On March 1, 2004, PBS will launch the PBS HD Channel, making PBS the first broadcaster to provide a fully packaged 24/7 channel consisting entirely of High Definition and Widescreen content. It will be available from local PBS stations that have transitioned to digital broadcasting, as well as through digital cable systems that have agreed to retransmit the digital signal of their local public television station.
"The launch of the PBS HD Channel is a significant milestone in PBS' commitment to the digital transition," said Pat Mitchell, PBS president/ceo. "Local PBS digital stations already offer a range of digital services, including unique, groundbreaking multicasting content. The PBS HD Channel will be a key component of PBS' growing digital portfolio."
The first animated program to jump to the HD format will be JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS, from producer Mike Young Prods. The PBS HD Channel joins a suite of PBS digital services, including PBS KIDS Channel and PBS YOU ("Your Own University") and the VOD cable package, "PBS KIDS on Demand."
PBS, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is a private, nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 349 public television stations. More information about PBS is available at http://www.pbs.org.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
