We've been waiting for the next Planet Earth for quite some time, and the latest contender to the throne is Life. An 11-part series devoted to exploring "the adaptability and diversity of life on Earth" each episode focuses on a different form of life, and of course, does it all in HD. The first two hours will air on Discovery Channel HD; TLC HD; Animal Planet HD; Science Channel HD; Investigation Discovery HD; and Planet Green HD, March 21 at 8 p.m., with two hour installments following each Sunday at 8 only on Discovery Channel HD. Check the video previews embedded after the break for more info on all the new camera technology used to make this series even more beautiful to look at than the last -- but hide your credit card first, the Blu-ray release June 1 is already available for preorders and imagining all that super slow-mo footage in 1080p is definitely too tantalizing for the weak-willed among us.

Continue reading Discovery's next epic series Life airs March 21 on seven networks, June 1 on Blu-ray

Discovery's next epic series Life airs March 21 on seven networks, June 1 on Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discovery Communications, Sony and IMAX announced a joint venture to be established to develop the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the U.S.

Discovery, Sony, through its U.S. affiliate, Sony Corporation of America, and IMAX each will be equal partners in the joint venture. According to the companies, it will be launched in the U.S., with a goal of “driving consumer adoption of 3D televisions and giving the network long-term leadership in the 3D home marketplace.” In the future, the companies also will explore international distribution opportunities in selected markets.

Filed under: Discovery-HD, Sports, New content

It's been far too long since we've had new programming to mention on Discovery HD Theater, and far too long since World Rally Championship action has been broadcast in the U.S., so it's good to hear that the the two are coming together this October. Expect weekly coverage from every round in the championship in 1080i and 5.1 surround of 4WD turbocharged vehicles rocketing down narrow off road routes plus "a range of other content." Those familiar with the series can attest to the beautiful locales WRC finds itself in, and should look great on our HDTVs this fall. That brings nearly ever racing series into high definition, except For 1 notable exception.

[Via Autoblog]

World Rally Championship racing coming to Discovery HD Theater originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: HDNet, Cable, Fiber, Satellite

While you're kicking back and enjoying some HD content on a lazy Sunday it is easy to give little regard to the economics that make that HD content possible. Most don't care much about what makes the world go around, but if you've always wondered why there aren't more all-HD channels, this recent post over at Multichannel news is worth the read. Most notable is the challenges all-HD networks face including the fact that Nielsen doesn't even provide rating for them. If you're a big Mark Cuban fan you might also find it interesting as a number of his quotes are included like when he says "We really think that as our distribution continues to grow, we can dominate the demographic (13-34 males)."

The complicated economics of an all HD channel originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 31 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Discovery-HD, Satellite

Now that we all know at least four high-def stations are set to launch on the free-to-air Freeview HD service during 2009 - 2010, we have a feeling we'll see a whole host of newcomers joining the fold (or, at least we hope). As fate would have it, Discovery has decided that it'll launch its first FTA channel in the UK "early next year" after securing capacity on multiplex A, which is operated by ITV subsidiary SDN. Unfortunately, there's no sign of Discovery HD following suit, but surely it's not too far behind, right?

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New York-based cable operator Cablevision is to add mainstream HD channels including Discovery, Viacom Inc’s Nickelodeon, FX, FOX News, AMC and The Weather Channel to its line-up in an increasingly competitive market.
The addition of 15 more channels brings its HD offering up to 60 channels.
Cablevision says that more than 1.1 million of its digital cable subscribers have at least one high-definition TV and HD-enabled set-top box.

Filed under: Discovery-HD, Primetime, New content

Discovery's look back at the birth of NASA is upon us, and USA Today has more information on what we can expect from the six part series. When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions will air over the next three Sundays at 9 p.m., complete with film restored to high definition that will surely reveal more than old SD broadcasts were able to handle. Narrated by Gary Sinise, there's also an interview with Neil Armstrong about walking on the moon and the troubled Gemini 8 mission. For a look at what we did before landing on Mars, hit the read link and then check Discovery tonight at 9 p.m.

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