Eurovision successfully transmits US HD feed to Europeans

As if there wasn't enough variations of HD feeds, and the fact that NTSC and PAL just can't seem to get along, the last thing the blokes across the pond want (or need) is another complication when it comes to catching American sports on their HD sets. Thankfully, Eurovision is not only sparing everyone the trouble, it has reportedly claimed a victory in the typically messy conversion game. The global network operator has apparently transmitted HDTV coverage of NHL and NBA games shot in America to Europe, all without down-converting to NTSC in the process. The content originated in 1080i/60, and was rebroadcasted in the UK-friendly 1080i/50 format, all while keeping users on both ends thoroughly pleased. Eurovision's head of production and services, Tony Naets, proclaimed that Europeans who witnessed the converted coverage "were delighted with the results, which included the ingest of the original coverage through the resources of Eurovision Americas in Washington, the conversion from the original broadcast format to 1080i/50, and the transport of the converted signal via our dedicated transatlantic fiber to the European uplink." While quite a mouthful, we think we dig what he's saying, and as soon as Europe sends a few of its own HD soccer football feeds our way, we'll be grinning from ear to ear as well.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 10th 2006 9:41AM]

European HD Ready TVs are required to support 1080i @ 50Hz AND 60Hz, so why convert the signal at all?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 10th 2006 11:08AM]

Europe has send HD feeds your way

World Cup?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 10th 2006 11:12AM]

Also ive seen or even heard of any sports mentioned fed in HD live.

NASCAR on the other hand is often in HD, first US event on a regular bases in Germany.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 10th 2006 4:23PM]

Why isnt ESPN picking up the HD feeds of the Champions League

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 10th 2006 10:46PM]

Worldsport HD (www.worldsporthd.com) already shows Spanish Soccer in HD every weekend... Has been doing it for a while now...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 11:09AM]

When I first caught a glance of the headline, I thought they were going to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in the US in HD.