SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

Races to be broadcast in HD in 2011?

In an interview today, Bernie Ecclestone indicated that Formula 1 was likely to start televising races in HD format as early as 2011. This move to HD would be a boon to fans who are eager to have Formula 1 match other sports in producing and distributing content in High Definition format.

In the interview with the BBC, Ecclestone said, "I think what's being produced at the moment is very, very good but I think we'll be moving to High Definition, probably next year. Then I want to make sure that what we produce is top quality. Before we start seeing the top-top quality that we want, I would say it will probably be 2012 before we can guarantee it."

Currently around 20 percent of viewers can view HD content, according to Ecclestone and the BBC, and adding Formula 1 to a broadcaster's offerings will only help drive demand for HD. This is a logical move for the Ecclestone and Formula 1, as it will better position them to distribute content via a variety of channels (and revenue streams) in the future.