Sharp eyes on the big picture

High-definition television is on the way.

CanWest MediaWorks chief executive Brent Impey says one of the key parts of the launch of free-to-air digital TV next year is the ability to upgrade technology.

"High-definition is within our short to medium term plans," said Impey, but a firm time line has not been set.

TV receivers capable of receiving high-definition signals will be needed.

Prime TV said at its new-season programme launch this week it planned to broadcast in high-definition from February 2008.

A TVNZ spokesperson said: "It now appears feasible that high-definition is affordable. A final decision is close at hand."

At CanWest's result announcement this week, Impey said TVWorks has committed to the FreeView platform (in agreement with other broadcasters including TVNZ and Radio New Zealand) subject to final negotiations.

The company was likely to have enough capacity to launch two more channels. Impey said programming initiatives would - deliberately - be on a "slow but steady basis".