Broadcasters go "all out" for HDTV at 2006 FIFA World Cup

Following the first World Broadcasters Meeting for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Munich from April 11-15, 2005, it has become clear that an increasing number of the event's broadcast partners intend to put their efforts and resources behind high-definition television (HDTV) in 2006. More than 400 delegates, representing more than 100 radio and television companies, attended the briefing, which was organized by Host Broadcast Services (HBS), the dedicated host broadcast company for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. HBS is owned by Infront Sports & Media, the company responsible for the distribution of broadcast rights worldwide. During the unilateral meetings that followed the Plenary Sessions, a growing number of broadcasters - over and above the three major markets that are already committed to HDTV (Japan, Korea, the United States) expressed strong interest in "going HD in 2006". Francis Tellier, the CEO of HBS, said: "We got the very strong feeling that we were riding the crest of a breaking wave. I believe that many of Europe's leading broadcasters will opt for HDTV and there is also strong interest from Latin America. Mexico could well take the lead". Although the 2006 event will be produced exclusively in HDTV - a first in international sport - the regular signal being made available to broadcasters will be in standard definition. HDTV is an option that broadcasters can choose if so desired. "HBS serves more than 200 broadcasters," said Francis Tellier. "We need to serve all of them with equal commitment, from the most sophisticated who will be using our HDTV coverage with surround sound and multi-feeds, to those who will use our turnkey solution to access more than 500 specifically produced features, a service that they can get at no other event in the world." However, HBS senses that the HDTV tide has turned and that more and more broadcasters are now committed to the belief that the new format is going to take over fast. The forthcoming 2005 Confederations Cup Germany next month is in many ways a dress-rehearsal for 2006 and will give viewers and broadcasters first hand experience of what is to come. The decision supported by HBS's parent company, Infront, to make the next FIFA World Cup the first to be produced completely in HDTV, was taken in 2003. At the time, it was considered a brave and radical step, but it is now turning out to be an accurate reflection of the industry's needs. "The coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup will act as a driver for HDTV and provide a legacy for FIFA and for the host country," says Tellier. HBS believes that this viewing experience is being made possible because cooperation is stronger than ever within the world of broadcast. At NAB2005, the world's leading electronic media show in Las Vegas in April, HDTV was the key topic under the banner: "Your Future starts here". The television industry - from pitch-level equipment suppliers to the manufacturers of home viewing devices - is gearing up to supply the 2006 audience with a viewing experience it will never forget.