Advanced Television

F1 revs up for HD

November 18, 2010

From Colin Mann in London

Formula 1 is set to give the green light for High Definition television coverage of Grand Prix motor racing, beginning with the first race of the 2011 season, according to Autosport magazine.

HD coverage ranked top of F1 fans’ wish-lists in recent surveys, but Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has held back from approving the move until he was satisfied that there were enough viewers capable of watching it and that broadcast channels were ready to distribute it. Although suggesting earlier in the 2010 season that HD coverage was unlikely until 2012, Ecclestone told the BBC in September: “I think we’ll be moving to High Definition, probably next year.”

It is understood that such an eventuality has become more likely in recent weeks, with efforts being made behind the scenes to see what is possible for the start of next season, and that the plans are sufficiently advanced for orders to have been placed for the equipment needed for the sport to be broadcast in HD.

Categories: Articles, Equipment, Production, UHD