Industry Insider: Discovery HD's Clint Stinchcomb

As part of our ongoing HDTV Industry Insider series of guest bloggers, Discovery HD Theater honcho Clint Stinchcomb is back to explain what the forthcoming launch of the new Discovery networks in HD means for DHD Theater. Enjoy!

Discovery HD Theater Remains the Crown Jewel Among Discovery’s HD Channel Offerings
By Clint Stinchcomb, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Discovery Emerging Networks Group

Last week DIRECTV announced the latest additions to its expanding HD channel lineup. In fact, the satellite TV provider has publicly declared that it will deliver more HD channels than any other multi-channel provider – 100 by year’s end.

This recent announcement included the September launch of four Discovery HD simulcast networks channels: Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel. In addition, Discovery will offer two more channels yet to be named in 2008.

While great news for HD subscribers and fans of these Discovery networks, the news has raised some concern among HD enthusiasts and bloggers about the fate of Discovery’s pioneering high-definition service, Discovery HD Theater. Well, I’m here to set minds at ease and let you know that Discovery HD Theater is not only here to stay, it will be better than ever.

Discovery HD Theater was basic cable’s first 24-hour HD network, broadcasting all of its content in brilliant 1080i and 5.1 digital surround sound. Discovery is fully committed to the network’s ongoing growth and will continue to create and acquire programming that delivers on the Discovery HD Theater promise to provide the highest quality audio and video experience available on television. A destination for compelling stories and visually arresting imagery, Discovery HD Theater will remain a showcase for the types of programming that are best suited for the HD format including natural history, wildlife, adventure and world cultures.

In fact, coming soon to Discovery HD Theater are all new episodes of SUNRISE EARTH, filmed in locations selected by viewers as well as the premieres of two new original series, WILDLIFE MAN and ANTARCTIC MISSION, among many other new specials and series set to debut starting this Fall.

Discovery has long been a pioneering leader in the HD space, making considerable production investments in preparation for this day. We are absolutely thrilled that HD simulcasts of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel will be available to distributors this September and for the visually rich programming produced expressly for HD and the truly "lean back" theater experience, Discovery HD Theater will continue to be the HDTV enthusiast’s "home page."