TNT To Offer High-Definition Lineup

TNT has announed that it will offer programming in HDTV, starting with coverage of the first game of the NBA Western Conference Finals playoff game on May 21.

Time Warner Cable announced today it will roll out the high definition feed of Turner Network Television (TNT) beginning with the network’s coverage of the first NBA Western Conference Finals playoffgame on May 21. TNT is one of television’s leaders in delivery of adults 18-49 and 25-54 in prime and total day. The 24/7 high definition presentation of the TNT East Coast feed will also offer TimeWarner Cable customers a broad range of dramatic programming in HDTV format, including series, sports, movies and TNT Originals.

“TNT’s collection of live sports, originals and top rated content is even more compelling when viewed in high-def,” said Time Warner Cable Chief Marketing Officer Chuck Ellis. TNT in HD makes a perfect complement to our ever expanding value-added HDTV package – which is available to our customers at no additional cost. Time Warner Cable continues to deliver on its promise to provide consumers with the best in choice and value for high definition programming.”

TNT in HD is broadcast in 1080i 24 hours a day with all content in native HD or up-converted to HD, including commercials. TNT in HD will use Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound for all programming and promotional elements. In addition, TNT in HD will present all of its programming, including promotional content and commercials, in 16:9 wide-screen, giving viewers a consistent viewing experience.

“We are pleased that our partners at Time Warner Cable will be bringing high drama in high definition to its customers,” said Andrew T. Heller, president of domestic distribution for TBS, Inc.

Among TNT’s other highly anticipated programs is the limited original series The Grid, starring Dylan McDermott (The Practice, Wonderland) and Julianna Margulies (ER, Evelyn), set to premiere in summer 2004. The series from TNT and the BBC, produced in conjunction with Fox Television Studios and Carnival Films, explores both sides of the escalating war on terror. In February 2003, TBS, Inc. tapped into the HDTV market by offering TNT’s coverage of the NBA All-Star Game in high-definition and repeated that success with the 2004 NBA All-Star Game.

Time Warner Cable’s value-added tier includes HD programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WB, UPN, NBA-TV, Discovery HD Theater, and select Fox Sports Net regional networks, at no additional charge. Time Warner Cable also offers an HD destination tier which consists of programming that is uniquely packaged and not simulcast on a standard definition channel. This programming package is competitively priced and includes HDNet, HDNet Movies, iNDemand’s INHD and INHD2. HBO-HDTV and Showtime HD are also available to Time Warner Cable customers who subscribe to the underlying standard network. Specific high definition programming lineups vary by market depending on local broadcast agreements.

Source: Time Warner’s press release