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| Edited By: Prachi Kadam |Source: DNA |Updated: Nov 21, 2013, 01:44 PM IST
In a bid to offer exciting TV watching experience, Indian channels are in a rush to go high-definition, aka HD. And why not? HD viewing offers picture resolution comparable to a 35mm movie screen in your drawing room. No wonder channels with varying profiles like National Geographic, Discovery, Star Plus, Star World, Star Movies, Star Gold and many more are set to launch the HD format in India. The golden question is — Will it work here?
Ajay Trigunayat, channel head of Movies Now is totally convinced of HD succeeding in India. “We are completely convinced about the present and future of HD. The consumers are actively seeking entertainment in superlative audio-video quality and all that the broadcasters — MSOs and DTH operators — need to do is make it available. There is already an astonishing demand, which when addressed, will be eagerly lapped up by the consumers,” says Trigunayat.
Star India’s CEO, Uday Shankar, feels that the audience will now enjoy a “world class media” experience while watching their regular soaps on HD. “With Star’s entertainment channels turning HD, a high definition revolution is set to kick start in India,” he says adding, “We are working with high-end HD cameras and sound facility. We are also training our technicians on the same. Even make-up styles are being re-worked to suit the HD format, as regular make-up will jar in it.”
Some GECS, however, are restricting the usage of HD format to reality shows. Says Gaurav Gandhi, COO Sun18, “From an audience perspective, HD significantly enhances the viewing experience — in picture quality and sound. And as such, its impact is typically amplified when viewing live sports or movies. A reality show like Khatron Ke Khiladi (Fear Factor) — which are shot outdoors and have a lot of action — is perfectly suited for HD format.”
Another factor that may go against HD’s success in India is the fact that HD viewing is possible only with HD enabled TVs — a luxury for many in India, point out TV experts.
