Starting March 31, HGTV and Food Network will offer HD simulcasts of their standard-def channels. For the past year, the two networks have offered dedicated high-def channels with different programming lineups than the standard-def lineups.
But Scripps Networks, which owns the two channels, says it wants to allow viewers to watch their favorite shows in high-def at the same time they are on in SD. Scripps also says commercials will air at the same time on both the SD and HD feeds.
“We are moving from a wheel format to a full-blown simulcast because of affiliate and viewer demand,” said Hal Rosenberg, senior vice president at Scripps Networks. “The programming simulcast is not only great news for Food Network HD and HGTV HD viewers, it also gives our affiliates a new tool to help drive HD upgrades.”
