NEW YORK - ABC has announced significant plans to broadcast more content in high definition. The network will broadcast a number of major sporting events in the 720p format, including the Super Bowl and Monday Night Football, starting with the 2003 season. ABC also announced that it will broadcast the NBA Finals and the NHL's Stanley Cup in the 720p format.
Currently, ABC broadcasts more than 13 hours of HD content per week. Its HD broadcast include "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter;" "Life with Bonnie;" Push, Nevada;" "MDs;" "That Was Then;" "Less Than Perfect;" "NYPD Blue" and "The Practice."
Bristol, CT-based ESPN is also getting into the HD programming race, announcing plans to provide a high-definition simulcast of its premier network, which will be launched in April of 2003. In its first year, ESPN HD will broadcast 100 live telecasts, including MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL games.