Audio Video News

In January, football fans will get an unprecedented opportunity to explore high-definition television thanks to an agreement reached December 20 between CBS Television and Thomson Multimedia's RCA division. The partners have signed a deal for sponsorship of American Football Conference Divisional Playoff games on January 11 and 12, 2003, and the AFC Championship game on January 19, 2003.

CBS Sports will produce the three live HDTV events, to be broadcast in 1920 x 1080i, the highest level of resolution possible within ATSC standards. Unlike some previous experimental HD broadcasts, which featured announcers separate from the NTSC feeds, the playoff games will be "unified" productions, with the same commentary and camera angles available to viewers using legacy TVs.

The first two games will take place during the annual International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Thomson plans to make them available to the show's thousands of attendees, according to company marketing v.p. Mike O'Hara. "Thomson is especially pleased to join CBS in making these high-profile playoff games available in the most realistic HDTV format, both to the national television audience and to the entire consumer electronics industry which will be assembled in Las Vegas," O'Hara said. Thomson's RCA brand includes RCA Scenium, the company's flagship line.

Last year, Thomson teamed up with the Fox Network, which broadcast the Super Bowl in 480p, also known as Enhanced Definition TV. Live professional sports are among the most compelling content for demonstrating the superiority of HDTV. By January 11, CBS expects to be transmitting digital programming over more than 100 company-owned or affiliated stations, a broadcast level that could allow 83% of US viewers to see the playoffs.

"CBS Sports is pleased to partner with Thomson and further the network's position as a leader in the digital sports television arena," said Sean McManus, president of CBS Sports. "CBS continues to create more opportunities than other networks for viewers to enjoy high-definition television." Previous CBS Sports HDTV programming has included the NCAA Final Four series and The Masters Golf Tournament, all in 1080i.