CBS Boosting HDTV with Primetime Offerings

High-Definition Television is getting a big boost this season, thanks to a partnership between Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company and the Columbia Broadcasting System. Seventeen of the network's 18 weekly comedy and drama shows will appear in the new format, according to a schedule released Wednesday, September 27. A sponsorship from Panasonic is making possible an almost-complete schedule of primetime HDTV programming from CBS, a unit of media conglomerate Viacom, Inc.

"HDTV continues to grow and change the way consumers view television," said Bill Mannion, VP of Panasonic's Television and Network Systems Division, "sparked in large part by a steady stream of quality High Definition programming. Working with CBS, we look to strengthen the flow of such programs so that more and more viewers across the country can share in the excitement of this new format."

"CBS is dedicated to providing viewers with High Definition Television programming on an ongoing basis," said Martin D. Franks, CBS Television executive VP. "Primetime television is the bread and butter of any network's lineup, and we're pleased to work with Panasonic to bring HDTV viewers the best in entertainment programming."

HDTV programming will consist of new and returning programs. Here are the announced premieres of new shows:

Yes, DearMonday, October 28:30–9:00pm ET/PT
The FugitiveFriday, October 68:00–9:00pm ET/PT
CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationFriday, October 69:00–10:00pm ET/PT
That's LifeSunday, October 18:00–9:00pm ET/PT
The DistrictSaturday, October 710:00–11:00pm ET/PT
BetteWednesday, October 118:00–8:30pm ET/PT
Welcome to New YorkWednesday, October 118:30–9:00pm ET/PT

Premieres of returning programs in HDTV:

The King of QueensMonday, October 28:00–8:30pm ET/PT
Everybody Loves RaymondMonday, October 29:00–10:00pm ET/PT
Family LawMonday, October 210:00–11:00pm ET/PT
JagTuesday, October 38:00–9:00pm ET/PT
Nash BridgesFriday, October 610:00–11:00pm ET/PT
Touched by an AngelSunday, October 88:00–9:00pm ET/PT
BeckerMonday, October 99:30–10:00pm ET/PT
Judging AmyTuesday, October 1010:00–11:00pm ET/PT
City of AngelsThursday, October 129:00–10:00pm ET/PT
Dignosis MurderThursday, October 1210:00–11:00pm ET/PT

Some CBS Sunday and Wednesday Night Movies will be broadcast in HDTV. Fourteen hours of the network's weekly programming will be broadcast in 1080i; Diagnosis Murder will be taped directly in 1080p rather than being first captured on 35mm film, the traditional acquisition medium for episodic television, according to PRNewsWire. Approximately 45% of US television viewers are within the "footprints" of 31 CBS-owned or -affiliated stations now broadcasting digital signals. That percentage is expected to grow to 56% by the end of the year, as eight more stations begin digital operations.

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