel, HDNet Movies, accompanies HDNet. As the name suggests, the channel is devoted to movies, although it would probably not be considered a premium channel. Films shown vary in age and category, but all were either transferred from 35mm film to 1080i high definition or shot in the latter format.
Recently, HDNet Movies has received press concerning their controversial "Day-and-Date Release" strategy. Usually done for movies produced by HDNet Films, the most notable of which was "Bubble", directed by Steven Soderbergh, this strategy is seen as a blow to the tradition "release window" of theatrical films. Movies released using this strategy are simultaniously shown on HDNet Movies and in theaters on a Friday (the traditional release day of a film), followed quickly by a DVD release of the movie on Tuesday (the traditional DVD release day). Soderbergh has signed a deal with HDNet films to make a total of six films released using this strategy, however HDNet Films allows other directors to release their films day-and date, not just Soderbergh. Many theaters see this as a threat to their business, and have banned these films.
References
External links
"HDNet"